Do you lay awake at night, unable to tame your busy mind? Or maybe you toss and turn, never able to sleep through the night. Put these tips to use and catch up on some much needed zzzzz’s.
1. Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and visualizing can help your mind and body unwind from a hectic day.
- Close your eyes and take deep slow breaths
- Practice muscle relaxation by tensing your muscles and then relaxing. Start at your toes and work your way up to your head.
- Think about your happy place, whether it is a deserted tropical paradise or Zen day spa, visualization calms the mind.
 2. Get stress and anxiety under control. Trials and tribulations of your daily life should be left at the bedroom door. A racing mind is your arch nemesis at bedtime. If you find this to be a common occurrence, consider finding a remedy through better time management or handling stress in a more productive way (i.e. meditation, exercise, counseling).
3. Sleep medications aren’t a quick fix. The use of sleeping pills can be an addictive habit and can lead to dependency. Sleep medications are not intended for long term use and if abused can lead to insomnia. Good sleeping habits are much more effective in the long run.
4. Make sure you are not going to bed too early. If you’re over eager to hit the sack, you may find your self laying awake staring at the ceiling or not able to sleep through the night.
5. Set a regular bedtime. Our bodies like routine and function more efficiently with a set schedule.
6. Limit napping. Napping after work may seem like a good idea, but this power nap may keep you up for hours past your bedtime.
7. Eat right for sleep. Eating a heavy, greasy meal right before bed is the last thing you should do. You will not only put on pounds, but your body will be busy at work trying to metabolize a large meal instead of winding down for bed.
8. Exercise regularly. Normal and consistent exercise is the perfect cure for a better night sleep. Your body recoups while sleeping and tried muscles yearn for rest.
9. Develop a bedtime routine. Creating a relaxing routine before bed allows the body and mind to wind down and preparing for sleep.
10. Create a better sleep environment. Your bedroom should be your place of respite, a sanctuary for your soul. Removing objects and triggers of stress creates tranquil surroundings conducive to a better night sleep.
It’s no secret that your feet get a lot of exposure in the summer, those once-monthly winter pedicures transition into a once weekly task every spring through early fall… and summery nails get the most attention with bright polishes and brighter sandals to accentuate them. We’re so glad that this year nail polish gurus have dug into a little kid’s crayon box to create a new summer palette.
 SpaRitual Nail Lacquer I Believe in You is a poppy-orange crème that’s similar to Crayola’s Red-Orange crayon. Just like a juicy blood orange dipped in sugar, this summer shade will brighten any dull day.
SpaRitual Nail Lacquer Yes I Can is a leafy-green crème that’s like Crayola’s Tropical Rain Forest shade. It’s a tree-huggers dream come true with its true hue of plump summer foliage and freshly-cut grass.
SpaRitual Nail Lacquer Shimmer Crystal Waters is a turquoise shimmer that looks like Crayola’s Steel Teal. It’s the color of the deepest tropical waters, the type of aqua shade that you see on the ocean when you’re parasailing over paradise. And it shimmers, just like the sunlit sea!
SpaRitual Nail Lacquer Shoot for the Stars is a lively purple crème that’s like Crayola’s Vivid Violet and is the same color as grape juice. This shade pairs really nicely with a tan and looks amazing on toes- it’s refreshing and it stands out from the pink and red toe crowd.
SpaRitual Nail Lacquer It’s Raining Men is a Sky blue shimmer with a hint of pink that’s similar to Crayola’s Cerulean Frost, it’s a summer sunset in a bottle with its baby blue undertone and a hint of pink frost. It’s great for understated yet fun toes that are oh-so-summery!
Don’t forget to seal the deal on your toes with a top coat- a top coat will make your color last longer and will prevent the polish from chipping. SpaRitual Tout de Suite Quick Dry Topcoat is a really great choice because it provides high-gloss shine, UV filters, and it dries in less than a minute!
 In September of 2009, Maddy gave us some excellent pointers on why to use brushes to apply your liquid foundation; smoother coverage, less product damage and less product contamination. She also pointed out the great fact that sponges absorb and ultimately waste your liquid or cream based foundations.
Now that you’re on the bandwagon and have gone out and invested in some good quality brushes, how do you take care of them? The first thing is to make sure you have a good cosmetic (preferably) brush bag. This helps to protect your brushes when you’re not using them, especially those very important angled brushes.
Next you need to make sure you’re cleaning your brush periodically. If you’re going to use the soap and water approach place a small amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand. Rub the brush hairs in the shampoo and some water until the shampoo has absorbed into the brush. When you rinse the brush be certain to rinse with the brush hairs facing the bottom of the sink. NEVER rinse your brush with the brush hairs facing up, this forces dirt and soap into the base of the brush and will cause the glue holding the brush hairs together to begin to degrade. When you’re done rinsing squeeze the tip of the brush out and place the brush on a clean dry towel, flat on its side. Placing the brush upside down in a cup will only allow water to go down into the base of the brush and damage the glue. Let the brush dry overnight and once dry you can lightly fluff up the hairs.
The other great option for cleaning your brush bristles is to use a brush cleaner. Spray some on a clean dry paper towel and spray some on the brush. Gently rub the brush back and forth on the paper towel. Place the brush on a clean dry towel and allow them to dry for about 10 minutes.
The best of brushes can be expensive and correctly caring for them can add years to their life and change to your pocketbook!
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to aggressors, pathogens, injuries and infections. Acute inflammation, such as the kind that’s caused by burns or bug bites, broken bones, or pulled muscles is necessary as it helps to promote healing by delivering white blood cells to the affected area. Without an inflammatory response our entire immune system would be greatly compromised. While inflammation is necessary, it can also be negative when it’s chronic. Chronic inflammation causes for the body to breakdown and can often result in diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer and many more. What causes chronic inflammation? Certain infectious agents do, such as certain bacteria, and Hepatitis C causes chronic inflammation of the liver which can lead to liver cancer. While the doctor can run blood tests to determine presence of inflammation, we urge to you to take preventative measures too to reduce the heat and ward off chronic inflammation for life.
 Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Hydrogenated fats cause inflammation, therefore avoid processed and pre-packaged food when possible and read your labels to ensure that the food you’re eating doesn’t contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Skip the sugary foods too, because sugar is quickly processed by the body which causes a spike in insulin levels. Same goes for refined grains such as white rice and white flour, which are as easily processed as sugar. Whenever sugar increases insulin levels our bodies are prompted to store fats, which can lead to weight gain and in the long run, obesity. Some foods may be low in calories (such as rice cakes) but high in sugar content- therefore they increase insulin levels, which cause the fats to store, and result in excess weight gain; someone eating a low-calorie diet and still gaining weight may be perplexed by this occurrence unless they realize that foods easily converted into sugar are fattening.
 Eat anti-inflammatory foods, spices and herbs. Many foods contain nutrients that counteract inflammation. eFish, olive oil, whole grains, and nuts contain omega-3, 6, and 9 to reduce inflammation. Herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, oregano, rosemary, basil, dill, and thyme contain antioxidants, and compounds that stabilize blood-sugar levels. Eat a cup of yogurt or drink a cup of kefir daily, which contain healthful probiotics that work to keep the digestive system healthy while warding off pathogens and ‘bad’ bacteria.
Lose excess weight. Overweight people have a high level of C-reactive protein, which causes inflammation. Therefore, exercise to reduce inflammation and to lose weight. Exercise helps the body to produce dopamine and endorphins, so we not only look better when we work out, we feel better too.
Reduce stress. Stress and inflammation are closely related. Stress activates cortisol secretion, and cortisol a.k.a the ‘stress hormone’ causes inflammation. While cortisol serves a very important function in our fight-or-flight response, it can also be disruptive when we experience chronic stress. Chronic stress results in excess cortisol that with time can ‘forget’ to shut off, in turn producing further inflammation and resulting in immune system break-down. Find ways to relax through yoga, meditation, relaxing music, massage, napping, journaling, or breathing exercises.
 Keep your mouth clean. The American Academy of Periodontology has linked gum disease to heart disease, as the bacteria produced by gum disease is harmful when it enters the blood stream and can build plaque deposits in blood vessels. Plaque build up can result in inflammation which contributes to swelling of the arteries. Take care of your teeth and gums with regular dental cleanings, take the time to brush your teeth thoroughly, and always floss.
Take precaution to ward of inflammation to lead a healthy life full of vigor and longevity.
 Summer is here and we all want to keep our bodies soft and hydrated, but slathering on those thick body creams we use during the cold winter months can be too much. Not to mention when you start sweating later and end up feeling all greasy and sticky.
Try using lighter products like lotions, milks, or gel moisturizers. Look for lotions with Water, Aloe Vera, Jojoba, Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamins A, C and E. Of course if you’re going to be out in the sun don’t forget the SPF, look for products with ingredients Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.
Here are some excellent options SkinStore offers to keep that healthy summer glow:
Tip: Using a body moisturizer daily can help prevent dry, ashy skin and drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so take care of it!
 Sandal season is upon us, and while we were able to hide our fungus-ridden toes all winter safely in socks and boots, it’s time for us to expose the tootsies without shame. Fungus can be persistent, and quite frankly embarrassing. Many people forgo the doctor route because they’re self-conscious (or because they don’t have insurance) and also because prescription medications can get quite costly. Luckily, over-the-counter fungus medications and treatments have gotten very advanced, so treating mild, moderate and even severe fungus has never been easier.
Fungus grows easily in hot, humid climates and it’s predominant on areas that don’t breathe well- your foot doesn’t have much air exposure when it’s in a shoe, therefore most fungus grows on feet, but it can occur on other areas of the body. Stiefel Zeasorb AF Super Absorbent Antifungal Powder is a great ointment for using on clean feet- before putting on socks and shoes. It is formulated to kill the fungal organisms that can cause redness and irritation of the skin while the super absorbent powder helps dry up unwanted moisture in the affected area.
For a highly effective spot treatment we recommend Barielle Fungus Rx. It contains 1% Tolnaftate, which is an active ingredient registered with the FDA that helps to eliminate fungus and helps to prevent the spread of bacteria. The gentle, odor free, anti-microbial solution is safe and effective against bacteria and germs (this product can be used in conjunction with an antifungal powder too). Say so long, fungi! Put on those open toed shoes and show off your feet this summer!
 Classic beauty withstands the test of time. Starlets like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Diana all share a common grace and elegance. Images of them today remain as iconic and in style as ever before. Idealized for their beauty, we can follow their lead, incorporating effortless style into our own daily make-up regimen.
Timeless make-up is youthful and fresh. Try to avoid colors that are either too bright or too dark and steer clear of outlandish trends. Neutral colors that enhance your natural skin tone are best.
Face: The right foundation lays the groundwork for a timeless look. First, prime and prep the skin. Make-up goes on smoother and lasts longer when you apply a moisturizer and make-up primer. Moisturizer hydrates and plumps the skin, while a primer camouflages large pores and imperfections. Keep in mind, less is more with foundation. Apply foundation sparingly, while paying special attention to areas that need more coverage and blend outward. For liquid foundation users, set with a translucent powder for long lasting coverage.
Eyes: The trick is to play up the natural shape and color of your eyes. Neutral shades of beige, gray, brown, gold, champagne, pale pink, mauve, and plum are best. Start by applying a light to medium shade of beige, nude, champagne, or pink as the all over base color. Next, accentuate the crease and outer corner of the eye with a darker shade. A medium gray, brown, or plum that is two to three shades darker than the base color creates perfect definition. Lastly, add highlight just below the brow and to the inside corner of the eye. A very light nude, white, or pale pink with a hint of iridescence works beautifully.
Next, accentuate the shape of your eyes by lining the top eyelid following closely along the lash line with a dark brown, gray or black liner. Leave the bottom eye unlined for a fresh faced look or line sparingly from the bottom inside corner of the eye and darken in color towards the outside corner of the eye. This draws more attention to the outside corners of the eyes, making eyes appear larger. Finish off the eyes with a few coats of dark brown or black mascara to the top and bottom lashes.
Insider tip: Black liner and mascara will make the whites of your eyes whiter and brightens tired eyes.
Cheeks: Often disregarded, yet one of the simplest ways to brighten your complexion is by applying blush. A rosy flush gives cheeks a youthful healthy glow. Select a color that matches your natural flush or if you were to pinch your cheeks. Sweep the color from the apples of the cheeks towards your hairline. Remember to build the color gradually, to avoid applying too much.
Insider tip: To slim the face blend a contour color to the hollows of your cheeks, just below the cheekbone. Select a matte bronzer or powder foundation that is slightly darker than your skin tone. Finish with a touch of highlighting powder on the top of the cheekbone for added pop.
Lips: Lip color should enhance and brighten your natural tone. The key is to pick a color that is one to two shades darker than your natural lip color. To create fullness, line your lips with a lip liner that matches or is slightly darker than your lip color. For added dimension add a bit of gloss in a lighter shade to the center of your pout.
Brows: Polish off your timeless daytime look by grooming your brows. Fill in with a neutral toned brow pencil that matches your natural hair color. Start from the head of the brow using light feathery strokes as you make your way towards the arch and tail of the brow. Next, define the shape of your brows by tweezing stray hairs. Lastly, apply a clear brow gel to set your hairs in place.
Insider tip: Plucking too many hairs at once can leave holes or gaps in the brow. For better precision, use tweezers with a slanted tip for plucking one hair at a time.
A friend and I recently brought our Basset Hounds to a 4th of July parade where a local Basset rescue participates  every year in the parade. There were over 100 of the short, floppy eared irresistible pooches. Some on leashes, some on floats, some on wagons… some even sporting costumes! It was a howl to see that many hounds waddle down the street!
The weather however turned out to be much warmer than anticipated. Instead of the usual coastal 70’s with a cool breeze, we were hit with 90 plus degree weather! Halfway down the parade route most of our dogs flopped down in the middle of the road in a shaded grove. Needless to say the parade stopped for about 10 minutes!
As I’m sure you’ve all read in our many postings about taking care of your skin and protecting yourself from sun exposure and heat; our pets, namely dogs and cats, don’t have the capability to cool off by sweating. If you take your pet out for a family event make sure you bring food and water. Bring an umbrella or choose a shaded area. When dogs and cats need to cool off they pant. The hotter they get the faster they pant. Providing shade and cool water for them to drink can help alleviate the stress and danger of overheating.
 Of course NEVER leave your pet unattended inside a parked car during summer heat. Cars can quickly turn into saunas. Even in mild weather a car with it’s windows up, or even slightly cracked can heat well above 90 degrees or more and your pet can get heat exhaustion, heat stroke or worse within minutes!
During our summer heat waves make sure you and your pet drink plenty of water. Limit your sun exposure. A dip in the pool, fountains, or sprinklers will all help to release some of that body heat. If you decide to let your dog swim with you keep in mind not all dogs do well in water. Never leave your dog unattended near a pool, pond or lake. Remember to put your sunscreen on at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 90 minutes. Dogs with lighter colored coats or pale pink skin need sun protection too! Noses, bellies and inside the ears are particularly vulnerable. Contact your local veterinarian or pet store for suggestions on what types of sunscreens are safe for your pet.
Summer of 2010 is in full swing and we hope you’re enjoying it to its fullest! Whether you’re playing on a sandy beach in Mexico, lounging by the pool in Las Vegas, or hiking the Himalayas in India you’re probably well equipped with a goody bag full of your favorite skin care products (you are, a SkinStore customer after all!) We always want to know what you’re toting around to keep your skin looking wonderful through the seasons- and we’re sure that you’re curious to see what our top favorites are, so we’ve compiled a list of THE top 10 must haves for this fabulous summer!
Clarisonic. ‘Nuff said! This is our number one seller, and for a good reason! The Clarisonic comes in three versions-  Mia for travel, Classic for facial cleansing and exfoliation and Plus for facial exfoliation and cleansing as well as body use (perfect pedicure, anyone?). Clarisonic uses a sonic technology to cleanse deeply within the pores and is two times more effective than manual cleansing and six times more effective at removing make-up! Therefore with daily use of the Clarisonic you’ll prevent breakouts and clogged pores, and the exfoliating factor will make large pores appear smaller, and the texture of the skin much smoother! It’s great for all skin types and all ages. Staff favorite, customer favorite… we can’t say enough great things about this product!
Antioxidants. Chances are, you’re spending a lot of time outdoors during the summer chasing after kids, swimming, playing outdoor sports and barbequing… while you may be religiously applying sunscreen to protect your skin, you may not be applying antioxidants which ward off free radicals that cause lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Antioxidant serums are a great way to go, because they’re light in consistency so they won’t feel heavy on the skin and they soak right in to provide up to twenty four hours of broad-spectrum antioxidant protection without reapplication! We’re fans of CE Ferulic which provides a potent vitamin C (which has brightening benefits) in addition to power-house antioxidant ingredients like hydrating vitamin E and Ferulic acid.
Sunscreen. Everybody knows that sunscreen protection is the utmost important factor in keeping your skin healthy! Thank goodness for savvy chemists who know how to formulate sunscreen in uber-elegant recipes. Since it hit the market in May, SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 has been selling like hotcakes! We have trouble keeping this stuff in stock. It’s a one of its kind physical sunscreen that’s a transparent, mattifying liquid that is paraben-free and offers true broad spectrum coverage from UVA and UVB rays, it’s great for all skin types and ages and stays put without feeling heavy or greasy, and it doesn’t have an unpleasant sunscreen smell! And while SkinCeuticals has created an amazing formula for the face, La Roche Posay (another renowned SPF pioneer) has created La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Melt In Sunscreen Milk which is great for the body. This fast absorbing, non-greasy milk provides SPF 60 and broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with the breakthrough Cell-Ox Shield, to protect your skin, even at the cellular level.
Don’t neglect your hair. You have face and body covered! But that leaves out your luscious locks. Keep your hair looking its best with protective hair products. Since the sun can be dehydrating to your skin, it can also be super dehydrating to your hair too (straw hair = yuck!), use a leave-in conditioner that has a UV filter. We enjoy Rene Furterer Okara 2 Phase Leave-In Protective Conditioner CPF 80 because it not only has a potent UV filter but it also keeps the hair smooth, shiny and polished with its Okara complex.
Fake it. You’re probably thinking that all of this SPF protection will not allow for you to get any color! So cheat the sun and the sun damage, and instead of baking it…get good at faking it! There are hundreds of self tanners that’ll give you a beautiful golden glow! TanTowel Plus Full Body Self Tanning Towelettes are a great way to getting tan, they’re odorless and SO easy to use! This tan is easy to apply and because the self-tanning liquid is in a handy towel it’s virtually mess free! PLUS NO streaking! We promise!
Hydrate. What about dry skin? In the summertime our skin is frequently exposed to sun, sand, salty ocean water or chlorine from the pool. We tend to hydrate more frequently and diligently in the other seasons when it’s colder or dryer out, but our summer skin needs moisture too, and very much so after excess exposure to the elements. Rehydrate your skin with L’Occitane Cupuacu After-Sun Balm Lotion, it’s our summer favorite! This after sun lotion is formulated with organic vegetable butter of Cupuaçu, which is the ideal ingredient to intensely hydrate and regenerate skin after sun exposure because it holds four times its weight in water, therefore providing immense hydration without feeling greasy.
To ward off dehydration on the go, it’s great to throw a refreshing spray into your beach tote. Kerstin Florian Aromatherapy Neroli Water is a delight to use because it’s soothing, hydrating and refreshing and can be used all of the body, or on the face… and it won’t disturb make-up!
Conceal. A blemish here, a sun spot there, dark circles from lack of sleep (there are too many fun things to do in the summer)… what’s a gal to do to stay looking fresh and feeling fabulous? Concealer is the magic wand of a make-up maven. This summer we’re in love with Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer because of its highly pigmented formula that’s also water resistant. It erases dark circles, blemishes, broken capillaries, sun damage and redness with only using a tiny amount of product (and we mean TINY!) a little tube will last and last and last.
Nail Time. Every girl knows that a perfect pedicure is a summer MUST. Coral always looks hot on the fingernails and is absolutely amazing for toes in the sweet summer time (bonus: corals and yellows visually intensify your tan). SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Love and Happiness is a gorgeous coral orange crème that looks fantastic when paired with strappy golden sandals!
Poet William Carlos Williams has said “In summer, the song sings itself”, and boy wasn’t he right! Enjoy this gorgeous weather, throw some hot dogs on the grill, read a great book, and lather on the SPF! Now that you’ve got a list of our TOP 10 summer favorites it’s easy to choose great summer products! What are your top picks?
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 Running late for a very important date? Keep these time saver beauty tips in mind and you’ll be gorgeous on the go!
Simply dust blush on the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow. Pick a vivid pink for flirty appeal. We adore Too Faced Brightening Blush La Vie En Rose.
Taupe shadow makes eyes brighter and is a universal flattering shade. You’ll look put together with out all the fuss. Try bareMinerals Glimmer Eyeshadow- Queen Tiffany.
Use liner to make lips appear fuller. Pick a shade that matches your natural lip tone. Line just outside of your natural lip line and apply a lighter colored gloss on top. Perfectly pouty lips in sixty seconds or less! I love, love, love DuWop Liptone Tempo liner paired with Stila Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss.
Select hues that make your eyes pop. Apply color theory techniques: Rich browns make blue eyes bluer, purples make green eyes pop, and brown or hazel eyes shine in gold or bronze. DuWop EyeCatcher Shadow comes in three different shades, each utilizing basic color theory to bring out the best in blue, green, and brown eyed beauties.
Be bronzed and beautiful. A few strokes of bronzer works wonders. Effortlessly look well rested and golden, a trip to the Caribbean is no longer required. Us California girls have a few secret weapons in our beauty arsenal, bareMinerals Faux Tan All Over Face Color bronzing powder, TanTowel 3 Step Tan-The Perfect Tan self tanning kit, and my all time fave Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi Shimmer Dry Oil- Golden Shimmer Spray.
Lip stain is an easy apply and forget about it product. It withstands a full day at the office and even extends into happy hour! The color stays put, simply refresh with a sheer gloss on top. We like Stila Cherry Crush for beautiful berry stained lips.
Metallic eye shadow instantly adds glamour to any day rain or shine! Even if you didn’t have time to apply foundation, a touch of gold, silver, or bronze shadow will liven up your complexion. bareMinerals Glimmer Eyeshadow TrueGold, Stila Eye Shadow-Twilight, or Stila Eye Shadow Trio- Bronze Glow are tried and true favorites.
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