HolidayHoliday Gift Guide Gift Guide Attention Aspiring Superstars! Do you have what it takes to be the next big model, actor,or singer or dancer? Here is your chance - prove it! Who: iPop—International Presentation of Performers Convention What: Audition for a chance to perform in Hollywood in front of over 150 top agents, producers and casting directors, and meet a cast member from the hit TV show XOXO "Hannah Montana!" 901.452.6905 · 3536 WALKER AVE Where: John Robert Powers, 5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 119, Memphis, TN 38137 crazybeautifulclothing.com When: Saturday, October 11, 2008 *Call 1.888.338.STAR (7827) now to reserve your time! What to Bring: • A parent or legal guardian if you're under the age of 18 • A non-returnable photograph • Singers: Prepare a song to perform a cappella • Dancers: Prepare 30 seconds to one minute of choreography to perform See You There!

Join the Junior League of Memphis in Deleting Online Predators! Calling all 7th and 8th graders to have fun at the Merry Monster Mash at the Agricenter go to International on Thursday, October 30 from 6-8 pm. Snacks,452.5121 beverages andor a cool favor will be included with your ticket. You can also register to win fantastic prizes, including a guitar autographed by Taylor Swift. to purchase yourMerry tickets today! Monster Mash There are a limited number of tickets available so callThursday, October 30 www.merrymarketplace.com 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Agricenter International $20 per person

Moms, drop off your tween at the “Merry Monster Mash” and join us for an evening of cocktails and shopping at our Girls Night Out event, “Tapas for TAPA.” Browse leisurely through all the hottest and hippest finds or stop by one of our spa stations for a little bit of “me” time. It’s an evening you both can enjoy!

2 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com What’s Inside... STAFF Editor/Publisher Letter from the Editor/Shout-Outs! ...... 3 KAREN LEHMAN ALABASTER Macy’s Teen Board...... 4 October M-Teen’sM-Teen’s Stellar Star...... 5 Assistant Editor Teens About Town...... 6 HEATHER HOLMES YoungMind - Da Star of Da City...... 7 Editorial Assistant Nutrition/The Chatterbox...... 8 NATALIE HIGDON at Best of Beauty...... 9 Assistant Photographers Miss Cordova Pageant ...... 10-11 EMILY SIEGLER Ella David Salon Makeover...... 12 Justine Model Search...... 13 Contributors DR. KARIN GUBIN, LESLIE SHILLING, IRIS Christyn’s Sweet 16 Party ...... 14-15 MOSAH, PAULA BEGOUN, TRAN BUI Shop For A Cause...... 16 R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly...... 17Ghostly...... 17 Creative Services This issue of M-Teen is brimming over with new and exciting BRAD BOUTWELL Gadgets Galore!………...... 18 MARIA CALVO features! Accidentally Fabulous...... 19 CARLOS SUAREZ Paula’s Skincare………… ...... 20 Fashionistas: Crazy Beautiful……… ...... 21 M-Teen “Tag Team” Heather organized two fabulous makeovers with stylists at Ella JASON ALABASTER David Salon, reviewed the latest gadgets in "Gadgets Galore" M-Teen Faves...... 22 BEN ORGEL LOGAN SCHEIDT and announced the launch of our first-ever book club, The Chick Lit Clique. Account Executives Advertising Sales

M-Teen staffers covered the Miss Cordova Pageant, Macy's DEBBIE HOSHALL Teen Board Fashion Show, Justine Magazine Model Search I what to give a shout-out [email protected] and Christyn's Sweet 16 Party. to my all my gurlz from NIKKI STACKS Wilby [email protected] high school in waterbury We are also proud to announce a new monthly feature, Shanequia M-Teen's Stellar Star, sponsored by Southeast Urology Network, which will regularly highlight the accomplishments i wanna say hey to my of a local talented teen. friend recee. ur the best! alicia S. One of my favorite quotes comes from this month's "Stellar Star," Brittany Flaherty. When asked, "What has been your Hey everyone! Visit my biggest career accomplishment so far?" Brittany answered, "I Drew Seeley site at would have to say my biggest accomplishment is having so www.drewseeleyfans.blogspot.com many opportunities to perform and grow as an artist. Having a Lila trophy or a title doesn't matter. You will get what you deserve if you put hard work and determination into your craft." Hall a' Ween Extravaganza Love it, Brittany.....you go! Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 8:30pm PERFORMANCE BY M1Militia BEST COSTUME PRIZES!

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The Intern Diaries M-TEEN BACK ISSUES-LIMITED AAVAILABILITYVAILABILITY Meet M-Teen's newest intern, Rhodes College freshman Elle Linebarier! Elle will be dishing on allll of MAILING FEE $5.00 PER COPY her latest thoughts, experiences and advice in each issue. Stay tuned for next month's installment!nt! The days are getting shorter, the teachers are getting harder and football is in full swing...this couldould SUBSCRIPTION BY REQUEST only mean one thing--FALL IS OFFICIALLY HERE! I can still remember planning "spirited" outfits for $36.00 every football game, making weekend plans on Monday morning and spending countless hours CALL 901-751-2100 "studying" during my free periods last year and (hard to believe) I kind of miss those days! I am now a freshman in college and it is tough work! Don't get me wrong, it is just what I expected,ted, ADVERTISING INFORMATION but the hours I used to spend socializing, shopping and hanging out are now spent in the library of all 901-751-2100 places! Although my time is now consumed in a place that I have come to call the 'Lib,' I am still ableable [email protected] to find time to go out and enjoy the adventures of college life. I, like all of my fellow freshman classmates, am furiously trying to adapt to this new lifestyle of no sleep, constant work and sevenen MENDELSON & ASSOCIATES day weekends, which the upper classmen are miraculously able to juggle. I seriously have no clueue 995 S. YATES ROAD how they do it! This Friday is our first home football game, and I look forward to attending and SUITE 3 experiencing my first official athletic event as a college student. MEMPHIS, TN 38119 For those of you who are new to high school or just about to graduate, I urge you to make the most of 901-751-2100 your time spent there, because you will never be able to experience anything remotely close to itt WWW.M-TEEN.COM again. As you all know, college does in fact entail more freedom, but always remember that with more freedom comes more responsibility! Have a wonderful year and a fabulous FALL BREAK!

By Elle Linebarier www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 3 4 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com S outheast U rology N etwork presents

By Heather Holmes

This standout singing, tell you what you can or cannot do. Only you can dancing and acting "triple determine what you're capable of doing. threat" teen has stardom written all over her. M-Teen caught up What has been your biggest career with the ultra-busy starlet-in- accomplishment so far? training to get the scoop on I would have to say my biggest accomplishment is what it's like to really have having so many opportunities to perform and grow as what it takes. an artist. Having a trophy or a title doesn't matter. You will get what you deserve if you put hard work and How long have you been a triple threat? determination into your craft. I have been dancing for 14 years, singing for 10 years, and I've been receiving acting training within the last Describe yourself in three words. five years. Strong, driven and anxious!

Wow! So which talent is your fave? What is the most important thing to remember Honestly, I can not pick just one! Combining singing, when you're trying to make it big? dancing and acting into one show is what makes me Learning to understand that when situations don't turn feel complete. out the way you want, you have to accept it and move on. Follow your instincts, don't try to please others. You If you could pick one all-time "dream role," know what's best for yourself. If you really want what would it be? something, put your soul in it. Don't expect to get One of my dream roles is to play Charity in "Sweet handed a job without hard work. But overall, be Charity." Gwen Verdon originally played the part of professional and stay humble. You want to be easy to Charity when it opened on Broadway in 1966. Gwen work with, because nobody enjoys working with a "diva. Verdon is an outstanding performer! How do you just relax and chill? Let's talk role models: which celebrity do you I love to hang out with my friends, and have fun. I try admire most? to make down time for myself to relax, or else I get My favorite celebrity is Madonna. She is an amazing very stressed & cranky. performer, and she's lasted years, without fail, in the entertainment Industry. For someone to last that long, they must have a thick skin.

What advice do you have for teens hoping to follow in your fame-bound footsteps? My advice would be to stay strong, and learn to handle criticism in a professional manner. Learn to block out comparing yourself to others, because it can psych you out. Focus on yourself and improving your craft. But most importantly, do not let anyanyone bring you down, or

M-Teen's Stellar Star is sponsored by Southeast Urology Network

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East Office - Memphis, TN Southaven, MS Tel: 901.527.7100 Tel: 662.349.2220 www.southeasturology.com www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 5 6 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 7 Am I Really Hungry? By Leslie Schilling Do you ever wonder if you're really hungry for something or if it is just a craving? Some people have no problem eating when they're hungry and stopping once they feel full. Others might see a cookie and the battle begins…. "Am I hungry? Or am I talking myself into being hungry?" In times of stress, sadness, happiness and even boredom, we can reach for food to fill a void, celebrate, or as a temporary distraction from whatever is stressing us out. If that sounds like you, you may have experienced emotional or mindless eating. If you find yourself having a hard time determining true hunger, here are a few tips. When you are physically hungry, you will likely experience a growling stomach or other subtle hunger cues. This usually takes place 3-4 hours after a meal, and can go away after eating a small snack. When we fall into emotional or mindless eating, we may Leslie P have a sudden and strong craving for something in particular, such as something Schilling, MA, really salty or loaded with sugar. The craving may happen when even if you are RD, LDN, CSCS full or satisfied from a previous meal or snack. After eating the particular food, Nutrition Counselor & Consultant, Schilling the craving or "feeling" that initiated the craving is likely to still be present. Nutrition Therapy, LLC These tools may help you identify times of true hunger. However, keep in mind that giving in to a certain craving once in a while won't hurt you. If 740 E Brookhaven Circle you really crave a certain favorite food, have it when you have deter- Memphis, TN 38117 WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE mined that you are actually physically hungry. Remember that all foods Phone: 901-628-8102 ABOUT NUTRITION? JUST EMAIL LESLIE! [email protected] Fax: 901-761-5933 fit in moderation! E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.schillingnutrition.com

"THE CHATTERBOX" WANTS TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS! SEND YOUR EMAILS TO: [email protected] By: Iris Mosah 15-Years-Old “Out-of-Control” Ridgeway High School

Your teenage years are supposed to be the most fun, memorable years of your "It's okay for teens to party all they want as life...True or false? I think we would all like long it doesn't affect school or family and to agree that it is true! But when are you such," said 15-year-old Veronica. having a little too much fun? When does Veronica's statement could be pertinent, your "fun" cross the line? Are you to the except for the fact that sometimes it is so point of being "out of control?" easy to get enraptured in your constant The dictionary defines "fun" as "causing "partying," you may not realize how serious amusement or mirth." When you were a your behavior has become. 16-year-old toddler, fun consisted of watching "Barney" Caroline feels that as long as you give your- and drinking apple juice. When you were self limits and keep things fun and casual, five, it was building Lego castles and you don't have to worry about things getting plenty of sleep during naptime. getting out of hand. "My friends and I don't Now, these things can no longer suffice, so even really party. We actually hang out we look to more media-savvy entertain- more than we party. I guess we're really ment, like TV, computer and movies--not to innocent. There are other things for teens mention our favorite technological to do. They don't have to be so extreme." device...the cell phone. We feel a constant Speaking personally, I know several teens need to communicate with our friends and who have had their lives impacted in a enjoy going out with them. Most of the negative way by drugs, sex, or alcohol. time, all is well until things like drugs, sex Some realize it---some don't. Some effects and alcohol become involved. may not make themselves visible until later in life. Whatever the case---party hard, regret it later.

8 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com Best of

October : By Heather Holmes

PrescriptivesPrescriptives FaFallll DDimensionsimennsions Eye Color Quad $45,5, prescriptives.com Once again, M-Teen's Team Beauty had "These slightlyyy shimmery colors look so the tough task of sorting through sumptuous!" dozens of drool-worthy blushes, shadows, bronzers, mascaras and glosses galore to dish about which pretty products they “Team Beauty” Alexandra Yawn, 17, St. Mary's, just couldn't live without. Glenna Lusk, 16, Briarcrest, Robyne Medlin, 16, SBEC

MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour $20, maccosmetics.com

"Two colors on this double-ended, smudge- MaybellineM The Colossal Volum' proof gloss let you Express mascara $6, SmashboxSmS Wicked customize your lip look." drugstores LoLLovely Duo $24, "The thin bristles help the smashbox.com mascaram glide onto your lashes easily and evenly." "I lloveove ththee dual shades—theseshades— are More M-Teen Picks: perfect for blending and layeringring for a Be Scent-sational! more subtle smoky eye."e." Just one whiff of these fabulous fragrancesg will have you hooked.

For the royal treatment: Vera Wang Princess $42 and up, verawangprincess.com/us

Jillian Dempsey for For your fierce AVON Retro $10, inner-flower child: Bath & Body Works Daisy Marc Jacobs $72, shop.avon.com daisymarcjacobs.com Liplicious Double Kiss gloss $7, "I love the flirty pink shade and the intricate bathandbodyworks.com pattern—so pretty!" For the hopeless "This gloss combines romantic: playful shimmer and a Happy Heart $38.50 & up, punch of color all in clinique.com one." www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 9 10 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com Jane Ross PERSONALIZED TUTORING Nextxt PPSATSAT

901-795-7377 on : OCTOBER 44 Sessisions Check out our really cool NEW website. You can Nextext AACTCT HeHelpp SessiSes Nextt ACTACT Workshops: REGISTER with the click of a button using PAYPAL! Workshops:orkshop OCT. 2020 -23-23 op NEW ->->janerosstutoring.comja OCT. 1818 && 1919 Workshopsh OCT.O 28 - 30 Call us forfor PRIVATEPRIVATE NextN TUTORING! t CELEBRATINGACTCT - JJUNEUNE. 2 OORR 30 3 YEARS OF HELPING STUDENTS!!! www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 11 12 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 13 14 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 15 Pantene Pro-V Shopping for a Cause Beautiful Lengths collection $5 each, October is National Breast Cancer drugstores Awareness Month, so what better way This silky, strand-saving to show your support than by picking formula donates a portion of products that give back? Each of these the proceeds to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a program finds donates a percentage of the that creates real hair wigs for profit to worthy organizations women battling cancer. dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with the disease.

By Heather Holmes Pocket Brush Set DVDs for the Cure $15, in Metallic Pink $15, stores nationwide sephora.com

Pop in one of these feel-good flicks and do your Keep your entire slew of part to fight breast cancer at the same time! 50 beauty tools organized in this cents from the sale of each specially-marked cute, compact kit. $1 from the DVD (there are 15 titles this year!) will be sale of each travel-sized set donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be donated to The Breast on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Cancer Research Foundation. Home Entertainment.

Master Lock pink padlock $5.49, amazon.com

Keep your valuables under lock andd key (literally!) with this pretty pink lockk from Philosophy Master Lock, who is doing their partrt bbyy "Shower for the Cure" $20, donating $10,000 to the Breast Cancerncer philosophy.com Research Foundation. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Tess this luxe body quencher go directly to the Women's Cancer Research Fund. "Write For a Cure" Contest Have you or someone special to you been affected by breast cancer? Or do you just feel passionate about finding a cure for the disease? If so, we wanna hear your story. Send your typed, double-spaced essay (500 words or less) to [email protected]. The most inspiring essay will be published in an upcoming issue of M-Teen Magazine , plus the winner will receive a slew of super-cool prizes from TESS! Log on m-teen.com for more details.

C.O. Bigeloww CCancerancer ViVixenxen KiKitt $2$29.50,9 50 bathandbodyworks.com Race For The Cure C. O. Bigelow is donating $250,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in addition Artist: Lori Cook to providing this decadent kit, which contains goodies like lemon-scented body creams Honoring and washes, pink mint , and moisture-packed hand and foot creams. Germantown Charity Horse Show's 60th Anniversary

16 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 17 Cellular South Blackberry Curve 8330 about $200, cellularsouth.com Everyone wants to get their hands on one of the incredibly popular Blackberry Curves! Cellular South has uppedpp the "it"it factor of a varietyvariety of their phones by adding new Pic Sender technology to the mix, which allows you to automaticallymatically save each photo yoyouu take to your personalpersonnal computer, email and fave online albums.

Panasonic LUMIX FS3 $180, panasonic.com This chic, compacompact camera comes in an array of hues and packs a ton of great features. In addition to the 8.1 megapixels, it hahas special Face Detectiontection technology tthatha detects up to 15 faces anywhere in the frameme and automatically adjadjusts to the best settingsttings to make your pipicsc come out perfectly clear.

T-MobiT-Mobile Nokia 5310 XpressMusicessMusic phphone,one, t-mt-mobile.como If you're addicted to listeningng to your favorite mmusicu at all times, then this cell is for you—it featuresures up to 20 hours of playback. ItIt's s almost hard to believe that so much tune-ageage could be packed into one super-slim phone, but this is onee ggadgetadgeett thatttisdefin is definitdefinitelyittely worth the doughdough. Want more? It also has a built-in digital camera and a 2-inch display screen.

Casio ELIXIM EXEX-S10 $250, casiousa.com For such a smallsmall, thin digital camera that you could easily tote in your pocket, this model sure scoresores a lot of points! With 10.1 megapmegapixels, a crystal-clearal-clear LCD and a supsuper-wide range of view, you'll feel like a professionalsional photogphotographergrapherg aphe in no time.

Pure Digital Flip Minoo $180, theflip.com Calling all future filmmakers!akers! You need to chcheck out Pure Digital's smallest, sleekest camcorder.amcorder. The MinoMino'sino'sino s built-in flash memomemoryry can hold uppto60 to 60 minutes of high-quality video,id and d can start recording in only three seconds. Now that'ss movie-makingovie-making in a flash!

Canon PowerShot SD1100 $250, cusa.canon.com TThiss ssuper-sweetuper-sweet camercameraa boasts 8.0 megapixels, ISO settings to reduce youry risk of snappingpingg blurry imimages,es, and comes in a tontonn of fun colors witwith names likee "Pink Melody", "Boh"Bohemian BrownBrown" andnd "R"RhythmRhRhythmR ythm anand Blue!"

Polaroid PoPoGooGo $$150, www.bestbwww.bestbuy.com In a size slimm enough to fit perfeperfectly inn your pants pocket, thisth innovative,e, on-the-go digital phphotohoto printprintereer produces your favorite snapshots as stickers! Weighingeighing in at only eight eigh ounces,ces, the lightweight PoGoPo prints full-colorl-color pics wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabledetooth-enabled cell phone cameras and digital cameras. We have a feeling you'llll definitely be "stuck" ono the PoGo!

Olympus Stylus 1050 SW $300, olympusamerica.com Talk about a tough, multitasking camera! This snazzy little snapper is freeze-proof, water-proof, and shock-proof. Plus, insteadd of just featuring your run of the mill touch screen, this device's special *Log on to www.m-teen.com and enter Tap Control feature makes it sensitive to touch all over, so yyouou can to win a $500 gift card from Cellular South! access the controls in a snap. And if you're prone to droppingropping things, don't worry—the Stylus can handle up to five foot drops to See the ad on page 22! the ground!

18 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com Tell us how you became involved in the wonderfulrfulful world of writinwritingwriting. I actually started out working as a Fashion Forecastingcasting Editor on Seventh Avenue in New York City. My job meant beingingng responsibresponsible for writingriting a whowhole lot of things, so I sort of didn't even realizeize that I was becoming a writer. From there, I wound up working in thee entertainmententert industry, readingngng material for Robert DeNiro. This was around the time he decided he wanted to develop and work on his own materialm rather than being an actor for hire. Then, a friend of minee came to me with an idea for a motiontion picture, so we worked on it togetherer and signed a movie deal with a production company. With all of theseese exexpexperiences, I began to developop ideas and a backstory for these characters—andracters— the rest is history!y!!

Do you share any personality similaritiesarities with youry characters?haracters?aracters? Imogene is besotted is obsessed with anythingnythingything fashion-y—I was lilikeke that when the September Vogue hit my doorstep! I live vicariously thrthrothrough my characters, because I'm really a mom living in the suburbs.

Working with so many celebs must be amazing. Do you ever feel star struck? I have met a lot of people, but I think it is on a different level. You get sort of jaded when you are working in the entertainment industry, and you learn fast. It is really hard work in a fast-paced environment with people relying on you to do a good job. You start to realize that celebrities are really just humans. However, I'm definitely in awe of talent.

Do you have any writing rituals? I'm not crazy or kooky, but I'm a disciplined writer. I will wake up early (I'm more inspired and fresh in the morning) and read everything. I read the gossip magazines, too—they are my guilty pleasure! I'm usually blasting my music really loud in my earphones—it gets me psyched. Then, I turn off everything, sit at my computer, and write.

What about writer's block? Visit It can be scary looking at a blank computer screen. You're thinking, "What do I write?" "What's the best M-teen.com scene?" There are so many choices when you are a writer. So I get stumped sometimes, but not really writer's block. There is so much for [my characters] to say and do, so I try to get into their heads and get it to win this all out. book!! What is the most interesting feedback/review you have received? I take reviews with a grain of salt. What really gets to me is reader feedback. I have a reader site, and I love it when I get responses like "My best friend and I are just like Evie and Introducing… Imogene." One girl told me that after reading my books, her and her best friend started M-Teen Magazine's their own design company! As a writer, you put yourself out there for bad and good reviews, but The Chick Lit Clique when your stories make someone take a positive step in their lives, that is amazing! Do you love curling up with a good book and letting the outside world float away? We're not talking about gossip What advice do you have for aspiring teen writers? mags—if you like to devour the latest riveting reads, The There are so many amazing teen writers out there who don't even know how great they are. My advice is to follow your heart and follow your passion. Always carry a journal—if something pops into your head, Chick Lit Clique is calling your name. As a member of the Chick pull out your journal and write it down, even if you don't know where it is going to go or how everything is Lit Clique, you'll receive the newest books hot-off-the-presses going to come together yet. Just keep a journal and go to it often. Who knows? An event in your life, a to read cover-to-cover and dish about at monthly meetings. discussion with a girlfriend, a piece of gossip—it could end up becoming your first book. Wish you could ask your favorite author all your burning Have you started working on your next book yet? literary questions? Now is your chance! There are a couple of ideas I have, and I am just now writing a synopsis for each of them. They are both Email [email protected] to sign up. competing with themselves, so whichever one shows itself first is the one I am going with! Must be a Memphis-area female between the ages of 12-19 to become a member.

An Olympic gold medalist is lacing up her running shoes to be a GIRLSGIRLS INC. ““bold and strong hero” for girls of the Mid-South. Memphian and MMelrose High School graduate Rochelle Stevens is making a special aappearance at the 2nd annual BASH Dash 5K Run to benefit Girls IInc. BASH Open to walkers, runners and families. The cost is $16 per person ini advance or $20 on the day of the race. Families can sign up for $30.$ It’s a $1 off for Memphis Runners Track Club members. DASH To register, call 523-0217 or check out girlsincmemphis.org For more information: Saturday, October 18 Matt Hikade Lynn Beegle 481-0273 322 6742 Tobey Park - 9 a.m. [email protected] [email protected]

www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 19 Dear Paula, Every time I look in the mirror I see more and more tiny black dots on my nose and cheek. They’re really gross and they won’t wash off no matter what I try. My friend told me these dots are called blackheads, which sounds totally disgusting. How do I get rid of these blackheads, and fast?

Justine, via email 1. Gentle, water-soluble (and avoiding bar soap). The ingredients that keep bar soap in its bar Dear Justine, form can clog pores, and irritation can cause skin cells to flake off before they’re ready and accumulate in the You’re right, blackheads are gross, but they’re also pore. It’s actually getting harder and harder to find a something most teens (and many adults) experience that isn’t gentle. Be careful of cleansers that as part of the way your pores and oil glands function. are too emollient and leave a greasy film on the skin, I understand the frustration of battling blackheads. which can cause further problems. Simply put, blackheads make skin look mottled and 2. Gentle exfoliants that can both remove the excess unclean. The truth about blackheads (usually accom- skin cells on the surface of the face (so they don’t panied by oily skin) is hard to accept. What is the build up in the pore) and exfoliate inside the pore (to truth? The truth is they are just hard to get rid of. It is improve the shape of the pore, allowing a more even hard to win the battle against clogged pores! flow of oil through it). Exfoliation is essential for both PAULA’S PICK! However, because there are only a handful of options dry and oily skin when you are trying to eliminate for dealing with this annoying skin malady, it’s blackheads. The only difference is that someone with relatively simple to explain. dry skin will want an exfoliant that has a more moisturizing base. The best option for exfoliating skin Pores that are functioning normally produce a normal both within the pore and on the surface of the skin is Paula’s Choice amount of sebum (oil) and easily distribute the oil to a salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid—BHA) , gel, or Exfoliating 2% the surface of skin. Hormones, almost exclusively, liquid. Salicylic acid can penetrate the pore to help Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid regulate the amount of sebum production. When a improve the shape of the pore lining, allowing an normal amount of oil is produced it moves effortlessly •Skin looks and feels smooth, soft, and unobstructed path of oil flow. even-tonedeven-toned through the pore and out onto the surface of skin, 3. Absorbing excess oil. This step is more for those wwithith ExfoliatesExfoliates both the skin's surface where it melts into an imperceptible film that forms a oily skin. For those with oily skin, clay masks are an • protective barrier over the face. anandd insiinsidede the pore lining with a 2% option as long as they don’t contain other ingredientsnts cconcentrationoncentra of salicylic acid (BHA) that are irritating . The handful of sili-cone-basedsed and a pHpH range of 3.2-3.6 Hormones (which surge during the teen years) can oil-absorbing products meant to be worn underder cause too much oil to be produced, or skin cells can makeup, fromcompanies like Smashbox and Clinique,ue, • WateWater-based,r non-occlusive gel block the exit path of the oil, or, when you have pores are worth a try too. formula is quickly absorbed by the that are malformed, the oil in the pore can get 4. Improving cell production can help the poreore skinskin clogged and then blackheads form. Making these function more normally. Effective considerationsons • SalicylicSalicy acid has natural conditions even worse is the buildup in the pore of for all skin types are tretinoins (Retin-A, Tazorac,rac, anti-inflammatoryanti-infla (soothing) and skin-care or makeup products—mixed in with skin Avita,Renova), Differin, and azelaic acid. These can bebe antibacantibacterialt properties cells, they can get trapped in the sticky sebum sitting used by themselves or with •MayMay bbe worn under makeup, in the pore. When sebum and skin cells sit in a pore a BHA product. Research has definitely establishedhed sunscreen,sunscree , or specialty that is not covered over by skin, they are exposed to that Retin-A, Renova, and Differin have positivetive pproductroduct air, which causes the sebum and skin cells to oxidize effects on how pores function, and these productsucts •ExcellentExcell for all skin types, and turn black. should be considered for very stubborn cases or whenhen especiallyespecial normal to oily skin with blackheads are accompanied by breakouts. stustubbornbborn blemishes and black- What’s behind all this is primarily a genetic predisposi- heads tion accompanied by the right conditions (mentioned Blackheads can be made to seem less noticeable withwith •100%100% fragrance- and colorant- above) randomly occurring in any one of the pore strips, but only when the instructions on the bboxox freefree thousands of pores we have on our face. Not to are followed exactly and they are not overused. Poreore mention unknown reactions to the over 50,000 strips do not affect pore function. CheckChec it out! cosmetic ingredients we may come in contact with For all skin types, AHA peels, microdermabrasion, aandnd from products we use. Log on m-tm-teen.com and click Faves for laser resurfacing can significantly affect the appear-ear- Paula’sPaula’s ChChoiceo link ance of blackheads; however, they don’t necessarilyrily To clear up the confusion, the following is my best improve pore functioning (it depends on the depthh ooff solution to minimize blackheads, because with some the treatment); rather, they temporarily get rid of tthehe effort they can be reduced, and, depending on how surface problem, making your skin look better. your skin reacts, maybe even be reduced a lot. Other than avoiding products that are too emollient Topical disinfectants (such as benzoyl peroxide) oror (meaning thick or greasy creams) and not using topical antibiotics available by prescription are when you don’t need them, there are unwarranted and would be wasted in the treatment really only four essentials for dealing with blackheads: of blackheads and milia because bacteria are not involved in these conditions.

20 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 21 Get your hands on every one of these tempting treats! By Heather Holmes For Girls: 1 Sugar leopard boots $60, sugarshoes.com for stores 1 These boots were made for walkin'… right into our closet! Step on out in this fun and funky leopard print pair.

2 Oakley "Ravishing" in Crystal Pink sunglasses, $160 and up, oakleywomen.com It may not be summertime anymore, but the sun can still cause some major drama to your pretty little peepers. Whether you're hitting the snowy slopes or driving to school, cover your eyes in style with these glamorous shades.

3 Petal Pouch $24, lildarlins.org 2 Avoid a potentially embarrassing moment and keep your private feminine products tucked away discreetly in this adorable bag, which also comes in an array of precious prints and fabrics.

4 Swoozie's photo album $14.95, swoozies.com What better way to showcase your fave shots of you and your crew than in a cute, colorful photo album? Snap up this pretty picture-holder and keep your memories stashed in style. And for only $1.95, you can mix and match monogrammed buttons for a personal touch. For Guys: 3 5 AXE Dry Sharp Focus deodorant $5, drugstores Don't sweat the small stuff! This odor and wetness-fighting formula will keep you dry all day long.

6 EA Sports "FIFA Soccer 09" for Xbox 360 $60, gamestop.com Live out all of your soccer-field fantasies from the comfort of your couch with the ultimate futbol fan's favorite game. For Both: 4 7 Crest Whitestrips Premium $35, drugstores Your dazzling smile will be so brilliant from these miracle-working whiteners after only 10 days, you'll look like you've spent a fortune on a priceyy professional treatment.

Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System $32.50, clinique.com 5 8 Acne is no fun for anyone—so get rid of it! Clear up your complexion with this easy-to-use, powerful system will polish your skin and let you finally put your best face forward.

"Juno" cheeseburger phone $26, fredflare.com 9 It may not be high-tech, but it sure is a conversation starter! Thisis funny phone is a replica of the infamous one used byby 6 actress Ellen Page in the flick Juno.

8

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22 OCTOBER ‘08 www.m-teen.com www.m-teen.com OCTOBER ‘08 23