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Get Healthy Skin with Skin Care Supplements

November 6, 2009 – 12:54 pm by Jacqueline Cheney
Source: flickr.com user bradley j

Source: flickr.com user bradley j

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have the perfect diet for healthy skin. I try to be good. I do. I pass on most sweets and I even like to eat my veggies. But when it comes down to it, I’d prefer pizza over salmon and steamed broccoli any day.

So, when it comes to taking vitamins and supplements, I’m pretty dedicated. I realize that I have to make up for what my diet is lacking. In fact, I’ve found an herbal or vitamin remedy for almost any ailment, whether it’s my acid reflux or my insomnia. And yes, I’ve even taken supplements for my skin.

Several beauty brands have branched out into the supplement business with claims of treating skin conditions from the inside out. And it’s not a bad idea. In fact, what you eat, or swallow in this case, actually does play a key role in the health of your skin.

Vitamins and nutrients are essential for the body to create healthy cells; of course, that means skin cells too. Healthy skin cells mean collagen production is up, cell turnover is active and your skin is naturally radiant and younger-looking.

One of the leaders in skin care supplements is Murad. This professional skin care brand has been treating skin for years with their internal and external approach. Their supplements for treating acne, cellulite, and aging skin, combined with their topical skincare treatments, have customers singing their praises.

And that’s where Murad has it right. No pill alone is ever going to completely transform your skin. Sure, these multivitamin complexes are formulated to improve the skin function from the inside, but you’ve got to treat it right on the outside too. Just think of a skin care supplement as another important step in your everyday skin care regimen.

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Make Over Your Makeup Routine

November 3, 2009 – 10:30 am by Leanna Kelly
Source: flickr.com user pinkiedahlia

Source: flickr.com user pinkiedahlia

Sometimes I get sick of my boring beauty routine. After using the same makeup products over and over again, it becomes almost chore-like to create my daily look. This upsets me; makeup should be fun! So, I’ve come up with a few ways to make over my makeup routine any time it starts to feel dull.

Colored Mascara
Nothing brightens your look like electric blue or vibrant plum lashes. Most mascara formulations come in black and brown, but you can often find fun colors like purple, blue, gold, green or even red. If you’re not up for coating your lash line in a full layer of flashy makeup pigment, try applying it to only the tips of the eyelashes. This will widen the appearance of your eyes and give your look a touch of intrigue.

Cheek Tint
I used to be perfectly terrified of cheek tints. I was sure that I would end up looking like a clown with bright red circles on both cheeks. Thankfully, I had a persistent friend who ensured me that I would love using a cheek tint makeup product - I just had to try! If you find that your look is too powdery or drab, try applying a cheek tint instead of a powder blush. The tint will add an extra layer of radiance while creating a truly natural-looking finish.

Highlighters and Illuminators
Highlighters and illuminators are an easy way to refresh your look while adding a dose of simple sass. Used pretty much anywhere skin is visible, highlighters and illuminators create a sexy yet subtle glow that helps the skin appear youthful and healthy while disguising imperfections by blurring their appearance. They’re especially useful for skin exhibiting hyperpigmentation or acne blemishes. Use a colored or translucent formula on the cheeks, eyes, facial contours, décolleté, shoulders, legs, or anywhere else a “lit from within” glow is desired!

Bronzer
Like cheek tints, I’ve always been a bit hesitant about using a bronzer, mostly because I’m Nicole Kidman-pale. However, after I learned how to properly apply a bronzer shade, I was hooked! Now I don’t leave the house without it. Used to contour, define or just to add an extra burst of color, bronzers are perfect for warming up any look.

New Lip Color
One of the easiest ways to change up your daily look is to choose a new lip gloss or lipstick shade. Even if the rest of your beauty routine stays the same, changing your lip shade from pink to red, or using a tint-free lip plumper, can add that little bit of something that will have your friends and co-workers wondering what’s different.

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Detox Day using Ginger and Clay

October 30, 2009 – 10:00 am by Elizabeth

Halloween is lots of fun, but dealing with your beautiful makeup the morning after a wild party will definitely take some advanced skin care.

We all know the feeling. You wake up with a confusing headache, and then groggily recall why you seem to have a trail of glitter and fishnets leading from your bed to your door.
A shocking glance in the mirror reveals the ugly truth; your costume has somehow gone from sexy to scary during your two hour slumber. Your leftover cat-eye makeup makes you look more like a frightened raccoon than a seductive feline, and your bodified Barbarella do has morphed into a lopsided beehive.

It’s mornings like this that you wish you had all day to lounge around in your sweats, but after a few cups of coffee, you know life must go on. A great way to bring your skin, hair, and body back from the dead is to do a mini detox bath, facial mask, and hair mask.

Start with your hair. Wash it with a clarifying shampoo to remove all the hairspray and gunk, then lightly towel dry and apply a deep conditioning treatment packed with rich moisturizers.

Next, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Make sure to remove all makeup. Then, apply a purifying mask like SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque.
While your skin and hair treatments are working their magic, it’s time to create a homeopathic detox bath so you can sweat out all those toxins. Add 1/8 of a cup of grated ginger to a warm bath and let it sit for a few minutes before you get in.

Flickr.com user Bluebike

Flickr.com user Bluebike

While the conditioner repairs and detangles your over-teased hair, and the mask draws heavy makeup out from clogged pores, the ginger will cause your body to sweat like a high-pressure faucet. Sweating detoxifies your body by carrying toxins out through your sweat glands. It’s highly effective, and it’s sure to make any doubter of holistic remedies a firm believer in the power of nature.

There are a few things to keep in mind before trying this energizing soak. Ginger can cause allergies, so it’s wise to test it on a small patch of skin before you go plunging into a steaming tub full of the fragrant root. Also, make sure to relax at home and drink lots of water for the hour following your 15-20 minute bath since your body will continue to sweat heavily.

After your bath, you may notice your other ailments have also disappeared. Ginger has been said to help cure nausea, bloating, headaches, respiratory inflammation, and even bad breath!

So with your hair now silky smooth, and your skin squeaky clean, you should have no trouble snapping back into reality after any ghoulish gathering.

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Get the Vintage Look: Marilyn Monroe

October 27, 2009 – 10:30 am by Leanna Kelly
Source: flickr.com user aclbraga

Source: flickr.com user aclbraga

When thinking of fashion icons, film actress and model Marilyn Monroe is one of the first women to come to mind. With her platinum blonde hair, her ethereal face and her all-natural sex appeal, Marilyn captivated men and women alike.

Marilyn was blessed with natural beauty, but she also swore by several beauty secrets to keep her skin clear and youthful. Some of her supposed beauty tips seem a bit far-fetched (like the rumor that she washed her face fifteen times every day to prevent acne blemishes), while most of her other beauty secrets, like applying a great anti aging moisturizer each morning, are much more believable.

Marilyn often sported soft eye makeup paired with gorgeous red lips. Although vibrant red lipstick may seem a bit scary at first, you’ll find that the correct shade of red coupled with a practiced application technique will leave you with a perfectly sexy pout every time.

Get Marilyn’s Look

Complexion

  • Apply a medium to full coverage foundation to the face and neck. Use a concealer to disguise imperfections such as hyperpigmentation.
  • Sweep a pink-nude blush shade over the apples of the cheeks. Then, contour the cheekbones with a shimmering bronzer, blending it up into your blush shade.
  • Use your bronzer shade to accentuate the curves of the face where desired.

Eyes and Brows

  • Use shimmering eyeshadow shades to brighten and illuminate the eye area. Apply a light, nude shade to the entire lid, and highlight the brow bone with a glimmering highlighter formulation. If more depth is desired, use a medium toned shadow in the creases of the eyes.
  • Using black or dark brown eyeliner, create a thin line along the top lash line, applying from corner to corner. Extend the line past the edge of the eye and flick it up for a more dramatic look.
  • Apply a generous dose of mascara to the top and bottom lash line.
  • Fill in brows if necessary, making sure to create a natural-looking finish.

Lips

  • Prep the lips using an anti-feathering treatment.
  • Apply a rich coat of your favorite red lipstick, blotting gently. Top with a clear lip gloss if desired.

Complete your glamorous look by donning a fabulous dress and a flirtatious pair of heels. If you have shorter hair, spend some time with the curling iron to re-create Marilyn’s famous tresses. If you have longer hair, create gentle curls and sweep it into a sexy up-do!

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Anti-aging Review: SkinMedica Skin Care Products

October 23, 2009 – 10:07 pm by Jacqueline Cheney

anti-aging-skin-careI’m no stranger to SkinMedica. I first tried a couple of their skin care products a few years ago, and I was pleased with the results. Needless to say, when I had the opportunity to experience more of what SkinMedica had to offer, I couldn’t wait.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this dermatologist-approved line, SkinMedica is famous for its advanced anti-aging ingredients, particularly its powerful NouriCel MD formula that’s made up of growth factors, collagen, antioxidants and proteins. Plus, it’s been clinically tested to improve the appearance of the skin and restore a more youthful radiance.

For the past two months I’ve dedicated my skin to SkinMedica’s top skin treatments, including Vitamin C Complex, Retinol Complex, Dermal Repair Cream, TNS Night Eye Repair and their new TNS Essential Serum, which was my primary anti-aging treatment.

Now, friends had told me about SkinMedica’s TNS Recovery Complex. It delivers great results, but its smell is not the most desirable. So when using the TNS Essential Serum (half TNS Recovery Complex, half APS Corrective Complex), I got to experience what they meant. However, I’m pleased to say that after five minutes, the smell was gone. And over time, I got so used to it I hardly noticed it at all.

I did love how the TNS Essential Serum made my skin feel. I could actually feel it sinking into my skin and working its magic. It absorbed quickly, staying sticky for just about 5 to 10 minutes, and then gave a slight warming sensation. I used the serum morning and night. Sometimes I would alternate with the Vitamin C Complex in the morning and the Retinol Complex in the evening (which, by the way, both smell great).

The Vitamin C was really nice. It smoothed on easily and not only gave antioxidant protection, but also acted as a mattifier, which was great for my oily skin. The Retinol Complex was lightweight and silky smooth. Both needed only a couple of squirts to cover my face and neck (including the back of my neck).

Every night I applied the TNS Night Eye Repair, which is super-concentrated. It took a few times using it to understand that the tiniest amount could actually get the job done. It definitely moisturized and prevented puffy morning eyes. But it did lack a little in the dark circles department (this will probably improve the longer I use it).

Overall, my skin definitely looks healthier and brighter. I have no new wrinkles and my skin has plenty of moisture. As far as repairing the damage I already had, like large pores, fine lines and hyperpigmentation, the results have not yet been as dramatic as I hoped. I have noticed a slight improvement in the crease between my eyes and the uneven pigmentation on my forehead, but I would have loved for those to completely disappear.

Of course, as a skin care professional, I realize that it just means I have to stick with it. It’s only been two months, and most products take up to 6 months before you begin to see real skin repair happen. And maybe I’m just being too hard on myself. I’ve gotten lots of compliments on my skin, which means I must be doing something right.

Would you like to try SkinMedica too? There’s no better time than the present. DermStore.com is currently offering 5% off all SkinMedica products!

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Bloom Scented Flower Earrings

October 20, 2009 – 10:30 am by Leanna Kelly

Bloom EarringsMeet my newest beauty obsession: Bloom Scented Flower Earrings. When I came across these little paper earrings, I was instantly in love – and that was before I knew anything about them! Their cute, kitschy design and bright colors immediately drew me in, but when I found out about their little secret, I knew that I’d be a fan for life.

The Bloom Scented Flower Earrings are disposable fashion earrings made with sturdy paper. Their special “secret” is the ability to retain the notes of your perfume, allowing you to enjoy your favorite scent for a longer amount of time! Their unique design allows you to spray your favorite beauty fragrance directly onto the earring itself, making application a breeze.

One of my favorite things about these earrings is the fact that every time you turn your head or toss your hair, the aroma of your beauty perfume will be released without overwhelming those around you. Each pack comes with one pair of sterling silver studs and 30 flower earrings in an assortment of colors.

If you really like to stay up-to-date on the latest fashion and beauty trends, you can switch your earring fragrance up depending on the newest and hottest perfumes. The flower shape of the earrings inspired me to spritz on Demeter Fragrance Library’s Wet Garden, a light, earthy aroma that brings to mind the fresh, cleansed sent of a beautiful garden after a soft rainfall. Or, you can stick to your staple fragrance and simply enjoy a new way to wear it!

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Peeling Away the Mysteries of PHA

October 16, 2009 – 10:00 am by Elizabeth
Source- flickr.com user Jenah Crump

Source- flickr.com user Jenah Crump

It’s true that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder; however, it seems that no matter the culture, class, or century you examine, one rule remains the same: beauty begins with the best skin care. An essential step of achieving healthy, youthful skin is exfoliation.

Proper exfoliation removes dead, dull skin from the outer-most layer of the epidermis, and exposes the dewy new skin that lies beneath. There are countless ways you can exfoliate, and different methods produce different results.

One of the most ancient and technologically advanced methods of revealing healthier, more youthful skin dates back to the mystical era of the original beauty queen, Cleopatra. As legend has it, she kept her face radiant by using a form Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), which are still widely used today. Since her time, AHAs have been changed, rediscovered and perfected.

One of the more recently developed forms of these acids is Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHA). Unlike AHAs, which are produced from glucose (plant sugars), PHAs are made from other natural sources and are much milder. When used correctly, they help normalize the top layer of skin, speed exfoliation and hydrate thirsty cells (just like AHAs) but in a much gentler way.

There are many different ways that these acids are used, varying from mild daily moisturizer, to deep chemical peels performed by licensed professionals. Some people with sensitive skin have learned to avoid AHAs, as they can be too strong for delicate skin. Luckily, with the development of PHAs, these people can now reap the beautifying benefits of this ancient beauty ritual without experiencing discomfort or undesired side effects of some AHAs.

The main difference between a typical AHA and PHA is that PHA molecules are larger; therefore they penetrate the skin at a slower, steadier pace and cause less irritation. A great example of one of these highly advanced skincare ingredients is Lactobionic acid, which is derived from Lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactabonic acid brings all the great benefits of AHAs, including exfoliation, hydration, and protection from free radicals, but it is absorbed at a slower pace, allowing your skin to adjust to the changes without becoming irritated.

This revolutionary new group of PHAs is granting even the most sensitive skin types access into the amazing world of exfoliation without the undesired side effects like dryness and irritation. One brand that uses Lactobionic acid in an effective way is NeoStrata. Their products are formulated to provide your skin with the perfect balance of ingredients to gently reveal a more beautiful and radiant you.

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Get the Vintage Look: Audrey Hepburn

October 13, 2009 – 10:30 am by Leanna Kelly

Source: flickr.com user litmuse

Source: flickr.com user litmuse

Everywhere you turn, a different magazine, TV show or website is telling you how to “get the look.” While it’s fun to learn the beauty secrets of today’s beautiful, talented and elite, it gets a little tiresome to read about the same makeup tips from the same celebrities over and over again.

So, why not take it back a few years and pull some inspiration from the beauties that came before? Without further ado, here’s the first installment of Get the Vintage Look, featuring Audrey Hepburn.

Audrey Hepburn was one of the most beloved film actresses of the 1950s and ’60s. Known for her quiet grace, her charming personality and, of course, her excessive beauty, Audrey was an inspiration for many.

In addition to her accomplishments on the silver screen, Audrey was also known for her extensive humanitarian work, and was even awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work with UNICEF.

Get Audrey’s Look

Complexion

  • Use a medium to full coverage foundation to achieve a flawless, fresh-faced glow. Apply concealer to areas of concern, such as dark under eye circles or blemishes. Set with a translucent powder.
  • Apply a very soft pink blush shade to the apples of the cheeks. (Don’t forget to dab a little bit of your blush shade on your chin, nose and upper brow bone to create a natural look.)

Eyes and Brows

  • Accentuate your eyes using rich, neutral eye makeup shades. Apply a light eyeshadow shade to the entire lid, and fill in the crease area with a medium to dark neutral shade.
  • Using black liquid eyeliner, create a medium line along the top lid, applying from corner to corner. If desired, you may line the outer two thirds of the bottom lash line using the eyeshadow shade you used for your eye creases.
  • Apply a healthy dose of mascara to the top lashes, focusing on the outer edge of the lash line. Apply a lighter layer of mascara to the bottom lash line.
  • Fill and and groom the eyebrows appropriately. If left untouched, the eyebrows may look ashy or sparse in comparison to your bold, dramatic eyes.

Lips

  • Prep the lips using an anti-feathering treatment.
  • Apply a medium to medium-dark pink lipstick, or a lighter or darker shade depending on your skin tone.
  • If more color or shine is desired, apply a clear or pink gloss.

To finish your vintage-inspired look, sweep your hair back into a ponytail and whip out your skinny jeans and a black turtleneck – elegant, understated and perfectly Audrey.

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Diving Head First into the Fountain of Youth

October 9, 2009 – 1:06 pm by Elizabeth
Source: flickr.com user Kevin Saff

Source: flickr.com user Kevin Saff

With all the talk about the miracle of mineral makeup these days, beauty companies are discovering new ways to incorporate minerals into their skin care products. From deep volcanic mud baths to mineral based lip glosses, this earthy craze has taken many white-lab-coat-clad chemists from their sterile laboratories to plunging headfirst into the deepest, muddiest mineral waters.

The benefits of mineral-rich Thermal Spring Waters have been studied for centuries, and although the claims of these minerals range from simple to absurd, there are many benefits that have been proven time and time again. Thermal Mineral Spring Waters are added to products to help them detoxify, soften, soothe, and rejuvenate aging and acne-prone skin.

The mineral often found in the highest concentration is Selenium. Resulting from rain water flowing through miles of limestone, this trace mineral is an excellent antioxidant, aiding the body with its ongoing fight against free radicals, both internally and when applied topically. By fighting free radicals, it disallows cellular change and mutation and is highly effective for the rejuvenation of aging skin, and gently detoxifying even the most sensitive skin.

Some of the deepest Thermal Spring Waters have been gathering trace minerals for tens of thousands of years, all while being protected from all pollutions on the earth’s surface. The minerals gained over this time work together to provide a perfectly balanced, clean, and complex formula that’s added to many highly effective skin care treatments. Unlike harsh anti-aging and anti-acne products, which can strip and irritate the skin, these minerals work with the body to help activate cell renewal and revive dull, dry skin.

One skin care brand that’s figured out how to tap these spring waters straight from the source and deliver it to your fingertips is La Roche-Posay. The professional skin care line provides ultra-gentle products formulated with untainted mineral-rich spring water.

Comments (1) | Posted in Skin Care information | Tagged , , ,

Eye Makeup Tips: Enhance Your Eye Shape

October 6, 2009 – 10:30 am by Leanna Kelly
Source: flickr.com user poolski

Source: flickr.com user poolski

When it comes to eye makeup tips, one of the most important things to learn is how to apply makeup to best enhance and compliment the shape of your eyes. Once you know how to properly apply your eye makeup, you’ll find that it’s easier to get the most out of your cosmetics while creating a stunning look that always attracts attention.

Deep Set Eyes

  • Shadow: use pale or light shadow shades on and around the eyes. If a darker shade is desired, use only to outline the eyes. Apply a highlighter just above the crease to brighten and open the eyes.
  • Liner: line only the lower lash line, slightly extending the line out and up.
  • Mascara: apply generously.

Wide Set Eyes

  • Shadow: cover the lids in a light shade. Apply a medium shade to the inner half of the eyelid and blend outward to create a soft finish. If a darker shade is desired, focus application on the inner corner of the eyes.
  • Liner: completely line both the lower and upper lash lines.
  • Mascara: apply generously.

Close Set Eyes

  • Shadow: apply a light shade from inner corner to just above the pupil, then use a slightly deeper shade from mid-lid to the outer corner. Blend well.
  • Liner: apply a thicker line on the outer third edge of the top and bottom lash lines, gradually allowing the line to become thinner as it reaches toward the inner corner. (Bottom lash line should only be lined on the outer two thirds of the eye.)
  • Mascara: apply one coat of mascara. A second coat may be applied to the outer lashes if desired.

Down Turned Eyes

  • Shadow: apply a light shade to the entire lid. Use a deeper shade along the crease, making sure to blend up and out, especially in the outer two thirds of the eye.
  • Liner: line the upper lid, staying close to the lash line.
  • Mascara: curl the lashes and apply a medium to dense coat of mascara, focusing on the outer lashes.

Asian Eyes

  • Shadow: apply a light shade to both eyelids. A slightly darker shade may be applied near the lash line and blended up toward the brow, allowing it to graduate into your lighter base shade.
  • Liner: apply a thick, smoky line to the upper lash line, making sure that the liner is visible when the eyes are open. Apply a thinner line to the lower lash line.
  • Mascara: apply generously.

Small Eyes

  • Shadow: apply light, shimmery shadow shades using a traditional technique with a lighter base shade and a deeper crease shade.
  • Liner: fully line the upper lash line, extending the liner out and up at the outer corner of the eyes. Line only the outer two thirds of the lower lash line.
  • Mascara: apply one or two coats to the top lashes only.

Hooded Eyes

  • Shadow: apply a medium to dark shade to the hooded area, just above your natural eye crease. Then, apply a light shadow or highlighter to the brow bone and the inside corners of the eyes, blending well to remove any harsh lines between the light and dark shadow shades.
  • Liner: apply a very fine line along the upper lash line only and gently smudge for a softer look.
  • Mascara: apply one to two coats to the upper lashes only.

Protruding Eyes

  • Shadow: apply a medium to dark matte shadow shade to the lower lids, beginning at the lash line. Use a lighter shadow shade for the crease area and blend both shades upward toward the brow bone.
  • Liner: line the upper and lower lash lines from corner to corner.
  • Mascara: apply one to two coats to the upper lashes only.
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