COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Common Concerns for Skin of Color and How to Treat Them, According to the Pros

While your skin type should always be the main factor in determining which products and ingredients you use, another factor to take into consideration is your skin tone. While people with very fair skin tones are more likely to experience concerns such as sensitivity, redness, and broken capillaries, common concerns for people with deeper skin tones include hyperpigmentation, dark marks, dehydration, and raised scars. In this post, I talk with two amazing skin experts, as well as share my own expertise working as a hands-on esthetician, about the best ways to tackle these common concerns.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Uju Rapu, M.D.

Dr. Uju Rapu is a medical doctor who specializes in dermatology and esthetic medicine. She is the founder of Belfiore Aesthetics in Lagos, Nigeria. Dr. Rapu and her team specialize in non-surgical, minimally invasive cosmetic and anti-aging procedures. 

Dija Ayodele, L.E.

Dija Ayodele is a licensed esthetician and founder of West Room Aesthetics in London, England. Dija also founded the multiple award-winning Black Skin Directory, which connects people of color to skincare brands and expert professionals experienced in managing darker skin tones.

What Are the Most Common Concerns for Skin of Color?

According to both Dija and Dr. Rapu, these are the most common concerns they see in patients or clients with skin of color:

Hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (caused by acne or any other trauma to the skin) typically affects those with darker skin tones more. This is because melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, are already more active in darker skin tones, so when the skin is injured these cells produce an excess of melanin that causes dark marks to form.

“Skin of color is more prone to hyperpigmentation conditions because of the melanin content in our skin,” says Dr. Rapu. “Hyperpigmentation is most commonly seen after trauma to the skin or an inflammatory reaction, which can occur secondary to untreated acne, picking at the skin, or certain cosmetic treatments performed incorrectly!”

To treat hyperpigmentation, here’s what I recommend:

  1. Use a gentle acid exfoliant for your skin type. This will help loosen damaged, discolored cells from the skin’s surface.
  2. Use a physical exfoliant with non-plastic, rounded beads. Gently massaging a facial scrub over affected areas twice a week will physically lift off the damaged cells that have been loosened up by your acid exfoliant. (While facials scrubs have become less popular these past few years with acid exfoliants increasing in popularity, here’s why you really need to use a scrub.)
  3. Use tyrosinase inhibitors. Look for products with ingredients that will block tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for controlling the production of melanin). This will help interrupt the signals being sent to melanocytes telling them to remain active. These ingredients include azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, licorice extract, and vitamin C.
  4. Get serious about sun protection. Any UV light your skin is exposed to (even on cloudy days) will activate melanin cells. Since hyperpigmentation is an indication of overactive melanin cells, UV light will aggravate this and make excess pigment linger. You absolutely MUST use sunscreen every single day. I also recommend wearing a hat and seeking shade when out during hours of peak sun. And yes, all skin tones need sunscreen.
  5. Avoid picking at your skin. Easier said than done, I know. But preventing hyperpigmentation in the first place whenever possible is definitely preferable. 

While having a deeper skin tone doesn’t necessarily mean treating hyperpigmentation differently than other skin tones, it often means you have to be more diligent about both treatment and prevention. Learn more about how to fade dark marks and acne scars.

Dehydration

According to Dija, dehydration can be a concern due to increased transepidermal water loss in darker skin tones. 

One of the best ways to prevent this is to stay away from products with harsh ingredients that will irritate your skin and strip it of its natural oils. This includes sulfates like SLS (sulfates), high amounts of synthetic fragrance, and drying alcohols such as denatured alcohol or SD alcohol 40. Be wary of products targeted toward oily skin since these are often the worst offenders when it comes to stripping your skin. 

It’s also crucial that you focus on keeping your skin’s natural moisture barrier healthy and intact. Here’s how.

Keloid Scarring

“Keloids are more common in skin of color,” says Dr. Rapu. “They tend to occur as a response to trauma. The skin over-heals with excessive collagen production outside the boundary of the initial wound. Keloids have a significant genetic component and tend to run in families. Most people by their adult years would know if they are prone to keloids, either from insect bites, ear piercings, or other wounds. If you are prone to keloids, it is best to completely avoid unnecessary procedures to the skin. This includes tattooing, certain piercings, and unnecessary cosmetic surgery. Keloids are less common (but still possible) on the face and, as such, it is still best to approach any facial injectable treatment with high caution.”

In most cases, keloids can’t be fully removed. They can sometimes be minimized using treatments like intralesional steroid injections, pressure banding, laser treatments, or surgery (though surgery has the potential to actually make keloids worse).

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)

DPN refers to small, smooth, black or dark brown papules on the face and neck (you can see what they look like here). They can lie flat against the skin or become raised, at which point they start to resemble skin tags. Women tend to be more affected by them than men, and you’re also more likely to develop DPN if you have a family history. 

While DPN is harmless, you may prefer to get the papules removed for esthetic reasons. The challenge here is that removal can easily trigger a post-inflammatory response and create hyperpigmentation if not done carefully. Here’s what Dija and Dr. Rapu suggest to decrease the risk of this happening.

“Ensure that the client is already using tyrosinase inhibitors in their regime to suppress and control melanin,” Dija says. “Additionally, accompanying the removal with treatments such as LED will stimulate the healing mechanisms of the skin to prevent hyperpigmentation. There are times when hyperpigmentation will be unavoidable, but having a good, robust skincare regime in place will help with controlling any pigmentation issues that arise.”

Skin tags and growths should not be removed without an accurate diagnosis by a dermatologist,” Dr. Rapu adds. “The deeper the growth in the skin, the higher the risk of pigmentation changes. It is important to be aware of these risks before having such procedures done. Esthetic dermatologists with experience in skin of color will oftentimes ‘prep’ the area with a depigmenting product and will suggest a high protection sunscreen for a few weeks before performing the treatment. This is necessary to reduce melanocyte activity in the area prior to treatment. Post-treatment, sun avoidance and use of a high SPF sunscreen are just as important for uncomplicated healing.”

Learn more about identifying and helping with bumps on the skin.

Are Exfoliating Acids Safe to Use on Skin of Color?

Both Dija and Dr. Rapu agree that using exfoliating acids on skin of color is perfectly safe. Regardless of skin tone, it’s just about using them responsibly. The key, they say, is beginning with lower concentrations, starting slow then working your way up. Keep in mind that 

“It’s an incorrect belief and a myth that acids can’t be used on skin of color,” Dija says. “Acid-based products are perfectly fine for Black skin, and which one you use is really down to preference.”

“There’s a lot to be said about how people are using the acid as well,” Dija adds. “On dark skin, you may want to patch test before you use an acid. Perhaps start with an acid that has larger molecules, like gluconolactone, for example, and slowly work your way up to AHAs like mandelic and glycolic. Don’t be heavy-handed, there isn’t any benefit to using an acid every day, twice a day.”

“When it comes to acids, I advise my patients according to the specific needs of their skin,” says Dr. Rapu. I like mandelic, salicylic, and azelaic acids for acne-prone skin; glycolic, azelaic, and phytic acids for hyperpigmented skin; and lactic acid for dry, dull, and aging skin.” 

“For sensitive skin, I prefer mandelic acid, especially when it comes to medical-grade peels,” Dr. Rapu says. “Mandelic acid has larger molecules, which penetrate the skin slowly and more uniformly, causing less irritation.” 

“With home care,” she adds, “I would typically advise starting two nights a week for the first two to three weeks and gradually increasing frequency until you’re seeing the results you want. Again, sunscreen use the following day is mandatory!” 

Sunscreen

When it comes to caring for skin of color, one pervasive myth I continue to hear is that if you have a deeper skin tone, you don’t need to wear sunscreen. This is simply not true, and as Dija explains, this myth can become dangerous.

“Skin of color needs sun protection, period,” says Dija. “We may not burn as easily as white skin, but it is possible to get a sunburn, which can potentially lead to skin cancer. Even with the presence of melanin, darker skin tones can and DO experience incidences of skin cancer, which can have poor outcomes as evidence shows it’s normally caught much later than on white skin.”

Regardless of your skin tone, sunscreen is also the number one most effective ingredient when it comes to preventing visible signs of aging such as sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. It’s also your best weapon against hyperpigmentation since UV rays will stimulate pigment cells and keep them active. 

Look for a sunscreen that offers a minimum of SPF 30 protection. Sunscreen works best when applied liberally and often, so it’s important to choose one with a cosmetically elegant formula that you enjoy wearing. Of course, one of the challenges is finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast on deeper skin tones. I formulated my Weightless Protection SPF 30 with this in mind and am proud to say it works well on all skin tones. Plus it’s so light for those who don’t want to feel their sunscreen throughout the day.

Watch Dr. Rapu demonstrate proper sunscreen application using Renée Rouleau Weightless Protection SPF 30. 

What to Be Mindful of When Seeking Out Skincare Professionals

When getting professional treatments or procedures done, it’s really important to seek out practitioners who make you feel comfortable and understand how to treat skin of color without causing inflammation or trauma that may trigger hyperpigmentation. 

Dija suggests the following:

  • Go to someone who was recommended to you by a trusted source
  • Ask the practitioners about their experience treating skin of color
  • Ask to see evidence of their work, such as before-and-afters or case studies
  • Ask how many times they’ve performed this specific treatment on skin of color
  • Pay attention—do they take the time to educate you and explain how your skin will react to treatment compared to white skin?
  • Ask about possible complications you may experience as a result of the treatment and what the plan is should this happen

Learn more about how to find a reputable skincare professional.

So there you have it! While everyone’s skin has the same basic needs, certain concerns are more of a priority if you have a deeper skin tone. I hope this post provides some helpful insights into managing these concerns! Thank you again to Dija Ayodele and Dr. Uju Rapu for their valuable contributions and wonderful information. For more resources on caring for skin of color, be sure to check out Dija’s Black Skin Directory Blog. 

These interviews have been edited and condensed.

 

The post Common Concerns for Skin of Color and How to Treat Them, According to the Pros appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream Read More

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore Read More

Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

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How to Care for Tattooed Skin and Make Your Ink Last Longer

It’s crazy to think that, not too long ago, tattoos were considered taboo. I remember getting my first tattoo when I was just twenty-two years old and still living in Boston. Tattoos were illegal in Boston at the time (imagine that), so my best friend and I drove to a tattoo shop in Rhode Island. When we got there, we flipped a coin to see who would go first, and it ended up being me. By the time the artist was finished with my tattoo, he said the shop was closing and my friend would have to come back tomorrow to get hers…but she never did! Twenty-five years later (a year and a half ago), we decided it was time to settle up and finally got tattoos together—her first, my third.

While tattoos may have been controversial back then, it’s almost harder to find someone who doesn’t have some kind of ink on their body these days. Keep reading for tips on how to take care of your skin after getting a tattoo, how to make your tattoo last longer, and how to care for your skin while getting a tattoo removed.

How to Take Care of Your Skin After Getting a Tattoo

In the weeks after getting a tattoo, you want to focus on healing the skin and preventing infection. Tattoo aftercare is fairly straightforward, but it’s important to be diligent about it to prevent any issues. Here’s what to keep in mind when taking care of your skin after getting a tattoo.

Protect It From the Sun—But Not With Sunscreen

Freshly tattooed skin is really raw and vulnerable, and that includes being vulnerable to UV damage from the sun. It’s important to keep your tattoo covered with opaque, loose-fitting clothing while it’s still healing. According to tattoo artist Daniel Stone (aka Winter Stone), it takes anywhere from four days to two weeks for a tattoo to heal depending on the size and location.

You should not put sunscreen on a new tattoo while it’s still healing. Since the skin is technically wounded, this could cause a lot of irritation and inflammation. 

Keep It Clean and Hydrated 

For the first three days after getting a new tattoo, Daniel recommends keeping it covered with Tegaderm. This is a waterproof dressing that will keep your skin dry and clean.

By the fourth day, you can remove the dressing but should continue to keep your new tattoo clean by washing it once or twice a day with something gentle and free of fragrance, synthetic dyes, SLS, or drying alcohols. 

Any time you wash your tattoo, be sure to follow with something moisturizing to keep the skin healthy and let it heal. Daniel recommends using an occlusive balm, like Doctor Rogers RESTORE on your tattoo. Petroleum-based ointments like Aquaphor, he says, can actually lighten tattoo ink. Instead, he prefers a lanolin base with additional healing ingredients like vitamin E. Vitamin E (also known as tocopheryl linoleate) is an ingredient I love using in my own line of products thanks to its abilities to protect the skin from free radical damage (like UV rays), soothe irritation, and bind hydration to the skin.

Soothe Itchy Tattoos to Avoid Scratching

After the first week or so, you’ll likely start to notice some scabs and flaking as well as itching. This is normal, and it’s important not to pick or scratch at the skin since this can lead to permanent scarring. Continuing to keep your tattoo hydrated is essential at this point since it will help minimize itchiness and therefore the urge to scratch. You can keep using the RESTORE balm or a product like Bio Calm Repair Masque. This product includes oat kernel extract, bisabolol, and chamomile extract, all of which are powerful, plant-based anti-irritants. 

If you’re still noticing redness or swelling at this stage, this could indicate an infection and you should speak to your doctor. 

Long-Term Care to Make Your Tattoo Last Longer and Keep It Looking Fresh

Once your tattoo is fully healed, you can switch over to maintenance mode and focus on keeping up the appearance of your ink. Here’s what you can do to make your tattoos last longer.

Sun Protection, Sun Protection, Sun Protection

DNA damage from the sun’s rays is the number one cause of premature skin aging. These same rays will be responsible for fading your tattoos and making them look dull if you don’t protect them. Make a habit of applying sunscreen to your tattoos every day, just like you do your face and neck. This is by far the best thing you can do to protect your body art and keep it looking fresh. (Think you don’t need to wear sunscreen indoors? Think again.)

Keep Your Tattoos Moisturized

Simple, but oh so important! If you like using a balm like you did while your tattoo was healing, you can continue to do so. You can also use a simple, everyday moisturizer or lotion as long as it doesn’t include any harsh ingredients like fragrance or drying alcohols.

Exfoliate Weekly

When people ask how to keep their skin looking bright and glowy, I tell them to exfoliate. Why? Exfoliants like acids, enzymes, and scrubs work to remove expired cells from the surface of your skin. Since these expired cells are dry, they don’t reflect light. This can make your skin appear dull, so sloughing them off is a surefire way to brighten up your complexion. 

The same principle applies to your tattoos. As dead, dry skin cells accumulate on top of them, they can start to appear dull. I recommend exfoliating the area once a week with an acid serum like Smoothing Body Serum. That’s what I use on my own tattoos. 

Skincare and Tattoo Removal

In theory, tattoos are forever. In reality, you have options. According to Daniel, the only options for removing a tattoo you’re unhappy with are either a) a cover-up tattoo (which he says should be done by a very good cover-up artist) or b) laser tattoo removal. 

How Does Tattoo Removal Work?

If you decide to go the route of laser tattoo removal, there are a few things you should know. Tattoos are removed using what’s called a Q-switch laser, which creates pulses of light energy. These pulses heat up the ink particles in your skin until they shatter and are eventually flushed away by your body’s immune system.

How Can I Take Care of My Skin During Tattoo Removal?

Even though laser tattoo removal is designed to work synergistically with your immune system’s amazing capabilities, it’s a lot to put your skin through. For that reason, you’ll want to be extra attentive to the areas being affected and take good care of them. Here’s what you can do:

  • Wear sunscreen every day. Be sure to re-apply often if spending time outdoors and do your best to keep the area covered instead of exposed.
  • Use antibiotic ointment. In the days immediately following your appointment, you should use a healing ointment and keep the area bandaged up to protect it.
  • Keep it clean and moisturized. After the first few days, you can remove your bandage, but keep the area clean and moisturized just like you would a new tattoo (vitamin E can be helpful here, too).
  • Do NOT pick at the skin. Resist the urge to pop any blisters or pick scabs, let your body resolve these on its own time. 
  • Don’t shave over the affected area. This could accidentally open the wound.

Daniel notes that tattoo removal can take a long time and is an expensive (not to mention painful) process, so choose your tattoos wisely. 

I now have nine tattoos and while my first was spontaneous, I’ve put a lot of thought into the rest. When I get a tattoo, it’s something that captures an inspiring, meaningful moment of my life that I want to remember forever. For instance, one of my tattoos says “tu me manques,” which means “I miss you” in french. I got this as a tribute to Florian, my late husband.

Since I don’t want to just get a new tattoo on a whim, I follow a lot of artists on Instagram whose work I like. This helps inspire me so I know what I like when the time comes. A few favorites are Winter Stone, Jon Boy, and Connor Thomas.

Tattoos are such a fun way to express yourself and help you remember the important things in life. I hope you found this post helpful and that these tips help you preserve your body art for many years to come!

The post How to Care for Tattooed Skin and Make Your Ink Last Longer appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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If You Wear Makeup, Stop Doing These 12 Things To Your Skin

I’m often asked, “Is makeup bad for my skin? Is my makeup clogging my pores? What’s the best way to remove it at night? Is it okay to use every day? What’s the best kind to use for my skin type?” The fact is, you’re wearing makeup on your face for twelve to fifteen hours a day, so for better or worse, it’s definitely affecting your skin more than you might realize. This is why it’s so important to know how your choices are affecting the skin on your face.

In this post, I’ll share twelve common mistakes people make when choosing, wearing, and removing makeup, including my expert tips and solutions to ensure your skin stays in the best possible health with fewer lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and clogged pores.

Twelve Common Makeup Mistakes That are Hurting Your Skin (and How to Fix Them)

1. You Shouldn’t be Going to Bed With Your Makeup On

It’s important to know that your skin is incredibly dirty at night due to:

  • sebum (oil) that secretes through your pores
  • bacteria from touching your face all day with your hands and dirt under your nails (without even realizing it)
  • makeup from setting powders, primers, blushes, and liquid foundations

Letting your skin marinate in dirt, oil, and makeup all day and night can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and contribute to a dull-looking complexion. It’s so important to cleanse your skin every night and perform a nighttime routine for your skin type.

2. Don’t Count on Cleansing Wipes to Remove Your Makeup

Despite their convenience, I never suggest cleansing wipes for removing face makeup because they don’t truly clean the skin. Instead, they smear dirt, bacteria, oil, and makeup around without lifting anything off. Essentially, using a wipe is like applying cleanser to your face with soap and then not washing it off.

Keep reading to learn how to properly remove makeup from your skin!

3. Stop Wetting Your Skin Before Removing Makeup

Particularly when it comes to removing liquid foundation (and removing water-resistant sunscreens, too), using a cream or lotion-based cleanser is the best product to use for proper removal. However, if you wet your skin with water first and then apply your creamy cleanser, it will be diluted and the makeup will not break down very well, leaving you with unclean skin.

The best way to use a cleanser to remove face makeup is this way:

  1. Massage a cream-based cleanser onto dry skin (not wet) for thirty seconds.
  2. Wet your fingertips with water and massage through again for another thirty seconds.
  3. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
  4. For complete removal, wipe over the skin with a washcloth, baby washcloth, facial sponge, or cleansing cloth.

4. Stop Thinking Makeup is Bad for Your Skin and That You Need to Let it Breathe

For starters, the skin doesn’t have a respiratory system, so the concept of the skin “breathing” is a myth. The real truth is that face makeup, when in the form of powder or liquid foundation, gives additional protection from the sun (even if it doesn’t list an SPF number). Since protecting your skin from UV light during the day should be the first priority, makeup can be extremely beneficial. Of course, you’ll want to choose the right type of makeup for your skin type to ensure it’s the best fit.

5. Be Careful When Using Primer, Liquid Foundations, Cream Blushes, and Cream-Based Highlighters if You’re Prone to Clogged Bumps

Look at the ‘closed comedones’ in the image below. That’s the skin of singer, Katy Perry. She’s someone who most certainly wears a lot of makeup, and as a result, it is causing her pores to get clogged. (Eventually, those can turn into blemishes as you can read about here.)

Whiteheads pustules papules

If you notice this is showing up on your own skin and you’re using primer, liquid foundations, cream blushes, and cream highlighters, then one or the combination of all of these might be the cause. I certainly understand wanting to have glowing, shiny, light-reflective, and poreless-looking skin, but a lot of the products used to achieve this look will contain many oils and emollients that might not be compatible with your skin. Add in the fact that it’s staying on your face for hours a day, and if you’re a skin type #1, #2, #3, and #4, you’re sure to run into problems. I see this all the time with my clients who wear a lot of makeup.

My best suggestion (if you might now suspect these to possibly be a problem for your skin), is to limit their use and try to figure out which makeup is the cause. There is no one perfect primer or liquid foundation makeup that will work for every skin type, so you just have to experiment. I have found that it’s usually just trial and error. However, I did do an experiment to come up with a list of the best foundations for oily skin.

Regardless, after cleansing your skin at night, applying a product like Rapid Response Detox Masque can be really amazing for keeping pores clean and preventing makeup from causing clogged bumps and blemishes. Just five minutes of it on the skin can do the trick.

Consider looking for makeup formulas that avoid these potentially pore-clogging ingredients (when used in high concentrations):

  • Acetylated Lanolin
  • Butyl Stearate
  • Coal Tar
  • Cocoa Butter
  • Coconut Oil
  • D & C Red Dyes
  • Decyl Oleate
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Isopropyl Isostearate
  • Isopropyl Linoleate
  • Isopropyl Myristate
  • Isopropyl Neopentanoate
  • Isopropyl Palmitate
  • Isostearic Acid
  • Linoleic Acid
  • Linseed Oil
  • Myristyl Myristate
  • Oleic Acid
  • Oleyl Alcohol
  • Soybean Oil
  • Squalene

Note: I’m generally not into lists like these, and I even hesitated to put this up as so many people take these lists very seriously. The truth is, it’s hard to stereotype ingredients when they all have a specific function, and in the case of the above, these help with spreadability so they have a good purpose. However, in high concentrations, they might (and I say might) cause some problems for some people. As for silicones used in makeup (and skincare), you might be surprised that not all are problematic. Read my post to learn if silicone ingredients cause breakouts.

How Do You Get Rid of These Clogged Bumps?

When it comes to getting rid of these clogged pores once you determine and eliminate the cause, along with adding in a well-formulated, pore-clearing acid-based serum with salicylic acid, should help to diminish these.

6. Don’t Allow Your Makeup to Interfere With the Natural Healing Process of a Blemish

The goal with any blemish is to make it go away as fast as possible with the least amount of scarring, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that your makeup could be causing a problem. When you have a blemish, there is infection and inflammation, and when makeup and concealer are applied, the oils and synthetic perfumes can travel into the blemish and cause further aggravation. (In addition to touching your face all day with dirty hands!) After applying sunscreen as the last step in your morning routine, wipe the affected area clean with a damp cotton swab. Then, apply a thin layer of a product like Daytime Blemish Gel, an antibacterial gel. This creates an invisible seal over the blemish to prevent makeup applied afterward from disrupting the healing process. Plus, it has other soothing and inflammation-reducing ingredients.

7. You Shouldn’t be Mixing Your Foundation Makeup with Sunscreen

Anytime you purchase a product and you alter its formula, it can change its effectiveness. In the case of sunscreen, it is important to know that the product has gone through rigorous testing and approval by the FDA to ensure it’s truly protecting your skin from the sun. Of all the products you want to be effective, sunscreen is the one. If you’re wanting a little coverage, my suggestion is to find a lightweight foundation and apply it over your daily sunscreen.

8. Limit Your Use of Oil-Based Eye Makeup Removers

Removing eye makeup before bed is always necessary, but unless you’re wearing waterproof mascara and need the oil to remove it, I suggest you get into the habit of using a water-based formula. The problem with oil-based removers is that you risk the oil traveling into the eyes and causing unnecessary undereye puffiness. Secondly, if it’s not washed off really well afterward, any eye product applied over top may not be able to absorb as deeply.

Of all skincare ingredients, oils have the largest molecules and anything with a smaller molecule like and eye cream will have a hard time penetrating through.

It’s the same way I feel about how so many people are using face oils all wrong.

9. Stop Tugging on Your Eyes When Removing Mascara and Eye Makeup

Why is the eye area the first place on the face to show aging? It’s because the skin is very thin and it gets the most wear and tear from smiling, squinting, and rubbing. (For those who are taking in and out their contact lenses every day, this adds additional stress to the skin tissue.) It’s very important to be mindful of being delicate with the skin, especially when removing eye makeup. I recommend trying to limit the use of waterproof mascara since it’s so much harder to remove.

Pro tip: Saturate a cotton pad with an oil-free liquid eye makeup remover and hold it onto the eye area for twenty seconds to melt away your eye makeup and mascara before gently wiping away.

Watch how to properly remove your eye makeup without damaging the skin around your eyes.

10. Avoid Removing Your Makeup Immediately Before Going to Bed

What I mean by this is that, ideally, you should perform your nighttime skincare routine earlier in the evening rather than right before your head hits the pillow.

There are two benefits to performing your routine earlier in the evening.

  1. You’re less likely to be lazy if you do it earlier. Meaning, you might skip out on doing a post-cleanse mask or applying eye cream if you’re exhausted.
  2. Your skin will be in the best possible place to benefit from your nighttime products. It was always thought that the skin’s repair processes kick in during sleep but it’s now believed to occur when the day goes from light to dark. I discuss this further in this video.

Do your routine earlier and your skin will be better off for it.

If you’re needing a personalized skincare routine take this Skin Type Quiz or schedule a virtual consultation with an esthetician.

11. Don’t Neglect Your Makeup Brushes

I know it takes effort, but if you’re not washing your makeup brushes at least once a month, they are truly filthy and are introducing dirt, oil, and bacteria to your skin every time they are touching your face. This is definitely not helping your skin’s health. Ideally, you would be washing them weekly (or even more often for acne-prone skin types), but if you’re hardly ever washing them, then make it a goal to at least do it once a month. (As I’m writing this, it’s also a reminder that I’m long overdue for washing mine!)

If you’re using a Beauty Blender, be sure to wash those after each use and replace it after three months.

12. Stop Wearing the Same Makeup You’ve Been Wearing for Years

Okay, so this isn’t necessarily a skin issue, but it’s something good to consider. If you’ve fallen into a rut with your makeup and are doing the same look day in and day out, it’s time to freshen things up and get out of a rut. Also, the advancements in makeup in the past few years have been incredible. Primers (as long as they aren’t causing your pores to get clogged) can truly work miracles for giving your skin a much smoother and smaller-pored look. For my skin (I’m a skin type #2), I really like the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Refining Primer as well as Benefit’s POREfessional. These make a significant difference under foundation makeup.

Schedule an appointment with a professional makeup artist and be open to the idea of change.

My wise friend Bethany, an image consultant, says it best: “There is nothing more aging for a woman than never changing her look.” Don’t be afraid of change. Fear of change could be what is holding you back from being your best, most vibrant-looking, youthful self.

So, there you have it. My professional recommendations for things that I don’t do to my skin with makeup, and things that you might consider avoiding, too.

Having healthy-looking skin is not just about using the perfect skincare routine for your skin type, wearing sunscreen, and limiting your time outdoors, but also about having good daily habits that are in the best interest of your skin.

Despite people wearing less makeup now during this pandemic, I hope this gave you some good things to think about!

Read 8 tips to update your skincare routine from summer to fall.

The post If You Wear Makeup, Stop Doing These 12 Things To Your Skin appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

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