As men we can do the worst things with the best of intentions. Bless our hearts!  How many times have we found ourselves in a pot of hot water when we bought something for that special lady in our life, only to step on some toes, hurt some feelings and offend?

As often as we may hear the ladies in our lives share their concerns about watching their figure or feeling overweight, the LAST thing to do is to go out and buy her an exercise video, cardio equipment or membership to a gym!  Even if she mentioned she wanted these things, getting one of those items from the man in her life, translates to “I think you’re overweight”. Definitely NOT the message we intended, but certainly the message received.

What can we learn from this and what does this have to do with buying a gift for your mother, or the mother of your children?  When I worked at an upscale cosmetic store I can’t tell you how many men came in for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Asking, “I need a gift, what’s the hottest new fragrance?”  Or “What are all the ladies wearing?”  My advice to them was simple, if you want to buy her some perfume and you don’t know what she likes, get a small basket with some bath oils, bubble bath, body bars (stocking stuffers) and get her a gift card to go with it.

Wrap the gifts and pick out a nice card.  Write a special message in the card to her.  Let her know you wanted to her to be able to go to the store and pick out anything (maybe perfume) that she wants.  Two points to be earned:

1. A gift basket with some small items will show that you at least put some thought and effort into a gift and didn’t just buy a gift card with no thought at all.
2. Getting her a gift certificate will avoid you picking the wrong fragrance.  Nothing worse than having the lady in your life give you “that stare“ and tell you this isn’t the fragrance she wears!  That translates to “You don’t really know me!”

Does this mean that every gift should be perfume?  Does this mean you should run out and buy a gift basket and gift card?  Absolutely not!  It means, before you buy something for that special lady, stop and think what message it sends to the one you love!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there.

Find great gifts for any occasion at SkinStore.com!

Before you decide to switch regimens to address breakouts for the 100^th time, read this!

So you just started a regimen a week or two ago that your esthetician raved about and now you are breaking out more than ever?  Believe it or not, this is not the time to change routines.

It is crucial to understand how your skin functions and how certain ingredients influence its behavior so you know what to expect when starting a new regimen.

Normally, your skin regenerates itself every 28-50 days depending on age and skin health. You shed skin cells daily, but the amount is so minute that you rarely see it happening.  This is called natural exfoliation.  Acne regimens rely on products that will enhance this process (along with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients).

When starting a new acne regimen, your skin goes through an accelerated exfoliation and renewal process.  This allows for breakouts to show up much more quickly than they would have otherwise.  The products are not creating new breakouts, but rather unveiling them at a sooner date.  You would have seen the same blemishes surface weeks down the road, but since your skin function has been sped up you are seeing 5-6 weeks worth of breakouts in one or two weeks.  This amazing and horrifying process is commonly referred to as “purging”.

This can definitely be alarming, but it is very important to adhere to the regimen suggested to you so you can get through this period, and you will get through it.  The average time frame is 7-10 days, but it is not uncommon for it to stretch to 2-4 weeks.  It all depends on the severity of acne you were experiencing and how quickly you can advance your regimen.  Sensitive skin has to advance more slowly so the “purging” period may be a bit longer than tolerant skin which can increase the frequency of product usage more quickly. This breakout period can be minimized by using products with anti-bacterial properties such as benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics from your derm.  We suggest sticking to a regimen for 6- 8 weeks and sometimes longer before deciding to switch, unless you are have a reaction (not skin purging).  Keep in mind that not all acne will clear in 8 weeks, but you will definitely get a sense of the products and if you will be able to achieve better results over time.

The bottom line is to stick it out and you will see clearer, more refined healthy skin.

The key players in this acclimation process are:

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, malic, mandelic acids) -   Hydroxy acids have the ability to break down corneodemosomes on the surface of the skin.  These are what hold the dead skin cells together.  Think of the mortar on a brick wall.  Once the corneodesmosomes are dissolved, the dead skin cells are ready to fall off.  Using a hydroxy acid will speed up the rate that the cells are shed which means your skin has to make new skin cells to fill their place.  When these new cells die, they are pushed to the surface for their turn to be shed. Any debris or microcomedones (pimples) rise to the surface too, which is why it seems like the product is making you break out.  When using these ingredients for acne, daily is usually best.

Retinol – Retinol works from the inside out, which is opposite of a hydroxy acid.   This ingredient stimulates cell renewal first, which then forces your skin to shed the dead skin cells from the top layer.   This is a very potent ingredient and flaking and peeling is a common reaction because it has the ability to speed up the production of new skin cells so fast that you can visibly see the shedding of the old skin cells, which is usually invisible.  This is generally not a desirable outcome, so moderation is the key with retinol.  Use maybe 2-3 times a week.

Ask a professional before starting a regimen with either of these active ingredients.

Have a questions for our estheticians? Ask us here.

New York Fashion Week is the pinnacle of modern style and flair. The latest trends often start on the runway and end in the hands of fashionistas everywhere. The runways have not disappointed this season by producing hot new fashions and makeup trends for the spring and fall.

Vibrant green eye shadows lit up the ISSA runway show. Hues of rich jungle greens, gold and smoky black were intoxicating. The allure of the tropics inspired a green makeup frenzy. Acclaimed makeup artist Pat McGrath created the look with a high contrast between an effervescent green all over lid color and a smoldering charcoal on the outside corners of the eyes. He finished off the look with a splash of gold on the inside corners of the eyes and a few coats of mascara.

Chic shades of brown nail lacquer also made their debut on the Chanel runway. Brown is the new neutral that everyone can wear! It’s especially fashionable paired with accents of gold jewelry. Think of hues like cappuccino, desert sand, cocoa, brown sugar and taupe.  Short polished manis are they way to go for an updated modern look.

For nails we suggest SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Hypnotic, Can You Dig It, Muse, or Solid as a Rock and for sultry eyes try bareMinerals Glimpse Eyeshadow Celery, Stila Eye Shadow Duo-Seafoam or DuWop Eye Palettes- Green Eyes.

These hot trends are simply irresistible!

Check out more fabulous cosmetics at SkinStore.

Washington Irving has said “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”

The love of a mother is unlike anything else in the world. Mothers sacrifice so much for their children, they pamper and coo, they counsel, they encourage, they hold our hand and lead us through the labyrinth we call life, they wipe our tears and share our smiles, they nurture, rear, raise and foster us. They deserve to be treated with care and honor for ever and for always. Show your beloved mother your appreciation by writing her a poem, singing her a song, treating her to a special dinner, or getting her a great gift.

To make your shopping easier the SkinStore staff have put together the top ten products they are purchasing for Mother’s Day.

Baby Quasar Red

Help mom to get gorgeous, younger-looking skin in only a few minutes a day. Using superior technology, Baby Quasar Red works by stimulating the production of collagen, thereby diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. Clinical research has shown that red and infrared light can also be extremely effective in firming and toning the skin.

Z.Bigatti Radiant Complexion Duo

This powerful kit is designed to restore radiance by combining two dynamic products that exfoliate and clarify, while repairing and protecting. Mom will love these two best-selling magic potions!

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System

Have a mom-on-the-go? Give her the travel friendly Clarisonic Mia, it fits her active lifestyle for beautiful, glowing skin wherever life’s adventures take her.

MD Skincare Firm Resolutions Set

This set addresses multiple skin concerns at the same time, such as aging, dark under-eye circles, dry skin and uneven skin tone. A powerful anti-aging system that’s great for all skin types.

Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette

Because mom is a queen treat her to a bottle of Vera’s enchanting Princess fragrance. An enchanting celebration of modern femininity with yummy notes like mandarin meringue, guava, pink frosting, dark chocolate, and vanilla bring out the girly girl.

bareMinerals Surprise Collection of Pure Delights

Infused with hematite, a healing stone that’s believed to relieve tension and stress, these bareMinerals beauties with make mom not only look pretty but she’ll feel better too!

Sundari Gulkand Scented Candle

A fresh rose scent with a hint of sugar and honey, finished with creamy milk provide for a delicate, timeless scent that mom is sure to love.

Too Faced Primed and Poreless

Vitamins A & C and mulberry extract and a powerful dose of retinol virtually banish pores while tired skin is left hydrated, firmed, and detoxified. Great for busy moms on the go that need flawless skin but don’t have heaps of time.

Stila Mini Lip Glaze Collection

Treat mom to a plump shiny pout with the Mini Lip Glaze Collection which includes 4 top-selling shades and 4 new shades in the travel-friendly mini sizes.

Philosophy Caramel Apple Shower Gel

This 3-in-1 high foaming shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath has a unique formula that provides a rich, foaming lather and a delicious bubble bath experience. The caramel apple scent is the perfect fusion of a juicy apple and rich, creamy caramel.

Is she an expecting mommy? She deserves some special attention, and so does her skin. We love Belli Pregnancy Pampering Collection which has baby-friendly formulations in body wash, body lotion, body exfoliator and belly oil. Help her ward off stretch marks with Belli Stretchmark Minimizing Cream which heals the skin and minimizes existing stretch marks while preventing new ones from forming.

Out of time? Don’t know what she’ll like? SkinStore.com eGift Certificates make perfect gifts!

Find more great gifts at SkinStore.com.

Save 20% at SkinStore for a limited time!

Certain items are excluded from offers. Each product detail page indicates if the promotion does not apply. Promo codes may not apply to already discounted items.

It’s often hard to find products that perform without the hefty price tag. Weeding your way through ineffective mumbo jumbo can be a bit tedious and time consuming. With our customer’s best interests in mind, we’ve compiled a list of economical products that blew us away. And best of all, we didn’t even have to break the piggy bank!

La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 - $30.00: Anthelios SX is an oil free moisturizer suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. It provides 24 hour hydration and broad-spectrum sun protection with a powerful combination of Mexoryl SX, Octocrylene, and Parsol 1789. Get more for your money with this great two in one product for daytime!

Olay Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream - $42.00: Olay has stepped it up with their wrinkle smoothing cream. It has an advanced peptide complex that stimulates cell growth, reduces the depth and length of wrinkles, fades discolorations and repairs existing sun damage. While Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) improves skin elasticity, overall skin tone and texture.

RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream - $21.00: A low-priced treasure containing proven ingredients glycolic acid and retinol. Clinical trials claim to give 10 years back to the look of your skin, reducing fine lines and repairing existing damage with continued use.

RoC Eye Cream - $21.00: A fabulous frugal find that diminishes crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness in as little as four weeks. Active ingredients retinol and copper promote new cell growth and repair.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 - $14.00: A unique facial moisturizer to even skin tone and add radiance with soy. It also contains a patented Active Photobarrier Complex™ providing superior sun protection.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser - $7.00: A cost effective cleanser for normal skin types. It’s rich with moisturizing soy and lifts away dirt and debris without stripping or over drying the skin.

With your pocket book full, you’ll have plenty of cash left over to indulge on your favorite luxury items or that mani pedi you’ve been putting off!

SkinStore is your #1 source for all your skincare needs.

Ever wonder how the French stay so thin and it seems as if they are constantly indulging in high calorie and high fat diets? What’s the deal?!

Studies have shown that an ingredient called reservatrol may be culprit. Reservatrol comes from the skin of fermented grapes which also happens to be the main ingredient in red wine. This newbie has been put through the test and has come out proving some great results. For instance, an experiment was done with three groups of mice; the first group was put on a standard, everyday diet, the second group was put on a high fat high calorie diet and the third group was put on the same diet as the second group and additionally given reservatrol. The second group soon developed a shorten life span due to diabetes and heart disease. The third group of mice not only lived 30% longer but also showed no signs of heart disease or diabetes and was much livelier even through the later of their life. (The first group showed equal results as the third) The Resveratol has many anti-oxidant and anti-aging benefits, but also tricks the body into restricting calories from being consumed; in return preventing absorption of unwanted fat and protecting the skin from environmental damage. Red wine here I come!

Truthfully, the best way to achieve the benefits of reservatrol is taking it in a pill form and topically is the next best. Caudalie Paris carries products that offer a great source of reservatrol; their most popular is Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum. Although enjoying one glass for red wine per night does have its benefits, drinking the whole bottle won’t, too much alcohol will counteract the benefits and dehydrate the skin.

So remember, do as the French and partake in a glass of wine at dinner and don’t do as the Irish. Au revoir!

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Essential oils have been around for centuries and have been used to treat everything from relieving stress, sore muscles, sinus problems, and even enhancing your mood…. The benefits of aromatherapy can have an effect on your mind, body, and spirit just by the direct connection they have to your brain.

Since essential oils can be absorbed into the blood steam, due to their small molecular structure, they can provide many health benefits to your whole body. Essential oils can be extracted by means of distillation, steam, cold expression, alcohol extraction or fixed oil. There is also a technique called oil pulling an ancient method, which uses essential oils to clean the teeth and gums. You would choose oil such as sunflower or sesame and move it around in your mouth in a light swishing motion then spit it out. You can repeat this a few times per day depending on which health issue you are trying to treat. It is also claimed that the swishing activates enzymes in the body, which can draw toxins out of the blood and treat many health conditions.

It is important to realize that essential oils are extremely potent and they should not be applied directly on the skin. They should be blended together with carrier oil, this process is called synergy.  For example you can use almond, apricot, or grapeseed oil. You will still get the same benefits but will not burn or irritate your skin.

If you are using any citrus based oils or blossoms such as neroli, you should definitely make sure you are wearing a sun screen to protect your skin.

Here are a few essential oils that are beneficial for specific skin types and concerns:

Dry/Sensitive skin:

• Essential oils: chamomile, neroli, rosewood, sandalwood, jasmine, angelica, yarrow hydrosols, ylang-ylang,
• Carrier oils: macadamia or sweet almond oil.

 
Oily/combination skin:

• Essential oils: lavender, tea tree, geranium, frankincense, peppermint, melisa, grapefruit, rose, eucalyptus, cypress oil.
• Carrier oils: grapeseed, soya bean, wheatgerm and apricot kernel are suitable for all skin types.

 
Acneic skin:

• Essential oils: bergamot, geranium, tea tree, sandalwood, cedarwood.
• Carrier oils: Jojoba.

 
Aging or premature aging skin:

• Essential oils: frankincense, rosewood, carrot seed, orange, palma rose.
• Carrier oils: wheat germ, apricot, grapeseed, extra virgin, or macadamia nut oil.

Here are some other uses for essential oils:
 
Lemongrass: used to treat fevers and infections.

Geraniun oil: used for hormonal imbalances.

Lime: anti-viral, anti-septic and disinfectant.

Yarrow oil: used to relieve joint pain.

Cedar wood: used to alleviate acne, eczema, and dermatitis.

Rose Geranium, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, orange oil: Used to repel insects.

When using any essential oils you want to first do a patch test on a small area of your skin. It is also not recommended if you are pregnant to use aromatherapy oils as some essential oils such as juniper, rosemary, and sage can cause uterine contractions. It is recommended that you contact an aromatherapy practitioner if you have any questions or need help blending oils to customize your results.

For years I’ve felt victimized by my less than fabulous fine hair genes. My locks were always limp and lifeless. I yearned for a full voluminous mane that every starlet seems to have inherited effortlessly. But, when I delved a little deeper, I discovered some of my favorite actresses also have fine hair. Instead of surrendering to their less than lively hair predicament they have fought back and won!

Fine hair darlings Jessica Biel, Cameron Diaz, Kiera Knightley, Victoria Beckham, and Gwyneth Paltrow all showcase the right way to add style and oomph to your do!

Add Curls: To create body, add curls with hot rollers or a curling iron. Jessica Biel is famous for sporting beachy tousled waves on the red carpet.

Volumizing Products: Don’t leave the house without your volumizing products. A volumizing mousse or gel gives extra lift to your roots. Try blow drying your hair upside down for added oomph. Stray away from leave-in or heavy conditioners that weigh the hair down.

Hair Pieces: We all need a little help every now and then right?! So why not experiment with a hair piece or extensions. Kiera Knightley has mastered the art of adding volume to an updo with hair pieces.

Posh Bob: Keep it short! Victoria Beckham has revamped the classic bob and made short hair fashionable again. The posh bob works wonderfully for fine hair. The shorter you go, the fuller your locks will look. Fine long hair tends to look thin and is easily weighed down by products and over styling.

Tease It: Be a tease. Backcombing hair at the crown creates sexy volume and texture.

Blunt Cut:  Don’t be afraid to be blunt. A blunt cut creates the illusion of more hair. Keep the ends the same length all around, only adding layers to frame the face. Avoid layers throughout the rest of your hair or a razor cut that makes the hair look sparse and thin.  Gwyneth Paltrow’s hair is often cut blunt, making it appear thicker.

Highlights: Do blondes really have more fun? Highlights add depth and dimension to limp hair. Starlets like Cameron Diaz are famous for their fine golden locks.

Add these tricks to your hair styling repertoire and your hair will go from flat to fabulous!

Visit SkinStore.com for all your hair care essentials.

Spring is here and summer will be upon us before we know it!  We all know what better weather means; more socializing, more trips, more days at the pool and more exposure to the sun!  Before you reconnect with all of your summer buddies, make sure you put your best foot forward.  No one wants to look old and tired.

Here are some great suggestions on jump starting a skin care program that can revitalize, reduce signs of aging, fine lines and wrinkles:

Lab Series Basic Tools Kit – This excellent kit has everything you need to start a skin care regimen and clean out those pores; Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash, Lab Series Razor Burn Relief Ultra and Lab Series Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15.

To significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and increase firmer skin use Menscience Anti-Aging Formula after you cleanse, before you put on moisturizer or SPF.

Once you’re back on track to cleaner, healthier, revitalized skin make sure you protect it from future sun damage and sun spotting due to harmful UVA & UVB rays.  Go out and enjoy the great weather but make sure you have these two items to prevent damage and further aging:

Anthony Logistics Lip Balm – Citrus – Your lips need protection too!

Jack Black Sun Guard Oil-Free Very Water/Sweat Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30+ – Using an SPF 30 will increase your body’s normal sun protection by 30 times! Excellent for those days when you’ll be outside in the sun for longer periods of time.

Don’t forget to apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.  If you’re going to stay outside for more than 90 minutes, reapply your sunscreen every 1 ½ – 2 hours.  A little bit of protection can go a long way in preventing skin damage!

There you have it. Your everyday essentials! Now get out and enjoy the great weather.

Find more Men’s skincare at SkinStore.com.

For all those times you wished you would have packed a survival kit, Too Faced has just launched the ultimate singles ladies Too Faced Walk of Shame Kit. The title may be a bit provocative, but so may be the ladies that need it! You’ll be fully prepared for an unexpected invitation or a midnight rendezvous with this kit. The not so glamorous walk of shame has never looked so good!

The kit contains a custom compact with two eyeshadows and a blush that is suitable for all skin tones, top-selling Shadow Insurance primer, Primed and Poreless, Lip of Luxury Lipstick, mints, travel toothbrush, and trendy satin bag.

With wedding season upon us, this could also be a fun and quirky gift idea for brides to give to single bridesmaids. A bride’s way to say farewell to her bachelorette days if you will! Or an amusing present for a friend that’s just gone through a rough breakup and may be in need of some cheering up.

There will be no more shame in your game ladies, chin up and walk proud!

Learn more about this kit at SkinStore.