Are YOU a LAZY SPF applier? (I am)

Confession:  I often forget to apply sunscreen.. eeeekkkkk!

I just walked my dog and remembered, I didn’t apply ANYTHING to my face today.  I think I just burned the back of my neck (smacking my head right now)!  It is my day off but NO EXCUSE!   I work on skin ALL day, I ask everyone if they are using SFP daily, I am starting to see spots on my face more & more from my teenage burns.. WHAT IS MY PROBLEM?  SUN is the quickest way to speed AGING up.. I KNOW THIS.. I preach this.. I believe this!

Let’s keep it simple.  I need to heed my own advice:

1.  Apply your moisturizer to clean skin in the morning.  Allow the product to absorb into your skin, this way your skin is less likely to want to absorb all the sunscreen into your pores, ultimately clogging them.

2. ApplySPF to your face (which I skip) and ALSO to your neck and chest (which I do).  Your neck and chest are the tell tale signs of your age.  They are always forgotten, but always exposed.  Apply to BOTH.

3. (Ladies) As a final step after you have finished doing your make-up, apply a mineral make-up with a fluffy round brush all over your face, neck & chest.  Mineral make-up contains ZINC & Titanium Dioxide which are both natural sunscreens (just like Baby sunscreens).   Applying “powdered” SPF (mineral powders) is a great re-application product throughout your day.  They lay on top of the skin and don’t have a tendency to clog pores from absorption (like some over the counter sunscreens can do).

4.  If you are outside all day, you should re-apply.  It doesn’t last all day long (even 100 SPF) especially after swimming, sweating or working.

That seems easy enough.. why can’t I remember to do it?

Baz Luhrmann said it BEST: “Always Wear Sunscreen!”

While you are spreading sunshine throughout your day, also remember to apply sunscreen. (I need to copy and paste that to my bathroom mirror ASAP).  It’s the easiest way to slow the “beauty” aging process.

Need another reason?  My aunt died because of skin cancer.. read her story here.

5 Ways to Beat the Post Holiday Skin Blues

Were you NOT running around packing as much as possible into your days leading up to the holidays? Was I the only one?

The largest organ of our body is our skin. It’s also the greatest “tattle-tale” of what’s going on in our life. It shows STRESS honestly.   

Take a moment, sit down and follow the instructions below to de-stress your skin and put this back in order, post holiday!

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1. DEHYDRATION: Water. (Put in your mouth & on your skin)

Traveling and climate change take a toll on the hydration of our bodies and ultimately our skin. Water is so important for healthy body functioning as well as ALL of our cells. On average, our body is made up of 60-80% water.. So refill it consistently & often, and it will GLOW. 

2. SUGAR OVERLOAD: Skip it & Detox. 

We all indulge more this time of year. Did you know that consumption of processed sugar actually breaks down the good fibers in our skin? I know. I’m bummed too. So go back to limited sugar and stick with the natural forms (fruits, vegetables) and a bite of dark chocolate every other day. 

3. TOO MUCH MAKEUP: Wipe it off (well).  

This is the time of year we dress up more & add extra eyeliner. Take the time to do a second cleanse. Grab a toner with ingredients like salycillic acid, peptides, aloe & haulourinic acid so you are putting them into the skin as well as cleansing. You will be amazed at the amount of makeup residue you will wipe off your skin AFTER washing your face. 

4. MORE LINES & WRINKLES: Mini facials. 

Start giving your skin more love to make up for all the stress. Do a scrub every other night. Add extra eye cream under your eyes. Apply a second layer of moisturizer for a hydrating mask while you sleep. Grab the green tea bags after brewing and apply to your eyes for 5-10 mins. You’re skin will thank you & bounce back. 

5. EXHAUSTION: Rest. 

They call it beauty sleep for a reason. All our cells regenerate at night. Start winding down a few nights early and allow your body more time to rejuvenate. Not only will you feel better, you’ll look better! Promise. 

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I’d love to hear what you think.. Do you have a specific post holiday skin issue? Please let me know. 

  

Happy Beautiful New Year to you ALL!  ~ Michelle xo

Vitamin C is good 4 You

And your skin. Are you using it?

Anti-oxidants protect skin from future sun damage as well as repairing cells of past damage (those darn free radicals). Let me say that again, Vitamin C helps the skin repair itself!

It helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which slows down with age – hence the wrinkles.

Internal consumption is extremely good for skin as well. Buffered Vitamin C has always been recommended as a good choice for better body absorption.  Vitamin C is water soluble so you if it’s not absorbed by the body, it leaves.  We need to replenish daily because look at all the health benefits..

3 of my favorites are:

Dr. Spiller Vitamin C Line (serum, day & night cream)

Rodan + Fields Reverse Line (vitamin c & retinol combo) and the Sunscreen is the most hydrating I’ve ever used!

Avalon Organics Vitamin C renewal (lip balm)

So whether it’s finding a skincare line with Vitamin C, throwing an orange slice into your tea/water, munching on C based veggies (bell pepper, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, collard greens, tomatoes) or supplementing your diet with buffered C (especially during cold & flu season) – start rev-ing UP your anti-aging routine today.

Your skin & body will THANK YOU!

8 Reasons to use toner NOW

I didn’t use toner for years. Another product? Another step? No way.. I already have/do too many. I don’t need that (with laughter filling my head).  Sound familiar?

Then I did an experiment. I took a clean cotton pad after using my best cleanser, applied some hydrosol and I wiped. Hmmmm how can that be?  Then I applied all my skincare products and went to grab some much needed beauty sleep.

The next morning, knowing my face was as clean as a whistle I took a cotton pad, applied some more hydrosol and wiped.. YIKES!

How was it possible with a clean face and doing nothing but sleep, I still have sweat & dirt on my face. That was the day I started using toner.

Here’s a picture from this morning.. Guess my mascara wasn’t all off last night. Thank you toner.. I have to say I love you!

WHY Toner..

1. Tightens, refreshes & firms skin

2. Keep pores clean (minimized) & helps prevent breakouts

3. Help pulls moisturizer deeper into skin when applied AFTER toner

4. Combat & repair anti-aging and sun damage

5. Gently exfoliates, soothes & disinfects

6. Is it’s own skin treatment –  adds ingredients like vitamins & antioxidants 

7. Takes off excess dirt, sweat, mascara, misc. makeup & oil (is your 2nd cleanse)

8. It will be your secret weapon (proof is in the pad, see photo above)

WHAT Toner..

Oily skin: Love most of these, astringent & alcohol-free 

Dry skin: Love adding hydrasols & these are great options

Normal skin:  These are good for normal skin – neroli is my favorite

Did I change your mind? Or do you already use toner? Please share with me in the comments below.

DIY: SuperBowl SPAday

It’s SuperBowl Sunday weekend. Is there anyone else not into watching it or is it just me?  Well here’s what I will be doing.. SuperBowl SPAday!  Self pampering beauty.. Way better than football (at least to me) but maybe I’ll peek at the half-time show.

Here’s how to enjoy yourself while everyone else is in front of the television. Or after the party if you want to catch the game. (Can also be used any day you choose, whenever you’re in the mood or need it!)

What you will need:
Music of choice
Book of choice
Coconut oil
Packet of sugar
Honey
Green tea bags (2)
Candles
Socks/slippers
Favorite beverage

Start by lighting some candles (watching a flame lowers blood pressure), choosing some music (can’t go wrong with Classical or George Winston), pull out your favorite read (I’m addicted to Outlander right now) and pour yourself a beverage.

Pull your hair back with a tie or headband and slip into comfy clothes and slippers.  Take out the packet of sugar and empty it into your hand.  Mix a drop of your favorite cleanser into the sugar and apply to your face in circular movements.  Use warm water to wash your face with the mixture and give extra attention to any dry spots (nose, chin, lips).  The sugar will exfoliate and dissolve within the water as you wash (brilliant).  Rinse your face with cold water to close your pores and pat dry.

Apply a thin layer of coconut oil all over your face and follow by spreading a teaspoon of honey to your entire face & neck.  Pat the honey with your fingertips all over your face for about 1-2 minutes.  This stimulates the cells and encourages product penetration.  Apply coconut oil to your cuticles and grab a book, sitting with your feet up in front of the candles.  If you want to relax instead of read, apply one wet green tea bag to each eye and close.

Allow yourself to sit for 15-20 minutes with the honey on your face.  Then massage remaining oil into cuticles, remove tea bags, rinse face and pat dry.  Follow with one more application of coconut oil to your face & neck, apply your favorite eye cream and top with your moisturizer.

The honey and coconut oil will hydrate your skin and leave it feeling baby bottom smooth (and won’t clog or breakout skin).  The green tea bags will help hydrate, eliminate puffiness and firm.

If you want to sneak a peek at the television, now would be the time or just put your feet back up and enjoy YOU.

Let me know if you’ll be enjoying the game or pampering yourself.

If you like this post please tweet it, pin it, re-pin it and share it with your friends! and of course comments are ALWAYS loved..

Why Toner? Do you use it?

I never thought I needed Toner.  Then I started studying skincare & aromatherapy.  I did a test on my face.. this is what I found:

Now at 42, I have noticed a BIG difference in the tone of my skin, brightness, firmness & lack of breakouts since using toner regularly.

I have noticed my girlfriend Dia’s face change too.  Her freckles are softer, less wrinkles, more brightness and more hydrated skin.

It’s GOOD for your skin!  Just cleanse and apply then follow with your fav moisturizer.  I love to use hydrosols as well – aromatherapy & skincare combined!

PS. This video screenshot is both of us without any makeup on our SKIN.. (only eyes.. LOL)

Why you must try this Safe Summer Sun (tanner)

A friend recently handed me this foaming self tanner to try and I just love it!

Besides the fact it is a safe summer tanning alternative, this is why you need to try it.

Foaming Sunless Tan

I am VERY picky when it comes to self tanners.. most stink and streak.  I love the foam idea.  It’s clear but I find it blends very easily. (around $20)

(I am not associated with the company – I just love the product)

Don’t forget to EXFOLIATE before the first application!  And ALWAYS apply Sunscreen on top of sun-less tanned skin.

MY +s:

1.  It actually smells amazing going on – it smells good!?! Really

2.  It blends so easy

3.  The color is a beautiful natural brown tone – no orange

4.  The staying power is a bit unbelievable I got 2 applications that lasts almost a week

5.  Additional applications blend beautifully on top of one another (I applied 2 days in a row)

6.  Knee area was blended beautifully (I did go light on application)

7.  Not sticky after application – foam dries like a dream

My -s:

1.  It is colorless

2.  Next day “sunless” smell arrives

3.  If you lean “non” applied body parts to “applied” body part within first 10 mins, it transfers (Duh Michelle)

4.  Foot area is still tricky to blend off

For me a wonderful safe fun alternative to tanning. 

So glad I tried it!  I’ll be using it all season long. 

Let me know what you think.. 5 stars from me!

Super-charge ur moisturizer w/ this ingredient

Hellllllllo Hyaluronic Acid. 

I tell everyone this is like ‘little fingers’ that come off your skin, grab the moisturizer and pull it deep into the lower dermal layers.  It has also been referred to as “miracle/fountain of youth” ingredient.. but let’s not get crazy.

Here’s the scientific explanation and some drugstore picks.  I just recommend finding a serum with hyaluronic acid in it (I love Epicuren’s Moist Surge) and apply it to a clean face before moisturizer or mix with your moisturizer for application.  Any dry skin will see improvement and I love hydrating for anti-aging!

The other great hydration secret is to apply moisturizer to WET skin.  We all know the best time to moisturize our body is just after a shower.  Skin is still damp and the lotion locks in the moisture.

So mist your face,

grab ur hyaluronic acid serum,

apply to your face (and neck).

Then follow with your favorite moisturizer.  This will super-charge your product & your skin will glow with gratitude!

Shaving – Grooming made easy 4 women

FALL BEAUTY FINDS..

Confession: Best thing my BFF ever told me about!

Every woman NEEDS to know about this product!..
Enough said.. (wink)

Addicted to Hydrosols

Confession: Can’t finish my nighttime routine without spritzing myself with a Hydrosol before bed. (and during a facial one spritz for them, one for meeeeeee!)

Hydrosols are the water product from the distillation of flowers for extracting essential oils.

Hydrosols contain the same properties of the oil and are gentler for kids, elderly & animal use. You can spray Hydrosols directly on the skin, unlike essential oils that need to be mixed with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.

They are wonderful for skincare and smell delish!  I clean my face then spray a cotton pad with the Hydrosol and wipe all over my skin as a toner. My skin is so soft and clean. Then I mist my face & chest before I go to sleep.

Uses for Hydrosols:

My personal favorites are Neroli & Jasmine. They always lift my spirits. (My clients love rose & lavender)

–  Spritz on your face for a pick-up or hydration any time of day

–  Spritz on curly hair for a little bounce revive

–  2nd cleanse on face as toner & moisturizer

–  Add to a bath for a relaxing, soothing effect (lavender is perfect, just a few sprays)

–  Spray on itchy doggie for shedding relief, calming relief and antiseptic treatment (lavender)

–  Mist on your pillow before sleep for peaceful rest

Let me know what YOU use your Hydrosols for.