Dear Sabrina: What is the best way for preparing your skin for your wedding day?
There is a saying that goes something like “no amount of paint can cover a bad foundation”. We don’t know where it originated from, and maybe it was just something that is said to those folks in the cosmetology industry but we heard it and it stuck with us. The exact same goes for makeup. No amount of makeup can fix bad skin. A prime canvas is necessary to paint and prime skin is necessary to a {relatively} flawless look. So, it may be understandable why we did a happy dance when we opened Jackie’s email asking how to prepare her skin for her big day.
While makeup artists can work to create a smooth, primed foundation to work with but there are many steps that you can take as well.
Facials
It’s great to have a few facials leading up to your big day. Be sure to start them a couple of months before as facials tend to detoxify the face and you don’t want any blemishes to show up unexpected just before the wedding. While an at-home facial is an option, we strongly recommend a professional facial to ensure that any areas prone to problems are addressed. Be sure to use a good skin-care system daily (morning and night) to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and moisturize. Follow the recommended exfoliation schedule (generally not more than twice per week).
Sunscreen is your friend. Be sure to apply an SPF (we recommend a 15) before applying foundation. This will protect your skin from the suns harsh rays which cause wrinkles and freckles that could related to further damage or skin cancer. Click here to read our blog “Here Comes the Sun” and find our top sunscreen picks.
Hydration
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Our bodies are approximately 60% water (the percentage fluctuates based on age and gender). Drinking water helps to flush toxins from your body which includes your face. Grab a glass of water and capture a natural glow!
The Arizona heat can dry out your skin leading to painful, cracked areas – especially elbows and heels. Soothe dry skin on your elbows by exfoliating and following up with a good moisturizer. Elbows are often forgotten so be sure to exfoliate your elbows for smooth summer skin. During summer, they are exposed to the sun and heat while in winter, elbows suffer as skin dries out and rubs against heavy coats and jackets. Unfortunately, many of us only think about our elbows when they are cracked and hurting. By exfoliating you elbows weekly you will keep skin smooth and healthy looking.
Scrubs for Exfoliating Your Elbows
Use exfoliating scrubs to slough off dead skin and reveal the younger skin underneath. Homemade scrubs are easy to make in a few minutes, or pick one up from your local beauty store.
Sugar Scrubs – For an at-home sugar scrub, combine olive oil and brown sugar in a small bowl. Two drops of essential oils will give the scrub an uplifting scent and moisturize your skin. Apply the scrub in the shower to damp elbows. Rub the scrub into your skin for one minute, then rinse.
Salt Scrubs – Rub bath salts into the moist skin of your elbow for a good exfoliant. Rinse away the scrub after about a minute. Do not use salt scrubs if your skin is extremely dry or if you have cuts, scrapes or just shaved as the salt may sting.
Microdermabrasion – Use your facial microdermabrasion kit on your elbows. Squirt or scoop out a dime-sized amount of the exfoliating liquid onto your fingertips. Rub the microdermabrasion exfoliant into your skin. It will only take a few seconds to remove the dried skin, so use caution.
Tools for Exfoliation
If you don’t have any scrubs on hand, an exfoliating tool along with some soap or gel will get the job done just as well.
Loofah – Rub the area with a handheld loofah sponge. Squirt a little soap on your sponge and lather it up. Rub the elbows with the loofah sponge in a circular motion for about 90 seconds as too much exfoliation can damage skin. Only loofah your skin once a week.
Netted Scrubie – Squirt your favorite shower gel or soap into a wet netted scrubie. Rub across the elbow area until suds appear. A netted sponge is gentler than a loofah so you can use it daily. Be sure to hang your netted scrubie to dry to avoid bacterial growth.
Moisturizing Elbows
After exfoliating your elbows, add moisturizing lotion or oil to the area. Look for moisturizers that contain Vitamin E, Vitamin A or aloe for maximum moisturize protection.
Lotion – A moisturizer lotion with hydroxyl acid will encourage skin to renew itself. Avoid using lotions with alcohol-based fragrance as these can dry out your skin. Apply lotion to elbows daily.
Oils – A scented oil like massage oil, olive oil or even baby oil will keep elbow skin flexible. Apply oils to elbows before bed and follow with a lotion for added moisture.
Spring has sprung in Arizona which means its time to pull out the shorts, tank tops and sundresses and start thinking about silky smooth summer legs and skin. Even though Arizona winters aren’t harsh compared to other parts of the US, our skin is often neglected as we bundle up in tights, jeans and sweaters. We asked our experts for some simple tips to supercharge your skin for the sunny days ahead. Here is what they had to say:
Detox Your Skin
Dry brushing is a great way to stimulate a number of organs through a gentle massage. It also helps the lymphatic system, eliminates ashy dead skin, strengthens the immune system, can eliminate cellulite, stimulates the hormones, and can help tighten skin through better circulation. Step into the shower (or bath) and brush your skin using dry bristles. We recommend a brush that has 100% natural boar bristles for maximum exfoliation.
Condition While You Shave
If you are looking for a great alternative to shaving cream then look no further. Coconut oil is a natural, cost effective, multi-use product that will condition your skin while you shave away the stubble. Not only will your legs be silky smooth, you will smell like you just stepped off the beach. Don’t forget to run a smidge over your arms and shoulders as well.
Moisturize!
After your shower don’t forget to add moisture to your body.
We love Hempz because it is enriched with 100% pure natural hemp seed oil, is paraben-free, gluten-free, 100% vegan and THC-free, contains vitamins A, C and E to help protect skin from natural and environmentally triggered oxidants AND it provides tons of hydration and nourishment. Plus, it is available in 11 different scents so you are bound to find one you absolutely love!
Now you are summer ready to slip on your sandals and tackle the world with perfect silky smooth, glowing skin.
There’s nothing less satisfying than not getting those full 8 hours of sleep, and when if comes to planning your wedding, or just dealing with everyday life it can be hard. Thank goodness for the magic and wonders of concealer! Now you might be used to putting on your concealer by tracing a half-moon right on the dark circles under your eyes, but for a more seamless look try tracing a downward triangle. This way the bottom point reaches the apples of your cheeks and the other two points should reach the corners of your eyes. This trick helps you blend the color with the rest of your face while also highlighting your cheeks! Give it a try and let us know what you think!
The beauty and power of makeup will never cease to amaze me. With simple color combinations one can hide darks circles or scaring or create a beautiful smoky eye, but one look that we have learned every bride desires is that natural glow. While this can be achieved with makeup, really achieving this look starts with habits long before you sit in the makeup chair and get dolled up for your big day.
Protect Your Skin Signs of aging and sun damage can start to appear as early as your 20’s and then become more and more apparent by your 30’s. No soon-to-be-bride wants that! By starting a routine to protect and preserve your skin in your 20’s and continue it (even after your wedding) will be the best thing you can do! Cleanse, moisturizer, sunscreen (even in the winter) and a serum that offers protection and renewal for your skin.
Always Make Sure To Exfoliate If you are battling any type of skin concern, whether it be dryness and dullness or even acne can be helped with an exfoliator. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and whatever dirt or oil may be on your skin. On top of your skin looking great it also feels great great. We suggest in doing this 2-3 times a week. And to really bump up your skin routine try adding a pore minimizer serum to help tighten the look of pores and reduce their appearence.
Dark Circles? No thank you! Nothing screams tired or run down quite like under eye dark circles do. Those pesky shadows that no foundation or concealer can’t quite hide. The solution? An eye cream that targets the bags, puffiness and dark circles. Bonus if it offer hydration!
Don’t Let The Rest of Your Body Feel Left Out Your face isn’t the only part of your body that needs hydration and care; you can’t forget about your arms and legs! Applying lotion two times day helps your skin feel hydrated and of course smooth and silky. To achieve that summer glow all year long try using a toning lotion in the morning and a deep hydrating lotion at night. Bonus if it has green tea in it which helps skin look more defined and toned!
Summer is officially here and we all know what that means; sun, sandals, pool days and vacation! All of which are reasons to get those feet in tip top summer shape. Some of us are religious with pedicures while others are not (I am not…). But I have found a way to keep my feet summer smooth in between pedicures. And yes it may sound like a weird combination of ingredients but it works! All you need is 1 cup of Listerine; you can use any of the flavors but I prefer the blue. 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 cups of “boiling” hot water. I prefer a temperature slightly below boiling, as long as it’s hot. Soak feet for about 20 minutes in the mixture. Which is the perfect amount of time to catch up n your favorite show, a good book or your social media! After the 20 minutes are up, rinse and all of the dead skin wipes right off. Perfect way to help those dry feet when you can’t squeeze a pedicure into your busy life!
Dry brushing is a great way to stimulate a number of organs through a gentle massage. It also helps the lymphatic system, eliminates ashy dead skin, strengthens the immune system, can eliminate cellulite, stimulates the hormones, and can help tighten skin through better circulation. Step into the shower (or bath) and brush your skin using dry bristles. We recommend a brush that has 100% natural boar bristles for maximum exfoliation.
After your shower don’t forget to add moisture to your body.
The beauty and power of makeup will never cease to amaze me. With simple color combinations one can hide darks circles or scaring or create a beautiful smoky eye, but one look that we have learned every bride desires is that natural glow. While this can be achieved with makeup, really achieving this look starts with habits long before you sit in the makeup chair and get dolled up for your big day.
All you need is 1 cup of Listerine; you can use any of the flavors but I prefer the blue. 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 cups of “boiling” hot water. I prefer a temperature slightly below boiling, as long as it’s hot. Soak feet for about 20 minutes in the mixture. Which is the perfect amount of time to catch up n your favorite show, a good book or your social media! After the 20 minutes are up, rinse and all of the dead skin wipes right off. Perfect way to help those dry feet when you can’t squeeze a pedicure into your busy life!