shamba.com.br

Home Blog Page 303

Ceramides 101: The secret to a healthy, hydrated skin barrier

Organic Beauty

Admin

October 28, 2025

Ceramides 101: The secret to a healthy, hydrated skin barrier

Your skin barrier is your natural defence system – keeping hydration in and irritants out. It’s made up of skin cells bound together by lipids (oils), with ceramides playing one of the most important roles in keeping that barrier strong.

When your barrier is healthy, your skin feels smooth, comfortable, and balanced. When it’s not, you might notice dryness, redness, or sensitivity creeping in.

What are Ceramides?

Ceramides are natural fats in your skin that maintain hydration and resilience. But as we age – or with stress, weather changes, and strong actives – ceramide levels can dip. That’s where a ceramide-rich cream comes in: helping to restore balance and protect against daily stressors.

Introducing Antipodes Ceramide Soufflé 💚

If your skin is feeling unsettled, meet Antipodes Ceramide Soufflé Fresh Hydration Cream. This light, whipped moisturiser replenishes hydration while supporting a healthy barrier – without heaviness.

Key natural ingredients include:

Natural ceramides – reinforce the skin barrier + reduce water loss
Plant hyaluronic acid – deeply hydrates by holding up to 1000x its weight in water
Sepilift™ peptides – shown in studies to boost collagen production by 55%*
Flax flax gel – soothing and hydrating, native to NZ
Cockatoo plum – rich in vitamin C for antioxidant protection
Kiwi seed oil – omegas + antioxidants to support elasticity
Easyliance™ – a natural tightening agent for instant smoothing

Proven by science, loved by skin:

96% of participants said their skin felt soft, fresh, and hydrated after 4 weeks**
88% noticed relief from dry, tight skin**
Independent testing confirmed a 55% collagen boost*

Signs your skin barrier needs extra care

Your complexion might be telling you it needs more support if you’re noticing:

Persistent dryness or flakiness
Redness or heightened sensitivity
Breakouts or irritation
Tightness after cleansing

These are all signals your barrier needs replenishing hydration – and ceramides can help restore balance.

Hydration + skin barrier care: The perfect pair

Healthy skin is about more than drinking water – it’s about keeping moisture where it belongs. Hydrators like hyaluronic acid draw water in, while ceramides lock it in place. Together, they reduce water loss, soothe irritation, and strengthen resilience over time.

Complete your hydration ritual

Ananda H₂O Mist – a refreshing, calming spritz
Maya Hyaluronic Serum – 72-hour hydration boost
Baptise H₂O Gel – lightweight hydration for thirsty skin
Ceramide Soufflé Cream – daily barrier protection
Harmony Night Cream – hyaluronic acid + mānuka honey for overnight nourishment

Barrier care is now a non-negotiable step in skincare. With its natural, science-backed formula, Antipodes Ceramide Soufflé delivers calm, strong, hydrated skin – every day.

FAQs: Antipodes Ceramide Soufflé

How is Ceramide Soufflé different to Baptise H₂O Water Gel?
Both formulas hydrate deeply, but they have different textures and benefits. Baptism is a lightweight water gel that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for layering. Ceramide Soufflé is a whipped cream that not only hydrates but also strengthens the skin barrier, replenishes ceramides, and supports collagen production. If your skin feels dry or compromised, Ceramide Soufflé provides a protective veil of moisture – and can even be layered over Baptise for maximum hydration.

Is Ceramide Soufflé suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes. Dehydrated skin can overproduce oil, leading to congestion. Ceramide Soufflé helps rebalance by restoring hydration and barrier strength, which may reduce excess oil over time. Its whipped, lightweight texture hydrates without feeling heavy. Start with a small amount if you’re unsure.

Is Ceramide Soufflé safe for sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea?
This cream is designed to strengthen the skin barrier, helping to ease dryness and sensitivity. However, if you have eczema, rosacea, or another diagnosed condition, it’s best to patch test first or consult a dermatologist.

Do I apply this before or after SPF?
Use Ceramide Soufflé as your daily moisturiserbefore mineral sunscreen. It hydrates, strengthens, and preps your skin for SPF and makeup.

Are the ceramides in this product naturally derived?
Yes. Ceramide Soufflé uses naturally derived Ceramide NP, which mimics the skin’s own ceramides to lock in moisture and support barrier health.

Can this cream replace retinol?
Ceramide Soufflé contains Sepilift™ peptides, a plant-derived active shown to support collagen and protect elastin. It offers a gentler alternative to retinol, helping to smooth and firm without irritation. For extra results, try pairing with Antipodes Eve Bio-Retinol Line Reduction Serum.

*Trinity Bioactives (2024).
*In-vivo trial results from 45 participants after 4 weeks of use.

5 fall skincare tips – HollyBeth Organics Luxury Skin Care

Skin Care Makeup

Admin

October 28, 2025

Fall Skincare Tips

Fall is my favorite time of year. The air is crisp and the mountains are a bevy of color. A time for new beginnings. Let’s begin with our top 5 fall skincare tips to start a new season with organic skincare.

Sun protection

Sun Protection is a must, even more so when the air is drier in fall and winter. UV rays can still hit your skin through the cloudy chilly days. According to the American Cancer Society melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer and rates have risen in the past 30 years. If you would like recommendations on suncare e-mail me.

Avoid chemicals

Avoid Chemicals in your skincare routine that goes for your cleansing method as well. Cleansing oil is the best route to keep your skin supple and moisturized. Always read your ingredients a good source to look by brand is the EWG skin deep guide. The less products you use on your skin, the less irritated your skin will become thus reducing the signs of aging.

Moisturize your skin

Your skin is your largest organ on your body and in order to stay replenished and glowing, your need to trap moisture in to avoid fine lines and remain healthy. Our best seller rose geranium face moisturizer is perfect for those with rosacea and dryness. And less is more, a small amount goes a long way. I double layer with face and neck elixir and rose geranium when it is colder out.

Avoid using hot water

Avoid using hot water on your skin as it will stripe your skin of oils; use tepid water. Limit the time you spend in the shower, you will be helping your skin and the environment. Cool water is also best for your hair and reduces scalp irritations. According to WebMD hot water can exacerbate skin challenges such as psoriasis. Opt for a gentle cleanser such as a cleansing oil. Oil dissolves oil so a cleansing oil is perfect for oily as well as dry skin. And a cleansing oil does not stripe your skin of the natural oils.

Reduce Stress

Reduce Stress as it plays a major role in our overall wellbeing that is reflected in our health and skin. We know the rules, eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest but it seems this time of year it is harder. Some of our customers swear by using our lavender hand cream on their hands and feet at night saying it soothes their hands and the aroma is like a lullaby to them. And of course my favorite is my signature flourish roll on perfume. Enjoy your fall days!

How To Properly Use A Daily Exfoliating Cleanser For Men – Boyface by Crystal Waters

Male Beauty

Admin

October 28, 2025

Exfoliating for men is just as beneficial as it is for women. Using an exfoliating cleanser on a regular basis offers numerous benefits. It not only helps remove dead skin, but it leaves your skin looking clean, fresh, and youthful. Additionally, removing dead skin cells will reduce the chances of pores getting clogged, acne, and other skin conditions and problems. While its essential for guys with oily skin to use a good exfoliating cleanser, it is just as important for those with dry skin to consistently use it to help remove dead skin cells.

How To Properly Use A Daily Exfoliating Cleanser For Men

However, some guys aren’t quite sure how to use men’s exfoliating skincare products. Luckily, in this blog, we are going to provide you with some basic instructions to help you get the most out of exfoliating your face.

Apply At The Right Time

Generally, you should be exfoliating your face two to three time a week. For the best results, you should use an exfoliating cleanser after thoroughly washing your face with warm water. You can use a daily exfoliating cleanser twice a day, applying once in the morning and another at night. Using this daily facial cleanser will help remove all the dirt, excess oil, dead cells, and grime from your skin to prepare it for exfoliating.

Dispense The Right Amount of Cleanser

Once you have thoroughly washed your face, while it is still wet, dispense a finger-tip amount of the daily exfoliating cleanser

Spread The Cleanser

Before applying the cleanser to your face, rub your fingertips on both hands together to spread the product to your other hand, allowing for a more even application.

Apply The Cleanser To Your Face

After you have an even amount of product on the fingertips of both hands, apply it to your face. Gently massage the scrub into your skin using a circular motion for approximately seven to 13 seconds. Remember to always apply the product gently, making sure not to stretch or pull the skin during application. The cleanser often will irritate the eyes, so be careful to avoid this area when you apply the product to your face. To a complete cleanse, apply the product under your chin and on your neck. If you have a beard, you may want to add an extra five to 10 seconds rubbing in the cleanser to ensure it makes enough contact with your skin.

Rinse Thoroughly

Once the cleanser is applied, you will need to thoroughly rinse your face. Use water that is lukewarm to rinse and be sure to remove all the exfoliating cleanser you applied. Using water that is too hot may irritate or dry out the skin, so be sure to use water that is at a comfortable temperature.

Dry Your Face

After rinsing your face and making sure it is completely free of the cleansing product, gently pat it with a soft and clean towel. As hard as it may be, try to reduce the risk of rubbing your face with the towel as it may cause irritation.

Apply A Paraben-Free Moisturizer

Once your face is dry, apply a men’s daily moisturizer to help keep it hydrated. It is important to look to use men’s facial moisturizers that are free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, dyes and harsh chemicals that can hurt your skin. Make sure to apply the moisturizer on your cheeks, chin, nose, under your eyes, and to your brow lines.

After moisturizing, you have properly used a daily exfoliating cleanser! Remember, you can apply this product twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. However, for the best results, you will want to use the best exfoliating cleanser, and that automatically eliminates products that formulated without animal products, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, dyes and harsh chemicals.

If you want a quality and natural exfoliating cleanser for men, there isn’t a better choice than the Daily Exfoliating Cleanser from BoyFace! This product helps dissolve buildup, remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells to enhance the look of your skin. This men’s exfoliating cleanser is made with key ingredients, including peptides, plant stem cells, plant extracts, enzymes and natural oils. If you are interested in trying one of the best exfoliating cleansers, shop the best skin care products for men at BoyFace!

Benefits of Decluttering, Natural Lighting & Interior Plants – The Wardrobe Stylist

Personal Stylist

Admin

October 28, 2025

Benefits of Decluttering, Natural Lighting & Interior Plants – The Wardrobe Stylist

According to a 2021 survey of 2,000 homeowners by online interior design company Modsy, the pandemic made 60% of respondents realize their homes were disorganized. More than 3/4 (77%) were so stressed by their at-home surroundings that they undertook their own DIY home redesign projects. I can totally relate!

Source

With many companies opting for the hybrid or fully virtual mode, many homeowners want to feel great about their living space. Here are some tips that can help you easily upgrade your space for your health and sanity, without overwhelming you with expensive ideas that will break the bank at a time where everyone is scraping every penny they have.

Assess Clutter Hotspots

In addition to a mess of craft project supplies and copious amounts of kids’ toys, there are a few other types of clutter that quickly build-up (for example, hats, gloves, and masks in your entryway and toiletries on bathroom counters), and it’s likely there are similar spots in your home. Go one by one and finding a solution for each, like a wall-mounted basket for masks, a new shelf in your bathroom, or storage baskets that are stylish yet functional and can be elegantly hidden. Make a list of them. Fine-tuning these small pain points will make everyday cleaning so much easier.

Cook Down The Pantry & Detox Your Cleaning Supplies

Clean out your cleaning supplies to make finding what you need easier. When it comes to the kitchen pantry, there are all sorts of stuff lurking in the dark corners of most people’s cabinets, like a random gluten-free bread mix, dried white corn, and canned mussels. Make it a point to cook through some of it, and also strive to better organize the staples your family regularly uses. Decant the things that come in plastic bags into upcycled glass jars, so you can actually see everything you have and there are no clumsy bags taking up space.

Do A Desk Refresh

Like most of us, the ‘office’ corner of your home has probably gotten a lot of use these past few years. Frankly, if you have not already with the work from home here to stay, it’s overdue for a refresh if you no longer look forward to sitting there. So, take everything off of your desk and go through every drawer to make your workspace feel like it’s getting a fresh start too. Hang some new wall art above your computer to give you a new view and spark of creativity in your home office.

Get Interior Plants

Adding interior plants to just one room of your home or office can work wonders for air quality, removing up to 60% of airborne molds and bacteria. A team of Japanese researchers found that interior plants help regulate the environment, acting as a natural humidifier during particularly dry seasons. Actively caring for and observing an indoor plant can help reduce work stress while supporting overall mental health. The presence of an interior plant is thought to be instrumental in inducing periodic mindfulness breaks, which can help to relax the mind, lower the heart rate, and improve sleep. Some studies reveal that regular exposure to living green interior plants can boost concentration, memory, and creativity. Students and employees with a view of natural flora have also been found to enjoy higher self-esteem, greater productivity, and less irritation from symptoms of seasonal allergies and asthma.

Interior plants in the living room — Source

Adding interior plants to just one room of your home or office can work wonders for:

Uplifts moods
Relax The Mind
Lower The Heart Rate
Sharpen Focus
Boost Memory
Helps Creativity
Restful Sleep
Improves Air Quality
Natural Humidifier
Removes airborne Molds & Bacteria
Reduces seasonal Allergies & Asthma

Start with a small interior plant like a jade (it’s hard to kill!) and a fern, and set a goal to have at least one interior plant in every room. You can add an orchid as it’s found to unlocks science-backed health and wellness benefits. Orchids are in a class of houseplants which can offer a variety of positive mental benefits, including an uplifted mood, sharpened focus, and more restful sleep. Orchids just might be one of the best-kept secrets to achieving balance and better health.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. It’s one of those simple bedroom design upgrades that makes a huge difference. So, whether you want to jump on the bold colours trend or decorate with neutrals, simply giving your walls some fresh colour can refresh your room and give you a new perspective on the space.

Add Natural Lighting

Natural lighting can do wonders for a home. Not only does it create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but it can also provide a range of health and wellness benefits. Bringing natural light into your home can help to elevate your mood, boost productivity, and even promote better sleep. Here are some of the benefits it can do for you and your home.

Improves Your Mood

One of the most notable benefits of natural light is its ability to improve your mood. Studies have shown that natural light can increase serotonin production in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that controls mood, sleep, and appetite. By bringing natural light into your home, you can create a more uplifting and positive environment that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Increases Productivity

Another benefit of natural light is its impact on productivity. Numerous studies have found that exposure to natural light can improve cognitive function, enhance concentration, and increase productivity. This is particularly important for those who work from home or spend a lot of time indoors. By incorporating natural light into your home, you can create a more conducive environment for work and study.

Promotes a Healthy Sleep Pattern

Natural light can also promote better sleep. Our bodies are naturally attuned to the cycle of day and night, and exposure to natural light during the day can help to regulate our sleep-wake cycles. This can lead to a more restorative and restful sleep at night, which is essential for overall health and well-being.

Reduces Your Energy Bills

In addition to its health benefits, natural light can also help reduce your energy bills. By increasing natural light in your home, you can reduce how often you use artificial lighting, which can help lower your energy consumption and help you save money on electricity.

Increase Natural Light in Your Home

Bringing natural light into your home can also have aesthetic benefits. Natural light can highlight the beauty of your home’s architecture and décor, creating a more visually appealing space. It can also create a sense of spaciousness and openness, making your home feel bigger and more welcoming.

Incorporate Mirrors

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to increase natural sunlight is by incorporating mirrors around your home. Mirrors reflect light around a room and can also make spaces appear larger than they actually are. If you have any dark areas in your home, such as a staircase or hallway, you should place a mirror nearby in order to direct light into the room and brighten the space.

Women enjoying sunrays under skylight — Source

The Gist of it

With so many of us WFH whether fully or in hybrid mode, we want to feel great about our space. I for one have embarked on so many DIY projects to make my house feel like home. Check out this interior steel door upgrade for example. Such update have great impact on mental and physical health. They don’t have to be a large investment, like adding natural light, a fresh coat of paint, interior plants and more. What ideas do you have that can improve your home’s appearance while being beneficial?

P.S. If you enjoyed this post, sign up to my newsletter to get the latest advice, tips, and giveaways right into your inbox!

How To Tell The Difference This Fall – Iles Formula

Hair Care

Admin
-

October 28, 2025
0

As the crisp autumn air sets in, many individuals notice more strands in their brush or shower drain. Hair fall can be distressing, but not all hair loss is the same. To care for your hair effectively, it’s vital to distinguish between natural shedding and true breakagetwo very different processes that require entirely different solutions.

What Is Hair Shedding?

Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle. On average, individuals shed between 50 to 100 hairs daily. This process allows for the growth of new hair. When hair sheds, it typically has a small white bulb at the root, indicating it has fallen out from the follicle.

Common Causes of Hair Shedding:

Seasonal changes, especially during autumn.

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause.

Stress or illness.

Nutritional deficiencies.

Recommended Product for hair shedding:

To support healthy hair growth and minimize sheddingconsider incorporating the Scalp + Hair Rejuvenating Booster into your routine. This product nourishes the scalp, promoting optimal conditions for hair growth.

Understanding Hair Breakage

Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft becomes weak and brittle, leading to hair snapping or breaking off at various points along its length. Unlike hair shedding, hair breakage typically happens due to external factors that weaken the hair.

Common Causes of Hair Breakage:

Excessive Heat styling and chemical processing like bleaching or perming.

Environmental stress and over-brushing

Tight hairstyles that cause tension on the hair shaft.

The overuse of bond-building and peptide systems in home care, which penetrate the cortex, a process that should remain strictly professional.

How Iles Formula Stops Hair Breakage

Iles Formula takes a radically different approach. Backed by clinical data, the Iles Formula Signature Shampoo and Iles Formula Signature Conditioner are proven to stop hair breakage by up to 89% from the very first use, a performance unmatched in the industry.

The Iles Formula Signature Shampoo begins the transformation. Its unique root extract works from the first lather to turn brittle, fragile strands into soft, supple texture. Sulfate-free and pH balanced (5.5–6.5), it cleanses without stripping natural oils, leaving the hair pliant and hydrated.

The Iles Formula Signature Conditionerknown as the jewel of the rangeinstantly seals the cuticle without residue or weight. Its intricate haute-performance formula delivers a phenomenal, lustrous, and voluptuous texture, the hallmark of Iles Formula. This immediate cuticle closure is what halts breakage on contact.

Together, these two formulas represent the Iles Formula way, a third category of conditioning that stands apart from both traditional surface coatings and cortex-penetrating peptide systems.

The Iles Formula Difference

Haute Performance Formulation: Hand-signed by founder Wendy Iles after a quality control process.

Minimalism Meets Maximum Performance: No silicones, sulfates, or parabens, just sustainably sourced, raw ingredients and biotech blends at their purest.

Immediate Transformation: From brittle to sumptuous, lustrous, and resilient hair, instantly.

Clinically Proven Results: Up to 89% reduction in breakage after just one use.

Hair shedding is natural; breakage is not. With Iles Formula, the antidote to breakage is found in the power of true formulation mastery, science, performance, and purity in perfect harmony.

Experience the phenomenal transformation from the very first wash.

Essential Makeup Products to Carry in Your Purse

Makeup

Admin
-

October 28, 2025
0

Your purse isn’t just for your keys and phone—it’s your on-the-go beauty kit. The secret to staying fresh and polished all day? Compact essentials that work as hard as you do. BareMinerals minis pack powerful, skin-loving formulas into travel-friendly sizes, making touch-ups simple wherever life takes you.

Why Should You Always Carry Mini Makeup Essentials in Your Purse?

During the colder months, your skin and makeup routine need a little extra care. Between dry air and indoor heat, your complexion can lose its radiance throughout the day. That’s where compact, travel makeup comes in.

BareMinerals mini makeup products are thoughtfully sized for convenience—ideal for touch-ups, travel, or keeping your favorite essentials close at hand. These purse essentials, including a primer mini and a setting powder mini, offer the same clean, high-performance formulas as the full sizes but in sleek, purse-friendly packaging. So go ahead, save space, prevent product waste while wearing with your favorite items.

What Are the Best Base Makeup Products to Keep in Your Bag for Quick, On-The-Go Application and Winter Touch-Ups?

When temperatures drop, maintaining hydrated, even-toned skin can be tricky. That’s why a hydrating foundation or tinted moisturizer is a must for your makeup bag. If your skin feels dry and you need want coverage quickly, reach for the Mini COMPLEXION RESCUE® Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 30. This multitasking tinted moisturizer delivers dewy coverage while keeping skin nourished. If this is your everyday product, save when you bundle a full-size and mini so you have one at your makeup desk and in your purse.

Looking for a compact, travel friendly foundation that provides a matte finish? The BAREPRO 24HR Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation is perfect for those who need a long-wear base that resists shine in their winter makeup collection. The packaging includes a sponge for application.

How Can You Keep Your Makeup Fresh All Day Without Carrying Everything?

The secret to long-lasting makeup doesn’t require carrying your whole vanity—just smart essentials. A mini setting powder can work wonders for maintaining oil control.

As needed throughout the day, sweep on the Mini Mineral Veil Setting Powder to absorb excess oil and maintain a soft, blurred finish. These two purse staples are small but powerful for midday makeup touch-ups—keeping your look polished from your morning coffee to evening plans.

Which Mini Mascaras Are Perfect for Quick Eye Touch-Ups?

A coat of mascara instantly brightens your entire look—and a mini mascara makes that effortless.

For lash care and definition, try the Mini Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara. It combines plant-based serum with lightweight pigment to promote stronger, healthier-looking lashes. When you want more drama, the Mini Maximist Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara delivers instant fullness and volume. Both make a perfect travel mascara.

Both formulas are compact yet mighty—making them your ultimate eye makeup essentials for quick, on-the-go transformations.

What Lip Products Are Perfect for On-The-Go Hydration and Color?

Keep your lips soft, hydrated, and polished no matter where your day takes you with winter lip care essentials from bareMinerals. For a boost of moisture and shine, try the Nourishing Lip Oil, Mineralist Lip Gloss-Balm or Dewy Lip Gloss-Balm, perfect for a quick swipe on-the-go. At bareMinerals, you don’t need to fear a Matte Lippie. Mineralist Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick provides 6 hours of transfer-resistant wear with lip-loving ingredients to lock in moisture for softer, smoother lips.

For more color, define and shape your pout with the Mineralist Lasting Lip Liner before layering any travel lip gloss, hydrating lip balm, or matte lipstick.

Why Is a Lipstick a Must-Have in Every Purse?

If you only carry one makeup product, make it a solo lipstick. A richly pigmented, hydrating lipstick or matte lipstick can instantly elevate your look—no mirror required.

Each clean beauty lipstick fits easily into a clutch and transitions effortlessly from work to evening—your ultimate everyday lip color for on-the-go glam.

How to Pack Your Purse Like a Minimalist Makeup Pro

Packing your purse doesn’t mean overstuffing it. With minimalist makeup, it’s all about curating the right mix of multi-tasking products. Your perfect purse makeup essentials capsule kit might include:

Explore all bareMinerals Minis to create your personalized travel-friendly beauty routine—lightweight, clean, and effortlessly radiant.

FAQ

How do I refresh my makeup during the day without carrying a full kit?

Use the Mini Mineral Veil Setting Powder to blur and mattify, and finish with a lip product. These travel minis keep your purse makeup kit simple and effective.

Which lip products are best for hydration in winter?

For deep moisture, we recommend Nourishing Lip Oil or Dewy Lip Gloss-Balm.

Are mini mascaras as good as full-size ones?

Absolutely. The Mini Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara and Mini Maximist Volumizing Mascara feature the same brush and formula as the full sizes, just in compact designs—ideal for volumizing lashes and travel mascara convenience.

What’s the best mini foundation for winter touch-ups?

The Mini Complexion Rescue Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 provides buildable coverage, SPF protection (which is needed all year round), and moisture from hyaluronic acid—making it your go-to hydrating foundation for winter makeup.

What are the must-have bareMinerals minis for a purse kit?

Your go-anywhere essentials:

This mini beauty products lineup delivers a fresh, clean look anytime, anywhere—proof that less really can be more.

Halloween Makeup Ideas

Cosmetics

Admin
-

October 28, 2025
0

Hello, beautiful people, Spooky Season is here! I’m sharing a plethora of my Halloween makeup ideas with you! Halloween is my favorite holiday and I’m very much an “Every day is Halloween,” type of woman. I’ve updated this with some new Halloween makeup ideas and costumes.

Halloween Makeup Ideas

I’ve done so many different costumes, cosplays and makeup looks over the past two decades so I have a lot of inspiration to share with you. There are 21+ Halloween Makeup Ideas ideas below! I love doing group or couple costumes with friends. Many of these Halloween makeup ideas have a large cast of colorful characters to choose from, so you and your friends can find the perfect character to suit your group.

Morticia Addams

Morticia and Gomez are relationship goals! Healthy, loving relationships are the best. Channel gothic elegance with my Morticia Addams makeup and cosplay tutorial. Morticia is a great choice for a classic Halloween makeup idea.

I absolutely love how Morticia is portrayed on the Netflix Series Wednesday by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Her makeup and fashion, especially in season two, are divine! Quick eyeshadow suggestions for recreating Morticia’s makeup would be Silk Naturals Puppy Love for the crease, Silk Naturals Kaleidoscope for the lid, and Silk Naturals Dusk to blend out the edges. For my lip combo suggestions check out my Autumn Vampy Lip Combos.

Ever After High Raven Queen

I LOVE this cosplay so much! My friend Melissa made the outfit and dress. She is so amazingly talented! Check out my Ever After High Raven Queen makeup tutorial.

Monster High Draculaura

Turn into the daughter of Dracula as Monster High Draculaura! See my Monster High Draculaura tutorial.

My friend Erin also did a gorgeous Draculaura tutorial!

And I have a new Draculaura!

See my new version of new Monster High Draculaura!

Goddess Persephone

Be Queen of the Underworld! Dress up as the Goddess Persephone for Halloween. See my Goddess Persephone makeup and cosplay tutorial.

Medusa

Medusa is one of my favorite characters from mythology. I put together a fun, bright green look with this costume. See my Medusa makeup tutorial.

Monster High Frankie Stein

Thankfully there are much better cosplay wigs available today than when I did my Monster High series! If you want to look gorgeous in green, check out my Monster High Frankie Stein makeup tutorial.

Sexy Witch Costume

I love this super simple, sexy, soft witch costume! The best thing about this look is that you can get away with minimal makeup. Wear a sexy, glossy black lip! I recommend Urban Decay Indie Sleaze Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick. Then pair with your favorite liner and lashes.

Monster High Clawdeen Wolf

I adore Monster High and Hot Topic has released a lot of Monster High themed fashion over the past few years. I love how my Monster High Clawdeen Wolf makeup tutorial turned out.

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

Elvira Mistress of the Dark has so many different iconic looks! My version is based off the comic book. And I am still obsessed with my Gonk poodle purse. In case you don’t know, Elvira inherits Gonk, an adorable poodle that she punks out. Check out my Elvira Mistress of the Dark makeup and cosplay! It’s one of the most fun Halloween makeup ideas!

Monster High Cleo de Nile

Love ancient Egypt? Check out my Monster High Cleo de Nile makeup tutorial. I’ve also got a more generic Queen of the Nile makeup tutorial too.

Mermaid Skeleton Costumes

For this look I used Danessa Myricks Chrome Flakies on the skin to imitate scales.

Dave and I did mermaid skeleton costumes together last year! I love group costumes. Check out my Mermaid Skeleton makeup.

Monster High Catrina DeMew

I remember being so proud of this look when I first did it in 2013! Cut crease with great blending on my hooded eyes. I love cats and thought Catrine was adorable. Please check out my Monster High Catrine DeMew makeup tutorial.

My friend Erin also did a great Monster High Lagoona Blue tutorial.

Dark Siren Costume

For another Greek themed party one year, I went as a Dark Siren. Yes that’s my ex-husband next to me, sadly I don’t have a solo photo in this outfit. I give an easy step-by-step guide on my Dark Siren makeup and cosplay.

DIY Cheshire Cat Costume

I love the Cheshire Cat and he used to be my favorite Disney entity. Here’s a fun DIY Cheshire Cat makeup and cosplay I put together.

RWBY Blake Belladonna

RWBY is one of my favorite animes ever! I love dressing up as Blake. Check out my RWBY Blake Belladonna Makeup and cosplay tutorial. Even if you don’t like my Blake, there are so many great costumes and characters from RWBY, you’ll find plenty of Halloween makeup ideas and inspiration.

Harley Quinn

I love Harley Quinn when she’s with Poison Ivy and Catwoman! Here’s my quick and easy take on Harley Quinn.

Wednesday Addams

I’ve done a few Wednesday inspired looks, but this one is my favorite everyday Wednesday Addams makeup tutorial. I’ve also done a makeup tutorial for the new Netflix version of Wednesday.

Dark Carnival Mermaid

My friends love to throw themed parties. I had so much fun at this one as the theme was Dark Carnival / Dark Sideshow. So this mermaid is someone you’d find at a carnival. Check out my Dark Carnival Mermaid makeup tutorial. I especially love using fishnet to create scales, such a great tip for Halloween makeup ideas.

Snow Fright

I’ve been called Snow White for years because of my features. So one year I became Snow Fright, the dark gothic version of Snow White. Check out my Snow Fright makeup tutorial.

Wicked Witch

Inglot made this for me! This is a step-by-step Inglot Wicked Witch makeup tutorial. The Wicked Witch is one of the best classics for Halloween makeup ideas and inspiration.

Easy Demoness

This last look is the easiest. You really just need a pair of clip-in horns and the best black lipstick. Check out my step-by-step easy demoness makeup look. This look is for those of you needing last minute, easy Halloween makeup ideas.

The Incredibles

Dave had the brilliant idea to be the Incredibles last year as we went to a Pixar themed Halloween party. This was definitely easy for me to do my makeup for. I just threw on my favorite mascara and Urban Decay Unbreakable Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick. I don’t often wear costumes with masks like this, but they’re super easy for makeup!

You might enjoy my Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipsticks Review.

Lydia from Beetlejuice

I dressed up as Lydia from the original Beetlejuice to feature the new Nyx x Beetlejuice Beetlejuice makeup collection. In the Instagram Reel, there’s a quick classic eyeshadow tutorial that I put together.

DIY Ghost Bloody Mary Costume

I dressed up as a DIY Ghost Bloody Mary for a ghost themed Halloween party this year. Be sure to check out my tutorial!

I hope you find my Halloween makeup ideas helpful! I think Dave and I are dressing up as vampires this year for the themed Halloween party.

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

More Halloween Features

Why You’re Still Breaking Out and What to Do About It

Skin Care Blog

Admin
-

October 28, 2025
0

You’re an adult now. You’ve outgrown all the teen drama. So, why on earth are you still getting the same annoying acne breakouts? Or, perhaps you sailed through adolescence with clear skin, and now that you’re an adult, suddenly you’ve got acne. Why? Adult acne is especially frustrating and disruptive because, as common as it is (about 31.9% of women and 20.5% of men aged 20 to 70 have it), it’s hard to properly treat adult acne with the ubiquitous, teen-focused acne advice.

“Many adults are genuinely surprised or embarrassed, especially if they didn’t have much acne as teenagers,” says Heysek. Adult acne is a complex skin condition that can have a number of different causes that may feel out of your control.

“Acne in adults is often influenced by lifestyle, environment, and biology,” she says. “The most common reasons include hormonal fluctuations, chronic stress, cosmetics, medications, underlying conditions, genetics, and environmental factors.” So, just applying an over-the-counter acne medication designed for teenagers to such a complicated condition as adult acne often leads to disappointing results. It’s important to understand the causes first, and then work with your dermatologist to get a targeted professional and/or prescription acne medication for adults that addresses your causes more directly.

The biggest factors for acne in adults include:

Studies have found a strong correlation between hormonal shifts and adult acne lesion development, particularly in women, who have a higher incidence of acne in adulthood than men. Women often notice a spike in breakouts during certain phases of their menstrual cycle. Furthermore, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) also have a higher incidence of difficult breakouts and other skin problems, again because of hormonal fluctuations. Even women going through perimenopause and menopause can experience acne all over again as they go through middle age. So, although acne is famously a teenage issue, it can really happen almost anytime in life.

Chronic stress can trigger another hormonal imbalance that aggravates adult acne breakouts: cortisol. Cortisol hormone levels rise when we experience stressful situations. And in today’s world, stressful situations can continue for days, weeks, or even longer, leading to excessive amounts of cortisol in the body. Cortisol causes excess sebaceous gland activity in the skin, which increases the amount of oil clogging the pores. Stress can also lead to lifestyle struggles like poor diet and lack of sleep, both of which can aggravate stress and inflammation.

The type of skincare products you use can either cause or relieve acne problems. For example, while it is absolutely critical to wear moisturizer, even on oily, acne-prone skin, some moisturizers have ingredients that can clog pores and worsen breakouts. Look for moisturizers that are labeled “noncomedogenic”, which means the ingredients don’t clog your pores.

Heysek also says that product buildup from summer sunscreen application can become problematic, even though it is absolutely essential to wear a daily SPF for sun protection. Since it’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours when spending time out in the sun, the product can build up and clog pores over time. Your dermatologist can help you find a sunscreen that is less likely to cause these problems and recommend a daily cleansing regimen that removes sunscreen buildup.

Lifestyle factors are ones that people can exert some control over but are not always the only thing that needs to change to alleviate an adult acne issue. “Some of the most common misconceptions and mistakes I see include over-exfoliation, switching products too often, using products that are too harsh, spot treating instead of preventative treatment, ignoring underlying causes, not moisturizing, and picking at the skin,” says Heysek. These practices can be problematic for the following reasons:

Although a stressful adult schedule can make it hard to have total control over every one of these lifestyle factors, it makes sense to try improvements in these areas for overall good health, which can then improve your skin’s health.

These two factors are what they are and are often out of our control. However, understanding their impact on each patient can help us find the best acne treatment for adults whose acne stems from these two factors.

For example, every year, environmental factors, like the changing seasons, can trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. As summer wanes and fall begins, the air gets drier. This can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, leading the skin to overproduce oil. Making seasonal adjustments to your skincare routine can help here.

On the other hand, genetic factors are a little trickier. Recent studies in adult female twins have shown that there is a very strong correlation between adult acne and genetic factors. Understanding your family history concerning adult acne and other skin problems can help us determine the most successful path forward in acne medication and other adult acne treatment avenues to clear up your skin.

Adult acne also exhibits different characteristics from teenage acne, including:

Scientists have established a clinically significant connection between adult acne and mental health struggles like depression and anxiety. For adults struggling with acne, there is a nagging feeling that “I should be past this by now!” And even though adult acne is a common, very complex skin condition that rarely has to do with hygiene, the emotional stress surrounding the stigma of acne in social settings can feel crippling and isolating. The social stigma affects everything from dating to professional settings. Those feelings are real and valid, but the good news is that you are not alone, and we can help you with adult acne treatment that works, whether it’s acne scar removal or prescription acne medication for adults that will finally work to clear away the breakouts.

First and foremost: “If consistent use of over-the-counter products hasn’t led to noticeable improvement, it’s time for a professional evaluation,” urges Heysek. Also, stop doing any of these things, if possible:

If you’ve tried every over-the-counter drugstore treatment you can find but continue to have breakouts—especially painful or cystic breakouts that lead to scarringdark marks, or skin texture changes, frustration, anxiety, and depression—don’t wait any longer. Get professional help and healing. Schedule an appointment to discuss your adult acne situation with your dermatologist. Autumn is a smart time to have a skin health expert help you reset your skincare routine and help you find the best adult acne treatment for your life.

“If patients have not responded well to over-the-counter products, there are many efficacious prescription-strength acne medication options I would try next,” says Heysek. “Examples of effective options include retinoids, topical antibiotics, azelaic acid, oral medications, and in-office procedures.”

Heysek explains how these adult acne treatment options work to clear and improve skin health for adults with acne:

For most adults with acne, a dermatologist-guided combination of acne therapies provides the best results, along with better self-care and lifestyle adaptations that reduce stress and inflammation. Avoid risky guesswork at the drugstore with products that might not help or even make things worse—instead, work with your dermatologist, who can help you access adult acne treatment and therapies that provide fasterbetter results.

You are not alone—so many adults are struggling with stubborn acne right now. Fortunately, real, effective, skin-clearing, skin-healing solutions are here for you at Apex Skin.

Board-certified dermatology Physician Assistant Olivia Heysekwho sees patients in our Avon and Solon, Ohio offices, often works with adults facing acne and knows how frustrating it can be. She—and the rest of our experienced Apex Skin providers across Northeast Ohio—are here to help you find the right treatment plan for your skin.

Don’t wait—schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward confidence and clear skin!

Can I Use Vitamin C After Laser Treatment?

Skin Care

Admin
-

October 28, 2025
0

Let me share a story. Last year, I had my first ever laser skin treatment (the Moxi laser). At the end of the service, I was given post-care instructions on how to take care of my skin at home to ensure I am not using anything that may impede the healing process.

There were four rules.
1. Do not use any retinol or retinoids for 10 days.
2. Do not use any exfoliating acids for 10 days.
3. Do not use any a vitamin C serum for 10 days.
4. Wear SPF daily when exposed to UV rays.

Why do they say NOT to use a vitamin C serum after a laser treatment?

As an esthetician with 35 years of hands-on experience and someone who gives facial treatments (but not lasers), I understood why they said not to use vitamin C products because generally vitamin C products are formulated with L-ascorbic acid (LAA), with low pHs in the 3.5 range. This puts the skin in an acidic state, as represented by the stinging sensation that can often be felt. The last thing you want is to cause any further irritation to a compromised skin barrier.

Why did I choose to use a vitamin C serum after a laser treatment?

What I know as an esthetician is that of ALL the times your skin requires antioxidants it is after a laser procedure because of the increase of free radical activity. Your skin benefits greatly from topical antioxidants to help with the recovery process.

So I took matters into my own hands, I broke one of the rules. I used Renée Rouleau Vitamin C + E Treatment (a no-sting formula with a skin-compatible pH of 5.3). Instead of using the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, this uses THD Ascorbate which is now considered to be the most stable form of vitamin C and the new “the gold standard of vitamin C”. Unlike ascorbic acid, it doesn’t need that low pH to be effective so it won’t leave your skin with an “acid burn“. Even though my skin was very sensitive post-laser, I didn’t experience ANY irritation or further damage to my skin’s barrier.

Did you do anything else to help expedite healing?

For a few hours after the laser treatment I had full body chills. I realized this was a natural response for my body to regulate its temperature and so this was a sign my body was being affected. Because of this, I loaded up on oral antioxidant supplements, specifically 1000 mg of vitamin C, to help aid in the healing process.

In summary…

My skin healed from the redness, tightness, flakiness and dryness beautifully and I know my skin greatly benefited from using vitamin C after a laser treatment. The anti-inflammatory effects that a topical anti-oxidant serum can give, as well as fueling my body from the inside with vitamin C. And now, because I shared my findings, Refine Aesthetics in Austin, TX is recommending the Renée Rouleau Vitamin C&E Treatment to their patients after laser treatments!

Should you get a laser treatment? Read all about my Moxi laser treatment experience.

Learn more about when skincare products sting. Is this normal?

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 35 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”

1...302303304...307 Page 303 of 307