As we enter 2012, more people than ever are becoming aware of the image they project to the outside world.  Sexy, intense, bold, beautiful, powerful, natural – whatever your image is, are you aware of it?

Whenever you walk into a room, every eye upon you is a camera. CLICK!  The image you exude is communicated the instant people see you.  The challenge is to inform these eyes that behold you, to receive the impression you want them to, long before you open your gorgeous mouth to speak.  What better time than the new year to take stock of your image.

Why is it so important to create the image of yourself you want others to see?  To create a curiosity, a receptiveness from others that is wonderfully positive.  To fully know and understand who you are and to project this self can be a soul searching experience.  ???????    Most of us are a superb mixture of wondrous qualities.  One thing you can be sure of however, and that is that you are unique.  There is no one quite like you.

The issue of image has been a long life interest to me.  I have seen perfectly beautiful, well-manicured men and women who have the perfect “first impression”, destroy it through their behavior.  On the other hand, I have seen many people whose true natural selves project a charm and warmth that keeps you wanting more.  I look forward to addressing this topic further on this blog.

2012 is alive with promise, hope and joy.  Arise to meet it!

Between You & Me... acne sucks. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, then acne scars? Who wants to deal with any of them. But here at JAC, we understand that everybody has something to hide, and we want you to start this school year with a fresh face.

Ever walk into a room, and think people are staring at your acne? You just want your peers to notice you, not the enormous zit resting on your chin. Well, we have the solution to your problem. Our EraseZit Pencil™ is your answer to perfectly concealed skin.

Our pencil is an all-in-one antiseptic concealer and corrector used to cover monthly breakouts, skin irritations, scrapes, razor nicks and regular acne. Not only that, but The EraseZit Pencil™ can actually help heal blemishes with its special antiseptic oil-blotting formula. It calms irritations and protects your skin, so you can camouflage while your skin gets a lot of natural benefits, such as Tea Tree Oil and Camphor.

The EraseZit Pencil™ is so convenient. It slips right into your pocket or small clutch, so you can easily carry it with you day and night. It's also water-resistant and long-lasting, so if you're heading to a game or a night out with the girls, you can guarantee the concealer will stay on. It's touch up on the go, and no one needs to know how you arrived at beautiful skin.

Of course half the battle of buying concealer is picking out the right color for your skin tone. But we've made it easy. Our doctor approved pencils come in two colors to fit most skin types. Neutral Light will match light to medium skin tones, and Neutral will match medium skin tones. Yes, it's that easy.

There are two crucial parts to dealing with acne. Concealing blemishes for when you walk out the door, and skin care for when it's just me, myself and I at home. We've talked about our EraseZit pencil, and its benefits, but we don't want to downplay the importance of skin care. While the information available can be overwhelming, the truth is no one knows exactly what causes acne. And even a perfect skincare routine may not lead to a clear face. But having a routine, and sticking with it, will prevent a bad situation from becoming an insufferable one.

Keep your routine simple. Invest in a solid face wash and moisturizer with benzoyl peroxide, which will kill acne-causing bacteria. Wash and moisturize once or twice a day, the best times being before bed and when you first wake up. Wash your sheets often, and most importantly, do not pop pimples! As tempting as it may be... acne scars are just as unsightly as the pimples itself.

But in the meantime, we gotcha covered! The EraseZit Pencil™ is your solution for a gorgeous complexion. Just apply at first sign of a blemish, and let the pencil help your acne, while giving you a fresh face to start the school year!

Do you remember your "first time"?  Of course you do!  Looking in the mirror every day of your young life, nothing seems to change.  Skin is smooth, eyes are un-lined, no dark circles, lipstick stays put and within the natural lip line, no feathering.

Then, one unsuspecting day you pass by your trusted friend, the bathroom mirror, and take a quick glance, then another glance.  What in the world is happening!  A feeling of shocked surprise comes over you.  Where did these dark circles under my eyes come from?  What are these fine lines?  I'm so dry.  This is not me.

These were the comments from my niece Michelle, when I was in New York for our traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  The joys of time spent with family was more delicious than turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings.  But, it never fails.  The girls are always talking make-up, no matter what the occasion and when "Aunt Judith" works in the area of concealing  cosmetics, all cousins, aunts and nieces ask advise.

Michelle was devastated.  Last year I didn't have this, she complained.  These dark circles just appeared the other day.  How can I make them disappear?

Unfortunately, when I travel to see family, I never take along my full line of corrective cosmetics.  I never think of it.  But Michelle was really upset.  How can you not bring all your foundations and concealers with you, she cried.   What kind of aunt are you!  I need you!  

So, off we went to the local drug store seeking the best concealer for her.  There were so many choices, and we spent a lot of time but, we did find something that would work until I was able to send her what I thought was the perfect concealer. 

Michelle will never forget her "first time".  I was there to help.  So for me, not only was I grateful for this Thanksgiving, for all the love and joys of family, but grateful I was there for her first time!

I was interviewed the other day by a reporter.  In addition to talking about my corrective cosmetics, she asked a provocative question.  She wanted to know what I had learned about life vis-a- vis my business over the years.  This brought to mind something I had not thought about for years.  It is what I call "Invisible Threads" and it reminded me why I do what I do.

Since I founded Judith August Cosmetic Solutions more than 20 years ago, women from all over the world have reached out to let me know how their lives have been affected by their cosmetic challenges.  Some suffer from serious conditions like birthmarks that dramatically affected their self esteem, while others simply wanted to improve their appearance by camouflaging minor flaws like under eye circles....just something simple that makes them feel better.

The amazing thing is no matter where these women were from, and I've met thousands from almost every continent, we all had common "Invisible Threads" that connected us.  Our desire is to be and do our best, not only for ourselves, but for those in our lives who we love and who count on us.

I feel so grateful that I have many many sisters through out the world!

Warm regards,

Judith