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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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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Antioxidants in Skincare: How to Protect Your Skin from Cell Damage

Antioxidants are a staple in many skincare formulations these days and for good reason. Aside from protecting your skin from harmful free radicals, antioxidants have the ability to soothe visible irritation and inflammation, brighten skin, build and preserve collagen from within, and improve fine lines and wrinkles. In short, they are truly a skincare powerhouse! In this post, we’ll spend some time getting familiar with antioxidants, learning how they protect the skin and how best to use them in your routine. 

What Antioxidants Do For the Skin

Antioxidants benefit your skin by preventing oxidation, a process that can damage skin cells and even lead to premature cell death. The human body is constantly being exposed to external factors that trigger oxidation: UV light from the sun, air pollution, and cigarette smoke (to name a few). We’re also exposed to oxidative stress through internal factors that are part of the body’s natural aging process.

So, what exactly is oxidation? Time for a quick science lesson! Simply put, oxidation is when a molecule loses an electron during a reaction. The thing about electrons is that they like to be in pairs. When a pair of electrons gets split by an aggressor, such as UV light, one of the electrons will “break free” and become what we call a free radical. This rogue electron will attach itself to other molecules in an attempt to pair up again. In the process, it interacts with the molecules in a cell’s proteins and DNA in a way that disrupts cellular function, sometimes to the point of cell death. This process can create even more free radicals, so you really want to disrupt the cycle.

Enter antioxidants. They prevent oxidation, just as the name implies. They do this by giving free radicals one of their electrons, which they can do without becoming unstable themselves. This prevents free radicals from attaching to molecules in healthy cells and causing damage. 

How to Use Antioxidants in Skincare

There are three main ways an ingredient can provide antioxidant support for the skin: 

  1. Direct Antioxidants: These are ingredients that are themselves antioxidants. Examples include CoQ10 and L-ascorbic acid (a pure, but notoriously unstable, form of vitamin C). When applied to the skin, these antioxidants get right to work.
  2. Antioxidant Derivatives: These are ingredients that act as precursors to antioxidants, meaning they need to undergo a transformation before your skin can actually use them. A good example of this is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (try saying THAT three times fast). This ingredient is an oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C that penetrates into the skin and slowly disperses after it’s been converted into active vitamin C. The benefit of this is that it’s much more stable than L-ascorbic acid, and it’s also far less likely to cause skin irritation thanks to its slow release. (I’m talking to you sensitive skin types!)
  3. Complex Mixtures: These are usually plant extracts (think green tea or blueberry extract) that are made up of many components—one of which can be direct antioxidants such as polyphenols, catechins, or flavonoids. As long as the extract is properly delivered into your skin, these antioxidants start working immediately.

It can be helpful to take your skin type into consideration when deciding which form of antioxidants to use—as I mentioned, some may be more suitable for sensitive skin than others. In terms of efficacy though, there isn’t really an advantage to using one over the other. They all work well as long as they’re formulated and stored properly (this is REALLY key when it comes to antioxidants). 

Look for a Stable Formula (and Yes, Packaging Matters)

Because they respond to oxidation, antioxidants are inherently unstable. Oxidation is happening all around us, all the time, so it’s absolutely critical that antioxidants are stabilized within a skincare formula and housed in protective packaging. Think of it this way—you don’t want the antioxidants to get “used up” fighting oxidation that isn’t occurring in your skin. You want to keep them protected until you’re ready to apply them topically to reap the full benefits.

There are two main ways antioxidants can be stabilized in a skincare formula. The first is through encapsulation. Encapsulation is a process that involves coating a molecule in something that will act as a carrier to deliver it deeper into the skin. Certain encapsulations also allow for time-release so an ingredient is delivered into the skin like a slow, steady drip as opposed to all at once. The second way to stabilize an antioxidant is to pair it with other ingredients that have a stabilizing effect. This is one of the reasons you so often see vitamin C paired with vitamin E or ferulic acid

None of this matters much if your antioxidant products aren’t stored in protective packaging. When I say protective, I mean two things: airless and opaque. Oxygen and light can both trigger oxidation, so the product needs to be protected from both in order to maintain the efficacy of its antioxidants. 

Use a Leave-On Product, Like an Antioxidant Serum

Antioxidants don’t work at the surface level. In order to be effective, they need to penetrate into the skin. Aside from using a stable product with an effective delivery system, one of the ways this can be achieved is by using a leave-on product, such as an antioxidant serum. The point is to give the product maximum contact time with your skin, which is why, ideally, your antioxidant product would be one of the first you apply. This would avoid interference, so it doesn’t have to fight its way through layers of other products in order to reach the skin. 

For all of these reasons, I recommend using a serum that contains antioxidants. Serums are typically formulated to have a low molecular weight so they can penetrate deeper into the epidermis than other products. This isn’t to say other types of products that contain antioxidants won’t work, but if you’re really looking to pack a punch in terms of results, a serum is the best way to go.

How Consuming Antioxidants Affects the Skin

It’s well-known that eating a diet rich in antioxidants is incredibly important for overall health. Whether it’s vitamin C from citrus, lycopene from tomatoes, or anthocyanin from blueberries, there are many antioxidant-rich foods that can benefit our bodies and, by extension, our skin.

How much of a direct impact do oral antioxidants have on our skin? The answer is…complicated. There have been very few studies done on this topic specifically, and the reality is there’s no way to know what amount of antioxidants will end up in our skin. After all, antioxidants don’t enter your system and say, “okay, I’m going to go directly to the skin!” Instead, they travel throughout your circulatory system, getting delivered wherever they’re needed. They’re basically “prioritized” by your body. This is exactly the same reason drinking water won’t hydrate your skin

The benefit of applying antioxidants topically in a stabilized skincare formula is that they’re guaranteed to act locally, protecting your skin from harmful free radicals. I’d say keep eating the rainbow since it’s so good for overall health, but make sure you’re applying an antioxidant serum to your skin every day as well!

How to Choose the Right Antioxidants

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), anyone in their 20s and beyond can benefit from using antioxidants in skincare. Keep in mind that in your 20s your skin is still quite young, so you want to avoid overusing antioxidants such as vitamin A (retinol) that stimulate cell turnover. I usually recommend people start using retinol anywhere from ages 25 to 30. The AAD recommends increasing the use of antioxidants in your 30s, specifically to target and prevent pigmentation. The main antioxidants recommended for this are vitamin C and retinol.

While the main benefit of any antioxidant is the prevention of cell damage caused by free radicals, most antioxidants offer additional skincare benefits beyond that: vitamin C brightens and prevents pigmentation, astaxanthin (found in certain algae) can reduce inflammation and boost collagen production, and green tea extract is great for addressing puffiness and redness, to name just a few. For this reason, I suggest incorporating a diverse mix of antioxidants into your routine. Look for antioxidants that provide benefits that address the needs of your specific skin type, goals, and concerns. Most of all, make sure you’re using them consistently to see the best results in the long run.  

I hope you enjoyed learning about how antioxidants work and how they should be used in skincare! This is such a versatile, beneficial class of ingredients and I firmly believe everyone should be taking advantage of it in their skincare routine. 

Next, read up on five things to look for in a vitamin C serum (especially if you use retinol or acids).

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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.

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Tech Neck: Expert-Approved Ways to Get Rid of Pesky Neck Lines

I always say you should treat your neck as an extension of your face. That means you should be caring for the skin on your neck in the same way that you care for the skin on your face (yes, that means cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing…the whole nine yards). After all, the neck is one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging, and that includes the horizontal lines and wrinkles that are commonly referred to as “tech neck.”

In this post, I’m sharing all things tech neck along with additional input by Dr. Kavita Mariwalla of Mariwalla Dermatology. I wanted to hear her thoughts on the topic as a medical skincare expert. Keep scrolling to learn all about the causes of tech neck and how to treat and prevent it from us pros!

What Is Tech Neck, and What Causes It?

Tech neck is a colloquial term used to refer to the premature development of horizontal lines across the neck that are caused by the position of our faces as we look down at technology. “In the past, we called them necklace lines,” Dr. Mariwalla says. “In general, the idea is that if you are looking down at your screen for many hours a day, there will be signs of aging and changes associated with draping that occur over time in the neck area.”

Over my thirty-year career as an esthetician, I can confidently say that the development of horizontal lines on the neck for people has always been prevalent. In fact, looking down at technology isn’t the only thing that can cause those pesky lines to appear—your sleeping position has something to do with, too. People who sleep with their head elevated on multiple pillows will be causing a 45-degree bend in their neck as they sleep, leading to the formation of lines and wrinkles.

With that being said, neck lines have certainly been exacerbated by the use of technology. It seems that as screen times increases, so does the development of premature folds and wrinkles. Dr. Mariwalla agrees. “Because of the amount of time we are spending at home and the increase in a digital-work-from-home-force more people are aware of it,” she says. “Interestingly, because we are working from home, I think people are spending more time looking at electronics and practicing poor posture.”

How Can I Prevent Tech Neck?

Be Mindful of Your Posture

The best way to prevent tech neck is to be mindful of your posture and positioning throughout the day. If you spend hours looking down at a computer (like so many of us do), you may want to switch up your seating. Instead of always looking down at your screen, keep your screen at eye level. This will keep your neck straight throughout the day, preventing premature lines and wrinkles from forming in the first place. “Create a space for working in your home that requires you to sit properly in a chair with good posture,” Dr. Mariwalla says. “Then, once you are done with your work be done with it, and don’t switch to sitting on the couch staring down at your phone.”

Sleep on One Pillow

Are you one of those aforementioned people who sleep on multiple pillows every night? Like I said before, this can be detrimental to the appearance of the skin on your neck because it can cause your neck to remain bent at an angle. Whenever your neck remains bent for long periods of time (such as when you sleep), it can encourage lines and wrinkles to form. Luckily, the fix is easy. Simply sleep on one pillow (the thinner the pillow, the better), so your neck remains in a more neutral position. It may not sound like much, but given that we spend nearly a third of our lives asleep, the effects really add up.

Use Sunscreen

UV rays are the number one cause of premature aging, which is why consistent sunscreen application is paramount. Make no mistake. This goes for the skin on your neck, too. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone apply sunscreen to their face, take whatever was left on their fingers and bring it down to their neck. I can assure you that this application technique simply isn’t providing enough sun protection. You’re going to want to squeeze an additional nickel to quarter size out for the neck.

Read: How to Apply Sunscreen to The Face and Neck 

Moisturize Every Day

Dry, damaged skin is more likely to develop early signs of visible aging, which is why it’s important to give your skin the moisture it needs. Using a neck cream daily, like this Intensive Firming Neck Creme, which is formulated to lift, de-puff, and nourish the delicate skin on the neck, will keep premature signs of aging at bay.

Read: How to Tell The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Use the Right Active Ingredients

Using skincare products with the right active ingredients can keep premature signs of aging—including tech neck–at bay. Below, find three effective ingredients that you should consider adding to your current skincare routine in order to prevent tech neck.

Retinol

Retinol has been proven to stimulate cell regeneration, boost the production of collagen, and promote skin elasticity, among other things. It’s a true multi-tasking skincare ingredient, which is why I formulated Advanced Resurfacing Serum with it. One of the major benefits of using retinol (or a prescription retinoid) is that it can make a major impact on the appearance of wrinkles, and that includes wrinkles that are on the neck (take THAT, tech neck!).

Just beware that prescription retinoids may prove irritating, especially to sensitive skin types, which is why it’s important to patch test, first. After all, the skin on your neck is thin and delicate, and the last thing you want to do is cause widespread irritation. On that note, read my beginner’s guide to using retinol.  

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are key in the prevention of premature aging. This is because they prevent free radicals (unstable electrons that attack healthy cells and change their composition) from oxidizing molecules. Much like the skin on your face, the skin on your neck can come into contact with damaging free radicals daily, whether that’s from UVA and UVB rays, pollution, or other environmental stressors. When exposed to these, the DNA, lipids, and proteins in our cells are susceptible to damage. What happens next? The production of collagen and elastin slows down, which can lead to loss of firmness and wrinkling. Protect your neck from free radicals by using an antioxidant-rich serum, such as Vitamin C & E Treatment.

Read: The Free Radical Theory of Aging 

Peptides

Peptides are long or short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. These send signals to your cells to produce collagen. Dr. Mariwalla suggests incorporating peptides into your skincare routine since they can improve the quality of the skin on the neck. I recommend using a peptide serum in the evening to help your skin regenerate while you sleep. (On that note, peptides are also good ingredients to look for in an eye cream).

What If I Already Have Lines on My Neck?

Proper skincare will certainly help lessen the appearance of neck lines and wrinkles, so I suggest practicing all of the above if you already have a case of tech neck. At the very least, this will ensure that lines and wrinkles won’t deepen, becoming even more stubborn and noticeable. With that being said, there are a few other options you turn to, including smoothing patches and professional treatments. Let’s talk smoothing patches first.

Wrinkle and Line Smoothing Patches

Smoothing patches, such as those from Frownies and SiO Beauty, hold the skin taut to decrease the appearance of deep lines. I tried the Sio Beauty NeckLift Treatment, which is a silicone patch that hugs the contours of the neck. Since it needs to compress the skin to work, it feels tight (some people might find these too uncomfortable to wear overnight or for long periods of time). Facial patches like these discourage muscle movement and skin creasing, so they’re certainly worth checking out! (Read more about facial patches for wrinkle formation prevention here).

When it comes to professional treatments, which will offer fast and dramatic results, Dr. Mariwalla suggests Ultherapy and Sofwave, which use ultrasound technology to lift the neck, chin, and brow, and improve lines and wrinkles. She also makes note of various laser treatments, which can resurface the skin’s texture. Consult with your dermatologist to find out which treatment is right for you and your skin concerns.

I hope this helps you understand the causes of tech neck, as well as the best ways to treat and prevent it. Next, read which clothing item you should stop wearing if you want to save the skin on your chest!

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This Is How Much of Each Skincare Product You Should Be Using

Are you wondering how much of each skincare product you should be using? From cleanser and serums to sunscreen and face oil, I’m here to make sure you get the most out of your products and don’t waste a drop!

Why You Should Apply Your Products Thinnest to Thickest

Before we get into specifics about product amounts, remember that you should always be applying your skincare products according to texture—that is, in order of thinnest to thickest. This allows the active ingredients in your products to penetrate as effectively as possible without having to bypass any barriers. If you put heavy, occlusive products on the skin first, you’re creating a barrier for the products that follow. This concept is based on the molecular composition of a product—thinner products, generally speaking, have a smaller molecular weight than thicker products.

How Much of Each Type of Skincare Product to Use

As you go through this guide, remember that each suggestion is simply a rule of thumb! Every product will vary in consistency, and faces come in all different sizes. Feel free to make small adjustments to these amounts depending on what works best for you. Without further ado, here’s how much of each skincare product you should be using.

How Much Gel Cleanser to Use

hand showing gel cleanser next to nickel

When it comes to cleanser, the consistency of the product matters. I recommend that most people use about a nickel-sized dollop of gel cleanser on wet skin in the morning. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cleanse your face in the shower. Are you cleansing your neck as well? Then go ahead and add an additional nickel-sized dollop.

How Much Lotion Cleanser to Use

hand demonstrating lotion cleanser next to quarter

In the evening, you’ll want to use about a quarter-sized dollop of a cream or lotion cleanser. There are two reasons you need to use more of this type of cleanser: 1) it should be applied to dry skin as opposed to damp skin and 2) it’s doing the hard work of removing all the sunscreen, makeup, and oil that your skin has accumulated throughout the day.

Start by massaging your cleanser onto dry skin for 30 seconds to break everything down. Then, add water and massage for another 30 seconds before rinsing. If you’re wearing heavy makeup, use a soft baby washcloth to remove your cleanser to ensure full makeup removal (and be sure to avoid making these eight common cleansing mistakes).

How Much Toner to Use

toner saturating a cloth and in the palm of a hand

I’m a big believer in alcohol-free toners for many reasons: they’re a great way to give your skin a boost of hydration, they remove chlorine and other drying minerals from tap water, and they can help balance the pH of your skin. Saturate a toning cloth with toner and gently wipe it across your face after cleansing. If you don’t have a toning cloth, you can also fill the palm of your hand and gently press the toner into your skin.

No matter which way you apply your toner, quickly apply your serum afterward when your skin is still damp. This allows the serum to spread more easily across the skin. It’s also thought that damp skin is 10 times more permeable than dry skin, so your serum might actually penetrate deeper.

How Much Serum to Use

A hand showing serum next to a dime

Whether you’re looking to exfoliate, hydrate, brighten, or firm your skin, using a serum is one of the most effective ways to address your skin’s specific needs. I recommend applying about a dime-sized dollop to skin that’s still slightly damp from toner.  As a rule, you want a thin layer to coat your whole face. Add another dime-sized dollop if you’re treating your neck as well.

Another way to avoid wasting product? Dispense your serum onto the back of your hand, then use your fingers to dab it onto your face before rubbing it in. This way, you’ll avoid rubbing all the product into your palms. Finally, get the most out of your serums by using just one at a time and rotating instead of layering.

How Much Eye Cream to Use

eye cream on a fingertip next to a dime

The biggest mistake people make when applying eye cream is using too much. Save your product and your hard-earned dollars by using just half a pea-sized amount. In fact, if you use more than this, you run the risk of eye cream migrating into your eyes and causing puffiness. Over time, this can actually lead to under-eye bags. If you’re someone who feels like they don’t see much of a benefit from eye cream, be sure to read my tips on why your eye cream might not be working.

How Much Cream Moisturizer to Use

Face cream next to a nickel on the back of a hand

The goal with any moisturizer is to get a thin, even layer across your entire face. You don’t want to layer it on so thick that it leaves a film on the skin. Excess moisturizer won’t really be absorbed, so this is just a waste of your product. When applying a cream, use about a nickel-sized amount. Since creams have a thicker consistency, they’re not as easy to spread as lighter lotions are, so you need a little more. In addition, they’re typically used for drier skin types that may need a little extra moisturizer. Use an additional nickel-sized dollop for your neck.

How Much Oil-Free Lotion to Use

oil-free lotion next to a dime on the back of a hand

Face lotions tend to be oil-free and, as you can see, have a runnier consistency than face creams. This means you get easier spreadability and as a result, won’t need to use as much. A dime-sized amount will do! Use an additional dime-sized amount for your neck. Applying moisturizer to the face but not the neck is definitely a common mistake I see people making. Read about five common moisturizer mistakes to avoid.

How Much Sunscreen to Use

sunscreen on the back of a hand next to a quarter

If there’s one thing you want to get right in your routine, it’s sunscreen application. You want to apply at least a quarter-sized dollop to your face ALONE. Your neck and chest require a separate application (meaning you can’t just carry down whatever is left on your hands), so use an additional quarter-sized dollop. Don’t forget the sides of your neck and, if they’re exposed, your ears!

In order to make sure your sunscreen is effectively adhering to your skin, you’ll want to apply it on dry skin. Wait at least 60 seconds for your serum or moisturizer to dry before putting on sunscreen, and remember that this should be the last product you apply before heading out for the day. (Make sure you aren’t making any of these five application mistakes that can interfere with your sunscreen’s efficacy.)

How Much Facial Oil to Use

hand with a dropper and three drops of face oil next to dime

Facial oils should be used during your nighttime routine, and always as the last step. Remember the concept of applying products thinnest to thickest? Oils have the largest molecular size of any product type, so anything you apply on top of them will have a hard time getting through to your skin. Apply about three drops over your moisturizer to create a seal and heal dry, flaky skin. Make sure you’re getting the most out of your oil by learning everything there is to know about how and when to apply it.

How Much Facial Scrub to Use

facial scrub on a hand next to a nickel

This product may have gotten a bad rap in past years, but I’m still a fan of a gentle facial scrub and believe most skin types can benefit from using one. Once or twice a week, apply a nickel-sized dollop to damp skin and gently massage it over your face for at least 30 seconds. The key is to use a scrub with rounded beads that won’t scratch the skin.

A physical scrub is a great complement to chemical exfoliators such as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. Exfoliating acids help loosen dead cells so they detach from the skin’s surface, whereas scrubs help physically lift those loosened, expired cells off for instantly brighter-looking skin. Just make sure not to use both on the same day! I like using a scrub on the neck as well to polish away any dead skin cells in this area. For this, add another nickel-sized dollop of facial scrub.

How Much of a Face Mask to Use

face mask peel on the back of a hand next to a quarter

Face masks vary quite a bit when it comes to consistency, so consider this a ballpark suggestion! For something pretty spreadable, such as our Triple Berry Smoothing Peel (pictured above), I recommend about two quarter-sized dollops to evenly coat your face and neck. You’ll want a nice even layer coating your skin for the best results.

Were you surprised by any of the product amounts you should be using? I hope this guide, along with my application tips, helps you get the most out of your skincare routine and brings you the results you’re looking for. If you’re still wondering which products to use, take this skin type quiz for recommendations.

Next, check out my suggestions for the perfect morning routine and the perfect nighttime routine.

The post This Is How Much of Each Skincare Product You Should Be Using 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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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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How to Get Your Armpits Smooth and Summer-Ready

Since they’re often hidden from view, it’s easy to neglect your armpits—that is, until they start giving you issues. 

Treating underarm concerns can be frustrating because, if you think about it, our armpits never really catch a break. Between constant shaving, sweating, and friction from everyday movements, it can be hard to get on top of irritation (spoiler alert: irritation is at the root of almost every common armpit concern).

In this post, I’ll teach you how to get smooth armpits just in time for summer with the help of Dr. Uju Rapu, a medical doctor specializing in dermatology and esthetic medicine and the founder of Belfiore Aesthetics in Lagos, Nigeria. “The underarms are an area that patients are often concerned about,” she says. “Getting smooth armpits is something I’m often asked about.”

Problem 1: You Want Smooth Armpits After Shaving, But They Get Bumpy and Irritated

If you feel like you find yourself having to choose between smooth armpits and hair removal, you’re not alone. Shaving is such a common trigger for underarm irritation. 

It’s important to recognize that shaving is actually a form of physical exfoliation—you’re manually removing the top layer of dead skin cells every time you run a blade over your skin. Daily exfoliation isn’t recommended for any other part of the body, so it stands to reason that shaving every day could cause irritation. 

Solution

Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce irritation from shaving.

Use a shaving gel

I personally prefer shaving gels to shaving creams, and I definitely don’t recommend using plain soap. The nice thing about gel is that it’s a little thicker and adheres to the skin well. This helps create a good buffer between your skin and the blade (which should be replaced regularly, btw). 

Keep the area moisturized

If it hasn’t occurred to you to moisturize your armpits, you’re not the only one. However, healthy skin is moisturized skin, and this will help cut down on friction and irritation to make your armpits smoother. Choose a very lightweight lotion as using something too thick could block pores and cause more bumps.

Shave at night

This will ensure your skin has some time to recover post-shave and that your arms will be staying relatively still while you sleep instead of moving around like you do in the day and causing more friction. 

Consider the clothes you wear

The friction between your skin and clothes could be causing more irritation than you think. When possible, opt for natural fabrics and avoid wearing anything too tight-fitting.

Treat ongoing razor burn

I know it’s not ideal, but if you can, it’s best to stop shaving for a few days to get persistent razor burn under control. Dr. Rapu recommends looking for over-the-counter products with ingredients like tea tree oil, shea butter, or even hydrocortisone cream. These all have anti-inflammatory properties that can help smooth razor burn under the arms.

Problem 2: You Get Ingrown Hairs in Your Armpits

When you’re trying to get your armpits smooth for summer, having to deal with ingrown hairs is just plain annoying. Dr. Rapu notes that one of the reasons underarms are so prone to developing ingrown bumps is that the hair grows back thicker than on other parts of the body, such as the legs for instance. “Some hair removal methods such as shaving may also leave the ends of the hair sharper, and the strands thicker, making them more prone to be ingrown,” she says. “Coarse or curly hairs are also more prone to becoming ingrown than finer strands,” which means some ethnicities are more prone to ingrown hairs than others.

Solution

To minimize the possibility of developing ingrown hairs and bumps in your armpits, follow these steps. 

Use a physical exfoliant

A few times a week, use a gentle scrub, exfoliating mitt, or loofah before you shave. This will help dislodge hairs trapped beneath the skin’s surface to prevent them from becoming ingrown. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your armpits smooth overall. Whatever you use, just remember to be gentle and not scrub aggressively!

Use a gentle acid exfoliant 

“Gentle” is definitely the operative word here. You’ll want to be careful, and here’s how:

    1. Patch test whichever product you’ll be using to make sure you don’t have a reaction
    2. Instead of using a leave-on product like an acid-based serum or lotion, I suggest using either a water-based acid toner or something you can leave on for a minute then rinse off in the shower. These won’t be as strong and therefore are less likely to irritate the sensitive skin under your arms.
    3. Don’t use your acid exfoliator after shaving! This is almost guaranteed to cause irritation.  Learn more about exfoliating acids.

Spot-treat ingrown hairs

Use a non-drying, anti-inflammatory spot treatment like Anti Bump Solution to treat existing ingrown hairs or bumps.

Look into prescription options

Sometimes, Dr. Rapu will suggest certain prescriptions to help her clients manage ingrown hairs. “Aside from gentle exfoliation,” she says, “ingrown hair bumps can be treated with mild steroids to reduce inflammation, retinoids, and sometimes topical antibiotics.” If at-home remedies aren’t working, you can talk to your dermatologist to learn more about these options.

Consider other hair removal methods

If you’ve tried all of the above and ingrown hairs continue to be a persistent, bothersome issue, you might consider other hair removal methods for smoother underarms. “Avoiding shaving and other methods of frictional hair removal will help avoid ingrowns,” says Dr. Rapu. “I often advise laser hair reduction or electrolysis instead. Some of my clients have found gentle waxing techniques and depilatory creams (this would be hair-removal creams like Nair) to be more suitable.” 

If you wax your bikini line, be sure to follow my foolproof routine for preventing ingrown hairs.

Problem 3: Your Armpits Are Darker Than the Surrounding Skin

According to Dr. Rapu, underarm hyperpigmentation may be one of the most common concerns she encounters. It’s a condition where the skin in the armpit becomes darker than skin in other areas. “Hyperpigmentation is particularly common in patients with skin of color because of increased melanin content and activity,” she adds.

One thing to note is that ongoing or persistent irritation of the skin under your arms can be a big trigger for hyperpigmentation. This means that if you’re experiencing any of the concerns listed above, you’ll want to start by tackling those. Also—and this is important—you may not be able to get rid of 100% of the hyperpigmentation in this area, and that’s okay. Almost everyone has a slight variation in skin tone under their arms—it’s totally normal! However, if you notice significant discoloration, and it bothers you, here are some steps you can take.

Solution

These are the most common causes of underarm hyperpigmentation and what to do about them, according to Dr. Rapu.

Irritation or abrasion from repetitive motion 

The most common repetitive motion in question? Shaving, of course. Ongoing irritation can be a major trigger for hyperpigmentation so if this is a concern for you, you’ll want to make sure you’re following all the steps mentioned above in section 1.

Dr. Rapu reiterates that if this is a chronic issue for patients, she often recommends trying other hair removal methods like gentle waxing or hair-removal creams. If you choose to go the professional route, you can look into laser hair reduction or electrolysis. That said, if you have a deeper skin tone, you should discuss possible risks with your provider and make sure they understand the needs of your skin type. These procedures are safe when done correctly, but done incorrectly could potentially make hyperpigmentation worse (or even cause hypopigmentation, in which the pigment in the skin lightens). 

Chemical Irritation

According to Dr. Rapu, irritation or even allergic reaction can occur in response to certain deodorants or antiperspirants. This may stimulate melanin production in some clients.

“It is important to identify any new cosmetic products in your routine and pinpoint associated reactions,” she says. “Indications of a reaction include a rash, redness or discomfort in the area. Once identified, cutting out these irritants helps settle this.”

If you have sensitive skin under your arms, Dr. Rapu notes that some ingredients commonly found in deodorants could trigger irritation. This includes fragrance, dyes, and aluminum (some people can develop allergic dermatitis to metals). If this is the case, you can look into “natural” deodorants or those made specifically for sensitive skin.

Hormonal Conditions

Certain hormonal skin conditions that may be associated with diabetes and obesity can present as darkness in skin folds and creases. Dr. Rapu says the one she sees most commonly is acanthosis nigricans, which tends to run in families. “A consultation with your dermatologist is necessary to rule out diabetes or other hormonal causes,” she says. “Treatment for this involves treating the underlying cause.”

Ongoing inflammation

“Inflammation describes a condition where an area of skin may become red, swollen, hot or painful, often as a reaction to an injury or trauma,” Dr. Rapu says. “Inflammation in the underarms is commonly caused by ingrown hairs, or skin conditions such as boils or cysts, which can prompt an excess of melanin production in the area.” 

Dr. Rapu’s favorite topical treatments for armpit discoloration include low concentration hydroquinone, retinoids, and depigmenting ingredients such as azelaic acid. These are all ingredients that should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist.

So there you have it, that’s how to get smooth armpits just in time for summer! I hope you found this post helpful and that you learned something new.

Next, learn all about how to get rid of bumpy skin on the body, once and for all.

The post How to Get Your Armpits Smooth and Summer-Ready 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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