after a long delay...

Happy New Year all!!! We are looking forward to a wonderful 2010, Gapie (that's Tif's nickname) and I are starting a web channel on YouTube and are going to start showing makeup and skin care tutorials. After watching some the other night... I think we can do a really good one. It'll be very informative and a lot of fun. We want to cover all bases of not only makeup, but skin care as well. You'd be surprised at how many people do not know how to put on eye cream or moisturizer. This will also be very cool for all the men who never used these types of products and are to embarrassed to ask. This way they can watch and learn from the convenience of their living room and not worry about what other might think of them...silly when you think of the fact that they are just simply helping themselves not to get skin cancer or damage to their face. Is that something to be embarrassed about? Not to say that I'm the poster boy for men's skincare or health for that matter, cause I'm not, but I can't imagine if I didn't use these products or if I didn't exercise...I'd look 50 and be as big as a house! Going to hand the computer over to Gapie now so she can try and correct my work (she thinks she's a teacher already) and then she can write a little herself. Also, watched the movie "Julie and Julia" last night with Gapie...Is a blog or twitter really that narcissistic? Also, real quick, favorite new product right now for men, "Billy Jealousy" White Knight facial cleanser, $20. Made with Papaya extract and Rosemary leaf. Normal to dry skin, perfect for the cold, crisp winter weather here in LA.



Here's Gapie...

Happy New Year! Yes, Rodney, this cold, crisp, LA weather can do a number on your skin! Can you believe we watched it snow twice last night in LA! Well, faux snow at the Grove. If you live somewhere with real snow or just have dry winter skin, you should try to exfoliate off some of that dead, dull, flaky skin by manual or chemical exfoliation. Manual exfoliation involves scrubbing, it is great for anyone who does not have cystic or active acne or super sensitive skin. I love the Clarisonic Skincare Brush, $149-$250, which gives a deep clean and a great daily exfoliation. It removes makeup, pollution and reveals fresh, clean skin with less visible pores and fine lines.



If you want a really deep manual exfoliation scrub, I can't say better things about Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Cream, $75. This should be used once or twice a week maximum as it is such an effective exfoliant. Skin will be brighter and smoother after just two uses! I like to use this in the shower on skin that is already cleansed and damp for best results, and after I am done scrubbing for a minute in circular motions I leave it on as a mask so the active ingredients can work on my skin while I finish my shower.



If your skin is on the sensitive side and still want the invigorating experience of a scrub without the redness and irritation sensitive skin types sometimes get from most scrubs, try Caudalie's Gentle Buffing Cream, $35. This product is amazing, it is gentle but effective. Use on cleansed skin in circular motions for about a minute once or twice a week.



If you decide to go with another manual exfoliant, be sure that it has round beads or very, very, finely milled particles, not chunky crushed shells or nuts that are sharp and could cause microscopic tears in your delicate skin that will lead to macroscopic issues. Always use gentle pressure and circular motions when exfoliating your face, remember you are just trying to remove the dull skin, not sand off all your skin! If you are pregnant or nursing remember to check the ingredients for retinoids or beta hydroxy acids which may not be safe to use during these times. Well, now I have to go make lunch...New Year's Resolution: Why do I always have to cook? Gapie ("Agape" in Greek mean "LOVE", therefore we call one another "Gapie" for short. Tif is Greek if you were wondering-Rod) needs to show interest in the kitchen or he will starve! But for now, I need to tend to my husband that I love so dearly and make him lunch. Until next time, best and happy new years! Check back for our favorite chemical exfoliants next blog.


...."Scrubbing away the dead skin of 2009 to reveal a brighter, new you in 2010!" -Tif...
She's really trying guys. Be nice! Love you Gapie!

~Rinks Beauty

Our first blog, first year anniversary today!!

After a beautiful weekend in Solvang, Mrs. Rinks and I are happy to be home. This trip was to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary...and we most certainly did! I drank far to much, as for Mrs. Rinks, the smart one, drank just enough not to feel the effects the following day. The small Danish town is one of our favorite quick get away places to go, not to mention all the great tasting rooms in town that are with in walking distance. In terms of beauty, there was an awful lot of pretty girls in such a small town with great skin (none as beautiful and with as great as skin as my gorgeous wife of course). Could it be due to the vineyards, grapeseed oils and all the antioxidants? One of my favorite skincare lines is a company out of France named "Caudalie" which is made mostly from grapes and is produced on a vineyard. That got me thinking, could there be a "Caudalie" type plant just north of Santa Barbara in the near future? If it can be made and produced on a vineyard in France, why not here on a vineyard in Solvang?

Aww, isn't he sweet, I knew I kept him around for a reason! As you may or may not know, antioxidants protect your skin cells from oxidation which causes skin damage and premature aging. Antioxidants can be applied topically or you can sip on your favorite Pinot and reap the rewards of it's anti-aging properties, provided you drink in moderation...unlike my husband who drank four bottles of Pinot on Friday night! A dash of grapeseed oil on your salad or a cup of grape juice in the morning will also do the body good as well as your skin. We love the Rosemary Grapeseed Oil from Presidio Vineyard & Winery as well as their wines and grape juice. Antioxidants will also protect you from cellular damage due to the sun's harmful rays, so when used in conjunction with a good sunscreen, SPF 15 or above, you can feel a little better about avoiding those pesky little brown spots and wrinkles that appear after too much fun in the sun. If you want to keep your skin plump as a grape rather than wrinkled as a raisin, be sure to include antioxidants in your diet and on your skin!