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Walking through the makeup aisle in a store or browsing makeup products online can be a pretty daunting task. As an askderm product specialist, one of the most common makeup questions we get it is, what is the real difference between a BB and CC cream? Let’s get straight to the facts.  What is a BB cream? A BB (a.k.a. beauty balm) cream is a tinted moisturizer that does much more than act as a foundation. It also provides your skin with much needed benefits such as anti-aging effects, sun protection, and hydration for dry skin. But my favorite part is the coverage that a BB cream provides. I tend to have small breakouts every now and then that I want to cover up. With a BB cream, I can apply it to my face to give me full-coverage without the heavy foundation feeling. The key benefits to using a BB cream are: It’s a lighter, tinted foundation Great for all skin types Includes SPF to help fight the sun’s harmful rays Some BB creams I suggest using are: VICHY Laboratories ProEVEN Mineral BB Cream La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint Brandt Signature BB Cream With Flexitone LifeCell BB Cream Hydrating Anti-Oxidant Beauty Balm SPF 30 What is a CC cream? A CC (a.k.a. color correcting) cream works to restore your skin’s natural tone, especially for those who suffer from redness or any other color related issues. Not only is it an effective moisturizer, it also has a higher SPF for all you beach goers. And we all know that with added sun protection also comes anti-aging properties. A CC cream has a thicker consistency than a BB cream, which allows it to treat wrinkles and fine line The key benefits to using a CC cream are: It works to even the skins tone and correct complexion Has powerful anti-aging properties Keeps your skin hydrated while treating Some CC creams I suggest using are: Nip and Fab CC Cream SPF La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 La Bella Donna CC Cream Phytomer CC Crème - Skin Perfecting Cream Brandt CC Glow with Signature Ruby Crystal What should you use? If you’re looking for a light, tinted moisturizer to act as a foundation, than a BB cream is right for you. But, if your looking for a moisturizer to either correct color related issues or to help fight aging, add a CC cream to your daily skincare routine. Whether you decide to get a BB or CC cream, you will be treating your skin like never before. Give yourself a noticeably flawless look that everyone will stop and stare at.  

BB and CC creams went from American obscurity to prime time commercial breaks and at every makeup counter in the department store. The first Beauty Balm was developed in Germany and quickly gained popularity in the Asian market. While those of us in the skincare and beauty industry have known about these products for years, the craze did not hit America until about 2011.  If you are in the search for a new product, just enjoy trying something new or are looking for a minimalist approach to your daily skin routine you may want to experiment with a BB or CC cream. They run the gamut when it comes to targeting specific concerns like acne, pigmentation, and maturing skin. Some are more lightweight in consistency and more reminiscent of a heavy tinted moisturizer, but much more often they have a whipped or mouse like constancy. Depending on your desired level of coverage you may like to use them alone or use as a primer, layered under your liquid or powdered foundation. While there are some differences between brands the most common similarities between these balms and creams are in the ingredients, so when reading labels you may see these key words: SPF, both physical sunscreens (titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) and Chemical sunscreens (octinoxate) A silicone derivative, which works as a primer and pore smoother Light reflecting particles such as mica, to create a more radiant healthy skin glow Antioxidants like Vitamin C to brighten and lighten skin, and vitamin E, which aids in skin healing and free radical damage Moisture binders such as Hylaronic Acid Licorice which fights pigment discoloration, lightens skin, aids in inflammation and is effective in fighting bacteria Algae that thickens the product consistency and helps the skin retain moisture Some BB and CC users may enjoy the product alone, but keep in mind that if you have specific skin issues such as very dry, dehydrated skin you may still need to use a daily moisturizer. Apply your moisturizer before using your beauty balm. If you have chosen a beauty balm that specifically targets acne, chances are it does not contain an SPF, as the FDA does not allow sun protection ingredients and acne fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid to be combined in a single product, so you will still need to wear a daily sunscreen. While some trends come and go in a single season, the Alphabetically squared trend seems to just be getting started and manufactures are sure to be moving their way down the alphabet when it comes to treating and protecting the skin.   Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!

Follow these quick skin care routine tips to speed up your skincare routine while keeping your skin looking beautiful. Discover the best rockstar products that are great all-in-one products! Just one minute of cleansing for a beautiful complexion. Only have a few minutes? Cleansing our skin with a sonic cleansing device only takes a minute but leaves skin smoother, softer, and more radiant looking each day. Utilize shower time wisely! Skip, long, hot showers! Make the most out of your time. Avoid using hot water in the shower because it tends to take away the skin's natural oils, so end your shower with a cold wash to preserve your shiny hair. Simultaneously provide your skin with numerous benefits with Lifecell's all-in-one anti-aging treatment. Fast acting anti-wrinkle formula provides deep 24-hour hydration intensive firming. Under the eye treatment complete with antioxidants. Decreases pigmentation. One product that does it all! Only have a few seconds? Easily get the flawless look with BB & CC creams. It only takes a few seconds to aplpy but will leave you with that fresh faced glow all day long. Cover up fine lines and wrinkles with a CC cream or go for a lighter coverage with a BB cream. Gently exfoliate, moisturize, and cleanse with convenient pads. Glycolix 5% Cleansing Pads. These pads can be easy thrown into your daily routine for a quick cleanse! Ultra pure glycolic acid treatment pads gently exfoliate dead and dull skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Buy in Multiples. Always have it when & where you need it. Keep your favorite products right where you will use them. Keep one in the car, in your purse, or in your gym bag so you always have one when you are on the go. Extra Tip: You'll always have a backup! Quick Fix! Instantly improve the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. Nip + Fab instant radiance wrinkle fix. Are you looking for a quick fix? Look no further. This miracle daily moisturizer that is packed full of hyarulonic filling spheres that is going to nourish, plump, + brighten your skin.

You may be confused by a newly noticed graphic with plus signs (+) located on skin care products for sun protection. You may be a product junkie and are already in the know. You may travel often or live in another country that uses this system as a standard practice.What am I referring to? The PA system (Protection grade against UVA). This system is based on three levels: PA+, PA++ and PA+++. PA+ is the lowest level of protection against UVA rays while PA+++ is the highest level of protection against UVA radiation. This system was developed in Japan and is getting more recognition as product availability expands worldwide.In the United States, SPF rating is the FDA standard in which we measure sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB only. There is no rating system within the states to signify a products protection against UVA except for the labeling “Broad Spectrum.”As more people become educated on the dangers of UVA, this PA rating system will surely gain more attention.If you want to know more about the dangers of UVA please refer to my “Why you need to Protect Yourself from the Sun Year round” blog.For more general information concerning sunscreen, please read my “Tips and Tricks you may not know About Sunscreen” blog.Products to check out:Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 - PA+++ Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 PA++ for Blemish-Prone Skin Murad Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ dr.brandt signature BB cream with Flexitone Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Supergoop SPF 35 Daily Correct CC Cream - Light/Medium Supergoop SPF 35 Daily Correct CC Cream - Medium/Dark  Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal MoniqueChantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!

Teens are a handful, between the attitudes, hormonal changes and daily stresses, most teens will have your work cut out for you.  I still have a few more years before I have to worry about that with my kids, but I do know how much stress I put my parents through (sorry mom and dad!).  Finding gifts for the teens in your life may not be the easiest thing to do, but rather than picking up a hoodie you think your son might wear or a pair of shoes you hope your niece would like, play it safe by investing in your teen’s skin health and overall confidence.   Having great skin is a wonderful confidence booster and not only will they feel good about themselves, they will look great as well. Most teens are usually strapped for cash and the last thing they want to spend their money on are important skincare products, so do them a favor and give them some necessities and let your gifts go to good use! They Need A Great Cleanser There have been so many times where I have heard teens say they wash their face with just soap and I’m here to tell you that just won’t cut it.  Cleansing your face with basic soap will cause a lot of drying and can even create small cracks on your skin due to the dryness.   Your skin needs to be cleansed properly with a facial cleanser that is right for the individual’s skin type which will not only help rid their face of dirt, excess oils and toxins but it will also keep their skin hydrated.  For the acne sufferers, purchase products that aren’t too harsh or drying, but will still do their job such as VICHY Laboratories Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel which purifies the skin without causing drying while it has a powerful anti-irritant.   Upgrade Their Skin Cleansing Routine Help them keep their skin super healthy by upgrading the way they cleanse their face.  The Clarisonic Mia 2 Acne Clarifying Collection is a great way to deep clean their skin while removing dirt and impurities from the pores.  With the rotating cleansing brush, skin gets cleaner and looks and feels smoother than regular facial cleansing.  Use of the Clarisonic will help treat blemishes gently and effectively while leaving skin exfoliated and brighter. Quick and simple to use, a rotating cleansing brush instantly refreshes skin and is a great gift for teens regardless of what their skin type.   Give Them An Extra Boost Of Energy It’s hard waking up early for school and work and even with a full night’s sleep, teens are still usually exhausted and difficult to not only wake up but to stay alert in class.  Products such as Bliss Super Minty Soap N’ Scrub will help wake them up by giving them that extra boost of energy in their morning shower. Soap N’ Scrub is packed with jojoba beads that will exfoliate their skin leaving it bright and smooth while the sweet smell leaves you feeling refreshed.   With the wonderful peppermint oil and menthol, they will be left feeling clean, energized and invigorated, ready to start their day. Keep Their Skin Soft, Glowing And Hydrated With A Tinted Moisturizer Even those teens with overly oily skin still will need a moisturizer for their skin to stay healthy.  When purchasing facial moisturizers or creams, make sure you purchase those that won’t clog pores and those with minimal to no fragrances to help any sensitivities.  Nip and Fab CC Cream SPF 30 is a great tinted moisturizer that helps skin look brighter and evens out skin tone each time they use it.  The CC cream not only has medium coverage but it also protects your skin from harmful rays with a SPF 30 while giving skin a beautiful glow.  I’m a big fan of BB and CC creams especially for everyday use when I rather not apply foundation, it gives you a nice polished look while it works magic on the skin! Balance Their Skin’s PH As Well As Keep Their Skin Hydrated On The Go And At Home I absolutely love using toners for my skin and always recommend them to clients.  I have one not only in my facial ritual basket but I also carry one in my purse everywhere I go. Having a good toner will keep your skin feeling clean and refreshed while it not only balances skin’s PH levels but also ridding your face from any bacteria. It’s great to use midday inbetween class or afterschool after cleansing their face.  Either way they use it, their skin will be hydrated, rid from excess oils and protected from future breakouts.  ACURE Facial Toner - Balancing Rose and Red Tea is a great gift idea for anyone on your list. Have Them Feeling Refreshed On The Go Between school, afterschool jobs, sports and extracurricular activities, most teens are on the go.  Much of the time they really don’t have much down time in between.  I remember after school let out rushing to work or to a sports practice and by the time you were finished your evening your skin wasn’t as clean or feeling as nice as it should.   Give your teens amazingly convenient facial towelettes to refresh their skin on the go.  ACURE Coconut Argan Oil Towelettes are a great product with its sweet smelling beachy scent and wonderful soothing oils, their skin will be left feeling clean, smooth and refreshed. For all of my teenage cousins, nieces and nephew their gifts are always personalized to their needs and likes.  If I know one suffers from acne then I usually create a basket with products that will help with their problematic skin. Those with normal skin types I also will create gift baskets with the basic skincare necessities so there is no excuse for them not to start taking care of their skin at this age.   Knowing that they are teens, their gifts wouldn’t be complete without a gift card to their favorite place to eat or to the movies or even for a cup of coffee.  Regardless of your gift, and underneath some of their mood swings, they love you and will appreciate any gift you give them…but just stay clear of any ugly sweaters, that will break anyone down!     Blog Written by askderm's Guest Esthetician  Stephanie Ivonne is a New Jersey licensed Esthetician.  Her fun-loving, outgoing personality will shine through her product selections & reviews to help you discover the hottest skincare and beauty products. When Stephanie is not scouring the internet for the next hot skincare product, she is a mother to two wonderful biological children, a dedicated foster mom and is devoted to her husband of 13 years.

In 1972 Phytomer invented marine cosmetics: a new form of skincare that offers the best of the sea to your beauty regimen. A dedicated team of scientists, experts in skin biology, and cell culture have worked consistently to develop the next generation of revolutionary skin care products. Phytomer is one of the only skincare companies in the world that has mastered marine biotechnologies. Marine biotechnology is the use of microorganisms to produce new, natural ingredients. By excelling in this field, Phytomer was able to create a product line unmatched by any other. Such products include: The Phytomer CC Cream – Skin Perfecting Cream: Medium to dark facial CC cream Brightens, moisturizes, and improves skin texture Smooths pores while enhancing complexion Provides sun protection The Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk: Removes makeup and impurities Protects the skin’s natural barrier and maintains natural levels Leaves your skin feeling fresh and pure With over 40 years experience and driven with the same passion, Phytomer is now even more excited for the future. With Unique cosmetics that can be described in as Phytomer’s signature three words: ocean, science, and beauty. Phytomer offers a well-balanced selection of beauty needs, the range of products is easy to understand and includes everything you need from cleansers, moisturizers, age defiance, eye, and body care. 

The years you spend in college can be some of the most amazing, memorable, and stressful times in your life. To this day, some of my best memories have taken place on my college campus. From concerts to club events to late night food runs, my friends and I have had some incredible times. That being said, as the semester’s progress, it tends to get more and more stressful with the increasing course loads. Whenever I begin to get stressed, normally not even two weeks into the semester, I notice that my face starts to break out and dark circles begin to appear. That’s why I’ve added skincare products to my daily routine. Along with the makeup products I’d already been using, I’ve added moisturizers to help give my skin much-needed hydration. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand how difficult it is to get up for 8am classes in the first place but taking care of your skin will add no more than 2 minutes to your normal morning routine and the results are well worth it.   The skin care products that get me through my day are: Acure Oil Control Facial Moisturizer I had been looking for a moisturizer to keep my skin feeling hydrated and smooth all day and I finally found the right one! I use it every morning before heading out to class. My favorite thing about this moisturizer is that its fragrance free. Many other moisturizers I’ve tried have had a strong scent that would tend to be there all day which is why I find it better to get one without. Overall, this is definitely the best morning moisturizer you can use! La Roche-Posay’s Rosaliac CC Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 This redness-correcting crème has actually been a huge time saver to my morning routine. Not only does it reduce the effects of redness, it also doubles as a foundation by providing full coverage. Between not having to spend extra time applying foundation and reducing the redness in my face, this product is a win-win. CapriClear No matter the season, my hands always become dry and, until now, I hadn’t been able to find a hand moisturizer that wouldn’t leave my hands feeling greasy. CapriClear is now my go-to. I keep it in the front pocket of my backpack for when I need it in between classes, especially in the wintertime. Acure Night Cream Ending the night with the perfect moisturizer is just as important as starting the day with one. That’s why after trying the Acure Facial Moisturizer, I immediately tried the Acure Night Cream. This moisturizer keeps my face hydrated all night long and applies with ease. This product is definitely a must have if you have dry skin! Along with adding a few products to my routine, I’ve also begun to change some habits to lead a healthier lifestyle. Without going on any crazy diets, I’ve started to eat healthier, go to the gym, and make sure I get at least 8 hours sleep. It’s crazy to think that eating the wrong food or not getting enough sleep could cause your skin to break out. By just changing a few small things in my everyday life I look and feel better than ever.

It is hot and humid. I am blotting my face like I will get paid for every oil-absorbing sheet I pluck from my purse. I felt like I just got my skin balanced and before I knew it, summer was here to challenge my ego. It is time for a skincare overhaul! I know I am not alone; here is what you need to know when it comes to summer skincare and hair care.Change your productsForgo heavy full coverage foundations. Instead opt for tinted moisturizers, BB or CC creams and a light dusting of mineral powder.The creamy face wash you were using all winter may be too much. Switch to a gel based formulation if you tend to be on the oily side.Change your routine You may need to exfoliate more or less. Never exfoliate skin that is burned or red and irritated. If your skin become more sensitive during the warmer months you may want to decrease the number of times you exfoliate within the week. On the flipside, hot and humid weather can exacerbate oil production and pores may be more visible. Adding just one more exfoliation to your week may help.Quench your SkinMoisturizer and lotions are still important to use daily during the warmer weather, just make sure to switch to an oil-free formulation. If you have oily skin your first reaction may be to forgo any moisturizer what so ever, but this is not going to help. A lack of moisture can send your sebaceous glands into overdrive, producing more oil to lubricate and protect your skin.Hydrating mists are great for cooling down, calming the skin and adding hydration throughout the day. I love keeping a mist in my fridge, or throwing it into a cooler while at the beach or on a boat.Unleash your locksSummer is not the time to try and fight your hairs natural texture. Youtube is a great resource to learn quick and easy hairstyles that embrace your hair type. Because you are sweating more and you are applying your sunscreen right up to your hairline like you are suppose to, dry shampoos are a great way to freshen your style, absorb oil and add volume to limp locks. UV rays don’t just damage your skin; they can take a toll on your hair, especially color treated hair. Make sure you wear a hat, a scarf or take time to relax under an umbrella.Protect yourself from the inside outStudies show that the antioxidants in many fruits and vegetables not only fight free radical damage but also actually boost your skin’s ability to protect itself from the sun! So challenge yourself to consume more fruits and vegetables with every meal.Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen..Sunscreens take time to absorb and begin to work, so as always choose a broad spectrum SPF, apply it 20 minutes prior to exposure and make sure you reapply every 90 minutes!Now that you have the knowledge of beautiful summer skin and hair - slip into that swimsuit, grab that floppy hat and hit the beach!Written by yours truly: Chantal MoniqueNYS Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist with 7+ Years Experience 

If you are lucky enough to be traveling anytime soon, or are just daydreaming about jet setting to Tahiti, be aware that traveling can take its toll on your skin. Here are my beauty and skin care tips for when you are flying sky high.Hydrate: Make sure you drink plenty of water before and during your flight. When you are properly hydrated you feel less sluggish, and this will help you beat the jet lag. When you do not feel 100% it shows on the outside. The cabin pressure within the plane can lead to bloating and swelling of the fingers and toes, so opt for water and fruit, over soda and salty snacks.Moisturize: There is almost no humidity within the cabin of a plane. That means the air circulating around you is pulling moisture from your skin, eyes and mucous membranes.Apply a lotion or cream to your entire face and body prior to your flight and re-apply often while on board. Choose products with humectants, meaning they draw in and retain moisture. If you suffer from oily skin, don’t falsely believe that the dry air from your flight is doing your pores any favors. You still need hydration if you have oily and acne prone skin. Your skin will go into overdrive and produce even more oil to make up for the lack of moisture. While I am a huge fan of facial mists year round, there is speculation on whether or not using these mid-flight will lead to further surface moisture loss from your skin when the cabin air evaporates the water. So just to be safe, save your hydrating spray for when you arrive to your destination for an instant pick me up. Decreased moisture within your throat and nasal cavity can increase your chances of catching a cold or the flu. Viruses have a much easier time embedding into airways when there is less moisture and mucus creating a protective barrier. A saline spray may be a good option for those who are prone to sore throat and or nosebleeds during flights.Avoid Makeup: Anyone who knows me, as a makeup artist and makeup addict will not believe I just wrote that! The truth is I have oily skin and large pores so I dread a public face sans foundation, but any time I have worn a full face of makeup on a flight, it looks horrific by the time I land. My foundation will crack and oxidize, turning darker because of my increased oil production, my well-defined brows will have faded and my mascara will have left dark smears on my oily eyelids. I suggest opting for just a facial moisturizer, BB or CC cream and a tinted lip balm, that is it! Just accessorize with an over sized pair of sunglasses and you will not feel the need for eye makeup. Keep a pouch of essentials- mineral powder, mascara, blush and perhaps a bright lipstick in your carry-on so you can apply after your arrival.Protect your Hair: If you have longer locks, never wear them down during a flight. When your hair is down there is greater surface area for moisture to escape from. Treat your hair with nourishing oil and either braid it, put it in a topknot or a sock bun.  For another layer of protection wear a handkerchief or a silky scarf tied into a turban around your head.Sun Protection: The debate on whether or not an aisle or window seat is better is very simple to me. I always request a window seat, not for the view, it is so I can pull the window shade completely down. While the rules of etiquette may not be set in stone when it comes to who’s arm rest belongs to who, it is cut and dry when it comes to the window- whomever sits next to it, is in control of it. Remember you are not on the surface of the earth anymore and the intensity of UV exposure increases with elevation. In your approved quart size bag, containing 3oz containers, there must be a sunscreen, preferably with an SPF of 30. As always choose a sunscreen that states it is broad spectrum or has a high PA+++ rating. Don’t forget to apply sun-protection to the sides of your face, neck, ears and hands as these areas often go over looked. Make sure your carry-on lip balm contains sunscreen. Those oversized sunglasses are not just for hiding your lack of eye makeup; they are protecting your retinas from damage and preventing crow’s feet.These tips should have you feeling ready to embark upon your next trip. Your suitcase is packed, your skin is prepped and you will be departing with everyone wondering - Who is that woman with the headscarf, dark shades and GORGEOUS skin?!Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal MoniqueChantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, her work has included upscale clientele, a private investigator undercover and independent film work. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!

Summer has finally arrived and with it, comes all the pool parties, ocean side vacations, backyard barbecues, and the beauty dilemmas that can come with it. Here is how to feel good about your body, keep makeup meltdowns at bay, how to get that dewy summer skin & healthy hair you dream about.  If you frequent my blogs you know my stance on sun protection to the point of ad nauseum. Yes, your body needs Vitamin D, which it synthesizes from the sun, but the risks can far outweigh the benefits if you are choosing to fry yourself. If you are one of those people who must catch some rays here is how to do it healthfully: Exposure should only occur three times a week for 10-15 minutes MAX without sunscreen (you may be able to go a few more minutes if you naturally have a darker skin tone.) No more than that! To keep yourself within these healthy parameters schedule to do this during your lunch hour Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Set a timer. Once you hear that “ding”, you are done baking, literally! If you still question whether or not your vitamin D levels are adequate, schedule an appointment with your primary doctor for a blood test to see where you stand. Simple adjustments to your diet can also supplement your Vitamin D. For a Complete Guide to Proper use of Sunscreen and the dangers of UV exposure please check out my past blog posts:             “Tips and Tricks You may not Know About Sunscreen”             “Tanning Bed Dangers”             “Why you need to Protect Yourself From the Sun Year Round” While wearing sunscreen is obvious, here are other summer beauty tips to consider: Make Fruits and Veggies the Main focus of every meal. At least half of the plate of every meal should consist of produce. Farmers markets, roadside stands and the local grocery store are abundant with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. Lycopene a powerful antioxidant is not only found in tomatoes but also has high concentrations in watermelon. So enjoy all the summer specific vegetables and fruits. During warmer months it is truly important to keep your body hydrated. If you struggle to drink the recommended ounces of water daily, try adding sliced strawberries, cucumbers, lemon or mint to your water and you will find yourself more likely to drink it. Aside from all the vitamin and mineral benefits of increasing your produce consumption, you will also find that this additional intake will aid in your digestion to alleviate sluggishness and will help you in your health goals. Trying to be bikini ready and banish bloat? Avoid excess salt and dairy on swimsuit days. Sweat and Sand Proof Your Makeup. Forgo full coverage foundations; instead opt for tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and CC creams. Conceal only where you really need it and use powder on your oily areas sparingly. If you are not using a primer as the first step to your makeup routine, it is a product worth investing in to ensure that your makeup endures and withstands sweltering temps. If you have skin prone to oiliness, use blotting papers throughout the day to combat shine. Setting sprays also lock in makeup and increase its longevity. While some may think powders are the key to every summer look, products like cream blushes wear beautifully in the warmer months, they melt into the skin and create a realistic healthy flush. Cream shadows also tend to stand up better to water. If you find that your pencil eyeliner is leaving you looking like a raccoon by traveling down onto the tops of your cheeks or transferring onto your oily upper lid, try using liquid eyeliners instead. If you want to experiment with bold colors but are intimidated, try focusing on one feature and leaving the rest of the face neutral- a daring purple, orange or bright red lipstick pairs beautifully with just a swipe of mascara and well-groomed eyebrows. Likewise, multiple coats of a colored mascara is a fun look when paired with just a simple nude lip balm. If you plan on being directly in the sun for an extended period of time avoid super shiny lip glosses as they can magnify your lip’s sun exposure. While a lipstick may not contain the same SPF ingredients (ex Titanium Dioxide) as a specified sun protection balm, the more opaque a lipstick is, the more sun protection it offers. This makes the newly popular long lasting matte liquid lipsticks a summer favorite. Considering it dries matte, you will also banish the hair-stuck-to-your-lip gloss experience all of us girls dread. Adjust your Skincare Regiment. If you have oily or acne prone skin you may find that you need to switch to lighter product formulations. Swap creamier cleansers for gel washes. Oily skin types still need to use moisturizer but may find that it needs to only be applied once daily, preferably at night. For the very oiliest of skin, a hydrating facial spray is a perfect moisturizer. After misting onto your face, use your fingertips to gently press into the skin. Masks are a great addition to your summer routine. Clay masks will absorb excess oil, while gel masks, can be stored in the fridge and are great for cooling the skin, while reducing redness and sensitivity. Hyperpigmentation can become more apparent in the summer. Add a Vitamin C, licorice extract or Kojic acid containing serum to your routine. However if you continue to tan and expose yourself to too much sun, you will continue to have discoloration. Exfoliate (dry brushing, salt scrub, loofa) your body regularly on days you do not shave. Avoid unsightly bumps, folliculitis or razor rash by opting to have a professional wax. Once waxed you will not have to worry about shaving everyday or dark hair being visible within the follicle. If you opt to shave apply a benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or salicylic acid lotion to the shaven area to avoid razor rash. Coconut oil is also great post shave as it hydrates and has both anti-microbial/ anti-inflammatory properties. Here are my tips if some form of water is your destination! Beach and Ocean Beauty Tips: Schedule a gel manicure/pedicure prior to a beach vacation. Sand and salt breakdown and dull regular nail polishes, opting for the gel version will insure your polish stays shiny and last far longer without chipping. Long walks on the beach anyone? While the idea has a cheesy connotation walking on the sand engages muscles differently. The unevenness of the sand underneath you and the extra resistance is great for strengthening and toning your ankles, calves, hamstrings and glutes. If your brows tend to bleach in the sun and you want to avoid that, rub your sunscreen lotion into them or swipe a sunscreen stick over them. Why spend money on a salt spray for your hair when you can make use of the ocean water. As your hair air dries, twist small sections around your fingers for the perfect beachy waves. Ocean water contains many healthy minerals and trace elements and is known for healing wounds. Those who have acne, scars and eczema may see improvement to their skin post an ocean vacation. While the salt and sand is a great exfoliator, it is also drying so utilize outdoor showers to rinse off the excess. Apply a lightweight body lotion after a day at the beach. Swimming Pool Tips: Chlorine can be just as drying as salt, so rinse yourself as soon as possible after being in the pool and apply a full body moisturizer. Wear flip flops in public areas as humidity and standing water, like what is found in changing areas and around the pool, are breeding grounds for the viruses and fungus that cause athlete’s foot, ringworm and plantar warts. I have color treated hair and despite having my color done every four weeks, I keep chlorinated pool water from ever touching my hair. If you aren’t this hardcore, prior to the pool, wet your hair and apply a heavy weight conditioner that you do not rinse out until afterwards. This should give your locks an added layer of protection. If you do not have time to go home and shower after the pool and are worried about your hair, bring along a club soda to rinse away residue. To avoid brassiness or the dreaded green pool hair, mix baking soda with your favorite shampoo or while in the shower, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar prior to shampooing. With added products and knowledge in your beauty arsenal, this advice should have you feeling confident to take on any summer beauty challenge and have you ready to embrace your inner mermaid!