The (Red) Lipstick Effect: How We Stay Grounded During a National Pandemic

A swipe of crimson red lipstick epitomizes confidence, determination, power, glamour, sexiness, attractiveness, and power. During a time of uncertainty, its transformative power brings an unparalleled sense of strength and grounding. Alice Hart-Davis beautifully articulates this sentiment in Painting on a Brave Face, a powerful article describing the impact of red lipstick during difficult times. 

The process of rebuilding lives in Bergen-Belsen, a former concentration camp, was helped by the unrequested delivery of red lipstick, that ultimately “started ‘to give [women] back their lost humanity”. During a time when people were starving and recovering from the brutalities of the Nazi invasion, red lipstick became a morale-booster, gave women of control, and allowed them to feel worthy and beautiful. No longer were they controlled by the “number tattooed on [their] arm.”

This article brings up an interestingly relevant phenomenon that surpasses World War II. Amidst the devastation of COVID-19, there are few things that we can control—the breadth of the virus, the length of quarantine, the possibility of contraction, and the impact on the economy. Though beauty regimens and self-care seem unimportant during a global pandemic, we can always apply a Scarlett red shield to our lips—serving as our protection, strength and hope for the future. 

Interview with Italian Student about COVID-19 and its Devastating Affects

As the affect of the Coronavirus has extended its spread throughout China, Italy, the United States, and other impacted countries, we had the incredible opportunity to connect with a student, Malvina, from Italy. Malvina’s incredible sense of hope and optimism for the future of Italy is inspiring—she lives by the motto “ce la faremo,” which translates to “we’ll get through this.”

To that point, Malvina started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the Green Cross in Milan, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to first aid and health services for Italian citizens. Due to the health system in Italy, ambulances (similar to EMTs) are publicly funded solely from donations and public funding, making it incredible difficult to sustain because first responders are all volunteers. Donating to the Green Cross will allocate funds to Italian ambulances during this extremely difficult time. To donate, please click here.

1. How has the coronavirus affected your life? how has it affected the lives of your family, friends, and country?

My life before the virus was that of any 24 year old Italian student. An active and curious life, like the ones of most students all over the world.

We are now all in quarantine, without the possibility of leaving home except for real needs (to do the groceries or go to the pharmacy). So, as far as I'm concerned, I can’t see my boyfriend, my friends and my family, except my parents and my sister whom I live with. There are so many other people all over Italy who, being quarantined and living alone, are in complete isolation without having had human interactions for more than 10 days.

But this is a minor sacrifice that has been made willingly, if you think about the risk we are all exposed in Italy and all over the world. Furthermore, our country has an elderly population (life expectancy is roughly around 83 years old) and the age bracket of the elderly is, unfortunately, the most affected by the virus.

That is why, as far as coronavirus' deaths are concerned, we have already almost reached the number of total deaths that China has had because of the virus.

My country has, fortunately, a good Health System, which, however, is slowly collapsing, due to the enormous increase of the number of cases that require intensive care.

Some of the main problems we have to face are, in fact, the few beds left in intensive care, the shortage of lung ventilators and first-needed genres (like masks and hand sanitizing gel) and we are also facing a lack of doctors, paramedics and volunteers because of the virus.

2. How are you staying calm and sane during your quarantine?

I’m concerned, that’s for sure. How do I stay calm? I study, I do online courses, I read, I spend quality time with my family, I keep up to date with the news and I try to help my country as I can by establishing the fund raising that I talked you about. 

The positive aspect of this all is that you get to have the time to do things you left behind. 

What really is missing is social, human contact with people I haven’t seen and can't see for a while and it’s really in these circumstances that you realize how important this is. But, as I have already said, it is a minor sacrifice that must be made for the common good.

3. Is there a sense of panic in the country? is there enough food, drinks, medical supplies? 

No, no sense of panic. We are worried, that’s for sure, as much as anyone would be in this same situation. But we are very united, selfless and cheerful people, here in Italy. For example, there have been people who started singing typical Italian songs or playing music on their balconies to cheer all the neighborhood up. And many others followed their example. Our motto here is “ce la faremo” which means “we’ll get through this”.

As far as food and drinks are concerned, there are more than enough.

Some medical supplies, though, are not. We have a big lack of surgical or ffp2/ffp3 masks and, in the past weeks, many were sold in pharmacies at a price up to 60 euros, not because the pharmacies themselves were speculating on these items, but because the demand has increased exponentially, we have little production in Italy and we have to order them from abroad. 

4. What do you want people in the united states to know in general and about the situation in Italy?

The main thing I want the US to know is that we are facing a very difficult situation. We are running out of beds and lung ventilators in intensive care; we don’t have enough doctors and volunteers; we are also running out of masks and sanitizing hand gel. Without mentioning what is consequently happening to our economy. 

If I may give you a piece of advice, STAY HOME. I know that now it may seem like an overreaction but, trust me, it’s not. We underestimated the problem at it’s first stages and here we are: in three weeks, we’ve had more than 35.000 cases and almost 3000 deaths due to having underestimated the problem in it's early stages.

I’m honestly quite concerned about the US right now, because in you (and in other European countries) I see my three weeks' ago way of considering the coronavirus issue. I personally think you could make use of the restrictions we have put in place here in Italy so to keep containing the spreading of the virus. So stay safe, at home at least for a while.

5. What is the Green Cross in Italy and what do they do?

The Green Cross M. P. S. ( Milanese public service) is a voluntary association dedicated to first aid and other health services for citizens.

It was formed in 1899, and is the oldest association of public service in Milan.

The Green Cross M. P. S. can count on the support of 400 volunteers who serve free service 365 nights per year and on holidays. All volunteers are certified by the “Emergency Medical service and medical emergency” operating center.

I would like to make you understand the difference between our ambulances and first aid service, compared to the American one. In Italy, ambulances are based on non-profit organizations only, such as the Green Cross, which, as such, cannot generate profit from their business and therefore rely on donations and public funds.

Moreover, unlike the US, the professional figure on ambulances is not a paramedic but normal people who have attended a 120-hour first aid course.

One very important thing to stress is that these responders (except for day shifts, managed by salaried employees) are all volunteers, which means that night shifts and holidays are entirely run by not paid people.

6. What do you think is the most important thing Italy needs right now?

As said, Italy needs beds and lung ventilators in intensive care, more doctors and volunteers, masks and sanitizing hand gel. To do so, we need funds, which are being and have been raised on a various number of campaigns, on GoFundMe as well. And we need to thank all over the world’s generosity. 

Furthermore, when all this will be over, Italy and it’s economy will need you to come and visit and enjoy our food, beauty and culture.

7. Why do you think we should start raising money for the Green Cross, as opposed to the hospital?

The reason is very simple: as already mentioned, various campaigns to raise funds have been already launched in favour of the hospitals (for example the one launched by Chiara Ferragni and her husband). 

Unfortunately, however, little importance is given to the first responders in ambulance and to the non-profit organizations from which they come; this happens on one hand because many devote their attention to hospitals, doctors and nurses, and, on the other, because ambulances and first responders have less media resonance.

But, as I think it is useless to emphasis, the ambulance responders are equally important and, unfortunately, they have, in proportion, less funds to tap into. 

Also, in this particular period, they are spending much more money than they are used to, to buy self protection gear, masks and hand sanitizing gel. 

Furthermore and not less important, the Green Cross in based in Milan, Lombardy where we unfortunately have the majority of the coronavirus cases in Italy. These are the main reasons why I ask you to give me a hand to raise money for the Green Cross, because they are really in need

8. How are you staying positive and hopeful for the future?

It may seem trivial but I believe in my country. I believe in Italian people, in their strength and in solidarity from all over the world (which, by the way, has already been shown and we are very grateful for that).

Mara Teigen shares her Scientific Beauty skincare routine

Model and Instagram sensation, Mara Teigen, shares how she incorporates the Platinum Long Lash, Hyaluronic Serum, and Vitamin C serum in her daily routine. Mara loves Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty because "she trusts Dr. Devgan with [her] skin. [Dr. Devgan] comes from a background of science and dermatology and has helped [her] so much over the years."

The first product Mara uses is the Platinum Vitamin C serum, our powerful, antioxidant-rich serum that has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, improve hyperpigmentation, and increase collagen production. This product is suitable for combination, dry, sensitive, normal, oily, and acne-prone skin types. It can be applied to a freshly cleansed face before bed or in the morning, whatever you prefer! The next product Mara uses is the Platinum Hyaluronic Serum, an advanced mixed molecular weight hyaluronic acid formulation that has been proven to reduce fine lines, increase skin firmness, and improve elastin production. Hyaluronic acid is a component of filler, so this product will help keep your face plump and hydrated. This product is suitable for combination, dry, sensitive, and normal skin types. Lastly, Mara applies the Platinum Long Lash serum to the base of her lashes to ensure her lashes grow long and strong. This product is suitable for all skin types, however it is beneficial to speak to your eye doctor is you have sensitive eyes or other eye conditions.

Head on over to our store page to read more about the product line and to find the best products for your daily regimen! The Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty skincare collection includes a wide variety of products, ranging from a lip plump, to a tinted moisturizer, to a gentle scrub. Everything has been clinically tested, and is naturally derived, not tested on animals, fragrance free, dye free, sulfate free, paraben free, gluten free, formaldehyde free, propylene glycol and hexylene glycol free.

Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty available at the new The RealReal store in San Francisco

Women’s Wear Daily’s latest article covers the grand opening of The RealReal’s latest location: San Francisco. For everyone who lives in the area or plans to travel there, you are in luck! Once open, shoppers will be able to purchase some of the best-sellers from the Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty skincare line. We are so excited that as The RealReal grows, our collaboration is as well.

Dr. Devgan is both a board-certified plastic surgeon and the creator of Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty. Her skincare line offers a wide variety of products, all of which are clinically tested, naturally derived, not tested on animals, fragrance free, dye free, sulfate free, paraben free, gluten free, formaldehyde free, and propylene glycol and hexylene glycol free. While they are all great products, each is unique in its own way. Some of our best-sellers include: Platinum Lip Plump, Platinum Long Lash, Hyaluronic Serum, Vitamin C+B+E Ferulic Serum, Platinum Glow Serum, and Peptide Eye Cream. The Platinum Lip Plump is in the form of a clear gloss and will plump one’s lips 1-2 millimeters after a few minutes of a minor tingle. The Platinum Long Lash will increase the length, strength, and density of lashes and brows after consistent use. The Hyaluronic Serum is a great product for anyone who needs hydration, plump skin, and to help with fine lines and wrinkles. The Vitamin C+B+E Ferulic Serum is great to use before bed and helps with hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and collagen production. The Platinum Glow Serum is a retinol and will reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The Peptide Eye Cream is a gentle cream used around the eyes to smoothen and soften the skin while helping to diminish under eye bags. 

As mentioned previously, the Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty collection offers a wide variety of products, so whether you need products for winter hydration or for your trip to the beach, you will be able to find it all. If you are interested in learning more about each product or would like to purchase them online, click here. Click here to read the full article. Additionally, head over to our Instagram page, @devganscientificbeauty, for skincare stories and for all exciting news and updates.

"Petit" Proust Questionnaire of the Week: Amanda Baldwin

This week’s “petit” Proust Questionnaire is from Amanda Baldwin, president of Supergoop!

Allure Magazine chats with Dr. Devgan about the 7 biggest plastic surgery trends for 2019

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “the number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures has grown nearly 200 percent since 2000.” Dr. Devgan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and specializes in both surgical and minimally-invasive nonsurgical procedures to subtly optimize one’s own unique features. In this article, Dr. Devgan discusses the trends and procedures she believes are the most popular. 

We live in a selfie-obsessed culture where people request to look like a perfectly-filtered photo in real life. How does one achieve this look? Through maintaining one’s general face structure and by tweaking areas of the face to subtly enhance them. Dr. Devgan refers to this trend as the “rise of the ‘tweak-ment’.” According to Dr. Devgan, “people are super into the tiny little micro-optimizations that make them feel a little bit more confident but are not completely obvious.” Another trend Dr. Devgan discusses is cosmetic treatments amongst men. Dr. Devgan estimates that roughly 15% of her patients are male, however, this number increases annually. Men desire to have stronger, more masculine features in the lower third of the face (AKA the chin, neck, and jawline), so with injectable filler, Dr. Devgan is able to help men achieve this look. 

Another trend Dr. Devgan discusses is the use of filler in non-traditional locations, like the nose or earlobes. The nonsurgical rhinoplasty is one of Dr. Devgan’s most commonly performed injectable procedures and is when filler is injected into the nose to completely reshape it. A rhinoplasty is a surgery that requires quite the downtime, so this is the perfect alternative for someone who wishes to achieve the same result but at little to no downtime and at a lower price point. If you’re interested in learning more about the nonsurgical rhinoplasty or any other treatment, you can email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400 to book an initial consultation. Click here to read the full article.

Dr. Devgan’s shares the story of her most meaningful surgery with Realself

“Plastic surgery‒whether cosmetic or reconstructive‒has the power to be a life-changing experience, not just for a patient and their loved ones but often for the surgeon who performs the procedure as well.” Dr. Devgan, board-certified plastic surgeon and RealSelf chief medical editor, shares the story of her most meaningful surgery with readers. She describes her experience as “putting each little piece of bone back together” like “repairing a broken eggshell.”

Dr. Devgan has performed countless surgeries over her years, however, the most meaningful happens to be of a patient who came in with massive facial fractures after having been assaulted at a bar. This was during Dr. Devgan’s first year of clinical practice and was so meaningful because it was a full constructive surgery of the face. Dr. Devgan’s practice consists of mostly cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures, however this one was different because Dr. Devgan was selected to help this young man feel himself again. Dr. Devgan explains how she believes being a surgeon requires “a huge element of self-sacrifice.” This is because “you really have to put someone else’s well-being above your own.” Facial identity is arguably more important than facial attractiveness because “it is what gives you the feeling of being yourself”, and Dr. Devgan helped this man become himself, again.

All of Dr. Devgan’s procedures, surgical or non-surgical, cosmetic or reconstructive, share similarity in that they all possess Dr. Devgan’s skilled technique. Whether it is complete facial reconstruction, a breast augmentation, or a non-surgical rhinoplasty, Dr. Devgan’s technique and consideration remains the same. Dr. Devgan believes no case is too small and strives to ensure that each patient feels comfortable and happy when working with Dr. Devgan. For new patients, you can email Office@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212-452-2400 to book an initial consultation. Click here to read the full article.

"petit" proust questionnaire of the week: Sarah Larson Levey

This week’s “petit” Proust Questionnaire is from Sarah Larson Levey, founder of Y7 studios.