Recently in Skincare Category

Q: How can I pop a huge pimple under the skin? I was hoping you could give me some clues as to what you look out for. Please help me!

A: Any pimple, blemish or "zit" shouldn't be picked and prodded. This can cause bacteria in the skin to burst under the skin and spread the problem. When you do experience large, and sometimes painful blemishes, it is best to let nature run its course. If you do see some white pus at the surface, you may do as follows:

• Apply a warm compress over the area 8-12 minutes to help encourage the pus to the surface.

• When you have done this, use two cotton swabs (our favorites are Q-tips brand) to gently lift the fluid out. Do your best to place the tip of each swab "under" the pimple. The pus should come out easily without force.

• If you begin to see blood or clear fluid, it's time to stop. You may see more redness around the area. Apply a cold compress to reduce this.

• Apply an acne clearing product such as Neutrogena On-the-Spot Treatment ($5.99, drugstore.com) to help treat the blemish as it heals. Cleanse your face daily with a salicylic wash and exfoliate 1-2 times per week to keep breakouts at bay.

 

Best wishes!

 

Bliss has created the ultimate lightweight moisture-giver in the new Lemon + Sage Body Butter Lite. Much like its nourishing older sister, Body Butter, the botanically-based moisturizing ingredients and antioxidant vitamins in Lite condition skin like, well...butter. It won't, however, leave you with the extra-thick-- and sometimes greasy-- finish. Body Butter Lite is perfect for creating a more dewy finish on the skin, absorbs quickly, and leaves skin weightlessly hydrated. $29, blissworld.com

Summer is the perfect time to give yourself a more tan, glowing complexion, but getting too much sun isn't the healthiest. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best self-tanners for 2009 that will help you get the bronze look you desire without the risk of damaging your skin.

Best Overall Application

Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream- We love this cream because it's easy to use and formulated with aloe vera to moisturize and cocoa beans to help prevent premature aging. Its golden color guarantees you don't miss a spot, and because it comes in a tub rather than a spray can, you won't be cleaning up spots all over your bathroom after applying. $42, nordstrom.com

 

 

Best for Face

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Facial Moisturizer- For an everyday glow and the protection of SPF 20, this oil-free moisturizing facial self-tanner delivers the perfect amount of natural-looking color. It absorbs quickly and wears well under makeup. $7.49, drugstore.com

 

 

 

 

 

Best For Travel

 

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes are packaged in individual wrappers, making them perfect for travel. One towelette is enough to cover our entire body, and the result is a natural-looking tan-- no orange in sight. We found it best to apply in a circular motion for a streak-free finish. The smell isn't our favorite, but subsides after a day. $8.99 for 6, drugstore.com

 

 

 

Most Dependable

 

Neutrogena Sun Fresh Foam should be in your sunless tanning arsenal if it isn't already. Cherished by its loyal users for years, this citrus-smelling foam goes on clear, develops a golden glow in a few hours and dries quickly once applied. $9.99, drugstore.com

 

 

 

 

Best Import

 

Lancaster Easy Bronze Milky Spray SPF 6- As the authority in the field of prestige sun-care products in Europe's, we now have access to these best sellers. Easy Bronze Milky Spray can be applied at any angle, even upside-down, making it very user-friendly. The result is a streak-free golden glow that lasts for days. $27, spalook.com

 

 

 

 

 

Best For Customization

 

Aveeno Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion- The innovative, dual-chambered package has a dial design that allows the user to choose the depth of color to be applied and can be readjusted until the desired shade of bronze is met. $12.99, target.com

 

 

 

 

Best Fool-Proof Kit

 

Mystic Tan Perfect Tan Kit for Face ensures the perfect tan with its 3-step system. Gone are the days of over-application thanks to the uber-genius base that increases color depth and saturation in all the right places. $54, sephora.com

 

 

 

 

 

Best Multi-Purpose Formula 

 

Hourglass Solar Tan Self-Tanning Primer is just what we gals-on-the-go love. A primer and self-tanner in one, this glow-giving product leaves skin moisturized and prepped for your foundation. Subtle color develops over five days for a more radiant, natural look. $60, sephora.com

 

 

 

 

Best Smelling Formula 

 

Bliss A Tan For All Seasons- A user favorite, this antioxidant-rich formula provides a gradual, believable color without the typical "self tanner stink" thanks citrus-scented odor-repelling actives that mask the smell of DHA. $36, blissworld.com

 

 

 

 

 

Fastest Dark Tan 

 

Bare Escentuals Faux Tan- This super-hydrating formula dries quickly and delivers instant color ensuring you won't miss a spot. Maximum color develops in a few hours and lasts for up to a week. We recommend wearing gloves to apply this one, as the formula is highly tinted. $22, bareescentuals.com

Related Articles:

 

Decleor Nutri-Delice Delightful Extreme Protection Cream is infused with pampering, ultra-rich ingredients to smooth and bring strength to dry skin types. If you are in need of a nourishing "shock treatment" for your thirsty skin, look no further than this replenishing cream. Even the driest and most weakened skin will feel immediate and long-lasting protection. Beauty tip: Rub an additional amount into your decolletage and hands to keep them soft and supple. 

$58, decleor-us.com

This Mother's Day we plan to give the moms in our lives products that will make them feel and look their best. It can be difficult being a mom, and that's why we believe that "me time" should also be on the daily to-do list (that never seems to end). We think these sets should help...

 

Give her the Philosophy Makeup Optional Kit if you know she isn't too much into makeup. Great looking skin begins with great skincare, and this set is one of our favorites. Everything she'll need to get a glowing complexion is included: Purity Made Simple cleanser, Hope In A Jar moisturizer, When Hope Is Not Enough A.M. Serum, Hope in a Tube Eye and Lip Firming Cream, plus two-applications of Microdelivery Vitamin C Foils. $78, sephora.com

 

 

 

 

Every glamorous mom knows that Smashbox delivers the fabulous goods when it comes to makeup. The new Glambox Vol. 4 Set-- inspired by palettes in every Smashbox artist's kit-- will keep her prepared thanks to the latest must-haves in the set. Each palette is sleek enough to fit into a purse for flawless beauty on-the-go. Includes a travel-size Arced Liner Brush. $68, nordstrom.com

 

 

 

For the mom who likes to glam it up, but is short on time, consider this Laura Geller Show Stoppers set. It comes with everything she'll need to create a classic, fool-proof look. We particularly love the Bronze-N-Brighten that suits most skin tones as well as the lipglosses- we think she will, too! $37, beauty.com

 

 

 

Spa-loving moms who enjoy indulging in life's simple luxuries will appreciate The Body Shop Spa Sanctuary Gift Set that comes complete with everything she could want to create a tranquil and pampering bath experience; the salt scrub along with products with ingredients like Monoi oil, Shea butter and honey, will leave her skin feeling renewed and feeling soft. $37, thebodyshop.com

 

 

 

 

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Travel Set is a set featuring three products that will transport her senses to an island paradise. We love the luscious guava scented body butter, candle and solid perfume that can go anywhere and the fact that it leaves money in our pocketbooks makes giving this as a gift even sweeter. $14, sephora.com

 

 

 

 

 

Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go Kit is green, but still packs a serious glamour punch (it's even on our beauty wishlist!). Featuring five eco-chic products, each will get her gorgeous, as well as introduce her to this award-winning line. $48, sephora.com

 

 

 

 

 

Our moms have always wished to have their own personal styists. Since that is way out of our reasonably-priced gift-giving strategy, she will have to accept this set by Oscar Blandi-- Oscar's Tool Kit. In it she will find Jasmine Protein Mist for Restyling Hair, Luce (a rinse-out gloss for adding shine to hair), Olio Di Jasmine Shine Spray, Seta Silk Polishing Cream, Pronto Dry Shampoo, plus an instructional DVD with Oscar's secrets for great hair. $48, sephora.com

For more, check out Mother's Day Gifts at StyleBakery.com

Looking forward to getting "your tan on" now that the weather is warming up? Don't go anywhere without protecting your skin-- the sun can do a number on it if you're not careful. Thankfully, you can get that summer bronze glow with the help of Carol's Daughter Gelee de Soleil Browning Oil With SPF 15. This ultra-moisturing formula is natural and free of anything that could be potentially harmful. We love the island-y coconut and pineapple fragrance-- it makes us dream of vacations on some far-away beach. Exotic palm kernel oil, cocoa, shea, mango, and avocado butters drench skin with moisture and SPF 15 ensures you're protected as you tan. $14, sephora.com

 

Wearing long-wearing makeup or waterproof mascara can be a chore to take off at the end of the day. We want to make sure to get it all off, and we certainly don't want to wake up with raccoon eyes the next morning. Then there are occasions that we are just too tired to go through the steps to remove our makeup at all. But we know better, so we turn to Estee Lauder's Take It Away Cleanser. This amazing water-based, creme-gel wonder removes all of our makeup-- and we mean all of it-- from our face. Our skin gets clean in one step, and is left feeling soft and fresh. We love it so much we find ourselves even using it to remove our regular makeup as well. Suitable for all skin types. $22, dillards.com

Ahava Purifying Mud Mask allows us to give ourselves a skin-pampering treatment at home without spending a ton of money. The formula for oily skin pulls out skin dulling impurities and excess oil, leaving us looking radiant. It also doubles as a body mask if you want to give yourself an inexpensive body treatment: Slather this on after exfoliating, let it sit and rinse when almost dry (you will need to enlist the help of a friend to apply to your back). Whether you use this on your face or on your body, you'll be thrilled with how your skin looks-- and your wallet will be too. Also available for normal to dry skin. $30, spalook.com

Question: For the past few months, every time I am about to get a blemish I take the proper steps to prevent it and, instead of fading, it leaves a purple spot on my face. The lower half of my face is covered in what looks like acne scarring but isn't. They eventually fade but this takes at least five months. Do you have any suggestions as how to aid the healing process?

Answer: There is nothing worse than having to be reminded of the blemishes that have happened in life, especially when they are on your face. Since your spots seem to fade during treatment, we suggest that in addition to your treatment you wear sunscreen everyday. It is so important to protect your skin, especially when you're using products that contain ingredients that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Also know that the sun contributes to making the spots stay around longer since it does produce melanin in the skin. 

For good measure, here are some product suggestions for getting your skin to a flawless state:

 

 

Alpha Hydrox Nourishing Cleanser contains Glycolic Acid and micro beads to help slough off dead skin cells and will also keep your skin blemish-free. $8.49, drugstore.com

 

 

 

 

 

Bliss Peeling Groovy works to even out skin tone, but is much gentler than traditional fading gels. It's moisturizing as well, so using this with any acne treatments you already use won't contribute to drying out your skin. $65, blissworld.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

DDF Protect and Correct Moisturizer SPF 15 contains a potent micro-radiance complex that diminishes the look of discoloration. Since it also contains SPF 15, it will protect your skin from UVA/UVB damage and future hyperpigmentation. $60, sephora.com

Looking for a good cleanser for your own personal skin type? By choosing a cleanser that suits your skin you'll not only give your skin what it needs, but in time will make it look amazing. These are our picks:

 

 

For Normal Skin:

 

Ahava Cleansing Cream self-adjusts to your skin's pH level so it never overdries. We love that the creamy smooth consistency thoroughly cleanses and comforts skin on the first application, then removes oil, dirt, makeup, and other impurities without a trace left behind. $20, spalook.com

 

 

 

 

Phisoderm Deep Cleaning Cream Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin is a pure and simple face wash that really cleans your skin. It nurtures skin with vitamin E for moisture and replenishes with aloe and chamomile. $4.79, drugstore.com

 

 

 

For Combination Skin:

 

Jurlique Purifying Foaming Cleanser is rich in lavender and tea tree oil to lift away surface impurities and help rebalance excess oil while soothing the dry parts of your face. The best part about this cleanser is that it leaves skin clean and refreshed, never dry. $40 sephora.com

 

 

 

Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser is what we call a no-frills cleanser. It's soap-free, rinses clean, and is suitable for normal to combination skin, eliminating impurities and makeup while soothing and softening the skin. $17, spalook.com

 

 

 

 

For Dry Skin:

 

 

Cetaphil is mild enough for babies and even dermatologists love it. It's clean, simple, and isn't packed with chemicals or perfumes that can irritate the skin. It soothes and softens as it cleanses, helping the skin retain needed moisture. $7.99, drugstore.com

 

 

 

Lancome 'Galatee Confort' Comforting Milky Creme Cleanser is great for dry skin because it's emollient-rich and milky, giving dry skin the moisture it thirsts for. This melts away makeup and impurities and instantly comforts skin with honey and sweet almond extracts. from $30, nordstrom.com

 

 

 

For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:

 

 

Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser is the go-to cleanser to keep oil under control and keep blemishes at bay. Lavender soothes skin irritated by drying acne products, while salicylic acid keeps pores clean. $7.99, drugstore.com

 

 

 

Murad Acne Clarifying Cleanser is one of the best when it comes to deep-cleaning clogged pores. This gel, featuring antibacterial triclosan and salicylic acid, helps to gently but effectively reduce acne blemishes to keep skin clear. $26, sephora.com

 

 

 

For Sensitive Skin

 

 

Caudalie Gentle Cleanser leaves skin clean, feeling soft and free of impurities and makeup. This mild fluid protects skin against free radicals, gives skin new clarity and balance, and is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes and phthalates. $26, sephora.com

 

 

 

Olay foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin was created especially for the special needs of sensitive skin. This gentle cleanser is soap-free, oil-free and gently, yet effectively, cleans without overdrying. A plus is that it comes as close to being "unscented" as a cleanser can be. $4.49, drugstore.com

 

 

 

For Mature Skin:

 

 

Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser not only contains moisture-rich soy extracts and light diffusers to leave you with luminous looking skin, but this won't overdry skin which is great when you're skin is older. $7.49, drugstore.com

 

 

 

 

Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser is rich and creamy, great for skin that is losing moisture. With natural plant extracts and aromatherapist oils to leave your skin feeling soft, clean and comfortable, skin will be hydrated, radiant and refreshed. $28, spalook.com

 

We admit it: Sometimes we're not in the mood to go through our entire cleansing routine before bed. Of course, we'd feel guilty going to bed without washing our faces, so on those nights we're looking for something quick, yet effective, to remove our makeup, we reach for Neutrogena's Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They are a great way to take off all traces of our makeup, including regular and waterproof mascara, so we can go to bed-- guilt free. $8.99, drugstore.com 

With a refreshing cucumber scent and water-like feel, Amarte Aqua Veil Pure Hydrating Serum is a quick-absorbing hydrator that we can't get enough of. We all live in different climates, but keeping moisture in our skin is always a high priority. Because it's a humectant (contrary to the term serum), it attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it in balance. So it's great for dry skin seeking extra moisture, as well as oily skin because it doesn't add extra oil. We use it in addition to our regular moisturizer and our skin loves it.

 

Honestly, if we could slather our entire bodies with this we would, but since it doesn't come in that big of a size, we will gladly settle for applying it to our faces, necks and decolletages each day and night. $44, amarteusa.com

Q: What's the best and quickest way to get rid of blackheads? I've already tried many things; salicylic acid does not do anything for my blackheads or whiteheads.

A: Blackheads are little annoying things that aren't the same as typical acne. While salicylic acid can aid in keeping them at bay, it won't get rid of them on its own. You see, blackheads are caused by excess oil that has clogged a pore. This clog occurs when the built-up oil is unable to come up to the surface of the skin because the pore is misshapen or impaired and dead skin cells blocking the way. When the pore is open, the oil is exposed to oxygen, which reacts and turns it a dark color, resulting in a blackhead.

Here's our simple recipe for removing blackheads:

• After cleansing, use a mild scrub or skin exfoliant to remove any dead cells and expose the blackhead. Pat your face dry.
• Place a slightly warm compress on your face for about 8-12 minutes in order to soften the blackhead, making it easier to remove. Pat your face dry again.
• Wrap a piece of tissue on the tip of each index finger to avoid slipping, which could tear the skin and cause damage.
• Gently apply even pressure to both sides of the blackhead by pushing down, then up around the blemish. Think of trying to apply the pressure from "underneath" the blackhead.
• Attempt this no more than twice-- you don't want to bruise your skin or cause damage to your skin.

 

Allow a couple of days to go by before you attempt to extract again. Between these attempts, try using a clay mask to absorb excess oil. Also, consider visiting a dermatologist, as he or she may be able to prescribe a treatment containing a retinoid to keep pores functioning properly, thus keeping pore blockage to a minimum.

Best of luck.

It's official: You have found yourself with only a few gifts and still have names that have yet to be crossed off the list. You have to now choose gifts that are easy to find because ordering online at this point could be risky. Check out these amazing little goodies that can be found in your local drugstore or department store. Put the single items together, or take inspiration from our suggested gift pairings and create a one-of-a kind- gift she's sure to love!

 

 

MAC Softsparkle Eye Pencils are five mini-sized pencils for use on the eyes. Includes three Softsparkle Pencils in Peacocked, Mint and Olive, and Chocolight, and two Eye Pencils in Black Funk and Fab Orchid in a glossy red-orange patent cylinder-shaped gift box with a lift-off lid. We love this little gift set and know that whoever recieves it would use it for a long time! $ 22, macys.com

 

 

 

L'Oreal Infallible Lipstick is one we love because it looks and applies just like a lipstick. The no-fail formula stays on lips all day and the moisturizing topcoat keeps lips looking and feeling smooth. Pick up a few of these, tie them up in a bow, put them into a gift bag with her favorite beverage and your gift is sure to be a hit. $11.99, drugstore.com  

 

 

Pantene Pro-V Nourishing Moisture Replenishing Mask will give her incentive to nourish those locks she's been torturing with all of the heat styling she does. Wrap this up with a cute hair accessory and a gift certificate to pay for her next cut or blowout-- trust us...she'll love it! $3.59, drugstore.com 

 

 

 

philosophy Jump Starter Kit includes everything she'll need to get her skin back on track. We love Purity Made Simple for it's once-step cleansing abilities (it even removes mascara!), and its amazing smell. Hope in a Jar  and Hope In a Tube keeps our skin looking dewy and youthful without ever feeling too greasy. The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash will slough of the dry dead cells that make skin look dull. You'll find this at your local philosphy beauty counter and online, $55, at beauty.com

 

Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glistening Drops really helps to give our hair the shine and managability that we crave from hair products. It tames frizz and flyaways and works on wet or damp hair. She will love, Love, LOVE the way her hair looks after she uses it, as well as the uplifting citrus scent that is amazing, and you'll love the very small price tag! Pair this up with some sparkly bangles or chandelier earrings so she will shine her way into 2009. $4.29, drugstore.com

 

 

Burt's Bees Tips n' Toes Hand & Feet Kit is perfect if she loves to pamper herself, but has trouble finding long periods of time to do it in. We enjoy many of Burt's products, and find this kit to have so many great treats in it that we make time to use these. When we can't, they are small enough to fit into a purse, so a mid-day cuticle treatment is never too far away. $12.99, burtsbees.com

 

 

Benefit Bathina Body So Fine Balm is a favorite little luxury to have right out of the shower. We love this moisture-rich balm that leaves our skin luminescent and soft. Applying it with the body puff makes it an extra special product to have. The silky finish is flirty and totally irresistible, leaving skin smelling and looking absolutely incredible! Find it at your local Benefit counter or boutique. $30, macys.com

As the weather cools down, we find ourselves facing a dilemma: dry skin. For many of us, it is a never ending battle to keep our skin hydrated and nourished, especially in the Fall and Winter seasons. Finding an adequate moisturizer can be difficult, and unless you've already found your must-have product, it may seem like an overwhelming task to go out in search of relief-- there are so many products to choose from! Thankfully, you are in the right place, read on for our list of body lotions and creams that are sure to give you the soft comfortable skin you desire.

 

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Daily Therapeutic Lotion is fragrance free and gives skin therapeutic moisture that last all day. This moisture-rich formula helps turn even the driest, roughest skin into soft, smooth skin. We love it because it absorbs quickly and never feel greasy. $8.49, drugstore.com

 

 

 

 

L'OCCITANE Shea Butter comes from 100% plant-based origin, and has developed an amazing following because it works! This deep moisturizer nourishes skin, helping to heal any dry patches on elbows, knees, hands or feet. It works great even if you have sensitive skin or eczema, and another added plus: you can use it as a conditioning treatment for your hair! from $8, sephora.com

 

 

 

 

Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter is one of our favorites! It is not only antioxidant-enriched, but this body butter lifts our mood with it's citrus scent and is able to make us forget we ever had dehydrated skin. from $12, blissworld.com

 

 

 

 

 

Bioelements Vitalization gives the skin on our body the same treatment we give to our faces with skin-loving nutrients and botanical oils. While wrapping skin in a natural, soothing fragrance, this thick moisturizing cream replenishes lost moisture and gives skin increased elasticity and suppleness. We love that it helps give our just-shaved legs a boost of moisture without irritation. $49.50, spalook.com

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh SugarBath Lemon Body Lotion is one our go-to body moisturizers because of it's lightweight feel and oh-so-yummy scent. The real brown sugar contained in this lotion makes us feel like we're really indulging in a sweet treat, but without the calories! $28, beauty.com

 

 

 

 

 

Nature's Gate Organics Ultra-Hydrating Body Lotion is rich in nutrients of certified organic fruit extracts and botanicals, and offers a unique complex of essentials for a "well-balanced diet" for your skin. this ultra-hydrating also contains a complex of vitamins E, C and A, is non-greasy, quick absorbing and helps retain moisture throughout the day. $9.99 drugstore.com

 

 

 

 

Sephora BODY Super Supreme Body Butter will leave you feeling smooth all over. We love the luxurious feeling it gives us--- like we spent a fortune, but really didn't! The scent is so light, it won't interfere with any other scent you might want to wear for the day, and you just might find the man in your life using it on his dry skin when you're not looking. from $15, sephora.com

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It's not only the leaves that change with the season, beauty evolves into a deeper hued daily ritual with the addition of spicier scents, shades and angles. Soft, shiny hair is loosened and worn low with a bend, caressing cheeks and shoulders. Trends this year mimic those of the '80s with a splash of '40s femme. Beauty is sophisticated and luxurious. Some easy additions to pull off this year's Fall-Winter transition include:

Black Orchid by Tom Ford

This decadent scent wafts with sex, smoke, spice and sweetness which are synonymous with the design of Tom Ford. My immediate reaction was to keep smelling my wrist after the initial spray. It's one of those rare scents you occasionally encounter in passing and irresistibly are drawn to. The perfect fragrance to warm up the atmosphere during a chilly day or night.

Tarte Eye Couture Day-To-Night Eye Palette

Black as night shadow has been adorning the lids of celebrities and transforming their summer shades into a more mysterious vamp. Classic examples include Anne Hathaway and the ever so sunny Katherine Heigl. Their dramatic eyes are not as easy as just a brush of darkness. Quality of texture and pigment are key to achieving a smooth application of drama and the deep shades are never allowed to venture too far past the crease. This palette includes one of the best brushes I've seen in a ready made collection. This combo of smoky midnights and sheer cool pale shades are ideal for highlighting your more innocent side during the day and for releasing the vixen as evening falls!

Hot Tools Professional Spring 1 inch Curling Iron

Big beautiful curls are all the rage in this season's sophisticated femme styles. Keep your roots with minimal volume while creating a cascading brushed curl around face and throughout hair's length. Best way to achieve this kind of girly glam is to use a 1 inch curling iron around the sides and back of head twisting hair loosely around iron in both directions.

HairDo by Ken Paves

But what if you are still sporting last season's bob? Have no worry, HairDo is quite possibly one of the easiest ways to add on hair. Yes, in one piece, and I cannot tell you how real it looks! Watch the video before you say nay, you will not believe the simplicity!

Biore Daily Recharging Enliven Eye Cooling Gel

With chillier temperatures, we welcome dry heat into our homes which causes us to wake up puffy eyed and with dry skin and hair. A partial remedy for this beauty blunder is to invest in a humidifier or leave a pot of water near your heating device (do not leave it near electric heat). But it's not a sure fix and we need an added boost to help. This gel works gently and effectively at combating the under eye bag, and it feels absolutely invigorating.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Crème Serum Overnight Repair Formula

If frizz and dryness are a part of your wardrobe this season, choose an overnight hair repair like John Frieda's. Apply it to dry hair at night and wake up to smoother healthier hair in the morning. And don't worry- it doesn't leave residue on your pillowcase!

Sephora by OPI in Caffeine Fix

If you can grow your nails long and still function in your daily tasks, so be it, ladies. Long, rounded and violet is this season's nail trend. A grape-inspired polish is definitely making a statement- so keep them shiny, on the deeper side and chip-free. My favorite long wearing shade is from Sephora by OPI. The rich coffee-inspired shade is perfectly plum.

Urban Decay Lipstick in Trainwreck and Sellout

Moist, matte shades are painting this season's lips. The hottest shades include cranberry, fire- inspired and deep earth brown. Urban Decay lipsticks in Trainwreck and Sellout are a must-have for all intense purposes! Color lasts, stays creamy and within its defined lines.

Kerastase Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo Oily Roots-Sensitised Lengths

Hands down, the hottest new product. If you color or highlight your hair, you know you're not supposed to wash it daily because the color fades and the ends get dry. If you skip a day, your roots become a greasy separating fortress of darkness that nobody, including yourself, wants to touch. I've tried it and this shampoo works at getting you that second day and imparts a superior shine with all of its specified balancing. (available 11/10)

Clairol Perfect 10 Hair Color by Nice & Easy

Perfect 10 delivers head turning hair color in a lustrous easy to use formula. In fact, your new rich wintry shade is achieved in as little as 10 minutes. A selection of 20 super shiny shades to choose from without the time and money spent at a salon. The applicator and "smart" color technology make it a foolproof way to achieve your new shade for the season.
 

No Frizz by Living Proof

It seems enough of us have cried to the hair gods to eliminate our frizz and static! These godly beings or more suitably named scientists have created the most advanced product to control our strands in 30 years. Living Proof is a weightless, PolyfluoroEster material that creates a surface on hairs that eliminates water absorption, repels dirt and oil, creates a bright shine, eliminates any sort of frizz and smoothes out the rough edges that cause coarseness and electric snaps. It is beyond amazing!




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Some of us here battle acne, and find that we will do anything tho keep it at bay. Most of our efforts work, however, there is always that pesky little blemish that comes up when we least expect it. So what do we do? We zap it with our new Zeno Mini!

Perfect for your pocket or purse, Zeno Mini works just like the original to help most pimples improve in 24 to 48 hours. It works by applying precisely controlled low-level heat to a pimple, causing the bacteria within the pimple to self-destruct (take that zits!). Each treatment takes just two and a half minutes, and most pimples clear up within just two to three treatments. The installed Treatment Tip Cartridge contains 45 treatment cycles and is easily replaced once you've used them all. $89, drugstore.com  

No matter how busy we might be, every morning we go through our beauty routine, and it involves many products, brushes, sponges and such. Our advice? Save precious minutes with the latest packaging trend: time-saving roll-on products.

 

Sue Devitt E-Z Eye Rollerball contains highly pigmented eyeshadow that glides on perfectly to give your eyes a beautiful sheen of color to make them pop! You can even keep it in your purse to for easy day-to-night makeup transitions. Available in 9 shades. $18, amazon.com 

 

By Terry VIP Skin-Expert Peace & Glow is formulated with active ingredients that instantly give your skin a boost of circulation so you look refreshed and relaxed. $65, barneys.com

Joey Pure Pores Roll-On Blemish Fix is an all-natural way to treat the acne you may have on-the-go. Apply the clear liquid throughout the day to help rid yourself of those blemishes even more quickly. $22, beauty.com

 

 

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller helps relieve under-eye puffiness and treats dark circles to give the appearance of brighter, more radiant eyes. Pro-Vitamin B5 refreshes and hydrates the delicate eye area. $12.99, walgreens.com

 

Lorac Double Feature delivers correction to give your the even look you desire. Cover undereye circles and hide blemishes with this oil-free, long-wearing concealer stick, then blend in with the blender ball. $24, sephora.com 

 

Tarte Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo gives a new "twist" on the makeup artist trick of layering a loose shadow over a cream shadow. The roller ball contians a loose powder and glides easily over cream shadow to lock color in and add luminosity so color lasts all day! $17, sephora.com

Vera Wang Princess Perfect Pair is two products in one! On one end, Vera's best-selling Princess fragrance in a rollerball dispenser, and on the other a pretty pink lipgloss that will leave you lips feeling moisuturized and looking perfectly glossy. $25, sephora.com

 

Philosophy Amazing Grace Concentrated Perfume Oil is the ultimate must-have item for all Grace devotees! Now you can roll-on the amazing clean and infinitely feminine scent of Philosophy's best-selling fragrance. Perfect for the girl on the go, this roll-on fragrance makes it easier than ever to take Grace wherever you go. $25, sephora.com

Though summer may be winding to an end, it's important to remember that sunscreen is an essential part of your year round beauty maintenance. Daily exposure can cause irreversible damage, and sometimes just a few minutes is all it takes. Beauty Editor Mickey Williams addresses your most common ray blocking questions and rounds up the newest skin saving solutions.

1. What's the easiest sunscreen to use?

If you're like me, time and effort are everything when it comes to creating a daily ritual. With sunscreen lotions, gels and creams, just rubbing it in can work up quite a sweat. Grab a bottle of the new evolution of sunblocks and spray on an aerosol. These misters can be a bit pricey and you will use them up in a flash, but they feel great and protect better than most lotions.

Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Sunblock, Body Mist SPF 70
This sunblock is uber refreshing and sprays at any angle, so no need to wrangle the man in a bikini next to you to get your back. It's great for sports and smells light and clean and now comes in SPF 70 for the ultra invisible sun blanket.

Aveeno Sunblock Spray, Continuous Protection, SPF 70
Another winner in the continuous spray SPF 70 gamut. An added perk for Aveeno is that it's loaded with Vitamins A, C and E and contains natural soy proteins.

Peter Thomas Roth Continuous Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 PTR Continuous Sunscreen Mist is a bit more expensive than its rivals, but we just loved the scent and the way our skin glistened after a mist or two. Oh, and it served as a very long wearing sunscreen to boot!

2. Are there any natural sunscreens that actually work?

Burt's Bees SPF 30 Chemical-Free Sunscreen with Hemp Seed Oil
Burt's Bees utilizes titanium dioxide, an earth mineral that forms a barrier on skin and reflects UV rays. The formula is light-weight and slicked up with hemp seed oil for ultimate hydration.

3. What sunscreen will not cause breakouts?

Yes! Finally we can protect without the annoying pimples associated with slathering on yet another cream on our faces. I've found sensitive resolutions to keep skin calm and burn-free.

The basic solution: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SunBlock SPF 30 
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock 30 worked very well under our makeup and moisturizer. We applied it and waited a bit for it to absorb. No reported burning and we didn't seem to get a lick of sun!

The two-in-one solution: Cosmedicine Global Health SPF 30 Face UVA/B Sunsceen with Antioxidants
Cosmedicine feels like you're putting on a soft moisture balm. It doubles as a sunscreen and face cream, so no need to apply a moisturizer. And Cosmedicine is loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, E and pomegranate extract to help recharge and replenish skin.

4. I get fever blisters when my lips are exposed. Is there any lip balm that shields and stays put?

Armada Protective Lip Balm 60+
Fever blister prone? It's under cover with Armada Protective Lip Balm 60+. High SPF coverage works indoors as well as outdoors and with extended use, it can actually start to lighten melasma, dark spots and other hyper pigmentations. Also check out Armada Sport 70. It tested unbelievably in durability in and out of the water.

5. What's the best moisturizer and SPF protection combo?

Lubriderm Daily Moisture with SPF 15 Lotion
Your smoothest sun shielding combo is by Lubriderm. Lubriderm Daily Moisture with SPF 15 comes in a lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing lotion. The pump applicator makes it super easy to apply lotion and sunscreen right out of the shower. Perfect for the girl that needs to simplify!

While visiting my dermatologist, he suggested I introduce a glycolic face wash into my daily regime. In the past, I read data on glycolic acids to excess, but found I wasn't sure if all the information offered a fountain of youth or was just your usual beauty hype. With some recent help from a few leading fruit acid beauty brands, I've researched and tested everything from cleansers to eye pads, and found positively interesting results.

To begin, let me explain what a glycolic is. Glycolic is arguably the most effective form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid. It is derived from the sugar cane plant and also can be obtained from citrus fruits, grapes and lactic acid (milk). Its purpose in the beauty arena is to refine the texture of skin by softening fine lines and wrinkles. Another benefit of glycolic is its ability to lighten discolorations and acne scars while shrinking the appearance of pores. This all occurs through the process of exfoliation, the shedding of dead skin cells from the top surface of the epidermis. Still, glycolic has yet another advantage as a rapid delivery system for any moisture or treatment based products you apply right after the use of a glycolic based product.

Sound too good to be true? I thought so too, but found some stand out products designed for use from head to toe that are worth your beauty dollar:
 

NeoStrata is basically your no gimmick glycolic regimen. The NeoStrata Company has been around since the 1970s, knocking out one fine line and blemish banishing product after another. NeoStrata brand professional skin care products are recommended by Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons in over 42 countries and are the #1 recommended professional AHA skin care brand by physicians worldwide. Top Products:

NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash
A soft cleansing foam that works wonders on blemishes.

NeoStrata Gel Plus
Not for the sensitive complexion, but an amazing difference when used on hands.

Exuviance by NeoStrata 
The patented Exuviance line of skincare products contains a unique combination of Alpha and Polyhydroxy acids, soothing botanicals and marine extracts to restore and moisturize the skin. Vitamins, antioxidants and sunscreens protect the skin against harmful environmental factors, free radicals and premature aging.

Exuviance SkinRise Morning Bionic Tonic 
An absolute favorite during our two week trials. Skin appears firmer almost immediately, and still remains moist and hydrated.

Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Pads
A gentle way to soothe, treat and reverse the signs of aging below the delicate eye area without any irritation.

DDF - Doctor's Dermatologic Formula
DDF founder, Dr. Howard Sobel has been a practicing New York City dermatologist and dermatologic cosmetic surgeon for more than 25 years, combining modern technology with cosmetic skin care. Dr. Sobel created DDF as a union of cosmetic dermatology and topical skin care. These products deliver excellent results without a prescription.

Decelerate Professional Anti-Aging Protocol
The best approach to taking your first step toward a gentle glycolic regimen. Also, Decelerate is a great prep for skin before stronger glycolic treatments and products.

DDF 7-Day Radiance Peel Kit
The best at home peel kit we tested that delivered in just 7 days.

Murad City Skin Night Treatment with Anti-Pollution Complex & ActiMatrix
CitySkin Night Treatment delivered tighter, brighter skin after a two week trial. Since this is only a treatment, your skin may require a moisturizer to be used in conjunction.