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?
Certain items are excluded from offers. Each product detail page indicates if the promotion does not apply. Promo codes may not apply to already discounted items.
BBQ’s and pool parties come hand in hand during these summer months. While men don’t even flinch about summer time, women tend to go into detox mode. All we need is a little bit of preparation tips & tricks to get the ball rolling and come prepared when that pool party arrives. So instead of biting your finger nails and becoming a detox princess, follow these guidelines…
After you’ve marked your special date on your calendar, the preparation can begin. You know you will be in a bikini soon, so what immediately comes to mind? Maybe we need a little bit of color, or spot treatments to concern areas? With the few weeks leading up to the event, we can exfoliate our body just like our faces a few times a week. This will get rid of all of the dead skin on the surface so that when we are ready to reveal our skin it will look healthy and smooth. In between exfoliation sessions, don’t forget about shaving. I know I am probably not the only one who likes to borrow good men’s shaving products. Grab some Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather. I say if it’s strong and comfortable enough for a man, then it would be bliss for a woman. After you shave, don’t forget to prevent and protect your freshly shaved areas with some ingrown hair/ bump fighters! For a suggestion, try Whish Flawless Bump Fighter.
The next prep step would be to pick out and apply a self tanner. We want to look golden and sun kissed at our events but without harm from the sun! We suggest that you take a look at the following self tan products:
They are all different options for different types of needs. They range from creams, to lotion/milk textures and even gel textures. These will get you glowing quickly and what a way to help slim up your figure too! Now that you are pretty much ready to flaunt your pool party body and smile, there are a few other items you should remember to stay flawless. Be sure you remember to always wear your preferred SPF products for the face and the body! If you need, there are always some relaxing and soothing after sun products as well. Click here for more info on after sun care.
You can also protect your hair during these weekend water & sun celebrations with products like:
Well I think we’ve pretty much covered as much as possible on how to prepare from head to toe. You should feel tan, toned, smooth and fit to stun when you arrive at your summer soiree. Oh, and don’t forget those designer shades!
We’re offering special 15% discount exclusive to our readers. Use promo code BLOG15 at SkinStore to save 15% for a limited time. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for being loyal readers!
Offer ends Monday, July 19, 2010.
Certain products are excluded from offers. Each product detail page indicates if the promotion does not apply. Sale pricing, promotional codes and other special offers cannot be applied toward prior purchases. Promotional codes may not apply to already discounted items.
Summer is coming! It’s an exciting time of year filled with swimming, vacations, parks and mosquitoes. Unfortunately, that last one is just as big a part of the sunny season as the fun stuff. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance that ruin your outdoor experience. They can pose an actual threat to our health. These little pests are capable of spreading disease to your family and pets such as West Nile Virus, heartworms and in other parts of the world, malaria.
They seek out their prey by using dozens of odor receptors on their antennae and mouth. A typical appealing scent combination is carbon dioxide, which is what we exhale, and the lactic acid in our sweat. Since we can’t stop breathing or sweating when we’re hot, we have to take a different approach. I like to refer to it as olfactory warfare, meaning: the use of aromas that that inherently repulse mosquitoes in order to reclaim our yards and walk freely outdoors. It’s natural and effective.
Mark your territory. Burning citronella candles is the most popular way to do this as they are easy to find at any store that carries outdoor/yard products. Citronella is an essential oil obtained from different species of lemon grass and has been proven to repel mosquitoes. It’s not the only essential oil that mosquitoes loathe, though. You can also use candles made from real cinnamon, lemon eucalyptus and castor oils. For more stationary boundaries, grow citronella grass, marigolds, geraniums, sage, basil and rosemary in the yard to keep them away from you and your pets. Place the plants in, near and around all the areas you like to be outside, especially by doors and outside sitting areas. Throw some of the sage and rosemary in the coals of your barbecue while grilling to fend off attackers. It is also vital that you eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. They lay eggs in stagnant water, so dump out any water that might collect in buckets, toys, or other areas around your yard after every rain. Keep pool water circulated, chlorinated and covered when not in use. Don’t give them any reason to infiltrate.
Dodge attacks by becoming as unappetizing as possible. Eating large amounts of garlic does the trick for some because it produces a natural skin secretion in humans that is not appealing to mosquitoes. (This is the only one that might work for vampires, too.) Sweet and floral fragrances attract mosquitoes, so opt for spicy or citrus scents if you can’t be without your perfume. Another common preventative measure is taking vitamin B-1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride 100 mg once a day). This practice doesn’t have any clinical evidence to support it, but some people swear by it, so it might be worth a try if your doc is on board with the idea. And don’t forget your armor. Dress in light colors because mosquitoes are drawn to darker clothing, which absorbs heat. Light clothing reflects it. Wearing long sleeves and pants isn’t a bad idea either. It’s much more difficult for them to pierce through a layer of cloth and skin. If possible, avoid the outdoors at dusk and dawn, which is when the enemy is most active.
Looking for a secret weapon? We’ve got you covered. Mix this solution at home and apply to skin (avoiding the eye area) Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating a lot.
Mix 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils, it’s fine to mix and match essential oils with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol to dilute the essential oils. Note: Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin. They are very potent and can cause irritation if not mixed with a carrier oil or alcohol.
For a larger batch mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol
The essential oils that work well against mosquitoes are:
cinnamon oil
lemon eucalyptus oil
citronella oil
castor oil
Safe carrier oils and alcohol include:
olive oil
sunflower oil
jojoba oil
witch hazel
(Keep out of reach of children. Test on a small area of skin for sensitivities)
If you end up getting wounded in action, treat the area by making a paste with baking soda and water or using a hydrocortisone cream can help ease the irritation. Vick’s Vaporub is also great to soothe irritation because of its cooling effect. Also, try not to scratch the bite. Humans are allergic to the mosquito’s saliva and scratching just moves it around your skin. I’m sure you’ve noticed that a tiny circular bite turns in to a swollen amoeba shape, after pawing at it a bit.
You have been given the tools to carry out this mission successfully. I am confident that you will return unharmed. Stand your ground and don’t give up, the mosquitoes sure won’t.
Inspiration comes from many sources. I find mine through literature, fashion campaigns in glossy magazines, music and film, sunny weather, tasty food, and good company. I found my latest inspiration while shopping H&M’s new garden collection. It’s fresh and pretty, ultra feminine, sultry, and bohemian. Shopping is my vice, and when I shop I must have one of everything, so let’s just say my summer wardrobe is complete (as of now). But my summer make-up kit is a bit lacking. So I’ve taken this opportunity to tailor some pretty summer make-up looks and share them with you and inspire you to make this summer your best.
Daytime
Dewy skin is pretty for summer, and hydration is key. Use a water-based tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone and impart a natural glow to the skin. I love Somme Institute Treat and Tint; it provides a sheer finish and has anti-aging benefits as well as sunscreen protection, a must for summer!
Use a cream blush on the apples of your cheeks to bring your face to life. Stila’s Convertible Color cream blushes create a healthy flush and buildable coverage for as much (or as little) drama as you like. I’m digging Peony and Lillium.
Dust a bit of powder all over your face and brighten up with a bit of bronzer to complete your canvas. BareMinerals Mineral Veil is a great choice of powder as it’s light and breathable and provides a very smooth, silky finish to the skin. NUXE Poudre Éclat Prodigieux Multi-Usage Compact Bronzing Powder is a customer favorite because it provides a true tan tone, versus the orange hue that’s typically associated with bronzing powders.
Use shimmery beige, nude or champagne shadow all over the lid for a natural look. Winter’s smoky eye and spring’s brown eye are a bit harsh for the light summer weather, so keep the eyes simple and fresh. Stila Eye Shadow Trio Bronze Glow has three neutral, shimmery shades that outlast the hot weather. Apply a little mascara to the upper lashes to make your eyes really pop. I like bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara in Black.
Keep the lips simple and kissable. Korres Lip Butters give a sheer wash of color while softening the lips; I can’t resist Jasmine and Pomegranate.
Evening
Sexy it up a bit! Your skin should be dewy and soft as in the daytime- but if you prefer a bit more coverage for the evening, incorporate a primer into the regimen. Layer it on top of your tinted moisturizer, before you apply the cream blush. We like Colorescience About Face, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores, while leaving skin looking youthful, soothed and radiant. Skip the mineral powder and apply a bit of shimmer powder instead- I absolutely love Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Translucent Powder in Candlelight, it provides a really gorgeous glow and makes the skin look youthful and polished.
Choose either a dramatic eye look or a dramatic lip for the evening. For eyes, layer on a shimmer shadow and contour the eye area with a deeper tone, Stila’s Twig is a really pretty shade of shimmering earthy brown. Line the eye with a brown liner to bring out the eye a bit further, and finish the look with two coats of mascara. If you want extra drama apply some falsies to the end of the lash line for a wispy, flirty look.
If you want a sexy pout, pump it up with a plumper first. DuWop Prime Venom is a matte balm that will smooth and plump the lip while providing a great canvas for lip color. Berry shades are sexy for a sultry summer night, Too Faced Lip Of Luxury Lipstick – Living In Sin is a pretty color that makes teeth look super white.
Keep the eyes soft and simple (like the daytime look) if you’re sporting a berry pout.
Are your upcoming summer plans rapidly approaching, but the thought of it makes you cringe? I’m right there with ya sister! Time has escaped me… I’ve cheated on my diet and have not been loyal to my treadmill as originally intended. But there’s hope for us yet! I have a few tricks up my sleeve that will help make the most of what we’ve got.
First and foremost, suit your shape. Knowing what styles flatter your frame is crucial. Play up your attributes and de-emphasize your trouble spots. Or in other words, work what your mama gave ya!
If you’re small upstairs: Add dimension with fringe and ruffles to your top. Embellishments pump up the volume, creating an optical illusion of fullness. Triangle tops, plenty of padding, demi cups, and horizontal lines are your new BFF. These styles help to make the bust appear fuller.
If you have a bit of a belly: Draw attention to the narrowest part of your body with a belted one piece. A cinched waist creates sexy curves and detours from areas that are less flattering. A tankini or cami will help camouflage trouble spots. As always, black and dark colored solids are slimming miracle workers.
If you have a bigger booty: To help balance a larger behind try a plunging neckline, drawing attention to your upper half, which balances your body. Boy shorts are a great option for more coverage. Also, selecting dark bottoms with a lighter top helps to play down a curvy caboose.
If you’re busty: A v-neck is your new partner in crime. A v-neckline style shows just the right amount of cleavage, elongates the neck and minimizes the fullness of the chest. Look for thick straps or a halter top to keep the girls in place. Avoid spaghetti straps or strapless tops at all costs (they do not provide enough support). To best secure your assets, look for tops with underwire.
Once you’ve found the perfect swimwear, it’s time to focus on your physique. If you can’t tone it, tan it (with a self tanner of course)! Apply your favorite self tanning lotion all over the body. Make sure to pay close attention to the inner and outer thighs and tummy for a svelte silhouette. Finish off your hot lil’ bod by spritzing NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi Shimmer Dry Oil – Golden Shimmer Spray generously for a radiant bronzed glow.
Now there’s absolutely no excuse to pass on a last minute invite to the beach or pool party this summer!
Ok, so if you read my first blog on the extreme damaging effects of the sun, and you went out in the sun anyway; you may want to read up on tips and products to condition and protect your skin from further damage. Damaging conditions include cloudy days, major suns rays, and yes even you tanning bed junkies. So anyone that has been under a cloud, in the sun, or in a tanning bed is at risk for excessive sun damage. I will now get off my sun protected soapbox and tell you how you can condition your skin, reduce further sun damage, and possibly suggest a little sunscreen while I have your attention.
So maybe you just got back from a vacation to somewhere tropical and you need to know what to put on that red inflamed skin of yours. While I have little sympathy regarding the vacation part, I do want to help you with your sunburned skin. Let’s talk about the Ole Henriksen All Purpose Aloe Vera Gel.While this does say “all purpose” I am pretty sure your going to want use this wherever you have scorched skin. Great for all skin types this product contains a magical blend of aloe vera, chamomile, and spirulina, which is just what your skin needs in order to repair itself. With little help from you, this product will do most of the work.
After your skin is sunburned you can be in pain for up to a week, so you also may want to get a hold of some St. John’s wort oil. This repairing red oil has been used to soothe sunburn and relieve nerve pain for centuries. St. John’s wort has also been known to relieve anxiety and stress, so feel free to let the aroma calm and relax you. You can even put a few drops in a cool bath to relieve your sore muscles and inflamed skin. Because of its stimulating effects, St. John’s wort oil is not recommend to use while pregnant and for that matter neither is being in the sun all day!
After the inflammation has subsided you should be using products to correct and treat your sun damaged skin. Since 80% of your wrinkles will be caused from the sun, you may want to invest in some serious treatment products. One line in particular is Kinerase. Kinerase is formulated for sun damaged and sensitive skin and it may be just what the Esthetician ordered.Kinerase Photofacial Sun Damage Reversal Kitwill give you an opportunity to use an exfoliating cleanser, daily moisturizer with SPF 50, and a night moisturizer. Using this full regimen will begin to repair your skin to just 4 short weeks.
For head to toe sun protection here’s a hair product you can use if your head gets burned during your tropical adventures.Quintessence Q-Sunshade Leave In Hair Conditioner and Scalp Protectant SPF 30will protect your color treated locks and contains an SPF 30. It also has silk proteins and natural oils to moisturize and nourish your hair.
Other remedies for sunburn include vinegar, aspirin, tea, milk, baking soda, cornstarch, and oatmeal. To reduce itching apply vitamin e, or lavender essential oil.
Since it is always better to prevent sunburn rather than treat it, you should wear a daily SPF and reapply every two hours for optimum protection. A great face and body sunscreen is the La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Melt In Sunscreen Milk.This sunscreen will protect your skin with no greasy feel, so feel free to layer it on!
Whatever you choose to use on your skin just make sure you are not using products that can further irritate your sunburn. This means no alcohol based products, perfume, scented body lotions, or harsh exfoliants. You also do not want to use petroleum jelly or greasy ointments. This will trap the heat inside and prevent your sunburn from healing.
If you are experiencing a fever, blistering, dehydration, or feeling dizzy please check with your doctor, you may have had too much fun in the sun!
Looking good comes in all color variations. These days vampires seem to be everywhere! Just because they are the “big craze” of late, doesn’t mean our skin has to mimic their pale, sallow looking skin tones. We all know that a little color in our skin helps us appear healthy. Whether you tan in a bed (hopefully on a rare occasion) or utilize temporary tanning methods, it’s nice to have products that will help maintain and protect your color.
The first tip to help optimize your tan is exfoliation of your skin. It has always been an important part of your regular skin care regimen, so why wouldn’t you follow through on the rest of your body? Exfoliating your body will smooth out your skin and rid your skin of all the dead skin cells. This process will help prep the skin for an even and more efficient spray tan application. As far as regular tanning goes, it also helps smooth the skin texture and will help to enhance your skins natural process of melanin production. Not only can different exfoliations help rid the skin of dead cells, but some can offer antioxidant protection, help balance your skin PH levels, and even tone your skin as well. Some popular body exfoliating products include Belli Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator, Sundari Gotu Kola and Walnut Body Exfoliator, and AHAVA Gentle Body Exfoliator.
To help maintain your tan, there are a few different options to choose from. You can choose to use self tanners to enhance or build color when your tan starts to fade. We’d recommend products such as Decleor Aroma Sun SPF 8 Hydrating Self Tanning Milk or kits such as Fake Bake Self Tanning Lotion Tri-Pack, which includes all of the tanning essentials. In addition to the previously listed products, there are also body moisturizers which contain ingredients that help extend the life of your tan. These moisturizers usually offer benefits like replenishing your skin’s moisture, firming the skin, smoothing the skin’s texture, and even help aid in skin repair while utilizing tanning beds. Alchimie Forever has a highly rated after sun product available, as does Lancaster when searching for good suggestions for a tan extender.
If you are someone who enjoys having a little color on your skin, we suggest you follow the regimen suggested above for optimal results. If you are going to take the time to invest on giving your skin some color, you may as well make sure you get the best value for your dollar! Pamper yourself and go get that golden, glamorous glow!