If you get tiny white bumps around the eye area that look like acne, but are not acne because they don’t surface to a head, chances are those are milia. Milia are caused by debris pooling in the tiny pores around the thin eye area, and the build up does not surface as the cellular turn over rate around the eyes is slow, as compared to the rest of the face. Since we don’t exfoliate the eye area, it’s difficult to rid of milia by scrubbing or using alpha hydroxy acids, so if you have milia we recommend that you have your dermatologist extract them for you. Your dermatologist (and in some states, aestheticians) will use a medical lancet to remove the milia from under your skin, this is a fairly painless and a very quick procedure. To prevent milia, we recommend that you use eye-appropriate products. Oftentimes milia will occur if your eye cream is too thick or heavy, or if you’re using a face cream around the eyes (this is why there are eye creams made just for the eye area). Always remove your make-up before you go to sleep, the filler particles in your make-up can cause milia as well.

The holidays are just around the corner and for many of us this may include jetting off to different parts of the country. Although traveling has its perks, it can often leave you without your necessary beauty and skincare products. For those who struggle with this familiar quandary, we have compiled a list of our best travel kits for the approaching holiday season.

 

Hair care:

Frederic Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Travel Faves Kit is perfect for your holiday retreat. The kit includes handy travel sizes of their famous Brilliant Glossing Shampoo, 2oz. Brilliant Glossing Conditioner, 2 oz. Brilliant Glossing Cream, 1.6 oz., Sheer Hold Hair Spray, 1.5 oz., and a mini comb. Your luscious locks will beam with this award winning olive oil formula.

 

Skincare:

Sundari Supple Squeeze with Omega 3 Travel Kit is great to soothe and soften parched winter skin. This kit includes Omega 3 and White Birch Cream Cleanser, 2oz., Essential Oil for Dry Skin, .02 oz Omega 3 and Algae Day Serum, .5 oz Omega 3 and Amalaki Night Cream, 1oz and Chamomile Eye Oil, .02 oz. Sundari’s Omega 3 collection hydrates, brightens, stimulates cellular regeneration and includes an adorable woven bag that’s great for traveling.

 

Juara Glow on the Go Travel Kit is the ultimate travel luxury. When relatives have you frazzled and missing home, escape with a mini spa ritual kit. This set includes Rice Facial Cleanser, 1.1 oz Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner, 1.1 oz Sweet Black Tea and Rice Facial Moisturizer, .5 oz Turmeric Antioxidant Facial Mask, .5 oz and Candlenut Hand and Body Balm, 1.2 oz. These exotic spices and fragrances will lift your spirits and leave your complexion positively glowing!

 

Beauty:

Tweezerman Travel Size Beauty Kit in Pink Case is the absolute perfect travel tool kit. This includes Tweezerman’s top four selling tools: Mini Slant Tweezer, Mini Hangnail Cuticle Snipper, and Stainless Steel Nail Clipper. Tweezerman’s slant tweezer is a must have for all beauty gurus! Once you have them, you’ll never know how you went without!

 

Men:

Don’t forget about your honey this holiday! Menscience Travel Kit is a great stocking stuffer for men. This set includes Advanced Shave Formula, 2 oz. Daily Face Wash, 2oz, Advanced Face Lotion, 2oz, Post-Shave Repair, 2 oz, Advanced Deodorant, 2.6 oz, Advanced Lip Protection, 0.5 oz, Night Sleep MASK, Advanced Ear Plugs, and Personal Travel Bag.

 

To find all our Travel Favorites, visit us at SkinStore!

 

Products featured in this article: Frederic Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Travel Faves Kit, Sundari Supple Squeeze with Omega 3 Travel Kit, Juara Glow on the Go Travel Kit, Tweezerman Travel Size Beauty Kit in Pink Case, Menscience Travel Kit.

Who doesn’t want to have beautiful, glowing, tan skin? But who wants to spend countless sweaty hours baking their skin in the sun, or in the tanning booth? Not me! And not you, either… need I remind you of the detriments of the sun? Read my hyperpigmentation blog here.  With our multi-billion skincare industry and innovative technology, there are numerous shortcuts available to achieving any look you desire… including a beautiful faux glow. Yes, there is such a thing as instant gratification!

 

The first step to an even tan is smooth, exfoliated skin. Get rid of the dead skin cells to prevent your faux tan from looking streaky. I recommend using a body scrub with rounded beads for a gentle exfoliation. The Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub is an outstanding choice because it has glycolic acid and polishing granules to loosen up sticky cells and wash them down the drain. Voila! Smooth and soft… ready for the next step!

 

Before applying a tanning lotion, we recommend that you smooth out rough patches with a layer of regular lotion first. Apply a light hydrator to knees, elbows and feet. It’s important that the lotion is oil-free, as oils can create a barrier on the skin that will prevent the self tanning lotion from soaking in. The Fake Bake Oil-Free Moisturizer is a great choice, and is a great complement to their Fake Bake Self-Tanning Lotion.

 

The most important step of your bronzing process is proper application of the self tanner. Make sure you have plenty of space and a mirror to aid you in the procedure; turn on some music to jam to… this is quite an intricate process so you might as well have fun with it! I find it easiest to start with my self tanner application from bottom to top, because I like for my legs to be super-duper dark, so multi-layers of tanner are required. Be careful applying self tanner around your ankles- you may want to mix a bit of lotion with your self tanner for the feet and ankles and feather that layer to the lengths of your legs- this way you won’t have an abrupt line of tanner… faux tan no-no! Apply your self tanner in smooth, even strokes, working quickly to prevent the tanner from setting or streaking. When you’ve bronzed the legs, belly, back (with some help from hubby), chest and arms, it’s time for neck and face. It’s not the best idea to use a body self tanner on your face, it may be a bit too thick, so opt for a facial self tanner, I prefer Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube for the Face, the oil-free, light-weight formula vanishes into the skin giving you an instant bronze while delivering silky hydration.

 

Some people choose to work in gloves to prevent orange palms; I personally find gloves difficult to work with so I make sure to scrub my hands with lots of soap as soon as I’m finished with the first layer of my bronze. Yes, the correct faux-tan has multiple layers.  Once you’ve bronzed from toes to forehead, bust out the blow-dryer! The hot air from the blow-dryer will dry down the water content that’s found in the lotion, so you’ll see your tan appear quicker than if you opt to wait for 10-15 minutes… just chilling… naked. Once your tan has dried down completely, apply the second layer of self tanner. Repeat if you feel necessary 3-4 times. Remember that your tan will take a few hours to develop, so the tan you see when you’ve first applied the self tanner, will intensify tenfold in a bit of time.

 

Maintain your tan with a gradual-tan product as desired, a tiny bit of additional color will intensify and prolong your tan for weeks. I adore the Fake Bake Skinny Solution, it’s a daily moisturizing lotion designed to give your skin incredible moisture while beneficial ingredients aid in firming and toning.

 

If you’ve achieved your faux glow and want to amp it up for a special occasion or to feel super glamorous, spray a bit of NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi Shimmer Dry Oil Golden Shimmer Spray all over your body for a dazzling effect… it’s not 3^rd grade chunk glitter, it’s just a subtle glow that gives you that Mariah Carey look (Have you seen her skin? It’s amazing.)

 

I hope that my bronzing tips help you to achieve the perfect bronze look you desire… it’s great for all seasons, and is as timeless as your little black dress (not to mention, your little black dress will look oh-so-sexy with a faux glow… Hellooooo Gorgeous!!)

 

Products featured in this article: Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub, Fake Bake Oil-Free Moisturizer, Fake Bake Self-Tanning Lotion, Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube for the Face, Fake Bake Skinny Solution, NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi Shimmer Dry Oil Golden Shimmer Spray.

Need a fast solution to an embarrassing zit problem? For quick overnight treatment of a rogue pimple, try dabbing a spot of Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask onto your pimple just before bed. This product is fantastic for spot treating those rascally rogue pimples. Overnight, the redness and swelling are noticeably reduced. For ladies, dab on a little concealer the next morning, then even or smooth out by applying your powder or liquid foundation on top and be on your way. Use a second nightly spot treatment when necessary. This is a must have for your beauty emergency kit.

 

Visit SkinStore for all of your beauty needs.

Dry skin has lower levels of sebum causing the skin to become prone to sensitivity and environmental harm. Giving the skin proper nutrients that are naturally lacking for this skin type is important so the skin can produce its own defensive oils. Here are a few products that will put your skin on the path to rejuvenation and euphoria…for a price that fits your budget.

Make-Up Removers

 

Cleansers

Toners

Treatments

Daily Moisturizers

Night Moisturizers

Weekly Masks

Did you find this helpful? Leave us a comment below. Don’t have dry/sensitive skin? Be sure to check out my other articles: Finding The Right Products – For Oily/Acne Prone Skin and Normal/Combination Skin.  Coming soon: Beauty and Body Products!

Products featured in this article:  Klorane Soothing Makeup Remover with Cornflower Extract, Susan Ciminelli Cleansing Milk, La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, Dr. Brandt Anti Irritant Comforting Cleanser, Elizabeth Arden Hydra Splash Alcohol Free Toner, Kerstin Florian Rose Tonic, Pevonia Face Oil, SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, Avene Cold Crème, BABOR Baborganic Ultra Moisturizing Cream, Stiefel Impruv Natural Repair Cream, Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Goodnight Facial Cream, Avene Soothing Moisture Mask, Yonka Masque No 1.

Jacqueline Bissett once said that “Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful”.
The key is to not only look beautiful, but feel great too. That inner beauty, outer health stuff can seem a bit daunting at times. So it is my goal to keep the beauty exertion to a minimum to get maximum results.

 

A good suggestion would be to take notes on what you see on television or in magazines. You might like the look of Scarlett Johansson’s soft creamy skin or the way Sarah Jessica Parker always looks bronzy and fresh. True beauty does not mean having a professional makeup artist on hand and no budget. We can all look like celebrities without the expense.

 

Having been a makeup artist for years, I have learned that makeup looks better on hydrated and healthy skin. From teens to brides, to aging gracefully older women, makeup can only look as good as the skin beneath it. I suggest using a gentle exfoliate a couple times per week. Goodbye old skin, hello healthy glow! A great exfoliating product is the Jan Marini Skin Zyme. This is suitable for all skin types. This product will help to combat acne, hyperpigmentation and overall improvement of your skin’s texture and tone.

 

Next, you need a little moisture. Even if the oil is dripping down your face, you need to use an oil free moisturizer with SPF. For oily skin types try DDF Mattifying Oil Control UV Moisturizer SPF 15. This will help to provide a mattifying effect on the skin. If your skin is dry and sensitive try the Ole Henriksen Skin Insulator with SPF 15. This product is especially great to use for those cold winter months.

 

 After your skin has been perfected by the use of great skin care you are now ready to apply your makeup. For that fresh glowing look at any age try sweeping a light metallic shade (silver or a light gray looks fantastic) across your entire lid. Then apply an emerald or deep blue along the base of your lashes. This will add instant glamour to your eyes. Put on some mascara, a soft pink blush add some gloss and your done! A good rule of thumb at any age is to blend your shadows and choose eye colors to enhance the color of your natural eye. Try choosing the opposite color as your eye color, and you will see that opposites really do attract! For example for those brown eyed beauties try using a green or maroon shadow. If you have blue eyes a green or soft rose maroon shadow also will look fabulous. Another trick is to highlight under the brow using a light champagne or pearl white, you really will look wide eyed and awake for the rest of the day.

 

For the 40 and up gals we suggest using a skin primer with a matte based foundation to bring out your beauty. A matte based foundation will even your skin tone and hide those imperfections. We recommend the bareMinerals bareVitamins Prime Time, to use under your matte foundation. This primer is oil free, contains vitamins, and licorice extract. The licorice extract has natural skin brightening and age-defying benefits. Try topping off the look with a little bit of color for your cheeks. We recommend Fusion Beauty GlowFusion MicroTech Intuitive Active Bronzer in sunshine. This product is the first of its kind that contains topical-injectable technology. This helps to smooth, firm and protect the skin. It also contains a wrinkle relaxant and vitamin C to help with those age spots and fight nasty free radicals. This is a must try for those of us that want skin protection and age prevention.

 

True beauty is attainable at any age. The trick is to look like you, only better. Enhancing your best features will create your own personalized look. Who knows, there may be someone taking notes and noticing how put together and fabulous you look.

 

Products featured in this article: Jan Marini Skin Zyme, DDF Mattifying Oil Control UV Moisturizer SPF 15, Ole Henriksen Skin Insulator with SPF 15, bareMinerals bareVitamins Prime Time, Fusion Beauty GlowFusion MicroTech Intuitive Active Bronzer.

How do I know when my cosmetics products will expire? What is the expiration date of my face cream? The list of questions about when cosmetics and skin care will expire will continue to be on our top 10 list of common questions.

 

To answer this question, it is important to note that though the FDA requires manufactures to declare information regarding product ingredients, and proper labeling and/or packaging that does not mislead, currently no requirement exists for cosmetics or skin care manufacturers to supply expiration dates. There are a few exceptions such as, products containing sun protection factors, and certain over the counter treatment type ingredients that may be in some acne and hair care products.

 

Knowing that expiration dates are not required on skin care and cosmetic products is highly important. Now more than ever, consumer education becomes a critical element in making sure that the skin care products you use daily are safe, free from contaminates, and not spoiled. So how long is too long, one may ask? In the age of the recessionista, skin care and cosmetics is one area you will not want to be over conservative on, don’t fall into the snare of saving your old product to save money; it’s just not worth it.

 

Have you ever seen the label to the right? Do you know what it means? Take a look at some of your products; you may be surprised to see it on a large portion of them. Though not required here in the U.S. many manufacturers are adopting European Union’s system for regulating open product shelf life. In the example to the right, the symbol represents a guideline of a 12 month shelf life AFTER the product has been opened. Good to know! But there is a flaw, you still have to use your noodle when it comes to product safety, so if you share products, use your fingers in products, expose them to heat or any other contamination factors, you need to be aware that your products may need to be replaced sooner, the label is just a guideline.

 

From a skin care perspective, some products have a one-two year shelf life before they are opened and some even longer. Once a product has been opened, shelf life varies however; it is the contamination factor that becomes an area of concern. Cosmetics shelf life also varies and I would not recommend long term unopened storage for most cosmetics. Again, once opened, the clock starts ticking, don’t let it be a bacteria time bomb! As a general rule, common sense play’s a huge part in making sure that your products are safe, there are no hard fast rules, just merely smart guidelines and suggestions.

 

General safety guidelines:

 

• Don’t share your products with friends (avoid testers, and don’t borrow any product either, you don’t know where that product has been, that is just gross)
• Wash your hands before use, and always keep the outside of your containers clean (I used single application alcohol swabs for my containers)
• Store product in a cool, dry, dark place
• Securely replace product caps, lids, or other opening device after each use
• If your products color, consistency, smell or texture changes, throw it out (product with Vitamin C will change color if exposed to oxygen or sunlight)
• Don’t stick your fingers in your product jars, single use applicators like a sponge, cotton swab, or a cosmetic spatula are best (no double dipping)
• Wash your brushes at least once per month and disinfect between uses
• Don’t expose or store your product where temperatures can heat up like in your car for example.
• Don’t add any water, or even worse, saliva to your products (again, that is just gross)
• Never, never, never use products in multiple areas, for example, using an eye liner simultaneously as your lip liner (gross!) germs from your mouth can transfer to your eyes
• If you get an eye infection, don’t use any eye products and make sure you promptly toss out all product you had used before you got the infection, better to be safe than sorry!
• If you have acne, it is extremely important that you understand that using product can not only exacerbate your concern, but applicators can become loaded with bacteria which can further spread acne to other areas of your face. Never apply product to an open lesion and always use clean fresh applicators

 

Specifics:

 

Mascara:                          At least every 3 mos. Dropped it? Toss it!

Eyeliner (pencil):                Sharpened daily, you can use for up to 18 mos.

Eyeliner (liquid):                 Up to 3-6 mos. Dropped it? Toss it!

Eye Shadow (cream):          Up to 6 mos.

Eye Shadow (powder):        Up to 18-24 mos.

Concealer:                        Up to 12 mos. (sooner if used up to the eye)

Foundation:                       Up to 12 mos.

Powder:                            Up to 18 mos.

Blush/Bronzer (powder):      Up to 18 mos.

Blush (cream):                   Up to 6-12 mos.

Lip Liner:                          Up to 12 mos.

Lip Stick/Gloss:                  Up to 18 mos.

 

Remember, to save a little money is a good thing! But whatever you do, don’t take a chance on bad product! If it smells funky, changes color or texture, toss it! Product containing natural ingredients can spoil more quickly, but colors can also vary from batch to batch, just be aware of your purchase date and the date you opened the product. Products containing Vitamin C can change color to become more amber, this is natural, BUT if you have had the product open for an extended period of time, it may be time for a replacement. My final suggestion, use a sharpie to mark the purchase dates as well as the open dates on each of your products. In the end, it could save you more money, expense and pain by reducing your risk of infection or ugly side effects associated with putting bad product on your face.

 

Sources: Paula’s Choice, FDA, FDA Cosmetics Guidance.

If you’ve ever wanted that perfect smoky eye look you know it is not as easy as it appears. When dealing with the eye area it looks as easy as cake…it can be if you have the proper instructions. The basic smoky eye can be achieved in about four easy steps.

 

First you’d want to select some complementary colors to use for your eye area. For people with lighter eyes and hair, we’d suggest using purple shades or lighter shades of brown. For people with darker eyes and hair, we’d suggest darker shades of brown and black. You want two similar eye colors which are about 2 shades different from each other. One shade on the lighter side of the color spectrum and one shade on the darker side of the spectrum, but not too big of a gap. You will also need either, a silver shade for lighter skin and a white/ gold shade for people with darker skin tones for a highlighter. Your last two product tools for this look will be eyeliner and mascara.

 

First apply your lighter shade eye shadow over your entire lid as your base. Next you would want to use the darker shade to use in the eye contour area or crease area of the lid. To make your eye area appear bigger, extend the darker shade a little above the crease area as well. Using a blending brush, start from the inner eye area and in short circular strokes blend the two shades to the outer section of the eye. The two shades should completely blend into each other, leaving no harsh looking lines around the eye area. To really accentuate the eyes, always make sure that the area on the outer corner is your darkest area. After everything is blended together, apply your highlighter shade to the area below the brow bone. Do not apply the highlighter past the inner corner or outer corner of the eyebrow. Your last couple steps are to apply your eyeliner and mascara which complete your “ready to go out dancing” perfect smoky eye. If you are unsure of which colors to choose and still confused on exactly how to apply the colors, you can purchase products like Stila’s Smoky Eye Palette. They have a few different color options to choose from and they provide an electronic voice box which walks you through each step on how to apply your smoky eye.

 

For more information about Stila’s Smoky Eye Palette, visit us at SkinStore!

A passing glance may have more power than you thought. With the bat of an eye, men are left pining and women wondering how to mimic that sultry stare.  False eyelashes are the quickest and easiest way to vamp up any look, whether it may be a night out on the town or your wedding day.

 

Women are often frightened by the notion of false eyelashes. This may possibly be because of past tribulations or the assumption they are too difficult to apply on your own.  False eyelashes should not be a part of your everyday beauty regimen, rather a treat for special occasions. Gather round darlings, and discover just how easy it is to apply fake lashes without unnecessary drama.

 

Step 1:

Measure your eye and trim the lashes to fit your own individual eye shape. You may choose to only add lashes to the outside corner of the eyes. This creates a more natural, wispy look. Or for the more daring diva, apply the whole lash strip for a dramatic effect.

 

Step 2:

Bend the lash strip so that it curves and fits well along your natural lash line. Tip: Hold the lash against the curve of your thumb for 20 seconds, so that the shape holds.

 

Step 3:

Apply a thin layer of clear eyelash adhesive to the edge of the lash strip. You may find it easier to first apply the glue to the back of your hand and then dab the glue on the strip from there. This ensures you will not accidently apply too much glue. Allow 10-15 seconds for the glue to become tacky before applying the lashes.

 

Step 4:

Make sure to apply mascara to your natural lashes before applying the false lashes. It is crucial to curl your natural lashes after applying mascara, but before applying the false lashes. The false lashes will blend-in much better when your natural lashes are curled.

 

Step 5:

Apply lashes as close as possible to the natural lash line and press firmly against the skin. Hold for 10 seconds, allowing glue to adhere. Check to make sure the lashes are placed correctly and press lightly for 30 more seconds to allow glue to dry.

 

Step 6:

Once the glue has dried, touch up with a thin line of liquid eyeliner and a coat of mascara to fully blend lashes together.

 

Finito! Your sultry look is complete! Remember practice makes perfect and do not postpone applying fake lashes for the first time right before a big event. After just a few applications, you’ll be a pro!

The oily/acne prone type individual usually instinctively wants to remove as much oil and shine from their face ASAP. Keep in mind that it is key that you do not strip your skin of its essential oils or you will put your skin in “protection mode”, the result is that your skin will naturally be stimulated to produce more sebum. Here are some helpful product comparisons for your skin type – you get to decide which one works for your budget.

 

Make-Up Removers

 

Cleansers

 

Toners/Astringents

 

All Over Treatments

 

Spot Treatments

 

Daily Moisturizers

 

Night Moisturizers

 

Weekly Masks

 

A majority of the time, oily skin can be a passing phase. So with patience and a proper skin care regimen your oily skin will no longer have to feel like a burden, it will be something you’re proud of.

 

Don’t have oily/acne prone skin? Be sure to check out my other articles: Dry/Sensitive Skin and Normal/Combination Skin. Coming Soon: Body and Beauty Products!

 

Want more recommendations? Get your own personal consultation now at SkinStore with Product Advisor, developed by our estheticians! 

 

Products featured in this article: Boscia Purifying Cleanser, Yonka Gel Nettoyant, Stiefel PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, Euoko A-10 Matte Foam, La Roche Posay Effaclar Toner Astringent Lotion, Euoko A-20 Matte Water, Glytone Acne Gel, Exuviance Night Renewal Hydragel, Neutrogena on the Spot Acne Treatment, Pevonia Spot Treatment, SensiClear Blemish Free Acne Treatment Lotion, Kinerase Clear Skin Moisture Light, PCA SKIN pHaze 18 Clearskin, Jan Marini Age Intervention Transitions, Glytone Acne Facial Masque, Cellex-C Betaplex Clear Complexion Masque.

 

Get your complete skincare fix at www.SkinStore.com!