Photo by Helga Weber via Flickr

Acne

What is it? Acne is a condition caused when sebum, an oil produced by the skin, gets clogged in the skin’s pores, causing dead skin cells and bacteria to accumulate in the area. A pimple develops as a result of inflammation from this excess buildup and can be aggravated by stress, friction from leaning on or rubbing skin and pressure from clothing, hair or glasses.

How to treat it: Try over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid, which dries up pimples, or benzoyl peroxide, which decreases acne-causing bacteria. Make sure to switch between products every two to three months to maintain effectiveness. If OTC treatments don’t work after eight weeks, consult a dermatologist, who may prescribe medication or antibiotics to help control acne.

Prevention:

• Wash your face twice a day, but don’t overdo it—you might end up irritating the skin. Rather than scrubbing, gently massage your face with warm water and mild soap. Afterwards, apply lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide to decrease bacteria buildup.
• Avoid touching your face with your fingers or items that tend to collect skin oils, such as your cell phone.
• Change your pillowcase often to avoid the oils from your skin and hair that rub onto the pillowcase. Also, make sure to remove your makeup, which probably has many preservatives in it, before going to bed.
• Hair products like conditioner and hair gel contain ingredients that can also contribute to clogged pores. Try to keep your hair away from your face by tying your hair back or wearing a headband.
• Never pop a pimple—doing so only drives bacteria further into the skin, creating scars. Use skincare products that are oil-free or “non-comedogenic” (meaning they won’t clog pores).
• Sun exposure can irritate skin and make acne worse, so apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily, even in cloudy weather. Use a sunscreen that provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays, usually labeled “broad-spectrum protection,” and is non-comedogenic.

Heavy Sweating

What is it? Excess sweating occurs in many places on the body, not just under the arms. Perspiration glands are especially active during adolescence, and, what’s more, they begin secreting chemicals into the sweat that can cause a stronger odor once puberty starts. Body odor occurs when sweat mingles with bacteria on the skin.

How to treat it: Try an antiperspirant to reduce sweating. Whichever product you use, follow its directions carefully. If over-the-counter antiperspirants aren’t effective enough, speak to a doctor.

Prevention:

• Make sure to shower daily with mild soap and dry yourself completely after, especially in the armpit area.
• Wear clean clothes. If you sweat a lot during workouts, wash your gym clothes after each session before wearing them again.
• Let your shoes dry out between wearings and alternate between pairs. If your shoes get smelly, leave them out in the sun for a day to kill bacteria.
• Wear clothes with natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, to absorb sweat.
• To address greater concern about underarm stains, buy underarm shields or dress shields in the lingerie section of your local department store. These are pads that attach to the armpits underneath your clothing, which soak up sweat.

Dry Skin

What is it? Dry skin may be itchy and occurs when the skin sheds cells excessively, resulting in a rough, scaly appearance. Common dry areas include the hands, legs, the soles of the feet and the abdomen. Your skin might be drier during the winter, when humidity is low and the heater is on at full blast indoors.

How to treat it: Use a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and glycerine—these all help the skin retain water. In addition, petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, and mineral oil can be massaged into the skin after a bath. If your skin itches, place a cool compress on the trouble spot and, if necessary, talk to your doctor about creams you can use for relief.

Prevention:

• Stay hydrated—drink lots of water.
• Limit your baths or showers to around 10 minutes and use warm water instead of very hot water, which can strip your skin of moisture. While in the shower, use a mild soap-free cleanser on your skin and then apply moisturizer after.
• Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 to help your skin lock in natural oils. These foods include salmon, sardines, walnuts and flaxseed.

Disclaimer: The advice above is given only as a general guideline and is not meant to replace the guidance of a doctor or dermatologist.

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The Day Before

Focus on skin care and a healthy diet—with fatigued skin, you can instantly lose your radiance, so skin care is essential to your beautiful regimen. In addition to your regular routine, we recommend DIY masks, such as a green tea facial for a lovely radiant complexion. Extra perk: you can usually find all the ingredients in your kitchen pantry.

As for your diet, make sure to eat tons of fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, which helps clear pimples; grapefruit, which is rich in Vitamin C and reduces wrinkles; and sweet potatoes, which are rich in antioxidants and help rejuvenate skin. Steer clear of any oily, fried or junk foods as they may cause breakouts and make you feel sluggish and bloated the next day. Most importantly, remember to drink ample water, as it’s the most effective way of flushing out toxins and keeping your skin hydrated and glowing.

The Big Day

Courtesy Shuuemura-usa.com, Sephora.com and Stilacosmetics.com

Eyes. Keep them looking simple and bright. Apply a neutral shimmer eye shadow all over your lid. Follow by curling your eyelashes with Shu Uemura’s esteemed eyelash curler and then liberally apply mascara like Bare Escentuals Buxom lash mascara. This will open up your eyes and give them an instant twinkle. Stila’s Eyeshadow in Kitten is a universal shimmer that works well on all skin tones.

Courtesy Sephora.com

Cheeks. You want your skin to glow with radiance. Apply a shimmery peach blush on the apples of your cheeks for the perfect sparkle. The warm color will highlight your skin tone. Try Benefit’s Georgia powder for a sweet, silky finish.

Courtesy Sephora.com

Lips. Pick your favorite pink lip gloss and glide it on. You want your lips to look soft and kissable. We love Tarte’s Double Dose lip gloss because it contains the antioxidant-rich acai berry and smells minty fresh.

Finally, spritz on a bit of fragrance, like Daisy by Marc Jacobs or Vera Wang Princess, for a sweet scent and you’re good to go.

Follow these simple beauty tips to make your eyes glow, your cheeks radiant and your lips glisten. Remember, at the end of the day, beauty comes from within, so it’s most important to let your true colors shine. In the wise words of beauty icon Audrey Hepburn, “happiest girls are the prettiest girls.”

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This time of the year, thicker balms and butters are in – they will last longer and act as a shield against freezing temperatures. You should also look for rich, natural ingredients, such as shea and coconut butter, but be wary of products like petroleum that may dry your skin out even more.

The top scents to hit the shelves include dreamy vanilla notes and warm woody scents. Think of a luscious soufflé over a blazing fire—this year is when mellow and earthy meets sugary sweet. Here are some of the most sumptuous creams on the market that will keep your skin soft, smooth, and smelling delicious.

Vanilla

Who doesn’t love the warm, fragrant aroma of cookies in the oven?  For that sweet, reminiscent smell of baked goods, make sure to pick up Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Cream from Bath and Body Works ($12.00)—now it’s possible to indulge without the risk of packing on extra calories. For something more refined, pure bliss is bottled in Vanilla Blanc Body Cream at Crabtree and Evelyn ($14.50), with creamy vanilla combined with a touch of fragrant jasmine. On the other side of the spectrum is Vanilla Noir Body Lotion ($12.00), the latest addition to the Bath and Body Works collection. This is a deeper, sultrier take on the classic scent, blending dark vanilla bean, black amber, and spices—perfect for that late night get-together.

Firewood

The nostalgic, fragrant crackle of an open flame can now be yours in a bottle. Nothing is more comforting than the liquid warmth of these fireplace-inspired scents after a cold day of hitting the slopes. Many moisturizers have recreated the warmth of wood through the use of amber, so you get all the luxurious scent and feel of a fire without smelling like a log. For a straight up shot of amber in a tub, look for Warm Amber Body Butter from the Body Shop ($20.00)—thick, comforting, and oh-so-luxurious. If you’re looking for a more subtle, flowery version of the scent, try Sensual Amber Body Cream from Bath and Body Works ($12.00), which combines golden amber with lotus, plum and sandalwood.

And who needs a real fireplace with the fabulous wood diffusers on the market anyway? For that extra crackle for your room, diffusers simulate the scent of a fireplace without the hassle of the real thing. Try the Firewood ($26.00, Bath and Body Works), or Hearth ($34.50, Crabtree and Evelyn).

Keeping your skin soft and supple has never been easier. Simply get ready to say hello to freezing, drying weather without compromising your skin’s softness, all with a hint of this season’s smash scents!

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School is now in session and it’s time to look your best!  Here are a few tips on looking ultra chic and feminine for the new year.

SKIN

A new school year is a fresh start, so revitalize your skin with Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar ($18) at Sephora. With one use, it gently exfoliates, hydrates and protects your skin, leaving you with a healthy glow. Also, spray some of Anna Sui’s Dolly Girl ($38) for an innocent but flirty scent of jasmine, cinnamon, musk and magnolia.

EYES

There is a great range of eye shapes and sizes amongst Asians, but we have come up with two ways to make any eye twinkle. Apply a glittery white eye pencil such as Shu Uemura’s Drawing Pencil in Me White ($18) or Anastasia’s Eye Lights Shimmer in Sand Shimmer ($21) at the inner corners of your eyes and along the bottom to brighten up your look. To make your eyes appear bigger, outline your upper eyelids with Clinique’s Crème Shaper for Eyes in Starry Plum ($15), Dior’s Crayon Eyeliner in Precious Violet ($25), or Smashbox’s Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Navy Blue ($22)

EYEBROWS

If you aren’t a fan of tedious plucking and shaping, give yourself a young and natural look by keeping thicker eyebrows. But make sure you let it grow neatly by using some friendly tweezers such as Tweezerman ($20) from Sephora or get them threaded ($15-40) at a salon. Although shaving your eyebrows seems like an easier and quicker alternative, they will look messy within a week.

CHEEKS

Don’t let your sun-kissed glow fade away with the summer! Keep your skin looking healthy by applying these sweet colored blushes. Try Bobbi Brown’s Stonewashed Pink Cream Blush ($22), Nar’s Blush in Torrid ($25), or Benefit’s Sheer Cream Blusher in Hush! ($18) for a dewy finish.

LIPS

Say good-bye to bold red lipstick and say hello to natural lip color! Urban Decay’s Envious Lip Stain ($17), M.A.C.’s Viva Glam Lipstick V ($14), Cover Girl’s Continuous Color Lipstick in Almost Nude ($6), or Nar’s Lipstick in Morocco ($24) will leave your lips looking velvety and feeling soft. Don’t forget to protect and give your lips a tingling sensation with Burt’s Bees Beewax Lip Balm ($3)!

HAIR CARE

The warm, toasty sunshine may have damaged your hair over the summer, so bring back the lustrous shine to your hair with silk amino acid-packed Redken’s All Soft Shampoo ($10) or Kerastase’s Bain de Force ($30).

HAIR STYLE

Try a framing your face in a different way and let your bangs grow long. Part it to the side and tie a low pony tail. Before you tie your hair, give it a light wave for a gentler look or simply keep it straight for a more sophisticated feel.

NAILS

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t sport rich, summery colors. Adorn your nails with an energetic shade like Sephora’s Orange nail polish ($2), Maybelline’s Seashore Darling ($3), OPI’s Los Cabos Coral ($13), or Chanel’s Nail Color in Paparazzi ($20).

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