3 Reasons to Add a Mask to Your Beauty Routine

At-home facial masks have made their way into the beauty routines of women all around the world. Whether you apply yours while soaking in a bubble bath or while folding laundry, the benefits of masks have stood the test of time. According to Anna, our glo therapeutics product manager, “Once you have your basic routine down, a mask is a great addition. They are the products that, I feel, most allow you to have a treatment experience at home by providing therapeutic, stress-relieving benefits while targeting your skin concerns.” Anna shares three reasons why masks should be apart of our regular routine:

1) Masks are customizable for your skin- Regardless of your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive) there is a mask out there for you. Look for the formula that best suits your skin type and then pick one that will target your skin concern.  “Clay-based masks help to refine and are great for oily skin while gel and cream-based formulations nourish and hydrate normal to dry skin,” explains Anna.

2) Masks penetrate deep into skin’s pores for noticeable results- Leaving the treatment on for a prolonged period of time lets our skin fully absorb the antioxidants and nutrients found in the advanced formulas. According to Anna the results can be dramatic- “A mask feels great while it's on, but the best part is when you remove it- your skin looks and feels better.”

3) Masks offer a relaxing experience- Anna suggests trying to  “make a little time for yourself 1-3 times a week for 10 minutes. If you're finding it difficult to fit time in to apply a mask, combine masking with your favorite television show- apply mask during a commercial break, return to your show and remove during the next commercial break (10-15 minutes later). You're skin will thank you!”

Add one of these innovative masks to your routine:

Soothing Gel Mask

Refining Mask

Restorative Mask

Cyto-luxe Mask

Stemming from Nature, Rooted in Science

glo therapeutics skin care products emphasize the importance of using innovative technology and cutting-edge science to clinically transform the skin. Our Cyto-luxe Serum smooths the appearance of wrinkles by promoting collagen, supporting skin, and softening expression lines using advanced anti-aging science.

SYN® -AKE A tripeptide that mimics the effects of a peptide found in snake venom. It inhibits muscle contractions, providing an anti-wrinkle effect.

MATRIXYL® synthe '6 Supports rebuilding of the skin from the inside while smoothing the appearance of wrinkles with collagen I,III, IV, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid.

Goji Instalift Forms a rigid lifting mesh that supports sagging and wrinkled skin while creating an immediate visible lifting effect.

PhytoStem Gardenia Delivers powerful antioxidants and cell regenerating molecules to the skin. Moisturizing phytosterols and polysaccharides protect the skin's extracellular matrix from degradation and help to stimulate collagen production to improve skin tone, elasticity and minimize wrinkles.

Ami Approved: One Month Bridal Countdown

Guest Post by gloProfessional’s National Educator, Ami Shvartzman.

You’re in the home stretch! As your wedding quickly approaches be sure to have a game plan when it comes to your bridal beauty. Here’s a quick checklist that covers all of your bridal beauty bases!

Double and Triple Check

The most important thing to do at this juncture is to confirm all beauty appointments and to set your “day- of” wedding beauty schedule. Let your hair and makeup team, as well as your bridal party, know exactly when and where to be. This will ensure that things run smoothly on your big day!

Get your glo on!

If you plan to apply a spray tan before your wedding, always set up a practice run to ensure you’ve picked the right color. This can help you avoid looking like Magda from There’s Something about Mary.

Get one last minute skin treatment! You should already have done your major exfoliations and treatments but there’s still time to hit up your local spa for a rejuvenating and relaxing facial. Be sure to book it far enough in advance to avoid any potential issues.

Is your skin acting up? It’s not too late to get your skin in shape! Purchase skin care products for home care use that will keep your complexion bright, exfoliated and hydrated.  I’d also recommend purchasing “just in case” products at this time like glo therapeutics Clear Anti-Blemish Treatment, Healing Gel and Spot Fix Treatment in case of a last minute breakout.

Remember to wear sunscreen! Nothing clashes with a pretty white dress (and makes your makeup artist’s life a little harder and ages the skin) more than a sunburn. Use Oil Free SPF 40+, Protecting Powder SPF 30 and SPF 40 Facial Moisturizer in your regular routine. If sunburn does occur, use a cooling, soothing and healing product like glo therapeutics Soothing Gel Mask or Remedy Gel.

Brighten that Bite

Feeling like your teeth could be a bit brighter? Now is the time to try out that new whitening toothpaste or an at home whitening kit.

Manage your Mane

Smooth, silky luxurious hair should be a focus at this time. My secret weapon? Reparative Keratin Leave In Treatment!

Also, be sure to bring your veil to your hair stylist so she can try out several options with the veil. While you’re there, ask your stylist to show you fun and easy looks for the honeymoon as well! Easy bohemian braids are all the rage and glo essentials’ Texture Spray gives gorgeous, beachy waves with minimal work!

Makeup Mania

Time for that trial run! Having a beauty rehearsal to try out your complete makeup look is essential.  Schedule your trial run for an event like your bachelorette party. That way you can test the way the makeup wears and looks in photos.

Be sure to do the following before your trial run:

- Exfoliate with your favorite facial scrub and hydrate well! Try using an exfoliant like glotherapeutics’ Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub for a brighter complexion.

- Bring a photo of the dress to help bring the full look together.

-Take a photo at the end of the consulate, not only to boost your instagram viewership, but to better help your makeup artist (or yourself) replicate the look later on.

If you plan to do your own makeup, now is the time to have a beauty rehearsal by yourself!  Purchase the products you need NOW so you can practice, practice, practice!

Remember, using a mineral makeup line like glo minerals, that is healthy for your skin, will ensure that you’re protected with vitamins A, C, E, Green Tea Extract, Broad Spectrum UV protection and it will last all day!

Lash Out

If you’re wanting to try Eyelash extensions (a hot trend for the big day), now is a great time to find a look that’s best for your bridal style. Remember that all glo minerals’ mascaras are water soluble and are very gentle for delicate lash extensions. I recommend glominerals’ Lash Lengthening Mascara which is very gentle and will enhance the look of lash extensions.

Health Kick

Keep up that great healthy eating and exercising schedule. You want to fuel your body and brain in the last stretch so feed your skin from the inside out with fruits and veggies loaded with antioxidants.

Nailed it

Start prepping for great nails at this point. Try out several looks because everyone will be staring at your hands. It’s also quite common to have hand photos taken to show off that beautiful ring! Prep cuticles with a great emollient ointment like glo therapeutics Barrier Balm.

You’ll most likely be receiving a lot of boxes and letters at this time but avoid using your nails to open them which can cause damage!

Whew! I know that is a lot to think about but you’ll thank yourself later for being prepared!

Bridal Beauty: Mother of the Bride Makeup

As Mother of the Bride, your duties on the day of the wedding can range from helping set up decorations and directing vendors to reciting a poem during the ceremony. With all of the activities and excitement that may come your way you will want your makeup to hold up! Kate McCarthy recommends creating a look that emphasizes your natural beauty while highlighting your favorite features.

Kate created this stunning look on future Mother of the Bride, Kristin (also our International Educator), whose daughter will walk down the aisle in the fall. She used Loose Base to deliver full coverage with a slight dewy glow and added a subtle pop of color to her lips to keep the look fun and festive. Here’s a list of all of the products used to create this look:

Loose Base

Blush in rosebud

Precise Micro Eyeliner in navy

Eye Shadow Trio in napoli  

Water Resistant Mascara

Precise Micro Lipliner in delilah

Gloss in blushing

Read more wedding makeup tips here:

Bridal Beauty: Bridesmaid Makeup

Bridal Beauty: Wedding Guest Makeup 

Beauty in Bloom: Blush Duo in Petunia

Are you planting petunias in your garden this year? We suggest adding Blush Duo in petunia to your beauty bag as well! 

Bridal Beauty: Bridesmaid Makeup

Often times bridesmaids’ choices are fairly limited when it comes to picking a dress, shoes or hairstyle. While sometimes the attire isn’t what we would pick ourselves, it’s always important to be gracious to the bride and respectful and considerate of her feelings. If the bride does give you freedom when it comes to your beauty routine we have several tips to help you navigate through your bridesmaid makeup options.

Our National Makeup Artist, Kate, recommends picking a look that is natural and pretty while staying in tune with the color of your dress and the overall theme of the wedding. Kate created a versatile look that is both fresh and elegant on our model Kaitlyn. You can recreate this look using the following products:

Protective Liquid Foundation - Satin II

Bronze in sunkiss

Precise Micro Eyeliner in black

Eye Shadow in mink, opal, orchid, lilac

Precise Micro Lipliner in pale magenta

Lipstick in bella

Bridesmaid Makeup Dos and Don’ts

DO practice before the big day. If you are doing your own makeup be sure to take pictures of yourself to verify your choices translate on camera.

DON’T use this as the time to try any new popular trends. You want to keep the look timeless and classic.

DO apply a bit more foundation than usual. With all of your duties you won’t have much time for touch ups and you’ll be taking lots of photos so start the day well prepared.

DON’T forget the Water Resistant Mascara! Your best friend is getting married so the water works are sure to start!

Also read our tips for wedding guests: 
Bridal Beauty: Wedding Guest Makeup
Bridal Beauty: Mother of the Bride Makeup

Q&A with Kate McCarthy: Met Gala Standouts

Hi Kate: The red carpet from last week’s Met Gala was full of dramatic looks! Which look was your personal favorite?

Kate: WOW! Every year I get so excited to see the theme of the Met Gala. This years punk theme has been my favorite so far! Punk is a trend/lifestyle you can take in so many different directions.

My favorites this year were Nicole Richie, Miley Cyrus, and Florence Welch! Paloma Faith was also in the running… in fact, I think she may have schooled everyone in all that is punk!  Remember, punk is about being yourself and wearing your emotions on your sleeve! Translate this look into something wearable by choosing either a dark eye or lip and embrace it! Don’t be afraid of what others may think! I love combining Lipstick in bordeaux  with Eye Shadow in eggplant and a little sable for a dark, moody lip that grabs attention!

Six Bridal Beauty Essentials

“The key to avoiding wedding day beauty emergencies is planning ahead” explains the bridal beauty experts from the Knot.com. We couldn’t agree more! Be sure to pack these six beauty essentials in a small makeup bag that can be easily accessed in between the ceremony, pictures and the reception:

1. Water Resistant Mascara - It’s natural to get a little emotional on your wedding day so it’s best to be prepared. With Water Resistant Mascara you can feel free to shed a few tears during your vows or the maid of honor’s speech without looking streaky.

2. Moist Hydration Mist - The perfect pick me up after a ceremony in the sun or a dance marathon, Moist Hydration mist is a must-have to feel refreshed and renewed.

3. Extra Lip Product - Whether you pick a nude or a red lip remember to keep an extra lip color handy to avoid fading throughout the day.

4. Radiant Fix Hairspray - Avoid unruly frizz and flyaways by keeping Radiant Fix Hairspray available for quick hair touch ups.  

5. Luxury Hand Cream - Between holding hands with your new hubby, carrying your bouquet and shaking hands with guests at your reception- your hands can go through a lot on your wedding day! Keep them soft and moisturized with Luxury Hand Cream.

6. Protecting Powder SPF 30- If you’re planning on an outside ceremony or photo session

don’t forget to apply SPF throughout the day!

Bridal Beauty: Wedding Guest Makeup

Attending a wedding as a guest can be a lot of fun- you get to witness a couple profess their love, eat a great meal and dance the night away! As June quickly approaches, you probably have at least one wedding you are planning to attend. The options for wedding guest attire and beauty are pretty wide open and you have several different options to consider when getting ready. Here’s our guide to perfect wedding guest makeup that will ensure you look your best and have a great time!

Kate McCarthy put together this simple yet pretty look for Anna on our Marketing team that is perfect for a casual summer wedding. The key to this look is creating a flawless complexion that will last from the ceremony to the dance floor.  She adds a fun pop of color to her lips which would look great with a pretty floral dress! Here are the products Kate used on Anna:

Pressed Base applied with the Finishing Sponge for full coverage

Eye Shadow Trio in coffee

Blush in sweet

Precise Micro Lipliner in ambrosia rose

Sheer Lipstick in tahiti

Wedding Guest Makeup Dos and Don'ts

DO consider the timing of the wedding. If it’s a daytime wedding it might not be appropriate to wear a dark smoky eye or bold red lip. Save the darker more dramatic colors for a formal evening wedding.

DON’T overshadow the bride. It’s never polite to pull attention away from the bride with a dramatic look (this applies to makeup and attire- NO WHITE!).

DO keep look fresh. You never know when the photographer is going to snap some candid photos of the guests cutting loose on the dance floor so be sure to touch up your lip color as often as necessary.

DON’T forget the SPF! If the wedding is outside don’t forget to apply the SPF. We love Protecting Powder SPF 30 for special occasions spent in the sun.

Also read our tips for bridesmaids: 

Bridal Beauty: Bridesmaid Makeup

Bridal Beauty: Mother of the Bride Makeup

Love Blush in hibiscus? Try Blush Duo in terra cotta!

We love our loyal glo fans for many reasons including how passionate you are about your favorite glo products. In celebration of your dedication and devotion, we have put together some product pairs to help you expand your glo horizons. In the coming weeks we’ll be suggesting new products to try based on some of our top-sellers. They’ll be similar in use to the paired top-seller but different enough to add a little something extra to your look! Maybe one of these products will become a new go-to in your beauty routine!

Blush in hibiscus has long been a top selling blush with it’s universally flattering rosy shade. If it’s one of your go-to blushes we also think you will love Blush Duo in terra cotta. This duo contains two shades that can blend together to to contour and define your cheekbones! The colors are in the same family as Blush in hibiscus which will give you the perfect amount of color while still looking natural and fresh!