HOPE FOR CHILDREN PROVIDES A SPARK OF HOPE TO FAMILIES FACING DARK TIMES

INFLUENCED BY NORTH JERSEY, Russo Writes What He Knows

By Kevin Czerwinski

Steven Max Russo has put together a remarkable career in advertising, one that has stretched several decades, reaching from Manhattan to his Morris County home. He’s worked for companies big and small, eventually running his own outfit, Moonlight Advertising, from North Jersey.

While he has enjoyed success in the business world, there was always a creative void that would surface occasionally, barking at him to do more. While Russo, 60, has spent his entire career in a creative position as an advertising executive, he’s quick to point that after a while there are times when the work resembles “muscle memory” – you do it and you do it well but it seems more reflexive than creative.

That led to some creative frustration and the feeling that he had to do more in the way of writing and storytelling. Russo had always loved writing, admitting to a secret ambition to become an author when he was a child.

It took several decades for that creative frustration to push Russo to a point of acting on it. When he did, he was amazed at the results. “One night I felt compelled to sit at my home computer and I wrote a short story titled ‘Putting in the Work,’” said Russo, who lived in Bergenfield, Demarest and Hackensack as a youngster/young adult. “It was about a young, white-collar criminal who is coerced into helping orchestrate and commit a murder. What the young man finds is that he not only has an aptitude for killing – he actually enjoys it.

“I thought the story was pretty good and that probably would have been the end of it, but shortly after writing it I saw something online about a literary journal called ‘The Rag’ that was looking for material. So almost on a lark, I sent the story in. Unbeknownst

to me, they were working on an issue with a crime/death theme and my story fit right in. A few days later I got an offer for publication and then a contract and then a check. Just like that I was a professional, paid author.”

That short story prompted Russo to push his creative boundaries even further. So he set about writing his first novel, “Thieves,” set in Morris County, which was published in November of 2018. His second novel, “The Dead Don’t Sleep” [Editor’s Note: Much of the novel takes place in Hackensack], came out November and a third novel, “The Debt Collector,” isn’t far behind.

Russo said that his North Jersey upbringing and the towns of Bergen, Passaic and Morris counties have influenced him. He writes about places he has been, streets on which he has traveled and the experiences of life in the bedroom communities of the area, all of which add to the authenticity of his work, because it’s easier to “write about what you know and where you’ve been.”

What Russo knows now is that his efforts have been successful.

“I wrote my book and I got an agent but I would still wake up at night thinking what if it was a fluke,” said Russo, who relies on Susan, his wife of 22 years, for proofreading and editing. “I thought what if I couldn’t write another one. Can I actually sit down and write another?

“Now, however, I can sometimes sit for five or six hours and write non-stop and it feels like I’ve only been at it for a half hour or 45 minutes,” he continued. “You just get in a zone and everything else flows out of you. I write by the seat of my pants. I envy the people who can plot it out, even a rough outline. I look at that blank screen and I don’t know what’s going to happen until I actually start writing so sometimes it’s frightening.”

While Russo may have the occasional bout of anxiety when he sits down to write, his work causes others to be on the edge of their seats. His novels are gritty, sometimes graphic, and the stories are engaging with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the last page.

Whether Russo’s work takes him beyond North Jersey and onto a national stage remains to be seen. He is, however, enjoying the ride and isn’t ready for it to end.

“I don’t know where I see this going,” said Russo, who added that he still loves working in advertising. “I’m going to take it one step at a time and hope it evolves into a career.” 

Photo credit: Rachel Robyn T eacher by day, performer by night, Bergen County native Robert Bannon, singer, actor and fifth grade teacher, will be releasing his debut album, Unfinished Business, Spring 2021.

Cabaret singer, host of YouTube and Facebook’s Quarantine, Cabaret and Cocktails and actor, Bannon has inspired his album after his own experience as a performer, as unexpected complications had paused his performing career as a child. But now, he is determined to go after his dream with Unfinished Business. This debut album features duets

with Grammy Nominee Jane Monheit and recording artist Loren Smith and consists of two original songs and 11 classics, including his album’s first single, Bett Midler’s “From a Distance.” Bannon knew at a young age that he wanted to be a performer, and around the fifth grade, he asked his parents to enroll him in singing lessons. “Like all good Jersey parents, they took me to the Bergen Mall,” Bannon said. “There was a dance studio in between a pizzeria and a Chinese restaurant, and they enrolled me in musical theater class, and I started doing the plays in elementary school. It moved so fast at that time that the teachers were saying to audition in New York, and by 13 I was in the first musical theater class at Juilliard’s school for

kids [Juilliard’s Preparatory Division]. It was something that came out of nowhere.”

Chronic lyme disease and meningitis prevented him from pursuing musical theater in high school, as it made it so he was out of school often until he switched to home schooling. From there, he changed direction and went to college

By Tara DeLorenzo

Photo credit, Juneaid Subzwari

Photo credit: Rachel Robyn

to become a teacher, but he took jobs around the arts, working at places such as John Arms in Englewood, which is now the Bergen Performing Arts Center.

Bannon dedicated his time to teaching, earning a master’s degree and principal license and, after a decade of teaching, felt like he needed to be doing something to help him have a life after 3 o’clock.

“Someone asked me, ‘What do you like to do for you?’ and I didn’t have an answer,” Bannon said. “So I talked to my brother, and he said, ‘You sing; you used to act,’ and I like to think as big as I can, so instead of just going to the local theater company, I thought, ‘Why don’t I learn more?’ So I started taking voice lessons with Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews – they wrote musicals and they wrote a song for my album – and I went to William Esper Conservatory in New York City for a two-year acting program because I just felt like it was something I had never really finished.”

And with that, the idea of Unfinished Business was also born.

“I always thought I was done with performing and that I wasn’t going to do it anymore. The story about Unfinished Business is everyone has something they feel like they should’ve done, and I’m such a strong believer that there’s something in all of us we wished we could do or we’re supposed to do, and we’re too afraid to do it,” he said. “The story of Unfinished Business I’m trying to tell is that for everybody there’s something that they’re scared to do or wish they can do, and we don’t have to be afraid. I hope that’s the lesson in my own personal experience because, at 18, I didn’t have the guts to do it. But I got back to it just because I felt like I missed it, and it was what I felt like I was missing in my life.”

The idea for the album started in November in 2019 after Bannon did a show at 54 Below in New York. To start production, they were scheduled to go to the studio in March, but the global pandemic altered their plans. Bannon bought studio equipment, and he and producer, cabaret star and founder of LML Music Lee Lessack found musicians who were able to record the album from home.

“I’m lucky that the people helping me with it were so on board with it through Zoom and online,” he said. “We had the time, and it was a blessing because it kept me going and allowed me to be artistic. It’s really hard and heartbreaking to hear about so many musicians and actors and others who haven’t been to work, and I’m lucky my day job as a teacher allows me to have the opportunity that after 3 o’clock; I can get off Google Hangouts with the kids to be able to jump into this hat and be an artist.”

Unfinished Business is varied in its selection of genres, including songs from Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mercer and Whitney Houston, as well as an R&B medley. In fact, his first single, Bette Midler’s “From A Distance,” wasn’t originally going to be on the

album, but because of the pandemic, it felt like a perfect addition. The single’s music video can be found on YouTube.

“We literally were just talking about how we were doing this all from a distance, and it just fit,” Bannon said. “And being able to do the music video and the video Photo credit, Kyle Bahl hitting 40K views, which had a lot of help from my family and friends, is just music that speaks to me.”

When the album comes out, Bannon is planning to do a virtual concert, and with his story, he hopes other people find inspiration to pursue their own unfinished business.

“When the world opens again, I hope I can take this live and play it for people. I was supposed to do a show in Teaneck at the Debonair Music Hall, which used to be Mexicali Blues before quarantine. I have to bring the show back to my home in New Jersey – I would love to do it for everyone and just to take the band that put the album together and would love to be able to tell my story and do the album live,” he said. “Putting the album out makes me very nervous. It feels very vulnerable. Music is so open to people’s opinions. I’m really excited we did it though. I’m excited we had this idea last November, and through this time, through this quarantine, and through schools closing and not being able to be around people and our families, we were able to communicate and put this out. I’m just so happy and grateful that we followed through. I’m

really ready to put it out and then let life surprise me and see what happens.”

In addition to making an album, Bannon and Lessack started Quarantine, Cabaret and Cocktails, a weekly live stream on Facebook and YouTube, which has featured Broadway stars such as Lea Salonga, Chita Rivera, Adam Pascal and Shoshana Bean and has reunited Broadway casts of shows like Frozen, Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire. This Broadway Case Reunion Series will also feature Hadestown and Dear Evan Hansen.

“We’ve reached out to all of our friends, and now we’re trying to be a place where people can come during quarantine and talk about their projects, their virtual concerts, their songs they’re putting out and reunite people who haven’t been able to see each other, and we’ve reached out a whole group of people who have no idea who we are, so it’s been another blessing during this quarantine,” Bannon said. “I can’t sit still for more than five minutes. It

keeps me busy… I really admire people who are actors and singers and have made this their life, so to be able to talk to somebody about their process and the work that they do. I’m just such a fan of show business and art, and I want to pick their brains and it’s been a fun project and such a blessing in this.”

Bannon also has been pursuing acting and most notably has been featured as a actor on Saturday Night Live. The first sketch he appeared on was “A Message from the TSA.”

“I got an email about 4 years ago from a casting director, and they asked me to send a picture. I thought it was spam, so I Googled the name, and it was actually a casting director. So, I sent a picture and she said, ‘I’m sorry we can’t use you, we’re looking for someone with their head shaved,’ and I said to her, ‘If I shave my head, can I be on Saturday Night Live?’ She asked me if I was kidding, and I told her, ‘I’ll go to Supercuts right now and shave my head if I can be on the show.’ I grew up watching the show, and she said, ‘Okay,’” Bannon said. “And so, I went to Supercuts, shaved my head and

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the first sketch was called ‘A Mes-

I love recording position, a position he loves. In turn sage from the TSA.’ And now, they’ve music and doing too, he hopes his artistic career also been calling me for the last 4 years. Sometimes it’s small roles amongst a group of people like a reporter at the White House, and sometimes I get to do more, like the sketch ‘Electric Shoes.’ I played the guitar next to Kenan Thompson, and I get to be a concerts, but to be able to inspire somebody would be the kind of legacy I hope that my story helps to inspire his students. “It’s been funny – before I started doing all of this again, all my social media was private and now on YouTube and Instagram, they find me, and they Google me, and they’ll find videos or follow me, and I don’t principal role in the show. It’s been a can leave. really discourage it. It’s all profesdream come true to be able to just sional, and I hope it inspires them,” do anything there. I’d sweep the floor to be there. I he said. “When they ask me questions, I try to tell grew up with that show, so it’s been a real fun trip to them about my story and try to tell them to go for be there.” what they want and their dreams. I personally think

He hopes to continue pursuing roles too, in both that they do go hand-in-hand. I think a lot of the kids television and musicals. His dream role, he said, opening a conversation or they see me on Saturday would be one of the bad guys on Law & Order, add- Night Live or hear my music, then they get to open ing, “I don’t think you can be a New York actor if you up a conversation with me, and I hope they feel don’t do Law & Order.” comfortable. I also think that teaching has helped And through it all, Bannon credits part of his suc- me be comfortable on stage and have a point of cess on stage and with performing on his teaching view. Those eyeballs watch you all day, so you get

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used to being natural in front of people, so I think that’s the biggest blessing. It’s been an interesting thing merge together. I hope they go hand-in-hand and that I can continue to keep doing them both because they are definitely both things that I love doing.”

In juggling all of these different jobs, Bannon also credits his support system for his success. “It takes a village – my friends and my family, my parents, my brother, my cousin – they hold me and let me fly. I can’t do it all without my family and friends’ help,” he said. Looking forward, Bannon is excited to share his story and have people hear Unfinished Business, and he’s eager to continue his artistic pursuits in performing and acting. He encourages others to follow his suit as he chases his dream and hopes this album will help them to go after their own goals. “I hope the art and the conversations reaches someone out there,” he said. “I remember doing a show on New Year’s Eve, and I said everyone has something they wish that they could do, and a husband pointed to his wife and said she wants to open up a craft shop on Etsy, and I hope she went home and she did. I just want people to live their dreams, and if I can help with that, that would be the biggest accomplishment. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love being on TV, I love recording music and doing concerts, but to be able to inspire somebody would be the kind of legacy I hope that my story can leave. There’s no day like today, so if there’s something you’ve been waiting to do, don’t let your age or your finances or what other people say stop you. If you feel there’s something you’re supposed to do, go do it. Everyone needs to finish their business. That’s my mantra for 2021.”

More information about Robert Bannon, including updates on the album’s release date and his social media information, can be found at https:// www.robertbannon.com. The album will be available on his website and will be on all music streaming platforms.■

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Courtesy of Hackensack University Medical

Today in America, nearly half of us are obese, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. One thing doctors have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic is that obesity increases the risk of serious illness in people who contract the virus, especially in people under age 60. If you are very obese and have been considering weight loss surgery, now is an excellent time to get started on your journey to improve your health. The teams in Hackensack University Medical Center’s Bariatric & Surgical Weight Loss Program and Medical Weight Loss Program are here to help.

Why Lose Weight Now?

The influence of obesity on COVID-19 outcomes is dramatic. Did you know that in people with COVID-19 who have BMI of 30 or more, there is more than double the risk of being hospitalized (a 113 percent increased risk); a 74 percent greater need for critical (intensive) care services, including ventilation; and a 48 percent higher risk of dying from the infection?

These outcomes may be due to the decreased immunity and chronic inflammation observed in people with excess body fat. Indeed, studies have shown that patients with COVID-19 whose condition becomes critical are likely to have higher levels of inflammatory proteins.

Get Started on Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Weight

If you don’t know your BMI, you can calculate it online (https://tinyurl. com/2996e9ev). If you have a BMI of 30 or over, your risk of developing severe COVID-19 is elevated if you do get the infection.

At Hackensack University Medical Center, weight loss teams feature physicians who specialize in obesity medicine. They can customize a plan of care for you that may include FDA-approved medications in combination with nutrition, exercise, and behavioral changes to help you not only achieve, but maintain a healthy weight.

(Continues on page 38)

Disclaimer: The photos accompanying this article were taken prior to masking and social distancing guidelines for COVID-19.

Weight Loss Surgery

Surgical weight loss (bariatric) procedures generally cause weight loss by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold, by preventing the stomach from absorbing nutrients, or by doing both. If you are considering surgical weight loss, the bariatric surgeons at Hackensack University Medical Center offer:

Sleeve GaStrectomy:

a procedure that reduces the stomach volume, dividing it vertically and removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach. GaStric bypaSS:

the construction of a bypass for food to skip sections of the small intestine by creating a small pouch in the stomach that prevents an abundance of calories or nutrients from being absorbed. GaStric bandinG:

the placement of a band around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing the stomach into one smaller and one larger part and allowing you to feel full faster.an abundance of calories or nutrients from being absorbed.

Special events for the Ramapo Orchid Society happen in both June and December. In June, an auction takes place at the Flat Brook Nature Center, where members can further grow their The bariatric surgery program is an Ac-collection. In December too, an auction occurs credited Comprehensive Center under the at the annual Christmas party, which happens at Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accredi-a restaurant.That event also offers orchids for tation and Quality Improvement Program sale from wholesalers that the society brings in. (MBSAQIP®). This recognition is given only With the events, meetings and experts that to programs that provide comprehensive care are brought in, Kostetsky hopes to share with to prepare and care for patients before surpeople the rewarding feeling that comes from gery and promote their long-term success afre-blooming and caring for orchids. -

“Reblooming that plant is a challenge but it’ s ter the procedure. so exciting.It gives the grower a real sense of sat“It can take three to four months to prepare isfaction, ” he said. “A lot of people buy orchids for for weight loss surgery, so now is a great time $10 or $20 in the supermarket,and when it’ s finto get the process started,” explains Hans J. ished blooming,they go out and buy another one. Schmidt, M.D. FACS, chief of the bariatric So, a lot of people don ’t feel they need advice or surgery division and director of the Center for instructions.Instead of cut flowers that last a few Bariatric Medicine at Hackensack University days, they ’ re buying a plant that will give them a Medical Center. “We are offering telehealth week to even four weeks of blooming. I’ m trying visits from the comfort of your home for pa-to find those people who are interested in the tients interested in learning more about their many different varieties of orchids,where they ’ re weight loss options. When you come in for from and one orchid you have to keep extremely in-person visits, you can rest assured that cold while another needs to be warm. It’ s weird Hackensack University Medical Center is because orchids are found on every continent but taking every step possible to reduce the risk Antarctica. They grow all over and come back of coronavirus transmission.”every year – the same plant comes back every year. ” Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic What the society hopes to do is to continue to Hackensack University Medical Center is encourage people to fully understand this diverse flower and bring people with like interests providing high-level care despite the COtogether. VID-19 pandemic. With rigorous sanitiza“It’ s like any other thing, people get together tion, universal masking, physical distancand play games or smoke cigars or watch baseball ing, and separate areas for patients with or have dinner. It’ s getting together with people and without COVID-19, bariatric surgeons and interacting with them. There ’ s something have continued to perform weight loss about that I guess feeds friendships.There are a procedures safely throughout this challeng-lot of people out there,and they just want to get ing time. Patient safety is their priority.out and meet new people and have involvement To learn more about weight loss surgery at other than their kitchen or their job, and this is Hackensack University Medical Center, visit different, ” Kostetsky said. “Don ’t throw that orhackensackumc.org/bariatrics. You can sign chid out.We ’ll show you how to re-bloom it again up for a virtual seminar (https://www.hackenand again and again. ” sackumc.org/ events / # Bariatrics), presented The first meeting is free, said Kostetsky, and each month so you can learn about your varimembership costs $25 a year for a single person ous surgical options in a relaxed informative and $35 for family membership.The next meetsetting. To learn more, call 551-996-4424 or ing will be held the thirdThursday of January and emailmore Bariatric.center@hmhn.org. ■ information can be found at https://www.ramapoorchid.org.

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Courtesy of eLivingtoday.com

Restrictions on social gatherings may become less strict in the coming weeks and months. However, many experts caution that care should still be exercised when groups of people gather.

After an extended period without social contact, it’s only natural to crave some interaction, and there’s evidence that doing so can be advantageous for your mental health. However, taking precautions to protect your physical health, along with your guests’, can make for a more enjoyable event.

KEEP IT CONTAINED. Limit your gatherings to a few close friends or family members so if someone does get sick, contact tracing is a simple task. Keep in mind the number of same-household families you invite is more important than the number of people in that family. For example, one family of six that has already been living in close quarters poses a lower risk than three couples living in separate houses. Also be mindful of your guests’ approach to prevention; if they’ve been less cautious than your family or vice versa, there’s room for conflict and anxiety.

CELEBRATE OUTDOORS. Indoor event spaces naturally have less circulation, meaning potential airborne particles hang around longer. Planning your gathering outdoors helps ensure more free-moving fresh air and more space for guests to spread out and practice social distancing.

ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO BRING THEIR OWN. It may go against all your good hosting inclinations but hosting a bring-your-own party eliminates shared food and the risk of cross-contamination. You can provide disposable table service (plates, silverware and napkins) and single-serve beverages, but skip the cooler everyone reaches into.

PROVIDE AMPLE, WELL-SPACED SEATING. Encourage guests to keep some distance from one another by creating comfy seating arrangements. You can take it a step farther by asking guests to bring their own chairs and directing each family to set up its space a reasonable distance from the next.

MAKE CLEANLINESS A PRIORITY. Create stations with hand sanitizer or wipes. You can also create a makeshift sink to minimize trips to the restroom indoors. Provide a spray bottle or bucket, soap and paper towels near the hose for quick clean-ups.

Find more advice for navigating pandemic life at eLivingtoday.com.■

Wedded Bliss D in Times Like This Courtesy of eLivingtoday.com uring pre-COVID times, wedding concerns like venue capacity had far more to do with budget and vision than with the health and safety of guests. It’s a different world today, but with some careful planning you can still find ways to safely celebrate your love.

As the vows say, marriage is in good times and in bad. It may simply require some flexibility and creativity to make your dream day a reality.

➳Enlist help from an experienced coor-

dinator. If you weren’t planning to use a wedding coordinator, the pandemic is a compelling reason to reconsider. Keeping track of changing mandates and how they affect gatherings, crowd sizes and more is a job in its own right. Allowing your coordinator to keep tabs on the latest recommendations, and adjust arrangements with your vendors accordingly, may save a great deal of time and frustration. ➳Be realistic about your invite list. A year

ago, it would have been unthinkable to create a tiered guest list and even consider making cuts even

after invites go out. Today, that decision may be out of your hands. Rather than waiting until you get news that you’ll have to make cuts, take time now, with a level head and less emotion affecting your decisions, to segment your list. Determine who absolutely must be present as you exchange vows then expand in increments. Your coordinator or venue contact can help you determine thresholds (e.g., 25, 50 or 100 guests) based on the guidelines in your community. ➳Understand expectations. Vendors are

required to enforce local guidelines, so ensure you’re clear on what measures they will implement on your day. This may include everything from masks and distancing to whether you’re allowed to use a dance floor during the reception. ➳Keep guests informed. If you haven’t

already, create a blog or send out regular updates about wedding plans to guests. If circumstances require you to uninvite someone, be conscious of timing and give plenty of notice so travel can be canceled, if necessary. As the event approaches, be clear about expectations so guests can arrive prepared or bow out if they’re not comfortable with what you’re planning. ➳Make safety convenient. Providing masks,

gloves and sanitizer can all go a long way to help make guests feel more secure at your event. A personalized hand sanitizer holder might even be a practical gift that guests can use and think fondly of your wedding day. ➳Forego traditions, for now. The pandemic

won’t last forever, but while it’s still here, consider skipping high-contact traditions like photos that bring multiple households together or a receiving line where everyone is in close contact. One alternative is to plan a mini-wedding (or even elope) now, and save the bigger celebration for later, when everyone can honor your marriage more safely.

Find more wedding advice and tips for daily life at eLivingtoday.com. ■

Strut Into Spring W i t h t h e s e t r e n d s

We have all been stuck at home in sweats or leggings long enough. I think we can all agree that spring is the perfect time to break out of the habit and gravitate towards one of the many trends that were spotted on the virtual runways for Spring/Summer 2021.

Even though we are staying home, we are still getting dressed and celebrating the joys of clothing. So, ditch the sweatpants and go for one or all of the following trends.

Oversized Denim and Trousers

Yes, that’s right, denim pants were seen all over the runway and it’s about time! Designers, such as Valentino and Celine, and the “OG of denim” Levi’s are all in on the denim trend. One thing they all have in common this spring is that the style is more relaxed and voluminous. Skinny jeans are not wanted. The same goes for trousers, as an alternative for sweats. Designers made trousers loose and comfortable. We must agree that one of the things we have learned during this pandemic is that comfort is key as a result of more people working from home.

Cut Outs

Cut outs are definitely going to be this season’s coolest trend. It’s a subtle way of showing skin and it’s the perfect balance between edgy and feminine. Whether it’s a cut out in your back, collar or midriff, it’s in.

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Voluminous Sleeves and Bold Shoulders

Puffed sleeves offer a new silhouette. They offer a tough girl attitude –think 80s prom vibes. Bold shoulders are the perfect balance of hard and soft, so choose one of these fun arm or shoulder trends to kick off this spring/summer.

Bubble Gum Pink

Bubble gum pink is poised as the color this spring and summer. The color looks great on everyone and it’s a great departure from wearing neutrals. This dose of color is fun and playful. Who wouldn’t want some bubble gum in their wardrobe?

Bra Tops

This trend was seen all over the virtual runway. You can wear alone, underneath a jacket or layer it over a shirt or shirtdress.

Knits

This trend is a great alternative to feeling comfortable and relaxed. Yet, designers again do not want to compromise style. Knits are a great transition from loungewear once the weather starts to feel warmer.

Sheer Delights

This nearly naked trend is genuinely happening, and it’s not just for the runway. See through clothes is a thing and it’s being worn from head-to-toe. Wear with a neutral tone underneath. Or, if you’re looking to make a statement, contrast it with something underneath that demands attention or wear nothing underneath at all. There are various degrees of exposure you can choose from.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who makes her clients feel beautiful and confident. When Soneca is not working her magic assisting her clients, she can be found working backstage at New York Fashion Week, working on location shoots and contributing as an on-air fashion/style expert and style writer. You can follow Soneca on her Instagram – @StyledBySoneca – for weekly tips.

by Soneca Guadara

Here are my latest favorites for spring. I have included a mix of drugstore and high-end products that I think you will love. A great cleansing balm to a fabulous spa treatment, these products are sure to get you warm weather ready in no time.

➊ Antedotum Vital Face Oil

I am loving this CBD-infused facial oil that leaves my skin plump and hydrated, all while reducing inflammation and redness. Available at www.antedotum.com. ➋ Versed Cleansing Balm

I’m also loving this clean beauty drugstore brand lately. This hydrating cleansing balm takes off every bit of makeup and leaves my skin so clean and hydrated. Available at Target, Paramus. ➌ Maybelline Lifter Gloss

This gloss is a dupe for Fenty Beauty gloss and now my go-to everyday. I love all the shades this gloss comes in. Available at Target, Closter. ①

②

➍ Skyn Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

This is a go-to eye gel for celebrity makeup artists. These are perfect to use before applying a full face of makeup and especially perfect before an event or night out to depuff and hydrate your undereye area. Available at Blue

Mercury, Closter. ➎ Miss Dior Rose N’ Roses

The perfect rosy, girly scent for the spring. I love this scent and it lasts all day. Available at Sephora, Paramus. ➏ Amazon Scalp Massager

I don’t know what I did before this scalp massager. It is heaven! I use this every time I shower to stimulate my scalp and promote hair growth. Available on amazon.com. ➐ Inkey List Retinol

The best budget retinol out there. I love this formula and it’s only $9. Available at Sephora, Paramus. ➑ Gee Beauty Liquid Highlighter in Natural Light

A new line I discovered recently is Gee Beauty. I love their makeup line as well as all the boutique brand beauty products they carry. This liquid highlight is perfect mixed into your foundation or used just as a highlight. Available at geebeauty.com. ➒ Slate Med Spa VI Peel

My new favorite spa treatment is the VI Peel. This effective but gentle peel will remove sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and more to reveal baby soft youthful skin! I highly recommend this treatment. Available at

Slate Med Spa, Paramus. ➓ e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

This is a great drugstore primer that really makes your skin look flawless all day. Available at Harmons, Closter.

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Kristin Favaloro is a Jersey girl with a serious makeup and skincare obsession. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/beautyandtheburbsnj or visit her blog at www.beautyandtheburbsnj.com to discover all that Bergen County has to make a beautiful you. Have a product you’d like Kristin to check out? Email her directly at beautyandtheburbs201@gmail.com.