Summer skin care tips? We need them. As we move into August, it's easy to get a little lax about skin care including flopping into bed without washing up at night or racing out of the house without slathering on the sunscreen.
It's time to work on those bad habits, and take a minute to focus on what's really your best fashion accessory. In fact, I was talking to "Grey's Anatomy" star Kate Walsh the other day. When I asked her for a beauty secret, she said, "Nothing in the world beats naturally gorgeous skin."
It's past that mid-way point in the year and time to figure out if you're doing what's really in your own best interest.
Here are some late summer skin care tips:
SKIN REVAMP
*Did you get your moles checked? If not, make an appointment with your dermatologist for a check up. It's smart because when abnormal moles are detected early, it's usually a quick fix.
*Are your bathroom shelves jam-packed? Bring a big garbage bag in there and throw out any liquid product that has been there for over six months. Many products will actually grow bacteria after this point. With all the new space you're creating invest in plush wash cloths - and many of them. Remember to use them once if they're wet and then wash them.
*Are you happy with your cleanser? During the summer months when we do a lot of sweating, you want a cleanser that leaves you feeling clean, but isn't drying. If you're not happy then think about switching to something mild and moisturizing.
*Rethink a toner. I've been using one all summer and love that even with clean skin from using my cleanser, my toner still gets the rest of the "gunk" off my skin, neck and décolleté. A mild toner that isn't alcohol based is key.
*Up your moisturizer times. Apply three times a day instead of two. Just that extra dose will give you maximum results.
*Remember to re-apply your sunscreen every two hours if you're outside. Just once a day in the morning isn't enough. Keep an extra tube in your purse for quick re-applying when you're out.
*When is the last time you cleaned you cell-phone? They're major bacteria carriers, so take a little rubbing alcohol, put it on a cotton ball and give the inside and outside of your phone a swipe at least once a week and even more if you're hot, sweaty and on the phone.
*Try a home facial? You have a lot of great, easy options. If you want a firming mask, whisk up some egg whites and put them on your face for 20 minutes. If you want a moisturizing mask then whisk the yellows and do the same treatment. Another great pre-party trick is to take used green tea bags and place them in the freezer. Go outside with them, relax in a lawn chair and put the bags on your eyes. Not only does this feel delicious, but it's also a great way to reduce any eye puff thanks to the compounds in green tea, plus the cold.
*Claim part of the fridge. It's a great idea to keep your regular eye cream in the fridge. The cold will feel great, plus will also help you get rid of any puffiness. Just remember that it's in there and use it.
*Are you sick of your makeup routine? Now that you're working on your skin, it's a nice treat to revamp your makeup routine. I'm writing this blog from LA where I'm going to investigate Make Up For Ever Recording Studio where for a $40 product or gift card, you also earn a 20 minute complimentary instruction. For another $35 dollars you upgrade to an hour, private makeup lesson from a pro make up artist. A video camera records your lesson and it's sent with you so you can practice at home. Genius! Check out makeupforever.com.
