What you don’t know about health and aging could fill a book!

You’re Invited to The Water Secret Launch Event!

Please join us at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa on August 19^th for an exciting evening celebrating the launch of Dr. Murad’s new book The Water Secret! From 6 to 8 pm, there will be free skin consultations and hydration checks, special promotions on products and services, raffle prizes with a value of $2500 and Dr. Murad will personally sign a copy of his latest book, The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger. You won’t want to miss this exclusive event! The first fifty people to arrive will receive a complimentary copy of The Water Secret (line up begins at 5:45PM). Hope to see you there!

RSVP 1.800.825.6906 or reservations@murad.com.

For more information, visit www.thewatersecretbook.com.

Kim Cattral Makeup Artist Gives Us The Inside Scoop

Avoiding Stretch Marks—Knock On Wood…

As I start to write this, I’m knocking on wood because I know the minute I put this down on paper, it will come back to bite me. But, for you guys, I will do it…I’m not sure if I have mentioned yet that I’m pregnant. And as my belly has been growing, I have been slathering it with a concoction of lotions and products that has, as of right now, resulted in not one stretch mark appearing on my body. As I know there are quite a few pregnant ladies out there wondering how to avoid stretch marks, I wanted to share my process with you.

Now, I strongly believe that stretch marks have a lot to do with genetics. But, I wasn’t taking any chances when my pregnancy began. From the get go, I started with this routine, and it hasn’t steered my wrong.

Here’s the really easy process:

• After you get out of the shower, dry off well
• Slather your belly with Murad’s Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum
• For your ever enlarging knockers, massage a generous amount of Mama Mio’s Boob Tube all over those puppies
• Now that the Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum has sunk in, scoop out a hefty helping of Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub Butter and work it into your growing belly, butt, back and anywhere else that might be stretching to accommodate your bundle
  of joy

As you get bigger, do this morning and night. And it never hurts to knock on some wood too!

You’re Getting Sleepy….

As many of you are now aware, we are in the midst of launching our latest and greatest product—Sleep Reform™. We’ve talked to the press, we’ve launched to our retail partners…and now it was time for the public to hear, straight from the Doctor’s mouth, how this product could help them. And boy, did we succeed! In a record breaking night, we had over 100 people at the Murad Inclusive Health Center® and Spa to hear Dr. Murad speak about Sleep Reform and answer everyone’s personal questions. Guests were also treated to mini massages, mini hand treatments and skin consultations. To top it off, all in attendance received awesome gift bags. And one lucky El Segundo resident won the raffle prize of a Murad Slumber Party Package which included a stay at the Shade Hotel, spa treatments, pajamas and Sleep Reform Serum and Supplements…all for her and three of her lucky friends. (I tried to make friends with her to get invited…I’m still waiting for my invitation so I guess that didn’t work. Better luck next time I guess!) After such an awesome night, I didn’t even need my Sleep Reform I was so tired (but I still used it ‘cause who doesn’t want to look younger, right??)

OH, if you are in the LA area, you can join us at The Murad Inclusive Health Center and Spa for our next new product launch this summer. Stay tuned for more info on that one, and if you’re planning to come and need a new “best friend”, I’m available.

“Santa Clause is Coming to Town”…But I can’t wait that long!

Feeling a little empty after the excitement of the holiday season? Missing the twinkling lights on houses, holiday tunes, and time off work? If you are anything like me, you love the holidays. Yeah, two months of hearing, “I Wish You A Merry Christmas” on the radio may get a bit annoying. But, there is nothing like the excitement and energy of December. So for all those who are with me out there, especially if you are stuck in a blizzard now (East Coast) or suffering a heat wave (West Coast), I wanted to share some rockin’ holiday spirit straight from our Customer Care Department. If you don’t know about our CCD (I’m going to abbreviate since that is just too long to type), we truly do have one of the best in the biz. And their holiday spirit definitely proved it. Not only are they cheerful, friendly and helpful (which when you are running around on a deadline like a chicken with your head cut off, can be a bit hard to appreciate), they knock it out of the park for the Holidays. All of their cubes were decorated, but I wanted to share one in particular (see picture). This was Customer Care’s Elf House. It is reminiscent of some of the crazy pictures I’ve seen on the internet of elaborate cube decorating (remember the “cardboard cubicle” email that was floating around?) where I wonder, “Why aren’t these people working?” But, I have been told, The Customer Care Elves came in on a weekend to decorate, and I’m just going to go with that.

So, for those longing for some Holiday Cheer (or more like some well deserved time off work!), there are only 348 more days to go. Happy Belated Holidays everyone! And thanks to The Customer Care Elves for the great Holiday spirit!!

30 Is the New 20

By the time you read this post, I will have crossed over from the youthful, energetic decade of my 20s into the sluggish, middle-aged decade of my 30s. They say that 30 is the new 20. But, I can tell you that long ago my metabolism decided to take a nap, my skin decided that it had been pretty long enough and broke out, and I started caring more about how much I was putting away in savings than how many pairs of cute shoes I had.

What is it about a landmark birthday that makes you reevaluate your life, your goals and your health? I don’t know the answer to that question. But, I do know that in each of my landmark birthdays I have had a new revelation—this one is no different. As I approach 30, it’s time to get my life and my health in gear. If I want to be around for another 60 years (thank god longevity runs in my family), I need to look & feel good about myself. So here are some goals I set out for myself in this upcoming decade:

• Put 10% of my income in savings (I may have to start with 2% and work up to 10%, but you see where I’m going with this)
• Practice yoga averaging at least once a week (good for the body & soul)
• Get more sleep (see Jeff’s post on 9/12)
• Compete in a mini-triathlon (thanks for the inspiration J.Lo.)
• Eat more nutritiously and take my supplements (one of Dr. Murad’s core philosophies)

I distinctly remember the day when I turned 10. My dad told me, “You will never be in single digits again.” Hopefully, if I complete these goals and continue to live a healthy lifestyle, I can make it all the way to triple digits!

Makeup Artist

Every girl (and some guys) knows that good skincare and makeup techniques can turn a tired, unsightly face into a bright and beautiful one. So, I thought I’d go to an expert and find out how she helps the stars keep their skin looking great. Meet Jo Baker, makeup artist to Queen Latifa, Eminem, Will Ferrel, Sarah Chalke and more….

Jennifer: How long have you been a make-up artist?
Jo Baker: 10 years. Makeup and color have always been my most useful tools for expression, an endless opportunity to create looks and trends. I also love the transformation of mood and confidence that can be created when a little makeup is applied.

Jennifer: What are some of the most common celebrity
skincare concerns?
Jo Baker: The high demand of celebrities means they are always on the go—jet setting and long hours on set can easily create a skincare crisis—overly tired eyes and breakouts seem to be the most concerning!

Jennifer: What is your favorite Murad product and why?
Jo Baker: I am a HUGE fan of Dr Murad! Not only am I addicted to the facials in his gorgeous spa, but I have seen remarkable results with my own skin. My favorite product is the Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum. I use it on all my clients. It glides onto the skin and sinks in immediately, creating smooth and healthy looking skin!! It’s the first thing I grab, and often whip it out during flights, and make sure clients apply it before they fall asleep!

Jennifer: What are your favorite skincare ingredients?
Jo Baker: I’m a big fan of pomegranate. It’s fantastic to eat and use in skincare. And its antioxidant properties rank as some of the highest nutritional value in the world.

Jennifer: What are some skincare & makeup products every girl should carry in their purse?
Jo Baker: Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector—Its gorgeous sheer pink gloss is full of conditioning properties and it has a glam glossy finish without the sticky feeling you can find with other lip treatments. SPF—I can’t express enough to all my clients that even if their skin tans well they need to protect it from premature ageing and sun damage. SPF 30 is on my face before I leave my house everyday. I have one in my car, purse and gym bag. Sheer Lustre Day Moisture SPF 15—Mix it with a couple of drops of your chosen foundation and you have a gorgeous glowing alternative finish on your skin!

Jennifer: Any final thoughts?
Jo Baker: Everyone thinks their skin could be better and we are always looking for that one product that will fix it all! When really being healthy and happy, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables are the most important things! Head to toe glow starts with a positive attitude towards yourself!

American Idols Sing Murad’s Praises

It was the pause heard around America….

And the winner…………………. of American Idol 2008 ……………is………………..……….. David………………………… (and if your Tivo didn’t cut out here) ……………………… Cook!

Admit it, you shed a tear as you saw poor little David Archuleta’s baby face fall on national television when his name wasn’t announced. Love him or hate him (can you really hate that face?), he won over the hearts of America as the youngest contestant in the history of American Idol. David’s career is moving on up and apparently his skincare regimen is too! This little baby-faced crooner is now keeping his skin soft and youthful with Murad! He loves the Clarifying Toner, part of Murad’s Acne line, and has also used the Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30 and the Soothing Cream Mask. You may have come in second on Idol David A., but you are first in our hearts!

But, wait! Who is that also using the Murad products? It’s American Idol WINNER David Cook! David melted our hearts with his soulful voice, love for his family and his honest, down-home spirit. Now he’s winning us over again with his love of Murad. David uses Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30, Murad Man and the Soothing Cream Mask. We’re HUGE fans of you, David. Thanks for being a fan of us!

Ugly Betty Trip

I LA!

If there is one thing I love about living in Los Angeles, it’s the celebrity sightings. Eating dinner, there’s Keanu Reeves. Shopping on Montana, is that Goldie Hawn? Quick stop in the restroom, hello Nick Lachey (he was going in the men’s room, come on people!). So, imagine my excitement (and near aneurism) when we got invited to the set of Ugly Betty! Turns out the make-up team over there are HUGE Murad fans (especially of our acne products). Seeing a great opportunity to show our appreciation and hoping to see (and, dare I hope, meet) a few great celebs, we packed up some gift bags and headed to Hollywood.

Our first stop was the make-up trailer. As we are talking to the head make-up artist, in walks Eric Mabius, who strikes up a conversation with us, and I get a little flushed. Rounding the set, I make eye contact with Christopher Gorham, and the blood starts to drain from my head. So many celebs in such a short time! Next, we are toured around by the Set Decoration and Consistency Manager (seriously, his job is to ensure that between takes and set changes, everything in the scene remains exactly the same), and are introduced to Becki Newton. I am officially having a celebrity meeting! Seeing the opportunity to make a personal connection, I introduce myself with my full name (see, we both have the same last name) and it turns out her mother’s first name is the same as mine. I’VE CELEBRITY BONDED! It’s too good to be true! As we walk out of the set we lament that we didn’t get to see the big celeb, America Ferrera…But wait, who is that over in the parking lot on her cell phone? It’s her! Just another perfect day in LA.

The Bu-leg

The Bu-Leg (pronounced buh-leg). You know, the part of your butt that, when you’re not Madonna or Gisele, droops down to mold with your leg, becoming the Bu-Leg…Can I just stop here and say that for my first post I can’t believe I’m going to talk about my cellulite and droopy bottom, but I digress…With bathing suit season upon us, I thought that cellulite might be on the mind of some of you ladies (and men), as it is on mine. So, let’s talk about it - cottage cheese thighs, orange peel skin, call it what you will, it’s not attractive bursting out of a swim suit! Thank goodness the good people and Murad and Lululemon are thinking along the same lines and offered a Firm and Tone Cellulite Treatment community class at the Lululemon in El Segundo, Calif. After attending the lecture, I was inspired to experience this “miraculous” treatment myself.

So, I headed down to the Murad Medical Spa to see if I could actually get some reprieve from the lumps and bumps I’ve been hiding all witner. As I lay under my sheet in fear, the massage therapist began examinging my skin and explaining the 4 different stages of cellulite. She said my condition was a 2 1/2, and soon I learned that I’m not alone; nearly all of us gals have some level of cellulite. My treatment began with a dry brush and scrub exfoliation; then a mask of Vitamin C was massaged into my skin. My massage therapist explained that the treatment was boosting circulation, breaking up connective tissue and moving lymphatic fluid. After removing with warm towels, she applied the Firm & Tone Serum and ended with a lymphatic massage using the Body Firming Cream. As I entered the locker room, I ran to the mirror and looked down at my thighs…THE DIMPLES WERE REALLY GONE! My massage therapist recommended a series of eight treatments and using the serum and supplements at home for the best results. To maintain, follow-up treatments every four to six weeks are advised. I’m now signed up for the next eight weeks..Look out beach, here I come! Now, if only it could get rid of the Bu-leg..

TIP: Don’t shave your legs right before the treatment. The Vitamin C and Cayenne Pepper in some of the products can make your legs tingle a bit.