Shiny hair is sexy. Shiny hair signals youth and fertility, so instinctively men love a woman with luscious locks. Here are a few simple and easy steps that every woman can take to keep her hair shiny, and to keep those boys breaking their necks.

People with oily hair tend to over wash their hair. When the hair is stripped of its essential oils it goes into overdrive to produce more oils, so it’s a never ending battle to keep oily hair clean. Instead, wash only a few times a week if your hair is oily. The oils in your hair condition the roots and lengths of your hair, and will keep the hair shiny and supple. If the root area looks greasy, use a dry shampoo to keep it immaculate. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is a great choice.

If you have normal to dry hair and a dry scalp, it’s likely that your hair stays fresh for quite some time. Once weekly washings are appropriate to those that don’t produce much oil at the scalp and the oil that is produced will be beneficial and hydrating to the hair, so use a soft boar bristle brush to pull the oils from the roots through the lengths of the hair.

Don’t overuse heat tools. Stick straight hair is so 2005, so don’t flat iron your hair to its death. Instead, embrace the natural texture that you were born with. Air dry hair when possible, and if you need to use a blow-dryer, opt for a cool setting instead of high heat. My therapist (I mean stylist) has taught me some great hair care tricks over the years, but one of my favorites is a blow-drying tip. Part the hair and spritz with heat-protective spray, then blow dry only at the roots, let the ends of the hair air-dry… this always gives my hair a lot of natural movement but doesn’t leave the top of my head kinked. If you like your hair curly, then traditional curling rods are a better choice than a high-heat curling iron, so if you’re sporting ringlets let dry hair set in curlers for a few hours.

Lay off the chemical processing for a change. Highlights, lowlights, double processing, triple processing, you’ve done it all. Every chemical process does a bit of damage, and when color is constantly pulled out and deposited in, the hair strand becomes more and more damaged. Color only the hair that hasn’t been colored, we advise professional root touch ups every 6-8 weeks. And quit with the drama already… If you don’t have naturally light hair, the peroxide that you use will eat up your healthy dark tresses. And light haired girls that go uber-dark can end up with those grey-looking roots (nobody wants to look like they have a receding hair line). Many colorists say that the most flattering color you can have as an adult is the hair color that you had as a child. Was it sunny and blonde, but turned a little brassy and mousy as you got older? Pump up the volume on the developer and lighten up! Did you have gorgeous black hair as a baby but it looks a little worn and ashen? Deposit a rich hue to bring out the vibrancy!

One of the most important rules in hair care is to trim your hair regularly. Hair that has split ends (no matter how well cared for) can look dry and brittle. Regular trims keep the hair looking slick and smooth, not bushy and unruly.

Remember that hair care products play a huge role in the way your hair looks. Using quality shampoo and conditioner that are made for your specific hair type will be beneficial to the health of your hair. Yes, a shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair can improve and prolong your hair color. A shampoo and conditioner made for oily hair will help to balance the production of sebum in the scalp. A shampoo and conditioner made for normal to dry hair will condition the hair thoroughly to provide greater manageability.

Leave-in treatment products are very beneficial to the hair. Leave-in conditioners (in spray or cream form) help to condition the hair and seal the cuticle so it’s pliable and elastic, therefore less prone to break. Leave-in products such as shine enhancing sprays and serums seal the hair cuticle and impart shine, so hair not only feels healthier, it also looks better.

Deep conditioners are intense and really beneficial to thirsty hair. Because I have platinum hair that requires a lot of color developer to lift the ashy-ness out of my roots, and A LOT of toner to keep it neutral instead of brassy, my hair is always thirsty. In addition to using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and leave-in products I love a once-weekly deep conditioner, and you will too once you try one. When you can’t afford to have it in-salon (or just have no time or desire to sit in a salon chair for two hours) use a hair masque at home instead! After washing and conditioning the hair, apply a generous amount of hair masque that’s appropriate to your hair type (I LOVE the Alterna TEN Hair Masque), put on a shower cap and use your blow-dryer to warm up the hair (make sure the cap isn’t the type that melts), this will allow for your hair cuticle to open up and absorb more of the active ingredients. Then rinse, dry and voila! Shiny, bouncy, smooth hair that’s manageable and silky.

Find more Hair Care products on SkinStore.com.

One of our favorite doctor’s offers a product that we feel is a “must have.” Dr. Brandt’s Pores No More Pore Refiner is a 2-in-1 product that will minimize pores and tame that annoying shine that seems to appear on most of us, especially in the “t-zone” area.

Pores No More Pore Refiner uses microspheres which absorb oil on the skin. Shine is instantly mattified, and pores are hidden after a quick and easy application. It can be used as a primer before make up application or on its own.

Customer ratings speak for themselves! Celebrity plug: “Dr. Brandt’s pores no more pore refiner is my secret to having close up ready skin. It shrinks the size of pores and refines the skin, it is brilliant!“- Gwyneth Paltrow

The makers of our favorite at home hair removal device are at it again! This time they are helping turn back the years with the Silk’n FaceFX Anti-Aging Device!

This at home anti-aging device uses a combination of fractional red light therapy and deep thermal heating to stimulate collagen production and achieve that youthful radiant skin we had when we were younger. You’ll see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture and pore size will improve with regular use.

You can use this hand held device at home in your jammies! Manufacturer’s directions recommend 15-20 minute treatments 3 times a week for the first month of use. After that, simple maintenance recommends one treatment per week.

Take a look at these amazing before and after photos:

Amidst all the excitement you are experiencing while being pregnant, it can cause stress and changes in hormone levels. This can bring on unwanted breakouts. It can be a challenge to find products that can be used for these concerns while maintaining safety for you and your little one. Belli’s Complexion Protection Duo will aid in pregnancy break outs. This kit includes their Acne Cleansing Facial Wash which uses lactic acid to lift dirt, oil and bacteria from the skin promoting blemish free skin! Part 2 to the duo is their Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25. Some women experience discoloration, dark spots, and “pregnancy mask” (chloasma) during pregnancy. This sunscreen protects against chloasma. It can be worn under make up and is suitable for all skin types.

Belli Acne Control Spot Treatment is also available. Great for expectant mothers who need help with those pesky new residents staking claim on their skin. This spot treatment fights acne with sulfur and tea tree oil; added chamomile will soothe irritated and inflamed skin.

Finish your mommy-to-be routine with Belli’s Healthy Glow Hydrator. This lightweight facial moisturizer is rich in botanical humectants that refine and soften skin texture. It leaves the skin feeling supple and refreshed, and has a pleasant light citrus scent.

Would you like to try these products? You’re in luck! Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway coming real soon where you could win a prize pack from Belli.

It’s that time of year again! We have to start thinking of all the photo opportunities that spring time brings. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation Day- they’re all occasions when cameras are ever present. We want to make sure your smiles are ready for a close up.

GoSmile products offer a safe and effective way of lightening teeth in no time! If you’re in need of some big time whitening try the GoSmile Whitening System. Stains are reduced in as little as one 30 minute treatment! This easy to use device is to be hand held. Start by brushing your teeth, then use a tissue to blot dry the surface of your teeth. Rub the included teeth whitening serum in a circular motion ensuring each tooth is thoroughly coated. Then press the “G” button to turn on the light. Insert the Smile Whitening Light into the mouth and shine the light on your teeth until the device beeps and automatically shuts off. Immediately repeat ampoule plus light process two more times, for a total of 3 passes of ampoule plus light. Remember, no food or drink for 20 minutes after use.

If you don’t have 30 minutes to devote, no biggie, we still have you covered. Supersmile Professional Whitening System is a two item system that whitens and cleans teeth. Use equal parts of the Supersmile Whitening Accelerator Component and Supersmile Original Mint Whitening Toothpaste, and brush teeth in circular motions for 2 minutes.

You could even use the products in conjunction with each other if you’d like…

Say “Cheese!”

We are so excited to announce our latest giveaway! Starting now, through April 11 you can enter to win 1 of 10 Alchimie Forever Yttrium Protective Morning Creams! ($69 value)

Want to win? Enter now!

Let’s be honest… how many of us make a daily coffee run? “Ill have a Venti non-fat white mocha with a double (no!) make that triple shot.” That caffeine boost will do wonders for our energy levels. What about skincare products that contain caffeine? What’s the benefit there?

Studies have shown that caffeine contains anti inflammatory properties. So for those of us who retain a little fluid under the eye area- we’re in luck! Caffeine in eye products works by draining excess lymph fluid and blood. Attack puffiness and fine lines with PRIORI Advanced AHA Smoothing Eye Serum.

When it comes to that pesky resident on your thighs, aka cellulite, trying a product with caffeine, like FatGirl Slim can help. Caffeine dehydrates fat cells, which will provide a smoother skin appearance.

For people with a chronic condition, such as rosacea, using a product with caffeine will help constrict blood vessels which doesn’t usually happen to those with rosacea. La Roche Posay Rosaliac Anti-Redness Moisturizer would be a good option.

There are many other products that contain caffeine, especially anti-aging products. Caffeine is an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight off free radicals; free radicals age our skin. You can find many caffeine-filled products on SkinStore.com by clicking here.

Anyone up for a coffee break?

We talk to a lot of customers this time of year who often have the same skin concerns. “My skin feels so dry!” Sound familiar? This is really common, especially in the cooler winter months.

First thing’s first! We always check to make sure you’re using a moisturizer. If not, that would be the first plan of attack. However, since most of our customers are on top of things, lets move on to plan B. More than likely if you speak to one of our estheticians they will recommend a type of hydrating serum that you would apply underneath your moisturizer. One of the most popular hydrating serums is SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. If you prefer a natural line, ARCONA Magic White Ice  is a great choice.

Another option is a hydrating mist. We have several options. Mists are a nice way to lightly re-hydrate the skin mid day. They can be sprayed under or over make-up. A couple favorites include Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water or Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist.

Finally, we would recommend a hydrating mask. Masks are a nice bonus to add extra hydration to the skin. You can use them on your face, or other dry parts of your body! Try the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque or the L’Occitane Immortelle Face Cream Mask. Please be advised some masks can be used daily, or others may instruct you to use them 1-2 times a week. As always, please follow the manufacturers directions.

There really is no limit on moisturizer. If you feel you need more, go for it, especially those of you who use a 2-in-1 moisturizer/SPF combo. It’s a good idea to freshen up SPF applications during the day. Your skin will thank you for it!

Have you ever spent hours trying to figure out which products would be best for you? You’re not alone! I always appreciate a kit or system that is put together by the manufacturer. It takes the guess work out of trying to figure out which products are going to be best for me. Kits usually contain several different products in smaller size jars or bottles and generally are always a great value!

I’m going to recommend some of our most popular kits at SkinStore, and depending on what your skin concerns are, you can choose accordingly!

For problematic/acne prone skin: iS Clinical Acne Travel Kit. Although this kit is made for “travel,” it’s still one of my favorites. I personally think the Active Serum is a miracle worker! This kit comes with a cleanser, two serums and a sunscreen! Oh, and we can’t forget about the travel case.

For aging skin that is blemish prone: M Lab Travel Collection for Anti-Aging Blemish Control. This kit offers products filled with peptides and antioxidants that will tackle fine lines and wrinkles as well as blemishes and excess oil.

For aging skin: M Lab Travel Collection for Anti-Aging. From the same manufacturer as the above recommendation, this kit contains products that will improve lines and wrinkles, eye puffiness, skin tone, and firmness! Bonus: SkinMedica also has a great duo kit that is a combination of two wrinkle reducing products. SkinMedica TNS Recover Complex best Results Kit – gives just that! Great results!

For normal to combination skin: Philosophy Great Skin is in For Normal to Combination Skin. This kit contains three products: a cleanser, a retinol night treatment and Oprah’s favorite- Hope in a Jar! If you tend to be oily in some areas of your face and dry in others, this kit would be a great option for you.

For sensitive skin: We have a great kit by Pevonia that is a 3 step kit containing a cleanser, a lotion, and a soothing skin cream. Ingredients are mild enough for your sensitive skin, and the soothing cream has healing properties to relieve your skin!

Keep in mind you can always mix and match products and brands. Build your own kit! Share with us: What’s your favorite kit and what makes it so fabulous?

When I started my esthetics training we quickly learned the process to healthy skin! “Cleanse, tone, moisturize, protect!” Being a girl with acne-prone, oily skin, I didn’t want to add any sort of moisturizer to my skin. I sat down with an instructor one day to go over my regimen. She asked what moisturizer I used, and I said, “Oh! My skin is oily, so I don’t use one!” She looked at me like I was crazy! She explained to me why even oily skin needs a moisturizer, and now, dear friends, I will share that information with you.

You see, believe it or not oily skin can still be dehydrated, meaning it is lacking water, not oil. Dehydration in skin can lead to overactive sebaceous (oil) glands making the skin oily. Using an oil free moisturizer will balance out moisture levels, which will help keep oil production at bay.

It took a couple of months for me to even believe this enough to try it. I finally did, and wouldn’t ya know it! She knew what she was talking about!  If you still aren’t buying it, just give it a few weeks. Try an oil free moisturizer! La Roche Posay Effaclar Daily Mattifying Moisturizer is one of my favorites. I bet you’ll notice the difference!