November 2003
Dear Paula,
I see you have a new hair style...it looks great. Have you also made other changes in your skin, make-up, etc? Please tell me about it. There was just a small picture on the Beauty Bulletin but from what I can see, it makes you look younger!

Meme, via email

Dear Meme,
I admit to being quite surprised at the positive reaction from readers to the new picture of me that we added to the October 23rd issue of the Beauty Bulletin and on my Web site. The number of flattering comments and questions I have received has been overwhelming! What is especially gratifying (as my 50 birthday approaches) is to hear from readers that they think I look better, more vibrant, and younger than ever. Not surprisingly, many of you have asked if I had changed my skin-care routine, had cosmetic surgery, changed my diet, or if my hair had been permed. I wanted to take a moment to not only thank you for the wonderful favorable comments I received but to address the most common questions that stemmed from this updated picture of me.

To those who asked if I had gotten a perm, I have not and would not. Pragmatically speaking, if you have dyed hair, perming it is only asking for trouble (meaning lots of breakage), especially on highlighted hair, and my hair is definitely highlighted. Functionally speaking, my hair is naturally curly, though not nearly as manageable and smooth as it appears in the photograph. In fact, this hairstyle took quite some effort, not to mention a very talented hairdresser who had the skill and patience to diffuser-dry my hair (to keep it smooth and reduce frizzies, though my hair is still pretty frizzy) and then style each tendril with an array of products and tools (smoothing serum, pomade, hair spray, and a curling iron). In my professional life and for media appearances, I wear my hair styled straight. That's how most reporters wear their hair on camera and I have followed suit. Actually, years ago, when I wore my hair curly for a talk show appearance the producer asked me if I was having a bad hair day. That took care of any notion of changing protocol and I have worn it straight ever since.

However, for this particular photo shoot, my team (who all seem to love it when I wear my hair curly) encouraged me to go for a softer, casual look. It was only after we selected the pictures I realized this is the first time a picture of me with curly hair had been used in any promotional materials. Based on your positive comments, it probably won't be the last time! I still might not wear my hair curly for TV, but for my Web site and newsletters, well, that's another story.

My skin-care routine has remained the same, though I admit to being a bit obsessed with a few of my products. I love my new Skin Balancing Cleanser and I am attached to my 2% BHA Liquid. Overall, my routine is fairly low-maintenance. I cleanse my face twice a day, and almost every night I religiously apply my 2% BHA Liquid all over my face (or switch between that and my Final Touch Toner for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin) and then apply Super Antioxidant Concentrate over dry areas and around my eyes. In the morning, I apply Skin Balancing Moisture Gel on my face (which is still slightly oily) and then use either the Skin Recovery Moisturizer or Hydrating Treatment Cream around my eyes (which are pretty dry). During the day I wear Best Face Forward Foundation SPF 15 and Healthy Finish Pressed Powder SPF 15 (for sun protection). I also apply my Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 from the neck down because the protection is fantastic and it has improved the appearance of my hands and arms which have less skin discolorations.

For the photo shoot, I opted to keep my makeup soft, and chose a warm palette of peach and gold tones to complement the orange and gold tones in my sweater (click here for a complete list of the items I wore). My eyeshadows were subdued neutrals while my cheeks and lips were colored with soft peachy-pink tones. This style of makeup is similar to what I wear on days when I take the time to apply more than foundation, blush, lipstick, and mascara (I always wear mascara, and probably too much of it!). And because this was a professional photo shoot, it should be noted that the lighting was carefully controlled in order to make me look my best. In other words, I don't wake up looking like this. Believe me, I wish I did.

Regarding whether or not I have had "work done" (meaning cosmetic surgery), the only procedure I have had done recently is the same one I have chronicled in the past--namely, Botox injections in my forehead and around my eyes. I am seriously considering other cosmetic corrective procedures for the future and have interviewed many physicians over the past year both in the United States and Canada. (Prices for corrective cosmetic procedures in Canada are often far less than in the US even when you don't take the exchange rate into consideration.) I will probably make a final decision sometime next year on exactly what procedures I am going to select, weighing out the benefits and risks.

As far as overall health is concerned, several months ago, my husband and I began making some healthy lifestyle changes, including exercise (strength training with weights and cardio-enhancing workouts) and dietary changes. I have made a conscious and ongoing effort to eat as healthy as possible, eschewing simple carbohydrates (white rice, pasta made from refined flour) in favor of high-fiber, whole grain, and high protein choices (mostly fish). I have also increased my consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, not only for their abundant nutrients but also for their antioxidant content. I have always been good about staying away from trans fatty acids.

I am not certain the dietary changes I have made are showing in my skin, but I do know I feel better and have more energy than when I allow myself to eat whatever is available (or whatever I'm craving). Just to be clear, I am not following any particular diet (many of you asked if I was on the Atkins plan, and I am not). Rather, I am simply eating better and exercising more often in order to maintain good health and keep myself physically fit. I truly believe that real beauty can only be achieved when we take exceptionally good care of ourselves on the outside and inside. That means not only tending to our skin and hair by doing what is healthiest for our outside but exercising regularly, eating well, and maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends, which should include ample opportunities for laughter--one of my favorite beauty tips of all!