How to recover your skin after the Holiday Season

Let’s face it, we ate all the chocolate there was, all the salty snacks that went so well with that cocktail, and we stuffed ourselves with home cooking that put us in a food coma.  When it comes to our skin, it is transparent in showing us what our body likes and dislikes.  So all those breakouts we are vulnerable to, make our skin lack lustre, break out, sensitive and more reactive to what we put on our skin.

Symtoms and Signs of Stressed skin from Alcohol and Food

• Whiteheads
• Red bumps
• Enlarged pores (oily skin/combo skin will see this more)
• Tight pores (dry skin types see this more with milia which is known as whiteheads)
• Pustuals
• Sore chapped lips (bleeding can happen when salt is consumed, alcohol and sugar in excess) 
• Lacking lustre and cushioned feeling to the skin (signs of dehydration)
• Itchy
• Just plane old not the same!  Help!!! 

We got you it’s all good now, rest assured you will see your normal skin back, and if your skin is already acne prone, the tips shared here may help you see some changes too.  Before we get into treating the skin, there are a few things that we need to cover, and that is not your skin.  Try to avoid makeup on the weeekend, or on your days off if you can help it, at least until any irritation or inflammation is minimal.  If you are just dehydrated without any of the other symptoms listed, then a Hyluronic Acid Mask, like La Roche Posay’s Hydra Phase Mask, 2 times a week after exfoliating, is the best way to treat it other than drinking more water and hydrating with a daily moisturizer.


Drink warm Lemon 🍋 💦 Water

Warm water is best for not parching the organs as well as our skin, our largest organ, it lubes everything for us, and gives us an antibacterial property as well, as Lemon juice when combined with water acts to keep bacteria from manifesting.  Because it’s a powerful form of vitamin C you’ll love the effects it has during a cold or flu as well.


Wash your face before Bedtime

Don’t be lazy, yes we had to be the one to say that.  But tough love is good love no?  Ensure you at least do the basics with a cleanse and a moisturizer to ensure you are not blocking your skin from breathing during REM, and providing hydration is a key step to anti inflammatory and anti aging affects.  Our skin repairs it’s self at night, so give it something to defend and repair with by adding a serum and toner to your night routine for further add on value.  For example if someone wanted anti dark spot, clarity of the skin, and luminosity then serums usually help with this.  Trends by Louise loves  +Lancôme  Genefique Serum and also Advanced Night Repair from +Estée Lauder all found at  Shoppers Drug Mart and any retailer that sells beauty products like major department stores.

Try a hydration mask

Do this a few times a week and only do it if you are going to bed before your night routine.  Some we like are Cicaplast  and Hydraphase Mask from La Roch Posay.

Eat Clean and Avoid Caffeine 

At least for the next 7 days to get your natural PH where it feels comfortable naturally and doing this will increase your skins clarity and your stomach acidity to a level where your used to be awesome skin is back, and better than ever!  If you must drink coffee, limit to one a day, and drink that water baby!!


That’s it, there’s no major secret to good skin after a fun holiday binge.  Have a Happy New Year form #TrendsbyLouise!!

How to use Coconut Oil

When it comes to skin care we really tend to gear towards the latest and greatest technology.  Have we ever thought of maybe thinking more towards what is in your cupboard.  Coconut is one to think about. Coconut Oil not only hydrates, but acts as a antihistamine to inflamed skin.  It is anti aging and repairing of current skin damage.  It has Vitamin E which is healing.  

Unless you have sensitivities or allergies to coconut, then this item is for you.  Always do a patch test on your inner wrist before you try anything new on your skin.  If you are using on the skin regularly, it is best to try to find an organic coconut oil, to reduce the absorption of toxins and pesticides through your skin.  It helps boost your metabolize when you take up to two tablespoons a day orally.  It's been known to reduce bad breath and oral plaque when used to oil pull.  

Being in the Beauty Industry, it is imperative that my skin always looks it's best.  Since I switched about 4 months ago to Coconut Oil, my skin's texture and hydration have changed significantly.  I use it mostly as a night cream, but because we are in the winter months here I am using it sparingly during the day.  To answer your burning question; is it oily?  No when you use it sparingly or mixed with an essential oil for yor skin-type, you're going to be fine.  

Image source coconutoil.com

 Beauty/Health Tips for Coconut Oil 

• cuticle Oil
• hair mask (ends only-we mean it)
• body moisturizer
• face moisturizer
• foot cream with socks before bed 
• mixed with sugar and honey for a body scrub
• eat a teaspoon before your meal to boost your metabolism (healthy eating required)
• spread on toast
• instead of Pam cooking spray
• razor burn treatment
• eye makeup remover ( sparingly and it won't clog pores)

Beach Makeup

Skinsational Summer - Beach Time Makeup

Hot summer nights, convertible tops down, beach volleyball, water sports, drinks with
friends and fun strolls on the beach.  Some of the many Summer activities we love.
Skin can suffer when you're exposed to sun.  However there are other culprits to think
about, like a little too much alcohol, or little water and skin drying sand, we start to look
like a walking starfish.  Dry, dehydrated and rough.  Realistically speaking of course.
I want to give you a little snapshot of my summer must haves, and various beauty tips to
think about.  These products and tips will prep you to be that bodacious babe you
already are, even when you sweat.  Long lasting products are essential, and quick
techniques using minimalism in your makeup application; is important when considering
a look for the beach. 

Not so fast, we cannot move onto makeup without discussing the importance of the
hydrating effects of water.  Drink as much as you can, to give your skin visible
plumpness (like Collagen).  You'll find more radiance and less dehydration lines and
makeup goes on wonderfully.  When your skin looks at it's best, you feel a sense of
youthfulness and freshness, in texture and in evenness.  So this leads to you not having
to wear much for makeup, but instead focusing on a flawless application.  No pressure.
Minimal makeup enhances the fact that you can be active in humid and/or hot weather. 
That being said, wearing makeup during activity and sports can clog pores.  So if you
must wear something, wear a tinted moisturizer with SPF and gloss on the lips.  Laura
Mercier makes some incredible variations, for any age or skin-tone. NARS has one type
of tinted moisturizer, and is sheeny in appearance, but great for mature or dry skin
types. 
Sun protection like Neutrogena or Biotherm both are gentle.  You may want to
comparison shop to see what +Sephora has for options and other department stores. 
Sephora seems to have a wide selection, and department stores are good too for a
more personal approach.  How we take care of our skin is reflected in our future skin. 
Prep skin first with a serum before any moisturizer, serums provide extra vitamins to
skin, anti-age benefits, also giving skin tone and texture correction.  Using a
moisturizing lotion or gel that is oil free for oily/combination/normal skin, and oil free
cream for dry skin. 
For the body try, +Biotherm  Sensitive Skin Sun Milk SPF or +Kiehls  SunProtector Lotion
spray, which happens to be unisex too.  Protect your skin it's worth it. Melanoma is not
worth it, so even a SPF 30 would give you a tan. Gradually and safely of course. Just
remember to reapply often and keep hydrated.  Very dark skin tones have enough
melanin in their skin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. Consider the 'in moderation'
philosophy.
For an extra luxurious feeling to the skin after a nice cool shower, try Biotherm After Sun
Oligo Thermal Milk for Face and Body.  Always moisturize a tan to prevent peeling.  If
you use body oils wait an hour before your beauty rest, let us not ruin our bedsheets
now. 
Foundations like Estee Lauder Double Wear Light provides 15 hour wear, and stands
the test of time in sweltering heat.  For more longevity in your look, try a Primer, like
NARS Oil Free Pore Refining.  Primers primarily prevent oxidization of your foundation,
and also assists in the longevity and freshness of your base.  
Top it off with a touch of translucent powder for a non caky effect using a soft powder
brush, or puff in a rolling and pressing motion.
Cheeks should look freshly adorned with a natural radiant flush.  Outlaw Blush by NARS
is amazing on all skin tones.  Yes, even the dark beauties look amazing in this incredible
universal color.  Alabaster skin tones look dazzling in peach, like Laura Mercier Nectar
blush.  Bronzer is another staple and looks great alone or with blush to contour and
warm up the complexion.  Use these colors sparingly and lightly as we want a natural
look for our day at the beach.
Bedazzle your eyes with soft neutrals for the day time. Try to avoid,  sparkle or shimmer, 
if you must then use it sparingly.  We are doing this because we want a non greasy and
shiny look.   Evening looks we are seeing soft and sultry smoky eyes.  Skip powdered
shadow, use your finger to apply a long lasting gel, like +MAC Cosmetics  Blacktrack
Fluidline.  A tried and true mascara recommendation would be Too Faced, 'Better Than
False Lashes - Nylon Extension System.  This mascara does not bleed at all, and it
gives you really long and full lashes, and tones of them.  All easy to remove, but stand
the test of time on a hot and humid day.
Lips Look perfect in stains for the day, like +Benefit Cosmetics Benetint products.  Stains
don't bleed, and require little to no re-application.  For a nice evening out, try a bright
bold lip, or a nude tone with smoky eyes.  Why not go for a dark lip with nude eyes and
bronzer.  Stick to gels, light powders and waterproof formulas.
For the perfect mani and pedi, Sally Hansen Triple Nail Color lasts really well in sea
water and sand.
Where there is a beginning there is an end.  Allow skin to repair it's self at night by using
a cleansing regime.  Washing your face morning and night is not only essential, it's
dependent on the future of your skin.  So why not treat yourself to a mask 1-2 times a
week to combat oil and breakouts.  Origins 'Out of Trouble' 10 minute mask has salicylic
acid to fight breakouts and camphor to calm redness and soothe. 

Be Summer Ready - Good skin starts with you!

Written by: Trends by Louise for LA Firm Magazine 
 

Top 5 Skincare Must-haves

Skincare is the reason why our makeup looks it's best.  Did you know that if we wear makeup to bed, it can age your skin up to 40% faster than if you were to wash makeup off before bed?  Regardless of wearing makeup or not, our skin recharges and repairs itself at night.  So if we are keeping all the oil, dust and sweat on our skin for bed, we risk breakouts, dehydration, patchy and uneven skin.  Head over to your favorite skincare line and get a free facial with a commitment to purchase, book at Sephora, Hudson Bay, Nordstrom or Shoppers Drug Mart for expert advice.  

 
Here are Trends by Louise's Top 5 skincare Must-haves

1. NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask - great for dehydrated skin and great for fine lines.

2.  Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - Anti- Aging, age spots and very hydrating.

3.  Coconut Oil (extra virgin organic) - All skin types (oily skin at night only and very sparingly) Great for dry hair ends too.

4.  NARS Optimal Brightening Concentrate - Serum that brightens and highlights (great for strobing). 

5.  Caudalie Grape Water Moisturizing Mist - great for all skin types.
 

Trends by Louise