Tag Archive for: beauty

Everything you need to know about Spring beauty from our go-to beauty team, Beauty Beyond

We always look forward to Spring beauty because of all the hot new colors that come out and also the transition into lighter weight and brightening focused skincare, but it always seems equally overwhelming as it is exciting.

IMG_5186[1]In an age of information overload and endless brands competing for our attention, we are often left confused and overwhelmed when deciding what beauty products to purchase and what best suits our individual needs…So, we enlisted our go-to beauty team, Beauty Beyond LA, to tell us about what looks are trending for Spring, hot new products and tips for selecting our beauty routine going into the warmer months.

GFMD: What does it mean to be a skincare and makeup concierge?

BBLA: Our clients rely on us to “just tell them what to use.” They trust us to find the best combination of skin, face, hair and body products for them and their families. We build these relationships by providing personal consultations, sampling specific products, and with monthly follow-ups. We aren’t in the business of just selling stuff, we believe in building relationships and educating our clients.

GFMD: What questions do you get most when it comes to new makeup looks for spring?

BBLA: Honestly, our clients have been taking care of everyone else for so long that they just want to feel like someone hears and understands them. We get the, “I just want the no-make, make-up look.” I like to call it the “I’m picking up my kid from the bus look”, or the “I’m dewy because I just worked out but didn’t actually workout look.”

GFMD: Tell us more about what products and steps you can take achieve for this look.

BBLA:

  • Always make sure your skin is clean and prepped clean and active sunscreen. We love Suntegrity for dry skin, MD Solar for oily or sensitive skin. Both of these lines have tinted moisturizers and BB creams that can also be used to even out skin tone and are great for on the go use. We also love Dr. Goldfaden’s Sun Visor for applying over makeup and throughout the day.
  • We love products with dual functions like a cream eye shadow that can be used on the eyes and cheeks and lips. Or a bronzer that can be used as a highlighter, bronzer or blush. Some of our favorites are La Bella Donna’s moonlight highlighting crème colour adds natural glow to the lids, is light-refracting on the cheeks and reduces the appearance of fine lines. We also love their candlelight cream colour that gives your face that fresh and illuminating look.
  • Finally, add a simple lip stain with sun protection. Try Suntegrity’s new lip sheers with spf 30.

GFMD: What are your favorite makeup trends for Spring?

BBLA: Here’s the thing, I just got finished saying that most of our clients are just happy to achieve the no make-up, make-up look. And call me crazy, but I think that is probably true for a lot of women…that said…if you are a follower of beauty trends….BE PREPARED because sadly the “no makeup, makeup look (which was actually a trend) is OFFICALLY OVER!!!!

GFMD: Ok…care to explain…

BBLA: Basically, makeup is back! And the look of wearing makeup is back. That said, I think we can safely and realistically say that even if the magazines and runways are showing insanely gorgeous models wearing blue eye shadow for spring…the majority of us are not busting out our wet and wild eye shadow from 6th grade.

But I try and tell my clients, ok sometimes, I have to beg my clients to just step out of their comfort zone and try a pop of color on their lips. And spring is the perfect time to have that candy apple red moment at the spring fundraiser. Or, try a navy line on your eyes (instead of cobalt blue eye shadow) when picking up for carpool. Or you can never loose, if you bronze up. Hey, just bronze up because a little color makes everyone feel better anytime!

GFMD: If you had to recommend a new makeup and/or skincare product, what would it be and why?

BBLA: We are loving individual face and eye masks right now. Joanna Vargas’s new Forever Glow Anti-Aging and Eden Instant Lift Face and eye Masks and Eye masks are just divine. And we can’t get enough of Goldfaden’s Plant Profusions line. It is the best new cohesive range of skincare we have tried for spring.

GFMD: What are your favorite color hues this Spring and can you offer any tips on ways to incorporate color into our look?

BBLA: The colors this spring are vibrant but still manage to perfectly embody the ease and pastel vibe that we all associate with spring. They are tranquil, mindful and calming and with names like Rose Quartz, Peach Echo, Serenity, Snorkel Blue and Fiesta, Iced Coffee and Lilac Grey…I don’t know whether I want to eat them, vacation with them or wear them! In seriousness, the colors for spring are a perfect time to either pop a peach echo on your cheeks, of a fiesta red on your lips. Or even wearing the lilac grey or serenity on your eyes.

GFMD: With the transition into the warmer months, what steps/tips should we be taking to change up our skincare routine?

BBLA: For the warmer months we need to make sure we are wearing our sunscreen daily. Exfoliation is also key in the warmer months. We should be exfoliating at least 3 times a week.

GFMD: What would you recommend is the most important skincare step/product that everyone should be practicing at home?

BBLA: Everyone should invest in an active serum. Serum’s penetrate to the deepest layer of the skin and are the most effective in giving you the results you want from your skin care routine.

Sign up to receive the latest tips, trends, and product picks from the beauty power team behind Beauty Beyond LA. Make sure to follow updates @beautybeyondla

by
,

The benefits of using naturally-based products + Ingredients to avoid

What constitutes a “natural” beauty product? There’s still no universally accepted standard, even though the market is growing at a rapid rate. The skin is the body’s largest organ and research proves it capable of absorbing up to 60% of the ingredients in the products we apply – thats a large number and we’ve become more aware of what ingredients are found in our products for this reason. There is a large majority of bath and body products available today which contain commonly-used synthetic ingredients such as Parabens, detergents, preservatives and SLS; these synthetic ingredients have been recognised to cause irritation in some people and may have damaging effects longer-term. Here’s our list of what constitutes our “natural”.

CQJ_3299

The biggest advantage of using natural/organic over synthetic ingredients in bath and body products is that they enhance the skin’s natural function; working in synergy with the skin by utilising active ingredients that help optimise skin regeneration. Think of naturally-based ingredients in topical products very similarly to foods – we all strive to eat “organic” and fast-food free. It’s the same in topical products.

Avoid Chemically-Based Ingredients: by voiding these harmful ingredients (Mercury, alcohol and ammonium laureth sulfate) found in regular skincare products you will help decrease your chances of redness, irritation and breakouts, along with sever allergic reactions. In addition, you are putting fewer toxic chemicals ito the environment and water, con tributing to a safer and cleaner environment. Artificilal fragrances in many products often tend to cause headaches and sensitivity, while parabens can alter the function of the endocrine system in your body.

Ingredients to avoid – 

Parabens: Preservatives commonly used in makeup products. Talc: A cheap bulking agent that is dry, chalky and related to asbestos. It’s used in many mainstream mineral brands as a filler to lower manufacturing costs.

Artificial fragrances: Can cause skin allergies and skin reaction to light (photo allergy). Commonly used in pressed powders and causes irritation and clogged pores.

Lead: A known neurotoxin. Exposure to lead may result in brain damage, cancer, miscarriage and infertility. Often found in lipsticks — don’t poison your pucker!

Phthalates: Manmade substances that mimic the female sex hormone oestrogen. Past studies have linked them to birth defects, kidney problems and infertility. Trace elements are being absorbed through the skin and, because the body doesn’t know what to do with them, they accumulate over time. Commonly found in plastic but also present in perfumes and lip glosses.

Dimethicone: A manmade toxic synthetic pigment and silicone-based polymer. Dimethicone sits on the surface of the skin and doesn’t allow it to breathe, causing irritation. Using Silicone-based skincare products also inhibit the actives from penetrating into the skin which reduces the treatment amount in the actives. 

Manganese: A byproduct of lead and copper refining and almost chemically identical to toxic arsenic, manganese is used as a filler because it gives a pearlescent shimmer. Can cause itching and clogged pores.

Chemical dyes: Link directly to skin allergies. Studies have found a breast cancer link to red 04 dye.

Mineral oil: Petroleum-derived oil that suffocates the skin and clogs pores.

by
,

The connection between veggies and glowing skin, Dr. G reports.

Screen Shot 2016-01-19 at 3.55.21 PM

Image via Craft Or DIY

Dr. G: “When we talk about good skincare practices, there are a few important steps to follow –  Exfoliate, cleanse, treat, hydrate and protect, but healthy and vibrant looking skin does in fact also need to come from within. Staying true to a health diet (without sugar, alcohol, excess caffeine, dairy) is essential for obtaining the ultimate glow, even skin tone and radiant-looking skin. Concentrated extracts from cruciferous vegetables line broccoli contain bioactive phytonutrients that can help to reverse and repair a lifetime of skin damage – revealing smoother, clearer and more radiant skin.”

Q: We’re seeing a lot of superfoods in skincare. Lately, it seems as though Kale is the ingredient of the moment. What are the health benefits of kale, and how do those translate to skincare?

Dr. G: “Kale is one of the healthiest foods to eat and definitely shows on the skin. Kale contains lutein which is a carotenoid that helps fight and protect against free radicals. Kale also contains high levels of Vitamin A which helps with tissue repair, Vitamin C which assists in brightening skin and Vitamin K which helps with darkness under the eyes due to it’s coagulation properties.”

Q: Are the concentrations of kale substantial enough to really make a difference? Or do you think some of this is hype?

Dr. G: “The skin is the last organ to benefit from anything ingested as it is the furthest away from the source. So, yes putting kale directly on to the skin could be more potent than eating it , but probably not by much. Skincare products need to have the appropriate delivery system as well as crucial anti-aging ingredients to really be effective.”

Q: In your opinion, what is the most potent age-fighting cruciferous vegetable to be using topically (and ingesting internally)?

Dr. G: “Broccoli has more vitamin C than any other vegetable of its kind. As a concentrated source of this powerful antioxidant, broccoli extract offers outstanding protection from free radical assault. In addition, broccoli contains significant amounts of special flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercitin that help recycle vitamin C, thereby boosting its effectiveness. Broccoli also provides a number of important carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene that also function as key antioxidants to help protect your skin from the effects of premature aging. Along with vitamin E, another valuable antioxidant, broccoli is a rich source of vitamin B and health-promoting minerals like manganese and zinc.”

DIY Broccoli mask

by