Tag Archives: skin

New Dove Body Wash One Shower Challenge

New Dove Body Wash One Shower Challenge

No matter what your style, the first step toward any amazing look is soft silky skin. That being said, I’ve long been a fan of Dove and their many beauty breakthroughs. Ever since I discovered Dove Body Wash as a kid, I’ve loved how their body washes, shampoos and body lotions add moisture to skin without making it greasy. It’s always been my favorite body wash to use after a long day at the beach or the pool because of the way it renews my skin’s moisture after sitting in the sun.

Since every great beauty routine starts in the shower, Dove recently unveiled the One Shower Challenge at the Emmys in celebration of the latest developments in their body wash. No longer do women have to choose between a body wash that’s gentle on skin and a great lather. The new Dove Body Wash has broken this cycle providing women with both the mild cleansing their skin needs and a rich, luxurious lather.  The new Dove Body Washes feature an advanced formula that combines the brand’s mildest cleansers with NutriumMoisture® technology, offering 10 times more nourishment.

Speaking from experience, results really can be seen after just one shower. Aside from feeling the weightless moisture, I noticed a huge difference while shaving my legs. The rich lather gave me a closer, smoother shave and newly moisturized skin. The new formula is available in Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash and Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash as well as in the entire Dove Go Fresh and Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash collections.

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Stop Hiding! Break Up With Your Makeup with Mirvaso!

Mirvaso Breakup with your makeup

Having previously suffered from acne, I know from experience how much skin issues can affect your self-esteem and make you want to hide behind layers of makeup or even avoid socializing completely. Rosacea, a common skin inflammatory condition that affects an estimated 16 Million Americans the majority of them women, can also cause a number of physical and emotional insecurities. The most common symptom of rosacea is persistent facial redness. This is caused by dilated facial blood vessels increasing blood flow to the skin. 24% of rosacea sufferers say that redness is the first symptom they notice.

Rosacea sufferers are more likely to be self-conscious and wear makeup more frequently. But, makeup only masks redness. It does not cure it. If you suffer from persistent facial redness and are covering it up instead of treating it, you not alone. Over 4 in 5 (82%) of rosacea sufferers have used cosmetics to cover up redness. 65% of rosacea sufferers wear makeup to work compared to only 35% of Americans who don’t have rosacea. Just over half of Americans (53%) wear makeup, compared to over 77% of rosacea sufferers.

However, simply covering up rosacea symptoms can be costly and ineffective. While 51% say they skip the dermatologist because they are worried about the cost of treatment, there is a better solution. On average, rosacea sufferers spend $36 on a single non-prescription product that promises to hide or cover-up facial redness. Mirvaso® (brimonidine) Topical Gel, 0.33%* made by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. is the first and only gel specifically developed and proven to reduce the persistent facial redness of rosacea. Depending on your insurance, prescription copays may be as low as $25 which is actually less than the cost of many cosmetics. Unlike cosmetics that only cover up redness temporarily, Mirvaso has proven results that were reviewed by the FDA for safety and efficacy. This easy to use gel last up to 12 hours and results can be seen quickly.

What’s even better than setting your skin free from heavy concealers and cover-ups? Winning a star-studded walk down the red carpet at the 2014 Emmy Awards. Enter Mirvaso’s Break Up With Your Makeup Sweepstakes today for a chance to make your makeup free Emmy debut.

curing Rosacea

Important Safety Information
Indication: Mirvaso® (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the topical treatment of persistent (nontransient) facial erythema of rosacea in adults 18 years of age or older. Adverse Events: In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) included erythema, flushing, skin burning sensation and contact dermatitis. Warnings/Precautions: Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud’s phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, thromboangiitis obliterans, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Alpha-2 adrenergic agents can lower blood pressure. Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with severe or unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. Serious adverse reactions following accidental ingestion of Mirvaso Gel by children have been reported. Keep Mirvaso Gel out of reach of children. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Top Tips for Solving Your Biggest Beauty Dilemmas Inspired By Benefit Cosmetics

Project-Runway-Under-The-Gunn-Ep-11-Blake-beauty

On Project Runway: Under the Gunn, the biggest fashion and beauty blunders are constantly being solved within seconds. In honor of this week’s episode featuring a ‘Real Women’ challenge lead by Benefit Cosmetics where designers have to solve everyday fashion emergencies in an instant, Benefit’s Global Beauty Authority, Annie Ford Danielson, is sharing her top beauty tips. I must say they’re genius!

1. Dilemma: How to wear a bold lip and make it last?

Solution: Remember, that when you wear a bold lip, you don’t want the bold lip to wear you. Longevity is key to this statement look. Before applying your lipstick you need to prime and perfect your lips. Make sure you exfoliate and hydrate. Try using a tint like Benetint beneath your bold lip color for longer staying-power. Also, dap on cheeks for a natural girly flush.

2. Dilemma: The Shine Factor!

Solution: Remember that when the weather starts to change so does our skin and sometimes shine gets the best of us. Try Benefit’s The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine; an instant pro powder mattifier that minimizes pores and shine in an instant.

3. Dilemma: How to achieve the ‘No Makeup, Makeup Look!’

Solution: Remember, less is more. Before reaching for your foundation, apply concealer first, that way, you find that you won’t need as much makeup. Try Boi-ing, an industrial strength concealer that stays put, when you need it to.

4. Dilemma: How to cut down your skincare routine and amp up the results?

Solution: Choose a multi-tasking product that is bigger than BB! Try Benefit’s NEW Big Easy; a multi-balancing complexion perfector that balances moisture & controls oil while provide flawless coverage. Plus the formula provides SPF 35 protection!

 5. Dilemma: How Bright is too Bright?

Solution: Bright cheeks are amazing, but in order to keep it from looking too young and costume-like, use a long-lasting, weather-proof tint like Benefit Lollitint (this shade is spot on for pantone’s color of the year Radiant Orchid), which will give you the brightness you’re looking for in a subtle, soft way.

6. Dilemma: How to get full long lashes?

Solution: Ditch the stripes and glue and choose a mascara that can creates length and fullness! Try Benefit They’re Real! Mascara. It really opens up the eyes by giving lashes a dramatic base-to-tip curl. Your lashes will never be the same.

7. Dilemma: How to pump-up skimpy Brows?

Solution: The best way to accentuate and add shape to a skimpy brow is by filling it in with a product that adds color, texture and VOLUME to the hair. Try Benefit Gimme Brow. Its gel-like formula is filled with microfibers that create the most natural full brow in seconds.

8. Dilemma: How to instantly perk-up dull skin?

Solution: Benefit Cosmetics believes laughter is the best cosmetic, so remember to SMILE, it will instantly make you look more radiant & beautiful!

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Embracing Natural Beauty & Greening Your Beauty Routine

Girl with brush for makeup

Beauty products are increasingly marketed to have all-natural, totally “green” ingredients that leave your face fresh and your conscience clean. With so many cruelty-free and earth-friendly products out there, why not overhaul your makeup bag for a renewed look that’s gentler on your skin and the planet?

Tool Kit Overhaul

Start your green makeover by updating the toolkit. Swap out your old plastic-based beauty tools for products made with sustainably harvested, naturally renewable materials, such as bamboo. Green-up your beauty kit with these solutions:

  • EcoTools: EcoTools are affordable, effective, and made from cruelty-free synthetic bristles and recycled aluminum. A set of six brushes sells for only $13, which makes this 2012 Green Product winner a solid steal for the green girl on a budget, spotlights Instyle Magazine.
  • Urban Decay: Urban Decay’s “Good Karma” blurring brush was recognized by the natural beauty blog, Gorgeously Green, as being highly effective at blending makeup without brush marks. Urban Decay has also led the eco-friendly cosmetic industry for years with its cruelty-free products, which identifies this company as a trusted source for superior green goods.

Mineral Makeup

As you perfect your skin every day with foundation, keep in mind that standard foundations contain harmful chemicals that damage the skin over time. Mineral makeup blends create that lustrous look, made with ingredients that are all-natural, antibacterial, and perfect for sensitive skin types.

Refinery29 recommends these top picks for the best up-and-coming mineral makeup brands:

  • Inika Mineral Foundation: Silky, soothing, and perfect for sensitive skin, Inika Mineral Foundation is an all-natural product made in Australia. Products are sold at several small online boutiques specializing in skin care, including www.adorebeauty.com.au and www.blush.com.
  • Lily Lolo: Made in England, Lily Lolo, is a pretty mineral blend power that has SPF 15 sun protection. It’s also backed by the brand’s commitment to anti-cruelty organizations.
  • Everyday Minerals: Everyday Minerals’ affordable, all-American mineral cosmetics prove that natural mineral blends can still be glamorous. The Texas-based company features all-natural, handcrafted vegan products, including shimmery eye shadows and flirty blushers.

Green Beauty Shopping Tips

Reflect on your green goals, and evaluate what beauty product ingredients are most valuable to you. Do you want to avoid animal ingredients and animal testing? Are chemical and additive-free ingredients out of the question? Do you need everyday essentials or crave glamorous on-trend products that take your style from day to night? With some research, you’ll be more prepared to navigate the widening world of green beauty.

Also, many green companies are startups and independent online boutique retailers. While shopping on these smaller ecommerce sites, make sure the company is a reputable company that values consumer privacy. According to Life Lock, retail was the sixth most targeted industry for online shopping identity theft. To avoid an online shopping disaster during your green makeover, create a pleasant experience by first looking for a website’s security seal and https in its URL. Search the web for reviews of green companies and take standard precautions while shopping online, such as storing strong passwords for each of your online accounts.

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Top Secret Beauty: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Beauty-Secret

Having suffered from acne-prone skin from an early age, I’ve long been passionate about skincare and finding quality products that actually work. In my lifetime, I must have tried every over-the-counter product imaginable. Most either irritated my skin even more or did nothing leaving me unhappy and insecure. It wasn’t until I visited a dermatologist and was prescribed the prescription topical cream, Retin-A Micro, along with an oral medication that I finally gained the confidence that comes with clear skin. I’ve sworn by prescription skin treatments ever since using the proper precautions such as applying heavy amounts of sunscreen when spending long periods of time in the sun as prescription products cause your skin to be far more sensitive to the sun exposure.

Thought I still use skincare prescription treatments daily, I recently found a non-prescription product that I absolutely love. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, available through Mario Badescu directly and in the beauty departments of retailers such as Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor, literally erases blemishes overnight. After more than a decade of not trusting any skincare product that doesn’t come from a doctor, I didn’t believe it until I tried it. But, when I did, it was magic! To apply, you just drop a q-tip into the pink sediment, dab it on the pimple, and let dry overnight. Your instinct will be to shake the solution, but don’t shake it. When you wash it off in the morning, the blemish is either gone or significantly smaller. If only I’d discovered this miracle solution earlier.

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