Summer Beauty Favorites From SkinStore

Summer is not the season for elaborate makeup that's just going to melt off the minute you step outside. No, great Summer makeup needs to do a few simply things: be quick to apply, stay in place, protect you from the sun, and give you that coveted warm glow.

Here's a few essential products we think do a killer job getting you out the door and Summer gorgeous in a flash:

• La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid was a cult favorite back when you could only get it in Europe. Now you can buy it in the US and it's still phenomenal. It has broad, photostable UVA/UVB protection with a light texture and matte finish that works for all skin types.
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance is a miracle in a tube that stops eye makeup from creasing, fading, and smearing, now matter how oily your lids or how hot the weather.
• The original formula is a modern classic, but bareMinerals MATTE SPF 15 Foundation is even better for Summer wear because it absorbs extra oil to prevent shine all day.
• Laura Geller Bronze N Brighten is a shimmering bronzer and color corrector that delivers evens your complexion and provides a sun-kissed, dewy color that never turns orange.
• Lancaster Ultra Natural Bronze Care is a lightweight, luminous fake tanner that doesn't smell dreadful and that provides both hydration and a very natural looking golden color.

All these Summer-ready products are available at SkinStore, and they're even 20% off for Independence Day!

An Omega3 (or 10) A Day

When I first started working in the skincare industry, my girlfriends often came to me with the same question: what is the single best product you can use for your skin?

The answer surprised every single one of them. It even surprised me at first. It wasn’t a miracle serum, or a clarifying cleanser, or even a scientifically advanced moisturizer to take the years off. It was fish oil – Omega 3 supplements to be exact.

I’ve had problem skin my whole life.  Always sensitive, I’ve been extremely limited as to what products I can use. Breakouts when I was younger, and now that I’m older dryness and uneven skin tone. So why not try something new?

I’d heard all the hype about Omega 3’s, and was a little skeptical. Fish oil just sounds a little nasty. And the dosage – 8,000 to 10,000 mg per day? That’s 8-10 horse pills! But with nothing really to lose I gave it a shot, starting with 4,000 mg in the morning and another 4,000 before dinner.

I have to say, if there are any miracle skincare treatments out there, Omega 3’s are it. Literally within 3 days I noticed my skin was softer, less dry (take note all you girls in cold climates this winter!). In a week I noticed my skin tone was much more even. In two weeks, my skin was positively glowing.  This isn't to say we should forgo all the lotions and potions we love. You will find, however, that your favorite products will be even more effective when your skin is healthier from the inside.

There are many more benefits to Omega 3’s - accelerated weight loss, increased mental focus, and mood elevation. In fact, the mood-enhancing benefits of Omega 3’s can be so effective some doctors are recommending them as a substitute for or to help wean patients off anti-depressants.

So what have you got to lose? Try Omega 3s for just a week.  Your skin, your body, and your brain will thank you.

[ image via flckr user avixyz ]

Is Your Laundry Causing Your Body Break-Outs?

If you experience body break-outs, your laundry detergent and dryer sheets may be to blame!

Most laundry detergents contain perfume and dryer sheets put a waxy coating on your clothes making them wrinkle free. Unfortunately, the perfume and wax don't just stay on your clothes, they transfer onto your skin and if you're sensitive to these additives they can cause irritation and body break-outs.