Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Ways You Could Be Aging Yourself

Of course there are treatments and preventative measures that can be taken to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, but some of the most effective ways are in your daily routine.



Eyes! We all want beautiful eyes that pop, and the most convenient way to achieve that is eyeliner. Beware...this is harsh to the sensitive and thin skin surrounding your eyes. Also, since liner draws attention, that means more attention to the wrinkles forming there also.




Exfoliation! Yes, exfoliating your skin is good, it promotes circulation, healthy skin growth, and cell turnover. However, most people don't realize that exfoliation is meant for 1-3 times a week. Be sure to read the directions on your product carefully to see how it is best used.
 Over-exfoliation can lead to thinning of the skin, which will welcome wrinkles with open arms.




Water! I know you are probably getting sick of hearing this from me, but DRINK MORE WATER! Most of us have dehydrated skin. Especially if your not using humectants, which bind water to your skin. Even with humectants, the first place the environment pulls water from us is our skin. It's so important to replenish it, otherwise you will be left with dull, dehydrated, sallow looking skin.




Stress & Exercise! We all lead stressful lives, and trust me it's the first thing to show in your skin. Whether it's wrinkles or breakouts. Be sure to have a good way to deal with stress. Exercising will keep a healthy metabolism and great circulation for your skin. Which is necessary for your skin to function properly.





Saturday, July 20, 2013

How much longer will aerosol-based sunscreens be available?


All those convenient aerosol sunscreens seem like an amazing preventative for sun exposure. However, there has been some controversy over how much protection they actually provide. And what protection they do provide, might be a delayed one.
The FDA is looking into this issue. Don't be surprised if there is some action against aerosol sunscreens soon. 


Thursday, July 18, 2013

Shimmering Summer

Indigo LinersGold Shadows, and Pink Pink Pink! 
It looks like summer!
So what are you changing about your makeup this season?
Shimmer it up this Summer with some of these great makeup looks and tips!

Pink and Coral lips are amazing for fun in the sun! It's sweet and simple and just the right amount of POP!
It looks amazing on lighter skin tones, as well as complimenting with a tan.



For a full coverage and a satin finish with SPF YSL 23 is stunning for summer





Bobbi Brown: Coral Pink is perfect to handle the heat by the pool with its Shea butter formula.








Calypso Coral another hit from Bobbi Brown can be used on lips and cheeks. Who doesn't love a two in one when your Tory Burch clutch is getting full!





Since you know I'm a huge pencil fan, NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Lodhi makes the list of top summer lip wear!



For anyone who loves shimmer above all, Givenchy 26 Blooming Coral gloss is perfect for hot summer nights. It also goes really well with a Rum Runner by the pool :)







Even though your eyes will be hidden behind some fabulous shades this season, you better be sure that you look great even when they come off!

Indigo eyeliners paired with gold shadows is an amazing way to draw some attention!

My ABSOLUTE favorite product this summer is Laura Mercier's Indigo Creme Liner!
It is a must have, you can order it online, here. or here. or here
Pair this little gem with some shimmering shadows!

Urban Decay, known for the glitter and shimmer, is obviously a top choice.

Try pairing Baked, Half-Baked, Blunt, Vanilla, and X. 










The Naked Palette has most of these colors and is fool-proof for beginners trying to match colors. 

And PLEASE don't forget about your highlighters!
After searching far and wide for the perfect combination of Unicorns and Marisa Miller's cheek bones I found Highlight 01 from Laura. Okay I know you're probably thinking there is a ton of Laura products on here today but trust me, it's worth it.



Here's a fun Summer look on my niece using:tinted moisturizer, nars orgasm and highlight 01 on her cheeks, stray dog on her lids half-baked, virgin, and sin from urban decay, and shy pink on her lips.












Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Soybean Oil...the new sunscreen?



As I welcome summer with open arms, 





there are somethings I am not looking forward to...




Sunburns & sunspots.

Sure, there's sunscreen; but what is in our sunscreens?

Oxybenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreen, is suspected of disrupting hormones that could contribute to the disruption of aquatic species reproduction. 







At a 2010 meeting of the  American Chemical Society (ACS) Laszlo and his colleagues developed a technology for converting soybean oil into a biobased active ingredient for sunscreens.  It incorporates ferulic acid into soybean oil.  The ferulic acid and vegetable oil produces a water-resistant material capable of absorbing both UVA and UVB light.  It can also be used as an anti-aging product called feruloyl soy glycerides (FSG).  The ferulic molecule could prevent damage caused by free radicals involved in environmental exposures.  This would have fewer environmental impacts and help protect our skin. 




There are, however, great alternatives to using oxybenzone in sunscreens. Alternatives that don't contaminate the water and pose potential health risks to consumers.

Little Twig Unscented for kiddies
&
Fresh Soy SPF 20 for you !



You can also find other natural oils with SPF and other beneficial uses HERE!



Or you can read more about the ACS and it's wonderful research HERE!






Friday, June 28, 2013

What's in your store-bought products...


Truth or Dare...I mean False

I found this great article online that I wanted to share with you, copied fromwww.skininc.com.




True or false? Mineral oil causes clogged pores.

31% answered true; 69% answered false
This is a very common erroneous belief among both estheticians and consumers. The simple truth is pharmaceutical-grade or cosmetic mineral oil is noncomedogenic. In many studies, mineral oil has been shown not to form comedones, and in one study, it has been shown to actually decrease inflammation in acne patients. However, the fact that mineral oil has an oily texture may be objectionable to those with already oily skin.

True or false? Breakouts after facials are an indication that the skin is purging itself of toxins.

49% answered true; 51% answered false
Breakouts and pimples that seem to surge after a facial are inflammatory or irritant reactions to the methods or products used in the treatment. The skin has no physiological mechanism to purge itself of toxins. Inflammation occurs within the follicle during the facial treatment and causes swelling of the follicle walls, which impairs oxygen from reaching the bottom of the follicle. Acne bacteria are anaerobic, and thrive in an environment void of oxygen.
To avoid breakouts after facial treatments, use correct extraction techniques and properly soften areas to be extracted with a good desincrustant product. Also, use a soothing serum after extractions, avoid highly fragranced products and excessive massage or excessive extractions, and eschew any overdrying masks that could cause irritation.

True or false? Eating greasy foods will not flare acne.

40% answered true; 60% answered false
Even though eating excessive amounts of fried foods is not a healthy nutrition habit, there is no scientific evidence that greasy foods cause or worsen acne. However, there is evidence that working in a greasy environment, such as a fast-food restaurant, may worsen acne due to the skin being exposed to airborne grease from frying foods.

True or false? Sun helps dry up acne lesions.

46% answered true; 54% answered false
The ultraviolet rays of the sun do kill acne bacteria and help to dry up acne lesions. Additionally, natural pigmentation from tanning can help hide the redness of acne. However, the same rays cause inflammation and long-term damage to the skin that might eventually lead to premature aging or even skin cancer. There are better—and much safer—ways of drying acne lesions using effective skin care.

True or false? Natural products are less likely to cause breakouts.

15% answered true; 85% answered false
There is no evidence that skin care products of natural origin are less likely to cause breakouts than those made with synthetic ingredients. In fact, many natural skin care products contain natural oils that may be broken down in the follicle when applied, ending up as fatty acids, many of which are known to be comedogenic or acnegenic.
Synthetic ingredients such as silicones and polymers do not break down or create fatty acids. Additionally, essential oils can be stimulating and irritating to the follicles, and many frequently used carrier oils for aromatherapy are known to be comedogenic.

True or false? Acne breakouts concentrated in the chin and jawline areas are likely caused by hormone fluctuations.

82% answered true; 18% answered false
Premenstrual acne flares are very common in the chin and jawline areas. They have been associated with the hormone variations common with normal menstrual cycles; the beginning or discontinuation of hormonal therapy, including birth control pills; and potentially even gynecological illnesses.
If a client has chronic chin and jawline breakouts that are not controllable with topical esthetic care, refer the client to a dermatologist or an endocrinologist for analysis of individual hormone levels. There are drug therapies that can help with these fluctuations and their resulting acne flares.

True or false? Benzoyl peroxide often works for a while, but eventually acne bacteria become resistant to it.

50% answered true; 50% answered false
Acne bacteria do not become resistant to benzoyl peroxide (BPO). BPO is both antibacterial and keratolytic, helping to rid the skin of dead-cell buildup on the surface and in the follicle. When a client begins using BPO, there is usually a fairly fast response, resulting in substantially clearer skin. Clients sometimes then stop using the BPO, thinking they are clear and do not need it any longer. Of course, acne is a chronic condition and lesions will reoccur quickly if the medication is stopped.
Clients also sometimes overuse BPO, applying it more often or heavier than recommended. Because BPO is a peeling agent, it can be an irritant, especially if overused. The follicles can become irritated from overuse, resulting in perifollicular inflammation, and therefore causing acne flares. Benzoyl peroxide is a wonderful medication for clients with acne, and estheticians should take the time to educate their clients and coach them on its correct use.

True or false? You should avoid products containing any form of alcohol, because it dries the skin.

38% answered true; 62% answered false
The term alcohol is a chemical term, and it takes many forms in cosmetic chemistry. Certain forms of alcohol such as isopropyl, ethyl and SD alcohols are volatile alcohols and should be avoided in skin types that are dry or sensitive. However, oily and combination skin types may actually benefit from small amounts of volatile alcohols, helping to disperse excess sebum on the skin’s surface.
SD alcohol is sometimes also used as an evaporating agent, added to quickly dry products. Other forms of alcohols are actually moisturizing ingredients, such as cetyl alcohol, which is used in lightweight moisturizers.

True or false? Skin dryness and dehydration is a primary cause of wrinkles.

37% answered true; 63% answered false
Skin dryness and dehydration can certainly make wrinkles and aging skin look worse, but wrinkles are primarily caused by facial expression and cumulative sun exposure. Using a daily moisturizer with hydration agents that also contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a great way to help wrinkles look better and prevent the daily exposure that actually causes damage to the dermis making skin wrinkled.
Also, daily use of some the newer peptide products, along with agents such as alpha hydroxy acid and retinol, can actually have long-term benefits in making the skin look much less wrinkled.

True or false? 100% all-natural products are chemical-free.

3% answered true; 97% answered false
Nothing is chemical-free. Everything, including plant extracts, skin care products and even the human body is made up of chemicals. Without chemicals, people could not move, think or live. Natural substances can contain hundreds of chemicals that are naturally present, and in fact, one-third of all prescription drugs are made from plant sources.

True or false? Allergic reactions are the No. 1 type of reaction caused by skin care products.

54% answered true; 46% answered false
The No. 1 type of reaction to skin care products are irritant reactions, mostly caused by overexfoliation, which damages the barrier function of the skin, causing both inflammation and dehydration. Overuse of foaming-type cleansers or using cleansers that are too strong for the skin type can also cause irritant reactions.
Irritant reactions can also affect anyone who overexfoliates or overuses stripping products, or even overstimulates the skin. Allergic reactions only occur in people who have a strong immune reaction to the product.

True or false? Drinking alcohol causes phymatous rosacea, or rhinophyma.

29% answered true; 71% answered false
Drinking alcohol can be a trigger for rosacea flares and sudden redness in people who already have rosacea, as can heat, sun, stress, spicy foods and even exercise. None of these actually cause rosacea however, and not all triggers affect all rosacea patients.
Rosacea, including phymatous rosacea, which causes the bulbous nose condition known as rhinophyma, is believed to be hereditary. Rosacea patients should avoid triggers that flare their condition, as continual flaring can make it worse.
While it is encouraging that many estheticians already knew the correct answers to these questions, it’s important for all skin care professionals to be skeptical about any statements they hear regarding skin care. The true answer to preventing myths and erroneous information is to keep from spreading it in the industry and to clients by learning the correct information at continuing education classes.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Premiere Orlando

This year has been crazy busy! 
Which, is a good thing, but not an excuse to ignore my blog 

I have a surprise for you guys though, details from the trade show over the weekend! 
PREMIERE ORLANDO this June was incredible!

I ran into Andi from Fake Bake, which is always a pleasant surprise. 



We played with the new Fake Bake blush and makeup kits.







 Also tested out some new self tanners! 
She sent me home with some freebies I will be blog-rating later for you guys J








Watched Sam Villa cut.


Made out like a bandit with some incredible brushes.



Ran into the Franken-polish.




And talked shop with the amazing people from Shea Moisture! 




Also soon to be blog-rated from my freebies!

Love, 
The Skin Boutique