Planning a weekend road trip or a once in a life getaway to a far away country? Leaving home without your skincare products is just not an option. Neither is taking them all with you. So what’s best to take with and what’s best to leave at home? SkinStore has some great multi-tasking options for you! Check ‘em out!
Korres Pomegranate Cleansing and DeMake Up Wipes is a great multi-tasker. It works by cleansing, toning and also removing lip and eye make-up, but since these are soaked in pomegranate extract they also tighten pores and tone the skin. You also could try Elizabeth Arden 2 in 1 Cleanser, for those of us that prefer a cleanser that’s used with water. The effective dual cleansing system leaves skin cleansed and refreshed and never dry. With this product, you can leave the toner at home.
Cosmedicine Primary Care Multi-Tasking Moisturizer SPF 20 not only provides your skin with UVA/UVB protection, but it’s a lightweight daytime moisturizer that contains antioxidants and peptides for anti-aging benefits. That means you can leave your anti-aging serums and facial sunscreens at home!
Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (Travel Size) – this is the greatest invention since sliced bread! I can’t live without this stuff. So convenient to use in-between shampoos and even better to take on trips so you can spend less time primping and more time sightseeing. This is definitely an essential for your suitcase!
Colorescience Suncanny Travel Puff is a pre-packed mineral make-up puff to provide quick and easy application in one step! No need to bring bulky powder compacts or additional make-up brushes. It contains enough powder for about 10-20 applications.
Sacrificing skincare while you’re on vacation doesn’t have to be your reality. Take products that do more for you and save you time… now that’s a smart idea!
What are your favorite multi-tasking products to travel with? We’d love to hear!
It’s hard to muster up the energy to get ready for work when you feel like you have been hit by a truck …or two. So what to do when you’re tempted to go to work in your pajamas and you know that’s a bad idea? Try adding these energizing additions into your routine to start your day on the right foot.
First, you will want to channel your sleeping beauty. Go to bed early and get as much rest as possible. Using a humidifier is a great idea to prevent a dry, scratchy throat.
Next, wake up and take a shower using any type of invigorating, energizing shower gel, like Molton Brown Energizing Seamoss Bath & Shower. This aromatic pick-me-up will awaken your senses and banish stress and fatigue in an instant.
Eat a good breakfast and remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. You can add Pure Inventions Green Tea – Tropical to provide yourself with additional antioxidants that promote energy and healthy looking skin.
Life doesn’t always tend to accommodate your schedule when you need time to take care of yourself. The sooner you find time to rest, the sooner your body will be able to heal itself. So listen to doctor’s orders if told to stay home; your co-workers will probably thank you.
I love a good hair masque. They really do make all the difference in the world, especially with how often I change my hair color. The day we have our hair colored it appears soft, healthy and vibrant as the hair color smoothes the hair cuticle for a short period of time. While coloring the hair is detrimental to the condition of the hair, the heated styling tools and harsh chemicals we use on our hair are often the culprits of split ends and dull, dehydrated strands. So what to do? Here are a few hair treatments to save those lovely locks of yours!
Klorane Mask with Papyrus Milk contains cyperus esculentus plant, which is a grass-like botanical from the papyrus family. Rich with a unique combination of fatty acids and polar lipids, this product restores moisture and relaxes hair fibers. The slight scent of cucumbers almost makes it yummy enough to eat.
Neil George Intense Repair Mask - This lavish mask has a slew of powerful antioxidants such as Indian gooseberry and vitamin C. Weak and dry hair are instantly softened after one 3-minute session with this product, leaving hair soft and manageable. No need for additional styling products! Created for both damaged and color-treated hair, this mask also appeals to those that love natural products, since it is paraben free.
Maintaining a hair regimen and masking 2-3 times a month will keep your hair smooth and silky all year round. So enjoy your next Masquerade party and be sure to weigh in your thoughts on the good, the bad, and the ugly – I want to hear them all!
I don’t know about you but when I think of a bar of soap I think about this icky, germy, bar just sitting in the shower growing fungus. (ewwww!) That’s not really something I’d want to use on my face. However, Cor has given the boring ol’ bar of soap a makeover.
Cor has patented a delivery system that allows active ingredients to target the “core” of the skin’s most problematic concerns. Their highlighted active ingredient is nano-silver with silica, and a compound of Collagen, Sericin and Chitosan (CSC).
The components of Silica prepare the skin to take in all the active ingredients the Cor Soap has to offer. With its sponge-like quality, the silica pulls the active components deeply into the skin. Silver is a new discovery in the anti-bacterial world and it has proven to be very effective. Silver prevents the transfer of oxygen through the cell walls, killing off the ability for the bacteria to grow. Silver is also very healing and has been shown to increase cell turnover. The CSC molecules are micronized to their minutest size while remaining in an active state. The tiny size of the molecules will allow for maximum delivery to the deepest point in the dermis, reaching the source of any damage in the skin. The collagen in this product is a marine based collagen and is used because of its smaller molecular size and provides a better performance once penetrated into the skin. Sericin is a soluble protein extracted from silk and supplies moisture binding benefits, leaving the skin soft and supple. Chitosan is a natural fiber that balances out pH in the skin and evens out skin tone, giving a more hydrated, youthful appearance.
Since Cor has a pH of 7.2 and contains all natural ingredients, it is safe enough for even the most sensitive skin types. Simply lather up, let the foam sit on your skin to work its magic and then rinse away to beautiful skin.
We are all so aware of the outer health of our skin, we spend hours looking and searching for the “best” products and treatments. What if I told you an important piece to this puzzle is your inner health? What’s on the inside will always tend to surface and become exposed on the outside. So if we support the inner system with vitamins and nutrients the outer will appear stronger and healthier.
According to the 2007 study in The Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, by taking an oral supplement combined with topical antioxidant treatment you are provided with greater protection than with topical alone. Skin hydration levels are boosted by 60% and protection against environmental damage by 20%. Those are some killer results! Jan Marini C-ESTAMINS is a great option, with their BioCell Collagen II, this profound breakthrough tackles the common causes of aging skin. These once daily antioxidant packets not only influence skin elasticity and skin texture, but also give additional energy. So you’re looking good and feeling good too!
Skin supplements are meant to play a supporting role in your skin care routine and not the main production. Such exciting advances are sure to lead to greater improvements in the optimization of oral skin care, but I’m sure will never take place of our beloved serums and facial moisturizers.
Dark colors for the fall and winter and lighter colors for the spring and summer. This tends to be the cycle we follow when it comes any type of decorative additions to our wardrobe and nail polish is no exception.
When celebrities broke onto the scene with this Goth inspired statement, like all celebrity inspired trends, this one set fire quickly. Black and all other dark shades became the new hype, and all from young to “mature” were trying it on for size. If you haven’t tried it yet you should at least once, it’s really fun and different. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are brave enough to try it.
Tips for keeping your nails looking gorgeous and hypnotic:
Keep them short, just to finger tip length.
Trim and moisturize cuticles.
Use a no chip or smudging top coat.
SpaRitual has this great matte nail lacquer called Body. The matte finish of the polish gives it this extra edge that is very unique to the common nail polish. To maintain the matte finish it is not recommend to apply a shiny top coat, but rather and additional coat to seal the deal. Then to maintain those pretty nails, the Tweezerman Manicure Solution Kit comes in quite handy, it contains everything you need in a convenient roll up case.
Lastly, beware of a new found confidence that comes with feeling like dark and mysterious rockin’ chick. Try to stay out of too much trouble!
A facial can easily be made, simply with the contents of your refrigerator. Its quick, its cheap and its fun! There are so many different ways to make a mask, so get creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.
First step in making a mask you will need to whip together a “base”, this will be the foundation of your mask and will store indefinitely and a “binder” which will be needed to hold all of the ingredients together. You will only want to add your binder and fresh ingredients until the time you’re ready to apply your mask.
Base Ingredients:
1 cup kaolin (fine clay) powder
¼ cup corn flour
1 tablespoon finely ground rolled oats or other binder
1 tablespoon dried skim milk powder
Binder Ingredients:
Eggs
Yogurt
Honey
Flour
Once you have gotten that down, now its time to get creative! Here’s a list of ingredients and their benefits to help you customize for your skin type.
Apple: slightly acidic; soothes and ready to apply the mask the base ingredient can be pre-mixed and sealed in a tight jar until your ready for use. It gently exfoliates.
Asparagus: stimulating; heals acne
Carrot: antiseptic properties
Apricots: moisturizes, soothes and cleanses
Celery: brightens tired, dull skin
Turnip: deeply cleanses
Yogurt: moisturizes and balances skins pH
Cucumber: cools, soothes and heals, helps even skin tone
Raw potato: helps clear blemishes and eczema
Orange juice: hydrating and anti-aging
Lemon juice (diluted in one part water/one part lemon juice): removes oil and gently lightens freckles
Brewer’s yeast: helps to absorb oil
Lettuce juice (blend lettuce leaves to a pulp, adding a little water): soothes sore, rough skin; helps heal
blemishes
Watermelon: gently exfoliates, softens and deep-cleanses
Avocado: deep cleanse and nourishing
Bananas: hydrating
Strawberries: slightly acidic to exfoliate, antioxidant; cleanses
Tomatoes: excellent for oily skin, contains vitamin A and C and the lycopene is a great source of antioxidants
Pear: soothes and cools sunburn
Pineapple: an astringent wash for oily skin
Before mixing together your mask, grinding any larger, denser ingredient into a blender will make for an easier application. Consider adding essential oils for additional benefits and aromatherapy properties. Have fun and happy masking!
Don’t want to make your own mask? We have a large selection of great masks at SkinStore!
I have a confession to make….. I am an anti-stressing, spa-loving, relaxation junkie and my only cure is an at-home spa day! Stress can tend to make a girl grouchy, so indulging yourself once a month to a head to toe spa session is the least you can do for yourself (and for others). Here are a few pointers to help you to release and unwind after a long week of work, and the boss, and the kids, and the dog, and in-laws and the….well, you get the point- it’s time for a mini get-away!
First, set the mood. Light your favorite scented candles and let the aroma work its magic. Archipelago Botanicals Pillar Candle in Luna is one of my favorites. Low lighting helps the body and mind to relax, so the dimmer the better. Next, playing soothing music will set the body into a relaxing rhythm. Try to avoid anything with lyrics because the words may make you want to cry, tense up or get upset. Using music that mimic sounds of nature will add that perfect spa like setting.
Before you hop in the tub apply a hair mask to soften those locks. Alterna TEN Hair Masque will give a luxurious treatment thought only possible in an upscale salon. The ten exotic ingredients smell absolutely divine; this is truly the crème del crème of hair treatments. Next, let’s pamper that pretty face of yours! Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel contains pumpkin enzymes, antioxidants and vitamin A to gently exfoliate and reveal a more radiant, refreshed skin. You’ll step out of your bathroom looking like you just got back from a weekend spa retreat.
Now to the fun stuff, the bath products! Find a great bath soak to use to loosen up any tense, tight muscles. Molton Brown Unwind Atoll Crystal Bath Soak is so indulgent; I start feeling relaxed just by looking at it. There are so many different types to use, there are; oil’s, salts, bubbles, powders, its fun to try something new each time. Once you’ve soaked in the tub and your skin has started to soften, try using an exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin. Kerstin Florian Thermal Mineral Exfoliating Body Scrub contains thermal properties that warm when applied, releasing the fragrance of aromatherapy oils, leaving your skin soft, soothed and your mind calm and relaxed.
Once you’re lavished up in pamper-me-heaven, lay back with cucumbers over your eyes, and take a few deep breaths to fully relax. Let all your worries be left behind, this moment is for you to re-charge and recuperate; enjoy it, you will thank yourself later.
Ok, so at this point we have already talked about solutions for skin types. (Catch my earlier blogs, I’ll put links at the bottom of this post for you) Now it’s time for the all over body products! Hold on tight, we have some beauty boosting to do!
Shower Gels
Under $10
Kings and Queens Showergel – Creative packaging and a unique story behind each product description makes this shower gel exciting to use every time. Its leaves your skin so soft, thanks to the rich antioxidants, giving your skin the royal treatment. From the trendy pop art on the outside, to the luxurious smell on the inside – you just cannot go wrong with paying under ten bucks.
About $30
SAMPAR Dew it Again Shower Gel - Actively removes toxins while reinforcing the skins natural defense barrier with concentration of six essential oils (peppermint, myrtle, cajeput, lavender, rosemary, geranium). The Urban Active Complex also neutralizes lead and chlorine content in water to prevent any stripping of the skin. It’s so refreshing and invigorating.
Body Scrubs
Under $20
H2O Plus Sea Marine Body Scrub - This deep sea indulgence will renew and awaken your skin all while exfoliating dry, flaky skin with natural pumice and crushed apricot seeds and providing powerful antioxidants. It also contains marine extracts of sea lettuce, sea fennel and wakame to keep the skin hydrated.
Over $50
Blinc Resurf.a.stic Body – An easy hand held modernization that contains medical grade diamond-shaped crystals embedded in a hydrating crème based in a stick form. Provides instant results and is highly effective and much less messy than a crème or gel product.
Self-Tanners
Under $10
Neutrogena Build a Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning – This product is a creamy lotion that gradually deepens color with use, so you can control the shade that is best for you. This moist formula can be used daily and dries in 5 minutes and color begins to develop within 2 – 4 hours after application. Concerned about streaks? No worries! This product is clinically proven to give a natural looking tan.
Over $80
Cellex-C Bio Tan Sunless Tanning Gel - Put all your misconceptions aside- now here is a self tanning product that biologically works with your skins distinctive melanin pigment. Most standard self-tanners stain the amino acids just on the surface of the skin. This product contains Bio-Tan, a unique botanically based formula, it works on a deeper level working with your skin’s natural pigments bring out your best radiant glow.
Shaving Barriers
Under $20
Philosophy Razor Sharp - This is a silicone based shaving gel that is great both men and women. It provides an extra close shave without the irritation thanks to the benefit of aloe. Try it once and you’re bound to get hooked!
About $30
Ole Henriksen Clean Shave Shaving Gel - This is a lighter foaming gel that is for the man or woman looking for a close shave the razor bumps or ingrown hairs. Also contain refreshing cucumber and eucalyptus to soothe and rejuvenate skin.
Body Toners
Under $20
Korres Body Water - This is great for those looking for instant hydration with out the mess of crèmes or lotions. This half toner, half refreshing fragrance, is loaded with hydrating minerals and vitamins that last all day.
About $85
SkinMedica TNS Body Mist - This highly advanced body mist contains NouriCel-MD to brighten skins tone, improve appearance of fines line and wrinkles and diminish the look of age spots and blotchiness. It is a complete anti-aging treatment from head to toe.
Body Moisturizers
Under $15
H2O Moisture Boosting Body Balms – Give your thirsty skin a drink with tropical fruit extracts. This body balm is a blend of marine extracts, shea butter and aloe vera. Pro-vitamin B and Vitamin E provides all over radiance and help to smooth and nourish the skin.
About $90
Pevonia De-Aging Body Balm Papaya Pineapple – Enjoyable and silky texture emulsified with shea butter, collagen and elastin polypeptides, tegospheres with retinol, pomegranate and other anti-aging tropical fruit extracts. Deeply repairs skin with multiple anti aging properties.
Body Firming Products
Under $30
Juice Beauty Green Apple Extra Firming Body Moisturizer – A natural body moisturizer that brightens the skin with a fruit acid complex of apple, lemon and grape juices. Also contains an antioxidant combination of alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, DMAE, peptides, fat soluble Vitamin C and essential fatty acids for effective firming and age-defying results.
Over $150
Elemis Pro-Collagen Radiantly Smooth Body Cream – This highly decadent and rich body crème deeply hydrates the skin, also firms and lifts the skin with Lattice technology. This product also contains AHA’ that gently remove dull drab skin revealing an illuminated youthful glow.
Products For Uneven Skin Tone
Under $25
Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash - This is a free-acid glycolic based body wash, great for concerns such as ingrown hairs and Keratosis Pilaris. This product is specifically designed to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a softer layer of skin.
About $50
Cellex-C Speed Peel Body Polish - An oil-free hydrating gel that contains natural exfoliating enzymes. It also provides the benefits of both a chemical peel and a manual exfoliant in one product. A unique blend of plant extracts penetrate the skin to stimulate cell renewal while physical properties buff the surface of the skin removing dead, dull skin.
If you missed any of my series on product comparisons, please check them out. Choose your skin type: Normal/Combination, Oily/Acne Prone or Dry/Sensitive. Coming soon: Beauty Products! Though we love all our products, we sincerely hope that you can see the value and benefits of the products at each price range.
Want more recommendations? Get your own personal consultation now at SkinStore with Product Advisor, developed by our estheticians!
Alopecia, or hair loss, can tend to be discouraging and frustrating. There are two types of hair loss, temporary and permanent, it is important to be able to distinguish symptoms of the two.
Temporary hair loss tends to be the result of stress, medical conditions, dieting, pregnancy or even products you use to style your hair. A majority of styling products contain harsh ingredients such as sodium, sulfates and alcohol derivates. Over exposure to these ingredients can lead to dry, damaged hair, which causes breakage when heat is applied. Rene Furterer’s Anti-Dehydrating Vegetal Styling Spritz is a great option to use as a styling product. This product is botanically based containing no aggressive ingredients in result, leaving your hair soft also giving extra volume and added texture. Using natural based products and backing off high-heat styling tools is a good start.
Permanent hair loss is a genetic condition that is neither contagious nor transmittable. More than 20% of women experience symptoms of hair loss, starting as early as their twenties. The condition is said to be caused by an autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks its own hair follicles causing inflammation and represses or hinders hair growth. Prescribed medications such as Minoxidil, are used as a topical daily treatment to simulate circulation to the hair follicle. With proper use of treatment, existing hair growth is typically improved by 20%- 25% and it may stop or slow down hair loss. If you’re looking for a holistic alternative, Rene Furterer Triphasic 3-Step Hereditary Hair Loss Kit is a great choice. This kit contains products to stimulate microcirculation on the scalp to encourage healthy hair growth and has ingredients to volumize and strengthen hair. If you are observing any type or hair loss, is it best to see your doctor so the conditions properly diagnosed.
Planning a weekend road trip or a once in a life getaway to a far away country? Leaving home without your skincare products is just not an option. Neither is taking them all with you. So what’s best to take with and what’s best to leave at home? SkinStore has some great multi-tasking options for you! Check ‘em out!
It’s hard to muster up the energy to get ready for work when you feel like you have been hit by a truck …or two. So what to do when you’re tempted to go to work in your pajamas and you know that’s a bad idea? Try adding these energizing additions into your routine to start your day on the right foot.
I love a good hair masque. They really do make all the difference in the world, especially with how often I change my hair color. The day we have our hair colored it appears soft, healthy and vibrant as the hair color smoothes the hair cuticle for a short period of time. While coloring the hair is detrimental to the condition of the hair, the heated styling tools and harsh chemicals we use on our hair are often the culprits of split ends and dull, dehydrated strands. So what to do? Here are a few hair treatments to save those lovely locks of yours!
We are all so aware of the outer health of our skin, we spend hours looking and searching for the “best” products and treatments. What if I told you an important piece to this puzzle is your inner health? What’s on the inside will always tend to surface and become exposed on the outside. So if we support the inner system with vitamins and nutrients the outer will appear stronger and healthier.
A facial can easily be made, simply with the contents of your refrigerator. Its quick, its cheap and its fun! There are so many different ways to make a mask, so get creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.
I have a confession to make….. I am an anti-stressing, spa-loving, relaxation junkie and my only cure is an at-home spa day! Stress can tend to make a girl grouchy, so indulging yourself once a month to a head to toe spa session is the least you can do for yourself (and for others). Here are a few pointers to help you to release and unwind after a long week of work, and the boss, and the kids, and the dog, and in-laws and the….well, you get the point- it’s time for a mini get-away!
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