Sunday, October 21, 2007

Welcome to Beauty 212!

Welcome to the grass roots of Beauty 212. My name is Mary Schook. Celebrities, supermodels, and supermoms all refer to me in my personal practice as the Beauty Engineer. For many years I have been discovering products, working with beauty companies, and solving the world's beauty problems one wrinkle at a time.
Check out more on me at www.maryschook.com

Enough about me. I'm putting together a new online show called Beauty 212. It is a show like no other. It's about real beauty solutions for both men and women (no more makeover shows!!!!!) I get to do what you want me to do. It will be investigative and problem-solving. ANYTHING goes here. It could be about weight, what creams work, too much hair, too little hair, how to find a lipstick......sky's the limit on this one (unless you are Virgin's Richard Branson).

The exciting news is we just filmed the first 5 minute episode on Alternative Anti-Aging Methods, but we need your help.
The next show is about solving your beauty problems. The great thing about Beauty 212 is the answer comes from the world's renowned hair, makeup, and skin experts.

Blog us your questions, photos, product picks, videos, anything your want to share.

I don't want to hear any more excuses or moaning about how you look!

Oh! Two last important notes: Make sure to tell all of your friends (that is if you like them enough)!

The show will hopefully be launching within a month at www.beauty212.com

See you there!

Mary Schook


WARNING: Advertisers will not influence the direction of our show!!!

79 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay, here's a question for you. How is someone supposed to fight aging on a budget, when someone isn't a celebrity, just an average Jane Doe that doesn't have access to a Black AmEx Centurion Card? What is affordable, safe, and effective?

Anonymous said...

I am a guy, and always have this problem with ingrown hairs I get from shaving. I am NOT Metrosexual. I am rugged, and just want to know the easiest way to deal with this, as I am kind of embarrassed to even be writing this.

Anonymous said...

Is there a way to deal with zits as an adult--and why am I getting acne now? I was never pimply as a teenager. I had my fair, normal share of acne, but we all did. Now all along my hairline, and sides of face, I have small zits. What do I do?

Anonymous said...

Is laser-hair removal safe? I am considering it, as I have seen a friend with amazing results, but are there enough tests out there with the long term effects? Are there different types of lasers? If there are, which is the safest? If not, what is the best alternative alternative to permanent hair removal?

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I need some anti-frizz advice. I live in the metro NYC area and work in midtown. It's a swamp around here nearly all year in terms of humidity. I can't afford the permanent anti-frizz treatment (my hair's thick and about 18 inches long).

My frizz problem is not the result of damage, since I pamper my hair and rarely use heat. Also, it's not just the "old" hair that's frizzy. It grows right out of the scalp like that; kinky and wiry.

For the record, I am half-German (and half-Sicilian) and my coarse, thick hair runs in the German side of my family.

Curiously, it sets beautifully, and looks gorgeous, thick and shiny as a result. But I don't want to have to set it every single time I wash it. I'm a musician and I have a demanding day job, so I rarely have the time.

Any product or procedure recommendations? Thanks.

Vittoria Conn

Anonymous said...

Dear Beauty Engineer...
I've never worn makeup accept for eye shadow and concealer. I have always
admired the mineral makeup look. I recently bought a ton...and I do mean
TON...of mineral makeup eye shadows, but find it so much work to apply...all
that tapping...is there an easy way to use it or a pressed powder version?
Thanks for your help...
Carrie

Anonymous said...

tell us the skinny on the brazilian hair relaxer , viv

Anonymous said...

what is a good product for very dry hair?

Anonymous said...

Hey Mary,

I wanna know more about Cellulite...Getting rid of it, if the cream like Dr. Murad's work?

What else is out there????

I need help.

Anonymous said...

I'm a mid-50s female, and my just-past-the-shoulders, thin-to-begin-with hair is getting thinner rapidly. Any suggestions to stop this cycle?

Does the length or putting it up in clips cause the hair to fall out? I don't use a hair dryer. I stopped the harsh chemical color 8 months ago and use natural veggie hair color from the health food store for touching up roots once a month.

I can't blame this on too much stress - maybe 2 years ago while in a stressful working environement, but not now.

Is there any solution besides wig shopping? What do the experts say?

Jen Bou said...

I have FINALLY discovered the wonderful world of brush on bronzers. I LOVE what they do for contouring but I am starting to break out from using one. I have extremely sensitive skin and adult acne that I can control with just the right products. The new bronzer has upset the balance. Can you recommend one that is for acne-prone skin?

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary, Looking forward to the show.

Anonymous said...

As long as I could remember I have been obsessed with the sun - now at 26 I try to sheild my face and eyes as much as possible because I am terrified of wrinkles, especially around my eyes! What is the best eye cream to use in order to keep my eyes looking young? And also to erase some wrinkles that I have now.

Thank you!!

Anonymous said...

my question is

When I go to formal or festive dress events, I apply a few false eyelashes. Sometimes, they don't come off easily, with cleanser and water and ultimately, pull a real eyelash out. What is the best way to prevent this?

what is the best way to keep skin on the feet from being dry and cracking?

Anonymous said...

At the end of the day...is there really anyway to really get rid of cellulite?

Anonymous said...

Is there any topical numbing creme I can apply before waxing?

Anonymous said...

Is there a topical numbing creme I can apply before waxing?

Anonymous said...

Should I try Botox, or is there a cream that really works to get rid of those "elevens" on my forehead?

Anonymous said...

Yep, Mary, I would love to know what you think about facial exercise programs. The best one I have come across is without doubt FlexEffect (www.flexeffect.com) and it looks pretty impressive. I would love to know what you think of these kind of workouts!

Anonymous said...

Cellulite...please do elaborate on that. Does it just come down to good ole fashion diet and exercise, and does even that work. Any information would be appreciated. Help!

Anonymous said...

I have color-treated fine hair. I can turn the ends under when I blowdry, but they're undone the next day. How can I redo without damaging my hair?

Anonymous said...

Cellulite...help! Anything you can suggest that actually might help?

Unknown said...

Hi Mary-
What product do you recommend for reducing or shrinking pores?

Anonymous said...

My skin type leans more on the dry side as opposed to being oily. In the winter I feel like my scalp suffers and tend to experience dandruff. I occassionally will use Neutrogenia T-Gel but is there another product you recommend to use on a daily basis when showering?

Anonymous said...

Wht do your pores enlarge as you age?

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary! My biggest concern is anti-aging, and I feel like the best thing to do is block your skin from sun damage. I wear sunblock every day, but some of the products that contain zinc or titanium dioxide make you look white. Is there a product you recommend or an ingredient to look for that offers maximum protection, without really making you look pasty white? Also, does a low spf number, like an 8 or 15 mean anything at all?

Anonymous said...

Hi, I have Asian eyes ( small and almond shaped). What methods are there make them look bigger?
Thanks

Anonymous said...

What is a faster way to get rid of those zits that just form a bump under your skin? Or better yet--how do ou prevent them?

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I would like to know if the hair put in by surgery in an area that I have hair loss would grow strong , or will it fall off again since the area in the front is weak?.

For man hair loss problems.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

What is the best way to avoid ingrown underarm hairs and to really get them shaved down to not show? I have the worst time with this and even pluck them out to get a cleaner look, but it's a major hassle. Is laser removal a good idea here too?

Anonymous said...

what's the best product for getting rid of dark sun spots and make skin tone more even? Or is laser resurfacing a better choice?

Anonymous said...

My upper arms are a little rough and red! No matter how much I scrub and/or moisturize, progress always (no matter the season or Relative Humidity) devolves back to ruff-n-ready...to be hidden!
Can you help me?!

(friend of the Mer)

Anonymous said...

Beauty Engineer,

Is there anything I can use on a daily basis to eliminate crow's feet and lines around the lips???

Thanks

Robin said...

Somebody already asked this question, but I REALLY want to know the answer. I also have those little rough spots, like bumps, on the back of arms. What is this from and how do I get my arms to be smooth again?

Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

How can I keep my hands looking young? I'm especially concerned about the protruding veins.

Anonymous said...

What is the best "over the counter" mousturizer? What ingredients should a good one have?

Anonymous said...

I have long, straight hair. I want a short cut, but I have round face. what types of cut would look good for my face type?

Anonymous said...

what types of hair coloring is not permanent? what should I be looking for?

Anonymous said...

what do you think of all those mineral products out there now? why are they better than liquid foundation, etc...?

Anonymous said...

does the price tag on a product correlate with results of the product? La mer versus aveeno?

Anonymous said...

how do you stop female hair loss

Anonymous said...

I have unusually long hair. It's in fairly good condition, with some splitting, but the one thing I will splurge on is high-end shampoo and conditioner, as well as leave-in spray conditioner. What do you reccomend?

Anonymous said...

I've been told about "hair plasticizing" treatments that are supposedly what gives models that shiny/strong look in commercials. What is the story on this?

Anonymous said...

>
>Hi mary!
>
>Good to see you are working on another interesting project. I have many
>questions, as I am a beauty nincompoop. Hope this helps.
>
>We keep hearing that everyone should have a red lipstick and that everyone
>can wear red. How can you choose which shade is best for your skin tone?

>Rachel

Anonymous said...

Does fat in your body have toxins in it?
How can you test for what kind of toxins are in your body?
What is best way to detoxify the body for the anti aging effects?
 
How do I get my hair to be thick and shiny?
How do I get rid wrinkles?
What about Hydration, I drink water all day long and my skin is still dry what is happening?
 
I heard Fish Oils were good for my joints and brain, what do they do for anti aging and beauty?
Is it good to put olive oil on your skin?  What about oils and essential oil combinations are there any benefits?
Do I just need Calcium and vitamin D for my bones, or are there are ways to get minerals for my bones?
 
What’s the best beauty program?
 
What about live foods, eating raw vegetable, juicing, having good healthy bowel movements, does that have anything to do with the way my face looks and the way my mind feels?  Also, having good friends, taking a vacation, and having a good healthy love relationship.  Do you think having money makes a difference in the way you can be younger in the quality of food and the chemical free products and home furnishing you live with etc.?
 
 
If you have the money and know the Doctors, Do you think that getting vitamin C I.V.s and Ozone is a good way to get
your energy back from a stressful weekend or stressful life?
 
I can’t sleep very well at night and I feel tired and have pain in the morning, what can I do?
 
80 year old women wants to know what is good for bag under the eyes?  Could hormones have anything to do with that?  Thyroid?  Kidneys?,  Being over weight?
 
What determines how young you are?  What kinds of measurements are available to tell you how old you really are?
 
Clara

Anonymous said...

hey mary!!!
i would like to know about spray tanning..i am completely obsessed with being tan all the time but have become scared of constantly being in the sun. I would like to know where in nyc gives the best spray/airbrush tan, which formulas are best and how to keep the formula from getting on clothes...and what about if i exercise at the gym a few times a week...how do i not sweat away my tan...also..what is the best way to maintain a spray tan at ALL TIMES...

p.s. how do u treat/prevent stretch marks...

Anonymous said...

what is the best cream to use for your heels. My are cracked and dry.

Anonymous said...

I second this question about stretch marks - old ones. How do you treat them?

Anonymous said...

Can you lessen the appearance of melasma and hyperpigmentation without expensive laser and light treatments? What kind of regimen/topicals might help with this?

Anonymous said...

What's the best treatment for hyperpigmentation? Are there any effective topical treatments?

Anonymous said...

are the chemicals in nailpolish really dangerous? What information is out there?

Anonymous said...

What longterm studies are there on the safety of microcurrent ,and any long term effects? How far do the currents penetrate, and does it really work?

Anonymous said...

what's the best way to get rid of an existing pimple or one that is just below the surface? leave it alone or go after them?

Anonymous said...

Every question I had has been asked. I am a school teacher, wife, and a mother. I have been trying to research much of these questions myself. I am also trying to help the gals I work with. We are all in our 40's and because makeup and skin care interest me and my face show years of using sunscreen, I do not look as old. My pals believe I know everything. I am looking forword to you doing the research instead. I am interested in what you think about fish oil (the best etc) because I do not eat fish. I am also interested in the products from Garden of Life. Does Matrix 3000 work are does argirline work? I read a lot of good stuff about these products but then I real what Paula Begoun says then I get confused. I cannot wait your wisdom and magical show to happen.
Thanks,
Stephanie

Anonymous said...

When I wear eyeliner on my bottom lid, it never stays in place. I can get it to look good when I put it on, but it inevitably migrates down, smears, gets stuck in the tiny crease I have under my eye - and it looks aweful. Is there a way to avoid this and still wear eyeliner?

eyelashextensions by lavish lashes said...

I hear so many different opinions of whether eyelash extensions are worth the cost of getting done. There seems to be two opinions. Fantastic or Never ever. I would like to know why so many people have such different experiences with their results.

Anonymous said...

I hate my freckles. They were cute when I was little but they're annoying now.I know there are laser procedures to remove them.What is the cost(approximately), and what are the risks(or are there any)?

Anonymous said...

I lost a lot of weight and now instead of looking prettier i look awful. My face looks like a fifty year old and Im only 35.I don't have money for a face lift.What do I do?

Anonymous said...

I tried everything for my undereye bags.Its a dominant gene-my dad, and mom, as well as my bro, and my twin have serious bags. NOTHING HELPS.I tried the most expensive creams, frozen cuke slices,even going on a crazy liquid detox diet, but ended up fainting and still had the bags. Concealers are a temporary fix. I saved money for surgery. Is there anything--one last thing--I can do before?

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I've lost a lot of weight a few years back. Since then I've developed dark circles under my eyes. Is there any way to treat dark circles short of covering them up with concealer. I find it always looks worse when I cover them. Help!

Anonymous said...

There are so many types of sun screens available. What is the difference between them all? Are certain brands better than others? Should people use different types for their face vs. body? Is there a recommended number for good protection? Is there a number at which the protection is "maxed out?"

Anonymous said...

When I reached the age of about 44/45 all of a sudden the skin below my eyes dropped or sagged...it happens to us all, it's the first tell tale sign that you are older. I have NEVER seen or heard of a 'fix' for this apart from plastic surgery. Even make-up cannot hide this. Help!!!

Anonymous said...

As one ages (50's,) make up does not look good anymore......sort of makes one look like a corpse, I sometimes feel/look better without it. I would like to wear eye liner, blush, etc., but feel like it looks horrible. Any help?

Anonymous said...

How do I get that radiant natural bronze look???

Anonymous said...

I have deep set, fierce eyes. I think my eyes tend to look angry as a result. Sometimes I think a forehead lift would do the trick, but I don't have a problem with forehead wrinkles or excess skin. Can you recommend an eye makeup design that I can wear on a daily basis to make my eyes appear softer? I am 45, blue eyes, strawberry blond hair, and have a pale complexion. My brows are naturally thin (I have to fill in in places) but have good arches.

Anonymous said...

Help! What can I do to stop biting my nails?

Anonymous said...

How can I tell what skin type I have?

Anonymous said...

How can I firm Up my flabby inner thighs? I know this is beauty show blog,but a huge part of beauty is taking care of our bodies,& after having my son, whom I love so much, yet let myself go and ate for THREE,i have flab all over, but especially in my inner thighs, as my family has horrible thighs that run in our genes. What do I do? I can't afford liposuction,& i tried creams that didnt work. Please address this question. Thank You.

Anonymous said...

What do I do about all this dandruff? I never had a dandruff problem and suddenly I have so much of it, and it's annoying as well as embarrassing!

Anonymous said...

Since I was a teenager I had extreme problems sweating. This problem exacerbated as time went on, and I am ashamed to say I had to wear underarm shields which would be soaked through and through.Now,I have had enough friends coax me into getting Botox injections in my underarms.Is it safe? Where will the toxins be released if I do this?

Very ashamed but in need of advice,

Anon

Anonymous said...

How can I make my teeth look whiter?

Anonymous said...

I have hair growing between my breasts,and Its so emabarrassing.Is this normal?What do I do about it?

Anonymous said...

My eyes are close together, and Im self conscious about it.I know I cant have plastic surgery 2 change it but is there a way to make it look better with makeup trix?

Anonymous said...

I had braces as a kid and now i have been seeing that my teeth seem to be more and more the way they were BEFORE i had my braces--in MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What do I do? I heard those clear braces are really expensive, and I know my insurance is bad and i dont have dental, and what are my options, and Im far from rich, and cant go around being called "MetalMouth" with rubberbands at 27. PLease please talk about this on Beauty Two Twelve.

Anonymous said...

I have horrible halitosis.It has ruined every relationship I have had.I dont believe in modern medicine.I am vegan,and holistic medicine is the way I believe we were meant to treat what ails us.Unfortunaltey,it hasn't helped and I am 38, single,and whats worse is that this terrible bad breath runs in my family.I don't eat foods that cause bad breath and brush and floss.What could be the matter?

Anonymous said...

I am losing hair and Im a girl! I have a bald spot,so i tease my hair with hairspray to cover it.What do i do--this is a guy prob!

Anonymous said...

How can I remove my beauty marks safely?

Anonymous said...

Cellulite makes me look ugly.My mother has it,my sister doesn't!!!but my grandmadoes,&i have the curse2.I've tried workout DVDs,barely eating,&even using a rolling pin on my thighs because my friend told me it worked.(It didn't).WHAT WORKS?What are my options?I am ready to stop fighting& take out a loan for lipo.Please have someone answer me.

Anonymous said...

My African American hair is unmanageable but after straightening it,using chemicals and everything,its burnt and ugly. What do i do?