Clarisonic Celebrates 10th Anniversary With A #ThanksToYou TME Giveaway

Clarisonic is celebrating its 10^thAnniversary today, Nov. 22 and as Clarisonic products are such a mainstay in our beauty regimens, it’s a little surprising that brand has only been around for 10 years! In celebration of this decennial anniversary, Clarisonic is launching a global digital campaign, #ThanksToYou to show support to all who have helped the brand reach this milestone.

The Clarisonic #ThanksToYou global social campaign invites all of us to share our Clarisonic own experiences by simply sharing a photo or tweet with the #ThanksToYou hashtag @Clarisonic. Oh … and yep, The Makeup Examiner is sharing in the celebration with a Mia 2 Set Giveaway valued at over $200!

Now Team TME is fairly familiar with the amazing skincare tools that Clarisonic offers, but we’ve been eyeing the Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation Set ($199) device for a while. So, when we were asked if we’d like to give it a spin we weren’t about to say no. The Clarisonic Pedi Device is specially designed to deliver the ultimate at-home foot care regimen and professional pedicure maintenance. Pedi offers 3 speeds, an adjustable timer, and is waterproof for use in the shower!

The Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation Set includes:

• Pedi Smoothing Disc
• Pedi Wet/Dry Buffing Brush Head
• Pedi-Buff -- a triple-kick exfoliating blend of lactic acid, apricot seed and a tri-fruit complex
• Pedi-Balm -- that contains a gentle blend of shea butter, honey and apricot oil to soften, hydrate and protect feet
• Pedi-Boost, which is a powerful foot peel specifically designed to exfoliate and renew skin, combining lactic and glycolic acid to slough and remove dead skin cells.

Perhaps you neglect your tootsies during the winter -- that is a major (and icky) mistake. Team TME may love our shoes, but we all tend to kick them off as soon as we can. But, it’s not only an issue of others seeing our feet, it’s that we want our feet to feel and look amazing all-year-round. Does the Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation Set work? YES! And it’s worth every penny!

Okay, so you know that you stopped by for the giveaway. So, lets get to it … One (1) lucky reader will receive the Mia 2 Set, which includes: One (1) Pink Mia 2, One (1) Sensitive Brush Head, One (1) Protective Travel Case, One (1) Universal Voltage pLink Charger, One (1) Replacement Sensitive Brush Head, and One (1) Refreshing Gel Cleanser 6 oz. - Valued at over $200.00!

To enter:

• Email TMEGiveaway@gmail.com with the Subject Line: Clarisonic #ThanksToYou Giveaway!
• Don’t forget to include your name and address!
• The deadline to enter is Thursday, November 27, 2014 at 11:59PM (ET) and for complete terms and conditions, visit TME’s Giveaway Page!

Don’t forget to join in on the #ThankToYou 10^thAnniversary Celebration at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Clarisonic Fun Facts:

• The brand was started by a group of engineers and entrepreneurs out of Seattle, Washington 
• Clarisonic is now within the L’Oréal family and is sold in 36 countries. 
• Clarisonic’s original co-founder, Dr. Robb Akridge, remains the face of the brand and travels weekly to raise awareness and educate on the brand globally. 
• All Clarisonic devices are assembled in the USA at their factory in Redmond, Washington. 
• The brand has won more than 100 beauty awards globally 
• Clarisonic’s Sonic Method technology and design is secured by over 20 US patents  
• More than 24,000 Clarisonic Mia 2 devices (their best-selling device) can be produced in a single day 
• Since the launch of Mia 2 in late 2011, a total of 4,091,794 devices have been built at the Clarisonic facility in Washington 
• One Mia 2 device is produced and ready to ship every 7 seconds

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DIY Winter Skincare Tips from Skin Care Expert Ildi Pekar

With yet another Polar Vortex set to hit us -- this one’s been referenced as the “Bering Bomb” -- TME turns to famed NYC Facialist Ildi Pekar for this season’s best DIY skin-care tips. Ildi has perfected some of the prettiest faces out there like Miranda Kerr, so whom else would we turn too?

Ildi’s Top Tips to keep your face Hydrated This Winter:

• Using krill oil/fish oil is great to have hydrated skin.
• Stay away from scorching hot water, as this over dries your skin. 
• Use gentle products. Anything that is soothing for the skin like honey.
• Lay off the caffeine, it does dehydrate you. (Uh oh … this one may be a serious problem for Team TME). 
• Almonds/Avocados oils are great to eat to keep your skin hydrated within. 
• Pumpkin seeds and walnuts are also very high in oil! Add it to your diet.

 Ildi’s Top DIY Winter Mask 

(Once a week to keep the skin hydrated)

Ingredients: 

• ½ Banana and Smash
• 3tsp. Of raw honey
• 3tsp. of sour cream or yogurt (with fat!!)

How To:

• Blend the ingredients
• Apply to face, Sit for 15 Minutes
• Rinse with cool water

Note: A special thank you to Ildi Pekar for sharing her expert (and easy) winter skin care tips! Want to see Ildi up close and in person? Visit Ildi Pekar Skin Care located at 315 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600, New York City. Of course you want to phone first and make an appointment -- (212) 682-6080.

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Dr. Lili Fan Probiotics Skincare Unveils Total Eye Care

Dr. Lili Fan

Given that our brows frame our eyes and our lashes accentuate the shape, one could easily say that these facial features are the most important of any. Furthermore, and contrary to popular belief that a woman’s “assets” are slightly south, poll after poll reveals that the first feature a man notices about you is your eyes. And just in case you were wondering, apparently the first thing that us ladies notices about a man is his smile.

Dr. Lili Fan Probiotics has introduced several new products to the brand’s lineup to help address the concerns we encounter as we age. Probiotic Age Defying Eye Serum ($65) targets the advanced signs of aging around the delicate eye area, this formula features Dr. Fan's high-performance Probiotic, peptides blend, vitamin C, and sophisticated natural moisturizing ingredients. All work synergistically together to promote youthful-looking skin. Probiotic Age Defying Eye Serum addresses one of the main skin concerns, but there is also another that many of us do not realize. This would be the fact that our hair, as in brow hair, tends to thin as we age, as do our lashes.

Probiotic XEyebrow Enhancer ($65) and Probiotic X Mascara with Lash Booster ($35) are formulated with Dr. Lili Fan’s patented blend of peptides and Probiotic for strengthening, conditioning and nourishing. Offering the ability to gain fuller brows and lashes within 4-12 weeks. Probiotic X Mascara with Lash Booster’s formula offers fuller and longer looking lashes instantly, with the added benefit of enhancing growth.

About Dr. Lili Fan: An experienced biochemist, microbiologist and practicing ophthalmologist, Dr. Fan led in the development of human cell culture methods for the determination of efficacy and safety of potential cosmeceutical bioactives. This methodology allows complete replacement of animal testing for human topical products. Dr. Lili Fan Probiotics products are available online! 

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OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K Caviar Collection Review

Perhaps you’re familiar with the use of gold as a beautifying agent? No? Well, allow us to give you a brief background about the subject before we proceed with our review of OROGOLD Cosmetics’ 24K Caviar Collection. The use of Colloidal Gold, or nano-gold, can be traced back to ancient China, circa 4,000 BC, as well as back to ancient Greece and Egypt where it was used to treat a myriad of illness.

Cleopatra is said to have slept in a mask of gold to maintain her beauty and in ancient Rome, the wealthy treated skin problems with gold-infused salves. Today, nano-gold is used to treat arthritis and has been studied extensively for use with other medical conditions. Now that we have a brief background about the use of gold for both its healing and beautifying properties, let’s get to OROGOLD Cosmetics’ latest collection -- 24K Caviar. Consisting of 24K Caviar & Sea Kelp Mask, 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Cream and 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Serum; OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K Caviar Collection is a curiosity that should be satisfied if one has the opportunity.

24K Caviar & Sea Kelp Mask ($600) is an amazingly fabulous rejuvenating mask, formulated to reduce the look of wrinkles and to restore the skin’s youthful glow. Ingredients include, 24K Gold, Caviar Extract, Soluble Collagen and Sea Kelp (another ingredient known for its healing and restorative properties). 24K Caviar & Sea Kelp Mask is meant to be applied once per week for 15 minutes, followed by 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Cream and 24K Caviar Micro Beads Serum. After one application, we were treated to refreshed, soft, and supple skin.

OROGOLD 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Cream ($400) is formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Caviar extract in itself is a very potent ingredient, which helps diminish the look of aging. With nourishing ingredients like 24K Gold, Caviar Extract, Vitamin E and Vitamin A 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Cream contains symbiotic ingredients that are meant to work in union with the 24K Caviar & Sea Kelp Mask and 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Serum.

OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Serum ($500) is a carefully formulated product that helps skin maintain hydration throughout the day and prevents it from appearing dull with age. It is formulated with 24K Gold, Green Tea Extract, Chamomile Extract, Hexapeptide 8, as well as Caviar extract, which is packed with Omegas. As stated above, we applied the serum after our mask and it was heaven.

About OROGOLD Cosmetics: OROGOLD is a luxury, anti-aging cosmetics line that restores the youthful appearance of skin with the main active ingredient, 24K gold. Under the influence of gold, the skin improves its firmness, regaining elasticity and freshness, enhancing the body's natural responses for healing and regeneration due to the effects of sun damage, aging and other environmental factors. OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K Caviar Collection are available online and at select OROGOLD Boutiques.

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The Latest Anti-Aging and Acne Treatment Trend: Micro-Needling

While micro-needling as an anti-aging and acne scar treatment has been around for quite some time we’ve seen a surge in the “beauty” trend of DIY micro-needling. And, honestly speaking, the trend is disturbing to say the least. In December 2012, TME reviewed an $87 derma roller and we’d expressed our concerns about its safety. The at-home utilization of a tool that is clearly marked “For Physician Use” isn’t exactly the brightest idea.

So, what is micro-needling? Micro-needling is a procedure that involves the use of a medical device (such as a derma roller) that is fashioned with 100s of micro needles, which are moved across the skin. This action causes microscopic punctures (trauma) to the skin. When micro-needling is performed properly -- by a trained physician or clinician -- studies have found that the procedure may help improve the appearance of acne scarring, deep wrinkles, pore size and even stretch marks.

Micro-Needling At-Home Procedure

Micro-needling can be a good alternative to laser treatments (which can cause hyperpigmentation) or harsh chemical peels. But given that one is causing trauma to the skin with this procedure, you may understand our strong objection to at-home application. Actually, we’re not thrilled with the use of derma rollers in general. Recently, we were given information about a micro-needling procedure -- the EndyMed Intensif, which we have not experienced first-hand.

EndyMed Intensif

EndyMed has just received FDA clearance for the Intensif micro-needling device. The Intensif micro-needle applicator utilizes gold-plated, tapered needles to deliver RF (Radiofrequency) energy deep into the skin. This treatment is also supposed to be safe to use on all skin types, both darker and lighter/more sensitive skin. This is attributed to the procedure targeting water in the skin instead of melanin; lessoning the risk for hyperpigmentation in these skin types. Regardless of whether you look into the Intensif procedure, do your skin a huge favor and stay away from at-home micro-needling!

*Medical Advice Disclaimer: The information included in this article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health-care provider.

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DIY At Home Facials Tips from Skin Care Expert Ildi Pekar

Ildi Pekar of Ildi Pekar Skin Care NYC

A native of Budapest, Ildi Pekar was raised in an area that’s world-renowned for its skincare treatments and one can say that Ildi was born to become a world-renowned esthetician and skin care expert. After spending over a decade practicing her craft in NYC, in 2007 Ildi took a leap and opened Ildi Pekar Skin Care located on Madison Avenue. And today, Ildi is sharing her best-kept secrets for amazing at-home skincare!

“DIY facials at home are so easy and fun. One of my favorites is the honey and avocado DIY facial for clean hydrated skin. I recommend doing this with raw/organic ingredients only. These little facials can give your skin the proper boost it requires to have great skin in between visit to your skin care expert,” shares Ildi.

Ildi’s At-Home Tips For Everyday Beauty Bothers:

Pillow Case Face - “Make sure you put on your moisturizer prior bed time. You need to hydrate your skin so it doesn’t dry out and cause wrinkles naturally. I recommend purchasing silk or satin pillowcases to prevent and avoid creases from forming during your night’s sleep. I also recommend sleeping on your back, which is difficult at first but this also helps avoid any markings on your skin from occurring. If you sleep on your face, it causes poor circulation, which leads up to more wrinkles. Give your skin the extra circulation it needs to avoid any creases. When you get up in the morning, wash your skin with tepid water and give face a massage for stimulation”.

DIY How to Reduce Puffy Eyes -

1. Morning and night. Boil 1 cup of water, add 1 organic chamomile tea bag. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Take a cotton pad, wipe your eyes with the chamomile tea and take the tea bag and leave on each eye 5 minutes.       
2. Take 2 teaspoons, put it in the freezer; use the back of the spoon and hold it under your eyes for 5 minutes. This should decrease the puffiness in the eyes.     
3. Egg White Mask: Break two eggs; take only the egg white and use a tiny brush to then apply around your eye area. This you can do in the morning or before bed and helps reduce the puffiness. Ildi also recommends doing a 3-minute eye massage before and when you wake up as well. This gives your eyes the stimulation it loses during your sleep.       
4. Cold milk: Cold milk is soothing. Soak 2 cotton pads in the cold milk. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Using this method, you’re draining unnecessary liquid and hydrating the eyes. The fatter in the milk, the better it is.       
5. Cucumber and Mint Leaves are great for stimulation. Leave on like a mask for 15 to 20 minutes. Blend cucumber and Mint and soak a cotton ball in them. Wipe around your eyes and rinse after 20 minutes. Quick Tip: Cucumbers are hydrating and anti-inflammatory, take 2 cold slice of cucumber and put them on your eyes and lay down.  
6. Drink plenty of water during the day and prior to sleeping. The puffiness could be a sign of dehydration.

 Note: A special thank you to Ildi Pekar for sharing her expert skin care tips! Ildi has just introduced the Ildi Pekar Booster Facial, which is the only facial that features one of the top active anti-aging ingredients in the market today; Hyaluronic Acid. Ildi Pekar Skin Care is located at 315 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600, New York City.

Keep Up With Ildi:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

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DIY Honey and Avocado Mask

Ingredients:

• 1/2 very ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions:

Puree the avocado until it’s smooth. Add honey and coconut oil. Thoroughly blend all ingredients. Apply to your face, avoiding your eyes, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your face with tepid water in.

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TATCHA Funds 90,000 Days of School Through Room to Read Partnership

TATCHA Founder Victoria Tsai, center, with her daughter, Alea, and students enrolled in
Room to Read's Girls' Education program in Siem Reap, Cambodia last month. Source: TATCHA

TATCHA announced on Friday, Aug. 8 that the company has provided funding for 90,000 days of school and support for girls in developing countries through its partnership with Room to Read. The “Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures” campaign began in January 2014, and provides one day of school and support for each full-size skin care purchase from TATCHA. The figure is three times the initial annual estimates the company had projected when the 1 Purchase = 1 Day of School initiative began.

"We never thought that we would already be able to make this kind of impact so soon," explains founder and CEO Victoria Tsai, shown in the photo above with students in Room to Read's Girls' Education program in Siem Reap, Cambodia. "We're grateful to be a part of the important work that Room to Read is doing, and all of it is possible because of our customers. Now that I've had a chance to visit Cambodia and see first-hand how much the work is genuinely changing lives, it gives our work at TATCHA a whole new dimension of meaning."

Erin Ganju, co-founder and CEO of Room to Read, said partnerships like the one with TATCHA are a priority for the organization and necessary to scale the organization's impact on literacy and girls' education in developing countries. "Room to Read is firmly committed to our partnerships with inspired corporations that support global education," said Erin Ganju. "TATCHA's investment in the next generation of leaders ensures that hundreds of girls are given the opportunity to succeed both inside and outside the classroom."

TATCHA co-founder and President, Brad Murray said he looked forward to even greater contributions as the Company continues to grow. "One purchase at a time, our customers have demonstrated what a wonderful impact this model of giving can create," he said.  "With this as part of our company DNA, we're incredibly inspired by what we can achieve together as we grow." The TATCHA skin care collection is available exclusively at Barneys in the US, JOYCE Beauty in Hong Kong and online at TATCHA.

About Room To Read: Room to Readis a global organization seeking to transform the lives of millions of children in Asia and Africa by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Founded on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children, Room to Read works in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children and to ensure girls have the skills and support needed to complete their secondary education.  Since 2000, Room to Read has impacted the lives of nearly nine million children and aims to reach 10 million children by 2015.

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reVive Light Therapy by Kathy Ireland Skincare Review

Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW) launched the reVive Light Therapy systems in June of this year. Pricing in at $69 to $350, the reVive Light Therapy systems seem to offer an affordable alternative to at-home skincare devices. Having had the opportunity to review other skincare systems, we’re familiar with how the products are supposed to work and what results one should experience.

First and foremost for any at-home skincare system is safety, for which the FDA says a resonating “yes” for the reVive Light Therapy systems. The next issue for devices of this type is ease of use and effectiveness. Focusing upon four key skin issues -- anti-aging, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, acne and skin healing and additionally pain relief, we weren’t exactly convinced that one system could target an array of skin care problems plus reduce pain. But, we are fearless when it comes to testing out products for readers and forged ahead.

reVive Light Therapy offers four different systems, each utilizing various forms of light therapy to address a specific skincare and pain concerns:  reVive Light Therapy Essential ($69), reVive Light Therapy Clinical C 60 ($169), reVive Light Therapy Professional “Cordless Handheld” ($249), and reVive Professional “Full Face” DPL Panel System ($349).

The system that we received is the reVive Light Therapy Professional “Cordless Handheld,” which comes with three interchangeable LED heads, individual instruction booklets, goggles and a travel case. Beginning with the Blue Acne Treatment head (Because we happened to catch a zit) we attached the head to the handheld device and proceeded to treat the affected area for a one-day treatment cycle. The daily treatment cycle consists of 3-minutes in the morning and 3-minutes before bed. Bye-bye zit! Understanding that our acne issue was one spot, we wouldn’t expect quick results for more severe acne issues.

Moving on to the Purple Anti-aging light treatment head, which requires 20-minute treatment cycles, we used the system for one week and noticed a marked difference in the fine lines around our eyes. The Purple Anti-aging light treatment head was also highly effective in reducing a sunspot on our cheek and increasing even skin tone! The approximate price of reVive Anti-aging Light Therapy Handheld System is $169 versus the latest anti-aging laser gadget that costs approximately $565. The laser is heavy, costly, inconvenient, and we don’t trust the long-term effects of lasers versus innocuous LED light.

The last treatment to tackle was the pain relief. Utilizing the Red Pain Relief light treatment head, we did a 14-minute treatment cycle on our wrist. The first use brought marked relief and the second treatment offered complete alleviation of pain. As for reVive Light Therapy systems there are so many reasons why it’s a win. Varying price points, total effectiveness, convenience and mobility. As we stated, we’ve used other at-home skincare treatment devices and they’re heavy, not practical for travel and the prices are insane. So there you have it dear beautynistas and suavenistas, -- TME’s experience, and gold seal approval, with reVive Light Therapy systems.

reVive Light Therapy systems are available online at reVive and select retail outlets.

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Colorado Aromatics Cultivated Skin Care

Colorado Aromatics is such a fascinating company, and as I was working on a post about wellness and relaxation with the intent of referencing this brand, I realized that a brief mention simply wouldn’t do. Dr. Cindy Jones, the founder of Colorado Aromatics, took her expert background in toxicology, microbiology, and physiology and combined these sciences with her knowledge as an herbalist to create a magical line of skincare.

The brand’s advanced skin care line is rich in nutrients and antioxidants delivering real results. It consists of face, body, and bath care products and all ingredients are chosen to contribute to skin health. One specific group of products from the brand is its Herbal Distillates Toners ($8). Beyond the preventative and reparative properties lies an emotionally restorative array of scents.

Herbal Distillate Toners are mildly aromatic products that contain micro-droplets of essential oils and organic plant acids to help bring your skin to a proper pH balance. These are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to sooth the skin. Dr. Cindy recommends that you spray your neck, chest and hair as well and the entire line can also be used as linen and room spray!

How to use: Spray on your face after washing. Also use anytime on the body, face and hair for hydration and refreshment. Take them on a plane trip to combat dry airline conditions and feel refreshed. Spray on the hair before brushing to help smooth the cuticle, soften hair and decrease frizzies.

Benefits of Varying Herbal Distillate Toners:

• Clary Sage – emotional support, especially for women, eases anxiety
• Cucumber – astringent and moisturizing, cool, refreshing and firming
• Lemon Balm – great for rash, skin irritations and after-sun use
• Mint – uplifting, can increase alertness and concentration
• Lavender – great for inflammation, sunburn, and itching. It is also refreshing, calming and can help improve mood and decrease stress
• Rose – hormone balancer, good moisturizer for dry skin, promotes balance, try it on yoga mats
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) – used to purify the mind, body, and spirit as well as to sharpen memory, ease headache, sooth insect bites and improve mood

I was so impressed by every aspect of Colorado Aromatics from the quality, to the price point to the brand’s social responsibility. Colorado Aromatics sources its herbs from local farmers, donates products for local fundraisers and give soap and other products to local shelters as well as for victims of forest fires. You can find Herbal Distillate Toners online at Colorado Aromatics.

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Tips To Make Melasma Less Noticeable

Melasma is a common skin problem that causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face. More likely to affect women and people with darker skin tones, melasma affects more than six million women in the U.S.1 Although the exact causes of melasma are unclear, common triggers include sun exposure, pregnancy, birth control pills, and cosmetics.

“Melasma usually appears on the cheeks, forehead, chin, bridge of the nose and above the upper lip, but it can also appear on the forearms or neck,” said Bethanee J. Schlosser, MD, PhD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology and director of Women’s Skin Health at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “Although it is not harmful, many people dislike the way melasma looks and seek treatment to make it less noticeable.”

If you have melasma, Dr. Schlosser recommends the following tips for achieving a more even skin tone:

1. Wear sunscreen daily: One of the most common treatments for melasma is sun protection. Since sunlight triggers melasma, it is important to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more, and zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to physically limit the effects of the sun’s rays on your skin. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours.
2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re outside: As a recent study in the journal Nature illustrates, sunscreen alone may not give you the sun protection you need. Whenever possible, seek shade and wear protective clothing in addition to applying sunscreen.
3. Choose gentle skin care products: Choose skin care products that don’t sting or burn, as products that irritate the skin may worsen melasma.
4. Avoid waxing: Waxing may cause skin inflammation, which can worsen melasma, so it’s important to avoid waxing areas of the body affected by the condition. Ask a dermatologist about other types of hair removal that may be right for you.

For more information, contact the American Academy of Dermatology at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or online at AAD.

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6 Steps to Avoid Breakouts From Skincare Expert Crystal Wellman

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting millions nationwide. Acne can be triggered from various causes including hormones, stress, and unhealthy eating. However, acne is not totally out of your control. This June, during Acne Awareness Month, make the effort to avoid acne altogether. Crystal Wellman of the Crystal Clear Acne Clinic offers her top tips to reduce or eliminate acne.

“So many people are suffering from all sorts of acne right now, from mild to severe, but you don’t have to,” affirms Crystal Wellman, a Master Aesthetician and owner of the Crystal Clear Acne Clinic. “There are the obvious steps you can take to reduce your acne, like reducing your stress or eating healthier. However, there are certain actions that people can take which you may not have thought of before.”

If you want to get rid of your acne, here are Crystal’s 6 steps:

1. Avoid Fabric Softeners. Fabric Softeners in the washing machine and sheets in the dryer create a waxy residue that clogs your pores. Make sure to wash your pillowcase and hand towels weekly.
2. Avoid Swimming Pools. While swimming pools are refreshing during the summer months, the combination of hot and humid weather, physical exercise and chlorine leads to major acne breakouts.
3. Avoid Sports Drinks. Sports drinks and sports bars contain ingredients that lead to breakouts. Try to avoid foods that contain iodized salt, seafood, seaweed, fast foods, and dairy products.
4. Avoid Comedogenic Products. There are hair, make-up and sunscreen products on the market designed to avoid clogging pores and causing breakouts. Look for “non-comedogenic” labels when shopping.
5. Avoid Sleeping with Makeup. Even make-up designed not to clog pores can lead to breakouts if you sleep with it on. Let your skin breath by washing your face at least twice a day and applying moisturizer.
6. Ditch the Dairy. Milk products have a tendency to create inflammation in the pore. Clogged pores and inflammation will leave you with major breakouts. Try almond, rice or coconut milk instead of cow or goats milk dairy products.

“The best way to get rid of your acne is to see a professional,” affirms Wellman. “A skin specialist will be able to identify the root of your problem and advise the best course of treatment to permanently eliminate acne.”

About Crystal Clear Acne Clinic - The Crystal Clear Acne Clinic is a new treatment clinic, located at 1210 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The clinic is owned by Crystal Wellman, a Master Aesthetician and serial entrepreneur. Those who have skin conditions related to acne, rosacea, and aging, among others, will find unique treatment options available at the clinic. The clinic provides individual treatment plans and takes an integrative approach. For more information, visit Crystal Clear Acne Clinic.

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Merlot Skin Care Review

Happy Summer lovelies! Okay, granted it may not exactly be a “happy” considering that summer is in full swing and we’d all probably rather be sitting beach or poolside. But, The Makeup Examiner has found a new skincare line --Merlot Skin Care-- that might just bring a smile (and glowing skin) to your face.

Although TME left the business world far behind her, business has never left her. And she points this out to emphasize the importance of good business practices, which is what she found with Merlot Skin Care. The brand produces all products in the USA, all products are made from procyanadolic oligimers’ (natural grape seed antioxidants), Merlot Skin Care does not test on animals, the company is family owned and operated, and lastly -- Merlot Skin Care offers top-notch customer service.

Ah, but you didn’t stop by to read about the business side of Merlot Skin Care did you? So, I’ll move onto the products. I was sent quite a few products from this skin care line for a Bridal Editorial that I’m working on, but I felt that Merlot deserved a review of its own.

Readers know that I love any true multi-purpose product, so I’m starting with Merlot Skin Care 100% Pure Grape Seed Oil ($8). Yesterday, I committed one of the biggest (and dumbest) beauty sins imaginable … I fell asleep in the sun and yes, it lead to sunburn. I applied 100% Pure Grape Seed Oil to my skin and experienced instant relief. To the best of my knowledge grape seed oil doesn’t offer any analgesic properties, but the oil soothed my skin nonetheless. Aside from adding hydration to my skin, Merlot’s Grape Seed Oil can be used to nourish cuticles, repair split ends, heal scars, replenish moisture after shaving, hydrate dry and cracked heals, and makes for a great massage oil.

Next up is Merlot Grape Seed Cleanser ($11), which contains no soap making this cleanser super gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. It effectively removed my makeup and left my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. Moving onto what should be your next step in any solid skin care regimen … toner! Merlot Skin Care Hydrating Toner ($11) is lightly scented and left my skin feeling prepped for the next step in my skin care regimen. While Hydrating Toner an excellent toner and perfect for sensitive skin, I’m unlikely to give up my Pixi Glow Tonic anytime soon.

Moving onto the next product, Merlot Skin Care Grape Seed Moisturizer ($17). Although there isn’t any fragrance added to this amazing product, Grape Seed Moisturizer has this light and lovely natural scent. The moisturizer absorbs quickly and left my skin feeling soft, smooth and incredibly hydrated without any greasy feel. Merlot Skin Care Grape Seed Moisturizer works fabulously as a moisturizer and as a makeup primer!

Rounding out this review is Merlot Skin Care’s Purifying Peel Off Mask ($15). For as biased as I am against peel off masks, okay truth be told I haven’t touched a peel off mask in years, I was actually impressed with this one. Purifying Peel Off Mask is surprisingly gentle and left my skin with a healthy glow.

It’s a little cliché to state that Merlot Skin Care is like wine for the skin, but it’s true! Merlot Skin Care offers far more products then I’ve reviewed and you can find them online at Merlot.

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Insider Secrets to Great-Looking Skin for the Acne Prone

Skin conditions such as acne, acne rosacea, or merely the impact of aging affect most adults at some point in their life. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that acne is the most common skin disorder in the country, affecting some 40-50 million Americans. What’s more is that around 85 percent of all people in the country will at some point in their life have acne. Add to that the additional 16 million people who are affected by the skin condition rosacea and it’s clear to see that skin problems are common. It also leads millions to search for products or treatments that will help them have great skin.

“Having great looking skin is a mystery to most people. They are just not sure what to do in order to make things better,” explains Crystal Wellman. “Some of the things they do may even work against them to make it work, even if they are using products that claim to help their skin.”

The good news is that there are things that can be done in order to improve and have great-looking skin, including these six secrets:

1. Avoid irritating. It’s important to avoid the urge to pop, pick or otherwise irritate acne or other skin conditions. This will just make it worse. While you may want to squeeze that pimple, you are better off leaving it be.
2. Be gentle. Always use gentle products that will not be abrasive or dry the skin out. Be gentle when rubbing the face to clean it as well, being sure to avoid any vigorous scrubbing or harshness. Choose a facial cleanser that is gentle and not overly drying -- hydrated skin heals faster.
3. Stop the clog. The make-up industry is huge, with just the sales of organic and natural beauty products expected to top $9 billion next year. This make-up may look great, but a lot of it can clog the pores, leading to acne and other skin problems. Those who wear make-up should be diligent about gently cleaning it off their face at the end of the day. Always check all makeup and skincare products for pore clogging ingredients; as long as you are using them you will never be acne free.
4. Think protection. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, affecting over two million people each year. Sun and even being around cigarette smoke can damage the skin and lead to premature aging of it. Make an effort to protect the skin by wearing sunscreen, a hat, or sitting in the shade.
5. Drink water. Many people question whether or not staying hydrated helps you have great-looking skin. It is important to understand that the skin is an organ and like others it needs water to be at its best. It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
6. Get help. Not everyone is able to successfully take on their skin conditions and win all on their own. Get the help you need from a professional who can help identify and treat the problem, as well as provide information on how to avoid it in the future.

“Once you learn more about what to do and what not to do it all becomes easier to have great-looking skin,” added Wellman. “At the clinic we not only treat the condition, but we teach people what to do so they can prevent and address problems in the future.”

Crystal Clear Acne Clinic is a new full-service skin care clinic located at located in Fredericksburg, Va. The clinic offers skin care treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including acne, rosacea, and aging. The clinic is owned by serial entrepreneur Crystal Wellman, who is a Master Aesthetician and also owns Ladyburg, a handcrafted bath and body store. She is also a certified acne specialist, and is also certified in the areas of oncology, dermaplane, and microdermabrasion. For more information visit Crystal ClearAcne Clinic.

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SK-II Pop-Up Studios

Reveal your skin’s potential to achieve an ageless, radiant complexion and take part in unique experiences to help you discover the world of SK-II. Enjoy one-on-one personalized consultations with expert Skin Counselors and try the new Beauty Imaging System. Plus, find a complete tester selection for sampling our wide range of products.

When: Now through May 23

Times: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: 468 Broome Street, NYC and 117 Post Street, San Francisco

The Beauty Imaging System is the latest breakthrough in beauty innovation. This unique analysis device predicts the skin’s visible age to help determine a SK-II product ritual designed exclusively for an individual’s skin concerns. It works by capturing close-up images of the face using a digital camera and then analyzes the images based on the five dimensions of crystal clear, ageless skin: Texture Refinement, Firmness Power, Wrinkle Resilience, Radiance and Tone. 

SK-II Pop-Up Studios will also feature:

• Complimentary refreshments from Teas' Tea and Harvest Snaps
• Unique programming from SK-II and a variety of partners throughout
• An SK-II photo booth, powered by Smart Pics
• For More Information, Visit SK-II

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