Beauty Secrets from Asia

Growing up, my grandmothers used to remind me to moisturize my skin every day.  As Chinese immigrants, they were extremely frugal people and never spent a dime on anything...except good moisturizers.  Why?  In Asia, there tends to be a holistic attitude toward skincare, which is reflected in the use of ingredients inspired by nature and the belief that our skin is a reflection of our inner health and wellness.  

Within the last few years, beauty has gone viral.  People everywhere have been able to share skincare tips, product reviews, and makeup looks through YouTube videos, social media, and blogs.  In the process, beauty secrets from different countries have crossed borders and spread to places like the U.S.  Many European beauty brands entered the American market decades ago, and more recently, more Asian brands have made their way here as well.

There is a lot that we can learn from Asia when it comes to beauty.  The Asian philosophy is to be as gentle as possible to your skin, which means refraining from pulling or tugging on skin.  While we in the U.S. as well as in the Western world like to tan, Asians strive for fairer complexions.  Why?  Well, it all relates to status.  Historically, in the Western world, having a tan signified that you had the financial resources to take vacations in expensive, sunny destinations.  On the other hand, in the Eastern world, a tan complexion meant that you were a part of a poorer class that made their living from physical labor in the sun.  Thus, in Asia, sun protection is important (parasols and wide brimmed hats are a must on sunny days).  

Different Asian countries have different beauty rituals.  Here are some valuable beauty secrets from some of the most influential Asian beauty capitals:

1.  Korea
First impressions are extremely important in Korean culture, and skin health certainly plays a part.  Having good skin demonstrates that a person is healthy and takes care of him/herself.  Tons of recent cosmetic staples like BB creams that we've recently discovered in America have been around in Korea for years.  In general, Koreans are pioneers in hydrating cosmetics and often use products like water masks and cleansing oils regularly that keep skin looking radiant.  One of the newer trends that has made its way from Korea is royal jelly in skincare products.  Royal jelly is naturally derived from bee pollen and offers healing, moisturizing, anti-aging, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties.  So, all skin types - mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, normal, etc. - can benefit from it.  Additionally, Korean products often incorporate ginseng, which is a

strong antioxidant and provides defense against aging. 
 
Korean Brand Product Recommendations:

• Dr. Jart+ V7 Beauty Balm ($36 at Sephora)
• Amorepacific Treatment Cleansing Oil Face & Eyes ($50 at Sephora)
• La Neige Water Sleeping Pack ($27 on amazon.com)

2.  Japan
Japanese women age really well because they take excellent care of their skin.  Many of their skincare habits originate from the days of geishas.  Geishas wore bright lip sticks and dark eye brows, so Japanese color cosmetics are often bolder than other Asian brands.  Although it was typical for geishas to cake on piles of makeup, they still had beautiful skin because they took measures to repair and replenish it when they weren't working.  While most women in the U.S. stick to the core 3: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, it is common for Japanese women to have daily 7+ step regiments.  In the process, they nourish their skin with super ingredients for the skin like rice bran and nightingale droppings.  Rice bran is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E that is an extremely powerful skin softener that soothes, smooths, and leaves skin feeling elastic and supple.  It also provides antioxidant protection that helps slow signs of aging.  Nightingale droppings sound nasty, but the ones used in facials are sterilized so no need to worry!  Celebs like Victoria Beckham get nightingale dropping facials regularly.  It's worth trying if you can get over the thought of

it because it has enzymes that help break down dead skin cells to exfoliate.  The droppings are also full of guanine to bring out a healthy and beautiful sheen.  Interestingly, Japan is a small country with a smaller population, but it is the second largest world beauty market.  It is the home to many powerful plant botanicals that are becoming popular in American skincare products.  One of my favorite skincare brands is Boscia, which is essentially a Japanese/American fusion brand, combining powerful Japanese BOtanicals with Western SCientific techniques (Get it?  Botanicals + Science = Boscia).  


Japanese Brand Product Recommendations

• Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Exfoliating Discs ($65 at Sephora) with rice bran
• Uguisu Poo Uguisu (Nightingale Droppings) No Fun Clarifying Mask ($27 on amazon.com) 
• Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Essences II ($126 at Sephora) 

 

3.  China
Skincare has always been a priority for most Chinese women, since skin appearance is a reflection of how healthy a person is.  Ancient beauty secrets such as applying crushed pearl powder to the skin started in China.  Pearl powder is expensive because it is perhaps one of the most powerful skincare ingredients that you can use.  First of all, it is detoxifying and healing.  It also smooths and softens skin by stimulating processes including collagen production, cell regeneration, and cell repair.  Most importantly, it is brightening, leaving your complexion more even and with a pearly luster.  On the other hand, makeup is just starting to become popular in the China.  Decades ago, Mao Zedong outlawed self-expression through fashion so that wearing makeup, accessories, certain hairstyles, and colorful clothing were illegal.  However, now that the social and political climate in China is changing and people have
more disposable income, Chinese women seem to have a newfound love of beauty products.  In fact, the Chinese interest in beauty has grown to the point that it is currently the fourth largest beauty market after the U.S., Brazil, and Japan.  Estee Lauder even launched a brand called Osiao specifically for the Chinese market.  I wouldn't be surprised if we see the growth of more Chinese brands in the near future... 

Product Recommendations (there aren't really any major Chinese brands yet in the US)

• Jane Iredale Limited Edition Triple Pearl Finishing Powder ($68 on beauty.com)
  

 

4.  Indonesia
Indonesian personal care is based on Jamu, traditional, herbal Indonesian medicine.  Because of the tropical climate in Indonesia, exotic super plants flourish, and have been worked into cosmetics.  For example, turmeric, a part of the ginger family, is a strong spice that is used in Indonesian cooking.  However, it is also a strong antioxidant in the fight against aging, and its healing powers make it suitable for

blemish-prone skin as well.  Drinking health elixirs such as kombucha supports the philosophy that what you put into your body affects skin appearance just as much as what you put on it.  Kombucha is fermented black tea that helps tighten and smooth fine lines and provides antioxidant protection.  And don't forget that the caffeine helps reduce puffiness so that you appear more awake.      
 
Product Recommendations

• JUARA Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask ($35 on skinstore.com)
• JUARA Sweet Black Tea & Rice Facial Moisturizer ($49 on skinstore.com)  

For more on Asian beauty secrets, check out Asian Beauty Secrets: Ancient & Modern Tips from the Far East by Dr. Marie Jhin who is a dermatologist and beauty expert.  I attended her book signing and can say from experience that she is a really knowledgeable and sweet person.  And not to mention that she does not have a single wrinkle or dark spot ;)

**All product recommendations are toxin-free.

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. 

What Does My Beauty Routine Look Like?

My birthday is right around the corner.  Like a true beauty addict, I can't help but think about my beauty routine as a 21-year-old, as I reflect back through the past year.  I figured I would share my daily beauty routine and the products that I use with you.

[Disclaimer:  don't be alarmed by how many products I use on a daily basis]


Morning Skincare:

• AHAVA Purifying Mud Soap ($10 at Ulta) as a gentle face cleanser.
• Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee Anti-Wrinkle Serum ($62 at Sephora)
  to fight wrinkles and provide an antioxidant protection shield against free radicals and pollutants as I go through the day.
• Ole Henriksen Total Truth Vitamin C Eye Creme SPF 15 ($45 at Sephora) It's one of the very few natural eye creams that I can find with SPF, and it happens to feel really nice :)
• Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer SPF 15 Sensitive Skin ($9 at Ulta)

Makeup

• Smashbox Primer Photo Finish Lid Primer ($20 at Sephora)

• Almay Intense I-Color Smoky-I Kit for Brown Eyes ($7 at Ulta)
• Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner in Chocolate Shimmer ($23 at department stores)
• Eylure Naturalites Voluminous Eyelashes 020 ($6 in drugstores)
• Too Faced Liquif-Eye Eyeliner ($18 on toofaced.com) as an extra clear seal over eyeliner to ensure that it doesn't budge all day long.
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes ($19 at Sephora) on the bottom lashes (the falsies go on the top)
• Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($44 in department stores)
• Alison Raffaele Face Forward Primer SPF 15 - Acne Response ($46 on dermstore.com)
• Almay Smart Shade Mousse Makeup ($14 at Ulta)
• Alison Raffaele Incandescent Luminizer in Yellow ($28 on beauty.com) as an under eye concealer. The lighter color helps mask dark circles and highlight eye makeup.
• Alison Raffaele True Concealer ($25 on dermstore.com)

• Bobbi Brown Blush in Sand Pink ($26 in department stores)
• Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Warm Natural ($37 in department stores)
• Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Powder ($28 on beauty.com)
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Rose Petal ($25 in department store) lipsticks often look more natural than lip glosses for everyday wear since they aren't as shiny.
• Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($29 at Sephora) to solidify your makeup on your face for the rest of the day.

Shower

• Jason Pure Natural Body Wash in Invigorating Rosewater ($12 on drugstore.com)
• Lily of the Desert Aloe Gelly ($10 at Whole Body)  is more natural and light-weight than a regular lotion and keeps skin soft and supple enough.  Afterwards, I also like to nourish skin by spritzing with:
• Solar Recover Save Your Skin Spray ($12 at Whole Body)
• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($9 at drugstores) on my hands and feet right before I sleep followed by covering my feet with:
• Yu-Be Heel & Elbow Moisturizing Socks ($13 on beauty.com) when I sleep.

Evening Skincare

• Bertolli Classic Olive Oil ($10 at grocery stores) as a makeup remover because it's more natural and better for your skin than baby oil
• JUARA Rice Facial Scrub ($29 on skinstore.com)
• JUARA Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner ($29 on dermstore.com)
• Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($44 at Sephora)
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($79 at Sephora)
• Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil ($46 at Ulta) as a brightening vitamin C moisturizer in the fall/winter or Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($48 at Sephora) as a vitamin E moisturizer to help fight against sun damage in the spring/summer.  The have vitamins that are more potent than those found in creams.
• EOS Organic Lip Balm Sphere in Sweet Mint ($3 at Target)
• JUARA Rose & Willowbark Blemish Free Mask ($35 on skinstore.com) as a spot treatment for zits, white heads, and black heads (it works just as well as toothpaste doesn't leave skin red and over-dried)

Weekly Rituals 

• On Sunday nights, I give myself a face some extra attention to brighten up for the week ahead.  I wash my face with my Clarisonic Mia in Pink ($125 at Ulta) and use a JUARA Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask ($35 on skinstore.com) before applying my serums and moisturizers.  I also give the rest of my body some extra attention by swapping my aloe and essential oil spray for something more intensively hydrating, the Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime ($7.50 at Ulta).  

Keeping Your Skin Soft Even in Cold Winter Weather

It is officially winter, and the cold weather is certainly here!  Cold air tends to be drier, which means that your skin may be feeling a little parched around now.  Although your skin may not feel as hydrated as it does during the summer, there are a few steps you can take to make sure that your skin looks and feels soft even during cold weather.

First, let's sort out the terms.  Hydrating/moisturizing literally means feeding your skin water or something that will pull moisture into your skin.  This category generally includes traditional lotions and creams.  Softening your skin is a term that is more inclusive.  You can soften skin by exfoliating, or sloughing off rough dead skin cells, as well as by helping your skin retain a healthy amount of water.  Ingredients like sweet almond oil and rice starch are softening, rather than hydrating for skin.  So, mix up your skincare to include products that do both in your routine.  That way, you'll combat dry skin from multiple angles.  

Second, don't put too put energy into piling on heavy creams.  Your skin can only absorb a certain amount of moisturizer, so applying thick layers of your face cream means that it will just sit on top of your skin.  Also, certain creams, especially ones that are not oil-free can clog your pores if you overdo it.  Instead, think about the ingredients that you're using in your moisturizer.  

Here are some common ingredients in skincare products today that will help optimize skin hydration:

• Ceramides are lipid molecules that are naturally occurring in the skin's intercellular matrix. They help protect your skin by acting as an adhesive that holds skin cells together and creates a protective barrier against water loss.  Environmental skin stressors like dry air and sun damage can reduce your supply of ceramides.  So, use the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum ($72 on skinstore.com) before you apply your evening moisturizer to maintain a healthy level of ceramides, keeping your skin protected and hydrated.
• Glycerin is an emollient and a humectant (substance that attracts water).  Thus, it helps maintain an appropriate water balance in your intercellular matrix.  Glycerin also promotes cell turnover and repair, so you can use to reduce discoloration and even skin tone.  If you've ever felt pure glycerin (which you can buy at most grocery stores), it has a thick, lubricating feeling that makes your skin feel instantly moisturized.  To prevent chapped hands this winter, lather up with some Avalon Organics Glycerin Liquid Soap in Lavender ($8 in grocery stores).
• Shea butter, which comes from African karite shea tree nuts, is rich in fatty acids as well as vitamins A and E.  This popular skincare ingredient locks in moisture and
  
  keeps skin supple by helping your skin cells retain water.  In addition, shea butter has soothing properties that make it a refreshing treatment for dry and cracked heels, lips, and joints.  You can actually buy raw shea butter at drug stores, or simply try a moisturizer with shea butter like the Tree Hut Shea Extra-Rich Lotion ($6.50 at Ulta).  
• Hyaluronic acid is also naturally occurring in your body.  It helps your skin retain water to maintain a supple, smooth, elastic appearance.  You can actually even sort by products that contain hyaluronic acid on sephora.com.  Just rub some JUARA Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner ($29 on dermstore.com) over your face every morning and night, and your skin will feel instantly soft.

I know many of us love Vaseline, Aquaphors, and baby oil as a quick fix for dry skin.  However, these products are primarily petrolatum and mineral oil.  Rather than getting absorbed by the skin to soften skin from within, petrolatum and mineral oil sit on top of skin, creating a lubricating barrier.  In other words, these age-old treatments put a bandage on the problem of dry skin rather than actually help fix it. 

In addition to choosing your products wisely, make sure that you're using lukewarm water to wash your face and body.  Afterwards, apply your moisturizer immediately after washing, (within the first 2 minutes after cleansing is ideal) 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.  I like to keep a bottle of moisturizer in the shower.  After showering, I use my towel to pat myself dry (rubbing will removing too much water from your skin) and then quickly rub my lotion into my skin.  

So this winter, remember to keep warm and keep soft :)

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?

Sleeping Beauty

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?  

• First of all, makeup generally stays on for a fixed amount of time, so when you wake up, it will look faded, caked, and/or smudged.   
• Second, having mascara or liner on your eyes when you sleep can allow for the formation of bacteria-causing styes and infections.  Similarly, having powder on your face can trap bacteria and assist in acne formation.  
• Lastly, your skin needs oxygen and nutrients to repair itself while you're asleep, which it can't necessarily do with makeup sitting on your pores. 

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!

Treating Acne Naturally - Is it possible?

If you have oily, blemish-prone skin like mine, preventing pimples is a big part of your skincare process.  One myth that I hear a lot is that you can't treat acne with natural products.  What's my take on the subject?  I think that you can't treat severe acne (the type that requires prescription ointments or pills) holistically.  But mild to moderate acne, which you would typically battle with your classic over-the-counter Oxy, Stridex, Clearasil, etc., can definitely be treated with natural products.  In fact, if typical drugstore products aren't working for you, you should try using natural products before you see a dermatologist about prescription options.  

Why?  The problem with many over-the-counter mass acne products is that they can be very aggressive.  In fact, many of them use sulfates or alcohol as agents to dry oil and clean pores, but they are often so harsh that they can strip your skin of even good, natural oils.  As a result, your skin can become irritated and inflamed, stimulating the formation of pimples.  Overdrying your skin by using these products can also lead your skin to overproduce oil.  All of these factors may prevent typical drugstore products from clearing up blemishes and may actually cause acne to get even worse.

Natural products are often more gentle on the skin that is prone to acne.  Many of them utilize natural forms of the synthetically derived acne-fighting ingredients found in Stridex or Oxy products minus the harsh cleaning and drying agents and minus the fragrance and other irritants.   

Understanding some of the main natural-acne fighting ingredients can help you choose the right products for yourself.  

Let's start with the basics:

Breakouts = Oil + Bacteria + Inflammation + Clogged Pores

So...to treat breakouts, target each of these "risk factors" for acne.

Fight bacteria...by cleaning

There are many natural ingredients including aloe, turmeric, tea tree oil, juniper oil, and honey, which have natural antiseptic properties.  In other words, they help naturally prevent bacteria-causing acne from mingling on the skin.  A popular, natural, over-the-counter product is the Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick ($7.99 in drugstores), which contains both tea tree and juniper oil.  These powerful plant-derived oils will help clean up what your cleanser may have missed.  Then, treat your skin to the cooling Jason Pure Natural Moisturizing Creme with 84% aloe vera ($6.42 in drugstores) to keep your face extra clean.

Fight oil...by purifying

Some of us, usually younger women, have oily skin.  It's nothing to fret about because oil is a naturally produced substance in the skin that keeps it supple and elastic (in fact oilier skin types tend to age better).  However, in order to keep those pores clean and free of impurities and excess oil, look for detoxifying ingredients like ginger, apple, and baking soda.  One of my favorite purifying moisturizers is the JUARA Skincare Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer ($49 on dermstore.com).  I also happen to love the Suki Bio-Active Purifying Face Serum ($82.95 at Whole Body).  The apple is great for clarifying pores, and I especially love the slight fruity smell and the weight-less, soft feel.

Prevent clogged pores...by exfoliating

In addition to impurities, dead skin cells can clog your pores.  Exfoliating is essentially ridding your skin of dead skin cells and other debris. Hydroxy acids, primarily salicylic acid and retinol help your skin turnover cells more efficiently and shed the dead ones. Plants such as willowbark are natural sources of salicylic acid.  So, try the Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Face Cleanser ($7.99 at drugstores) with willowbark.  You can also try following it up with the MyChelle Clear Skin Serum ($33 at Whole Body), which features retinol as a debri-removing ingredient.

Prevent inflammation...by calming

In order to prevent pores from becoming inflamed, opt for products that will minimize irritation with natural calming/anti-inflammatory qualities, despite dirt and oil build-ups on the skin.  For example, ingredients like rose, teas, and rice bran will soothe your skin and reduce any signs of skin conditions.  The Melvita Damask Rose Floral Water ($25 at Whole Body) can be used as a hydrating toner to tighten pores and refresh your skin. Or try the JUARA Skincare Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner ($29 on dermstore.com).  With rice bran, anti-oxidant packed teas, AND hylauronic acid, (which naturally helps skin retain moisture), this toner will help improve almost any skin condition and most definitely keep your skin clear and soft.

Ideally, a multi-pronged attack to fight acne in multiple ways would be your best bet against

pimples.  In other words, having a skincare routine that incorporates ingredients that specifically target each causal factor (oil, bacteria, clogged pores, inflammation) is often an effective strategy.  My favorite natural acne-fighter has to be the JUARA Skincare Rose & Willowbark Blemish-Free Mask ($35 on dermstore.com).  I use it not only as a mask to prevent breakouts, but also as a spot treatment (just dab a little on your skin before bedtime and your zit will be zapped by the morning).  This product combines a key calming ingredient with an exfoliating ingredient, which has made it a really effective acne fighter for me, personally.  And, I often find that acne-fighting products can be strong and drying.  However, the JUARA mask is really gentle and non-drying. 

So don't be fooled!  There are a lot of really great natural products that are efficacious in battling acne.  What are your favorites?