Flickr User: jasonpaluck

Finally, spring has sprung. We’ve put the sweaters away and pulled out the flip flops. Now we need to update our skincare routine with the latest spring beauty trends. Hello sun dresses and tank tops!

Spring Update #1: Exfoliate.

Thick winter moisturizers and dead skin can leave your complexion drab and dull. During spring, make sure exfoliation is part of your skincare routine. Once or twice a week, exfoliate with glycolic or salicylic acid to uncover new vibrant skin. I love DDF – Glycolic 10 Percent Exfoliating Oil Control Gel with Salicylic Acid 2 Percent.  Show off your fresh face with a low pony and cute spring headband.

Spring Update #2: Throw out old cosmetic products to make room for new spring beauty colors.

Yes, I know you paid good money for that mascara and lip gloss but do you really want to hold onto it for 2 years? Old cosmetic products breed bacteria. The shelf life for mascara is 6 months maximum and for lip gloss 18 months. Consider all the money you’ll save by not getting a gross eye infection. By the way, natural beauty products have an even shorter shelf life. Reward yourself for the time spent spring cleaning by buying a new blush in a trendy spring color like coral or light peach.

Spring Update # 3: Incorporate an allergy friendly under eye cream into your spring skincare routine.

Blooming flowers are beautiful but puffy allergy eyes are not. Look for an under eye cream that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea and aloe to help reduce signs of puffiness. I love SkinMedica’s Uplifting Eye Serum. For a more natural beauty product, Juara’s Sweet Black Tea Eye Crème is fab. This spring, going “green” is a major beauty trend!

Spring Update #4: Fake it – a tan that is!

Although we have to wait a few months before taking a summer vacation, we can look like we spent a week in Hawaii with a little help from self tanners. Self tanner is the perfect addition to your spring skincare routine because it helps you look like a golden goddess without any of the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Plus, a tan is the perfect compliment to all spring beauty trends.

What are your favorite spring skincare additions and trends? Please share.

Source: flickr.com user n kw's

That is the question floating around glow.com’s office ever since the sun started showering its rays upon us (and not to mention our VP’s awesome tan!). So the debate continues: Even with a movie like Twilight buzzing up the media scene, what should one do when golden sun kissed skin is still in and are the risks worth it?

SUN TANNING – Moderate to High depending upon sunscreen usage.
RISKS:
Sun Burn
Melonoma
Sun Damage/ Premature Aging of the Skin

TIPS
Avoid using strong ingredients like Glycolic acid before hitting the beach. Using strong topicals or exfoliates might make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays, hence putting you at risk for a burn or worse, melanoma.

Use a sunscreen and remember to reapply. It’s recommended to use at least a 15 SPF for light sun exposure (i.e. driving to and from work) and those who are beach bound should use at least a 30 SPF. Reapply every couple of hours.

Wear a hat to avoid sun exposure to the face. This one comes straight from our Beauty Editor Lauren! This is a great addition to your sunscreen.

TANNING BEDS – High Risk

I don’t know about you but in our office tanning beds are taboo. You’ll hear the occasional whisper about going to the tanning beds, usually around a big event.

RISKS:
Too many to count here! Tanning beds give you an intense blast of sun exposure within minutes but that means over-exposure and greater risks. Germany just put a ban on children and teenagers (under 18) using the beds to prevent an increase of skin cancer.

TIPS:
Best to avoid use of tanning beds, even the ones that say they use bulbs that filter out the UV exposure.

SELF TANNER – Low risk

RISKS: Some tanners might turn you orange and let’s not forget streaks but those risks are more cosmetic than serious, unless you are Lindsay Lohan.

TIPS:

When you use a self-tanner, apply gradually. You don’t have to look like a golden goddess overnight.

Use an exfoliator before you apply your self-tanner. This creates a smooth application so unevenness will be minimal.

Apply moisturizer/body lotion after you self-tanner. This will keep help you to prevent streaks.

Don’t forget to wash your hands after you apply. Like they say, you can tell a lot from your hands. Don’t let them leak the truth.

SOURCE: flickr user: loran

Phytomer is known for their marine-based approach to beauty. Using the most effective active ingredients from the sea, they are able to target every skin care concern or problem.

WHAT’S THEIR SECRET?
Simple, the sea! And it isn’t really a secret—seaweed has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and disinfectant properties, seaweed has been used since Roman times to treat burns. The Japanese use seaweed extract to treat cancer.

So how does Phytomer put the sea into skin care? They freeze dry! This allows them to keep the structure and composition of seaweed and seawater with no modifications. And why would you want to change it? Seawater is rich in zinc, iodine, magnesium and potassium to name a few plus 100 more trace elements essential for healthy skin. Phytomer is actually the only laboratory in the world that freeze dries seawater—it is how they attain their exclusive active ingredient: Oligomer.

TOP PICKS:
Phytomer Oligopur Purifying Cleansing Gel  lathers into a foam as the antibacterial seaweed extract purifies your skin—removing excess oils while removing excess oils without dehydrating your skin. It is perfect for all skin types—oily, dry, combination and even sensitive. 

I love the natural-looking tan I get from Phytomer’s Self-Tanning Gel —the unique gel combines self tanner with marine sugars to stimulate the natural tanning process. What I really love is that it’s great for any shade of skin because it works with your pigment to create a natural bronze glow without streaks. Hurrah!

SOURCE: Flickr user: DAN

Who wants to be the bride when you can be the beauty critic? Whether you’re the bride-to-be or plan on catching the bouquet, here’s a list of some simple beauty Do’s & Don’ts for the bride on her big day.

DO

Make A Statement: Take the aisle less traveled, but that doesn’t mean go CRAZY with your makeup, just show the bold bride in you! If it fits your personality, then it will look amazing. InStyle Weddings has gorgeous suggestions!

Vintage Bride: Red Lips

The Romantic: Pink lipstick and blush

Boho or Beach Bride: In the Nude

The Fashionista: Got the Blues?

Wax On, Wax Early: A red lip or eyebrow can be covered up with foundation, but not raw skin. Make an appointment for the week before the wedding.

Lip Service: Don’t forget to put your lip color in your purse for touch-ups at the reception (think photos, kissing and champagne!).

DON’T: 

Blonde Ambition: Remember? It’s the movie with Jessica Simpson? It bombed at the box office. Learn from it! If you aren’t blonde DON’T become blonde for your wedding. Some brides tend to get highlight happy so if you haven’t been a blonde in the past there’s problem a reason for it.

Tanning-Tales: I know, I know, you just want to feel like Cinderella after all, she is marrying a prince! However, if you go overboard with the self tanner or tanning bed (eek!) your guests might confuse you for the pumpkin.

My Guidelines: I want a gorgeous, streak-free and natural looking tan, but the only self-tanner I have are these TanTowel towelettes.  Oh, and no orange hands afterwards.

Marissa’s Advice:
1. Exfoliate! It helps create a smooth surface so the TanTowel can go on evenly.
2. Apply TanTowel – unfold towelette and apply to dry skin in a circular motion.
3. Moisturize with body lotion to help the self-tanner soak in and minimize streaks.
4. Don’t forget to WASH YOUR HANDS!

The Results: MARVELOUS! Oh, and no orange hands. So fear the sun, not the self-tanner.