Fall: Make your Makeup Pop with Primetime's New Leading Ladies

The fall television season is in full swing, and we are loving the gorgeous looks of the leading ladies in  ABC’s Pan Am and NBC’s The Playboy Club.  Steal the oh-so-irresistible looks pulled straight from America's past for a touch of retro-inspired glam.

The Playboy Club’s Carol-Lynn (Laura Benanti) is the cunning and beautiful Bunny Mother who supervises all of the younger women without losing a bit of her signature sultriness.

Get the Look

Wine-Stained Lips: glo minerals Lipstick in Cabaret, Vixen, Siren

Jet-black Lashes: Lash-Lengthening Mascara in Black

Winged-Eyeliner: Liquid Eyeliner in Coal

Smoky Lids: Smoky Eye Kit, Metallic Smoky Eye Kit.

Maggie Ryan (Christina Ricci) Jumps on board Pan Am to fulfill her thirst for exotic places, fascinating people, and opportunity. Although she may appear naive, don’t be fooled by her sweet exterior.

Get the Look

Petal-Perfect Lips: Sheer Lipstick in  Aruba, Bora Bora, Capri

Natural Lashes: Brown Volumizing Mascara

Flawless Skin: Pressed Base, Highlighter

Engaging Eyes: Eyeshadow Trio, Napoli

Fall: Revamping your Skincare Routine

Lip Ritual (above) keeps lips lovely even when cold, dry weather comes.

As we all know, the color of the leaves is not the only thing that changes during September. Weather shifts often mean skin shifts since environment has a significant influence on our skin’s needs. That means the cleanser you loved during the summer might not be as effective once colder temperatures roll around. So here are some things to keep in mind to keep your skin glo-ing all year long.

Rethink your Skin Type

Before you begin to revamp your skincare routine, take stock of your skin’s current needs. Those with oily skin during the summer might notice smaller pores, and those with normal skin might notice flakes and tightness. This is because warmer temps cause your skin to increase oil production which subsides as the heat does.

Adjust your Cleanser

After you determine what type of products you should use, consider adjusting your cleanser. While oil-absorbing cleansers are a must during the heat, they can be too drying during the cold. You may want to try Conditioning Milk Cleanser or glo's new Hydrating Gel Cleanser which are full of conditioning and antioxidant ingredients.

Moisturize Daily

This is a time when moisturizing your skin daily is more important than ever because your skin’s natural protection (think natural oils) are in short supply.

Switch to a Richer Moisturizer

Speaking of moisture, think about switching from your summer lotion to something richer like Restorative Cream or Moisture Rich Cream (for very dry skin types). Rich creams are typically thicker in consistency and are infused with oil, which means they provide more protection for skin in dry climates.

Protect your Lips

No one likes the look and feel of chapped lips and though licking them is a natural instinct, it actually makes them dryer. So invest in a new lip balm like Lip Ritual. It’s full of pure essential oils like peppermint, clove, and thyme to keep your lips supple and smooth.

Continue to use Sun Protection

Just because you’ve switched from sundresses to sweaters does not mean the sun has stopped shining. UVA and UVB rays still have their sights set on your skin so make Daily Defense SPF30+ a staple. 

Top Ten Skin Sins Recap

In case you missed it, here's a list of our Top Ten Skin Sins in recognition of National Skincare Awareness Month 

1. Tanning
2. Forgetting to clean your cell phone
3. Using the wrong skincare products
4. Using dirty applicators
5. Not getting enough sleep/exercise
6. Not wearing sunscreen everyday 
7. Picking at your blemishes
8. Indulging in your favorite vices 
9. Ignoring your Neck, Chest, and Shoulders
10. Dehydration

Top Ten Skin Sins: Dehydration

Everyone has experienced the drag of dehydration at some point; the headaches, dry mouth, irritability, and even dizziness that comes after long periods of intense physical activity, or a bout with a bug. It makes you feel bad, but when pro-longed, it can make you look bad as well.

Approximately two-thirds of your body weight is water, so when you’re dehydrated, that means this ratio has become imbalanced, or the fluids you lost throughout the day have not been adequately replenished. If mild, for example say you forgot to bring your water bottle to a workout session, you’ll feel thirsty. But if moderate to severe, you’ll begin to experience flu-like symptoms like loss of appetite, and the deficiency will begin to manifest in your appearance.

On the surface, dehydration can lead to dry, flaky skin, itchiness, cracked lips, fine-lines, brittle nails, and dull hair. Older adults are more prone tothese effects, yet they can occur in anyone who has a water-deficiency or engages in activities that remove moisture from the skin. Take, for example, healthcare professionals, and beauticians. Both must constantly use oil-absorbing, anti-bacterial soaps that breakdown the skin’s natural barriers and dry it out, which stresses the importance of emollients.

Emollients, also known as moisturizers, are products that increase the skin’s ability to hold water by creating a protective barrier When used regularly, they effectively treat dry skin, but there is always more you can do like making sure you:

• Drink two to four quarts of water every 24 hours. One quart = 32 ounces or four eight ounce cups of water.
• Never ignore your body’s thirst mechanism. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already mildly dehydrated.
• Use a humidifier in dry environments.
• Avoid very hot water when bathing which can dehydrate you.
• Limit hot showers to 5-10 minutes.
• Moisturize immediately after wetting the skin and throughout the day as needed.

Pick a glo therapeutics moisturizer that fits your skin's needs: 

• For mildly dry skin: Conditioning Hydration Cream, B5 Hydration 
• For mild to moderately dry skin: Conditioning Restorative Cream, Cyto-luxe Cream
• For moderate to severely dry skin: Advanced B5 Hydration, Barrier Balm  
• For your lips: Mint Balm or Lip Ritual

Top Ten Skin Sins: Ignoring your Neck, Chest, and Shoulders

When it comes to skincare, many women focus on putting their best face forward, that is, cleansing, toning and moisturizing daily and treating skin concerns. Unfortunately the jaw line is often where the TLC ends. But since the skin along your neck, chest, and shoulders is just as thin as the skin on your face, it is vulnerable to the same hazards (ahem, sun damage), and deserves the same attention. So when boosting your body skincare regimen beyond the requisite bar of soap, keep these goals in mind:

Preventing Sun Damage

As you enjoy these last days of summer, remember that warm weather fashions are cut to flaunt the skin, not conceal it, meaning your chest, neck, and shoulders are often left defenseless against the sun. So in order to keep these areas freckle, age-spot, and burn free, always apply an adequate amount of sunscreen before heading out. And don’t worry about clogging your pores or having your skin appear oily: glo therapeutics Protecting Powder SPF 30 provides dust-on protection.

Removing Impurities

Blemishes can crop up anywhere on the body where skin becomes irritated from contact with rough surfaces such as clothing. For example, ever notice how your collarbone or wrists might itch after trying on a wool sweater? Add this to the fact that fabric traps sweat and oil to the body and you’ll understand how body breakouts can come about. As a result, extend the use of your Purifying Gel Cleanser down to your neck and décolleté for blemish-free pores.

Building Collagen

Collagen is a protein-based connective tissue that supports the various layers of skin. As we age, it begins to breakdown causing the skin to lose its firmness. While we like to think sagging skin is limited to the eyes it chin, it extends to every area of the body. So for a truly youthful appearance, find ways to add antioxidants to your skin like Vitamin C Serum, to increase collagen production. 

Top Ten Skin Sins: Indulging in your Favorite Vices

Know the truth about what indulging in your favorite vice can do to the health and beauty of your skin and fight damage now with nourishing products like 15% Vitamin C and B5 Hydration - featured in the Skin Revitalizing Starter Kit pictured above. 

Tobacco

Although a cigarette weighs less than two grams, it contains more than 4,000 chemicals including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, cyanide, nitric oxide, acetone, ammonia, lead, mercury, and tar. When inhaled, this combination of toxins negatively impacts every organ system on a cellular level including the skin which is the body’s largest organ. More specifically, cigarettes:

• Constrict blood vessels, which deprive the skin of oxygen, vitamins, and nutrients resulting in a dull complexion.
• Trigger the destruction of connective tissue including collagen and elastin
• Alter the pigmentation of hands, fingers, and nails
• Increase the probability of developing age spots
• Increase the risk of developing psoriasis
• Create premature wrinkles around the mouth also known as a “smoker’s pucker”
• Create premature wrinkles around the eyes also known as a “smoker’s squint”

Alcohol

Alcohol also affects every tissue of the body as it is a small molecule capable of dissolving in both water and lipids. Alcohol is also a diuretic meaning it prevents the kidneys from absorbing water leading to dehydration. Also a result, alcohol can:

• Exacerbate underlying skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema
• Increase the probability of developing psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema
• Remove moisture from the skin making it appear thin, broken, and creased

Counteractive MeasuresTo combat the affects of alcohol and tobacco

• Focus on replenishing important antioxidants like vitamins C and E with a topical retinoid
• 7.5% Vitamin C Eye Gel 
• 10% Vitamin C
• 15% Vitamin C
• Use skincare products with collagen-building properties
• Vita E Essential Cream 
• Cyto-Luxe Cream 
• Restore moisture by drinking plenty of water and using serums/creams with hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin B
• B5 Hydration 
• Advanced B5 Hydration
• Barrier Balm 
• Brighten your complexion by removing dry, dead, skin with a mild exfoliant 
• Brightening Polish 
• Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub 

Top Ten Skin Sins: Picking at your Blemishes

No one likes waking up to a zit; and now that it’s common for acne to persist decades beyond the teenage years, it seems like more of us are. So what’s your first instinct when confronted with a white or black-headed monster? Well if you’re like most women, it’s to take matters into your own hands and pop it.

Even though most of us know better, picking at our blemishes is a popular method of treating acne because of its immediate results. Because truth, be told, who wants to wait around for days for a treatment to take effect when the date/event/presentation is only hours away? Well if you understood picking’s possible effects—and valued the long-term appearance of your skin—it would be clear that waiting is the best option.

Acne is the result of oil, bacteria, and dead cells becoming trapped within the skin’s pores. Overtime, this accumulation of buildup causes whiteheads, blackheads, papules (raised areas of skin), postules (pimples), cysts, and nodules. Nodules are the most difficult to treat because they are dense lesions located deep within the skin. For that reason, if you were to place pressure on these sensitive areas, you risk:

• Spreading the infection deeper within the skin’s tissue, which could lead to more breakouts
• Rupturing blood vessels, which could lead to bruising
• Damaging your skin’s cells, which could lead to scarring.

So how do you effectively banish breakouts without harming the integrity of your skin?

• Reduce the breakout’s size by applying a topical ointment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as soon as possible
• Spot Fix Blemish Treatment
• Adjust your skincare regimen to focus on treating blemishes
• Clear Acne Cleanser
• Clear Anti-Blemish Treatment
• Clear Refining Mask
• Clear Complexion Pads 
• Learn how to camouflage acne to preserve your skin’s appearance as it heals
• Corrective Camouflage Kit 
• Coverz-it Stick 
• Redness Relief Powder 
• Visit an aesthetician or dermatologist who can perform an extraction should your blemishes persist. 

Top Ten Skin Sins: Not Wearing Sunscreen Everyday

glo minerals Protecting Powder SPF 30

Sunscreen is a staple in any beach bag, but often gets left there once the seasons change, which is a disservice to your skin. Because even though the likelihood of getting a sunburn decreases in cooler temps when skin is covered, areas of the body that are almost constantly exposed—think face, neck, and hands—are still at risk for sun damage. To understand the daily need for sunscreen, consider these facts*:

• Sunlight is composed of two types of damaging rays: Ultraviolet A (UVA), and Ultraviolet B (UVB). Both are considered carcinogens by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.   
• UVA rays are capable of passing through glass and inclement weather; accelerating visible signs of aging; and suppressing your body’s ability to combat the development of skin cancer.
• UVB rays cannot pass through glass, but are the primary cause of sunburn. Many studies have found a link between sunburns and risk for melanoma.

To decrease the possibility of permanently damaging your skin—and your health—wear a sunscreen every day that has these qualities:

• Broad-spectrum, meaning protects against UVA  and UVB rays 
• (Oil-Free SPF 40+) 
• A sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 
• (Daily Defense SPF 30+)
• Water-resistant (for swimming or intense perspiration).
• (Water-Resistant Facial SPF 45) 

Then, make sure you....

• Always apply sunscreen on dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors
• Use at least one ounce (approximately enough to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen per application
• Reapply every two hours
• Wear protective clothing whenever possible
• Don’t forget to neglect your  lips by using an SPF-containing lip balm like glo minerals Mint Balm 

*American Academy of Dermatology 

Top Ten Skin Sins: Not Getting Enough Sleep or Exercise

Many Americans are always on the move, but ironically, few of us are actually moving according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 35 percent of adults in 2009 reported getting regular exercise. This low statistic is cause for concern considering how vital frequent physical activity is to maintaining optimal health and, not to mention, optimal skin.

Contrary to popular belief, great skin starts from the inside out—not the outside in. So focus on your health and start by breaking a sweat. For adults 18 to 64-years-old, the CDC recommends at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise a week in addition to a few muscle-strengthening activities. If that sounds impossible to fit into your busy schedule, understand that moderate aerobic exercise can mean something as simple as taking a brisk walk or as fun as a dance class—not necessarily braving the gym.

How does exercise help your skin? It increases blood circulation. The more you move, the more your blood has a chance to transport oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, which means a more luminous appearance.

Sleep:

Another thing Americans don’t seem to be getting enough of is sleep. In their 2010 Bedroom Poll, The National Sleep Foundation found that only 42 percent of respondents reported getting a good night’s sleep almost every night. As for the rest, they reported squeezing in a refreshing rest only a few times per week, to a few times per month, and for some, almost never. As a result, many Americans are not feeling or looking their best.

Sleep promotes cell turnover, which is when dry, UV-damaged, skin cells are replaced with fresh ones. Furthermore, it allows skincare products that contain vitamins and retinoids to perform at their best since sunlight can reduce their potency.

What These Two Have in Common:

Both adequate exercise and sleep promote healthy skin in their own way, but what they have in common is that they reduce another skincare culprit—stress. Stress makes the skin more sensitive and reactive, meaning that preexisting conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and acne can become worse, or issues like dryness and irritation can crop up. To prevent these concerns, and   camouflage them should they occur, consider these tips:

• Always wear sunscreen when exercising outdoors during peak sun time (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.)
• After you wrap up your workout, quickly remove sweat to avoid acne mechanica or chaffing. Try Clear Complexion Pads for cleansing-on-the-go.
• Remember to get the most out of your night's rest with skin products packed with retinoids and vitamins
• Always find ways to incorporate stress-relief into skincare, like using a a scrub with calming lavender or a luxurious lotion.
• Only use makeup that nourishes and protects your skin - like glo minerals Pressed Base award-winning mineral makeup. 
• When you can't squeeze in all of the hours of sleep you need, look fresh with glo minerals Eye Revitalize and glo therapeutics Eye Restore!

Top Ten Skin Sins: Using Dirty Makeup Applicators

When it comes to makeup, most women focus on the finished product. Just as important are the tools used to create that flawless face which include makeup brushes and sponges. These tools are vitally important for expert makeup application but are often tossed in a bathroom drawer or squished at the bottom of a makeup bag where they can collect dust, debris, and worst of all—bacteria.

Some of the icky things that can be passed through contaminated cosmetics applicators include conjunctivitis (pinkeye), cold sores, and colds. When you share a friend’s mascara or a few pans of blush, you may be swapping more than just makeup tips. Microorganisms from eyes, noses, mouths, blemishes, and minor abrasions can be transferred as well, making you vulnerable to an infection or a breakout.

Even if you don't share cosmetics with anyone, you can still be at risk if you rarely clean your applicators or clean them improperly. So if you want to make sure you’re putting your best face forward, follow these tips and give your tools a little TLC.

General Tips

• Always wash your hands before applying makeup.
• Avoid sharing makeup applicators
• Store makeup applicators separately from makeup containers
• Know the shelf-life of your cosmetics to avoid cross-contamination
• Make sure moist and thick products like mascara, liquid foundation, and lip-gloss are closed properly after each use.
• Toss disposable applicators like eye-shadow sponges after each use. 
  
  

How to Clean your Makeup Brushes

• Clean your makeup brushes at least once a week or once a month depending on frequency of use, and the oiliness of your skin.
• When cleaning your makeup brushes, use warm water, and a gentle anti-bacterial soap or shampoo, and rinse the fibers until the water runs clear. For quick, easy, more frequent cleanliness, use glo minerals Brush Cleaner.
• After washing, hang wet makeup brushes by the handle to make sure that that they dry completely and that water does not enter the component.

Top Ten Skin Sins: Using the Wrong Skincare Products

To take great care of your skin, you need a basic understanding of its needs. So before you revamp your skincare regimen, Check out the skin types below to find where your skin fits. Knowing your skin type helps you choose the right skincare products, get the most out of those skincare products and avoid unknowingly exacerbating any underlying skin issues.

Normal Skin

• Less noticeable pores
• Smooth and even in texture
• Equal balance of oil and water
• Appears vibrant
•  Feels supple after cleansing

Look For: Products that focus on removing dirt and bacteria. (Purifying Gel Cleanser, Purifying Tonic)  

Avoid: Products that remove your skin's natural moisture. 

Dry Skin

•  Less noticeable pores
•  Rough or flaky in texture
• Diminished oil and water content
• Appears dull from dead skin buildup
•  Feels tight after cleansing or exposure to cold temperatures

Look For: Products with hydrating properties (Conditioning Milk Cleanser, Conditioning Tonic, Conditioning Hydration Cream, B5 Hydration) 

Avoid:  Products that strip your skin of its remaining moisture 

Oily Skin

• More pronounced pores
• Thick and uneven in texture
•  Excessive oil content
• Appears shiny, especially around the T-zone
•  Feels slick and greasy shortly after cleansing

Look for: Products with anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties (Clear Acne Cleanser, Clear Complexion Pads, Clear Anti-Blemish Treatment (during acne flare-ups only), Clear Refining Mask, Purifying Oil Control Emulsion)

Avoid: Oil-based products and heavy moisturizers. 

Combination Skin

• More pronounced pores on the nose, forehead, and chin
• Smooth and even in texture around the cheeks
•  Excessive oil content in some areas, dry or normal in others
• Appears shiny around the T-zone
• Can feel tight or supple in areas after cleansing

Look For: Products that deeply cleanse, combat acne, and preserve natural moisture (Purifying Gel Cleanser, Clear, Acne Cleanser, Purifying Tonic, Blotting Papers) 

Avoid: Oil-based products and heavy moisturizers. 

Sensitive Skin

• Less noticeable pores
• Smooth and even in texture
• Diminished oil and water content
•  Appears red from inflammation and irritation
• Can feel tight after cleansing
•  Prone to acne, rosacea, burning and stinging, and contact dermatitis

Look For: Products with natural anti-inflammatory properties (Hydrating Gel Cleanser, Redness Relief Powder.

Avoid: Products with added fragrance, and essential oils. 

Top Ten Skin Sins: Forgetting to Clean your Cell Phone

Now that digital technology is an essential of modern life, many people carry their cell phones with them at all-times for fear of missing an office update, family announcement, or the latest viral video. But despite the importance of these small, sleek devices, these same people often forget to clean them, which is bad news for your skin.

Consider how cell phones are a magnet for bacteria; they come into contact with a variety of surfaces on a daily basis and then are placed near your mouth causing heat, friction, and blocked pores. Overtime, these conditions create the perfect foundation for a breakout that is often attributed to other factors like hormones or stress.

So how can you tell if your cell phone is encroaching on your complexion? It’s simple; check the side of your face where you normally use your cell phone and look for signs of irritation along your ear, cheek, and jaw-line. In younger adults, it’s normal for irritation to take the form of blackheads and whiteheads, while cyst-like bumps are more common amongst the mature crowd.

To get rid of them, invest in products that contain salicylic acid, sodium chlorite, and antioxidants to effectively remove bacteria and oil from pores. And don’t forget to clean your cell phone with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide at least once a week! 

Product Recommendations:Clear Complexion Pads, Clear Anti-Blemish Cleanser, Clear Anti-Blemish Treatment 

National Skincare Awareness Month: Skincare Tips for your 40s and Beyond

Once you reach midlife and menopause, your estrogen levels are in steady decline. Estrogen is critical in maintaining the elasticity and moisture-retaining properties of skin. Also, oil production decreases, which leads to dryness.  

• Focus: Increasing hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 
• Key Ingredients: Retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, peptides, antioxidants.
• Product Recommendations: Conditioning Milk Cleanser, Renew Serum, Super Serum, 15% Vitamin C, Eye Restore, Barrier Balm, Oil-Free SPF 40+

National Skincare Awareness Month: Skincare Tips for your 30s

During your 30s, cell renewal begins to decline causing uneven texture, dullness, and fine lines. Environmental factors and life habits (smoking, tanning, etc.) begin to manifest.

• Focus: Increasing hydration, preventing wrinkles, avoiding environmental damage
• Key Ingredients: Water, antioxidants,
• Product Recommendations: Purifying Gel Cleanser, Conditioning Tonic, Brightening Serum, 10% Vitamin C,  Advanced B5 Hydration, Eye Restore,  Conditioning Restorative Mask, Oil-Free SPF 40+ 

National Skincare Awareness Month: Skincare Tips for your 20s

Your 20s are a time of rapid change that can cause stress. Stress triggers your body to release cortisol, which increases your skin’s oil production and leads to breakouts.

• Focus: Banishing blemishes, wrinkle prevention
•  Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, essential oils with antibacterial properties.
• Product Recommendations: Clear Acne Cleanser, Clear Anti-Blemish Cleanser, Purifying Tonic,  Oil-Free Moisturizer, Clear Refining Mask, Daily Defense SPF 30+ 

National Skincare Awareness Month: How to Create a Skincare Regimen

“Nature gives you the face you have at 20. Life shapes the face you have at 30. But at 50, you get the face you deserve,”—Coco Chanel.

September is National Skincare Awareness Month and Healthy Aging Month, which means it’s time to revamp your skincare regimen. While there are general guidelines everyone should follow, an effective regimen must be customized to your skin’s particular needs in order to achieve maximum results. Naturally, a vital factor in determining those needs is age, so be sure to check-in during the month to find where you fit and learn how to create a regimen that's simple and easy to remember. In the meantime, check out these timeless tips!

Timeless Tips

• Wash your face twice a day using your hands to remove excess oils, and makeup residue. Wash clothes and sponges are often too abrasive and can cause irritation.
• Exfoliate as needed to remove dead skill cells which increases your skin’s radiance and decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Follow up with a toner to purge pores, which makes them appear smaller.
• Apply a moisturizer with UV filters or a light oil-free sunscreen before heading outside
• Use specialty treatments like masks and serums to ensure refinement and the delivery of cell-enhancing ingredients.