5 Simple Changes That Will Improve Your Beauty Routine

Many of us have our beauty routines set so that we have a system that allows us to efficiently get ready in the morning and get ready for bed at night.  However, there are a few non-obvious measures we can take to tweak our beauty routines in minor ways that produce huge results:

1.  Moisturize right within a minute of washing.
Apply a healthy moisturizer like the Hempz Age Defying Herbal Body Moisturizer ($25 at Ulta) IMMEDIATELY (within the first 2 minutes after cleansing is ideal) after washing your face or your body to most effectively hydrate your skin.  Moisturizers work by trapping moisture from the air into your skin.  Plus, the water will allow for a smoother moisturizer application...it will be easier to rub into your skin, it will feel less greasy, and you will end up needing to use less lotion.  Keep your lotion in your shower/next to the shower so that it's handy as soon as you're done washing. 

2.  Wash your hair at night instead of in the morning. 
This revision in your beauty routine can actually improve the appearance of your skin.  Going to sleep with greasy, dirty hair that contains products like hair spray, mousse, etc. can allow that stuff to get all over your skin (or get all over your pillowcase and then your skin) while your snooze.  All of that gunk can clog your pores during the crucial time of repair and recovery that occurs when you are asleep, which can lead to break outs.  Since your hair is also likely to be filled with aging pollutants that tag along as you go through the day, it is also important to keep them from migrating onto your skin.  Wash them off to help ward off premature signs of aging.  And don't forget to follow up each hair wash with a face wash.  Many shampoos and conditioners contain harsh detergents that can strip your skin of good natural oils as well as lipids (that give products that thick consistency) that can clog your pores.  Make sure you clean all of traces of those products off of your face to prevent dryness and/or breakouts.

3.  Use a moist egg-shaped sponge to apply your foundation.
I've only recently started using an egg-shaped sponge to apply my foundation (where have I been all this time?).  It honestly makes my foundation look great!  In general, I prefer sponges over brushes (which sometimes leave streak marks) and your fingers because it's easier to blend everything together in way that doesn't appear too thick on your skin.  Plus the egg shape of egg shaped sponges really allow you to get all the hard to reach areas of the face like around the nose and under the eyes.  I bought the Ulta Super Blender Sponge ($5 at Ulta).  I must say that it certainly makes my foundation look so light and natural on my face.  Wet it and then squeeze out the excess water before dipping it into your favorite foundation, BB/CC/DD cream, tinted moisturizer, powder, etc.  This will keep the foundation on your skin rather than in your sponge as well as give you that even, airbrushed finish.  

4.  Exfoliate regularly.
Two to three times per week swap your night face cleanser for a cleansing facial scrub (make sure that it will cleanse your skin as well as exfoliate) like the JUARA Rice Facial Scrub ($29 on skinstore.com), and trade your body wash for a body scrub like the 100% Pure Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub ($25 at Ulta).  Or simply, wash your face with a facial brush using your regular cleanser 2-3 times per week.  Overall, this simple step will give your skin a radiant glow.  In addition, exfoliating will improve the efficacy of both your makeup and your skincare:   

• Dark spots, hyper pigmentation, and scarring will fade faster.
• There will be fewer dead skin cells to clog your pores and cause breakouts.
• You will have a smoother canvas on which to apply your makeup.  It will go on more easily and stay on for longer.
• Your skincare products will work better.  Moisturizers and serums won't have dead skins cells standing in their way of penetrating your skin.

Be careful not to overexfoliate because that can irritate your skin, damage your skin cells, and overstrip your skin of good, natural oils.

5.  Do your face makeup after your eye makeup.
It's common to apply foundation, concealer, and powder before applying your eye makeup.  However, when we apply our eye makeup, we often find ourselves smudging, leaving specks of shadow under our eyes and on our cheeks, etc.  Rather than having to clean it up and then touch up your face makeup, put your eye makeup on first.  It saves you a clean up and looks way neater...putting undereye concealer on after eyeshadow really masks any traces of eye makeup that may have fallen onto your face during the application process and makes your eyes look brighter.  We also tend to rest our hands against our cheeks when applying eyeliner or eyeshadow, which can botch up your foundation.  

What's great about these suggested modifications to your routine?  They don't require you to spend more time or money on looking and feeling fabulous.  It's simply a matter of rethinking beauty rituals that most likely already exist in your day. 

Thanksgiving Inspired Beauty

Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  I don't know about you, but I'm certainly ready for some great food.  To get everyone in the spirit of the holidays, here are some great beauty products inspired by some classic Thanksgiving dishes:

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries are a super fruit for your skin because they have the power to tackle a variety of skin concerns.  First, they're rich in antioxidants, which helps reduce the damage that is caused by free radicals from environmental pollutants and the sun during the day, keeping your skin looking more youthful for longer.  Cranberries are also effective acne-fighters.  In addition to the their anti-inflammatory properties, they have antiseptic properties to control acne-causing bacteria formation on your skin.  Since cranberries are acidic, they contain acids that help exfoliate and regulate oil product by unclogging sebum (oil) glands.  And don't forget that cranberries are packed with vitamins C to promote cell turnover and collagen production.  So, your skin will be left feeling smooth, looking radiant, and feeling supple.
   

I use Jason Natural Cosmetics Pure Natural Body Wash in Antioxidant Cranberry when I shower.  Jason Natural is a really reliable and affordable brand that's available at most drug and grocery stores.  They make a cranberry body wash that cleans without stripping your skin of good, natural oils, and it lathers really well (despite that fact that it's sulfate-free!).  Plus it's formulated with cranberry oil for antioxidant protection as well as aloe and glycerin to soften your skin.

Carrots

Carrots are not only great for your eyes, but they're great for your skin too.  Why?  The pigment that makes
carrots orange is beta carotene, which your body converts into retinol.  Retinol helps slow aging, improve skin color, and keep skin clear.  As a very potent antioxidant, carrots can even help boost the effectiveness of sunscreen by helping it fight off UV damage.  The combination of cell regeneration-promoting vitamin C and natural lightening abilities, working carrots onto your face will allow you to have a smooth and even complexion.  And not to mention that carrots work as an anti-inflammatory too!

One of my favorite skincare brands is Suki, who makes a lovely Pure Facial Moisture - Nourishing ($33 on dermstore.com) product.  I really like their facial treatments because they absorb nicely and feel pretty light.  This moisturizing treatment can be used as a moisturizer or layered under moisturizer.  Ideal for mature or dry skin types, this product tackles wrinkles and helps boost skin elasticity using carrots in combination with other fatty acids and omega-rich oils. 

Apple Pie

An apple a day keeps the dermatologist away.  Why?  As we know, apples are anti-aging because of their antioxidant content and vitamin A.  But apples are also great for a variety of other skin concerns.  Not only does the acidity provide gentle exfoliation, but the enzymes help purify and tone pores.  A lot of mild peels contain apples because they are brightening.  If you have an uneven skin tone or discoloration, the vitamin C in apples assists in cell regeneration and collagen production.  Since apples are an anti-inflammatory and improve circulation, you can cut a slice and place them under your eyes to get rid of dark circles.  Lastly, apples have copper to assist in the production of melanin to aid in protection against the sun.

There are some very efficacious apple products on the market...they're often used in peels for their exfoliating qualities.  Even during these cold November days, you should be wearing a daily moisturizer with SPF like the Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer ($38 at Ulta).  I happen to like it because it contains mineral sunblock for optimal protection against the sun.  It also has hylauronic acid to lock in moisture, other nourishing natural oils, alpha hydroxy acids to even skin tone, and CoQ10 to smooth fine lines...especially great for more mature skin types!

Pumpkin Pie

If you haven't tried pumpkin for your skin, you're missing out.  Pumpkins provide great

antioxidant protection against free radicals.  Their enzymes provide mild exfoliation to soften skin, while vitamins A and C work to prevent aging, assist in cell turnover, and boost radiance.  And for those of you with blemish-prone skin, pumpkin oils contain vitamin E and fatty acids to calm skin and regulate oil production.  Great for all skin types!  

To brighten up for holiday photos, try the MyChelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel ($28 at Whole Body).  I really love MyChelle products because they're very gentle, but get the job done.  Their pumpkin peel is made with pumpkin pulp, enzymes, and juice along with detoxifying ginger root oil.  It deeply exfoliates and nourishes to rejuvenate and purify your complexion leaving you with a gorgeous glow.  Use it as a weekly treatment to refresh your skin so that you can put forth your best holiday face.

Chocolate Mousse

My favorite part of any meal is dessert, and as a chocolate lover, I reach for the chocolate mousse.  Luckily, my skin loves it as much as my taste buds do.  Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, offers multiple benefits for your skin.  In particular, it provides deep hydration, stimulates microcirculation, improves skin thickness, and supports collagen production.  Its antioxidants also help provide protection against sun damage, and the natural oils from cocoa help smooth your complexion.  What's not to love about chocolate?

The holidays are all about some rest and relaxation, so pamper yourself with the Eminence Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque ($33 on amazon.com).  Just apply a thin layer on your face and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with water.  Your face will be instantly soothed and conditioned.  My only warning with using chocolate products is that they may give you a serious chocolate craving...

Toasted Walnuts

Since nuts have abrasive properties, they are most often found in scrubs.  In particular,

walnuts are really good for your skin.  They contain proteins and omega-3 fats that protect your skin, renew skin, and keep your skin supple and moisturized.  Vitamin E helps soothe, reduce inflammation, and prevent skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.  Grab some walnuts, and you'll have a smoother complexion in no time!


The Ole Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub ($24 at Sephora) is a nice nutty scrub.  Some nut scrubs are too harsh on skin, but this one is rather gentle and great for removing impurities.  It definitely leaves your skin feeling clean, soft, and glowing.  But my favorite part about it is that it smells delicious :)

Wine

Who doesn't love a glass of wine?  Your skin definitely will primarily because polyphenols in wine help prevent skin oxidation that causes aging.  Additionally, red wine is derived from grapes, which contain resveratrol, one of nature's most powerful antioxidants in the fight against signs of aging.  It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties to help ward off pimples and amino acids to stimulate cell repair and regeneration.  By lightening naturally and improving circulation, even a dull complexion will have a youthful glow.  Overall, a little splash or red wine is the perfect way to tighten and tone.

So, try work this 2-in-1 into your weekly regiment: 100% Pure Red Wine Resveratrol Scrub and Mask ($21 on dermstore.com) will exfoliate and restore radiance.  You can use it as a scrub or leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing for a more intensive treatment.  Jojoba beads help gently remove dead skin cells, while conditioning and nourishing skin at the same time.

Just like applying them topically, eating these foods can be beneficial for your skin too.  A delicious Thanksgiving feast can lead us to overeat.  If you're feeling guilty about your food intake this year, ease your guilt by reminding yourself that you're helping your skin :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

The Power of Tea

Now that the weather is getting chilly, I am all about a nice, hot cup of tea.  Tea is great...it's

cheap, easily accessible, and offers a variety of powerful health benefits.  In fact, different types of tea contain different amounts of polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.  But did you know that tea is great for your skin too?

Skin Benefits of Tea:

• Antioxidant activity of tea is more potent than that found in 22 fruits and vegetables including orange juice, carrots, and broccoli (USDA).  Antioxidants strengthen your skin's immune system by helping to fight against aging and skin cancer related to sun damage and free radicals in the air.  This means that all teas are anti-aging.
• Teas are super hydrating, despite any caffeine content.
• Their composition of natural ingredients = they are toxin-free. 
• They are soothing and calming, which means that they are super gentle and non-irritating.
• Every skin type can reap multiple benefits from almost every type of tea. 

There are a few major types of tea.  Check out the benefits of some popular ones:

Black

What it is:  As the name implies, black teas like assam and darjeeling (my person fave!) are dark in color because they are fully oxidized and more processed than other types of teas.  Oxidation also allows for a caffeine content in black teas.   

Why it's great:  Black teas are rich in vitamins C and E, which along with polyphenols and tannin, help promote cell turnover and repair.  The caffeine in black teas helps stimulate circulation to boost radiance.  It's especially great in eye creams because it helps de-puff around the eye area.  And don't forget that black tea helps fight blemish-causing bacteria. The fact that it tackles the 3 major skin issues - aging, brightening, and acne - makes black tea idea for normal skin types or those of you, who want to target all 3 of these issues.

Product Recommendation: The JUARA Sweet Black Tea Eye Creme ($38 on dermstore.com) is one of my favorite eye products because it's light and absorbs quickly.  The black tea in this product and in many other black tea beauty products is kombucha, or fermented black tea.  Although kombucha has a very strong and distinctive taste, the fact that it's fermented makes it an even stronger health tonic and skin-saver.  In fact, kombucha is a key ingredient in many of JUARA's products.  The kombucha in eye cream helps tighten and smooth fine lines, and the caffeine helps reduce puffiness.  The JUARA product also incorporates rice bran and avocado oils for extra moisture, protection, and elasticity.

Green

What it is:  Green teas are generally brewed the same day that they are gathered.  Since they are not as oxidized and processed as black teas are, they have a very low caffeine content and a weaker taste.  This also means that green teas retain a lot of the plant properties such as the green color.  And luckily for your skin, they retain a lot of their vitamins and minerals as well. 

Why it's great:  When it comes to tea and skincare, green teas have definitely gotten most of the attention primarily because they offer such power anti-aging benefits.  Compared to black teas, green teas have a higher content of the catechin polyphenols that give teas antioxidant power.  In addition to assisting in warding off early signs of aging, its anti-inflammatory and purifying properties and ability to help regulate sebum (oil) product

make it a great ingredient for those with acne-prone skin too.  Thus, many popular acne-fighting products like Proactive contain green tea.  

Product Recommendation:  For those of you with oily skin, the Boscia Green Tea Oil-Control Mask ($34 at Sephora) will help control shine.  Boscia is a really effective brand that blends the best of botanicals and science (hence the name).  With the help of cucumber and burdock root, the green tea in this gentle peel-off mask will work to mattefy, nourish, and smooth your skin.  


White

What it is:  White teas, including silver needle and white peony, are even less processed than green teas and are grown mainly in China.  Thus, of all teas, they have the lowest caffeine content and the lightest taste.

Why it's great:  White teas offer similar anti-aging benefits to green tea.  They have a comparable amount of catechin polyphenols to green teas, but a different composition of them.  Since it has less caffeine than green tea, it is even more hydrating and helps lock moisture into your skin.  White teas also help detoxify skin to keep your pores clean and give your complexion a natural glow...ideal for dry or dull complexions.

Product Recommendation:  The 100% Pure Mint White Tea Tonique ($19 on dermstore.com) is a really nice balancing toner.  It soothes skin, replenishes moisture, and removes impurities to help clear skin.  The mint also works to tighten pores and offers a slight and refreshing tingling feeling.  Perfect for oily/combination skin types!  You can also try an oil-free, light day-time moisturizer like the Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 ($41 at Sephora) for strong protection against aging.

Herbal

What it is:  Unlike other teas, herbal teas aren't produced from leaves.  Instead, the actual plant leaves from herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables are brewed.  Many of them are often blended with other types of teas.  There are 3 main types of herbal teas:  herbal infusions, rooibos, and mate.  You are probably most familiar with herbal infusions such as chamomile, hibiscus, rose, and ginger.  

Why it's great:  Certain herbal teas are especially nourishing for your skin.  But different types of herbal teas can offer very different benefits.  For example, chamomile tea is an herbal infusion that has useful healing properties.  You can use it to help heal acne scars, soothe minor irritation and sunburn, and brighten to even your complexion.  Herbal infusions are ideal if you have sensitive skin or any skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.  In addition, the discovery of African red teas, which are a part of the rooibos tea family, has been a great breakthrough in skincare.  Why?  Well believe it or not, these teas have an antioxidant power that is 50 times that of green tea.  They also contain an enzyme called superoxide dismutase, which also fights free radicals and helps with cell regeneration.  Overall, rooibos teas offer optimal protection in the fight against aging.  Plus, they lack bitter tannins, so they have a nice, sweet taste too!

 

Product Recommendation: The Juice Beauty Simply Pure Chamomile Cleanser ($22 at Ulta) is a very delicate cleanser that softens as it cleanses.  In addition to chamomile, it contains other natural skin-protecting and soothing ingredients like aloe, white tea, and grape seed oil.  One of my favorite skincare brands, Ole Henriksen, produces an "Age Control" line of products featuring African Red Tea.  The Ole Henriksen African Red Tea See the Difference Serum ($48 at Sephora) has a great non-greasy feel.  Apply it morning and night to create a virtually impenetrable barrier against the free radicals and sun exposure you may encounter during the day.

So, there are a lot of different teas out there that offer a variety of different skin benefits.  Luckily, many beauty brands have recognized the benefits of tea and produce healthy skincare products containing tea (all of the product recommendations above at 100% healthy).  Hopefully, this post will help you pick the products that are best for your unique skin needs :)

Working tea into your life is just as simple as swapping 1 glass of water for a cup of tea every day.  You can even just wet a tea bag and rub it over your face at night or in the morning as a refreshing toner.  

Whether you drink tea or apply it topically, you skin will thank you!  For more on teas, visit:  http://theteaspot.com/about-tea.html.

What's your favorite type of tea?

Swapping Baby Oil for Olive Oil: Healthy Substitutions for Popular Unhealthy Beauty Products - Part 2

In May, I did a post on how to substitute some popular, unhealthy beauty products with healthier alternatives.  I was inspired by the articles that I've seen in health magazines like Shape and Weight Watchers, where nutritionists tell you how to replace fattening snacks with healthier options.  Anyways, many of my followers requested another "swapping" post.

So, by popular demand, here's round two :)

1.  If you love Johnson's Original Baby Oil ($6 at drugstores)...then try Bertolli Classico

100% Pure Olive Oil ($10 at grocery stores).
Many of us like to use baby oil to remove makeup or hydrate our skin.  Baby oil is essentially mineral oil or petrolatum, which can promote skin damage rather than skin repair.  Olive oil has the same makeup-removing and hydrating properties but without the petrolatum.  In addition, the olive will help protect against free radicals and irritants.  It will even condition your eyelashes if you use it as a makeup remover.

2.  If you love bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($27 at Sephora)...then try Bellapierre Mineral Foundation ($65 www.bellapierre.com).

Although I love bareEscentual products, I am actually not a fan of their mineral foundation.  I know it's odd because mineral foundation is the brand's core competency, and they basically invented the concept.  In my opinion, they may have been the first to do mineral makeup, but they aren't the best.  I've found that the formula can be difficult to smooth over skin and cakes after a few hours.  But more importantly, the bareMinerals foundations contain bismuth oxychloride.  Other brands like Jane Iredale and Pur Minerals that also produce mineral makeup don't contain this toxin, and Bellapierre produces a foundation in a loose powder form that is similar to the bareMinerals one.

3.  If you love Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix ($29 at Sephora)...then try Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($29 at Sephora).

Currently on the market, the two most popular facial sprays for setting your makeup are made by Make Up For Ever and Urban Decay.  Although both work really well, only the Urban Decay one is paraben-free.  While the Make Up For Ever one protects your makeup by covering it with a thin, invisible film, the Urban Decay one preserves your makeup by lowering its temperature.

4.  If you love Benefit Cosmetics Benetint ($30 at Sephora)...then try Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee ($22 at Sephora).
Cheek tints are a great way to add a healthy glow to your complexion.  Compared with

traditional blush, they are a little bit more natural looking and can be easier to apply.  The Josie Maran cheek tint is a very nice product that launched only a few months ago.  Unlike the Benefit one, it is paraben-free and contains coconut, which is excellent for your skin (hydrates and provides antioxidant protection).  Both the Benefit and Josie Maran products come in a variety of glamorous colors.

5.  If you love Philosophy The Present Invisible Skin Perfector & Oil-Free Makeup Primer ($29 at Sephora)...then try Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light ($36 at Sephora).
When it comes to prime time, swap Philosophy for Smashbox.  Made with a water-based formula, the Smashbox light primer is great for oily skin like the Philosophy one is, but without the parabens.

6.  If you love Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask ($4 at drugstores)...then try Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Calming Facial Mask ($15 at drugstores).
Cucumber can be a really nice soothing treat for your skin, but the Freeman cucumber mask contains two types of parabens.  Next time you buy a cucumber mask, reach for the Yes to Cucumbers one.  All of the Yes to products are free of harmful ingredients and can be conveniently found at drugstores, where you would buy the Freeman masks.

7.  If you love Colgate Total Toothpaste ($6 at drugstores)...then try Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17 at Nordstrom).
One of the oldest, quick-fix beauty tricks is dabbing a little toothpaste on a zit before you go to bed so that by morning, the alcohol will have dried it out.  The problem is that although toothpaste dries out your zit, it also dries out your skin, leaving it hard and red.  Specifically, Colgate Total contains dangerous triclosan.  The Drying Lotion is also an overnight-spot treatment that dries out your pimple in a more gentle way.  When you wake up in the morning, your zit will be gone, and your skin won't be all red and crusty.

8.  If you love Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Soap ($3 at drugstores for a pack of 3)...then try Tom's of Maine Daily Moisture Natural Beauty Bar Soap ($5 at drugstores for a pack of 2).
One of the most popular soap brands is Dial.  Unfortunately, its products contain harmful triclocarbon.  Instead, try the Tom's of Maine natural soaps.  The Natural Beauty Bar soap features sage, which naturally gives it the same deodorizing qualities that the Dial one has.  And it leaves your skin feeling just as soft!

9.  If you love Neutrogena Visibly Bright Daily Facial Cleanser ($6 at drugstores)... then try 100% Pure Jasmine Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser ($19 at Look Boutiques).
Neutrogena is a leader in face cleanser production.  But next time you reach for one, watch out because most of them use harsh sulfates.  With the 100% Pure product, licorice and fruit acids will give you the same radiance booster as the Neutrogena one but without the skin-damaging agents.

10.  If you love Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 ($11 at Ulta)...then try Aveeno Natural Protection Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 ($11 at Ulta).
I really like Aveeno sunscreens for multiple reasons.  Brands like Banana Boat smell really sunscreen-like, and Neutrogena products make me be break out.  The Aveeno ones are light, moisturizing, and calming.  However, Aveeno's non-natural sunscreen contains oxybenzone, which is a potential toxin.  So, next time, try the Natural Protection lotion.  It's not only toxin-free, but also uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as natural UV fighters that are more effective than the chemical sunscreens found in the Protect + Hydrate lotion.  Plus these products are the same price, found on same store shelves, have the same SPF...healthy swapping couldn't get any easier! 

Hope this helps you make more some healthy substitutions!