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Tag Archives : cleanser

Nail The No-makeup Look In Seven Minutes

Ten months ago, at 40, I became a mother. As a marketing executive turned entrepreneur, I’ve always spent 80% of my time at work. The addition of a baby has been quite an adjustment. I’m still working like a machine but have had to tweak (OK maybe more than tweak) my routine in order to accommodate the even greater deficit of time that a baby brings to the mix. In short, the no makeup look has become an absolute must for me. My repertoire consists of seven steps (but can be cliff-noted a bit – just skip step 1A and 4A).

Ironically, makeup is the least important part of the no-makeup look. What separates the women from the girls is investing a handful of minutes, every day, to establish a consistent self care ritual. Not everyone is going to cleanse, apply two serums, a moisturizer, face oil and under eye cream…like I do – yes, two serums. That said, the secret behind an authentic no-makeup look is having beautiful, healthy skin to build-on. If you make the commitment to nurture your skin upfront, you’ll save a ton of time and energy in the long run. Five to six minutes (seven tops) is all you’ll need.

Don’t have a skin care regimen in place?

Start with a cleanser and moisturizer. These should be used in the morning and at night before bed – even if you’re exhausted and can’t be bothered. If you’re in your twenties or early thirties, you might not need more. Once you have your basic system down pat, especially if you are 35+, try adding a serum and under eye cream. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash your face!

Sounds easy enough – right? But at night, after a long day, the thought of taking your clothes off before climbing into bed may be daunting enough, let alone dragging yourself into the bathroom to wash your face and remove your makeup. The good news is there are multi-tasking products out there and they save loads of time. Why use four products when you can use one? Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm is an award winning, quadruple-threat spa in a jar. This British import is a moisturizing, deep-cleansing, exfoliating, makeup-removing cleanser, mask and leave on overnight treatment (I also use it as a lip mask) that doesn’t strip the skin of its essential oils. The key ingredient, moringa, is a superfood that contains nine essential amino acids, Vitamins A & C, Iron and Calcium and is packed with protein and antioxidants. Medical research has revealed that it not only calms inflammation in many tissues of the body, including the skin, but also helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol. I also brew a tea, daily, made from ginger, moringa and lemongrass. This concoction is known as Bush Tea on many Caribbean Islands and is often the first remedy administered at the onset of a cold, flu, headache…well anything. I am a big believer in holistic beauty – take care of your insides and it will reflect on the outside.

Holistic-beauty-travel-beautyStep 1A: Serious Serum

If you are going to go for the gold and incorporate a treatment serum into your skin care ritual, Sapelo Skin Care Spring Tide Serum is an excellent choice. Truth be told, it can be used as a stand alone treatment product. It contains high concentrations of a potent cocktail of proteins, peptides, amino acids, active Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and E, as well as Selenium, Magnesium, Copper and Zinc. The magic ingredient is a 5% highly blenderized, unfertilized, organic Norwegian Salmon Roe Extract. This extract stimulates growth in the dermis boosting the skin’s ability to build collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. In other words, it works.

Step 2: Hydrate

I happened upon an exceptionally high-tech line of cosmeceuticals in Switzerland called EVENSWISS, which is backed by 30 years of scientific research. This revolutionary anti-aging (or pro-aging – I’m actually ok with calling a spade a spade) skin care line utilizes cutting-edge signaling technology along with pure concentrations of a unique patented complex to promote the skin’s elasticity by sending signals to cells in the deepest layers of the dermis. These signals stimulate cells to produce increased collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, literally regenerating new healthy skin cells. EVENSWISS Rich Regenerating Cream, the star product of the line, is an ultra light formulation ideal for sensitive, reactive and/or dry skin as well as pregnant women. Pregnancy can interfere with normal cellular activity and send skin into a tizzy. EVENSWISS’ moisturizer nurtures and repairs stressed skin.

Now for the NO-MAKEUP cakewalk

Step 3: Mascara application

The type of mascara you use is much less important than how you apply it. I happen to be using Le Volume De Chanel right now. I also like Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black. The trick is combing your lashes before and after you apply mascara with Tweezerman Folding ILashcomb. It separates and elongates lashes so you don’t wind up with what I call spider clump lashes. ILashcomb has metal spokes – so be careful! Finally, place your pinky finger right under your lower lash line, horizontally and blink your eyes a handful of times. This will remove the excess mascara so it doesn’t run or work its way into your under eye highlighter later on.

Step 4: Lashes and brows

If you have beautiful, thick, long lashes, they can never be voluminous enough and if you are in need of a lash and/or brow boost, you MUST try Jessica Johnson Classic Beauty Brow and Lash Conditioning Serum. Just apply a light coat above your upper lash line and/or on brows before bed. This is the real deal and it not only spurs hair growth but conditions as well. I have tried a number of reputable, over the counter lash serums only to have an allergic reaction. I had no sensitivity with this conditioning serum and it really works.

Step 4A: Under eye cream

You’ve now finished your mascara application. What’s next? Take a damp Q-tip and sweep it across your under eye area to ensure that no mischievous mascara flakes have set up house there. Sweep the area again with a dry Q-tip to soak up excess water. At this point, I apply an under eye cream. (Skipping this step? Go straight to step five.) If you prefer more of a serum-like texture I recommend EVENSWISS Rejuvenating Eye Complex. If you are partial to a creamier formula, try Emma Hardie Age Support Eye Cream. They are both fantastic and you will see results.

The no-makeup look travel beauty

Step 5: Under eye highlighter

Apply an under eye highlighter focusing on the area under the inner eye and then sweep out and dab to blend. It’s important to pick the right shade. Right now I’m using Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat in Luminous Vanilla. I am fair skinned and prefer less coverage. The Touche Éclat line has shades to fit every skin shade and coverage preference. If I develop a blemish I use a dab of Touche Éclat to camouflage it as well.

Step 6: Powder bronzer

For the finishing touch, sweep Institut Esthederm Sunshine Care Powder over the apples of your cheeks with a medium sized blush brush. It provides just enough color to give you a healthy, sun kissed glow and the small compact is wonderful for travel and gals on the go. It’s a handbag must have.

Step 7: Lip gloss

I almost forgot the lip gloss. Lancôme Juicy Tubes are my old stand-by. I know they’re old school but they keep my perpetually chapped lips moist and the colors are ultra shimmery – which I love. Marshmallow Electra is my favorite color.

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By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

 

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Interview With Emma Hardie

We are infatuated with beauty experts, entrepreneurs and products that empower women to take care of their skin holistically. Women in the U.S. are beginning to understand that the hunt for a miracle in a bottle is akin to the search for the holy grail – it simply doesn’t exist. Instead we may need to learn more about ourselves and our skin and develop habits that will take care of it over time. The move to what I call holistic preventative skin care has finally landed on the shores of the U.S. and is starting to take root.

A significant part of this movement is not so much about putting a band aid on skin problems once they occur but taking proactive steps to nurture and protect the dermis so imperfections never have a chance to emerge. Instead of using harsh products and procedures that break the skin down to build it up, the idea is to use ingredients that work with the skin’s natural functions to boost its health and luminosity.

Emma Hardie is considered to be a leading pioneer in natural healing and skin rejuvenation and is the most accomplished holistic aesthetician in the UK today. She is known for treating the skin from the bone up.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Emma to discuss her approach to skin care.

How did you land in the skin care industry?

EH: I started out as an interior designer and fell on ill health, which made it not only necessary for me to change my career, but to heal myself. I began researching the details of the human body and discovered that with the right catalyst, our bodies have the wherewithal to heal themselves. Part of the healing process, for me, involved facial acupuncture and exercises, which boosted my body’s ability to heal itself. I noticed that it did the same for my skin. Working optimally, my skin began to rebalance itself and started to look great. I was inspired to show women how to feel and look great by empowering them to heal their bodies naturally

What is your philosophy?

EH: I developed a facial and skin care range based on the research I had done. Skin is living. I discovered it is possible to optimize the skin’s natural functions by working with it, using hi-tech, plant based ingredients to build it up instead of using harsh ingredients and treatments to fight against it.

What do you love most about what you do?

EH: So much! I love immersing myself in the research – the R & D piece of the work is fascinating. Understanding the human body and ingredients at the atomic level and how they interact with each other is fascinating. I also love educating people on the process  - empowering women to heal themselves naturally and see results.

What is the most important piece of skin care advice you give your clients?

EH: Use a nourishing cleanser, moisturizer and SPF product regularly. The emphasis should be on the massaging technique. All must be applied in downward or cross hatch strokes, working with the grain of facial tissue and lymphatics. It brings up the water levels in the skin, allowing products to penetrate deeper into the layers of the dermis and promoting lymphatic drainage. This process optimizes the skin’s ability to carry out its activities at the cellular level. Using a microfiber wash cloth boosts the efficacy of the process. staying out of the sun and drinking water are incredibly important as well. If you are dehydrated the organs of the body can’t work optimally – this includes the skin.

If you had to recommend a single product that you would encourage people to splurge on, what would it be?

EH: neck product. Beauty does not end at the chin. The neck supports the face and creates a complete structure. It should all be beautiful. The neck and chest area are the loveliest part of a woman, not to mention one of the most erogenous zones. A graceful neck makes one look elegant like a swan and more importantly makes a woman feel elegant. A neck serum enables the skin to absorb creams more readily and together correct issues that may be present. I just love serums.

facial-massage-Emma-HardieWhat is your process for creating products in your range?

EH: It takes passion and loads of work. First and foremost, it’s about the face. Breaking it down and determining what bits deserve the most attention and Emma Hardie love. Teamwork is crucial. The best results come from working in an environment where you have the freedom to be creative and have fun. We also do a great deal of product testing, market research and trials. We are creating products for people we don’t know and that’s hard – everyone has her own preferences for product texture and smell – I want to make effective skincare that makes women feel comfortable. Products that sit seamlessly under foundation, smell pleasant and stimulate the olfactory senses.

There has been a shift in attitudes surrounding the term anti-aging as it relates to skin care. What are your thoughts?

EH: Age has many positives. We become more mature, wiser and more at peace with our surroundings and ourselves. We also begin to embrace change, investing more time in taking better care of ourselves as we get older. We need to work with our bodies to enable them to change gracefully. If we are always fighting against the changes that begin to occur in our skin as we age, we will not look natural. Instead, we can use ingredients that help our skin look and feel great at any age. Fighting age with abrasive products and treatments cause irritation, damage the skin and in many cases accomplish the opposite of what we are trying to achieve.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

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How to Pack Your Beauty Products For An Overnight Trip

Packing beauty products for an overnight trip is not as simple as it seems (or as simple as my husband would like it to be). There’s a nighttime routine, a morning routine and various and sundry beauty incidentals to take into consideration. I pack so many products because I don’t want to wake up with, say, a monstrous pimple and have nothing with which to treat it. Like a true Beauty Scout, I am always prepared.

Face

  • I have been loving this Binchotan Charcoal Facial Cleansing Mask lately. It can be used as a cleanser, makeup remover and/or mask. Don’t let the dark color or thick texture fool you, it is totally gentle enough to use on eyes. Every time I use it I get a compliment on my skin, and I notice a difference in my overall skin quality as well. I like to have this purifying product on hand in case my skin is acting up/breaking out.
  • I am still in search of the very best drugstore face wipe as I blow through them so quickly. These Yes To Carrots Facial Wipes are ok, though I need at least 2 to feel truly clean. This would be understandable if I wore a lot of makeup, but I wear little to no makeup, so I feel like one wipe should be sufficient!
  • Love packing my many mini products from Heaven Skincare: Bee Venom Mask, Formula Bee Eyes and New Edition Cleansing Cream. They are all fantastic – truly anti-aging. I usually don’t like cream cleansers because many don’t leave my skin feeling as clean as I’d like it to feel (which is to say, squeaky). This one does, and like the Binchotan Charcoal Face Mask, it is gentle enough to use on eyes.
  • These two B. Kamins products are classics in my book: Renewal Serum, is a serum in cream form, which I really like as its easy to apply and easy to layer with other products. I see a real difference in cell turnover and overall quality of skin when I use this serum. It works really well to get rid of the red spots that linger too long after a pimple goes away. I like to put it on and then apply the Bee Venom Mask on top of it. Sometimes I’ll apply an oil, too, before anything else. Kypris Beauty and Emma Hardie (coming soon to Travel Beauty) make really nice face oils. B. Kamins BB Cream evens out my skin tone and gives my skin the slightest luminescence. It’s one of the only BBs I’ve found that isn’t too orange for me…that is to say, too orange for someone as pale as I am!

Body – My Favorite!

  • I’d LOVE to pack my Sasawashi Body Scrub Towel so I can use it every day, but I do allow myself some practicality-based packing transgressions. A nice, nubby washcloth is just fine to use for one shower, and then I don’t have to worry about transporting a damp Body Scrub Towel (mild-ewww). Besides, my very favorite body wash contains glycolic acid, and is therefore itself exfoliating. Glytone Body Wash is probably the most un-green beauty product I use, but it is so good that I just won’t give it up. It not only smoothes and softens my skin (even my heels!) but it also helps prevent body breakouts like nothing else – a must if the gym/sweating gives you pimples.
  • Now for body moisture products! Acure Organics and/or Mio Skincare & Lavido for body. I mix these with a Heaven Skincare Cellulite & Firming Oil  and apply everywhere. The Lavido lotion is awesome to apply to hands and arms throughout the day, and especially right before bed – the lavender scent is very soothing.
  • Everyone needs a tongue scraper; once you start doing it, you’ll never stop. I wrote a whole blog – complete with professional opinion – about the practice of tongue scraping. Every time I get my teeth cleaned, my dentist says how clean my teeth are, and I know it’s because I scrape religiously.

And Off to Sleep

  • Last but not least, here is one of my newer treats: My Binchotan Charcoal Eye Mask! The layer of charcoal in this eye mask helps increase circulation, soothe eye area and relieve optical nerve fatigue. It’s like black out shades for my eyes, and helps me fall asleep so much faster than usual…which is HUGE for an insomniac like me!

Hair

  • Pack right tip: packing large bottles of shampoo and conditioner can be a headache. If you absolutely must pack a shampoo and conditioner Philip Kingsley makes convenient ready to go Jet Sets for every hair type.
  • That said - I never leave home without Phylia de M. Connect and/or ReConnect hair & scalp treatment. Phylia de M. is my favorite beauty brand to launch in the past ~2 years, I wrote not one, but two blogs about why I love this brand so…the products are just phenomenal.
  • Styling-wise: Arrojo Volume Foam. It’s usually the only thing I put in my hair. I never blow dry my hair (blog post all about that on the way). I just let it air dry a bit and then lightly scrunch this in. Maybe I’ll work a little May Lindstrom The Good Stuff into the ends and bangs if I want a more polished look with some piece-y texture, but it comes in a heavy glass bottle, so it’s not something I want to travel with. Instead, I use whatever leftover body cream/oil I have on my hands and work that into my ends, much to the same effect.

Think this is too much to pack for an overnight trip? Let us know what beauty products you won’t sleep out without!

 

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