CHERRY CREEK FASHION — Stef In The City: Glowing From The Inside Out

Stef in the City is a monthly column by Stefanie Jones. Stefanie moved from London to be a co-host of the nationally syndicated TV show Daily Blast Live which films in Denver. Starting in 2012, Stefanie was the host of Fashion One Television, an international channel focusing on beauty, glamour, style, luxury, and viewed in more than 120 countries worldwide. A regular correspondent for international fashion weeks and at red carpet events around the world, Stefanie used her VIP access to report on some of the industry’s most exclusive parties. She has interviewed fashion’s most well-known insiders, including Anna Wintour. Every issue, Stef will share her fashion and beauty insider tips with our readers. In this issue, Stef talks about Glowing From The Inside Out.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC ANGUIANO

Darlings, how can it possibly be August already? The bikini body that we originally set our sights on for 2020 well, safe to say has gone out of the window … however, the world is slowly coming back to life and it is time to get ourselves whipped back into shape. Now, you all know I love the magic of makeup as much as anyone, but I’m also a fierce fan of taking care of yourself from the inside - out to ensure you are truly glowing and it’s not all down to that cute highlighter from Sephora.

I cannot emphasize enough how the right diet and skincare products are imperative to feel truly good, with the current climate taking care of your health and self-care has NEVER been so important. It is super easy to forget to take care good care of our bodies, so, this month, I’ve listed my tried and tested ways to make you not only feel like a million dollars but to actually look it too.

Step One To Being A Glowing Goddess: The Cleanse from Clean Juice Cherry Creek

I’ve been a lover of Clean Juice here in Cherry Creek for quite some time now. I adore their delicious smoothies post gym work out to fuel my body and satisfy cravings but I wanted to take it a step further with a 3 day cleanse.

I’ll be upfront - a juice cleanse is simply not going to be for everyone and that is a-okay! Cleansing can assist in weight loss, however, this shouldn’t be your main goal - it re-sets the body and fills you up with countless nutrients and vitamins that simply would be impossible to consume otherwise. Drinking these delicious juices allows the body to rid itself of toxin build-up from our usual foods and environment. No amount of creams or serums will ever have a huge effect in such a short period of time that drinking the following will. Was this a walk in the park - hell no! But…by the third day, I saw a major difference in the look and feel of my skin. The reason I chose to cleanse with Clean Juice is that everything there is organic and created using a cold press. This means, that none of the nutrients are sacrificed in the juicing process… think about it, if you’re cleaning your body, you want clean fuel.

What you need to know: You drink 6 specific organic cold-pressed juices in a specific order each day. You can have as much water as you want. I’m British and would die without my tea - you can have this as long as it doesn’t have any additives (milk, sugar, etc) the same goes for coffee. Apart from that - you’re flying solo Darlings.

The order of the Clean Juice juices through the cleanse each day is:

1 - Wake up with Sweet Green – contains Kale, Spinach, Cucumber, Apple, Mint. Possible benefits - huge vitamin boost, sharp brain, glowing skin, regulates pH. This is the perfect drink to start your morning. You definitely taste the greens but the apple adds sweetness, and the mint gives you a great morning pick-me-up. I’ll be real, I get a little turned off by anything too green (If that’s even a thing) but waking up to this genuinely is a walk in the park.

2 - Orange – contains Orange, Carrot, Pineapple, Turmeric. Possible benefits - cold and flu protection, happy digestive track, joint and bone pain relief, reduced inflammation. This is my third favorite juice in the pack. The fruit's sweetness balances out the carrot taste. Not only is it yummy, but I love that it adds a burst of nutrients to assist in strengthening your body’s immunity.

3 - At lunch drink the Green juice – Spinach, Celery, Kale, Cucumber, Ginger, Lemon. Possible benefits - low sugar/high vitamin boost, hydration, illness protection, antioxidant boost. Let’s be honest, this is as green as it gets and my least favorite of all 6 juices. Kind of like drinking your salad – with no ranch dressing to make it taste better!

4 - Yellow (aka spicy lemonade) – Filtered Water, Lemon, Cayenne, Maple Syrup. Possible benefits - intense detox, increased metabolism, lower blood pressure, healthy cell function. I love Yellow. I do want to warn you that this is not your typical lemonade. This is my second favorite drink, I love the kick with the cayenne! It’s refreshing yet spicy!

5 - For dinner, Red – Beet, Apple, Carrot, Lemon. Possible benefits - boosts stamina, improves blood flow, protects skin and eyes, huge vitamin boost. Okay, I am going to be perfectly honest here, this kind of tasted like sweet dirt to me. It wasn’t bad by any means but I didn’t love the taste. I pinched my nose and guzzled it down… it did the trick however and really filled me up until the next juice.

6 - Before bed White – Cashews, Filtered Water, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Maple Syrup, Himalayan Pink Sea Salt. Possible benefits - a good source of protein, healthy muscles, promotes heart health, calm nerves. My favorite juice hands-down. I looked forward to drinking this tasty beverage ALLLL day long! You feel like you are rewarding yourself for sticking to your cleanse, and is the perfect way to end your day! Super delicious and best of all filling.

Day one, for me, was the hardest. I started the first day with a cup of tea. The morning went pretty easily, however by afternoon I missed food. I knew I could get through the rest of the day. Then came Green… and I swear it almost broke me! My lifetime hatred for greens made me want to throw in the towel, but I knew I had to power through and follow the cleanse as directed for the best results. All of my cravings were kicking in. All I could think about was the food I could be eating. I looked at the food my friends were eating and I was like, “GIVE ME PIZZA.” It was definitely challenging, but anytime I felt a craving I’d drink more water or make a black tea to fill me up.

Day two some people say day two is harder… it just wasn’t for me. I woke up energized - normally I am NOT a morning person. Not only did I have more energy, but I was in a better mood, happier in general. My cravings were considerably less however I was definitely really hungry, but overall, it was getting better. I think I had a great mindset that I was halfway through and I really could do this! I had slept so incredibly well the night before I even worked out and burned way more calories. WINNING.

Day three… was awesome. I had this SURGE of energy. I did have a small handful of raw almonds in the afternoon because I could feel my body was hungry and I desperately missed the act of chewing (weird right?!). My favorite juices tasted even better but I dreaded the idea of drinking Green and Red. The juice kept me feeling full, and I knew that I was getting the health benefits from the nutrients. When it came to enjoying my final White I knew I would sleep like a baby and felt so proud of what I had put into my body.

Coming off the cleanse I realized it really was the reset my body needed. I wasn’t bloated, I lost water weight from my stomach and a little over two pounds after completing the three days. I did this to hit a reset button on my body – and I feel that it succeeded. Seriously, I would say the positives far outweigh the bad! I am extremely pleased and feel I have more energy and mental clarity after my experience.

Buckle up for the ride and just DO IT! For more information on Clean Juice head over to https://cleanjuice.com/locations/cherry-creek/

EDITOR’S NOTE: Clean Juice Cherry Creek has also partnered with Grossman Capraro Plastic Surgery for a cleanse promotion this summer. Here’s what they had to say, ‘ Our Denver cleanse business has continued to grow over the last year with increased interest during the pandemic. It is common for people to want to cleanse around holidays or at the beginning of Spring or Summer. But, we believe the recent uptick in this business is due to the convenience and benefits of juicing with a product that is so tasting and so healthy. With the confinement everyone has experienced, they are looking for ways to jump-start their return to healthy eating and cleansing is a great way to do that. In fact, we have recently partnered with Grossman Capraro Plastic Surgery in Denver to offer their patients post-operative cleanses as part of their emphasis on "beauty begins on the inside" program.’

** Do not do a cleanse if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This cleanse is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor or physician before beginning any diet or cleanse program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.

Step Two To Being A Glowing Goddess: Skincare Routine with Dr. Jack Zamora

Let’s talk about beauty. There are so many products and spa treatments out there, it’s hard to know where to start when developing a skincare routine that works for you. I’m in my early thirties, and suddenly this year, became aware that I should be adding anti-aging products to my skincare regime. Pollution, stress, you name it… there are so many factors that make it tricky to keep my skin staying fresh and vibrant. Regular readers will know that upon moving to Denver with it’s the extremely dry climate I have had serious issues with my skin. I have tried and tested multiple dermatologists and seriously thank my lucky stars for meeting Dr. Jack Zamora and his team. Back in February, I had their Infinivive facial (which you can read all about in May’s issue of Stef In The City) and almost six months later am still thrilled with the results. My skin has had a couple of pimples, but it is like night and day! One of the best pieces of advice I was given by the Zamora team was that daily skin care is SO important to protect, prevent, and maintain treatment results. Jaclyn Zamora created a 5 step skincare routine for me which leaves it primed for makeup, dewy and fresh meaning I feel confident leaving my house without makeup on too.

Step 1: Dr. Jack Zamora Toning Glycolic Pads. These pads allow you to say goodbye to wrinkles and large pores and hello to smooth clean and young-looking skin. Glycolic acid treatment pads gently exfoliate, moisturize, and assist in the removal of oils and residue.

Step 2: TNS Advanced+ Serum. The first chamber contains TNS -MR, a highly concentrated growth factor blend with over 450 natural growth factors, and other matrix proteins. The second chamber contains RENESSENSCE Advanced, a highly active blend of botanicals, marine extracts, and peptides designed to assist the growth factor blend in supporting skin rejuvenation. These 2 formulas work synergistically to provide visible results in as little as 2 weeks.

Step 3: Senté Dermal Contour Pressed Serum. This little pot of gold helps to firm sagging skin and aids in skin tightening and texture. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are essential skin components within all of our skin. These GAG analogs are responsible for providing your skin with its' natural 'bounce' and plumpness. Using Sente's Dermal Pressed Contour Serum will ensure you keep your skin looking naturally plump and even out skin texture and tone.

Step 4: The LUMIVIVE System. This is a duo product, with separate formulas for day and night. They’re designed to provide a bio-barrier against blue light and other environmental aggressors from damaging skin during the day and recharge the skin's essential repair process at night. These products are clinically proven to work together to improve the appearance of skin tone evenness including redness and helps restore stressed skin resulting in a more luminous complexion.

Step 5: S Sheald Recovery Balm. This is a moisture-rich formula that dramatically replenishes hydration to dry, sensitive or compromised skin. This fortifying remedy works overtime to help support the skin’s function while soothing, curative botanicals relieve the discomfort of dry, distressed skin.

I have been following this 5 step routine for the past 5 months and honestly swear by it. My skin has never been as firm, blemish-free and the texture is the best it has ever been.

You can get these products, advice on what would work for your skin or an appointment here: Jackzamoramd.com/

Step Three To Being A Glowing Goddess: Luscious Locks with Elle B

The saying your hair is your crowning glory couldn’t be more true. After having had my fair share of bad hair days during quarantine and not being able to get into the salon to color my roots I was counting down the days until I could visit the best hair salon in Colorado - Elle B.

When I first met Lindsay Guzman, founder of Elle B about a year ago I didn’t quite appreciate the master of hair that she really is. I was filming a segment for my tv show - Daily Blast Live and was interviewing her on the latest hair trends. Fast forward a few months later and I had the worst hair disaster OF MY LIFE. This is no exaggeration folks. I’m talking orangey/green overly processed blonde (if you can call it that!) hair that had no rhyme or reason to the cut. I cried… a lot. I got in touch with Lindsay and asked for help. I wasn’t sure how my hair could be fixed if it was even possible but you know what - she worked her magic and it was nothing short of a miracle. Fast forward to present day, I haven’t seen her since February, pre-lockdown. My hair color had of course grown out, but still in fantastic condition. I desperately missed my long hair extensions which Lindsay had applied last October to mask my previous disastrous cut… finally, Elle B had re-opened and my time had come! There was one slight hitch… Lindsay was on maternity leave.

I was really apprehensive about anyone else doing my hair after seeing Lindsay religiously for the past year. I needed my hair bringing back to life and once again I put all of my trust into her. Over the past 12 months of visits, I’ve seen the training, education academy, and to be honest best color and styling jobs either side of the Atlantic whilst being sat in Lindsay’s chair from her team. She told me that Kayla, hairstylist, and manager of both Elle B salons was the woman for the job and got me booked in immediately.

All of my nerves vanished upon meeting Kayla, first of all not only did she look like a total rockstar but she made me feel SO at ease and I knew that I was in safe and experienced hands. Over the course of 3 hours, Kayla carefully re-applied my Bellami beaded weave extensions and touched up my baby lights and color. My locks went from limp to voluminous, grown out roots to fresh and fancy and I can’t tell you how good it is to have my long locks back. Never underestimate the power and confidence good hair gives you. If you need a hair refresh - trust me - Elle B is the salon to go to and the team there are unparalleled. To get locks that go from drab to fab book an appointment with Elle B here: www.ellebsalon.com

There you have it, my three tips to ensure a serious glow up from the inside-out! All of them are to feed your mind, body, and soul resulting in major confidence gain, and hey - we all want to look fabulous right?

Until next time Darlings, Stay fabulous and follow me at @steffrjones