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Enter our CATTIVA Giveaway for a Chance to Win!

January 16, 2012 – 1:16 pm by guestblogger

Developed by former model, Joelle Maryn, CATTIVA was founded on the timeless allure of Italian romance and lifestyle. Drawing from years of experience in beauty and fashion, Maryn wanted to create a line that would combine the two worlds, resulting in couture cosmetics that make women feel even more glamorous as the packaging in which they’re encased.

The mineral-based formulations with natural anti-aging ingredients and long-lasting pigments truly simplify a woman’s beauty routine; helping her to achieve and maintain radiant, flawless beauty with minimal effort. Every product, from its best-selling Il Primo Bacio lip gloss to its smoldering eye shadows, offers all the sought-after age-defying properties and fashion-forward colors that beautify women in style.

Today’s giveaway gives you a chance to experience them all!

Il Primo Bacio Lip Gloss in #7 –A matte dusty pink gloss (the ultimate go-to color perfect for night and day) fortified with antioxidants to soothe, moisturize and protect lips; comes with a Swarovski crystal-tipped cap

Tutto Giorno Mineral Eye Shadow Quad Refill (in Monteforte) –Four mineral-based shadows in metallic taupe, sparkling eggplant as well as pink and dusty pink shimmers

Refillable Crystal Container-A sleek crystal-studded compact to perfect your makeup in style

Plus, you’ll also get a chance to win a black faux patent leather CATTIVA travel bag to hold all your chic cosmetics!

Like CATTIVA and DermStore on Facebook, then tell us:

What is your favorite lip gloss color (e.g., pink, plum, brown, red)?

Congrats to our CATTIVA Winners:

1.) Jini

2.) Ryann Taylor

3.) Emily Pyrek

4.) Diane Redcay

5.) Katherine S

6.) Jennifer P

7.) Jamie Larimore

Thanks to all for participating! Winners check your emails for more information on how to claim your prizes.

**7 winners will be chosen at random. Post a comment and tell us what your favorite lip gloss color is (e.g., pink, plum, brown, red). Giveaway starts on 1/16/12 and ends 1/30/12 at 11:59 pm PST. The winners will be announced during the time of 1/31/12- 3/2/12. If a winner does not reply within 5 business days of being contacted, another winner will be chosen.**

Comments (227) | Posted in Giveaway | Tagged cosmetics, Giveaway

Mondays with Michelle: SOS for Aging Arms

January 16, 2012 – 11:59 am by Michelle

Q: I am over 40 and I noticed the texture of the skin on my arms is not looking as good as in the past. Is there a body lotion that acts as an effective treatment for aging skin?

A:There is! Glytone Body Lotion has a high percentage of glycolic acid, which will really help out in improving texture. If you’re sensitive and it stings a little, try using it every other day. You’ll notice great results within a couple of weeks.

Add comment » | Posted in Featured products, Health and Info, Skin Care information | Tagged Ask the Esthetician

New Year, Fresh Start Thanks to Perricone MD

January 13, 2012 – 4:55 pm by Marissa

2012 is here and I’m ready to get my skin and body back in order after an intense holiday adventure of traveling and overindulging. A big fan of Perricone MD products and recent facebook like to Dr. Perricone’s facebook page, has me thinking of doing an overhaul to my diet to achieve radiant, healthy skin. The idea of changing my normal consumption habits is slightly overwhelming until I saw all the fresh produce and fish options showcased on Well + Good NYC’s article with Dr. Perricone himself. (Check out the photo of his refrigerator. Evidence that the doctor himself adheres to his own advice.)

The challenge: start incorporating fresh, healthy produce and fish to my diet, combine that with Perricone MD’s supplements (perfect for me since I’m on the go and saves me time) and topical skin care products. Check out next month to see my update/progress I have made.

Add comment » | Posted in Health and Info, Skin Care information | Tagged health and beauty, skin care

Enter our iS Clinical Anti-Aging Giveaway!

January 11, 2012 – 2:35 pm by guestblogger

Whether it’s acne, aging, irritated or dehydrated skin, the fact is, your skin is out of sorts and needs to be nourished back to health.

iS Clinical combines the art of healing with the science of skin care to develop highly sophisticated and versatile formulations to optimize skin health for all skin types. Using the purest, most potent natural ingredients available, iS Clinical products promote the skin’s natural exfoliation, circulation and cellular regeneration processes to treat everything from wrinkles and sagging skin to skin suffering from sun damage, rosacea, acne and even contact dermatitis.

Our latest giveaway gives you a chance to win its Anti-Aging Signature Kit, which features 4 efficient and effective formulas to cleanse, nourish, smooth and protect your skin, plus a sleek travel case to carry all your skin-healthy essentials:

Cleansing Complex –smoothes and brightens while removing surface impurities

Active Serum –an all-in-one formula to soothe and prevent acne as well as correct the signs of aging like wrinkles, sun spots and dehydrated skin

Youth Complex –clinically proven to boost collagen and elastin production for skin that’s smoother, firmer and suppler

SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen –protects against UV damage while reducing redness and inflammation

Like iS Clinical and DermStore on facebook, then tell us:

What benefits would you like to see from using a serum?

Congrats to our two lucky winners!

1.) Sarah

2.) HTC

Please be sure to check your emails for more info. on how to claim your prizes!

**2 winners will be chosen at random. Post a comment and tell us what benefits you would like to see from using a serum. Giveaway starts on 1/11/12 and ends 1/25/12 at 11:59 pm PST. The winners will be announced during the time of 1/26/12- 2/26/12. If a winner does not reply within 5 business days of being contacted, another winner will be chosen.**

Comments (175) | Posted in Giveaway | Tagged Giveaway

First Royal Birthday: Kate Middleton turns 30

January 10, 2012 – 5:52 pm by Lyneeka

The Duchess of Cambridge attended the red carpet film premier of Steven Spilberg’s “War Horse” in central London. Kate stole the show with her husband Prince William on the eve of her 30^th birthday. This future queen is always a head turner. Her style has brought many fashion designers into the spotlight. Every clothing item Kate’s been seen in becomes desired by millions. From Ralph Lauren and Issa to British designers Sarah Burton and Alice Temperley; if Kate’s got it, we’ve got to have it.

Much like Princess Diana, Kate has drawn new attention to her tastes in fashion. With her travels around the world and glamorous public appearances, Kate’s fashion choices mean big business in the fashion industry. She has had a phenomenal impact on British fashion as well. Retail experts have reportedly calculated women spending an average of £250 on Kate’s dress lookalikes! Even sales on chocolate brown hair dye have gone up! Ever since the Royal wedding we all stayed up to watch, there has been a tremendous demand for her dressing styles. The Duchess doesn’t just wear high-end couture. She also makes headlines in affordable looksfrom Zara, Topshop and Reiss.

Middleton celebrated her actual birthday with a low-key private affair where she was surrounded by family and friends. Kate has proven she has the ability to turn conservative looks into polished modern staples. Will the “Duchess effect” continue to stay on the rise in 2012? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Add comment » | Posted in New products |

4 Steps to a Younger You: iS Clinical

January 9, 2012 – 4:32 pm by Beth

Signs of aging skin are an unavoidable concern for all of us. Sadly, it’s a fact of life but it doesn’t have to be something that consumes us. There are plenty of ways to help reverse aging skin and iS Clinical is making it easy for us with this four step anti-aging system. This Anti-Aging Signature kit is great for all ages (not just the old) and all skin types to smooth and restore premature aging skin.

There are two types of aging that can affect your skin, intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Both are caused by free radical damage, a process by which destructive free radicals attack cells. The iS Clinical Anti-Aging kit works to improve both types of aging by cleansing, treating, hydrating and protecting the skin. The combination of these iS Clinical Anti-Aging formulas, provide antioxidant protection, reduce the appearance of wrinkling and hyperpigmentation, soothe symptoms of acne, and improve skin health. All of the items are secured within a metal traveling case with lock and key included (great for those roommates that like to borrow your favorite items without asking).

Follow these anti-aging steps in the following order like I did and you’ll be well on your way to achieving tighter, firmer, healthier skin.

Cleansing Complex: No extra makeup remover is needed with this outstanding cleanser. Just a little bit goes a long way to eliminate any evidence of mascara and heavy makeup in one convenient wash! No residue or traces of makeup left behind, it was as if I never touched my lashes with a mascara wand (which I applied several times throughout the day). Ah-mazing!

Youth Complex: After cleansing, the antioxidant-packed Youth complex works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. My skin felt tighter, smoother and more radiant.

SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen: Once the Youth Complex has absorbed into the skin, top it off with the SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen which helps to soothe inflammation with UVA/UVB protection. I was pleasantly surprised with how well this sunscreen absorbed into my skin, never leaving me with greasy or shiny skin.

At night, simply cleanse again and apply the Active Serum and the 4 steps are complete! 3-5 drops of this refreshing, tingling serum encourages exfoliation to brighten and even skin tone. It also helps to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation associated with acne.

I have been using this iS Clinical 4 step regimen for several weeks now and I’m very much enjoying the results. My skin feels tighter, my makeup comes off with one simple wash, and my skin feels perfectly hydrated and smooth! Sound good to you? Then we have good news! We will be having an iS Clinical giveaway coming soon (this week), so be sure to like us and iS Clinical on Facebook so you can stay informed as to when the giveaway starts! You can win your very own Anti-Aging kit to try.

Add comment » | Posted in Featured products, Skin Care information | Tagged anti aging skin care, anti-aging, skin care

Mondays with Michelle: Sensitive Skin with Dark Spots

January 9, 2012 – 10:58 am by Michelle

Q: I have sensitive skin with eczema. Post-flare-up, I always break out, which leads to my big issue as of late: the dark spots that have developed on my cheeks. I’m also losing tone and elasticity. I am 41 and used to look younger than my years. Now, my face is catching up to the calendar—and I would like something to lighten the dark spots and increase my skin’s elasticity. Something that won’t eat my face off. Suggestions?

A: Absolutely! I recommend Eminence Stone Crop Serum. This is an all-natural lightening serum for pigmented and dehydrated skin. It’s safe also safe for sensitive skin with eczema.

Add comment » | Posted in New products |

My Latest Beauty Haul

January 6, 2012 – 5:24 pm by Liz

If the popularity of haul videos on YouTube is any indication, the people of the Internets love vicarious acts of shopping. With that in mind, I decided to devote today’s blog post to my latest beauty haul (received yesterday!) from DermStore. Yeah, we get to try lots of amazing products over here—but even with all the creams, lotions, potions and serums I get my hands on weekly, there are products I really can’t live without. And with free shipping, free samples with every order and award-winning customer service, why on earth would I buy them anywhere but DermStore? I digress. Want to hear about my latest beauty haul? Keep reading!

1. Murad Hybrids Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for Eyes I have a couple other eye creams in my rotation, but fell in love with this one for its ability to make my fine lines and wrinkles disappear (seriously!). I think I’m still too young to be a Botox regular, and with this stuff I don’t need to do that any more than once a year.

2. DDF Brightening Cleanser I think I’ve blogged about this one before, but it’s worth another mention. If you’ve got hyperpigmentation issues and prefer a gel cleanser, this anti-aging product is calling your name! It’s a thorough cleanser that does more than just cleanse. It uses AHAs to exfoliate and (duh) brighten. Because the potent chemical exfoliants mean serious business, the brand advises upping your SPF while using it. Another “duh.” I would wear SPF 1000 every day if such a thing existed.

3. Obagi Professional-C Serum 20 Percent This is actually a first-time try for me— one of my girlfriends was raving about it so I thought I’d give it a whirl. (Sorry, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. I still love you!) I love me a good vitamin C product, and love that this one has 20% L-Ascorbic Acid. If you’ve never used a vitamin C product before—specifically, one with L-Ascorbic Acid and not a lipid-soluble form of the antioxidant—don’t start at 20%! Start with 10% and work your way up to avoid irritation. Put it on in the morning under your sunscreen.

What did YOU buy the last time you placed a DermStore order? Any new finds? Tell us!

Comments (1) | Posted in DermStore News, Featured products, Skin Care information |

Enter Our Boscia B.B. Cream Giveaway!

January 5, 2012 – 12:17 pm by guestblogger

Since its inception in 1979, boscia, the world’s first 100% preservative-free skin care, has been a pioneer in the industry with its commitment to producing safe, effective formulations that deliver dramatic, visible results without compromising your skin’s health, regardless of your skin type.

The Japanese brand has been a firm advocate of paraben-free skin care long before the idea was even popular. Its products are completely free of preservatives (not just parabens but also the 150 industry-recognized preservatives that can irritate skin), ethanol alcohol, bactericides, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colorants, mineral oil and animal ingredients.

Using clinically proven active botanicals and innovative skin care technologies, boscia provides remarkable skin benefits: from increasing cell regeneration and improving skin elasticity, radiance and even tone, to banishing acne, redness and inflammation.

And now, you can be one of the lucky winners to receive its popular skin-perfecting B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++ (or “Blemish Balm”) and ground-breaking MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil. The B.B. Cream is truly a one-step wonder to achieving that radiantly flawless, youthful complexion as it hydrates, firms and heals skin. The oil-free, botanical formula blends with any skin tone to instantly conceal imperfections such as fine lines, enlarged pores and discoloration. Plus, powerful antioxidants and a broad spectrum UVA/UVB physical sunscreen powerfully protect skin from UV and free radical damage. Over time, it visibly corrects the signs of aging while restoring skin’s health.

The MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil combines non-comedogenic essential oils and botanical extracts to purify pores and refresh skin. By binding oil with oil, the innovative cleanser effectively washes away impurities, makeup and dulling debris for a fresh, clear complexion.

Like DermStore and boscia on Facebook, then:

Tell us: How can you see boscia’s B.B. Cream improving your makeup and skin care routine?

Congrats to our boscia Giveaway Winners:

1.) Laura

2.) Joe

3.) Jann D

4.) Beauty Smarties

5.) Joanna

6.) Samantha Reyes

7.) Rachelle Neely

8.) Susan Laves

9.) Valerie D

10.) Amanda Brown

Thanks to all for your participation! Winners check your emails for more info. on how to claim your prizes!

**10 winners will be chosen at random. Post a comment and tell us how you can see boscia’s B.B. Cream improving your makeup and skincare routine. Giveaway starts on 1/5/12 and ends 1/19/12 at 11:59 pm PST. The winners will be announced during the time of 1/20/12- 2/20/12. If a winner does not reply within 5 business days of being contacted, another winner will be chosen.**

Comments (227) | Posted in Featured products, Giveaway | Tagged Giveaway

Wedding Makeup Tips

January 4, 2012 – 3:02 pm by Jessika

My beautiful mother on her wedding day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and your make up must keep up with the festivities. My best friend is getting married this month and had asked me to give her some wedding makeup tips that I also want to share with you. I want to give you the basics and some makeup tipsto help your makeup last longer in the event that you are planning on doing your own makeup the day of your wedding.

Unfortunately with this economy many brides may be looking to cut costs and opt for easy and less expensive ways to make their special day unforgettable. It is hard to find long lasting makeup that is appropriate for such a special occasion and won’t leave you with pennies in your pocket. Nowadays, many cosmetic companies have made available at your fingertips the same products that a makeup artist would use when applying makeup for special occasions. As an example, the Duchess of Cambridge said ‘no thanks’ to professional makeup help for her wedding day and she sure looked fabulous. So why not try it yourself?

My first tip is to not try anything new on your special day; avoid unwelcomed surprises by using your everyday cleanser and moisturizer on the day of your wedding. In the event that you don’t usually use a makeup primer, I suggest trying some face primers at least two weeks prior to the wedding so that you get familiar with the feeling of using one. The benefits from makeup primers are remarkable; they help you to fill in wrinkles, even out your skin tone, and they help your makeup last longer throughout the day. If your wedding is under the sun, I suggest using Sunforgettable Primer SPF 30 by Colorescience, you can also use this primer in the evening or the very popular Spackle Under Makeup Primer by Laura Geller. Once you have applied the primer you are ready for the next step and my favorite one; foundation! You can read more about full-coverage foundation on my blog Mastering Full-Coverage Foundation. Illuminare Mattifying Mineral Foundation is a great choice for the big day; this foundation will not rub off or sweat off and it is highly water resistant, and you will not need additional powder or blotting!

For a blush I suggest a powder-based blush since they usually last longer than cream based blushes. Even though a cream blush works best on dry skin types, you would still need to set it with powder so that it will last longer. For your eyes; use an eye lid primer, or simply apply some concealer to make the color of your eyelids look more even prior to applying eye shadows (don’t forget to set the concealer with a powder). Eye lid primers work the same way as face primers, just make sure to apply it very evenly. For your lips; if you haven’t found a lip stain that works for you, I suggest you apply your favorite lip pencil as if it was your lipstick followed by your favorite lipstick and or gloss. The lip pencil will stay on longer than a lipstick so all you would need to do is re-touch with a gloss.

Once you are done with your makeup application, do not forget to spray on a makeup finish spray. These types of sprays preserve the freshness of your cosmetics, preventing streaking, smudging and color loss. Try the Bridal Makeup Finish by Skindinavia.