If past pimples are rearing their ugly little heads, here are my top tips for hiding the evidence of blemishes from days gone by.

Step one: Apply a primer (preferably with silicone) in circular motions on the scar. I love Rae Cosmetics Surface Primer with SPF 20 ($36 at raecosmetics.com).

Step two: Apply concealer in circular motions across the scar. As I mentioned here, for serious coverage I really like Dermablend products and their Smooth Indulgence concealer ($21 here) is no exception.

Step three: Apply a translucent powder with a q-tip.

Viola! Bye, bye blemish.

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I’ve gotten into the habit of telling people that I’m 40. Which is actually completely untrue. I’m 38.

It’s not that I intend to lie, it’s just that, it seems so much easier to round up. (After all, this isn’t my weight we’re talking about.) And my age, be it 38 or 40 or 21, doesn’t define me. It is, after all, just a number.

My Mother, whose age I won’t reveal here because every woman has a right to be the keeper of her own number, is aging gracefully.  No injectables, no plastic surgery, barely even a facial. And, she is beautiful. I’ve met other women, likely around the same age as my Mother, many of whom have had work done — whether they admit it or not — and they are beautiful, too.

And so, I’ve come to believe that aging  glamorously  is not about needles vs. nature, it’s about loving how you look, no matter your age and maybe even, dare I say, being proud of your number.

Aging glamorously is about doing what you feel you must do to maintain pride in your appearance. For my Mom, that comes down to using organic products, treating her skin gently, and loving her salt and pepper locks.  For me, there’s likely to be a lot of technological assistance involved.

But I’ve got time to figure all of that out. After all, I’m only 38. And a 1/2.

P.S. Watch some of the world’s most beautiful women, think Isabella Rossellini, Jerry Hall, Christie Brinkley, Beverly Johnson and other legendary models reflect on aging, plastic surgery and whether or not true beauty is ageless in the HBO film “About Face,” recently screened at the Sundance Film Festival.

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As a girl, playing dress-up (and make-up and hair-up) was a staple on my recreational calendar. And yes, I still do it, regularly putting together outfits in advance or trying new makeup looks. Thank goodness I have a job that makes this type of behavior acceptable.  (In fact, it may even be encouraged in my line of work.)

No matter now, since an adorable collection called Lotty Dotty features organic tees inspired by playing dress up with paper dolls.   And, best of all, the screen printed dolls featured on each tee can be dressed interchangeably with Velcro-backed designer outfits. I’m serious. 

And, in case you have a “mini me” who will not be pleased if Mom’s the only one in the house who gets to play with dolls, Lotty Dotty tees come sized for girls as young as 4 and as old as, well, me.

Shop online at http://www.lottydotty.com/

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O.K. ladies, let’s talk business. As in, my company, PrettyCity.com is giving one lucky girl and her guest two tickets to fashion week (plus hotel and airfare). It’s all thanks to our partnership with the amazing team at The Heart Truth.

Full details are below and, later this week, I’ll help you pick out some glam red dress contenders to wear on the red carpet. You know, in case you win.

{From PrettyCity.com}

Win two tickets to The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection Fashion Showat New York Fashion Week, courtesy of PrettyCity.com and The Heart Truth®

This February The Heart Truth returns to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, marking a decade of commitment to women’s heart health. The Red Dress will once again come to life on the runway as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness.

Through the generous participation of celebrities and designers, the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show will continue to inspire women to protect their hearts and warn women of their #1 killer, heart disease.
Last year, The Heart Truth unveiled its Red Dress Collection 2011 Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Celebrities on hand included Ann Curry, Patti LaBelle, Eve, Natasha Bedingfield, and Laila Ali as well as designers including Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Carmen Marc Valvo, Marchesa, and Monique Lhuillier.

This year, you and a friend could be among the VIPs and A-listers at this Fashion Week Event.  Enter to Win for your chance to grab two seats at the New York Fashion Week Red Dress Collection Fashion Show (airfare and hotel included).

Register to Win online at http://prettycity.com/win_tickets.cfm. Good luck, pretties

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Oh, the things women do in the name of beauty. From using hemorrhoid cream on our faces to applying mascara with the help of business cards, many of us have tried some strange tricks in order to look gorgeous.

This week, I logged some time as your most trusted grooming guinea pig, applying Pepto-Bismol to my face (go ahead, make a joke at my expense), putting Vaseline on my eye lashes and even applying PAM as a moisturizer, all to report back from the beauty trenches about which bizarre beauty tricks work and which are utterly laughable.

Leave it: PAM for Legs

The word on the street is that PAM Cooking Spray is ideal for adding sheen and moisture to bare legs.  And, of course, the PAM used should be unscented, unless you want to reek of butter or olive oil. Begrudgingly, I gave this trick a whirl and let me just say, I should get an award for the things I do in the name of beauty. My advice is: stick with PAM for sautéing that chicken breast with broccoli you’ll be having for dinner. Once you spray PAM on any of your body parts, the “trick” will most definitely be on you.

Love it: Business Cards for Lashes

This trick may seem a bit odd, but once you master the technique, using a business card to aid in applying mascara, especially on the lower lashes, is really quite effective. Simply place a (clean) business card below lower lashes and then apply mascara, moving the wand back and forth gently and using the card to catch excess mascara. This technique helps coat each lash with product and also works on upper lashes.

Leave it: Preparation H for Under Eyes

Sorry, supermodels, I just can’t put my stamp of approval on the idea of putting cream that’s meant for your bum, on your face. And while many suggest that Preparation H works on under eye puffiness because of Phenylephrine, an ingredient that helps temporarily constricts blood vessels, applying Preparation H to the delicate eye area is a beauty no-no. For a cheaper, and more effective remedy, sleep with your  head slightly raised and apply a cool compress to eyes first thing in the morning for five minutes.

Love it: Vaseline for Lashes and Brows

Just a dab of Vaseline applied to already filled in brows, helps shape brows and, some say, nourishes brow hair.  Applying Vaseline to the tips of lashes, being very careful not to get the product in eyes, really can help moisturize lashes and prevent breakage.

Leave it: Monistat For Face

If you think this is hard to read, imagine how hard it is to write about. Worse yet, to have actually done it. But, the rumor that Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel makes an excellent face primer and, in fact, works just as well as the ultra-popular Smashbox Photofinish primer, had to be debunked. Once you get past the initial disgust at putting a cream meant for certain problems down under on your face, it really isn’t that bad. But it’s not good either; applying Monistat to my face left my skin feeling greasy and caused the makeup applied on top to crack.  And that is wack.

Love It: Diaper Rash Cream for Breakouts

Since most diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide, said to relieve itching and reduce the possibility of infection, some recommend using diaper rash cream to treat pimples. One negative is that these creams tend to be very white and pasty, so if you’re in a relationship, applying this product to pimples at nighttime is a definite deterrent to romance.  But, if it’s better skin, not bedtime fun, you are after, this home remedy is actually effective.

Leave it: Pepto-Bismol as Face Mask

This last trick landed me smack in the bowels of the beauty trenches. And I want out.

Apparently, the idea behind the Pepto-Bismol facial was born when some well-meaning, DIYer noticed that Pepto-Bismol contains salicylic acid, an ingredient often found in skin care.  After applying a thin mask of the product to my face with a cotton ball (and hiding in the bathroom from my husband who would clearly think I’d gone insane), I washed the product off and looked in the mirror. There, I saw a crazy woman, with a slight pink tone to her skin, staring back at me.

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Angelina Jolie; Photo credit: Glamour.com

Angelina Jolie looked absolutely stunning in Atelier Versace at last night’s Golden Globes.  And, the romantic in me relished in what appeared to be Brad Pitt’s adoring look and ear to ear smile as the Mother of his children took the stage to present the award for best director. (Or, maybe it’s just the wife and mom in me who wants to keep believing that six kids later, the duo are still madly in love. Here’s hoping someone in Hollywood gets a happy ending. Er, you know what I mean.)

Natalie Portman; Photo: BellaSugar.com

Natalie Portman’s face is apparently flawless and while her fuchsia gown is earning negative press elsewhere, I love this look. 

Heidi Klum; Photo: CelebrityChatta.com

Love the turquoise “pop” in Heidi Klum’s look thanks to a Lorraine Schwartz necklace paired with a Calvin Klein sheath. The accessory choice really saved the look since, without the sharp shade of blue, Klum would have looked washed out in the nude hue.

Emma Stone at the 2012 Golden Globes

I think Emma Stone is utterly adorable. Apparently she is trying to shed that ”girl next door” reputation by amping it up of late. She looks gorgeous in this chic purple Lanvin with Cartier clutch gown. But, I still think she’s cute as a button.

Salma Hayek; Photo: Glamour.com

Salma Hayek could have looked the best I have ever seen her look in this sexy metallic Gucci dress.

The only thing I didn’t like about this year’s Golden Globes is that I seldom get a chance to dress up to this extent.  I’m fairly sure none of the above looks would go over well at the playground. And, while we’re pretty chic in the PrettyCity boardroom, we’re not quite this glamorous. At least, not on a day to day basis.

So, it looks like I’ve come up with my first resolution of 2012: Find reasons to wear ball gowns more often.

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Which is why, when I decided to review fractional laser resurfacing (typically $900 to $1200 per treatment), I did what any smart woman does before agreeing to have any part of her body laser treated – research. Months after my journey began, from research to treatment to recovery, here’s the scoop on one of the “hottest” skin rejuvenation treatments on the market. 

What is Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

Fractional laser resurfacing is a type of skin rejuvenation which targets small areas of the skin, leaving other areas of the skin untouched.  The laser beam is fractionated or broken up, hence the name fractional laser resurfacing.

Fraxel, one of the leading brands in fractional laser resurfacing was FDA approved in 2007 for ablation, coagulation and skin resurfacing.

Areas of the skin, typically the face, are treated in microzones while tiny adjoining areas are untreated, allowing for more rapid recovery of all areas of the skin. The parts of the skin that are treated, the microzones, experience a laser injury that promotes new collagen production and all over skin rejuvenation.

Inside the Treatment Room

After I arrived at the spa, my appointment began with a digital evaluation of my skin including an analysis of sun damage, wrinkles and beyond. After spending my childhood on the sunny shores of Miami and the Bahamas, I wasn’t surprised to find that sun damage had set in. And that’s exactly what I intended to correct.

After some Q & A about the procedures, including possible side effects – think redness and swelling – we got started. Fractional laser resurfacing typically begins with some kind of numbing treatment, and some report that the procedure is still painful even after numbing. I was told to expect discomfort and so I was scared to death about how painful the procedure would be, but I found it quite bearable.  It’s certainly uncomfortable at points, especially after repeated “passes” with the laser on specific treatment areas, but I wanted results and I expected a little discomfort on the road to better skin.

The treatment was quick; my entire face was done in about 40 minutes. After one side of my face was done, I was given a cool roller to ease the hot sensation — akin to a sunburn – that is typically experienced post treatment. And after leaving the medical spa, I immediately hit a local drugstore for ibuprofen and aloe vera gel.

The Road to Recovery and Results

Immediately after my Fractional laser resurfacing treatment I was quite uncomfortable, but a few hours and a couple of Advil later, I was back to normal. And while the pain subsided quickly, the post-treatment redness and swelling hung around for a few days, although I was able to cover it up easily with a generous coverage concealer and foundation. (I recommend Smart Cover, about $30 at smartcover.com).

Post treatment, it’s imperative to use SPF daily to protect your new skin. That’s a habit you’ll want to stick to for life.  I also used PrescibedSolutions, a link of skin care with specific offerings for pre and post laser treatments such as “Don’t Be So Sensitive Post Procedure Cleanser” and “Control Tactics,” a post-procedure soothing gel.

Months later, I can see improved skin clarity with the promise of improved firmness thanks to new collagen formation over the next six months. Turns out that Father Time may just take the heat off aging.

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Julep Nail Color in Zoe; $14 at Julep.com

A new dress from Rachel by Rachel Roy

A special gift - a ring designed by my husband; brianbrundagedesigns.com

A gift from my son that makes me smile; Betsey Johnson bracelet.

My new favorite shadows, picked up at The Makeup Show Chicago.

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I’ve never considered myself to be overly charitable. But, over the years, I’ve tried to give a little more back. Thankfully, little by little, I’ve supported some amazing organizations and I can happily say that, little by little, my total contributions have increased.

2011′s Pretty in Pink campaign benefitted Bright Pink to the tune of 5 figures while October events raised money for the Keep a Breast foundation. In one generous moment I am most proud of from 2011, I donated an entire month’s paycheck to Action Against Hunger. And, February 2012 is kicking off with PrettyCity events benefitting the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement and our annual “Love You” campaign presented in partnership with The Heart Truth.

And while I am proud to be giving back in some way, when I look at the gifts I have, good health, an amazing husband, children who are well and flourishing, a job I love, I know that I can — and must — do more.

Here are some ideas for giving back in 2012, whether you have not a dime to spend, or a fortune to share:

1)  Share Freebies: Buy one get one free and other deals you have no need for can make a great difference to your local shelter or Goodwill, and cost you next to nothing.

2)  Give Time: If you truly cannot afford to give cash or goods, giving your time by serving those in need is  one of the most rewarding ways to be charitable.

3) Choose well: Before donating, do research to make sure your money will be used well. Charity Navigator ranks charities based on criteria including how much of every dollar you give, gets in the hands of those in need.

If you’re in Chicago, L.A. or Atlanta, join me at one of our Little Red Dress Beauty Bashes. $10 tickets include tons of goodies and 100% of the ticket price will be donated to American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement.

No need to start the New Year with resolutions you’ll ditch come February. This year, set yourself up for success by resolving to embrace four must-do beauty trends that are easy, breezy and oh-so-hot for 2012.

Here’s what’s on the pretty horizon:

Lady Gaga on the Jan. 2012 Elle UK Cover; Photo: Fashionrollcall.com

Mint green manis and lids

The smoky eye may be the reigning queen of style, but those on trend are ringing in 2012 with lids swept in mint green. Of course, getting the color right is key, and it’s easier said than done. Opt for a matte shadow with not a trace of shine or glitter and swipe it on with clean, strong lines. No need to pair mint eyes with nails in the same hue — remember matchy, matchy is O-U-T — but do experiment with manicures in green for 2012, another easy to embrace trend for the New Year. Try Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple ($8 at local salons) or Sula Beauty Paint & Peel Nail Color in Haze, $9 at sulabeauty.com.

Adriana Lima for Blumarine Fall 2011 Campaign; Photo: Fashiongonerogue.com

Cat eyes and red lips

Vintage meets modern and the look, lucky you, is ultra wearable. The classic red lip, in a range of hues so vast that every woman can find a flattering shade, pair perfectly with the modern cat eye. 2012′s cat eye is a sexy nod to old Hollywood with a futuristic flair. To get the look, apply eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible, following your natural lashes. As you reach the outer corner of the eye, take the liner up, exaggerating the line at the base and thinning the liner as you reach the crease of your eyelid. Mix it up with liner colors that go beyond black and brown; think purple, orange, teal and the like.

Viktor & Rolf backstage at Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012 collections; Photo: Glamour.com

Lash explosion

While some experts saw a minimalist trend on the runways for spring and fall 2012, there’s no mistaking that lashes are big and beautiful. Thanks to the popularity and availability of semi-permanent lash extensions ($150 to $350 at salons and spas) and the effectiveness of products like Latisse for growing one’s own lashes (about $100 a month, by prescription), big bad lashes abound in 2012. Victor & Rolf sent models in pink, punk lashes down the runway, but in real life new mascaras such as NYX Doll Eye Mascara ($9 at nyxcosmetics.com) can mimic the look of big beautiful doll lashes for everyday wear.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2012; Photo: Realbeauty.com

Pony up to great hair

Finally, a trend that so many of us can relate to. Ponytails are all the rage for 2012, with a modern twist of course. Marc by Marc Jacobs showed models sporting a pony/bun hybrid that you’ve probably already mastered on lazy days. The classic ponytail, high and sleek with a strand of hair wrapped around the base to cover a ponytail holder is a classic look with timeless appeal; both were seen on the runways of Reed Krakoff and Ralph Lauren.

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