oil

Great Skin, No Sweat

June 19, 2012 at 10:33 am
By April Franzino

A few quick tricks can keep your skin glowing and blemish-free-- during and after sweat sessions.

As a Pilates instructor, tennis player and founder of the skincare line Stages of Beauty, Jasmina Aganovic has a few tricks up her sleeve for keeping skin in top shape, both in the gym and out.

• Stay toned. Pack toner-soaked cotton balls in your gym bag and swipe over your face for a quick purifying cleanse.
• Take cover. You may be indoors, but UV rays can reflect off of metal and glass surfaces in the gym, causing skin damage. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above both before and after workouts.
• Hands off. Don’t touch your face with your sweaty hands during your session—body heat opens your pores, making skin apt to absorb bacteria and clogging dirt and oil. Wipe down any mats before touching them or bring a towel to lie down before you begin.
• Double up. Apply an exfoliator or mask all over your face before you step in the shower, then rub in and rinse before getting out: The treatment ingredients will work while you wash, and the steam enhances penetration.

Sun Protection For Blemish-Prone Skin

April 10, 2012 at 10:23 am
By April Franzino

Peter Thomas Roth Oily Problem Skin Instant Mineral SPF 30

Spring has sprung— but as the temperatures rise, our complexions start feeling the heat. We thought layering on more makeup or frequent blotting were the only options to counter shine and sweat, but not anymore. Enter the oil-controlling, acne-fighting and SPF-depositing powers of Peter Thomas Roth Oily Problem Skin Instant Mineral SPF 30. Salicylic Acid and willow bark absorb oil and eradicate blackhead-causing bacteria, while titanium dioxide protects from UVA and UVB rays. A stable of antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) also work to stave off and undo sun damage and nourish skin. Best of all: The convenient, no-spill brush dispenser makes mid-day touch-ups— even over makeup— a breeze.

—By Alana Peden, contributing blogger

Favorite Find Friday: Lierac Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil For Face, Body & Hair

October 21, 2011 at 12:02 pm
By April Franzino

To many people, oil in beauty products is the enemy— but for those with dry skin and hair, the slippery stuff can be a saving grace. Our latest oil obsession is Lierac Paris Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil for Face, Body & Hair, a blend of argan, sweet almond, and grape seed oils with the light, creamy scent of jasmine, camellia, and gardenia extracts. We smooth it on rough patches on our face and body, pump a few drops into the bath, and run a bit through the parched ends of our hair for instant, lasting hydration and nourishment. Using the luxe oil in its gorgeous glass bottle just makes us feel fancy!

Tell us: Are you a fan of beauty oils? If so, what’s your favorite?

Favorite Find Friday: Kiehl’s Limited Edition Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

April 22, 2011 at 10:51 am
By April Franzino

In honor of Earth Day (but extending through the summer), 100 percent of the net proceeds from Kiehl’s Limited Edition Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque ($23) will benefit Waterkeeper Alliance, a charity dedicated to protecting Earth’s water sources. The tubs are decked out in gorgeous labels specially designed by the actors Chloë Sevigny and Michael C. Hall (we’re partial to Michael’s stained glass-esque artwork), and the mask itself contains white clay to purify, oat kernel flour to absorb oil, and aloe to soothe. Do a good deed, get great skin!