Allure Magazine and Anastasia Brow Studio

Allure Magazine is spreading the word about the new and exciting Anastasia Brow Studios joining select Nordstrom stores nationwide. At this salon, you can receive expert Anastasia style eyebrow arching, reshaping and sculpting. Read more

Sharnell’s Skincare and Beauty Store

I am always on the hunt for a great bargain. Like most, I often find myself on the computer searching Ebay listings for some of my favorite things. Skin care and beauty products are no exception! There are certain products that I just refuse to buy anywhere but online at Ebay.com. I have found some of the best deals around on quality skincare and beauty products. Read more

Brows to Envy: Tips to Maintaining the Perfect Eyebrows

You follow a great skincare regimen, you have all the current makeup collections and you get your hair and nails done regularly. It seems you have all it takes to look your best and be the envy of everyone around you. So, what’s missing? Read more

Sunday’s Sensational Skincare Deal!

You’ve been preparing your skin and hair to hopefully capture the perfect holiday memories on camera. But what’s the use of a good hair day and flawless skin and makeup if your smile is dull and dingy? There’s still time to get your pearly whites to shine before Christmas arrives. Pick up a box of Crest Whitestrips Dental Whitening System Strips, Premium to ensure your smile is as bright as can be!

Drugstore.com is offering $5 off of all Crest Whitestrips Whitening Systems!

If you don’t take advantage of drugstore.com’s special price, be sure to grab your Crest Whitening Strips System from your local drugstore.

All About Skin Exfoliation

Most of us know that skin exfoliation is an important step in skin care. But not everyone knows exactly how it works or why. Many people remain confused as to the frequency in which they should be exfoliating their skin. How often is enough or too much? Here is a quick explanation on the process of skin exfoliation and how it benefits your skin.

What is Skin Exfoliation?

Skin exfoliation is a process in which the upper most layer of your skin, consisting of dead skin cells and debris, is removed through mechanical, chemical or enzyme treatment.

Why Exfoliate?

The removal of dead skin cells, oil, dirt and debris will instantly leave your skin looking fresh and feeling clean. Regular exfoliation will give your skin a smooth texture, clear complexion, healthy tone and beautiful glow. By incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regimen, you will not only be preventing skin congestion and break out, but you will also be fighting against premature aging by assisting in accelerating regeneration of healthy skin cells.

Types of Skin Exfoliaton:

As mentioned above, there are three main types of skin exfoliants – mechanical, chemical and enzyme. Each type offers various methods of exfoliation that work for different skin types. If you are familiar with your skin type, you can decide on which form and method of exfoliation will work best for your skin.

Mechanical Skin Exfoliants -

• Facial Sponges, Buff-Puffs and Washcloths: These manual exfoliating tools are used on the skin to remove surface dead skin cells through physical friction. They should always be used on damp skin, avoiding blemished areas to prevent irritation.
• Facial Scrub: Facial scrubs offer moderate skin exfoliation and are gentle enough to be used once a day, everyday. Most facial scrubs will use finely ground rice, nuts (usually almond) or fruit seed (apricot) to polish the skin, revealing a more clean and clear surface. There are also some scrubs that utilize jojoba micro beads, which have a smoother texture and are less abrasive on the skin. Facial scrubs are suitable for all skin types, except very fragile skin. A scrub should never be applied to acne skin, as it can spread infection and cause painful irritation.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion can be performed both at home and at a spa. The at-home versions of microdermabrasion come in a cream form and work much like a facial scrub. The granules present in a microdermabrasion cream are much smaller than that of a scrub, made from aluminum or magnesium oxide crystals. Microdermabrasion creams are recommended for all skin types except sensitive and acneic and can be used two to three times a week. Regular use will keep the skin looking healthy, youthful and radiant. There are two microdermabrasion treatments offered at the spa. The original microdermabrasion treatment utilizes a machine which propels a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin, while the machine’s vacuum system sucks away dirt, dead skin cells and used crystals. The newer and now more popular microdermabrasion treatment is known as the “diamond peel”. The diamond microdermabrasion system replaces the micro-crystal flow with a disposable or reusable diamond tip wand. This allows areas closer to the eyes and mouth to be treated more precisely, without the risk of stray crystals causing damage or being ingested. Spa grade microdermabrasion is appropriate for all skin types and are performed in multiple sessions for best results.

Chemical Skin Exfoliants -

• AHA/BHA Peels: AHA, aka Alpha-Hydroxy Acid and BHA, or Beta-Hydroxy Acid, are the most commonly known chemical skin exfoliants, which can be used at home. Glycolic, lactic and fruit acids are AHA’s that produce a light to mild exfoliation by removing the outermost surface layer of your skin through the loosening of the glue-like substance that holds the dead skin cells together, while speeding up cell renewal. AHA’s will help to control skin congestion, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, balance your skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Although AHA peels are easily done from home, they are still offered at spas at a professional strength of over 30%, which are not available over the counter. AHA peels can be used on all skin types, with caution toward sensitive skin. BHA acids, such as salicylic acid, work just as AHA’s, but are used primarily on problematic and acneic skin, due to it’s healing properties. AHA/BHA’s, depending on strength, can be used several times a week or on a daily basis.
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and Phenol Peels: The TCA and phenol peels are only offered through a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These chemical peels are highly potent and require down time for recovery. The results of a TCA or phenol peel are smoother texture, brightened tone, and tighter, younger looking skin. This method of exfoliation is extreme and costly. These high-grade peels are recommended for more serious skin treatments like the removal of scarring or severe hyperpigmentation.

Enzyme Skin Exfoliants -

• Papain (papaya enzyme) and Bromelin (pineapple enzyme) are the most widely used enzyme skin exfoliation treatments. Exfoliation with the use of enzyme therapy works to dissolve the dead skin cells sitting on the surface of the skin. This method of exfoliation is the least aggressive and rarely produces a negative reaction on the skin. All skin types will benefit from daily use of enzyme treatments.
• Protease enzymes are the newest form of enzymatic exfoliation. Proteolytic enzymes mimic the role of your body’s own natural protease enzymes to promote decay of protein impurities, dissolution of dead skin cells and acceleration of cell renewal. This type of skin exfoliation works best when used daily and is suitable to all skin types, including sensitive. As with other methods of exfoliation, protease enzymes will give your skin enhanced clarity and suppleness, but without the risk of any irritation.

As you can see, exfoliation is crucial to the health and overall appearance of the skin. With so many forms and methods of exfoliation available, you are bound to find the one that best suits your skin type. Just be sure to always try new skin care treatments with caution and ease. Over exfoliation will cause your skin to dry out and possibly break out, while not exfoliating often enough could lead to congestion and dullness of your skin. Proper and consistent skin exfoliation is an easy way to keep your skin healthy and looking beautiful.

Free Tarte Blushing Bride Cheek Stain

If you are going to be tying the knot soon, Tarte Blushing Bride Cheek Stain is the makeup miracle you need to keep your cheeks pretty and pink throughout your wedding day. Rave reviews continue to flood about this beauty favorite. The gel-stick design sets Tarte cheek stains apart from all the others. A quick blend with your finger tips will leave your cheeks with a dewy, beautiful bride-to-be glow. Tarte’s Blushing Bride Cheek Stain has become such a must-have, that even the beauty addict couldn’t resist including it as one of her “lovey” bridal shower gifts for her best friend. But don’t be fooled by the “Bushing Bride” title. You don’t have to be walking down the aisle in order to sport Tarte’s Blushing Bride Cheek Stain. This cheek stain is loved by everyone because it gives such a natural appearance. It can definitely be used on any occasion.

Buy 2 Tarte items and get a free Blushing Bride Cheek Stain at Beauty.com.

Your Personalized Beauty Prescription

Are you confused about what your skin type is? Beauty.com can help. After answering seven easy questions about your skin, you will receive a beauty prescription complete with a skin analysis and skincare product recommendations based on your determined skin type. You can customize your skin analysis to address all major skin concerns like allergies, texture, tone, eye area, age and ethnic background. You also have the option of requesting product recommendations that are strictly natural and organic-based or from one specific skincare line.

This is an awesome beauty tool that comes in very handy when making important skincare purchases online.

Start your Personalized Skin Care Analysis from Beauty.com here! No purchase is necessary!

Share your experience with me. I’d love to know what you think of this advantageous skincare and beauty tool!

“Magical” Makeup Eraser Pen by Revlon

I’ve been on a hunt to find an eye makeup remover that I could use while trying to create the perfect eyeliner, without having to wipe off all of my eye makeup when I make a mistake. I have finally found this magical beauty tool. Until now, I have always used cotton swabs for my makeup corrections. The problem with using the cotton swab is that after so many times of wiping around my eyes (since it is usually mascara smudges or uneven lines of eyeliner that I have to remove), the delicate skin around my eyelids becomes incredibly sensitive. What’s worse is , after years of doing this, I could have actually promoted premature aging to the skin around my eyes due to all the poking and pulling. Who wants to be responsible for causing their own wrinkles?!

Thankfully, Revlon offers this very handy makeup eraser tool that is both convenient and effective. The Revlon Eye Makeup Eraser Pen is designed just like a pen with a felt-like tip that is saturated with an oily makeup remover solution. Now you may be wary about using this oily solution on your skin, but in fact, the oil is what makes this product so magical. Truth be told, the best solvent for removing makeup is an oily substance. However, because this makeup remover is just for small corrections and not meant to be used on your entire face, there is no cause for concern. If necessary, all it takes is a simple dab of tissue to remove any residue that may be left on the skin. No problem!

During my search for the perfect eye makeup corrector, I did also find a similar pen-style remover by Sephora. Since both Revlon and Sephora’s makeup pens do the same job, I went for the one kinder on my budget. Sephora also has a compact box of makeup removing cotton swabs, but again, this method proves to be a bit too aggressive for me. So Revlon has won my vote for best choice, making the makeup eraser pen a very important addition to my makeup bag. I keep two Revlon Makeup Eraser Pens on hand at all times. One stays at home in my makeup bag for use during my makeup application, while the other travels the world with me in my handbag. Like most people, my eyeliner tends to run throughout the day. Now, with my new eye makeup eraser pen, a quick fix is just a swipe away.

Tips to Keeping a Sun-Kissed Face

With winter just around the corner, daylight is now fading earlier into night. Along with the sunlight, goes the skin’s summer glow. Disguising a tan less body is easy to do in the winter because the cold weather leaves us with no choice but to cover up. But what do you do about the pale, ghost-like appearance of the skin on your face? In my opinion, wearing a foundation darker than your skin’s natural tone only makes it look like you’re wearing a mask . One of my favorite makeup tricks that I am convinced is the best way to keep your facial skin glowing is the use of a self tanner. However, I don’t recommend just any self tanner. Your best bet is a self tanner that is formulated for use on your face only. Sunless facial tanners will produce a more natural and subtle look. All you really want is a pinch of color, not the look of having just spent the entire day at the beach. Here are some additional tips on how to prepare your skin and apply the self tanner so that you are not left with any streaks or patches of color.

1. To achieve smooth results, you must exfoliate your skin before application of your self tanner. A mild exfoliation, such as a scrub, is best to use the day before applying your sunless tanner. Be sure to include your neck and decollete when cleansing, exfoliating and applying tanner so that you have a balanced look.

2. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin. There are two ways that you can moisturize and apply self tanner to your face. The first way is to tone and moisturize before smoothing on your sunless tanner. The other way it so combine your moisturizer and self tanner and massage them into your skin together.

3 . Keep a natural look by using cotton balls saturated with water along your hairline. This will help to avoid the look of a “bordered tan”.

4. To prevent discoloring of your palms, use vinyl or latex gloves. If you are allergic to the gloves, you can use baby wipes or just wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after applying your facial tanner.

5. Allow your self tanner some time to set before applying your makeup. Rushing the process will leave you with uneven results.

Clarins has just come out with this fantastic new sunless tanner for the face. The Sheer Bronze Self Tanning Hydrating Gel For Face does more than just give your skin a beautiful glow. Your skin will also reap the benefits of hydration from aloe vera extracts, as well as protection from the sun and free radicals with cocoa extracts and vitamin E. The gel texture of this self tanner is exceptional for all skin types.

Dove is another great option, which is easier on the budget. The Dove Energy Glow Daily Face Moisturizer with a Touch of Self Tanner is a facial tanner that comes in two shades of color to accommodate all skin tones. Because this product has a built in self tanner, there is less potency of the tanning ingredients, which allows for daily application without the worry of having too much color on your skin.

A sunless tanner is really the best method to keeping a healthy glow of your skin throughout the year. Whether or not you decide to do this during just the winter or for all seasons, don’t forget to continue using a sunblock. Protecting your skin from the UV-light rays is the #1 way to prevent sun damage and premature aging.

The Perks of Permanent Makeup

I’ve had several inquiries regarding the benefits of permanent makeup or “cosmetic tattooing” so I wanted to share some information on this subject with you all.

Permanent makeup is quite popular and can be a great cosmetic investment. Most women will decide to have permanent makeup done because it saves them time during their daily makeup routine. It is no doubt convenient to wake up in the morning and already have your eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner and color done! Then to top it off, you go through the entire day without having to reapply or worry about your makeup fading or smudging off. Below, I have outlined a few FAQ’s and answers about permanent makeup.

Are you a candidate? Anyone can have permanent makeup. It all depends on what you are looking to achieve. The most common procedures are as mentioned above, eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner and color. If you have the disappearing brow, as previously discussed in my “Beautiful Anastasia Eyebrows” post, then you are the perfect candidate for permanent makeup. Cosmetic tattooing is also used as a corrective procedure for both men and women for conditions such as post breast reconstruction, thinning hair, scar blending, cleft lip, Vitiligo and Alopecia.

Will it look natural? There are some incredible methods of eyebrow tattooing such as the “feathering technique” that result in very subtle and natural looking eyebrows. Of course, there is also a wide variety of colors to choose from, so you don’t have to worry about being marked with black eyebrows, red lips and blue eyeliner for the rest of your life! A good permanent makeup artist will include a consultation first so that the best shape and colors are chosen to enhance your beauty.

How long does it last? Permanent makeup will fade over time, usually lasting anywhere from 3-10 years. The color used on your skin will help to determine the life of your permanent makeup. Most people will have their cosmetic tattoos touched up occasionally to keep a fresh look.

Will it hurt? During the cosmetic tattooing, there will be some discomfort. However, unlike a normal tattoo, a topical anesthetic is used which will greatly reduce any pain involved with the procedure.

How much does it cost? The price of permanent makeup will differ for each case depending on what area is being accented. You can count on spending at least a couple hundred of dollars for any one procedure. Again, this can be a worthwhile investment if you find that saving time while always looking your best is money well spent.

Hopefully, this post will help to answer some of your general questions with regard to permanent makeup. If you would like additional information on permanent makeup, please visit Natural Effects Permanent Makeup.

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