Why did you start the HCG diet?
"I started the program because this was the first time my desire to be healthy was not fueled by vanity... It had more to do with me being in my 40s and having a two-year old daughter.

When my daughter recently started talking about going to the pool to swim, I didn't want to go at first because I wasn't comfortable with my body. Then, I realized it wasn't fair to penalize her because I had not gotten my lifestyle and eating choices in order. More than anything, I didn't want her to struggle with self-image issues like I have most of my life.

I started researching weight loss options and spoke one-on-one with Luba Lee, the nurse practitioner at Pure Luxe. I knew I needed a drastic, personal intervention, and I think that's what this program has been for me."

What have your results been?
"I understand results can vary by patient, but in just 14 days, I've lost close to 3 inches in my hips and waist and 1.5 inches around my thighs. I've also seen a reduction in the size of my arms and bust and am thrilled with my results so far.

I've always had a petite stature, and I'm starting to notice parts of my body that I haven't recognized in long time."

How much longer do you have?
"I'm not quite half-way through the program, but my intentions are to complete the 42-day plan. It definitely requires a day-to-day commitment!

Luba has been a great coach throughout this process. My visits with her are very informative, and she talks to me a lot about thinking past HCG and how I can sustain a healthy lifestyle."

You finally get a chance to stop by the makeup counter to pick up that $32 mascara all the fashion magazines are raving about only to find out (a day later) that pumped-up lashes are no longer the "it" thing. Lashes have taken a backseat to contoured cheeks, and if you don't hurry, you'll miss out on that phase too.

If you pay the least bit of attention to fashion week coverage, you've probably noticed all the hype about the vivid lip. The smokey eye has finally given way to bright, matte lipstick, and everywhere you turn, models are sporting clean faces with lips in all shades of purple, red, blue, gray and orange. 

Deep breath.

So, is it possible to feel confident about our personal style without keeping our noses buried in the latest issue of Vogue and having Sephora bookmarked on our internet browsers? As my grandmother always tells me, go classic. Be it lipstick or blue jeans, buy things that will stand the test of time. Here are five basic beauty tips that you can store in your back pocket (or handbag):

1) Skincare - It's true. Good makeup starts with good skin. Before splurging on new cosmetics, find a quality skincare line that works well for you. Products should target your specific concerns: dehydrated or dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, rosacea, etc.

2) Foundation - Talk to a pro about what kind of foundation will be best for your skin type (i.e. liquid, powder, oil-free, stick, tinted moisturizer, mineral, etc). Select a shade that matches your current skin tone. Going too dark will make your face look dirty, and a shade that's too light can make you look ashy. (Extra tip: Skin tones are either warm, cool or neutral. Knowing which category you fall into will help you pick the right shade.)

3) Color - Pick one: eyes, cheeks or lips. Go bold with color on one area of the face, and keep the other areas neutral. This will give your makeup a fresh, clean look.

4) Red lipstick - Everyone can wear red lipstick. Seriously. The trick is to choose the right shade of red. Picking the wrong one can make your lips look too dark or orange. (Extra tip: Play with different shades on the back of your hand before making a purchase. If one looks orange, search for a cooler or darker shade. Too dark? Opt for a lighter or warmer shade.)

5) Brows - Like lustrous hair, well-defined brows are a staple in the beauty industry. Invest in a good brow powder that matches the shade of your brows. Brow pencils are great for lightly filling in bare spots. (Extra tip: Use a brow brush before and after you apply brow powder to ensure 1) your brows are in place before application and 2) any excess powder is removed afterward.)

Stick to these basics, and your makeup will look great for years to come. Promise!

Best,
Julie

Julie Dickey is the Communications Director at Pure Luxe. Prior to graduating from the University of Tennessee, Julie worked as a resident and freelance makeup artist for Laura Mercier. She provides makeup consultations by request.

Pure Luxe also retails skincare products that will enhance, support and maintain treatment results. As a matter of fact, I recently started a new skincare regimen, changing from my drug-store brand (shhh...) to Obagi. I might be biased, but my skin is smoother, less pigmented and more radiant. Even the size of my pores has decreased! Not to say I didn't strive to look and feel good before Pure Luxe... I always did my best to practice what I still preach to my patients. Even on the most stressful of days, I eat clean, partake in physical activity and get at least eight hours of sleep.

It's important to understand that no matter what skincare product you use (though I am convinced it makes a difference) and no matter what medical treatments you receive, lifestyle is key to maintaining beautiful skin and overall health. Regardless of new-age technology in the skin and body care industries, rest assured that these "common sense" rules will stand the test of time:

1. Water. Water. Water. (at least 64oz each day) - It fights fat and cellulite, promotes radiant skin and healthy bowel movements and helps to elimination toxins.

2. Exercise at least 30 minutes everyday. - If you're not an avid exerciser, brisk walking will get the job done. As you get older, the importance of deliberate physical activity will continue to increase.

3. Say NO to processed food. - Except, of course, to dark chocolate with hazelnuts. ;)

4. Get some sleep. - Sleeping 8-10 hours a day gives your mind, body and skin time to repair. Your stress hormones will also decrease, making you less likely to overeat.

5. Practice gratitude. - Eating clean, being active each day and having a spiritual practice all help keep a person healthy... and out of medical offices.

Always remember, inner health often reveals itself as outward beauty.

With warmth,
Luba

Luba M. Lee is a board-certified nurse practitioner. She has a master's in nursing from the University of Tennessee and is certified in aesthetic procedures by the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine.

As front desk lassies,
there are responsibilities:

Never frown, of course.
And don't checkout with force.

Be lovely and sweet,
Walk on the toes of your feet.

Dust the shelves and glass,
And talk on the phone with class.

Bat your eyelashes,
And don't wear stuff that clashes.

Smile and agree,
And a Pure Luxe girl you'll be.

By supporting my patients' efforts to look better through the use of aesthetic medicine, I serve as a catalyst for their total health and well-being... and who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

Luba M. Lee earned a master's degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee and is a board-certified nurse practitioner. With five years experience in family practice, she has a certification in aesthetic procedures from the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine. Luba is also a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She joined the Pure Luxe Salon, Spa & Medspa team in February 2012.

November is National Healthy Skin Month, and we feel it’s our professional duty to provide you ways of preventing skin damage and reducing the signs of aging. Visit us this month and take advantage of our November special offers, all of which will help you achieve healthy, clear and smooth skin.