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The Double-Cleanse Method: Dermalogica
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Double Cleanse to help relieve skin dullness, congestion and more.
The International Dermal Institute, the brains behind skin care line Dermalogica, conducted a research study that found most women only spend approximately 20 seconds washing their face. Unfortunately, even with the strongest of cleansers, a single cleanse cannot effectively penetrate and remove the dirt, oil, makeup, debris, sun-screen and pollutants left on the skin. In the long run your skin will start to look dull and be more prone to congestion and breakouts. Thus, the Dermalogica Double Cleanse was born.
The first step of the Dermalogica Double Cleanse is PreCleanse. PreCleanse is formulated with plant-based oils that melt the layers of oil-based debris on your skin because the oil molecules bond to each other, unlike the water molecules in your usual cleanser. These oils then emulsify when you add water, encapsulating and removing the trapped debris, thus allowing the second step of the cleanse to penetrate even further than before. PreCleanse is the best oil-based cleanser I have tried. Extremely gentle yet amazingly effective.
The second step of the Dermalogica Double Cleanse is the Special Cleansing Gel (or any recommended Dermalogica cleanser). The Special Cleansing Gel is a gentle, soap-free, foaming gel cleanser that removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. Calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts soothe the skin, while natural Quillaja Saponaria gently foams away toxins and debris for a super-clean surface. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.
With all of these new products on the markets, such as primers, BB Creams, fillers and long-lasting cosmetics – the Double Cleanse Method is the only way to get your skin clean. These products are filled with silicons and oils that a single cleanse cannot penetrate. Try this method and I am sure you will never go back.
Performing the Dermalogica Double Cleanse:
1. Remove eye and lip make-up by dispensing PreCleanse onto damp cotton.
2. Shake a generous amount of PreCleanse into dry hands and spread between the palms.
3. Sweep PreCleanse across neck, cheeks and forehead. Begin the step-by-step Dermalogica Professional Cleansing Technique listed below.
b. Continue by circling chin and cheeks, paying special attention to areas of congestion.
c. Use one fingertip on both sides of the nostril, then circle around the side and top of the nose.
d. Come between the eyebrows and continue circles over forehead, making sure to include the hairline.
e. Wet hands and massage over PreCleanse to create a light, milky emulsion.
4. Remove with the dampened cleansing cloth to gently exfoliate for ultra-clean, super smooth skin!
5. Commence second cleanse with recommended Dermalogica Cleanser.
How To: Lips & Lashes
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Holiday parties are the perfect opportunity to take risks and add a little drama to your makeup look. My favorite festive look is sophisticated, classic and can be worn at any event. Lips & Lashes. By highlighting both of these features you will look instantly polished at any event this season.
LIPS: Prep your pout for mistletoe kisses. Go with classic red or a bold bordeaux. For those who are not used to wearing a bold lip, it’s time to get confident and try something new for your next holiday event.
For finding the best red for your skintone and how to apply the party-ready lip – check out these posts:
Four Favorites: Red Lipstick
How To: Perfect Red Lip
LASHES: If you have been wanting to experiment with false lashes, let this holiday season be your time to take the leap. Get fiercely flirty eyes in minutes using individual lashes.
Individual lashes are great for beginners. They look extremely natural, are comfortable to wear and easy to apply. Additionally, these lashes can also be placed wherever you need them. Add to the corners of the eyes for a bit of extra interest or to the center of the eye for an instant doe-like effect or all over for extra thickening and lengthening.
Individual false eyelashes come in two options: flares and singles. For a more dramatic look – try flares. I suggest getting them in small or medium (long… is really long). Flared lashes are available in two types: knotted and knot-free. Knotted have a knot at the top of the cluster to join the lashes. They provide extra surface area that make applying a little easier. However, knot-free look more natural.
NEED & RECOMMENDED:
♦ Lashes: Duralash Natural Knot-Free Medium Black
♦ Glue: Duo Eyelash Adhesive
♦ Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant
♦ Eyelash Curler: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Eyelash Curler
♦ Mascara: Giorgio Armani ‘Eyes to Kill’ Mascara
HOW TO:
- Use tweezers to grasp the sprig of lashes as close to the base as possible.
- Place a dot of glue on a flat surface and dip the base of the sprig into the glue using a light touch.
- KEY TIP: Wait at least 10 seconds for the glue to get tacky before applying.
- Now, start on the outer corner and lay the lash behind your natural lash. Use a “picket-fence” approach when applying.
- Once the glue is dry, curl the lashes close to the base of your lashes, being careful not to press too hard. The faux lashes will curl much more than your natural lashes.
- Then, finish by applying mascara to “marry” the faux with your natural lashes.
Five Favorites: Lip Treatments
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The product on everybody’s lips… Lip Treatments.
Moisturizing lip conditioners are some of my favorite products. Essential for getting rid of dry, chapped lips, these treatments care and protect all-year-round. Slather them on day/night, in-flight, in-car… anytime. My current five favorites are:
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: Full Post Review: HERE
Homeoplasmine Cream: One of my French pharmacy favorites, this multi-purpose ointment soothes, protects and moisturizes the lips/skin. The homeopathic cream was originally created to heal the nasal passages from colds, allergies, and treat skin irritations. However, it is amazing on dry lips as it literally heals them before your eyes. I love the non-greasy consistency and the natural matte finish. Great for travel, this cream will quench jet-lagged lips/skin and the aluminum casing ensures the product will last forever. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find in the US. Sorry.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy: Brings the healing power of First Aid Beauty’s best-selling Ultra Repair Cream to moisturize, nourish, and protect your lips. This long-lasting, petroleum-free and paraben-free formula will prevent dryness and heal parched lips. On its own, it has a subtle, semi-matte finish. Use this healthy lip balm under lipstick to keep lips hydrated, smooth and soft.
Eco Lips Renew Rejuvenating Lip Balm: Formulated with argan oil, vitamin E and antioxidants this lip balm aids in cell renewal and anti-aging. The organic lip conditioner improves skin texture almost immediately and the petroleum-free formula locks in moisture. The bold Orange Spice flavor is a treat on the lips and kind of addicting.
NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm: – Used by many makeup artists as a lip prep, this soothing lip conditioner soaks into lips and dries perfectly matte. The richly concentrated balm contains honey, plant oils, shea butter and grapefruit essence to help nourish, repair, soothe and protect the lips. The incredibly creamy, smooth texture glides on the lips effortlessly and smells of sweet citrus.
Four Favorites: Flip-Flops
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Flip-flops are not only a staple in my summer uniform, but year-round. I own way too many to admit to. I have also tried too many to admit to.
My two basic needs when choosing a flip-flop: comfort and style. I do not like a lot of bells and whistles or intricate design. I stay simple and natural in color and design. These shoes should last forever and never compete with seasonal trends. Here are my four forever favorites:
J.Crew ~Vineyard Leather Flip-Flops: $49.50
Rainbow ~ Black Leather Narrow Strap: $49.00
TKEES ~ Flip-Flop: $47.95
Havaianas ~ SLIM: $26.00
GLOW-T AWARDS: Sunless Tanning FACE
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As you may have noticed from the sunless tanning BODY awards, I am privy to lotion and gel formulas. I believe this is the easiest and most natural way to apply these products, simply like you would any body lotion. Spray and mousse formulations make application messy and feel a bit drying on the skin – which leads to a splotchy tan.
Glow-T Awards – Self-Tanning Products BODY: (RECAP) Best Drugstore Self-Tanner; Best Moisturizing Self-Tanner; Best Effortless Self-Tanner; Best of the Best
As for the face, I have mentioned in past posts that I am not a fan of using self-tanning products for the body on the face. Though the formula may permit, I cringe at the thought. In past experiences I have found these products to sink into pores, cause breakouts and never provide natural-looking results.
The following products not only produce a subtle natural-looking glow, but are beneficial to the skin in different ways:
Estee Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF 15 is my go-to product when I need to put a little “life” back in my skin. It gives the perfect amount of color, radiance and health with antioxidant-packed power. See full review: HERE.
Kate Somerville 360 Face is an exfoliating self-tanner for the face. The gentle tanning formula has no parabens, sulfates, phthalates or synthetic dyes. Glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate the skin while soy proteins kick-start collagen production. Swirl a single easy-to-use pad over the face and within eight hours you will have healthy and glowing skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads are pre-soaked towelettes that provide anti-aging benefits as well as a glowing complexion. These pads exfoliate the skin, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sun damage. One small pad reveals natural, radiant skin that provides long-lasting color. See full review: HERE.
Soap & Glory Glow Job is a two-in-one moisturizing lotion and temporary self-tanner. The formula is flourishing with micro bronzing beads that burst when massaged into the skin, revealing healthy, refreshed, and ever so slightly sun-kissed skin. The lotion delivers long-lasting hydration, conditioning and protection to the skin. Great for all-year round, it effectively evens-out skin tone which reduces the need for heavy foundations and concealers.
Bikini-Ready & Healthy: Vega One
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Start your day off right with Vega One. This all-in-one nutritional shake provides the body with everything it needs to support a healthy and active lifestyle. Free from preservatives, added sugar, artificial flavors or colors, Vega One is dairy, gluten and soy free.
One serving of Vega One contains all this:
• 15g of protein (plant-based protein) / equivalent to eating 2.7 eggs.
• 1 billion CFU dairy-free probiotics / same as eating 100g of yogurt.
• 1.5g Omega 3 / providing the same per serving as 6 oz of wild salmon.
• 6g of fiber / equivalent to eating 3.2 slices of whole wheat bread.
• 3 servings of greens / same as three servings of nutrient-rich vegetables.
• 2.7 cups of antioxidants / equivalent to eating 2.7 cups of blueberries.
Additionally, one serving of Vega One delivers half of your daily intake of vital vitamins and minerals, and 1000mg of maca (rich in amino acids) and 500mg of chlorella (helps immune function).
With summer on the horizon, Vega One shakes are a great way to get bikini-ready. They are great for on-the-go meal replacements and will provide energy, metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates and facilitate in proper muscle function and repair. Also, daily protein shakes can help to provide a lasting feeling of fullness and limit total calorie consumption, resulting in weight-loss.
In my experience, it is quite difficult to find a protein/nutritional powder that is low in sugar and low glycemic level (measure of the effects of food on blood sugar levels). Vega One is sweetened with stevia extract and has no sugar, maltodextrin or sugar-derivitives added. On the Glycemic index it is impressively low at 19.2 – compared to popular brands that are between 30 and 45.
Available in Berry, Chocolate, Vanilla Chai (my favorite) and Natural, Vega One tastes great simply shaken with water or blended with ice. Or add a non-dairy beverage of your choice (favorite: almond milk), and all the veggies and fruits you can handle for a healthy, delicious and nutritious meal.
Favorite Shake Recipe:
• 1 serving Vega One
• 6 large strawberries
• 1 sliced banana
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2-4 kale leaves
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup water
• ice
Blend & Go!
How-To: Ombré Hair
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The word Ombré is French for shading or graduating. Hair stylists have coined this terminology to describe a color technique used in salons. Ombré hair can range from a subtle and natural effect to really dramatic and edgy. For a natural “end-of-the-summer” look, color should blend from dark to light with no harsh transition line.
Ombré hair is great for many reasons: it’s highly economical, incredibly low maintenance, and works with any texture or tone.
Almost always, bleach is the key ingredient to create the ombré effect. This is the reason one should go to a professional. Find a stylist that specializes-in or has created this look before.
Ask your stylist for lots of beachy highlights concentrated on the ends, no higher than your chin in most places. Frame your face with a few subtle pieces that are only a shade or two lighter than your natural color and then go as light as you want on the ends. To maintain the look, use a color-safe shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. Light ends can dry out, so use a nourishing protective oil from your chin down. Try these: Enjoy Haircare.
Love the ombré look but afraid to commit? Here is your solution…
‣ Purchase a set of hair extensions – Try these: Milani Hair Extensions
‣ Choose the color you want your ends to be – not the color of your hair. When coloring hair extensions – always dye dark, never light (bleach).
‣ Choose an at-home box color that matches your roots.
‣ Dye the tops of the extensions to blend with your hair.
‣ Clip-in and go. Ombré Hair
Matte Finish: Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks
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Nars Pure Matte Lipstick ~ Carthage
In lip products, matte textures tend to look more natural than shine and shimmer. This is especially true in photography and video. They also last longer on the lips and seldom feather.
Matte-textured lipsticks as well as long-wear can be incredibly drying on the lips. Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks contain mango butter that provide moisturizing properties to repair dryness and scaling. However, I would not constitute this as a moisturizing lip product, but increasingly better than others I have tested.
Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks are incredibly pigmented and provide amazing color pay-off. They are available in eleven shades from nude to full-bodied reds. Carthage is my current favorite, the most obnoxious hot pink.
Matte lipsticks are a great buy, the pigments are bright and bold and if a little shimmer or shine is needed, just add some gloss.
Tip: Avoid over-applying lipstick, the more you wear, the heavier it looks and the quicker it will wear off.
How To: Tightline
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Tightline, also known as the “invisible eye liner,” is a technique that adds depth and dimension to the shape of the eyes while still looking natural and subdued.
Needed:
✒ Flat Liner Brush
✒ Mixing Medium (Water works just as well)
✒ Eyeshadow (Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liners is my preference, but any shadow will work)
How to Tightline:
✒ Dip flat liner brush in mixing medium.
✒ Dip wet brush into eyeshadow (consistency of the eyeliner should be thick not runny)
✒ With clean fingers, gently lift lashes upward and dab brush in between each individual lash – getting as close to the lashline as possible.
TIP: Dab. Do not Sweep. This will aid in producing the most natural-looking line.
Tried & Tested: Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector
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Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector
Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector is formulated to hydrate and enhance the lips, not hide them. These natural-colored lip products provide high gloss for a luscious-looking pout.
Clarins Lip Perfectors are extremely hydrating, apply beautifully and feel amazing. The colors are natural and light, used to enhance one’s lip color not erase it completely. It gives lips a soft, luminous glow sans any residue or stickiness.
The gel-like formula tastes sweet and pleasing like caramel and does not leave behind any strong scent. Available in three shades: rose shimmer, apricot shimmer and beige, these lip products are sheer and glowing.
A great lip option for those who like a natural – more subdued lip or for those with dry or chapped lips.
Hair Jewelry: Urban Outfitters Oversized Turquoise Barrette
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Urban Outfitters Oversized Turquoise Barrette
Get creative with accessories this month and opt for an oversized hair barrette. Simple and polished, this one item can transform a look.
This Oversized Turquoise Barrette from Urban Outfitters is an excellent embellishment that adds a pop of color. The raw turquoise stone provides a natural yet edgy look.
Simply, add this barrette to a high/low ponytail or create a deep side-part, sweep the hair and clip barrette into place above the ear. Use as an ornament to compliment any classic chignon or french twist style, or decorate a plain headband by attaching barrette to the side.
Don’t want to wear this item in your hair? Fine… Attach to scarves, bags, bracelets or necklaces, the possibilities are endless. I have recently detached the clip and hot glue-gunned the stone to an old black clutch, instantly creating something new. With so many options, barrettes provide a finished appearance with a simple click of a clip.
True Believer: Mineral Makeup
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No matter how many different products I experiment with, mineral-based powders is what I always revert back to.
Many of us were enthralled by the swirl, tap, buff philosophy of Bare Escentuals bareMinerals, in which, these miracle mineral powders seemed to erase every flaw from the skin and leave the face glowing and radiant. Or similar brands that jumped on the mineral band-wagon and created comparable products all promising the same outcome – flawless skin.
There is no set regulation for what constitutes “mineral” makeup. The main ingredients (minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide), have been the basis of most makeup foundations for decades. But, many dermatologists report that because mineral makeup frequently eliminate classic irritants such as fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes, talc, and preservatives, it is considered purer and gentler to the skin.
Whether or not, classifying a product as “mineral” makeup, is propagation or even beneficial, the undisputed truth is they work beautifully. These light, finely ground loose minerals are buffed into the skin to achieve a flawless and glowing complexion. The makeup provides long-lasting coverage and looks natural.
I am a true believer in mineral-based powders which is why I seem to reach for them more than any other.
Tip: Before application, spray brush with water or fixing spray. This will provide a glowing, even, airbrushed-like complexion.
Fresh Face: Chanel Vitalumière Aqua
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Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
Chanel’s newest foundation, Vitalumière Aqua is a lighter version of the best-selling Vitalumière. The original formula is extremely moisturizing and fitting for a more mature skin.
The new formula in Vitalumière Aqua is water-based and feels extremely light and refreshing on the skin. The semi-matte dewy finish does not appear greasy or unnatural, but luminous and radiant. The coverage is light but build-able and still manages to perfect the skin. The foundation is long-wearing, 6-8 hours, and comes in 10 ready-to-match-any-skintone shades. The packaging is a small and compact plastic bottle which is a nice change from the usual unwieldy glass bottle. A built-in shaker prevents the product from separating which will extend it’s shelf-life.
Once again, Chanel has created an impeccable foundation, light and fresh, perfect for the warm months ahead.
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