Let’s talk wrinkles. We all have some type of wrinkle on our skin, but do we know what causes wrinkles, the different types, and most importantly how to diminish the appearance of them? According to the Fitzpatrick scale there are 3 classes of wrinkles: superficial wrinkles, fine-to-moderately deep wrinkles, and fine-to-deep wrinkles. The severity of the wrinkle will determine which treatment option is appropriate for you.
Mark Twain once said “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been”. In that case we should all be delighted about our wrinkles right? We have earned our laugh lines, battle scars, and wisdom; but now I think we deserve a break for all of our hard work!
There is hope for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, sometimes just by minimally using effective products and/or procedures. You will want to look for products that contain active ingredients to resurface your skin  while boosting collagen and elastin. You can start by using a mild exfoliant such as glycolic acid and a topical retinol such as the Skinceuticals Retinol. Ther’es a a .5% for sensitive skin and a 1% for more tolerant or problematic skin. This will help the appearance of uneven skin tone; improve wrinkles and texture while encouraging collagen production.
If your wrinkles are beyond laugh lines and are not as superficial as they were in your 20’s and 30’s you may want to look into alternative treatments to use in conjunction with your anti aging products. Procedures include microdermabrasion, IPL photofacials, injectables, or skin laser resurfacing. You will want to consult your dermatologist for your best treatment options available for your specific concerns.
The key to your success for fighting the signs of aging is prevention. You should limit your sun exposure at all times, and make sure you are always wearing a sunscreen with an SPF30 or higher. You will want to look for a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays are the main culprits for premature aging on the skin because they penetrate more deeply, so make sure you are choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen. A good sunscreen to try is the La Roche Posay Anthelios 40 Sunscreen. Wearing a daily sunscreen will help to prevent breakdown on your skin while promoting a healthy glow. Aside from the sun, watch out for the other no no’s such as smoking, poor nutrition, and not hydrating your skin properly.
We are all going to age eventually, but we don’t necessarily need to look our age… right?
Don’t forget to enter our Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Giveaway. Enter now! Event ends 3/14/11.
 With the 83rd Academy Awards airing soon, we will see how fabulous the actors and actresses look as they walk down that glamorous red carpet. Most of them will have flawless, radiant skin that shows no signs of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles or sagging skin. Not to mention luscious hair to die for!
Many of you have a special event coming up soon (spring weddings are right around the corner) and need to look fabulously youthful and radiant. How can you achieve all of this without going in for expensive chemical peels, microdermabrasion, injections or surgery?
Here are my “TOP PICKS” for products that will help you achieve a more youthful radiant appearance for your upcoming special event:
- Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser- This foaming cleanser provides deep cleansing with powerful antioxidants and helps to stimulate collagen synthesis while soothing the skin.
- Alchimie Forever Excimer Plus Gentle Antioxidant Refining Scrub- A refreshingly creamy exfoliant with cranberry and jojoba beads to exfoliate dead skin cells, reveal fresh skin, calm inflammation and hydrate.
- Yonka Lotion PS Toner- Helps to normalize PH Levels in your skin with botanical oil extracts that help to soothe and bind moisture to your skin.
- Goldfaden Instant Face Lift- Apply 2-3 drops of this serum to your face to help tighten, smooth and lift skin for up to eight hours. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and has cumulative results, too.
- Pevonia Timeless Cream- This moisturizer uses caviar extract, pearl, alpha lipoic acid, and retinol to repair and tighten the skin, relax and smooth wrinkles while providing superior hydration!
The best news of all is the above skin care products meet our natural beauty standards with a high concentration of quality natural botanicals while keeping harsh chemicals to a minimum!
I also recommend the following products to maximize your hair volume and shine:
Now go work your own red carpet and look fabulous doing it! You’ve earned it!
And share with us who your favorite star on this year’s runway is! AND don’t forget to checkout our GIVEAWAY! It’s going on right now! So visit our Facebook page to enter!
Winter weather has taken a toll on our skin. The winter cold and indoor heat are leaving our skin chapped and much drier than normal. We’ve forgotten what it’s like to have dewy, soft and supple skin by the end of February.
I myself tend to have dry skin on a regular basis, and especially in the winter, and I’ve tried a variety of products to keep my skin soft. Here are my two top choices for deep hydration that I love! Both hydrate without that oily greasy residue left by most lotions and creams.
 Vichy Aqualia Thermal Balm in a 1.7oz pump for $32.00! This balm has a rich, thick texture and makes an excellent day or night moisturizer. This can also be used as a hydrating mask for those in need of a once or twice a week treatment. All the power of Vichy Thermal Spa Water rich with 50mg of minerals are packed into this formula!
Kinerase Pro Therapy Ultra Rich Night Repair in a 1.7oz pump for $149.00. This creamy balm is an excellent night repair cream that helps to rehydrate, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to repair sun damage. If your skin is very dry (like mine) you can use it in the morning and evening. It absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth!
Both of these products can help to protect your skin to keep it soft, smooth and supple- keep your friends guessing! Tell us what your favorite winter time product is ~ we’d love to know!
Wanna win a Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel? Enter our giveaway now! Event ends 3/14/11.
 Lacking that go get em’ gusto to hit the gym? It’s that time of year when New Year’s resolutions become stale and willpower caves to temptation. Don’t give up just yet…here are a few pick me ups to help you stay motivated.
1. Make a date! It’s a lot harder to flake on a gym buddy or personal trainer when you’ve already made plans to meet them. You’re more accountable for your actions when it affects others.
2. We all like a pat on the back or high five every now and again right?! A little recognition and positive reinforcement keeps us right on track. Don’t be afraid to reward yourself for your diligent efforts! Take time out to relax achy muscles and soak in a long bubble bath. Schedule a monthly massage or a mani/pedi session, after all …you deserve it!
3. Keep your goal in sight, literally! Set your wallpaper on your cell phone with that perfect little black dress you’ve been lusting over or an itsy bitsy polka dot bikini that would be fabulous for your vacay.
4. Don’t set yourself up for failure. If you know you have a tendency to brush off the gym after a full day at the office, mix up your schedule. Go to bed an hour earlier and hit the gym before work. You’ll be energized and ready to tackle the rest of your day!
5. Fuel your engine. Eat a healthy snack before the gym and your body will be revved to go! We recommend a banana, a handful of almonds, or a cup of carrot juice!
Do you have a tip that keeps your body moving? We’d love to know! Share your comments on our Facebook page.
Did you hear? We are giving away 5 Juice Beauty Green Apple Peels every week for 3 weeks! Enter to win now. Event ends 3/14/11.
 We’re so excited to announce our latest giveaway! We have partnered with Juice Beauty to bring you our GREEN APPLE PEEL giveaway! Starting today, you can enter to win 1 of 15 Juice Beauty Green Apple Peels. This great peel helps to improve skin tone and texture and nourishes the skin for a healthy, beautiful complexion. To enter the giveaway, just click below and you’ll be taken to the entry pages!
Event ends on 3/14/2011.
Argan oil is in high demand because of its unique benefits and limited supply. It has become increasingly popular recently but the Argan tree has been around for centuries. It is made from the edible part of the nut inside the shell of Argan fruit and is found mostly in Morraco. Argan oil has many uses and it’s no wonder that this rare oil is always in pursuit.
 The many reported benefits of Argan oil include anti-inflammatory properties, lowering cholesterol, helping with digestion, sore joints, chickenpox, and of course is great for the skin and hair. It is also thought to reduce stretch marks post pregnancy while hydrating the skin. It also protects the body against ultraviolet radiation and is very anti-aging as it prevents the muscles and skin from degenerating. You can apply it alone to your face, body, and hair or with your favorite moisturizer. You can also add a few drops to your bath for added moisture or massage into nails to repair cuticles.
Argan oil is often referred to as “liquid gold” because it can transform dull, dry and frizzy hair into smooth strong tresses, by penetrating into the shaft or pore of the hair. To use on hair apply a few drops and massage into scalp then comb product through to the ends of the hair. It is recommend wrapping the hair in a towel overnight before washing it out. For soft frizz free locks you can apply a drop to styled hair. If you struggle with dandruff Argan oil can be beneficial for relieving an itchy, dry, and flaky scalp. Argan oil will also extend the life of your hair if color treated by keeping your hair conditioned and protected.
Argan oil is very rich in Vitamin E and Omega 6 so it works great for hydrating and protecting the skin. You can apply the oil directly on the skin and use alone. For really dry skin types it will boost the benefits of your moisturizer by combining the two. Because of its anti-inflammatory benefits, you can use Argan oil on acne prone skin to help with breakouts and irritation.
SkinStore.com has Argan oil made by the organic line Melvita. Melvita’s Argan oil contains 100% of the total ingredients from natural origins, so you can be confident the Argan oil is authentic and pure.
I think we will be seeing more popularity as this wonderful gift of nature continues to intrigue us.
 Exfoliation is an important element of any skin care routine. However, if you are dealing with sensitive skin you may feel your options are limited. Well, I have good news for you. Those wonderful folks at Juice Beauty have formulated a version of their for sensitive skin.*
The Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive is a gentler, but just as effective version of the original. This weekly exfoliating peel combines a 10% blend of alpha-hydroxy acids with raw cane sugar to revive your complexion and reveal a fresh new you. This peel is also full of vitamin antioxidants and essential nutrients designed to hydrate and nourish your skin.
Check out this video for even more information and step-by-step instructions.
*A patch test behind the ear is recommended prior to first use.
Remember to enter into our Caudalie Vine Body Butter GIVEAWAY!
With the winter weather in full effect, our skin has a lot to deal with. The heat is on more often, the air is dry and our skin looks dull and dehydrated. Our skin is begging us for a little moisture but a lot of products will fall short. We have just what your skin ordered… easy, effective products that will hydrate your skin and bring back your healthy glow!
 A good skin saver to keep on your desk at work or home is the Kinerase Hydrating Antioxidant Mist. The name says it all; it’s hydrating and provides your skin with essential nutrients. Apply it after you cleanse, over your makeup, or mid day when your skin needs it the most. Another antioxidant packed mist is the Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. This skin saver contains aloe, grape juice, rosehip, and grapeseed oil to protect and balance the skin.
I also love the Avene and Vichy thermal spring water mists. They come in smaller sizes, so you can drop them in your purse, and are travel friendly too. They work great to help keep your makeup in place, and can prevent mineral makeup from looking too cakey by simply applying a few sprays after your makeup application.
If you want to add a little aromatherapy to your day try the Lavender Hydrating Mist by Jurlique. This is great for dry and sensitive skin types and can be used in place of a toner. It contains marshmallow root extract to hydrate, lactic acid to lightly exfoliate, and lavender to purify the skin.
It’s important to keep your skin hydrated and protected during these winter months and into spring. You don’t have to make a big commitment with products, as any of these mists can be incorporated easily into your regimen!
Have you entered our latest giveaway? You could win a Caudalie Body Butter! Enter now.
 Brittle…crunchy…dry…damaged hair.
Sound like I’m describing the condition of your hair? Well, let’s fix that! Dry hair is a common concern for many people, but thankfully it’s totally treatable.
First you’re going to need a good shampoo and conditioner. I recommend the Alterna Hemp with Organics Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. This is my go-to duo for over processed damaged hair. These products are the perfect combination of protein and moisture to strengthen the hair and protect it from any future damage.
 Next you’re going to change your mind set of washing your hair everyday or even every other day. I’m talking washing your hair at the most 2 times per week. That’s right, you heard me- a max of twice a week, but don’t panic- this is where dry shampoo comes into play. A dry shampoo is going to become your new best friend. My personal favorite is Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. Those with thinner textured hair and are looking for volume will want to go with Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray. Use your dry shampoo when needed to absorb any excess oil and product build up. It will also provide your damaged locks with the proper nourishment it’s dying for.
Also you will want to find a good mask for your hair, which you’ll need to use once a week. There are a lot of good ones out there so this won’t be hard; so far my favorite has been the Alterna TEN Hair Masque.
Try to avoid any hair coloring or chemical processing for 4-8 weeks to fully let your locks rest and restore to their natural beauty.
Don’t forget to enter our Caudalie Body Butter Giveaway! Enter now.
 I know you probably have a million things in your makeup case. But do you have an eyeshadow primer? If the answer is no, then we strongly suggest that you get one! Why? Because if you have 600 different shadows and pigments in your makeup collection but don’t have a primer then chances are those eyeshadows are not living their ‘lives’ to the fullest.
An eyeshadow primer will set your eyeshadow and allow for pigments to become much more saturated and visible on the lid, therefore you’ll need less shadow, therefore… you’ll spend less time and less effort packing on the color! And what’s more; an eyeshadow primer will prevent creasing and fading through the day AND it’ll help to conceal any initial redness or veins on your lids- so you can skip the concealer!
Our favorite (and best selling- seriously sells like hot cakes) is the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Check out this video for more info on our choice:
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