We’ve heard it time and time again- when it comes to beauty products, choose oil-free. For those of us dealing with acne, this was more of a requirement than a request. So when the market suddenly flooded with oils claiming to not only moisturize our skin, but unclog pores, reduce redness and increase collagen production – we had to wonder. Compared to creams and lotions, which often use wax to retain moisture and protect against the elements, oils help to naturally nourish your skin’s outer layer without preventing moisture absorption. With the popularity of these products steadily increasing, it’s about time we checked some of them out. Whether you’re suffering from an uneven complexion or the effects of aging, you’re bound to find an oil that suits your skin type. Don’t forget to check out my OTY collection to see what other oils made my list.
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During the summer, our skincare concerns were focused on sun protection and decreasing shine. Now that it is almost winter, we have to reconsider the products we relied on before and address new skin issues that come from bitter winds and cold temperatures. To combat winter’s frost, I’ve rounded up the best moisturizers on the market. Don’t assume that one cream suits all skin types. Like any good product, these not only hydrate but address other common skin problems as well. Want more moisturizing ideas? See my Oh That’s You moisturizer collection.
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I’m not much of a makeup junkie, but when our OTY Beauty editor, Emily, tipped me off about Zuneta, I was actually psyched. For someone like me who tends to stick to the basics (foundation, blush, black liner) it was cool to be able to watch a tutorial video as I was shopping the products to learn how to wear them correctly. And even if you’re still not sure after that, head to their “Ask” section to submit your own personal beauty Q’s. Now that’s online shopping.

I spotted a few of my favorite brands (Korres, Malin + Goetz) right away along with a whole slew of newbies. This is definitely the place to go the next time you want to make a well-informed beauty splurge.

Want more Style Radar? Check out my collection on OTY here!

As part of my Less Common Beauty Treatment series, I gave advice on treating acne with a professional blue light therapy. Going to the dermatologist for treatment isn’t your only option. Recently there has been an influx of blue light therapy devices you can use in the comfort of your own home. Here are the key facts you need to know:
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In winter we have to deal with dry, flaky skin, but come summer, there is a whole new set of skin concerns we need to address. Sunburns, shiny T-zones and breakouts coincide with the warmer temperatures and sunny skies. Here is a list of some of summer’s peskiest skin sins along with how to tackle them:

Now that it’s June, all we want to do is go outside and enjoy the sun. In most cases we are too busy thinking about how fast we can get to the beach to stop and think about sun protection. We only remember after the fun in the sun, when we come home with skin the color of a lobster’s.

You can still enjoy the endless summer sun and protect your skin. Here are some tips to avoid unsightly and harmful sunburns, or if you do accidentally get a burn, how to speed up the healing process.

The first step is to choose a good quality sunscreen. Ensure that you choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. UVB rays affect the outer layers of the skin and are responsible for causing sunburns. UVA rays are more intense and penetrate deeper. Their affects aren’t as readily noticeable, which makes them more dangerous, as they are linked to premature aging and skin cancer. You should select a SPF of at least 15. Look for key skin-protecting ingredients such as Avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 70 offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage and is formulated for those with sensitive skin.

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I imagine my introduction to toner was similar to that of most acne-prone teenagers – the apple green bottle was the first to catch my eye in the ProActive kit my mother finally succumbed to ordering for me. It stood out from all the surrounding steps, their bleach white, almost sterile packaging completely unappealing in comparison. I immediately gravitated towards the toner’s cool sensation and water-like consistency. But as I got older, I started to question the 15-minute skincare routine I had fallen into, and began to wonder – what is this so-called essential step actually accomplishing?

Toners have gone through quite a transformation over the past few years. Once seen as a vital component to any skincare regime, toner is now the subject of endless dermatological debates that leave us all asking – is it really necessary? Unfortunately the jury is still out on this one, but I have discovered a few things that can ultimately help direct your decision.

 

First of all, toner’s main claim to fame is that it can serve as a second cleansing agent, helping to remove stubborn makeup residue. Additionally, toners help to restore skin’s pH balance, which can be offset after washing. While this may be true, cleansers have come a long way as well, and there is a pretty good change that yours is doing its job just fine. That being said, if you still want to be sure, it’s important to choose a toner that works with your skin, rather than against it. Steer clear from bottles boasting the word “astringent,” as this indicates alcohol as a main ingredient. Consistently using harsh products like Seabreeze will repeatedly strip down your skin, causing it to produce more oil in order to compensate.

Toner can also help sooth the skin by adding another layer of moisture into the mix. Considering I tend to keep my cleansing routine pretty simple, if I do pick up a toner, I look for one with a small percentage of Salicylic acid to aid exfoliation as well as calming properties to reduce redness. In the past when I was feeling toner-happy, I reached for Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion. However,  there has recently been a lot of buzz surrounding the Super products by Nicholas Perricone. His green apple “clarifying activator” helps to cleanse the surface of your skin, while also penetrating deep to deliver important antioxidants. The final verdict? If you’re watching your wallet, toner is probably the easiest step to skip. However, each complexion is different, and trying out a few non-drying formulas could help refresh your skin and sooth stubborn breakouts.

 

The first logical step in any successful skin care routine is pretty much a no-brainer: washing your face. Aside from the occasional rant from a nonbeliever, this seems to be one of the only aspects of skincare that is not up for debate. But – where to begin? These days, the amount of options has gone from exhilarating to seriously overwhelming, and I end up spending hours in that intimidating isle, wide-eyed with stacks of bottles in my arms.

“Stop shine!” “Minimize pores!” “Reduce redness!” Shoppers face no shortage of tempting taglines, but who’s to say that tingling sensation actually translates into results? As someone with acne prone skin, my first instinct is to turn to the ingredients. The two key components most commonly found on the backs of these bottles are either Benzyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid, and sometimes a simple combination of the two – so what’s the difference? Read More

After visiting a dermatologist (or four) I was prescribed a range of topical and oral treatments. I tried Benzaclin, Retin-A and Differin. My medicine cabinet filled with bottles of Minocycline, Doxycycline, and finally Sulfamethoxadole, the most tongue twisting and ineffective of them all. Sure, there was the occasional week of clarity, when I could momentarily kick my layers of concealer to the curb, but the breakouts always returned.

We’ve seen their endless legs strut the runway but what we’re really green with envy about is how flawless their faces look! Models always look good off and on the runway, so what’s the secret behind their amazing make-up skills and great skin? I talk to three models walking the Zang Toi Fall 2012 runway show at Nashville Fashion Week to find out. Here’s a little something everyday girls like you and me can learn from:

Taylor Hubbard, 17, Kentucky

1) What is the one make-up item you can’t live without?
Mascara.

2) How is your make-up regimen like?
I really only use mascara when I’m not modeling. My favorite mascara is from Covergirl.

3) What about your skincare regimen?
I cleanse with ProActiv twice a day. I have really sensitive skin so it’s really important for me to always wash my make-up off right away.
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