New Year, New You: Contest Winner Kimberly Lambert
by Poki Hampton
My mother always said, “You have to suffer to be beautiful,” as she wound my hair around rods for the latest Toni home permanent. Back then, oatmeal was used for a facial exfoliate and lanolin was a good moisturizer. Things have really changed. Today, there are so many products and procedures on the market it’s hard to keep up with them. Best of all, the effects are powerful and the suffering is minimal!
In our September/October issue, we announced the “New Year, New You” makeover. Our search for the perfect contestant ended on November 16, when the committee chose Kimberly Lambert as the lucky winner. Kimberly is a 45-year-old single mother with two teenage daughters, two dogs, two cats and two jobs. Her daughter Taylor entered her into the contest. Taylor wrote, “My mom always puts me and my sister before anything, including herself. It is her turn to be put first! Mom is a caring, generous and gentle person who truly does deserve this opportunity.”
The New Year, New You committee put together an incredible package of products and services with one goal in mind—a new Kimberly for 2008! The dream package included all kinds of indulgent assistance from people across the northshore. “What a great surprise!” Kimberly blushed when she heard about it. “I wasn’t sure what to expect because I’ve never invested in these kinds of treatments for myself.”
On Monday, November 19, Kimberly began her transformation with a consultation with Dr. Eric Tabor at Northshore Dermatology/Spa Luma. He recommended microdermabrasion, BOTOX Cosmetic and Juvederm to give her face a younger, more radiant look, with or without make-up. Kimberly began treatment with the microdermabrasion, a facial-freshening technique that helps remove damaged skin cells. Dead cells are stripped away with a device that resembles a fine sandblaster. During this non-surgical procedure, the device sprays tiny crystals in a fine dust across the face as well as uses gentle polishing and suction functions to wipe away the dull surface layer of the skin.
Kim’s next appointment was with Dr. Jim Moreau, at More Smiles Dental Spa, for an exam and full-mouth X-ray—“The most complete dental exam I have ever received.” Dr. Moreau recommended a Bright Smile tooth-whitening system treatment, a one-hour power-whitening procedure that uses a combination of safe bleaching gel and light. The teeth are cleaned and polished; bleaching gel is carefully applied to the teeth and then activated by a gentle blue light. After three twenty-minute sessions in one hour, Kimberly’s teeth whitened five shades!
“The results are amazing,” she says. “My teeth are so much whiter.” The clinical coordinator, Melissa, recommended that she not eat or drink any colored foods for 48 hours, because the colors from the food could transfer to the teeth. Seeing is believing for me. I would recommend this whitening procedure to friends longing for immediate gratification. Kim walked out with a brighter, more confident smile!
On Saturday, Kimberly went to the Ogee Med Spa for a consultation and got right to work. Ogee focused on the contours of her waist and mid-section, putting technology to work for a quick solution. The staff attached her to the Arasys 3 machine, which is the ultimate in lazy workouts. Arasys contracts and relaxes the muscles to produce the same effects as strenuous exercise. Loss of inches is achieved in as little as 17 minutes by reduction of fat. The energy used dispels the toxins stored within fat. “It was very interesting, and I lost three inches during the first session. That was very exciting,” raves Kimberly.
After the Arasys 3 treatment, Kimberly was given a VelaSmooth treatment. VelaSmooth is a non-surgical, non-invasive, no-down-time cellulite reduction system that is effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite and re-contouring the body. “I felt a deep, soothing heat in the targeted area, and my skin is so much smoother,” she notes.
Tuesday was a fun day for both Kimberly and me—we got to go shopping! We started in Mandeville at The Bra Genie, where Jeannie Emory expertly fitted her with a great bra. “It is amazing how many women look one size smaller when they put on a good bra that fits,” says Jeannie. Continuing in the push to create the best structure for her new look, I took Kim to Ballin’s in Covington, where we picked up a pair of Spanks for just the right amount of tummy and thigh control. At T. Boutique across the street on Lee Lane, Melissa and Lauren helped us shop for a beautiful gray cashmere hooded duster by Minnie Rose and a black tank by Cali. The lush textures in a soft contrast offered a polished addition to Kim’s wardrobe, but that was just the beginning! Down the street we went to Southern Cotton, where Cherry and Sandy found a terrific black knit wrap dress by White Wash that is sure to show off Kimberly’s new curves. To this, we added a pink tank by Cut Loose and a pink-and-red scarf to complete the outfit. At Lagniappe Shoe Warehouse on Collins Boulevard across Covington, the decision was hard, because there are so many styles available. But we found a great pair of satin ankle-tie heels that were perfect with the dress.
Back on Lee Lane, Bella Rouge’s Catherine found a pair of Dolce Vita black suede booties with an asymmetrical shape. They are perfect with Kimberly’s outfit from Diane’s Boutique in Mandeville. Diane suggested a slimming black tuxedo sweater by Willow and a pair of heather-black linen straight-cut pants by Kathleen Sommers. A white scoop-neck tank completed the look.
Blue Roof Denim’s new location on West Causeway Approach was our next stop. Eden fit Kimberly in a great pair of jeans by Hudson, a black cotton knit long-sleeve top by Ogle and a multi-colored herringbone cropped swing jacket by Ben Sherman. We hit the road again and headed for The Strawberry Patch, where Tracey found us a fantastic black sequined halter top by Joseph Ribcoff, that will be perfect for any holiday parties. Kimberly also picked out a pair of Brighton grey crystal earrings that will complement many of her new outfits. Then we were off to The Villa, where Nancy provided a great pair of black jersey pants by Three Dot to pair with the sequined top. One final touch—a beaded evening bag from Southern Bridal—made the outfit complete.
Even for a shopaholic like me, it was a crazy day, but a rewarding one. “This is every woman’s dream come true,” said Kimberly, “I have never gotten so many great outfits in one day.”
(Fortunately, having the special attention of experts as we shop is not limited to contest winners. It is something we can all receive when shopping on the northshore. Many of our boutiques are run by the owners or by equally passionate and knowledgeable staffers who know precisely what is on the racks. The next time one of them offers, “May I help you?” —go for it!)
On Wednesday, Kimberly met with Dr. Tabor again for her BOTOX Cosmetic treatment. BOTOX Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—and within days there is a noticeable improvement that lasts up to four months. BOTOX Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of muscles that cause those frown lines. A numbing cream was spread over the areas of Kimberly’s face which would be treated. It was left on for about 30 minutes and then wiped away. Kimberly received the injections between and over her eyebrows and into her “crow’s feet.”
Relaxing the frown muscles is only half of the treatment Kimberly was treated to at Spa Luma that day. She also received a touch of the contouring enhancements derived from a product called Juvederm. It is a derma filler made of hyaluronic acid used to restore the skin’s volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds. Juvederm was injected into creases beside Kimberly’s mouth and into wrinkles between her brows, with almost-instantaneous results.
“No one’s face is completely symmetrical,” said Dr. Tabor. “In order to make Kimberly’s lips more symmetrical, we will inject Juvederm to make them even.” Kim’s lips were fuller and more luscious after just one treatment. Ice packs were put onto her face for a brief period before she went back to work.
Thursday was hair day. No Toni perms there. Mindy of Urban Retreat colored Kimberly’s hair in a darker, richer tone with highlights that complemented her complexion. She cut her hair in a flattering style with long layers, an updated look that is easy to keep looking great. While at the salon, Kimberly was treated to an eyebrow wax, as well.
On Friday, Kimberly went to Private Beach for a Mystic Tan. Mystic Tan is a UV-free tanner that is sprayed on in a booth. It gives almost an instant tan. Then, off to Bumble Lane for a manicure and pedicure. Her nails were given a French manicure and her toes now wear Ashley by Zoya.
Monday, December 10 was picture day. So our first stop was at About Face in Mandeville for professional makeup. Natalie was there to do her magic. She used Bare Minerals, an all-natural makeup line that gave Kimberly the coverage she needs without a heavy made-up look. “By blending and shading under Kimberly’s eyes with a concealer one shade lighter than her foundation we can cover any dark circles and lighten and brighten the entire eye area,” said Natalie. Kimberly’s eyes were done in a smoky, dark blue-grey and Lash Fusion was applied to her eyelashes. Natalie presented Kimberly with a gift of all the essentials she would need to create this great look every day. Later, we met photographer Abby Miller at Annadele’s Plantation, where she photographed Kimberly in her new outfits. “Kimberly was a great subject to photograph because she is so happy,” says Abby.
Kimberly says her twenty-one-day makeover was wonderful. “This has been an incredible experience. I have always taught my daughters that you had to be pretty on the inside for it to show on the outside. Now, I feel pretty on the outside, too. Everyone was so nice and helpful. For these few days, it has been so great being me. Thank you all very much.”
Daughter Taylor wholeheartedly agrees. She says, “AMAZING! The past few weeks have been great for our entire family. I love to see my mom happy, and this makeover was just the ticket. I think the results are wonderful, and I could not be happier. Within the past few weeks, she has made changes that will stay with her for years to come.”
