Planning a weekend road trip or a once in a life getaway to a far away country? Leaving home without your skincare products is just not an option. Neither is taking them all with you. So what’s best to take with and what’s best to leave at home? SkinStore has some great multi-tasking options for you! Check ‘em out!

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing and DeMake Up Wipes is a great multi-tasker. It works by cleansing, toning and also removing lip and eye make-up, but since these are soaked in pomegranate extract they also tighten pores and tone the skin. You also could try Elizabeth Arden 2 in 1 Cleanser, for those of us that prefer a cleanser that’s used with water. The effective dual cleansing system leaves skin cleansed and refreshed and never dry. With this product, you can leave the toner at home.

Cosmedicine Primary Care Multi-Tasking Moisturizer SPF 20 not only provides your skin with UVA/UVB protection, but it’s a lightweight daytime moisturizer that contains antioxidants and peptides for anti-aging benefits. That means you can leave your anti-aging serums and facial sunscreens at home!

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (Travel Size) – this is the greatest invention since sliced bread! I can’t live without this stuff. So convenient to use in-between shampoos and even better to take on trips so you can spend less time primping and more time sightseeing. This is definitely an essential for your suitcase!

Colorescience Suncanny Travel Puff is a pre-packed mineral make-up puff to provide quick and easy application in one step! No need to bring bulky powder compacts or additional make-up brushes. It contains enough powder for about 10-20 applications.

Sacrificing skincare while you’re on vacation doesn’t have to be your reality. Take products that do more for you and save you time… now that’s a smart idea!

What are your favorite multi-tasking products to travel with? We’d love to hear!

Find more great products at SkinStore.com!

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When you are busy covering up, trying to keep warm in the winter months it’s easy to neglect the dehydrated skin on our bodies. Our faces get all the attention and we have a tendency to ignore our body’s cries for help. It’s time to give your body the care and respect it deserves! Here are a couple of our beloved and most effective body products.

M2 Skin Technologies Body Refinish (formerly known as Mama Lotion) is an excellent treatment body moisturizer. Be warned, this isn’t your standard froofy, smells pretty, but doesn’t hydrate body lotion. This is a highly concentrated treatment product for the body. It’s great to even out skin tone, soften skin, repair sun damage, keratosis pilaris and eczema. The formula contains several active ingredients that effectively treat various skin conditions. M2 Body Refinish has a blend of 15% Malic and Mandelic Acid, which evens out skin tone and texture. It also has a hydrating combination of humectants like sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid, algae extract, aloe and vitamin E that smoothes and softens the skin. After just a few days of use your skin will show noticeable improvement. (FYI don’t use immediately after shaving, wait a few hours before application, it may sting because of the acid content.)

Clarisonic has added a new tool to their lineup, the Clarisonic Plus SkinCare System with Spot Treatment. This machine can not only be used on the face, but the body as well. Say adios to dry, rough skin! This machine speeds up the exfoliation process into hyper drive. It’s especially nice for troublesome areas like the decollate, knees, elbows, and feet. With continual use your skin will have fewer dry patches, be softer, firmer, and smoother with improved texture. Make sure to use it with the Clarisonic Refining Body Polish for awesome results. The body polish contains green tea, jojoba beads, prickly pear, and acai fruit oil, which leaves your skin extra smooth and hydrated.

If you’re looking for an instant fix, for a last minute night out NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Golden Shimmer Multi-Usage Dry Oil Splash does the trick! This is one of my new favorite little wonder products because it instantly gives our skin a golden youthful glow. It’s a dry multi-usage oil spray that gives a tanned shimmer effect. The skin looks like it’s radiating from within, without all the work. The formula contains a mix of 30% plant oils and vitamin E to nourish and repair the skin. It can be applied to the face, body and hair. It’s fabulous for bare legs, arms and decollate when you’re getting all dolled up for a hot date or special event. Your skin will be hydrated, golden and vibrant in a snap!

Products featured in this article: M2 Skin Technologies Body Refinish, Clarisonic Plus SkinCare System with Spot Treatment, NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Golden Shimmer Multi-Usage Dry Oil Splash.

Visit SkinStore for more great body products!

Health radiates from within. And no matter how much your face cream costs, it’s not going to make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin UNLESS you support your skin from the inside out with a healthy diet as well. So, in addition to loading up your SkinStore.com shopping bag with delightful goodies, fill up your grocery cart with delicious foodies for healthy, radiant skin.

Salmon - The renowned Dr.Perricone loves his wild Alaskan salmon, and he knows a thing or two about skincare, and we agree that salmon should be a staple in your menu. The Omega-3 content in this delicious fish has immense anti-inflammatory benefits and is loaded with antioxidants.

Walnuts – Potent in protective antioxidants and also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, a handful of walnuts per day will keep your skin smooth and toned for years to come.

Probiotic rich foods – Try yogurt, kefir or kombucha. While milk and other dairy products may make you feel bloated and queasy and have been touted to cause breakouts, probiotic-rich dairy foods like yogurt are loaded with healthy little bacteria that do a great deal for your skin without icky side-effects. Try natural fruit juice, like pomegranate mixed into kefir, or walnuts in your yogurt for a satisfying, healthy snack. Kombucha is a fermented tea that’s rich in antioxidants and probiotics, and is a refreshing effervescent drink that’s great anytime.

Green tea – Sip on green tea to reap the benefits of polyphenols and antioxidants that ward off aging by preventing oxidative stress in your cells. Green tea is delicious in the winter when served hot, and yummy when iced in the summer. Adding lemon to your green tea not only improves the taste but also boosts the tea’s potency.

Veggies, fruities, leafies – Vegetables are great for your overall health and your skin’s health as well. Sweet potatoes are chockfull of beta-carotene, spinach is loaded with lutein, and tomatoes are full of lycopene. Enjoy citrus-rich fruits. Rich in super-antioxidant vitamin C, citrus not only wards off colds but also helps to boost your skin’s glow. Eat oranges, kiwi fruits, and add lemon to your water and tea.

Chocolate – Cocoa-rich chocolate (try 60% cocoa or more) is full of antioxidants and promotes circulation. Who knew that something so delicious could be so good for you!?

Visit SkinStore.com for all your skincare needs!

• Illuminare Concealer/Eye Color Brush: This trusty brush will help to conceal and blend your eye makeup. It is made of durable soft nylon material so the brush will last you a long time. A great buy!

 

• CoverBlend Multi Function Concealer-SPF 15: This is an amazing concealer that will help to cover up any skin imperfection. From dark circles to age spots, this concealer has you covered. You will notice a more even skin tone, and you can also use this concealer to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

 

• Billion dollar brows Duo Highlighter: This works great for any skin type and anyone that needs an eye pick me up. You can use this under your brow bone or in the corners of your eyes for a warm glow.

 

• bareMinerals Blush-Sorbet: This blush comes in a ballet pink color as well as many other tempting colors that will add a radiant glow to any skin tone.

 

• Stila Smudge Pot in black, gray, or bronze: You can smudge this liner into your eye shadow to add some dimension .For a more dramatic effect it can be applied to the root of your lash. Bravo!

 

• Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint – Pitch Black: This mascara comes with a little wand for those hard to reach lashes. The polymer tubes help to wrap around each lash giving you a full and defined look. It is also cry proof, making it just perfect for those special occasions!

 

• DuWop Venom Gloss in Buttercup: This high shine tingling lip gloss is the ideal pale pink to compliment any skin tone. It also has a nice spicy scent with a hydrating formula that will make your lips kissably soft.

 

• bareMinerals A Little Sun All Over Face Color: This is the just the right bronzer for someone who wants a natural look. You can apply it anywhere you need a little glow, great for those dull winter months.

 

• Illuminare All Day Eye Color Perla Bianca Shimmer: This is a customizable eye color with an SPF. You can wear this alone or mix it with a more matte eye color to add a little bit of shimmer and interest to your otherwise boring eye colors. It comes in many different shades that will really allow you to create your own unique look.

 

•  H2O Plus Dual Action Eye Makeup Remover: This is a soothing oil free eye makeup remover, just perfect for erasing a day’s worth of eye products without irritating your beautiful lids or lashes.

 

We hope that you pick up a few new products to try that can enhance your look and are budget friendly too.

Find more great cosmetics at SkinStore!

The days of our lives are very draining and our schedules are always filled to the brim. We wear ourselves down and forget to snap out of our dazes to take a moment to refresh. The hours pass as we try to accomplish all of the goals we set forth for our day, but as our body winds down, our skin becomes tiresome and dull. Sometimes it’s easier than you’d think to take a moment away to rejuvenate your day!

 Actually, all you really need is 30 seconds, about 3-4 spritzes, and a minute to refresh the mind. Many people skip these well deserved daily time-outs and are not aware that all they need is a revitalizing face mist. These face mists are becoming a must have these days! Keep a bottle at home (a minute to escape from the kids!), one at your desk (used to revamp & stay alert), and you can even add one to your many beauty vices stashed in your purse. It’s really that necessary and useful. Many different lines are starting to carry these mists and they come packed with a punch. Not only can these mists rehydrate your skin; many can help tone your skin, soothe your skin, firm your skin, but can help purify your skin as well. They can also be used as a prep for makeup application or to help set your that you beautiful face we work hard to maintain. Some are even made with different essential oils which help to stimulate your mind and your senses. Wow! If you are looking for a great suggestion, I’d suggest that you try the De-Aging Mist in Papaya Pineapple by Pevonia. Just close your eyes, give yourself a few spritzes, take some deep breaths, and imagine your mini tropical get away from stress; ending with a sense of refreshment and a smile! Indulge.

Product featured in this article: De-Aging Mist in Papaya Pineapple by Pevonia.

It’s hard to muster up the energy to get ready for work when you feel like you have been hit by a truck …or two. So what to do when you’re tempted to go to work in your pajamas and you know that’s a bad idea? Try adding these energizing additions into your routine to start your day on the right foot.

First, you will want to channel your sleeping beauty. Go to bed early and get as much rest as possible. Using a humidifier is a great idea to prevent a dry, scratchy throat.

Next, wake up and take a shower using any type of invigorating, energizing shower gel, like Molton Brown Energizing Seamoss Bath & Shower. This aromatic pick-me-up will awaken your senses and banish stress and fatigue in an instant.

Once it’s time to wash your face try using the Phytomer Marine Breeze (Souffle Marin) Energizing Oxygenating Serum to get rid of a sickly, sallow complexion. Follow with a bronzing moisturizer to bring natural looking color to your face. Yonka Bonne Mine Tinted Antioxidant Bronzer Moist contains antioxidants for an added bonus!

 
Eat a good breakfast and remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. You can add Pure Inventions Green Tea – Tropical to provide yourself with additional antioxidants that promote energy and healthy looking skin.

Life doesn’t always tend to accommodate your schedule when you need time to take care of yourself. The sooner you find time to rest, the sooner your body will be able to heal itself. So listen to doctor’s orders if told to stay home; your co-workers will probably thank you.

Products featured in this article: Molton Brown Energizing Seamoss Bath & Shower, Phytomer Marine Breeze (Souffle Marin) Energizing Oxygenating Serum, Yonka Bonne Mine Tinted Antioxidant Bronzer Moist, Pure Inventions Green Tea – Tropical.

Find more great products at SkinStore.com!

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The subject of boosting collagen production in the skin seems to be a hot topic right now.  Consumers want to know the best products for anti aging that are going to help stimulate collagen production, and keep their skin looking youthful and radiant. If you are not ready to have a needle full of collagen injected into your skin, you may want to try a less painful route and follow these tips.

Collagen acts as a protein that is made up of amino acids that connects the tissues in our skin. As we age, we cannot readily produce enough collagen on our own, so we may need a little help. This is another minus about getting older; luckily we can still be proactive by using the right products, to lessen the effects. Other factors that break down the collagen fibers are hormonal imbalances, smoking, and sun exposure. It is recommended to always wear sunscreen, even when you will only be in the sun for a limited amount of time. The sun damages DNA, cell membranes, and collagen in your skin. So put on a pair of fabulous sunglasses when you’re exposed to the sun; they will not only look great but will help to preserve the delicate skin under your eyes.

A lot of studies on different websites suggest that certain ingredients cannot be absorbed into your skin, therefore rebuilding collagen is impossible. It is important to get your information from creditable sources that strictly deal with skin care and have no agendas but to educate the general public. According to many dermatologists, they believe you can stimulate collagen production by using the right ingredients. These ingredients include: vitamin c, copper peptides, growth factors and alpha hydroxy acids. Some companies such as Pevonia are using hydrolyzed marine collagen, which is a natural collagen obtained from cod fish. Collagen has been effective in brightening the skin and helping to firm and hydrate, by replenishing connective tissue in the skin. Pevonia Power Repair Marine Collagen Cream is a great example of a collagen product. This cream also contains squalane and hyaluronic acid to restore the skin’s moisture levels. Marine collagen has a small molecular weight so it can penetrate and absorb into the skin easily and effectively.

Collagen can even be found in hair treatments as a reparative and conditioning treatment. Oscar Blandi Trattamento di Fango Marine Mud Treatment, when used as a hair mask will improve the elasticity and condition of your hair.

There is constantly new research and breakthroughs involving the skin care world happening everyday. Most of the ingredients we can’t even pronounce let alone understand that involves this new world of advancements. That is why it is encouraging to know that we can prevent damage to our skin by simply staying out of the sun, drinking plenty of water, and using the right products.

Products featured in this article: Pevonia Power Repair Marine Collagen Cream, Oscar Blandi Trattamento di Fango Marine Mud Treatment.

Find more collagen boosting products at SkinStore.com!

Before you layer product atop product, think about the combination of active ingredients you’re putting on your face. There are some ingredients that work well in conjunction, while others are a big no-no. Here is a useful guide of what not to mix:

Don’t mix Vitamin C with…

Retinol: retinol is uber-active in a high concentration, so is vitamin C. Unless the product doesn’t list a marriage or vitamin C with retinol in its ingredient list, the two shouldn’t be layered one on top of the other. Both retinol and vitamin C can cause some dryness, peeling and flaking, so a combination of the two can cause a serious skin irritation.

Copper: Copper helps to firm and strengthen the skin by promoting collagen production. Vitamin C, in addition to stimulating collagen synthesis provides antioxidant protection. When copper is layered together with vitamin C the effects of each are canceled and render each other inactive.

Don’t mix Retinol with…

Alpha Hydroxy Acids: AHA’s and retinol can both increase skin sensitivity by way of chemical exfoliation. AHA combined with retinol can cause the skin to become aggravated and inflamed, so if you like to use both an AHA and a retinol, use the former in the morning and the latter at night.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Both retinol and benzoyl peroxide are great treatments that address acne, but when the two are combined together excessive peeling can occur, causing the skin to flake and pigment irregularly. The skin’s lipid barrier can also become compromised by use of excessively drying agents. Use either retinol or bezoyl peroxide as part of your nightly regimen, but not the two together.

If you have any specific questions, you may ask our estheticians and skincare experts by clicking here.

It seems for the last year and into this new year, that the color red is all the rage in eye color. It seems to be popping up everywhere in the cosmetic world and even used for our famous feme fatals in the celebrity realm. It just adds that edge needed to glam up your eye for the perfect night out! Really, you ask! Why? Picture your perfect sultry, sexy, smoky eye. Now to really make those peepers pop, imagine placing a bold, wild color such as red as your base and blending in some black/grey towards those edges. How fun to imagine, however this look is not for the faint of heart!

To create:

1. Pick a color red that is bold but deep in tone.
2. Apply it over the entire lid
3. Use a black or grey on the outer edges
4. Blend, blend, blend to smooth the red to the shadowed edges
5. For even more glam you can pat over the eyelid with a shimmer pigment in red (Optional)
6. Finish off your look with black/ grey eyeliner, a couple coats of mascara and voila!

This will create a unique and fun eye look to add to your different makeup methods. Red is usually a color easily matched to outfits and will definitely make a bold statement. I think it’s worth giving a try, don’t you?! For specifics on how to create a smoky eye to mimic the directions of this blog, refer to the previous blog titled “Quick Tip: Sultry Smoky Eye.”

For great eye cosmetics, visit SkinStore.com!

The latest buzz has been all about eyelash growth serums. But, do they really work and how do you know your getting the most for your buck? There are numerous eyelash growth products on the market and not all are created equal. We’ve taken the guess work out of it and created a list of effective ingredients to look for and named a few of our customer’s favorites.

If you’re strapped for cash, but yearn for long luscious lashes RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum is the product for you. This formula has a potent blend of polypeptides that protects against breakage and aides in the growth of longer, stronger, fuller lashes. It also contains essential proteins, minerals and vitamins like Panthenol, which helps fortify and enhance lashes. Hydrating ingredients Sodium Hyaluronate and soybean oil condition lashes giving them shine and strength. Rapidlash can be applied to sparse eyebrow hairs to encourage growth as well. You’ll see best results after 4-6 weeks with continual use. This one is a definite frontrunner for the price!

Another customer favorite is RevitaLash Eyelash Conditioner.  This product was originally developed by a medical doctor as a gift for his wife who was recovering from breast cancer. Months of intense chemotherapy treatments made her eyelashes very thin and fragile. After consulting with a group of chemists, he developed an eyelash conditioning formula that was gentle yet effective to stimulate new, stronger, voluminous lashes. A little bit goes a long way, simply apply a thin line to upper lashes once a day before bed. To see best results it is recommended to use for 4-6 weeks.

Whether you’re hunting for the best value or latest and most advanced eyelash renewal serum these two will not leave you disappointed! Some customer’s have even said they tossed out their mascara.

Products featured in this article: RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum, RevitaLash Eyelash Conditioner.

Check out other great eyelash products here!