April 3, 2012 – 9:56 am by Liz
I’m a product of the 80s and have always harbored a serious obsession for models and beauty and fashion. So, as you can imagine, I’ve always had a soft spot for Christie Brinkley. I remember her CoverGirl ads like they were circulating yesterday, and from the looks of things, this woman has maintained her looks in such a way, those iconic photos really could have been snapped a day ago. And now, she’s in Chicago the musical, the musical—playing Roxie Hart? OMG. Please tell me you’ve seen Chicago the musical and that you know what I’m talking about when I tell you—without any shame—that I know every word of “Cell Block Tango” and would break out in a dorky musical theatre routine if someone played it for me now!
Anyway, if you haven’t seen Christie Brinkley in Chicago the musical or feasted your eyes upon any of the promotional materials, check those out right now and tell me: how is it possible she’s 58 years old? I bet you don’t have an answer, and I don’t blame you—so allow me to do a little demystifying. First and foremost, she’s meticulous when it comes to her skin care routine. So meticulous, in fact, that not just any one of the millions of products out there meets her high standards, which include being vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free. So, to supplement her regular visits to the dermatologist, she took matters into her own hands and created her own line called Christie Brinkley Skincare.
Leveraging the power of Epigenetics—skin care’s latest and most exciting breakthrough—Christie Brinkley Skincare offers simple anti-aging solutions that implement a unique blend of ingredients designed to work with your skin—not against it. You see, the term “Epigenetics” covers the science of changing your genetic behavior without altering the underlying DNA makeup. In other words … Epigenetics is something that enables us to give ourselves the gift of better-behaving genes. We might not be able to morph into the likes of Christie Brinkley, but with Epigenetics we CAN stop our genes from doing things we don’t want them to do … like making wrinkles and lines and spots.
Have you heard of Christie Brinkley Skincare? If not, you should check it out! I have a feeling you’ll love it as much as I do!
April 3, 2012 – 9:21 am by Sarah
I love coconut oil. I use it in my bath, cook with it, use it as a hair mask, and lately it has been my natural moisturizer of choice. Coconut oil is an anti-aging wonder, rich with fatty acids and antioxidants that defend against free radical damage. It is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral, which makes it ideal for treating different skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or dry flaky skin. Having super sensitive skin, I am extremely cautious about what I put on my skin. Coconut oil is my cure all, beauty secret weapon!
When I came across the organic raw coconut oil based cosmetic line RMS Beauty, I knew I had discovered a gem. This organic cosmetic line was created by Rose-Marie Swift, a natural beauty icon and celebrity makeup artist. The entire line is a real treat, but my absolute favorite, can’t-live-without-it products are the Living Luminizer and the silky, nourishing Un Cover-Up Concealer.
Creating a natural, dewy look is simple using just these two products. Apply the concealer under your eyes and on your eyelids for a flawless matte base. Then, gently apply the luminizer to the inner corners of your eyes, brow bone, and underneath your eyes for that incredible healthy glow that we are all trying to achieve! The luminizer is unlike anything that I have tried before and trust me I have tried them all. The formula is not greasy or sparkly at all, it provides a radiant glow suitable for all ages. For a photo ready look, apply the luminizer right above the bow of your lips and along the top of your nose as well. These are all makeup tips and tricks from Rose-Marie Swift herself that she uses at her photo shoots on celebrity faces such as Gisele Bundchen and Miranda Kerr!
It is rare that I come across natural makeup that is up to par both ingredient and performance wise. RMS Beauty far exceeded my high standards and I am determined to share my love for their products! The Cream Eye Shadows are rich in pigment and come in five beautiful shades. “Magnetic” is a gorgeous plum mauve that especially accents brown eyes. They do not crease or smudge and provide great hydration throughout the day. RMS Beauty also has a Raw Coconut Cream that comes in a convenient jar, which I love to use as my makeup remover because it does not strip natural oils or cause irritation. This product even removed my most stubborn waterproof liquid eyeliner!
I really believe in the health and beauty benefits of coconut oil, so I am very glad that it has made its way into both skin care and cosmetics!
March 30, 2012 – 4:52 pm by Beth
Flickr source-The Shop Tart
Swimsuit season is almost here which means sun safety for skin should be top of mind. Yes, you should always be protecting your skin, but especially when you plan to spend long hours outside basking in the sun rays, which many of us are preparing to do this time of year.
I am not a fan of incorporating a separate sunscreen to my overall skin care regimen. This is mostly because the majority of them that I have triedare thick and heavy on my skin. So instead, I tend to look for moisturizers that include SPF protection in them and I try to increase the level of SPF for the warmer months. During the winter I’ll go with a lower SPF level daily on my face such as an SPF 15 or SPF 30, but during the warmer months when I know I will be spending more time outdoors and directly in front of the sun’s rays, I like to increase my SPF to 50 or higher (at least on my face), to help prevent further sun damage. I find it difficult to find a moisturizer with that high of SPF protection built in so alas, for the warmer weather I decided to do the unthinkable and try to find a separate sunscreen that I can apply throughout the day. I knew I wanted one that I could wear alone or under my makeup as added skin protection, but without making my face feel greasy.
One of my favorite sunscreens that I discovered is ReplenixUltra Sheer Sunscreen with SPF 55. This sunscreen provides protection against both UVA (preventing skin aging) and UVB (preventing burns) rays. The texture is so light and it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue (goodbye breakouts). It is like the ultimate protection without feeling like you are wearing anything at all (which makes it great for guys as well, who are not used to wearing product on their face). It is oil, fragrance, and paraben-free making it safe for all skin types including those that have sensitive and/or acne-prone skin.
Aside from the safe formula, the lightweight texture and the quick absorption, this is one of my favorites because it is packed full of antioxidants including CoQ10, Green Tea Polyphenols, Reveratrol and Vitamin E. The combination of antioxidants and sunscreen should always be included in any skin care routine to keep the skin healthy and protected. Using a mix of different antioxidants is believed to be more beneficial than a high concentration of one particular type.
This is one sunscreen I’m glad I found! Now I can keep my moisturizer with SPF at lower levels and have this as added protection throughout the day.
(Spoiler Alert! Next week we will have a giveaway with Replenix, so be sure to like us both on facebook and stay tuned for updates.)
March 27, 2012 – 10:44 am by Liz
Whether you’re among the palest of the pale (like me!), dark-skinned or anywhere in between, chances are you’re concerned about pigmentation and dark spots. And whether hormones or sun damage is what’s to blame, you’re well aware that getting rid of these dark spots—particularly if you don’t want to use hydroquinone—isn’t exactly an easy task. And alas, a spotted face really does age us, doesn’t it?
The thing is, it doesn’t have to. Not when there are products like Skyn ICELAND White Cloud Spot Corrector with Pigment Lightening Complex . It’s not only free of hydroquinone, but vegan and sans parabens, too! Great news for those of you who don’t want a mottled face but also aren’t interested in conventional, chemical-heavy brighteners. What I love most about this particular product is that it contains vitamins A and C—the two most important vitamins in skin care, if you ask me! And it’s suited to battle pigmentation issues running the gamut from age spots, dark patches, acne scars and an uneven tone.
I’ve been using this product for about 4 weeks now, so I’m just a couple weeks shy of the point at which I should start expecting dramatic results. (The brand claims results will be seen in as little as 6 weeks.) I do have a couple problem spots on my face, and I suspect it will take 2-3 months to see a difference in those. However, I have already noticed my complexion looks more luminous and even-toned!
My verdict: I like this product a lot. It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin in any way and seems to be working quite well. I encourage anyone who wants to put the kibosh on dark spots and say hello to a brighter, more even-toned complexion to give it a try! And what pigmentation product recommendation would be complete without a mini-rant on the importance of sunscreen? You should already be using it religiously, but when you’re using a product like this one your diligence becomes all the more important.
March 23, 2012 – 10:07 am by Beth
When it comes to choosing my beauty products, I like to go ‘natural’ whenever possible, as long as the performance of the product is not lacking. The same should go for my hair care choices. I’ve heard a lot about sulfate-free shampoos recently but I was never quite sure about trying them. Mostly because I heard that sulfate-free shampoo does not lather up, which made me kind of sad because quite frankly, I like the lather. I knew that Sulfate-free was a healthier option for my hair, but I wasn’t really ready to let go of the suds. Luckily, I discovered EVOLVh sulfate-free, paraben-free, multi-functional hair products. Multi-functional in that, this entire vegan line is ideal for all hair types including colored and chemically treated hair.
I have thick, wavy, color-treated hair that can be hard to manage at times. It gets knotted up and tangled if I don’t use the right kind of conditioner. For me, it is important to have a shampoo and conditioner that can tame my hair by providing moisture, nourishment and protection. I also need something that works on repairing any damaged follicles so that my hair feels stronger and looks healthy.
I have been using EVOLVh’s Ultrashine Moisture Shampoo and UltraShine Moisture Conditioner and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results (and the smell) of my hair. These products live up to all my expectations (even the suds)! Yes, I know it is sulfate-free, but somehow they managed to work in a rich-luxurious, lathering experience with every wash that is both refreshing and relaxing. My hair not only looks fuller and shinier, but it feels healthy and strong, like an instant hair-repair in your shower!
From the beautiful fragrance (which is not synthetic, rather essential oils that are derived from plants are used) and the luxurious lather to the cleaning power, this shampoo & conditioner is nothing less than fabulous! They even have styling products to add to the mix like the Ultimate Styling Lotion or the SuperFinish Polishing Balm.
Want to see this organic line in action? Check out this Beauty experiment
Next week we will be doing a facebook giveaway with EVOLVh, so be sure to become a fan of their page and stay tuned on our facebook page for updates!
March 20, 2012 – 12:04 pm by Amber Nicole
When I find a new product I love the first thing I do is blab about it to all my friends! It is so fun to share beauty products that are absolutely fabulous. Beautyfix by DermStore is kind of like friends sharing their favorite beauty picks, but on a larger scale and actually hand selected from our expert panelists. Our panel of top beauty experts personally tests each product we feature and gives you access to expert advice and recommendations. Our panel is made up of celebrity hairstylists, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, beauty editors, estheticians and top beauty bloggers!
For those of you who are not familiar with Beautyfix, this is a quarterly sampling program that offers you the chance to discover the best beauty products! It’s so easy to get started! First, you will pick out the 8 products that catch your eye, or appeal to your special needs. Create your account, and wait for your special package to arrive. Each season new products are added, and you will also receive a fabulous Beautyfix bag to complete your kit! For less than $50 you are getting a whole lot, and trust me when I say YOU WILL fall in love with this program (it’s hard not to)!
Now for the perks, trust me there are definitely some member benefits! We always love to hear your thoughts, and really appreciate when you review the products. We appreciate it so much, that for every two or more product surveys you complete we will reward you with a $25 DermStore gift card via email! Also, you will get member only discounts! You will be able to visit our exclusive members-only Beautyfix Boutique on DermStore and unlock BIG discounts on your favorite beauty brands!
For all you product junkies, make up lovers, skin care fanatics and hair care enthusiasts . . . I think you know what you have to do! Sign up now, and please share your favorite picks, I would love to know what you have fallen in love with. Check mine out; I just couldn’t wait to share!
MY HOT PICKS!
- Batitste’s Dry Shampoo, this friends is a MUST HAVE. Best dry shampoo hands down, I never leave home without it.
- CoTZ – Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40, I lay out . . . not going to lie. But I make sure I am always protected. CoTZ makes this so easy, especially since there is a tad of color in this SPF so no make-up is needed.
- Alterna’s Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist which smells amazing, and protects your locks from styling.
- Jane Iredale’s Magic Mitt, looks gorgeous and goes on so smooth!
- Nick Chavez’s Angel Drops such an amazing moisturizing hair oil.
- Goldfaden’s Daily Scrub, in LOVE with this smells and feels totally fantastic!
- SpaRitual’s Enlightened Nail Lacquer, who doesn’t love a cool pink shade?
- Glytone’s Exfoliating Body Wash, my skin feels so amazing from head to toe after I use this!
Beautyfix by Dermstore is a great opportunity for you to discover the best beauty products around, don’t miss out!
March 19, 2012 – 1:33 pm by lsalerno
I am so excited to announce that today is the grand opening of DermStore’s SPA | SALON | SHOP in Hermosa Beach, California! And it certainly lives up to DermStore’s standard of excellence—the space is absolutely gorgeous (as you can see from the pictures), the staff is amongst the best in their respective fields and the services are out of this world amazing!
What I think makes DermStore’s SPA | SALON | SHOP so unique is that we offer Facial Treatments based on our top selling skin care products and brands at DermStore.com. Where else can you go and enjoy signature treatments from all these brands: Decleor, Dermalogica, Eminence, Guinot, Phytomer, Yonka and Thibiant?
I was lucky enough to have a facial at Thibiant Spa in Beverly Hills a few weeks back and let me just tell you, it was amazing (so amazing that we are offering it at our SPA | SALON | SHOP). My esthetician Georgette seriously shrunk my pores and even gave a beauty/skin care junkie a few tips on how to keep them small and super clean. She also gave me a few samples of Thibiant’s line of products which are fantastic. Short Story: Thibiant’s Collagen Gel literally saved my skin on my latest ski trip. I came back from the slopes wind burned, red and uncomfortable. I applied this uber hydrating treatment before bed and woke up soothed and looking refreshed! Needless to say, try Thibiant products and most definitely try one of their facials.
In addition to the DermStore Spa, our salon offers a wide variety of treatments: body waxing, facial waxing, haircuts, color and highlights. You’ll also find a variety of your favorite products to shop. Plus, our trained staff can answer any and all of your skin care and beauty questions!
So make an appointment to come and see us! And if you book a treatment this week (3/19-3/24) you’ll receive 20% savings! Check out everything we have to offer!
March 19, 2012 – 1:00 pm by guestblogger
Inspired by European romance, exotic locales, classic glamour and old-world charm, TOCCA Beauty—meaning “touch” in Italian—is an exquisitely fragrant, sophisticated line of personal and home care products.
It’s renowned worldwide for its delicate scents that leave a touch of mystery, novelty and surprise. Each TOCCA product name does more than describe the scent of the product—it describes its very personality.
Our latest giveaway gives you and 2 other contestants a chance to win its new bath and body collection in 3 distinct scents: Giulietta, Stella and Cleopatra (a different scented set for each winner). It features the following:
Bagno Profumato (Body Wash) –a gentle, paraben-free cleansing gel that uses olive oil, honey and calendula extracts to nourish and condition skin. Forms a rich lather and effectively removes impurities without stripping even the most sensitive skin for a soft, supple touch.
Crema da Corpo (Body Lotion) –A soothing, paraben-free moisturizer with sweet almond, shea butter and honey extracts. Uses watery cucumber and sweet grapefruit to invigorate the skin and senses.
Classic Candela –An aromatic candle encased in an elegant white glass with delicate gold-screening. Provides 60 hours of burn time for long-lasting exotic escapes.
Tell us: If a TOCCA fragrance were named after you, what kind of story would it tell?
Congrats to our 3 winners!
1.) Shannon S.
2.) Lili W
3.) Zoltan Zentai
Thanks to all for participating! Winners check your emails for more info. on how to claim your prizes.
**3 winners will be chosen at random. Post a comment and tell us: If a TOCCA fragrance were named after you, what kind of story would it tell? Giveaway starts on 3/19/12 and ends 4/2/12 at 11:59 pm PST. The winners will be announced during the time of 4/3/12- 5/3/12. If a winner does not reply within 5 business days of being contacted, another winner will be chosen.**
March 16, 2012 – 4:07 pm by lsalerno
If you’ve ever used any of Tocca Beauty’s products—they have everything from soap and candles to lip gloss and perfume—you know that they know a thing or two about scent! Their candles have been a staple in my apartment for many years as their aroma completely transforms the mood of any room. And their delicate perfumes sit on my dresser not only because they are beautiful, but because they give off such a heavenly smell. Their new line of paraben-free body products: Bagno Profumato Body Wash and Creama Da Corpo Body Lotion are no exception!
This paraben-free line (you know how I try to use paraben-free whenever possible!) comes in 3 different scents: Cleopatra, Stella and Giulietta. The Cleopatra collection was actually inspired by the powerful and beauty-obsessed Egyptian queen Cleopatra —the fragrance is an intoxicating blend of grapefruit and cucumber. Stella is a delicious sparkling orange scent. And Giulietta captures feminine innocence with pink tulip and green apple.
My favorites have to be the Body Wash in Cleopatra and the Body Lotion in Giulietta. I am not exaggerating when I say that whenever I lather up in the shower with this body wash I literally suds myself up like I’m in a commercial! I’m smiling, I’m rubbing up to my neck, I’m stretching out my arms and my legs—I’m getting this stuff everywhere! It is so cheesy, but the Cleopatra fragrance is that good! And the formula gently cleanses skin while nourishing it with natural extracts of olive, honey and calendula. The Body Lotion lightly moisturizes with sweet almond oil, shea butter and honey. It absorbs super fast and leaves behind silky soft skin and the Giulietta fragrance is seriously so amazing that I got caught sniffing it for 15 seconds straight by a coworker.
Get these new Tocca body products while we’ve still got em’! The prices points are excellent ($18 for Body Wash and $20 for Body Lotion) so they make the perfect gift for a friend or yourself!
March 16, 2012 – 11:53 am by Liz
Do you love fashion as much as you love beauty? If the answer’s “yes” then you’re going to love this: Nicole Miller (fashion designer extraordinaire, pictured above at the December 2011 premiere of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) just launched a skin care line, and it’s only available at DermStore!
Right now, the line—dubbed Nicole Miller Beauty, FYI— consists of five skin care products, each packed with skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants and each boasting really cool packaging. (I admit it: I’m sucker for pretty things.) Here’s the rundown on a few of my faves:
Glow Serum. I’m sure it’s hard to play favorites when it comes to your namesake line, but Nicole herself says this one’s tops in her book. Why? Because it makes an immediate difference, hence the clever name! I like it because, in addition to the instant gratification factor of a healthy, rosy-cheeked glow, it delivers a healthy dose of vitamin A—the ultimate age-fighting antioxidant. Wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity, texture issues … none of those stand a chance!
Crème de Nuit. Use this before bedtime and you’re guaranteed to wake up with a soft, luminous, glowing complexion that just radiates youth! Among other anti-aging ingredients, it’s got vitamin E—a must for dry skin like mine.
Toner and Tightner. I love a good toner, especially at night, when I’m taking off my makeup. No matter how effective your cleanser, this extra step always ensures a deeper clean, along with skin that’s better prepared for serums and moisturizers and treatments. A product like this one—with vitamin A and witch hazel—is ideal. It leaves the skin clean, cool and refreshed. Love it!
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