I'm Moving on Up!

Hello everyone!

This will be my final post with Blogger... But worry not! I have simply moved my blog to my very own domain where I can rule the roost! No more are the days of restrictions and limitations.

I hope that you will all follow me to Sharnell's Skin Care and Beauty Tips. My blog will have a great new look and tons more information to give. This is just my first step in creating your ultimate guide to everything skincare and beauty.

See you there!
Sharnell

The Perks of Permanent Makeup

I've had several inquiries regarding the benefits of permanent makeup or "cosmetic tattooing" so I wanted to share some information on this subject with you all.

Permanent makeup is quite popular and can be a great cosmetic investment. Most women will decide to have permanent makeup done because it saves them time during their daily makeup routine. It is no doubt convenient to wake up in the morning and already have your eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner and color done! Then to top it off, you go through the entire day without having to reapply or worry about your makeup fading or smudging off. Below, I have outlined a few FAQ's and answers about permanent makeup.

Are you a candidate? Anyone can have permanent makeup. It all depends on what you are looking to achieve. The most common procedures are as mentioned above, eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner and color. If you have the disappearing brow, as previously discussed in my "Beautiful Anastasia Eyebrows" post, then you are the perfect candidate for permanent makeup. Cosmetic tattooing is also used as a corrective procedure for both men and women for conditions such as post breast reconstruction, thinning hair, scar blending, cleft lip, Vitiligo and Alopecia.

Will it look natural? There are some incredible methods of eyebrow tattooing such as the "feathering technique" that result in very subtle and natural looking eyebrows. Of course, there is also a wide variety of colors to choose from, so you don't have to worry about being marked with black eyebrows, red lips and blue eyeliner for the rest of your life! A good permanent makeup artist will include a consultation first so that the best shape and colors are chosen to enhance your beauty.


How long does it last? Permanent makeup will fade over time, usually lasting anywhere from 3-10 years. The color used on your skin will help to determine the life of your permanent makeup. Most people will have their cosmetic tattoos touched up occasionally to keep a fresh look.

Will it hurt? During the cosmetic tattooing, there will be some discomfort. However, unlike a normal tattoo, a topical anesthetic is used which will greatly reduce any pain involved with the procedure.

How much does it cost? The price of permanent makeup will differ for each case depending on what area is being accented. You can count on spending at least a couple hundred of dollars for any one procedure. Again, this can be a worthwhile investment if you find that saving time while always looking your best is money well spent.

Hopefully, this post will help to answer some of your general questions with regard to permanent makeup. If you would like additional information on permanent makeup, please visit Natural Effects Permanent Makeup.

Pimples Be Gone!

Ever try to cover up a nasty pimple with your concealer or foundation just to be left with a splotchy, mountainous mess actually attracting more attention than not? Yeah, me too! Don't worry, it happens to the best of us.

The problem with using makeup to cover up a blemish is that it most likely doesn't have the proper undertone to conceal the redness caused by the blemish. There is an easy way to determine what color concealer you will need to combat your skin discoloration. Simply use the good old color wheel as your guide. Whatever color you are trying to disguise will be counteracted by applying the color on the opposite side of the wheel. In the case of covering up a pimple, you would need a concealer with a green undertone. If you don't know what undertone your concealer may have, there are also color correctors that do just the job of concealing. Using a color corrector will require a top layer of your concealer in order to blend in the concealed area with the rest of your skin.

So now you know how to cosmetically cover up that annoying pimple. Let's work on eliminating it all together. There are lots of acne spot treatments offering a concealing effect. But none are as great as Dermalogica's new! concealing spot treatment. While masking your blemish, this spot treatment will kill bacteria, absorb excess oil, reduce congestion in the follicle, slough off dead skin cells, prevent overactive sebaceous glands and purify your skin ALL IN ONE! Is it a miracle? No, it's Dermalogica. That's what they do! With no artificial fragrance or coloring, you can be assured that this spot treatment's incredible blend of ingredients such as zinc oxide and cinnamon bark extract will bring your blemish down while making sure you look beautiful all the while.

California Baby

I know that I am not alone when I say that as a mother, I want only the best for my baby. Overexposure to the sun, air pollution and other chemical elements in our environment is bad enough for us adults, but imagine the damage being done to a child with such delicate skin. Jessica Iclisoy, a mother of two, is the creator of California Baby, one of the few all natural and organic skin care product lines for babies. This amazing skin care line has become extremely successful, catching the attention of many California local news channels, countless magazines, as well as celebrities such as Katie Holmes and Denise Richards.

California Baby does not only cater to children. All of their skin care products can be used on children and adults alike. In addition to skin care products, California Baby offers products for bath time, diaper care, SPF sun care, bug repellents, pregnancy and more! Jessica also created a magnificent line of essential oil blends that can be used directly on the skin, diluted in bath water or massage oil or diffused with a wall diffuser to create a pleasant aroma throughout the home.

Among my absolute favorites from California Baby are the California Baby Calendula Cream and California Baby Soothing & Healing Mist for Face and Body. These products are miracle workers for both my son's and my own battle with eczema. As well, I cannot live without the California Baby offspring Overtired & Cranky MOMMY & DADDY Oil Aromatherapy,which works wonders in helping to calm and soothe the whole family after a long and tiring day. California Baby has a unique line of products that are specially formulated for colds and flu. The California Baby Colds & Flu Aromatherapy Bubble Bath, Colds & Flu Massage Oil, and essential oil blend all work together to lower temperatures, relieve muscle aches, loosen mucus and ease congestion. This is extremely helpful when you have a young infant who has caught a cold or the flu and cannot be treated with medicine.

California Baby has a variety of gifts and totes that are great as "baby shower" or "welcoming baby" gifts. Any parent would be grateful to receive such a thoughtful gift that shows how much you care. Even better, California Baby is reasonably priced and conveniently sold at your local Target store, which makes it very easy to keep your shelves stocked with this terrific skin care line at all times. Travel sizes are a perfect way to try out something new and see how well it will work for you or your child's skin. I am sure you will absolutely love California Baby and become a huge fan, like myself and many others.

Beautiful Anastasia Brows

Who doesn't want great eyebrows? One of my favorite things to do is shape eyebrows. It is truly like art for me. It's so exciting to have a client come in with fully grown or virgin eyebrows and have them leave with these beautifully groomed and shaped brows that are picture perfect. Eyebrows frame the face and can make all the difference in your look. Creating the perfect eyebrow doesn't end with just plucking or waxing. With so many eyebrow challenges to be faced, Anastasia Eye Makeup offers the solution. Anastasia Soare is the absolute eyebrow guru. She is commonly known as the "Star Plucker" due to her extended A-list celebrity clientele. This woman is one of my beauty idols!

"Achieving a fabulous face is as simple as impeccable brows." - Anastasia Soare

I couldn't have said it any better myself! Here are some eyebrow disasters that can be easily fixed with a few of Anastasia's amazing eyebrow makeup products.

The Butchered Brow
So many of us fall victim to the "butchered brow". We all get tweezer happy sometimes and leave ourselves with these pencil thin eyebrows that end up never growing back. While some of us are happy with that end result, others wish they could turn back the hands of time and start anew. Lucky for those who are looking for a fresh start, Ms. Soare created an incredible serum to encourage new hair growth called the Anastasia Nu-Brow Brow Enhancing Serum. What is it and how does it work? This eyebrow angel is used just like a mascara wand. The serum is simply brushed onto the eyebrows to deliver a unique blend of vitamins and minerals helping to stimulate hair regeneration while conditioning and repairing the hair that is already there. With consistent use of at least two consecutive months, an increase in hair growth and density of eyebrow hair is evident.

The Shy Brow
Maybe you have all the hair you want, but you just can't see it. If you have very light eyebrow hair but don't like the idea of using pencil or powder to darken them up, then the Anastasia Tinted Brow Gels are perfect for you. These brow gels will add subtle color to very light and sparsely haired eyebrows for a more natural look. The brow gel is also great for keeping your brow hair and skin hydrated and nourished which will promote hair growth and prevent flaking of the skin.

The Unruly Brow
Oh, the unruly brow. These are the eyebrows that require brushing, trimming - the whole nine yards when being shaped. They also need constant grooming to keep tamed and in control. A lifesaver is the Anastasia Brow Gel For Eyebrow Control, Clear. This flake-proof and colorless brow gel will keep your crazy brow hairs in place all throughout the day. You will also get all the conditioning benefits of botanical extracts and hydrating ingredients.

The Disappearing Brow
Do you have to fill in or extend your eyebrows with powder or pencil? Then you probably also deal with the worry of accidentally "wiping off" your brows during the day. Who has time to worry about these kinds of things? The Anastasia Brow Fix Wax Pencil will bring you instant relief. The brow fix is a colorless wax and is meant to be applied over your entire brow to hold your everything in place, including the filled or drawn in areas. Like all of the Anastasia Eye Makeup, the wax pencil will also condition your eyebrow hair and skin while providing long lasting wear of your makeup.

If you've already taken the first step in achieving the perfect eyebrows by having them professionally shaped every two weeks, complete the process by keeping them well-maintained in between your appointments. Believe it or not, your eyebrows have much to do with the impression you leave on others. Beautifully shaped eyebrows never go unnoticed! The Anastasia Eye Makeup line offers a wide variety of makeup and tools for your eyebrows. To see more brow tools and makeup like eyebrow grooming kits, eyebrow pencils, eyebrow powders, classic eyebrow stencils and eyebrow brushes, visit Beauty.com.

Homemade Facial Tips

We don't always have to spend a lot of money or depend on someone else to enjoy a refreshing and uplifting facial treatment. You can treat your skin to a quick midnight snack right at home with a few items that you most likely already have in your kitchen! Some of your most commonly used food ingredients have surprising benefits to your skin. I have searched far and wide and found some of the best homemade facial masque recipes. These scrumptious homemade facial masques will fill your skin with delight and satisfaction.

Take a few minutes to whip up these simple recipes, follow my Five Easy Steps to a Self-Facial and bask in the moment of self-indulgence. You deserve it!

Honey & Egg Masque - Dry Skin
Mix together 1 tablespoon warmed honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon almond oil and 1 tablespoon yogurt. Apply to the skin and relax for 10-15 minutes. For easy removal, use a warm, (wet, squeezed-dry) face towel.

-Honey has many hidden talents. Most people are not aware of the fact that honey is a main ingredient in many anti-aging and moisturizing creams on the market. As a natural antioxidant, honey offers superb moisturization and anti-microbial properties.

-Yogurt is a terrific moisturizer and also offers a mild level of exfoliation. The lactic acid present in yogurt will help to refine your pores and smooth your skin by removing dead skin cells. The natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will aid in fighting off germs and bacteria, which is wonderful for congested skin.

Egg & Cucumber Masque - Oily, Dehydrated Skin
Juice from 1 Cucumber (whole cucumber pureed and drained through a sieve), 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon witch hazel, 1 egg white (beaten until stiff). Apply to the skin and relax for 10-15 minutes, remove with warm towel.

-Eggs are great for all skin types. An egg applied to the skin will encourage tightening of the pores. Their high level of antioxidants will also help to protect the skin against free radicals and premature aging.

-Cucumber juice provides excellent skin hydration.

-Lemon Juice is beneficial to the skin for a couple of reasons. The citric nature of lemon juice works to draw impurities from the pores and will help to reduce their large appearance. The combination of Citric Acid and Vitamin C will also help to brighten and smooth the skin's overall texture and tone.

Oatmeal Masque - Combination, Sensitive Skin
One beaten egg, 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal (ground with coffee grinder or blender), one teaspoon olive oil. Apply to the skin and relax for 10-15 minutes, remove with towel.

-Oatmeal is beneficial to all skin types, helping to restore the natural moisture balance of the skin. Oatmeal is most ideal for sensitive skin because of it's superb healing properties.

Chamomile & Herb Masque - Normal Skin
1 teaspoon finely crushed and dried chamomile flowers, 1 teaspoon of fresh mint finely chopped, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 egg white blended all together in a blender. Apply to the skin and relax for 10-15 minutes, remove with warm towel.

** Before serving these delicious snacks to your skin, be sure that you do not have allergies to any of the ingredients. Even though you will not be ingesting the ingredients, you may still suffer an allergic reaction when they are applied to the skin. **

Advantages of Enzyme Skin Care Therapy

Enzymes possess, among other things, properties that make it a natural for skin care. They are by far the best and safest way to exfoliate those dead skin cells. Enzymes have the ability to dissolve those dry dead skin cells while leaving your healthy skin and pH balance untouched.

When the biological systems that control and regulate the skin’s renewal process function efficiently, our skin is healthier and more youthful. With age, our bodies slowly lose the ability to sufficiently perform the skin renewal process. Additionally, skin suffers damage from our harsh environment. These two conditions are detrimental to the health and appearance of our skin.

Created and produced through various processes, such as fruits, vegetables, animals, and marine life, enzymes are vital to every living process. Our bodies recognize over 3,000 types of enzymes, with our different cells utilizing different types of enzymes. Enzymes provide the ability for our skin to fight off free radicals and turn over new skin cells. Enzymes used in skin care are protease, which have the ability to break down human skin proteins like keratin.

Arazyme is an enzyme discovered in recent years by Dr. Ho-Yong Park, the first doctor of insect pathology in Korea. His extensive bioprospecting research led him to this enzyme isolated from the golden orb spider, which exhibited remarkable properties. Due to this bioactive enzyme, the spider had an extraordinary ability to decompose and consume a wide variety of prey, by dissolving and drinking it.

Used in skin care products, Arazyme mimics the role of our own body’s natural acid proteases found in the epidermis. It promotes our skin’s ability to breakdown those proteins that hold our dead skin cells together and aids in accelerated cell renewal. It also stimulates the turnover by degradation of keratin, a main component of epidermis.

Arazyme skin cleansers effectively remove protein impurities from the skin’s keratin layer, and provide benefits such as softening of the skin, decomposition of dead skin cells, acceleration of skin metabolism, and facilitating application of cosmetics. After just a few days of using Arazyme, you can begin to see the enhanced clarity and radiance of your skin without irritation or harsh effect.

For more information about Arazyme skin products, visit www.ArazymeSkincare.com.

A Flawless Face for Fall

Leaves aren't the only thing changing this fall. The beauty trend for fall makeup 2007 takes the dewy, sheer look out and brings in the matte and the bold. Put those glosses away and start stocking up on the lipstick. This season's fall makeup look dates back to the 1940's with the smooth black liner, long fluttering lashes, full-defined brows and red lips. Now is the time to take advantage of the deeper, rich hues that we would normally steer clear of.

Keep your daytime look simple by using monochromatic eye shadow colors like soft-golds and taupes. Define your eyes with soft black liner on your top lids only and lengthen those lashes with dense black mascara. A wine or berry lip stain will keep your pucker pigmented throughout the day.


To transition your daytime fall beauty face into a look that's ready for a night out on the town, swipe on some matte black, grey, navy or plum eye shadow for a classic smoky eye. Add some deep cheek color and for a hint of shimmer, just a touch of illuminator on those cheek bones. Then, top off your flawless fall face with some red or crimson lip color and you can call it a night.


This year's fall makeup trend is simple yet classic and looks good on anyone. Start updating your look now and stock up on some of this season's fall makeup must-haves like CARGO Smoky Eye Fall '07 Value Kit, LORAC Front Of The Line Waterproof Eyeliner, Black and Vincent Longo Gel Stain For Lips and Cheeks, Liquid Kiss. Strut your stuff in style and in the know!

Support the Beautiful Cause!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Skinstore.com is playing an important role in supporting the cause and is giving us the opportunity to share in the effort. There are several skincare and beauty products that can be purchased in which a portion of the sales will be donated toward breast cancer research. Down below are a couple of these beauty items that Skinstore has to offer. You will find that there are some great gift ideas. To view the full list of skincare and beauty products designated to support the worthy cause, visit SkinStore.com or click on one of the links below. Let's help do our part in finding a cure for this disease!

DuWop Purse Your Lips
DuWop introduces Purse Your Lips: an adorable pink miniature purse with a wrist chain strap, filled with DuWop's Pink Shimmer Lip Venom. A portion of the proceeds from Purse Your Lips will be given to CEW's Cancer and Careers, an organization that helps provide inspiration and insight to working women living with cancer. Pink Shimmer adds sparkle and shimmer to any makeup application for a rosy pout that cannot be achieved by wearing ordinary lip gloss.




Boscia Rose Blotting Linens
Absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup using finely woven linen made from 100% natural leaf fibers from the exotic Abaca tree plant. Slim package is ideal for purse or drawer. Boscia will donate 10% of the proceeds from the sales of the Rose Blotting Linens to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation to support breast cancer research. Boscia Rose Blotting Linens are infused with the exquisitely feminine essence of Rose to help soothe your skin and uplift your psyche.

Healthy Holiday and Seasonal Skin

Autumn has arrived and soon enough so will the holidays. Now is the time to prepare for the holiday season. With so much to do, priorities tend to shift usually leaving skincare last on the list. Unfortunately, fall and winter weather takes a major toll on our skin, often causing excessive and unusual dryness and dehydration. Most people slap on some heavy cream and go on about their holiday madness. But I say, put the heavy cream down and slowly back away. Are you sure that heavy cream is what your skin really needs?

Before getting into my usual list of topical cures, I must lay down the law with rule #1. Water, water and more water. You must drink your water! Dehydrated skin is inevitable during the fall and winter months. Cold climates are tough on all skin types, including those that are more prone to oiliness. Staying well hydrated with water is one of the most effective and simple ways to combat skin dehydration.

How do you know if your skin is dry or dehydrated? Skin dehydration can be easily identified by the appearance of tight, flaky and patchy skin. When your skin is dehydrated, there is a lack of water moisture. We can all fall behind on our water intake, which is why we are all at risk of skin dehydration at sometime or another. In order to re-hydrate your skin, it is advisable to incorporate a hydrating serum or masque into your daily skincare regimen, in addition to drinking more water. A highly effective hydrating serum such as the Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum will help to quench your skin’s thirst for more water. The Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum is formulated for all skin types specifically to hydrate and relieve the skin of superficial lines, flakiness and tightness caused by dehydration. You should also consider using a gel-based hydrating masque like the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque . This masque is so yummy to the dehydrated skin that most of the gel will quickly absorb into your skin leaving little residue to rinse away. I highly recommend enhancing your skin's hydration with the use of skincare products like the Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum and Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque on a regular basis. Your skin will be thankful for the boost of hydration it so badly craves and you will be thankful for the more comfortable feel of your skin.

When your skin is dry, not only will you have all the symptoms of dehydrated skin, but you will also begin to show the signs of premature aging. Dry skin is differentiated from dehydrated skin by it's loss of oil moisture rather than water. The dreaded onset of deep lines, or wrinkles is also a prime suspect of dry skin. Obviously, wrinkles will come with age, but there can be other causes of premature aging such as the use of inappropriate skincare products, certain cosmetics and medications, or extreme climates. Dry skin requires more moisture-rich and cream-based skincare products. The combination of a cream cleanser and moisturizer such as the Decleor Cleansing Cream and Decleor Vitalite Nourishing Firming Cream will work wonders for dry skin. A botanical skincare line like Decleor is fantastic for dry skin because of it's very delicate and nourishing ingredients. Complimented with ingredients to encourage accelerated skin renewal, the Decleor Vitalite Nourishing Firming Cream will not only restore oil moisture in your skin, but will also aid in bringing to life new skin cells. This dual action results in well-moisturized and younger looking skin.

This holiday season, don’t forget your body’s largest organ and give to it the gift of tender loving care. Endless exposure to the outside world requires your skin to be continuously nurtured. The reward of your skin looking and feeling it’s best will be yours to keep for seasons to come.

Simple Skin Care for Men

Men have skin too, right? Of course you do! And like women, you get the acne and wrinkles, plus a few more skin ailments that can be quite troublesome. Unfortunately for men, there are also razor bumps and ingrown hairs to combat. Not only can that be irritating, but also unsightly. Rest assured, you can find relief in an easy to follow skincare regimen.

It is not uncommon for a man to have skin that is naturally oilier than a woman’s skin. This is due to the fact that men have both larger sebaceous glands and pores. On the upside, this tendency to have more oil actually helps the skin to stay younger looking by prolonging the onset of wrinkles. For men, the trick to gaining healthy skin is finding a good balance between moisture and exfoliation. Shaving is a form of exfoliation, which is performed on a daily basis for the majority men. But do you also moisturize everyday? Most likely, the answer is no. That is where the imbalance comes into play.

So here’s my simple fix. Zia Natural Skincare is an excellent skincare line with products formulated especially for men. With three easy steps, even the manliest of men can achieve smooth, fresh skin.

1. For the lucky man who has been blessed with acne-free skin, there is Zia Natural Skincare ActiClean Face Scrub, the winner of Men’s Health Grooming Awards for the best face scrub. This natural facial scrub works deep down within the pores to clear out dirt and oil. Old skin cells are then removed to instantly reveal a more clean and smooth texture. If luck is not on your side and acne has taken control of your skin, then Zia Natural Skincare HydraClean Face Wash is the cleanser for you. This is a fragrance-free, gel-foaming face wash that too removes dirt and oil, while also soothing and hydrating the skin.
2. Zia Natural Skincare ActiShield Shave Gel, which is great for all skin types, uses botanical extracts and non-comodegenic essential oils to prevent razor bumps and breakouts. The skin is left feeling super cool and refreshed.
   
3. The final step is keeping your skin hydrated with the Zia Natural Skincare Dual-Action Face Lotion. When used immediately after shaving, this oil-free moisturizer will help to calm the skin. It is the perfect shield in the fight against aging and environmental damage.

So that’s it! A good cleanse of the skin before shaving with an all-natural shave gel, some moisturizer to seal the deal, and you’re done. Healthy skin on a man is a BIG DEAL! Not only will you see and feel a difference in your skin, but the ladies will too!

The Battle Against Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

If you have oily skin, then you are among the many people who struggle with the skin condition that is most often accompanied by acne. Common characteristics of oily skin are a constant shine and the appearance of enlarged pores. Our skin produces natural oil called sebum, which is meant to moisturize and protect the skin. However, sometimes the production of sebum becomes unbalanced, causing excessive oiliness. If this condition is not treated properly, it will eventually lead to breakouts.

The first line of defense in the battle against oily and acne-prone skin is to analyze your diet. There can be several factors to blame for the overproduction of sebum in your skin. While you can consider the possibility of heredity and hormonal imbalances, it is also safe to assume that at least part of the problem stems from what you are eating. The over assumption of refined sugar, starches, dairy, fried and processed foods have a direct and negative affect on your skin. It is essential to the health of your skin that a balanced, low-fat diet with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates is maintained. Staying well hydrated will also help to keep your skin on the right track.

Next, it is imperative that you use skincare products that are appropriate to your skin type. The rule of thumb is to steer clear of products containing any kind of oils. You should also avoid ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, and shea and cocoa butters. These ingredients are known to be comodegenic, or pore clogging. Alcohol is another ingredient that you must abstain from using. There is a misconception that alcohol, like soap, does wonders for your skin by leaving you with that “squeaky-clean” feeling. The truth is that alcohol, as well as bar soap, actually strips your skin of its natural moisture barrier, causing your skin to overcompensate and produce even more oil.

Skincare products that work best on oily to acne or blemish prone skin are those that are gel or clay-based, oil-free, and extra hydrating. In addition, product lines containing Alpha-Hydroxy and Glycolic Acids, as well as Enzyme Treatments are well-suited for oily skin, especially those plagued with acne. You never want to use an abrasive exfoliant such as a scrub if you have active breakouts. This will only damage your skin and irritate your blemishes to the point of scarring.

The last plan of action is to commit to a skincare regimen. Remember that it takes time and effort to produce beautiful skin. If you are ready to join the battle and take these steps toward healthier, balanced skin, then I encourage you to try out some or all of these skincare products. I have seen these particular skincare product lines improve the condition of oily, blemished skin with little to no irritation.

• Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser is an excellent choice for everyday cleansing. This cleanser is clay-based, so it works to absorb the excess oil in your skin, but is gentle enough to use everyday. If you are more used to the feel a “sudsy” cleanser, the Dermalogica Anti Bac Skin Wash is a better choice for you. The Dermalogica Anti-Bac Cleanser contains Antibacterial Triclosan and Salicylic Acid, which work together to eliminate surface bacteria and dead skin cells. This is a more suitable cleanser for blemished skin.
  
  
• Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque is superb for both oily and acneic skin. This medicated masque can be used two to three times a week to control shine, treat blemishes and calm inflamed acne. Followed by the application of the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque , your skin will be satisfied with the super hydration and calming power of chamomile and several other botanical extracts.
  
  
• To complete your daily regimen for oily skin you must use a toner and moisturizer. It is so important that your skin remain well-hydrated. Witch Hazel is used in the Murad Clarifying Toner to absorb oil and remove impurities.This toner will accommodate both oily and blemished skin. The Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion is the best candidate for the job of keeping your skin hydrated without leaving an oily residue.Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion also uses retinol to refine your pores and reduce redness of the skin. Do not forget to protect your skin with an oil-free SPF such as the Murad Oil-Free Sunblock, SPF 30, which is an award winner on Allure Magazine's "Best of Beauty" Master List.

Dermalogica, Peter Thomas Roth and Murad are just a few of your options when deciding on what to use for your skincare regimen. You can find more quality skin products and cosmetics at SkinStore.com. If I can offer any further information to you, please don’t hesitate to ask. It is my mission as a Skincare Therapist to lead you along the path to healthy, beautiful skin!

To Wax or Not to Wax?

Do you find yourself often pondering on this question? Have you heard too many horror stories to even try it out? Maybe you’ve tried waxing once or twice, but left the salon with what looked like a Kool Aid mustache and hot pink eye shadow all around your eyes. If any or all of these scenarios ring true to you, don’t feel alone. There are many other women out there who share the same fear. But fear not! Waxing does not have to be torturous. There are ways to make this hair removal process smooth and quick. You just need to find the person who has the right tools and knows how to use them.

Beauty is pain Ladies, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist know that waxing will involve some discomfort. But if done quickly, properly, and with a gentle hand, waxing is bearable and rewarding! Because the hair is removed at the root, your skin is left smooth and hair free for several weeks at a time. Sure beats shaving, don’t you think?

While there are numerous types of waxes available for hair removal, most often you will find that salons use standard honey wax. In my experience, honey waxes have not been kind to the skin. Honey wax is used with very high heat and can be extremely messy. It is also quite aggressive, often leaving the skin red and sometimes irritated. I strongly suggest looking for a salon or spa that employs the use of a crème wax. Crème waxes do not use high heat, but rather low to medium heat and also cater to all skin types. A variety of crème waxes are offered to further satisfy the skin such as lavender crème and tea tree crème. These crème waxes are excellent for even the most sensitive skin as they provide healing and calming properties. With the use of crème wax for hair removal, your skin will experience less pulling and you will notice minimal to no redness following your waxing session. Of course, I use only crème wax for my hair removal services and I can say in all honesty, I’ve never had a client experience a negative reaction. In fact, they are always pleasantly surprised at how relatively painless the crème wax was as compared to their prior experiences with honey wax. If you don’t know that your Esthetician offers a crème wax, you can pick some up at your local beauty supply. I highly recommend using GiGi Crème Wax for Sensitive Skin Microwave Formula . These waxes are sold in a small and convenient microwavable container. You can bring this along with you to your appointment in the event that your Esthetician does not carry crème wax. If you are a newbie to the waxing world, don’t consider going the honey route at all. Save yourself the possible irritation and only go for the best.

You may still be unsure about whether or not you want to use waxing as your method of hair removal, but I am confident that you will not be disappointed with a crème wax. Give it a try and you will realize that waxing is the way to go. Whether it is a brow shaping or a full leg wax, the results are instant and long lasting.

Absolute Aqua

Nope, this isn’t a recipe for a vodka cocktail. On the contrary, this is the recipe for a healthy beverage with the most important ingredient of all – water. We all know that without water, we could not survive. But we don’t need just any water. We need clean water. Doing us more harm than good, tap water just isn’t an option any longer.

Did you know that the high levels of chlorine found in tap water could actually lead to cancer? That’s right, cancer from water! And the scary fact is that more chlorine and chemicals in water enter our skin through skin absorption and inhalation of steam while taking warm showers than they do from drinking from the tap. Ever wonder why you are placed under steam during a facial? Well, it’s because steam encourages your pores to open up, allowing for maximum absorption of products. Taking warm, hot showers have the same affect on your skin. While the chlorine and other chemicals are penetrating your skin at a very high rate, you are also inhaling the steam. The steam from a hot shower will contain up to 20 times the level of chlorine and other synthetic chemicals due to the fact that these chemicals vaporize at a lower temperature and faster rate than water alone. There are numerous irritants induced by the chemicals and chlorine found in water. To name just a few, there are asthma, bronchitis, and as mentioned before, cancer. We are also left with dry, dehydrated and congested skin.

So what is the solution? It’s easy - water purifiers. Purifying water is not a new trend, which is why there are so many systems to choose from. I have an easy recipe for healthy water that you can obtain throughout your home. After much trial and error, I’ve discovered the most ideal and cost effective purifying systems. For my drinking water, I utilize the Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System. Rather than purchasing a separate filtration pitcher, I just pour some filtered water into a pitcher and keep it in the fridge. This saves me time and money! I also use the Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System For the Bathroom. This filter has a very nifty fountain feature. No more bathroom cups or using your hands when brushing your teeth! Best of all, my mouth is left feeling fresh and clean after brushing.

Brita Disposable Filtration System: What I love most about the Brita Disposable Filtration Systems is that they cater up to 300 gallons of water, which can last for up to one entire year! It is so convenient to not have to purchase one replacement filter after another.


Aquasana: Now that we’ve covered the kitchen and bathroom sinks, you may be wondering how it is possible to filter your shower water.The Aquasana Shower Filter is the answer. This deluxe filter will purify your water in two stages. Stage one removes the chlorine and normalizes the water’s ph. Stage two filters out all of the other chemicals that are harmful to your health. With the use of the Aquasana Shower Filter , you will immediately see and feel a difference in the moisture retention of your skin and overall health of your hair. If not, you have 60 days to return the Aquasana Shower Filter for your money back, no questions asked.

I highly recommend making an investment in purifying the water throughout your home. Use my preferred customer link to get 20% off Aquasana purifying systems all the time! In addition, they offer free shipping on everything! Now is the time to take advantage of the reduced prices and reap the benefits of having purified water. Take the necessary step in purifying your life and get started with a high quality water purifier. There’s nothing to lose except maybe some dehydrated skin, dry hair and an annoying cough.

Get 20% off Aquasana Water Filter Systems and FREE shipping on all water filters, including their drinking water filters, shower filters, whole house water filters, and sport bottle filters.

Bye-Bye Bumps!

Does your skin have the tendency to become red and irritated after shaving? Is your current soap or shave cream just not working for you? Well, I have the solution. There are more than just organic foods out there. Organic product lines have become a quintessential in the world of beauty. One of my favorite lines is Alba Botanica.This organic product line offers a variety of skin and hair care products. My razor does not touch my skin unless I am armed with the Alba Botanica Moisturizing Shave Cream. This shave cream has the consistency of lotion, so it easily glides on and leaves my skin feeling soft as silk. My personal favorite is the Alba Botanica Moisturizing Cream Shave, Mango Vanilla . However there are several other scents to choose from that are all derived from organic herbs, plants and fruits. Alba Botanica shave products are available in both creams and foams. The Alba Botanica Moisturizing Shave Foam, Aloe Mint which is available at www.albabotanica.com, is a great choice for men as it leaves the skin feeling fresh and vibrant. Because of Alba Botanica’s superior ingredients, you will find that using their products will result in smooth and refreshed skin. What could be better for your skin than using organic products that are alcohol and soap-free and enriched with vitamins and plant proteins? Well, the answer is nothing! Healthy products equal healthy skin, and healthy skin equals happy you!

Mother Nature's Sun Protection

With all the craze of bareMinerals natural makeup, it was only bound to happen that someone would come up with a suncare product to compliment the powder foundation. Peter Thomas Roth is the lucky winner and I couldn’t be any more excited! I actually heard about this mineral SPF through a friend. I tried it once and was immediately sold on the product! Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 is the perfect alterative to the many other greasy and heavy sunblocks that we are used to using. Like the bareMinerals makeup, PTR’s Instant Mineral SPF 30 is free of chemicals. The powder offers a residue-free, matte finish with instant sun protection. What I also love about the Instant Mineral SPF is that it is gentle enough to use on infants over the age of six months. Normally, my toddler son will put up a fight when I try to apply sunblock to his face. However, with the Instant Mineral SPF, he enjoys the tickle from the brush and looks forward to the application! I have found that using the SPF powder over a tinted moisturizer works best because it plays the role as your translucent powder and also eliminates the need for an additional sunblock. The convenient packaging of PTR’s Instant Mineral SPF 30 is great for carrying around in your purse or makeup bag. It allows for quick and easy reapplication throughout the day. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 is definitely a step in the right direction if you want to keep your skin healthy and sun damage free. I never leave home without it and neither should you!

Have the Need to Tweeze?

Whether you have your brows shaped for you or you do them yourself, everyone should own a good set of tweezers. If you want something easy to use but effective, then the Tweezerman Tweezer is right for you. Tweezerman is an award winning company that has been in business for over twenty years. Tweezerman is highly recognized in the beauty industry both domestically and internationally. Their beauty tools are widely preferred by industry professionals as well as celebrities. Because Tweezerman products are made of such high quality materials, you will never have to purchase another set of tweezers for the rest of your life! As if that weren’t reason enough to choose Tweezerman for all your tweezing needs, they also offer a lifetime warranty on their beauty tools. When your tweezer starts to dull, all you have to do is mail it in to the Tweezerman service department. Free of any charges, including shipping and handling, Tweezerman will sharpen your tweezer and send it right back to you! Now that is excellent customer satisfaction! As a professional waxer, I highly recommend the Tweezerman Tweezer brand. I always encourage my clients to keep up on their tweezing in between appointments. Tweezerman tweezers makes this a smooth and simple process. If you want to maintain your brows like a professional, check out the Tweezerman Brow Grooming Solution Kit. With so many other uses, a tweezer is such an important tool to have. Every woman should carry one on her belt!

Must Have Pink Cheeks!

Of course we all want that sun-kissed look for the summer. But who wants all the damage that comes along with it? I have found the perfect bronzer that will give your skin a beautiful glow. Clinique's new Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator is my summer MUST HAVE! Yes, I am a Clinique girl... With my super sensitive skin, I have to be careful about the kind of makeup I use. I have never had a problem with Clinique which is why I have quite an extensive collection of their products! This illuminator has taken the place of my foundation and blush. So not only does my skin look radiant after applying the liquid, but I also save time in my morning makeup routine by replacing two steps with just one! If you are worried that a liquid may not work with your skin type- don't be! This product is oil-free and comes in four different shades. It is extremely lightweight, so it will even work for those who don't typically wear foundation. I can't stress how much I absolutely love this product! As a matter of fact, I carry it around with me in my purse everyday! Don't forget to check it out the next time you hit the mall. I'm sure you will love Clinique's new Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator as much as I do!

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin is one of the most common skin types. The onset of oiliness usually appears during adolescence and can remain throughout adulthood. Oily skin will have a constant shine due to the overproduction of sebum, or oil in the epidermis. Enlarged pores, frequently clogged with dirt and oil, will normally lead to blackheads and result in a rough texture of the skin. If not properly cared for, oily skin will often suffer from acne breakouts. However, when the right skincare products are used on oily skin, the shine can be controlled and blemishes prevented. There is a surprising benefit to having oily skin and that is the prolonging of younger looking skin. Oily skin will generally look more supple than other skin types and age at a much slower pace. Hooray for (controlled) oily skin!

Normal Skin Type

Normal skin has become the minority of skin types, although it is the most desired. Normal skin will have a healthy appearance, free of blemishes and blessed with small pores. Not usually suffering from excessive dryness or oiliness, normal skin is typically in a very balanced state. With a smooth texture and firm tone, normal skin will look plump, moist and vibrant. Although normal skin is the ideal skin type to have, it still requires a consistent skin care regimen. Regular cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing will keep this healthy skin glowing. Lucky you for having normal skin!

Sensitive Skin Type

Sensitive skin is characterized by a very fair complexion, accompanied by broken capillaries and vessels beneath the skin. This delicate condition makes this skin type much more vulnerable to the sun and other damaging environmental elements. Skincare products and cosmetics containing artificial coloring, fragrances, alcohol, and synthetically manufactured oils will cause an adverse reaction in sensitive skin. Over stimulation should be avoided as this could cause severe irritation to the skin. Sensitive skin will benefit most from organic and natural skin care products and must be gently cared for on a daily basis.

Combination Skin Type

Combination skin is the majority of skin types. Typically, combination skin will have an oily "T-zone" area, consisting of the forehead, nose and chin. Meanwhile, skin on the cheeks, eyes and mouth are either normal or dry. Combination skin will occasionally suffer from blackheads or a blemish, but does not usually have a problem with acne. This combo skin type requires special attention to each type of skin. Trying to kill two birds with one stone will not always work in this case! A gel or foaming cleanser works best for combo skin as it will cater to both conditions of the skin without causing irritation. However, separate moisturizers must be used to create harmony in the skin. This may seem inconvenient, but dealing with a breakout would be more of a hassle.

Dry Skin Type

Dry skin is a skin type that is in need of oil moisture. Dry skin is not to be mistaken with dehydration, which is the need for water moisture. For the most part, dry skin is the result of aging. Over time, exposure to the sun and other damaging environmental conditions will contribute to the drying of skin. In addition, there is years of not taking care of your skin with the proper skincare as well as poor diet, smoking, drinking, etc. The appearance of dry skin is dull, sometimes patchy and lacking a firm tone. Severely dry skin will result in a leathery texture. Rich, hydrating and creamy skincare products work best at moisturizing dry skin without causing the pores to become clogged.