Kojic Acid is a completely safe and natural alternative to the popular yet controversial skin lightening ingredient Hydroquinone. Kojic acid is used to treat hyperpigmentation or Melsama, patches of dark pigmentation on the skin. Kojic acid is derived from mushrooms and is highly effective in small does. Hyperpigmentation is often the result of melanocyte damage due to excess sun exposure. Other common causes are hormone fluctuation during pregnancy and menopause. Kojic Acid reduces discolorations in the skin by blocking the production of melanin or pigment. By inhibiting melanin production, Kojic Acid can lighten existing dark spots for a more even complexion. Two popular and effective products that contain Kojic acid are SkinCeuticals Phyto+ and SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator. To keep your dark spots at bay, it’s critical to use a good SPF product daily. We suggest La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid or SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50.

Please note: we don’t recommend using these products while pregnant or nursing. Always consult with your physician before starting any new skin care regimen.

We’re excited to introduce an exciting new brand to SkinStore, MOR a luxurious Australian based body care line. MOR’s philosophy is to provide a sensory journey to awaken the senses and create an unforgettable pampering experience. Incorporating beautiful product packaging is also essential for MOR to create a totally luxurious experience for the customer. MOR blends classic ingredients with modern technology for a fun twist on every product.

Some of the delightful scents include Candied Vanilla Almond, Sugar Rose and Tiger Lily, Neroli Clementine, Black Cherry Plum, Snow Gardenia, Honey Nectar, Italian Blood Orange, Lychee Flower, Black Currant Iris, Basil and Grape, and Kale and Watercress. Some of their many products include hand and body lotion, bar soap, candles, fragrances and gift sets.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get my hands on these products! The scents are intoxicating!

Be your own Valentine this year and treat yourself to some of our favorite most indulgent products. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for self-pampering. Here’s a few of our top choices this Valentine’s Day.

MOR Essentially Delightful  Sugar Rose Tiger Lily Gift Set is beautifully packaged and contains a full sized Sugar Rose Tiger Lily Soap Bar and Hand and Body Lotion. This subtle fragrance combines a blend of sugary rose, exotic tiger lily and ripe tropical fruits. MOR also has a fabulous Neroli Clementine Fragrant Candle that has a blend of fresh Neroli and sweet Clementine with a base note of bright Yuzu and candied Orange. Both are wonderful for a do it yourself at home spa day!

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System-Berry is the perfect gift for you! Its cheerful color makes it fun to cleanse morning and night. It’s time to think beyond the washcloth and elevate cleansing to a sonic level. Traditional methods of cleansing don’t get your skin as clean as you’d think. Fortunately, the lead inventor of Sonicare discovered a breakthrough in how we cleanse. Clarisonic’s patented sonic technology works with skin’s natural elasticity to gently remove the impurities traditional methods leave behind—cleansing 6X better than your hands alone. In just 60 seconds, the sonic action removes impurities from pores so creams, serums and moisturizers absorb better. And with regular daily use you’ll notice a reduction in dry patches, oily areas and blemishes. Cleaner skin is healthier skin and healthier skin is more radiant and more beautiful.

Searching for the fountain of youth? Look no farther, Baby Quasar’s limited edition Baby Quasar Pink is the ultimate anti-aging tool. The Baby Quasar is a light based medical grade device that uses red and infrared light to help fight the signs of aging. Clinical research has shown that red and infrared light can be extremely effective in firming and toning the skin by boosting cellular activity and increasing blood flow and circulation. Using its proprietary SequePulse technology, the Baby Quasar gently pulses four wavelengths of light to increase circulation, thereby diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and discoloration. From the comfort and privacy of your home, Baby Quasar light-based skin care diminishes the visible signs of aging without repeated visits to the dermatologist or spa.

You heard our faves, now we want to know yours! If money was not a factor, what product would you treat yourself to this Valentine’s Day?

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in the skin and play a critical role in the barrier function of our skin. If our skin barrier becomes compromised moisture loss and skin irritation is eminent. As we age, ceramides are also depleted from the skin and our skin can become drier and lose that smooth healthy glow of our youth. Using a product containing ceramides replenishes the ceramides in our skin that we have lost over time or due to environmental stressors. Using products with ceramides can also greatly help the treatment of eczema. A few of our favorite products that contain ceramides are Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Time Complex Moisture Cream, Kinerase Pro Therapy Ultra Rich Night Repair, and Topix SRS Pro-Ceramide Barrier Repair. Click here to learn about more great ingredients.

It’s that glamorous time of year again, award show season! When our favorite celebrities strut their stuff down the red carpet, it’s fun for us to recreate some of the hottest looks. One hairstyle that stood out above the rest at the Golden Globes was Reese Witherspoon’s tousled waves. To recreate this look at home we’ve selected a few of our favorite products that will best achieve this style.

First apply Frederic Fekkai Coiff Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray throughout dry hair, then apply a small amount of Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream to the ends of the hair. Next, using a medium round brush and blow drier add extra volume to the roots.  Then wrap 1.5 inch sections of hair around a one inch curling iron using light tension to create loose waves. We suggest T3 Twirl 1 inch Curling Iron. Once you have completed the entire head take pieces of hair at the crown of the head and tease to create a sexy lift. Finish off the look with Frederic Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray and Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Sheer Glossing Shine Mist for shine. Taadah! Now you’re ready to show off your beautiful locks at home!

Looking for a pain free, cheaper alternative to professional waxing? Aren’t we all? Look no further! MOOM Organic Hair Removal Kit amazingly does just what it says! MOOM is an alternative to expensive professional waxing treatments with the same great benefits and more. Hair is removed for up to eight weeks, it’s less painful than traditional waxing, and doesn’t leave the skin irritated. Your skin is actually more hydrated and softer than before without the need of after repair lotions. MOOM removes the hair from the root, cleansing the hair follicle, making ingrown hairs less frequent. MOOM can be used on the whole body including the face, under arms, legs, and bikini area.

Kit Includes:

• 100% Natural Hair Remover, 6oz
• 12 body washable reusable Fabric Strips
• 6 face washable reusable Fabric Strips
• 4 wooden applicators

With a high concentration of Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene, carrot seed oil is one of the best essential oils you can use for anti-aging.  Carrot seed oil helps to revitalize the skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles, promote skin elasticity and fade scars. Carrot seed oil can be used on a wide variety of skin types from oily to dry skin types. A few of our favorite products that contain Carrot seed oil are Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Decleor Aromaessence Iris Rejuvenating Serum, and Astara Activated Antioxidant Infusion. Click here to learn about more great ingredients.

Imedeen Prime Renewal, one of our bestselling and highly reviewed supplements addresses the specific concerns women have as they enter menopause. During menopause the structure of the skin begins to weaken and become less dense which causes a loss of elasticity, lack of firmness, and dehydration. Prime Renewal aides menopausal skin by:

• Improving the dermal density of the skin.
• Creating firmer skin.
• Reducing visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Reducing visibility of hyperpigmentation.
• Improving the appearance of skin on the face, hands and décolletage

Imedeen Prime Renewal comes with 360 tablets (90 day supply) , two tablets taken in the morning and two tablets taken evening before bed. Results can be noticed after 3-6 months of daily use. Before you know it you’ll have glowing skin from the inside out!

Enter for your chance to win a Stem Cellular Repair Eye Treatment! ($45 Value)

Did you know that your skin absorbs 64% of what you place on it? So it’s crucial that we place effective, powerful, yet healthy ingredients on our skin. Juice Beauty is leading innovator in the natural skincare realm. They produce powerful products without the use of parabens, propylene or butylene glycols, petroleum, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, phthalates, GMO, silicones, pesticides, artificial dyes or fragrances.

Juice Beauty’s newest product line the Stem Cellular Repair Collection features a blend of proprietary fruit stem cells infused with Vitamin C and resveratrol grape seed. This unique blend works at the cellular level to repair DNA damage and encourage new cell growth firming and lessening the appearance of wrinkles. While antioxidant rich fruit juices, fat soluble Vitamin C, and plant oils deeply hydrate and improve skin elasticity.
Our latest product giveaway is the Stem Cellular Repair Eye Treatment! This product encourages new cell growth reducing the appearance of fine lines, firms skin around the eyes and helps to eliminate dark circles.

Juice Beauty recently conducted a clinical study on the Stem Cellular Collection by an independent laboratory and found great results in just 6 weeks:

• 100% measured improved hydration
• 96% noticed visual improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
• 88% measured improved skin tone and luminosity
• 75% measured improved skin elasticity

Can’t wait to get your hands on one?! To enter, simply answer the following question by commenting below:

How do antioxidant rich fruit juices, plant oils and fat soluble Vitamin C improve our skin? (Hint: The answer is above)

2012 is here and many of us are looking for a fresh new start! Stila Dream in Full Color Palette is the perfect eye shadow and blush palette to get your new look rolling! This all-inclusive palette has everything you need to create limitless looks all year long. With 29 of Stila’s best selling eye shadows, 7 blushes, a Stingray smudge stick and 12 page look book your surely be inspired! Whether you’re looking for the perfect smokey eye for a fun night out or an office friendly day look this palette has got you covered.

Kit Includes:

• 29 best selling Eye Shadows 0.65 oz each
• 7 Cheek Colors  0.38 oz each
• Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray (jet black), 0.01 oz
• 12 page look book

Limited quantities. Available while supplies last.