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Essential Tips for Glowing Skin – Medical Grade Skincare and Sugaring Hair Removal

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Tucson life brings the hot sun, dry air, and changing temperatures. All these things can dry your skin, make it dull, or tired. But the good news is that with a good Tucson skin care routine, you can have soft, healthy, and glowing skin every day.

Here in this blog, we will share easy tips on taking care of your skin with kind products and good habits. If you follow the simple care daily, you can enjoy smooth and shining skin, even in the sun and dry weather. Let’s get started!

Why Tucson Skin Care Matters

Tucson’s weather is quite distinct compared to many other places. The sun is intense, and the air is quite dry. This can result in dry skin, dark spots, or even early signs of aging. This is why it’s important to maintain the right Tucson skin care regimen. Despite the hot weather and dry climate, your skin will be healthy, softer, and brighter if you take good care of it.

Simple Daily Skin Care Tips

A good Tucson skin care regimen begins with three key steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and shielding your skin.

  • Wash gently: Use a mild facial wash which doesn’t dry out.
  • Hydrate Daily: Pick a face cream that has skin-beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe. These aids keep your skin moist and smooth.
  • Apply sunscreen: Tucson’s sunlight is intense, even on cloudy days. Use sunscreen daily, even if only going out for a short time.

Doing all of these things daily can actually keep your skin fresh and clear.

Don’t Forget to Hydrate

Dryness is one of the largest skin issues in Tucson. The dry air can draw water out of your skin and make it rough or itchy. That’s why being well-hydrated is a key part of Tucson skin care.

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Apply a hydrating face serum before your moisturizer.
  • Use a humidifier in your home to put some moisture into the air.

When your skin is well-hydrated, it feels softer and more alive.

Try Skin Care Treatments for Extra Help

An expert’s treatment can be a big help if you want your skin to look even better. Facials and gentle peels are treatments that can remove dry, ageing skin and restore its natural radiance. Dryness, fine wrinkles, and blocked pores can all be treated with a facial in Tucson. These soothing treatments have the power to improve your skin.

Choose the Right Products for Tucson

Choosing the best skin care products can be hard due to Tucson’s weather. Your skin cannot get enough moisture from some products if they are too light. Others might be too heavy and block your pores.

With Tucson skin care, it’s best to look for products that:

  • Add moisture (like creams with aloe or ceramides)
  • Help brighten your skin (like vitamin C)
  • Protect your skin (like sunscreens and antioxidants)

And remember, what works in winter may not work in summer—so check your products each season.

Healthy Habits Help Your Skin Too

Good skin doesn’t only come from what you put on your face. It also comes from how you treat your body. These small changes can support your Tucson skin care goals:

  • Eat well: Attempt to eat fruits, vegetables, and healthy foods.
  • Sleep well: Sleep 7–8 hours a night so your skin can repair and rest.
  • Reduce stress: Excessive tension may lead to dry skin or pimples. Try relaxing activities like walking, reading, or light exercise.

When you feel good inside, it shows on your face too.

Your Night Routine Matters

At night, your skin repairs itself while you sleep. That’s why a night routine is just as important as your morning routine. A good night routine for Tucson skin care includes:

  • Washing your face to remove dirt or makeup
  • Using a serum to add hydration
  • Applying a night cream or mask to help your skin recover

Even doing just these steps a few times a week can make your skin look fresher in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a healthy Tucson skin care routine doesn’t have to be hard or costly. You can have radiant, healthy skin all year long with the proper routine, useful products, and a few relaxing treatments. Along with feeling amazing, taking care of your skin is a fantastic way to take care of yourself.

If you want to treat your skin with professional care, Incandescent Skin in Tucson offers mild, personalized skin care services that are ideal for desert living.

The Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing

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The terms “hydrating” and “moisturizing” are often used interchangeably in skin care, leading to confusion about their meanings and implications for skin health.

Hydrating and moisturizing are essential steps in any skincare routine, but they refer to different processes that serve distinct purposes.

Hydrating refers to adding water or moisture to the skin, while moisturizing refers to using products that create a barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss.

Therefore, keep reading to learn the difference between hydrating and moisturizing and how to apply these steps correctly for optimal skin health.

What is Hydration?

Hydration refers to increasing water content in the skin by using products that contain water or attract water from the environment into the skin.

This is important because our skin is about 64% water and needs to maintain a certain moisture level to function properly.

Maintaining the optimal moisture level is crucial for the skin to effectively perform its role as the body’s first line of defense against external pollutants, bacteria, and other environmental factors.

When the skin lacks sufficient moisture, it can become dry, tight, and more susceptible to cracking.

These breaches in the skin’s surface make it easier for pathogens to penetrate and cause infections and symptoms such as redness and irritation.

Additionally, dehydration can accelerate the skin’s aging process and make fine lines and wrinkles more prominent.

Thus, ensuring the skin remains well-hydrated and moisturized is vital for preserving its health, appearance, and the overall integrity of its barrier function.

One way to increase hydration is by using skincare products that contain humectants, which are ingredients that draw water from the surrounding environment and the deeper layers of the skin and bind it to the surface.

Common humectants used in skin care products include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid, peptides, and urea.

Signs Your Skin Needs Hydration

  • Dull, lackluster appearance.
  • Uneven skin tone.
  • Rough, patchy texture, especially on the cheeks.
  • Dryness in areas that are usually oily, such as the T-zone.
  • Closed comedones or whiteheads.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable.
  • Skin feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after cleansing.

What is Moisturizing?

Moisturizing, on the other hand, involves helping the skin to retain moisture.

Moisturizers are designed to create a barrier on the skin’s surface and lock in moisture, protecting the skin from environmental factors that can cause cellular damage and inflammatory skin conditions.

This process prevents water loss and nourishes the skin’s outer layer, ensuring it remains soft, smooth, and elastic.

Moisturizing products typically contain a combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives.

As we already mentioned, humectants attract water to the skin and are present in moisturizers to increase the skin’s hydration.

Emollients, such as ceramides and fatty acids, fill in the gaps between skin cells, smoothing and softening the skin.

Occlusives, including petrolatum, lanolin, and silicones, form a protective seal over the skin to lock in moisture and protect against water loss.

Signs Your Skin Needs Moisturizing

  • Rough, flaky patches.
  • Redness and irritation.
  • The skin feels tight and dry, not just after cleansing.
  • Visible lines and cracks in the skin’s surface.

Who Can Benefit From Hydrating and Moisturizing?

A photo describing how to hydrate and moisturize your skin.

Regardless of your skin type—oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—your skin can benefit from both hydration and moisturization.

For example, dry skin lacks natural oils and is prone to dehydration, requiring both hydration and moisturization.

On the other hand, oily skin can also become dehydrated and try to compensate for the lack of moisture by overproducing oil, leading to clogged pores and acne.

In contrast, combination skin may have an oily T-zone but dry cheeks that require different treatment approaches.

Finally, sensitive and aging skin can benefit from both hydration and moisturization to maintain a healthy barrier function, prevent irritation, and minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

How to Hydrate and Moisturize Your Skin Correctly?

To maximize the benefits of both hydration and moisturization, it’s crucial to apply products in the correct order and form.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hydrate and moisturize your skin correctly to keep it healthy, smooth, and clear.

Cleanse your skin: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove oil, makeup residue, and impurities from the surface.

Exfoliate (optional): Consider exfoliating once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and allow better absorption of products.

Apply a hydrating toner: After cleansing, and while the skin is still damp from the previous step, use a hydrating toner to balance the skin’s pH levels and prepare it for better absorption of products.

Layer on serums and essences: Apply these concentrated formulas that contain active ingredients to hydrate the skin while it’s still damp from the previous step.

Seal moisture with a moisturizing cream: Apply a moisturizer containing emollients and occlusives to nourish the skin while preventing water loss.

Finish off with sunscreen: Protect your hydrated and moisturized skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Do I Know If My Skin Needs Hydration or Moisturizing?

If your skin feels tight, looks dull, or shows fine lines, it likely needs more hydration to replenish the water content in your skin.

On the other hand, if your skin is flaky, rough, or itchy, it needs more moisturization to lock in moisture and prevent it from evaporating through the surface.

Can Using Too Many Hydrating Products Cause My Skin to Become Oily or Breakout?

Using an excessive amount of hydrating products, especially if they’re not suited to your skin type, can potentially lead to issues like oiliness or breakouts.

This is because over-hydrated skin might struggle to absorb all the moisture, leading to a surface residue that can clog pores.

Apply hydrating products and non-comedogenic products suitable for your skin type in moderation.

Do You Apply a Hydrator or Moisturizer First?

The general rule is to apply the lightest or most watery products first and then layer on thicker, creamier ones.

So, if you’re using both a hydrator and a moisturizer, start with the hydrating product and finish off with the moisturizer to lock in the moisture.

The post The Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing first appeared on The Skin Care Culture.

Best Eye Serum for Wrinkles

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While you may just be getting used to the idea of using an eye cream, an eye serum should be on your radar, too. Just like a face serum and moisturizer go hand-in-hand, so does this dynamic duo. The two products work together synergistically to target the look of wrinkles around the eyes.

But suppose you were more concerned with dark circles than puffiness or budget is a matter of consideration? Not to worry. While eye serums may be a relatively new concept, there are plenty of options out there to address every skincare concern — here are the top picks to get you started.

Summary of Best Eye Serums for Wrinkles

BEST OVERALL
Carrot & Stick The Eye Serum

OTHERS
Verso Super Eye Serum

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Lancôme Absolu Revitalizing Eye Serum

Stacked Skincare Firming Eye Complex

The List

BEST OVERALL
Carrot & Stick The Eye Serum
A blend of advanced peptides reduces the look of discoloration and rich moisturizers combat dryness. Crow’s feet are smoothed, puffiness is reduced and skin is visibly lifted and brightened with every application.

OTHERS

Verso Super Eye Serum
This popular retinol eye serum is formulated with Verso’s unique Retinol 8 complex, which effectively firms, addresses hyperpigmentation, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps. At the same time, a blend of peptides strengthens delicate under-eye tissue, restricts capillaries, and increases the frequency of lymph vessel contraction, diminishing the look of eye puffiness, dark circles, and lines.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Harnessing the power of Retinol Tri-Active Technology (a fast-acting retinoid, time-released retinol, and a retinol booster), this best-selling serum quickly minimizes lines and deep wrinkles around the eye area in as little as two weeks. Despite being potent, this retinol eye serum is safe for those with sensitive skin.

Lancôme Absolu Revitalizing Eye Serum
No eye serum can get rid of dark circles overnight, but this one truly does impress. After just one week of using the formula twice a day, dark circles are visibly reduced. Three weeks later, fine lines and wrinkles are diminished while the overall eye contour appears more rejuvenated, thanks to an exclusive blend of luxurious rose extracts.

Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing Eye Serum
Grand rose and Bifidus and linseed extracts work together synergistically to refresh, brighten, and lift the delicate skin around the eyes. Its velvety texture absorbs quickly and deeply, resulting in a firmer, brighter, and more sculpted appearance in as little as one week.

Stacked Skincare Firming Eye Complex
While there’s no such thing as a quick fix, this under-eye serum comes pretty close. Honey lotus extract is the key ingredient that tightens and lifts the delicate skin under the eyes in just five minutes. Additionally, a peptide addresses the loss of elasticity and wrinkles over time. The result? Eyes that look like you got a full eight hours of sleep.

Best Eye Serum for Wrinkles: The Bottom Line

What’s the Best Eye Serum for wrinkles? Overall, we suggest Carrot & Stick The Eye Serum.

For optimal results, use Carrot & Stick’s The Eye Cream after applying the serum. Carrot & Stick Eye Essentials contains both products in targeted routine.

Eye serums are water-based, lightweight, and more viscous. Serums typically contain more active ingredients that can penetrate more deeply due to their small molecular structure and liquid consistency — just like the serums used on your face — to provide optimum anti-aging and hydration benefits.

Eye creams are thicker and typically consist of more oils and fats. Creams are excellent for retaining and providing moisture on the skin’s surface while improving crepiness and texture.

Eye serums, on the other hand, are often more effective in addressing concerns such as dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Before you go kicking one to the curb, note that both under-eye products are recommended by dermatologists because they address different eye area concerns.

There are many different eye serum formulas on the market to address dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, or a combination thereof. You can even find an effective drugstore formula that provides results without emptying your pocketbook.

5 Fall Skincare + Makeup Swaps You Need To Try – Glo Skin Beauty

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There’s just something special about fall that makes us want to bake cookies in a Nancy Meyers style kitchen, go on long crisp walks in the woods to see the changing colors, and generally start to cozy down with pumpkin-spiced everything.

And, the same goes for our skincare and makeup too. While it may not feel a huge temperature drop, the changing season means it’s time to put away your lightweight summer skincare formulas and make room for richer, more luxurious fall favorites—including our delicious Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub.

Choose a Hydrating Foundation

If you opted for lightweight tinted moisturizers this summer, you can officially bring back your fuller coverage formulas. Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18 is perfect for cooler temps because it expertly hides signs of dry skin, adding hydration with a fuller, buildable coverage, without being too heavy. The luxe liquid formula softens and blurs any fine lines or imperfections, leaving you with a gorgeous complexion, plus it has an added layer of sun protection too.

Try a Facial Oil

Ready to amp up your moisturizer? Try a face oil. We know it’s not winter just yet, so it might not be time to bring out your heaviest creams, but adding an oil to your summer moisturizer is a great way to transition to a heavier formula. Plus, face oils provide tons of added moisture and other nourishing benefits when the temps drop and the air becomes more dry. To use, either mix the oil with your moisturizer in the palm of your hand before applying, or apply your face oil on top of your moisturizer to lock in the added hydration.

Resume Active Ingredients

Fall is the perfect time to restart your active ingredient ritual, since you’re not in the sun as often. From retinol to glycolic acid, so many of our favorite ingredients can cause sun sensitivity if not used properly. While we always recommend wearing a daily SPF, the cooler months are the ideal time to really get serious about transforming your skin, especially if you’re dealing with any aftermath from summer, like hyperpigmentation. Fall is also great for restarting any at-home peels or professional treatment protocols, as you’ll have more time to let your skin heal indoors.

Test Out Bold Lips

Our Conditioning Lip Glosses are fun for the season—especially in the richer shades of Speakeasy and Desert Bloom, but nothing packs a punch quite like a pop of deep opaque color on the lips. Fall is the best time to bust out your berries, bricks, and reds as you don’t have to worry about melting or slippage as much, plus they feel festive and on-point. Our favorite shades this season? Satin Lipstick: Mulberry, Roaring 20s, Amaretto, and Napa; Suede Matte Lip Crayons: Sahara, and Crimson (coming soon).

For the perfect poutlightly exfoliate the delicate lip area then prime with your favorite balm. And don’t forget to line your lips with Precision Lip Pencil in Natural or Acorn for definition and to prevent any bleeding or smudging.

Pro Tip: You can also apply our Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Canyon to the lips, lids, and cheeks for a warm, toasted monochrome look.

Indulge in Overnight Masks

If you’re not already incorporating masks into your routine, fall is a great time to start. We especially love extra hydrating formulas that you can sleep in, to give you an effortless ‘I woke up like this’ glow in the morning. Try applying a thin layer of Restorative Mask up to three nights per week for a boost of hydration and antioxidants.

Which fall favorites will you add to your routine this season?

How to Get Glossy, Healthy Hair Before Party Season – Iles Formula

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The festive season calls for a touch of glamour, sparkling outfits, elegant evenings, and, of course, beautifully healthy hair. To ensure your strands are sumptuous, resilient, and full of natural lustre, preparation begins weeks before the celebrations.

Here’s how to achieve your most lustrous, voluptuous hair yet with the Iles Formula ritual luxurious routine designed to strengthen, protect, and enhance radiance.

Begin with a Rebalancing Cleanse



Every glossy finish begins at the scalp. Residue from styling products, pollution, and daily impurities can cause dullness and imbalance. Start your prep with the Iles Formula Signature Shampoo, a sulfate-free, antioxidant-rich cleanser that purifies without stripping essential moisture.

Infused with vitaminsand botanicalsit gently removes build-up while preserving softness and shine. The result? A clean foundation for healthier, more vibrant hair.

Indulge in a Monthly Mask Moment

Iles formula Mask




For a deeper level of repair, treat your hair to the Iles Formula Hair Mask once a month. This luxurious formula penetrates the hair shaft, reinforcing elasticity and boosting shine while replenishing lost nutrients.

Leave on for 15–20 minutes, ideally wrapped in a warm towel to enhance absorption. The result is hair that feels renewed, resilient, and full of body, ready to handle any festive styling.


Restore Strength and Vitality

Iles formula conditioner



Follow with the Iles Formula Signature Conditionera cult favourite for achieving instantly lustrous, voluptuousand sumptuous hair. Its blend of Tucuma butter, silkand nut oils strengthens each strand while smoothing the outer cuticle to reflect light beautifully.

Apply generously from mid-lengths to ends and comb through to distribute evenly. Rinse thoroughly for a silky, weightless finish that defines the Iles Formula signature look.

Protect and Perfect Your Finish

Iles formula finishing serum


A flawless holiday look begins with heat protection and ends with a smooth, frizz-free finish. Before styling, work a few drops of the Iles Formula Finishing Serum through damp or dry hair.

This multitasking serum offers thermal protection up to 230°C, guards against humidity, and creates a light-reflecting finish that feels weightless and polished. It’s the secret to runway-quality shine that lasts from day to night.

Refresh Between Celebrations

Iles formula rinseless root refresh



When your social calendar is full, reach for the Iles Formula Rinseless Root Refresh, a cleansing mist that revives roots and restores volume instantly with heat.

Formulated with natural extracts and micellar technologyit rebalances the scalp and neutralises odour, leaving hair refreshed and full of movement. Perfect for quick touch-ups between events or after a long evening out.

How To Create An Outfit Intention

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How To Create An Outfit Intention

Hey there, fashion lovers! Are you tired of staring at your closet, feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to wear? Do you want to elevate your style and feel confident in your daily outfit choices? Look no further because I have the solution for you!

In today’s blog, “How To Create An Outfit Intention,” I share my personal journaling method called the 54321 journaling methods. In this method, I highlight the importance of setting three outfit intentions for the day, which will completely change the game for you and your style.

So, what are outfit intentions, you ask? Well, it’s simple. By setting three outfit intentions, you will have a solid idea of how you want to look, how you want to feel, and how you want to be perceived. With these intentions in mind, getting dressed and putting together an outfit that aligns with your goals and mood for the day will be much easier.

I break down the three questions you should ask yourself when setting outfit intentions. The first question is, “How do I want to look?” By answering this question, you can set your intention for the day, which will help you choose your outfit accordingly.

The second question is, “How do I want to feel?” This question will help you pick the perfect outfit to make you feel confident and empowered.

And finally, the third question is, “How do I want to be perceived?” This question will help you select an outfit that aligns with your goals for the day, whether it’s a big presentation at work or a romantic date night.

By setting these three outfit intentions, you can narrow your choices and quickly create a fabulous outfit that makes you look and feel amazing. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

I can’t wait to see you all looking fabulous in your perfectly curated outfits!


Foodie Holiday Gift Guide 2025

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As someone who loves good food and clean ingredients, I’m always searching for gifts that bring both joy and wellness to the table. This guide is full of my favorite finds that make healthy living taste amazing.

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.  This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.

*Suzi(Gurl Gone Green) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

1. Sunrise Flour Mill Heritage Organic Flours- These flours are next level.  Tested for glyphosates, freshly milled and minimally processed.  It uses methods they used before the 1950s hybridization came. This is the flour I use to make my sourdough bread!

2. Lifeboost Flavored Coffee- It’s hard to find a clean organic flavored coffee, but Lifeboost offers it!  Flavors like Smores, Pumpkin Spice, Amaretto and so many more.  Such a great option for any foodie that likes some flavor to their coffee.

3. Lineage Provisions Raw Honey– This honey is raw, organic, unfiltered honey that’s harvested from wilderness areas and not commercial farms.  It is free from glyphosate and over 300 other contaminants. Use code: SUZI for 10% off.

4. Hu Kitchen Chocolate- You can’t go wrong with Chocolate!  This is elevated in so many ways.  Organic and sweetened with coconut sugar and minimal ingredients.  I love their Almond Butter Dark Chocolate Bar, but you can’t go wrong with any of them.

5. Spring & Mulberry Chocolate- I was introduced to this chocolate this past year and let’s just say I became hooked. It’s sweetened with just dates and is tested for heavy metals. It’s organic and has minimal ingredients.  So many fun flavors too!

6. Single Serve Olive Oil Packets- These olive oil packets are perfect for traveling or carrying in your purse for on the go.  The olive oil is organic, cold pressed olive, no blending.

7. Plastic Free Salt– This salt has been tested for additives and microplastics.

8. Biodynamic Grade A Organic Maple Syrup- Think you’ve tried the healthiest maple syrup, think again.  This maple syrup is grown on a 40 acre biodynamic farm, that gives a full bodied robust taste unlike other maple syrups.

9. Grassfed Ghee- If you like ghee like me, then you need to try this Grassfed Ghee.  It’s flavor is so good.  Ghee forms when you cook butter and remove the milk and water solids.  What’s left is a rich, nutty, clarified butter that’s shelf-stable and has a high smoke point. I cook everything in this!

10. Pique Tea Matcha- This is unlike any matcha you’ve had before.  Sun Goddess Matcha is organic, ceremonial- grade matcha made, using 130 year old techniques.

11. San Juan Island Popcorn Blend- This is a dairy free popcorn seasoning made with all organic ingredients- you’ll wonder where this has been your whole life! Here are the exact ingredients: San Juan Island Sea Salt, nutritional yeast, organic dill, organic garlic, organic black pepper, organic red pepper flakes, organic cayenne pepper.

12. Organic Maple Sugar- Surprise the foodie in your life with a gift that they might not have thought of.  People bake with cane sugar but have they baked with maple sugar?  It’s a healthier alternative and gives everything a warm caramel like taste.

If you are looking for more gift ideas, check out these other gift guides:

Presenting the GLAMCOR FLOW – Eyelash Emporium

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The GLAMCOR FLOW has been designed to increase airflow and ventilation around your working area and also where the clients lay their heads. The vapour released from lash adhesive is a chemical by-product from the oxidisation of the lash adhesive. When adhesive is released onto your jade stone, or micropore (or your chosen method of adhesive dispensing) as soon as the adhesive is released a cloud of vapour starts to form in your working area. And with every eyelash extension you add to a set of lashes the cloud of vapour grows and sits around the client’s eyes.

Why does it matter if there is a cloud of vapour around the client and your working area? It REALLY matters! Over-exposure to these chemical vapours will increase the chances of your client reacting to lash adhesive, and ultimately your clients not being able to have lash extensions or lash treatments in future. The cloud of vapour has the potential to chemically burn the eye, if a client opens their eye during treatment for any reason and becomes exposed to this level of trauma, the body will naturally react and build antibodies to fight what it believes is a threat, this is the start of sensitivity as the body becomes heightened and this level of contact can lead to a full adhesive allergy in the future. Therefore, any measures that you can take to lower exposure, reduce the cloud of vapour, and promote a healthy working environment should be actioned for the safety of your client, and the longevity of your career.

28 Best Moisturisers For Every Skin Type, Reviewed

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Where in my skincare routine should I apply moisturiser?

“The most important thing is that your SPF will always come last.  Following this rule, in general you should apply your skincare in order of consistency – starting with the thinnest and working up to the thickest which will usually be your moisturiser,” suggests Dr Christine.

Dr Christine advises to follow the rough order of toner first, then facial essences/serums, followed by a moisturiser and a dedicated sunscreen for face. “The only exception to that rule is if you use a facial oil in which case that comes after the moisturiser to occlude or seal everything underneath it in.”

After you’ve massaged in your moisturiser, don’t forget to gently dab on some eye cream (a caffeine eye cream, if you fancy), and use one of the best silk pillowcases while you sleep to complete your truly comprehensive skincare regime. Just remember: everyone’s skin concerns will differ slightly, so it’s worth working out what your skin loves to sip on, taking into account seasonal or hormonal changes.

Which moisturisers are best for each skin type?

If you’re looking for the best moisturiser for oily skin or acne-prone skinDr Christine shares that it’s better to look for a lighter, water-based, oil-free moisturiser. “Moisturising ingredients and humectants such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides and glycerin are all well suited to oily skin,” adds Dr Alexis Granite. “Other actives to consider include retinol, salicylic acid and niacinamide, all of which are especially good if you are prone to breakouts in addition to oily skin,” she continues.

Dr Alexis also advises to avoid plosives that will block your pores, “including petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and paraffin.”

How about the best moisturiser for mature skin and the best moisturiser for dry skin?

“As we age, we produce less oil and our skin becomes drier.  Look for richer cream moisturisers that contain ceramides and lipids to really nourish the skin barrier, and prevent further moisture loss,” shares Dr Christine. According to Dr Alexis, you may also benefit from layering a hyaluronic acid serum underneath “to help combat dryness.”

And if you want the best moisturiser for sensitive skin, Dr Christine advises to “look for fragrance and paraben-free, hypoallergenic formulations to avoid any unnecessary irritation.” You might also want to consider formulas with ceramides, emollients and aloe vera to help repair your skin’s moisture barrier.

How often should I moisturise?

According to Dr Christine, “for those with very oily skin, moisturising with a light product once daily may be enough. Others might require a richer heavier cream that they might need to reapply throughout the day.” The truth is, dermatologists agree that constant hydration can benefit every skin type (yep, even oily and acne-prone). “Skin oil (sebum) and skin hydration are two separate things and just because the skin is oily does not mean it is well hydrated,” shares Dr Alexis.

For a day moisturiser, you should try and get some antioxidants (vitamins A, B3, C or E), so it’s always a good idea to look out for potent plant extracts such as resveratrol, as well as some level of SPF (you still need to apply an actual sunscreen, though – something with at least SPF 30 should suffice). At night, should should use your night cream to incorporate a collagen-boosting retinoid, which is renowned for its rejuvenating, youth-boosting benefits.

Making All My Nail Polish Dreams Come True at the ORLY Color Lab!

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Have you ever wished that you could create your perfect, unique shade of nail polish? One that is 100% totally yours and nobody else’s? Well, in case you aren’t in the position to start an indie nail polish company complete with pigments and bases and shimmers and glitter, I have your solution! Read on to learn more!

A week or so ago, I needed to get out of Las Vegas, as one does in mid-July when it’s 110°, so I hit the road and headed toward Los Angeles! First stop was Venice Beach, to grab breakfast and explore Abbot Kinney, and really just to get outside and get some fresh air! Next on my agenda, and why I’m sitting here writing this post, is the ORLY Color Lab! You may have seen posts about it on Instagram, it’s a little shop in LA where you can concoct your dream color for only $20!

When you walk into the shop, you’re greeted by Emma, a fellow ginger, and she’ll be your resident nail mixologist for your session– she knows all about these mixtures, and what will work with what. She knows just how much blue to add to get that exact shade of grey you’re picturing in your head, or that mixing red shimmer into bright turquoise will definitely darken the shade!

HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?

If you have your dream shade already emblazoned in your mind, she’ll guide you right over to the mixing table. If you’re just not sure, but want the experience of creating your own polish, she’ll guide you over to a special kiosk that will help guide you through a few different steps:

Step 1. Choose the mood for your polish. Here you’ll choose between Brights & Nights, where you’ll go to…

Step 2. Your color inspiration. Here you pick an image that speaks to you with its color. You’ll find photos of feathers, turquoise stones, flowers, flamingos, etc., and once you pick one of those images, you’ll go to…

Step 3. The tint. During this step, you’re shown the original color from the inspiration image, a lighter version, and a darker version. Select one of those and you’re guided to…

Step 4. The effects! This is where you add a bit of fun! You can choose between Pearl Shimmer, Metallic Shimmer, or no effect, where you’ll end up with a creme. Choose one of these and proceed to…

Step 5. Naming your shade! This is where you make your unique shade even MORE unique! Ever envied the job of nail polish namer? This is where you get your chance! Be creative, but concise – you can use up to 35 characters! Once you name your polish, you pay at the kiosk and Emma starts work on your perfect formula using a one-of-a-kind concoction of several of their beautiful pigment shades! (and shimmer/pearl if you choose to add it!).

WHAT DID I MAKE?

Because I had my inspiration already rattling around in my brain, I headed straight to Emma to get started. My inspo? The sunset over the mountains here in Las Vegas, which I’m convinced is one of the most beautiful and redeeming things about sin city! My vision for this polish was a deep slate with coppery golden shimmer to mimic some of the beautiful colors seen every night here. Emma started mixing a bit of blue, a bit of black, and of white. I kept prompting her to add a bit more of this, a sprinkle more of that, a touch of purple, more blue.

Finally we had the perfect slate-y base, and, since there isn’t a copper shimmer (yet! There may be someday – they’re looking to expand their offering of shimmers and glitters in the future), we decided to add the blue pearl, a bit of golden shimmer, a bit of rosey pink shimmer, some red shimmer, and a sprinkle of bronze! We mixed it all up and as the little mixer whirred, the polish was transformed into a perfect gunmetal with a warm tinge of shimmer. The name was inspired because Emma said that it was a great warm gunmetal… so channeling my love of the Beatles, I decided to name it ‘Happiness is a Warm Gunmetal’. It’s insanely pigmented, and a great shade, if I do say so myself! 😀

I had another shade rattling around in my head as well – a bright turquoise with copper shimmer, and Emma was happy to try to oblige. We mixed up a gorgeous turquoise, brighter than a Tiffany blue, but not too bright, and then we added a bit of red shimmer (at my request! Emma cautioned me that it would darken the polish and affect the shade, but I decided to try it anyway!), this addition deepened the shade, and gave it a slightly succulent green tinge instead of the bright shade we started off with. I’m sooo not mad about it!

Next, we added tons of golden shimmer and a tiny bit of bronze, and a little bit of the reserved original mixture to brighten it up a little bit. We were finished, but for the life of me…I can’t think of a name! That’s where you come in! Leave me your name ideas in the comments! You can stick with the Beatles theme or you can go off on your own and come up with a great name!

IMPORTANT INFO

If you’re interested in visiting the ORLY color lab, reservations can be made on their website, or they accept walk-in clients as well! You can visit their shop at 7621 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles. They’re open Tuesday – Saturday from 11 am – 7pm, and Sunday from 12 -6 pm.

Another amazing tidbit of information that I discovered is that excess polish is bottled up and donated  to local organizations, one of which is Beauty Bus, which is an organization founded in memory of Melissa Marantz Nealy, a woman whose life ended due to a neuromuscular disease. Her family started it to offer the dignity, hope, and respite that a beauty treatment can provide to families when they need it most.

What do you think? Would you like to visit the ORLY Color Lab? Not near LA? Where would you like to see a location?

I would kill for a Vegas location – I’d totally be a regular! I swear that Vegas is the perfect spot- people are always looking for fun experiences here in Vegas to fill the time between eating, gambling, and shows!

Disclosure: Products and experiences in this post were provided by the brand for consideration. All opinions are my own.