Yay! Summer is on its way, and it's certainly getting warmer. What does that mean for your skin? Since there's more moisture in the air, it's probably feel less parched than it did in January. In addition, your makeup may feel a little heavy and sticky in the heat. Check out these tips for summer beauty:
Tip #1: Swap your moisturizing creams for moisturizing gels.
I don't know about you, but I can't stand the feeling of moisturizer on my body on a hot summer day. So one of my favorite beauty products of all time is the L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Sorbet Body Cream ($36 in department stores). It's a non-sticky, gel-like body cream that melts into your skin, provides hydration, and cools skin. Plus, the light lemon scent is perfect for the summer. Another refreshing summer product is cooling gels, which provide just enough hydration for your face in the midst of summer heat. Use the Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel ($38 at Sephora) as your evening summer moisturizer. This gel disappears into skin, but keeps moisture sealed in, brightens, and minimizes pores. And it's much more light-weight than a traditional moisturizer.
Tip #2: Boost the SPF
SPF 15 for daily wear is okay for the winter, but kick it up to SPF 30 during the summer when rays are more intense. Remember that mineral sunblocks are ideal for sun protection. Just dab a generous amount of bareMinerals Advanced Protection SPF 20 Moisturizer ($30 at Sephora) on your face every morning. It hydrates and provides mineral-based sun protection. And don't leave the skin on the rest of your body defenseless against the sun! You may not care about wrinkles on your arms, but you can certainly get skin cancer there. Rub some Vaseline Aloe Fresh Body Lotion SPF 15 ($8 at drugstores) on any exposed skin - neck, shoulders, arms, hands - before you go about your day. I like this Vaseline product a lot because it's affordable, easy to find, and most importantly, healthy. For more information on SPF, mineral sunblock, and sun protection for the beach, check out: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/06/summertime-means-sunscreen-time.html
Tip #3: Rethink your coverage
Heavy foundations can feel and look worse in hot weather. Increased oilyness, perspiration, and humidity can make your makeup feel sticky on your face and cake more easily. I know my foundation looks like a mess at the end of a 90 degree day...liquid foundations can sometimes feel as if they're melting off your face. Stick with a BB/CC/DD cream or tinted moisturizer if you can. They are a little bit lighter than an actual foundation and get absorbed by skin more easily. The Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel ($28 at Sephora) is a BB gel that is light and ideal for summer weather. If you really prefer fuller coverage, try a mineral makeup like the Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation ($40 at Sephora), which often stays better through perspiration and heat. The powder foundation type will also help control humidity-induced shine.
Tip #4: Repack your purse
There are three items that you should add to your purse during the summer. First, remember to pack your sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes against developing cataracts, but they also protect the area around your eyes from wrinkles from the sun. Second, I find myself brushing some Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Powder To-Go ($46 on dermstore.com) on my face at some point during the middle of the day. It's a weight-less, clear powder that absorbs excess oil and sets makeup. This to-go version comes with the brush and mirror attached to the powder. The powder dispenses into the brush for easy application and storage in your bag. Lastly, keep some Evian Mineral Water Spray Duo To Go ($14 at Sephora) handy to spritz your face throughout the day. The cold mist will feel so cool and refreshing on a hot day. The water formula also sets makeup, restores hydration, and helps remove sweat.
Tip #5: More vitamin E, less mineral oil
As I mentioned, you have an added sun stressor on your skin during the summer. In
addition to protecting your skin from the sun during the day with SPF, it is also important to
assist with repairing any damage related to sun exposure during the night. Using a vitamin E treatment can help with the recovery process, provide antioxidant protection against the sun, and soothe sunburned skin. The Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($48 at Sephora) is a summer must-have. This product is a pure oil, and argan oil is rich in natural vitamin E. You may be thinking that the oil may feel too greasy in the summer, but Josie Maran makes a "light" version that is fast absorbing and super lightweight. On the other hand, mineral oils (baby oil, petroleum jelly) attract sunlight and can cause burns. Remember in the 1970's when people used baby oil to tan? So make sure you're not using mineral oil or products that list mineral oil (or derivatives of it) as an ingredient in the morning.
Tip #6: Tone down the deeps and have fun with brights.
Put those deep shades away. Dark eye and lip makeup can get magnified by sunlight and often looks too heavy during the summer. Ditch the ruby lipstick for a more natural looking shimmery peach lip gloss like the Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Amber ($19 at Sephora). Shimmer is nice in the summer because it reflects the sunlight and gives off a pretty glow. Another part of summer fun is bright nail colors. The brightest pinks, oranges, blues seem more "acceptable" in the summer so take advantage of it! I personally love the new Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Pixie Slicks ($5 in drugstores), an ultra shiny bright pink color with a hint of coral...super fun and pretty for summer!
Enjoy the warm weather everyone!
**All product recommendations are toxin-free
What's the one makeup product women can't seem to live without? Surveys show that it is mascara. I tend to agree because a little mascara can make a huge difference. It only takes 2 minutes to apply and can really open and highlight your eyes more naturally than eyeliner or eyeshadow can.
But the market is so saturated with mascara products these days. How do you narrow down your options? First, I like to start by focusing on paraben and sulfate-free products (like the product recommendations below). In general, try to look for smudge-proof formulas. Save water-proof formulas for the beach because they often peel or clump easily. Many mascara formulas are similar, so it's really all about the brush. Different brushes serve different functions. Most women with normal lashes are looking to boost lash definition. Fine toothed comb brushes like the Juice Beauty Lash Defining Mascara ($19 at Ulta) can help sweep lashes upwards, while depositing clump-free color onto lashes that won't transfer to skin or stick lashes together. Volumized lashes can offer a slightly more dramatic look. I absolutely love the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! ($19 at Sephora), and it is definitely a fan favorite. It is "clinically proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424%," and the natural formula is very gentle on lashes. Overall, I like the mascara's light, soft feel and natural look.
For those of you with sensitive eyes...try Almay's mascaras, which are hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist recommended for contact lens wearers. I especially like the Almay One Coat Triple Effect Mascara ($8 in drugstores). Almay is an affordable and effective brand with products for people with sensitive skin and eyes, and their mascara is no exception. They make specific lengthening, thickening, volumizing, etc. mascaras, but the One Coat Triple Effect is a very general mascara product. It builds, extends, and sculpts lashes in one simple sweep.
For those of you who prefer waterproof products...try the bareMinerals Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara ($18 at Ulta). The formula is waterproof, but it is not as sticky or flaky as many other waterproof products, while the fine bristles help brush lashes upwards and allow you to easily reach all of your lashes. With beautiful shades like Ripe Plum and Espresso, you had definitely a color that goes with any look.
For those of you with sparse lashes...try a thickening formula like the Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara ($33 on dermstore.com). The large brush adds a lot of color with each sweep (you only need 2 coats) while separating lashes. Like all Jane Iredale products, this mascara is good for your lashes too. A good tar-free mascara is hard to find, but this is one of them. Also, it contains seaweed to condition and fortify lashes.
For those of you with short lashes...try a lengthening formula like the Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara ($8 at Ulta). I didn't think that the fatter brush on this mascara was going to work well for lengthening, but it's actually really nice! Since my eyelashes are pretty short, this is usually my go-to mascara. The formula glides on really smoothly, and the brush makes for a neat and full application. This product comes in multiple shades, but my personal fave is the Black Shimmer. The "shimmer" is very subtle, but really adds a sparkle to the eyes.
And don't forget about your lower lashes to complete the look. Since they're smaller, they can be harder to reach. If coating the lower lashes is tough for you, invest in the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($10 at Sephora). The short brush is designed for reaching all of those lower lashes, and the formula removes easily when exposed to warm water.
Make sure you curl your lashes BEFORE you put on your mascara. Curling them with mascara on can make your lashes brittle and cause them to stick to the curler. My personal favorite curlers are the Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($18 at Sephora) and the Laura Mercier Eyelash Curler ($16 at department stores), which has a cushy pad that prevents pinching and unique compact shape for travel. Also, heating your curler with a blow dryer helps your curler curl (just be careful not to burn yourself because the metal will get hot). You can even buy heated curlers like the Sephora Heated Eyelash Curler ($17 at Sephora). If you have lashes like mine that don't curl very easily, you can use a brush with a curved wand like the Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara ($19 at Sephora) in addition to curling your lashes. As the name implies, the S-shaped wand will help sculpt and shape lashes more effectively than a straight brush. Many drugstore brands make a product with a curved wand, but I like the Buxom one because of the ultra fine brush bristles and the vitamin-rich formula.
Another way to improve your mascara wear is by applying a primer first. This will hold the mascara onto your lashes for a longer period of time and prevent smudging, flaking, and fading. Like your hair, your lashes can get brittle after being coated with mascara day after day. Primers can also protect your lashes from mascara. The Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Primer ($22 at Sephora) is a natural option that nourishes and conditions lashes with HydroPlant peptide to help them naturally appear longer and fuller.
The nice thing about mascara is that there are many great options for wallet-friendly prices. So, picking up your favorite mascara from the nearest drugstore can be a guilt-free treat. After all, there's nothing more elegant than luscious lashes!
What is your favorite mascara?
...continuing from last week's post, there are also many beauty trends that have emerged over the past decade. There's always one product that acts as a catalyst for these trends. However, many brands have later presented new and improved as well as healthier versions of these original products. Check it out:
1. Gel Eyeliner generally comes in a pot or pan. It has a creamy formula that glides on when you apply it with an eyeliner brush. The liner dries on your eyes and doesn't budge as easily as pencils often do. Plus, they have a more natural finish than many liquid liners do. Overall, gel liners produce a rich color and allow for a neat application.
Out with the old...Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23 at Sephora)
Today, many color cosmetic brands make a gel eyeliner, but Bobbi Brown was the founder of this magnificent concept. I must say that I'm a huge fan of gel liners, and Bobbi Brown definitely has the best color selection with plums, blues, light browns, shimmers, etc. However, it contains parabens as well as BHT. Also, compared with other brands, Bobbi Brown's liners are smaller and dry out quickly given the price.
And in with the new...Buxom Lashliner ($16 at Sephora)
In general, it's tough to find a paraben-free gel liner, but Buxom makes one. The only downside with the Buxom liner is that it only comes in 2 shades, brown and black, though it is equally as creamy and long lasting as the Bobbi Brown one. I prefer to stick to the Buxom for everyday work/school wear because of the healthier formula. But I break out my pretty Bobbi Chocolate Shimmer or Graphite gel liner for special occasions and nights out :)
2. Mineral Makeup is makeup that is derived from compressed minerals. Some of the benefits are that minerals tend to be more natural, more nourishing, and have large particles that don't get absorbed into pores. Thus, they may be less irritating than other makeup products for sensitive skin and those with acne.
Out with the old...bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($27 at Sephora)
I know many of us swear by our bareMinerals makeup. The company is definitely a genius...it started the mineral makeup craze, making their foundations a beauty best-seller. Now, minerals are in blushes, eye shadows, powders, foundations, etc. The problem with bareMinerals foundation is that it contains bismuth oxychloride. Bismuth Oxychloride is derived from a processed
form of lead and is generally used in mineral makeup to improve the product’s
texture and long-lasting effect. Many consumers find this ingredient
extremely irritating and like talc, some research shows that inhaling bismuth
oxychloride may be associated with respiratory disorders. From my experience, the coverage of this foundation is really nice, but it gives my oily skin an unnatural and excessive shine. It also was a little bit drying and looked cakey by the end of the day.
And in with the new...Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder SPF 20 ($42 on skinstore.com)
Jane Iredale also developed a mineral foundation that is in the same loose powder form as the bareMinerals one. Since this product isn't sold at Sephora, you may not have stumbled across it yet. But if you love bareMinerals, you'll love this loose mineral powder. Like bareMinerals, it also offers mineral-based protection and medium coverage, but I've found that the Jane Iredale formula was a little bit silkier and more hydrating. More importantly, it is free of bismuth oxychloride.
3. Cheek Stain is a more natural-looking, light-weight form of blush. In the old days,
people piled on the "rouge" to make a statement. Now, people tend to use blush to give a slight boost of color that gives the appearance of a natural, healthy glow. Cheek stains usually come in a gel or stick form and offer a sheerer level of coverage.
Out with the old...Benefit Cosmetics Benetint ($30 at Sephora)
Benefit came out with the first major cheek and lip stain a few years ago. Although I must say that's pretty natural looking and easy to apply, it also contains a large amount of methylparaben as well as BHT.
And in with the new...Perfekt Cheek Perfection Gel ($28 at Sephora)
Perfekt is a relatively new brand that makes some very nice healthy products. The Perfekt Cheek Gel is not only toxin-free, but also contains vitamins and antioxidants. It is much more light-weight and natural-looking than the Tarte product, so your glow looks like it comes from within. And the gel allows you to more easily build your own level of coverage.
4. CC Creams or complexion
correcting creams are a hybrid skincare makeup product that has multiple benefits. They
combine multiple skincare products - moisturizer (hydrates), primer
(protects and smooths), serum (repairs and protects), foundation (blurs
imperfections and evens skin tone) - into one, easy step. Although they are are very similar
to BB creams, the focus of CC's is on color correction for issues like
redness or dark spots, meaning that they often have slightly heavier
coverage, a lighter feel, and contain more vitamin C than BB's.
Out with the old...Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($42 at Sephora)
Although tons of CC creams have hit the market by now, Smashbox made one of the first ones. The coverage, hydration, light-weight feel, and long-lasting effect make it a good CC cream. However, this product uses oxybenzone as a sunscreen ingredient, which is controversial because there is some research that it is related to hormone disruption. Another downside for me personally is that it's not oil-free, so it's not as ideal for my blemish-prone skin.
And in with the new...Stila Color Correcting Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($44 at Sephora)
Stila does not use oxybenzone or other toxins in its CC cream, but the formula offers all of the same CC benefits (looks and feels just as nice) as the Smashbox product. Instead, it uses physical sunblocks, which provide a strong defense against sun damage. And it's oil-free!
5. Retinol is probably the
ingredient you hear about most with anti-aging products. Retinol is a
form of vitamin A that is naturally occurring the body. It boosts
collagen production and promotes cell turnover, keeping your skin firm
and fresh. So, retinol creams are a part of many women's skincare
routines.
Out with the old...RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($18 in drugstores)
Many of us may have seen TV ads for RoC. RoC is the mother of retinol products with their retinol eye cremes, face cremes, serums, etc. Although RoC retinol cream can be conveniently found at most drugstores, it contains parabens and BHT.
And in with the new...Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream ($85 at Sephora)
Parabens in the RoC formula shouldn't stop you from using a retinol cream. Other brands like Kate Somerville make a comparable, healthier product. This retinol cream also contains ingredients like seaweed extract and hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration as well as a RetAsphere Smart Release Carrier system to prevent irritation and dryness associated with retinol use.
So, if you love these products, make sure you're using the healthiest, more effective versions of them. Hope this helps you do so!
When it comes to beauty, I don't believe in rigid guidelines because you should really do whatever works for you. However, one rule that every girl should always follow is removing your makeup at night. Why?
That being said...there are always those times when it's inevitable that you're going to sleep in our makeup - whether you're taking a red-eye flight or crashing at a friend's place after a late night outing. The challenge is finding products that will still look great on your face when you wake up and will cause minimal disruption to your skin's overnight repair process. On those occasions, try these healthy products to keep your skin feeling as healthy and looking as fresh as possible:
The Eyes
The eyes are definitely the trickiest part when it comes to sleeping in makeup. There's no way to avoid the fact that leaving it on when you sleep can definitely make you more prone to eye infections and styes. So the following product recommendations are more based on how well they stay on while you slumber. From
personal experience, I can say that sleeping in a smokey eye look can result in looking like a raccoon when you wake up. So opt for a simpler look with shimmers and mattes only...sparkles can end up all over your face by the end of the night. In general, if you know you're going to sleep in eye makeup, stick to smudge and crease-proof products, rather than products that blend well. This means that you should stay away from pencil or powder liners. A gel or liquid liner will stay on your eyes for longer and won't smudge. I'm all for
drugstore products, but I find that they peel more easily and don't last as long as liners like the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20 at Sephora). It has a nice thin tip for a precise and smooth application and does not run or smudge. Or try the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23 at Sephora), if you're more of a gel person. It is also a very long-lasting formula and comes in some really pretty colors like Chocolate Shimmer and Hunter. Similarly, try a cream shadow like the shimmery Buxom Stay-There Eye Shadows ($18 at Sephora). They're light-weight, crease-resistant, easily to blend, and richly pigmented. And don't forget mascara!
Look for long-last mascaras that are smudge-proof rather than waterproof (since waterproof formulas are more likely to peel). The two big long-lasting, volumizing mascaras on shelves are the Maybelline XXL Pro 24HR Bold Mascara ($8 in drugstores) and the Cover Girl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara ($9 in drugstores). There's even a new, hot mascara product that lasts 72 hours! Unfortunately, the Max Factor Lashfinity 3 Day Mascara has only been released in the UK. I can't wait for it to make it over here!
The Lips
As you sleep, your lips lose moisture, so you definitely need to wear a moisturizing product at night. Your best bet for long-last lip color is always a lip stain because they literally "stain" your lips. The problem with lip stains though is that they don't provide hydration. So products like the Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm ($17 at Sephora) and the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain ($9 in drugstores) have introduced a solution in the form of balm + stains, which are similar to chubby crayons. Balm + stains are the perfect product for beautifully pigmented, soft, kissable lips morning and night.
The Face
Like your lips, your skin will also lose moisture as you sleep, and many foundations even pull moisture from your skin in order to keep from caking. Instead of a foundation, stick to a BB or CC cream for better hydration and coverage that will last. In this case, a CC like the Ole Henriksen Total Truth CC Creme Broad Spectrum 30 ($36 at Sephora) that is suited more for dry skin types will do the job. Or if you're more of a BB person, try the Dr. Jart+ V7 Beauty Balm ($36 at Sephora), which is packed with vitamins to assist with the skin-renewal process when you sleep (so that your skin is supple and radiant when you wake up!). Both products contain hylauronic acid to help your skin lock in moisture. As for your blush, try a gel formula that will stay on without drying out your skin. I've always been a fan of the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee ($22 at Sephora) because it is very natural looking, and the coverage is buildable. Plus, it water infused and formulated with coconut, a super hydrating natural ingredient. Alternatively, you can try a rollerball gel blush, which is also very natural looking. Tarte makes a nice Maracuja Blush and Go ($32 at Sephora) and for a sheerer color, use the Perfekt Cheek Perfection Gel ($28 at Sephora) with Smart Color Technology that adjusts to your skin tone. These rollerball blushes are great for sleeping because they're light-weight, moisturizing, and contain beneficial vitamins and antioxidants.
And don't forget to top it all off with powder! One of the most innovative beauty products to hit the market is the bareMinerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment ($60 at Sephora), the first makeup product that is specifically designed for sleeping. In fact, it is an overnight treatment that replenishes skin so that you wake up with a luminous glow. At the same, the powder is pigmented, providing coverage to mask imperfections, minimize pores, and even skin tone. Overall, it is pretty transfer-resistant and moisturizes without feeling oily. It's definitely one of the coolest products that I've tried!
To help your makeup last throughout the night and stick to your face rather than your pillow,
check out these tips. The morning following up your night in makeup, your complexion may look a little dull. After cleansing, try a mask that will help renew your skin and restore its natural glow. Simply smooth some JUARA Skincare Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask ($35 at skinstore.com) all over your face and rinse it off with cool water after 15 minutes...your face will be instantly brightened!
Yay! Summer is on its way, and it's certainly getting warmer. What does that mean for your skin? Since there's more moisture in the air, it's probably feel less parched than it did in January. In addition, your makeup may feel a little heavy and sticky in the heat. Check out these tips for summer beauty:
I don't know about you, but I can't stand the feeling of moisturizer on my body on a hot summer day. So one of my favorite beauty products of all time is the L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Sorbet Body Cream ($36 in department stores). It's a non-sticky, gel-like body cream that melts into your skin, provides hydration, and cools skin. Plus, the light lemon scent is perfect for the summer. Another refreshing summer product is cooling gels, which provide just enough hydration for your face in the midst of summer heat. Use the Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel ($38 at Sephora) as your evening summer moisturizer. This gel disappears into skin, but keeps moisture sealed in, brightens, and minimizes pores. And it's much more light-weight than a traditional moisturizer. 
SPF 15 for daily wear is okay for the winter, but kick it up to SPF 30 during the summer when rays are more intense. Remember that mineral sunblocks are ideal for sun protection. Just dab a generous amount of bareMinerals Advanced Protection SPF 20 Moisturizer ($30 at Sephora) on your face every morning. It hydrates and provides mineral-based sun protection. And don't leave the skin on the rest of your body defenseless against the sun! You may not care about wrinkles on your arms, but you can certainly get skin cancer there. Rub some Vaseline Aloe Fresh Body Lotion SPF 15 ($8 at drugstores) on any exposed skin - neck, shoulders, arms, hands - before you go about your day. I like this Vaseline product a lot because it's affordable, easy to find, and most importantly, healthy. For more information on SPF, mineral sunblock, and sun protection for the beach, check out: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/06/summertime-means-sunscreen-time.html
Heavy foundations can feel and look worse in hot weather. Increased oilyness, perspiration, and humidity can make your makeup feel sticky on your face and cake more easily. I know my foundation looks like a mess at the end of a 90 degree day...liquid foundations can sometimes feel as if they're melting off your face. Stick with a BB/CC/DD cream or tinted moisturizer if you can. They are a little bit lighter than an actual foundation and get absorbed by skin more easily. The Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel ($28 at Sephora) is a BB gel that is light and ideal for summer weather. If you really prefer fuller coverage, try a mineral makeup like the Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation ($40 at Sephora), which often stays better through perspiration and heat. The powder foundation type will also help control humidity-induced shine. 
There are three items that you should add to your purse during the summer. First, remember to pack your sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes against developing cataracts, but they also protect the area around your eyes from wrinkles from the sun. Second, I find myself brushing some Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Powder To-Go ($46 on dermstore.com) on my face at some point during the middle of the day. It's a weight-less, clear powder that absorbs excess oil and sets makeup. This to-go version comes with the brush and mirror attached to the powder. The powder dispenses into the brush for easy application and storage in your bag. Lastly, keep some Evian Mineral Water Spray Duo To Go ($14 at Sephora) handy to spritz your face throughout the day. The cold mist will feel so cool and refreshing on a hot day. The water formula also sets makeup, restores hydration, and helps remove sweat.
Put those deep shades away. Dark eye and lip makeup can get magnified by sunlight and often looks too heavy during the summer. Ditch the ruby lipstick for a more natural looking shimmery peach lip gloss like the Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Amber ($19 at Sephora). Shimmer is nice in the summer because it reflects the sunlight and gives off a pretty glow. Another part of summer fun is bright nail colors. The brightest pinks, oranges, blues seem more "acceptable" in the summer so take advantage of it! I personally love the new Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Pixie Slicks ($5 in drugstores), an ultra shiny bright pink color with a hint of coral...super fun and pretty for summer! 
