Top 5 Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Dry, flaky skin can be itchy and uncomfortable, but dry facial skin can be almost as embarrassing as a breakout. Whether you’re dealing with an all-over moisture problem or a few annoying spots, these products will do the trick—even during the worst winter months.

1. Revaleskin Intense Recovery Treatment – contains the highest concentration of CoffeeBerry extract (1.5%) offered in skin care to naturally, effectively restore the vitality of stressed, aging skin. This non-irritating, super-antioxidant formulation dramatically minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and redness and provides visibly noticeable nourishment and renewal.

2. Neocutis Bio Cream Bio Restorative Skin Cream w/ PSP – helps to restore elasticity and radiance to stressed skin. Formulated with PSP, the most complete protein blend of Human Growth Factors, Cytokines and Interleukins available to rejuvenate and soothe skin. Nurtures, nourishes and refreshed stressed skin after non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as fillers, microdermabrasion and light peels.

3. SkinCeuticals Emollience – uses a combination of grape seed, rose hip and macadamia oils along with Brazilian sea algae to moisturize dry skin. It also works well in dry, cold climates as well as high altitudes.

4. PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator – rich emollient moisturizer contains a blend of humectants and shea butter for maximum hydration in patients with dry and mature skin. It alleviates skin dryness and provides excellent antioxidant benefits.

5. SkinMedica Rejuvenative Moisturizer – a facial cream rich in vitamin E and vitamin C (potent antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental aging influences), essential fatty acids and botanical cellular enhancers. A perfect solution necessary to replenish tired, stressed skin by rejuvenating the skin and easing the appearance of aging.

A good facial moisturizer is a must if you want to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Our top 5 moisturizers list  for dry skin are long-lasting and fast-absorbing, so you won’t need to worry about showing any signs of dryness! Visit SkinMedix.com or follow the product links below to purchase!

SkinMedica Rejuvative Moisturizer
skinmedix.com

Neocutis Bio Restorative Skin Cream w/ PSP
skinmedix.com

SkinCeuticals Emollience
skinmedix.com

PCA pHaze 6 Collagen Hydrator
skinmedix.com

Revaleskin Intense Recovery
skinmedix.com

7 Cold Weather Skin Myths

Going crazy from all the misinformation and bogus advice about winter-proofing your face and body? Here, top skin experts from Marie Claire Magazine help us crack the cold-weather skin-care code.

1. MYTH: The thicker the cream, the better it hydrates.
TRUTH: “Concentrated doesn’t necessarily equal optimum hydration,” says Annet King, director of training and development for the International Dermal Institute. “An overdose of lipids can actually trap dead cells and leave skin looking duller.” King suggests layering serums under creams in order to boost moisture. Facialist Sonia Dakar agrees: “Serums are light, yet have super-concentrated ingredients — ideal for absorption.” Try iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus.

2. MYTH: Overcast skies mean you can cut back on sunscreen.
TRUTH: Hardly. As a depleting ozone has led to stronger UVB burning rays, SPF is now a year-round endeavor. And clouds do little to filter out wrinkle-accelerating UVA rays. Come cooler, drier weather, find a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF 15 (or higher), like Murad Face Defense SPF 15 to hydrate and protect. “You can enhance your sun protection exponentially by using an antioxidant-rich serum underneath your moisturizer,” says Washington, D.C., dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Burgess.

3. MYTH: Oily skin can forgo moisturizer.
TRUTH: Dry, cold climates wear on all skin types — even oily. And without some added protection, barrier function (which keeps pollution and other damaging elements out and moisture in) gets compromised. If your skin is super-oily, you can get by with a gel-cream or lotion formula, like NeoStrata Lotion Plus. For true combination skin, use different moisturizers for different areas — a light formula for your T-zone and a richer one for cheeks that get dry, patchy spots.

4. MYTH: Exfoliating in winter exacerbates dry patches.
TRUTH: “The sloughing in fact causes a burst of cell renewal, so you’re helping new moisture-rich cells move to the surface,” says King. The key in winter is to moisturize thoroughly — occasionally with a hydrating mask, like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque — as your skin barrier is weakened after exfoliating. Adds Dakar: “Enzyme-based exfoliants will deliver results in a more gentle way.”

5. MYTH: Loading up on lip balms prevents chapping.
TRUTH: Only if it’s the right balm. Some common ingredients can actually have an adverse effect. Mineral oil (petroleum jelly) creates an artificial film on your lips, signaling your skin to stop producing lipids, while funky flavors, perfumes, and colors can also dry out skin. King suggests seeking natural-oil-infused balms or those with shea and cocoa butter, like PCA Skin Peptide Lip Therapy. “To get rid of flaky patches, apply a little facial exfoliant to damp lips (a soft toothbrush also does the trick), scrub gently, then follow with balm,” she says. Wait till spring to resume use of lip plumpers and super-long-lasting formulas that dry out your pout.

6. MYTH: Your skin will benefit if you stay indoors as much as possible.
TRUTH: True, extreme cold temperatures do suck the moisture from your skin. But retreating indoors, where central heating is pumped to the max, can leave your derm equally parched. So enjoy the fresh air and winter sports, and then do what you can to add moisture to the air at home. A humidifier can help — especially at night, when, combined with a night cream, like Revaleskin Night Cream with CoffeeBerry, skin is more apt to drink in moisture. A humidifier can also defrizz staticky winter “hat hair.” Dakar recommends adding a teaspoon of tea-tree oil to the water tank to clean it every few days and prevent mold.

7. MYTH: Windburn gives your skin a natural, healthy, desirable glow.
TRUTH: Depends whether you consider broken capillaries in the cheeks “desirable” — which is what regular exposure to harsh wind can do. The worst-case scenario is that it leads to permanent redness (aka rosacea). “Sensitive skin is especially susceptible to windburn,” says King. “So before heading outdoors, load up on a protective-barrier moisturizer and cover up with a scarf. If you do get burned, calm and soothe with gentle cream cleansers and balm-like moisturizers until your skin calms down.” Needless to say, it’s better to get the fresh-off-the-slopes flush from a good blush, like Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush or In Touch Cream Blush —available in 12 shades!

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NEW ARRIVALS: Jane Iredale Simply Magical Fall Collection

From love potions and the magical hour of sunset to witches and warlock, fantasy and illusion are inspiring the fashion and beauty world this Fall!

You only have to look as far as your local bookstore to understand that women are captivated by subject matter that drives their imaginations and pushes boundaries. It’s fun to indulge in a bot of fantasy once in a while OOur simply magical collection opens the door to just this. So you can bewitch. beguile, and be fabulous this season.  — Jane Iredale

The Simply Magical Collection – NEW at SkinMedix.com!

Venice Just Kissed Lip Plumper – For a gorgeous take on red lips, try the new Just Kissed Lip Plumper in Venice. This new color takes red to a deep mulled wine hue.

Montreal Just Kissed Lip Plumper – For a subtle, yet sultry red lip, look no further than the latest Just Kissed Lip Plumper in Montreal.

Sundown PurePressed Eye Shadow – Three stunning shades: a deep charcoal, a rich purple -grey and a shimmery beige make quite a bewitching palette.

Smokey Quartz Mystikol Powder Eyeliner and Highlighter – For eyes that sparkle try the new Mystikol in Smoky Quartz: the smoky grey eyeliner you’ve been asking for, with a complementary pale pink highlight on the other end.

Whisper PurePressed Blush – One of the most popular PurePressed Blush colors, Whisper, is best for those with warmer skin tones.

Barely Rose PurePressed Blush – One of the most popular PurePressed Blush colors, Barely Rose, is best for those with cooler skin tones.

Click here to shop the new Jane Iredale Simply Magical Collection and look fabulous this Fall! Comment below and tell us about your favorite Jane Iredale product!

Top 3 Skin Care Tips For Chilly Weather

Skin care is paramount; no matter where you live, you should always pay attention to the health of her skin. The Fall season has arrived and it brings about new challenges for skin. Keep reading for tips on avoiding skin problems associated with the chilly weather!

Use Sunscreen for Prolonged Trips Outside

When the summer season ends, some people may assume that sunscreen is unnecessary. You may believe that you won’t get a sunburn. However, this is not necessarily true. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it is possible to expose the skin to the rays of the sun. Your skin may become red and uncomfortable. If you plan to spend a lot of time outside the home, sunscreen is vital.

We recommend: COOLA Sport SPF 45 Unscented Moisturizing Sunscreen. Especially designed for those long, active days in the sun, this unscented version of Coola’s SPF 45 organic moisturizing sunscreen is sweat resistant, delivering broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This unique formula blends nutrient-rich, antioxidant extracts, like Ginseng, Evening Primrose and Arnica that help sooth and rejuvenate the skin. This product is endorsed by the American Lifeguard Association; and the best part – you won’t have a funny looking white nose.

Apply Hydrating Cream At Least Once a Week

The fall and winter seasons are dry, and this is not good news for your skin. You may discover that certain parts of the body are hard and flaky when the weather changes, but dry skin does not have to happen. Consider applying a hydrating cream to the skin at least once a week. Hydrating cream helps the skin retain moisture. It is less likely that you’ll have extremely dehydrated skin.

We recommend: NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream. This high-strength emollient cream is designed to reduce the visible signs of aging and repair the barrier function of the skin, providing long-lasting moisturization. Gluconolactone inhibits the enzyme that can break down elastin, so it helps preserve skin’s elasticity and suppleness. This cream exfoliates and restores youthful skin texture without irritating even the most sensitive skin.

Take On a Healthy Diet

It is not enough to use sunscreen and moisturizing cream. In order to achieve excellent health for skin, you must take on a healthy diet. It is difficult to achieve smooth and clear skin if you live on junk food. Greasy and oily food can damage the skin, and you may wish to stay away from snacks that cause problems. Fruits and vegetables are your best friends in the fight for healthy skin!

Do you have any tips or products that you love to use during the cooler months? Let us know in the comments below!

Celebrity Skin Care

Sure, celebrities make their living with their faces, but pimples, blotches and flakes couldn’t care less about that! Skin is skin, and when it acts up, high-profile people need to fix it fast. “As one celeb explained to me, her face is like a corporation within itself,” says Susan Evans, M.D., a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist. “That’s why she’s really serious about her skin.” But that doesn’t mean Hollywood types always rely on help from a syringe to prep for photo ops. “My celebrities are moving away from fillers and cosmetic procedures that are too obvious,” says Dr. Evans. “The newer trend is actually to take care of your skin. They’re avoiding tanning booths, making sunscreen a part of their routine and using products with vitamins A, C and E.” And while those are good habits we should all stick with, don’t you also want to know what they do when disaster strikes? Their best tricks are here!

Face Saver #1: When Stars Break Out
In Hollywood, zits can mess up more than a leading lady’s mood. “I’ve had actresses tell me that directors delayed shooting because of a breakout—it’s hard to hide when it’s magnified on-screen,” says L.A. dermatologist Jessica Wu, M.D. To keep recurring acne under control, pros often go beyond topical remedies. Beverly Hills dermatologist Boris Zaks, M.D., uses a procedure called photodynamic therapy on severely acne-prone celebs who can’t wait weeks for pills or creams to work. He applies an amino acid medication to the face, then shines a blue light on it for up to an hour to activate the liquid. Most clients get the two-step process four times a year for a total cost of $2,500 to $4,000. Yes, you could buy a new wardrobe for that!

But Wait! I’m Not a Celebrity (Yet)
To zap chronic acne on a non-celeb budget, try products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. (Try PCA Skin Acne Gel pHaze 35 or DDF Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 5%.) Used consistently, they will clear up most skin over 6 to 12 weeks. If a monster zit pops up, try the Zeno Hot Spot Pink — the pocket-sized beauty tool makes your acne blemishes disappear fast! In fact, in clinical trials, some blemishes began to clear in just one hour. And 90% of blemishes treated with Zeno disappeared or faded within 24 hours.

If you feel a breakout on the horizon, try a preventive treatment like the Baby Quasar Blue. The Baby Blue light works by killing the acne-causing bacteria, P. Acne, and works well in treating inflammatory acne vulgaris that has not responded to other acne therapies. Got oily skin? Use a product with sulfur weekly to soak up excess oil without overdrying. We recommend using Murad Clarifying Mask at least once a week to absorb impurities as it deep cleans and quiets acne breakouts. A diet tweak can also help. “I tell a lot of my patients to avoid dairy four weeks before they have to be on a set,” Dr. Wu says. Your body retains the extra hormones from cow’s milk, which can aggravate pimple-prone skin. “Even cutting back can make a difference. I’ve seen results in as little as a week,” says Dr. Wu.

Face Saver #2: When Stars Lose Their Glow
Sounds simple, but pros say that regular exfoliation does wonders for rejuvenating celebs’ complexions, which often take a beating from frequent travel and heavy makeup. “I insist on exfoliation, even if you have dry skin,” says Dr. Evans. “You have to remove old layers first before products can really penetrate.” Microdermabrasion treatments, which polish the face with tiny crystals, are a celeb favorite. They slough away dulling skin cells and create a ready and willing surface for anti-aging creams and serums. New York City dermatologist David Colbert, M.D., who treats Sienna Miller and Rachel Weisz, tackles the problem with his signature Triad treatment. “When HDTV kicked in, it became our most sought-after pre-awards show procedure,” says Dr. Colbert. “We had to open a second office!” His clients pay $400 for the microdermabrasion, laser toning and fruit acid process, and usually book it a week before major events, to get glowy.

Facial peels that contain papain enzymes or lactic acid smooth the skin’s surface and boost radiance, too. “After filming a movie, where they’re wearing heavy makeup, actresses often come in to get these peels to unclog their pores,” reports Dr. Wu.

But Wait! I’m Not a Celebrity (Yet)
“Just use something with exfoliating beads,” says Dr. Evans, and massage it lightly into your skin. Another less pricey option: a cleansing brush, like the Clarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush .”Use it three times a week, then apply a glycolic acid lotion, like NeoStrata Lotion Plus, afterward for a nice glow,” says Dr. Colbert.  For an at-home version of Dr. Evans’ popular papain enzyme peel, try PRIORI Idebenone Pro Peel Kit. ” Leave it on for 3 minutes, rinse, and moisturize.

Face Saver #3: When Stars Get All Dry
Dryness may seem like a minor issue, but parched skin robs women of that healthy, awake look we all want. Often regular moisturizer isn’t enough. Enter the DermalQuench Oxygen Treatment offered at Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts clinic in Los Angeles. Bold-faced names like Lea Michele and Nicole Richie are fans. The $250, hour-long facial douses skin with hyaluronate, a natural lubricant that diminishes as we age—it’s what helps skin hold water in. Once replenished, the face looks soft, and little lines aren’t as noticeable. “I have regulars who do this treatment weekly, but before the Emmys and Oscars, our clinic is packed with celebs coming in for it,” says Somerville.

But Wait! I’m Not a Celebrity (Yet)
“I tell all my clients that steam goes a long way,” says Somerville. “I do it myself when I’m tired or I’ve been traveling.” The mix of water and heat opens up pores, releases impurities and softens the skin. If you don’t have a face steamer, boil a pot of water, then remove it from the heat. Lean over it just enough so that the steam is hitting your face. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, pat your face dry and moisturize. For a quick and easy moisture mask, we suggest SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture. It hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce the appearance of pore size with an exclusive combination of natural extracts.

Face Saver #4: When They Just Look Damaged
Pollution, smoke, sun—nobody’s face is 100 percent safe from environmental damage, especially if you, say, film war movies and vacation in St. Barts. Skin creams with antioxidants like vitamins A, C or E fight free radicals (collagen-diminishing skin agers). Dr. Evans blends them in her office for VIP patients. “Antioxidants really make a difference,” she says.

But Wait! I’m Not a Celebrity (Yet)
Look for products with skin protectors like vitamin A, C and E. “Coffeeberry also has antioxidant effects like those of vitamin C and green tea,” says Dr. Zaks. We recommend Revaleskin Intense Recovery Treatment. It contains the highest concentration of CoffeeBerry extract (1.5%) offered in skin care to naturally, effectively restore the vitality of stressed, aging skin. Be sure to use a moisturizer that works for your skin type: a cream if you have dry skin; a lotion if your complexion is normal. And stick with something oil-free or use a serum if you’re acne-prone like…oh, we won’t name names. 😉

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The Return of Revaléskin

• Revaléskin brand has returned under new ownership.
• All products are now available without packing or formula changes.
• SkinMedix has fresh inventory for immediate shipment –including #1 seller, Revaléskin Night Cream!

Revaléskin is back?
Yes! US CosmeceuTechs, LLC recently acquired Revaléskin and we are looking forward to servicing all of your Revaléskin needs once again! US CosmeceuTechs, LLC are the original developers of the CoffeeBerry® skincare technology and clinical science, as well as the distributors of PRIORI® Skincare in over 30 countries worldwide. We are pleased to add physician-dispensed Revaléskin® back to our list of technologically advanced lines of professional skincare products.

Why CoffeeBerry®?
Revaléskin® with CoffeeBerry® Whole Fruit Extract, a Blend of Natural Polyphenol Antioxidants

The broad spectrum of polyphenols in Revaléskin helps fend off a correspondingly broad spectrum of free radicals that can cause cell damage and result in premature skin aging.

The Nature of Free Radical Damage

• A single antioxidant exposed to a free radical may become a free radical itself.1
• Multiple antioxidants can provide continual neutralization until the free radical is totally neutralized. 1
• CoffeeBerry® Whole Fruit Extract contains a blend of natural polyphenol antioxidants:

– Cholergenic Acid
– Ferulic Acid
– Quinic Acid
– Proanthocyanidins

Why Revaléskin®?

Revaléskin® rejuvenates and restores the look of damaged skin.

For younger-looking skin that’s radiantly healthy, nourish your skin with the highest concentration of CoffeeBerry® Whole Fruit Extract offered in a skin care system.

Revitalize your skin with the full line of Revaléskin® professional anti-aging products.

Shop Revaleskin Now! This special offer expires Monday, Oct 11 and inventory is going FAST!

Beautiful Skin in 5 Minutes

For most of us, the day begins with a flurry of activity that starts long before we make it to the office, to school, or wherever our day takes us. No matter how pressed for time we are, great skin care shouldn’t be something that’s neglected, even when each minute counts. Believe it or not, even if you have less than five minutes, beautiful skin is completely possible by following these simple steps.

Be Prepared

Have all your skin-care items close by in a neat tray, including cotton pads and Q-tips. Just in case, leave a lip balm, like Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex, and a heel exfoliant/balm, like Glytone Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream, on your bedside table so you can apply them before you fall asleep.

Know Your Routine

Even though the clock is ticking, it doesn’t mean you should skip taking care of every part of yourself. Knowing exactly what you should do and why you should do it will help with the flow of your skin-care steps.

Multi-Tasking Products Save Time

• Use a moisturizer during the day that contains sunscreen so you don’t have to use a separate product. Try Revision Intellishade Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45. You can also use the same moisturizer you use at night if your foundation and pressed powder contain sunscreen. We recommend Jane Iredale PurePressed Base. This 4-in-1 concealer, powder, foundation and sunscreen that diminishes the look of pores and fine lines to give skin a healthy, flawless-looking finish in seconds!
• A beautifully-formulated lip balm can also be used on elbows and heels.
• Use a gentle water soluble cleanser, like Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser. Pair it with a well-formulated toner, like Obagi Nu-Derm Toner, that can remove last traces of makeup on your face, while giving your skin much-needed antioxidants and barrier repair ingredients.
• If your face moisturizer is brilliantly formulated it can be the best “eye cream” you can use. We recommend Neocutis Bio Cream Bio Restorative Skin Cream because it is formulated with the same PSP and Human Growth Factors as their very popular Lumiere Bio Restorative Eye Cream.
• The exact same exfoliant for your face can be applied on your elbows and chest to make those areas look smooth and younger. Try SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub. This mild exfoliating gel (safe for face and body) combines natural microbeads with gentle cleansing and hydrating agents to thoroughly cleanse pores and promote healthy cell renewal without damaging or drying skin.

Don’t Wipe Off Your Makeup

Using a water soluble cleanser first all over your face with a gentle wash cloth should get off all your makeup. Any leftover makeup can quickly be removed with a small amount of makeup remover. We love Jane Iredale Dot the I Makeup Removal Swabs. Aside from saving time, these pre-measured makeup remover swabs to not pull at your skin. Pulling and wiping at your skin tears your skin’s elastin fibers and can cause sagging. Think about women who wear heavy earrings and how their ear lobes become distended. That’s from the constant weight stretching out the skin’s elasticity.

Only Do the Essentials

Depending on your skin type, the products you need will vary. While you don’t want to skip the essential products, facial masks are optional (and time-consuming) and aren’t necessary to take great daily care of your skin.

Of Course, Products Do Matter!

Whatever brand you choose to build your routine around, the key to seeing results is making sure the products you use are brilliantly formulated without irritating ingredients and are the right texture for your skin type.

Click here to view the extensive list of medical grade skin care lines available at SkinMedix.com. We feature only the most sought-after, popular, and effective cosmeceuticals on the market today. Join the hundreds of thousands of people who have discovered the value and convenience of SkinMedix.com today!

Cosmeceuticals Vs. Over-the-Counter

Skin care products can be pricey. You want products that work for your skin at the best price–we all do! So, what is the difference between Cosmeceutical products and over-the-counter…and is one better than the other?

Let’s start with some much needed information. Your skin has two layer: the top layer called the epidermis, and the bottom layer called the dermis. To get the skin you want, products need to penetrate to the dermis where the collagen and elastin are. New skin cells are also produced in the dermis.

Cosmeceutical products, like those available at a spa, salon…and of course SkinMedix.com, can do just that! They can penetrate to the dermis because of their active ingredients. They are well formulated and tested so the product can reach the new skin cells. The active ingredients are those that actually do something beneficial for your skin, be it reduce wrinkles or pigmentation, prevent acne, or hydrate.  The level of penetration cosmeceutical products can accomplish is going to prevent loss of collagen and elastin (both signs of aging) because they work on live tissue. A professional will recommend the cosmeceutical products that work best for your skin type.

Over-the-counter products are those that you can purchase at any drug store or convenience store. The FDA approved over-the-counter products work on the outermost layer of skin. They have minimal results that take a longer time to see. Over-the-counter products are usually very affordable due to the ineffectiveness (= low cost) of the ingredients. Most often it is the advertising that you are paying for, not a quality product.

To achieve the skin you want, cosmeceutical products will give you the BEST results, hands down. It may be more of an investment, but you use less, and they work better! Ask your skin care professional which one of our amazing products will fit your skin the best! Then visit SkinMedix.com and let us be your source for low prices on the world’s leading anti-aging cosmeceuticals normally available only through physicians’ offices and high-end spas at much higher prices!

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Knowing Your Skin Undertone

Whether you swirl and tap Priori Perfecting Minerals, or you prefer to pump and buff Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals and Pressed Powder, to create that perfect makeup look, you first need to be an expert in…. your own skin!

There are three main types of undertones: warm, cool and neutral. It is important to remember: skin undertone is not the same as your skin tone. Undertone is the color of the shadow that is being cast underneath your skin tone. Your skin will change from time to time depending on your exposure to the sun, but the undertone of your skin stays pretty much the same throughout your life. Determining your undertone is a tricky business. But fret not as there are a few basic ways to finding out what is yours. Bear in mind that these methods are neither foolproof nor scientifically proven, but this is a great first step in helping you to get to know your skin better so that you can guarantee a near perfection finish every time you get made up.

1. The Vein Method
The easiest and fastest method of them all: just go under natural light (day light is the most natural) and have a look at the colour of the veins on the underside of your wrist. If they appear greenish, you have warm undertone. If your skin undertone is cool, they should either be blue-ish or have a purple tint to them. Having blue-green hued veins (think turquoise or aqua) means your undertone is neutral.

2. The Jewelery Test
Try on a piece of yellow gold and white gold or silver accessory for this test. They can be earrings or necklaces. Decide which colour brings out your features more. If the yellow gold accessory makes you look more radiant, this indicates a warm undertone. People with this undertone usually have ivory, peachy, golden brown or golden beige skin colour. If your skin looks instantly brightened in white gold or silver, your undertone is cool. Your skin tone is either rosy pink, rosy beige, dark brown or dark olive. If you can pull off both colours equally as good, then you might just be the lucky one with the neutral undertone!

3. The Pony Tail Test
This test is called the “Pony Tail” test because it requires to pull all your hair to the back, so the easiest way to do so is by tying your hair into a – you guess it – ponytail. But doing it up in a bun or pulling your hair behind your ears with a headband does the trick too, just as long as your hair is no longer framing your face. Then with a thoroughly cleansed face and under as natural light as possible, place a white towel, paper or cloth around your neck and shoulders. The whiteness of the item you’re using will help reflect the hue of your undertone. If you have warm undertone, you face will appear yellowish next to the white. If you find your face looks blue-ish, then your undertone is cool.

4. White or Ivory?
Also known as ‘The Wedding Dress Test’, this requires you to look at different photos of yourself wearing those two colors. Do you find you look tired-looking in cream tops but fabulous in pure white? Then you are most probably cool toned. If you have warm undertone, colors in the ivory family will flatter you more than when you are in white. A neutral undertone is a lucky great thing to have, as you don’t have to worry about looking washed out in your wedding photos; all colors work on you!

You can do either test but it best to do all four. People confuse skin tone and skin undertone all the time which is not surprising. Think of your skin tone as the ‘overtone’ which lies on top of the ‘undertone’. Just like the yellow overtoned people, those with pink overtone always assume they have a cool undertone, which is not always correct, but you can be assured that even professionals get it wrong with their clients all the time.

Another option is to understand which color suit which undertone better. If you always look better and get more compliments when you use warm colours, then it’s safe to say you have a warm undertone. If you find yourself constantly reaching for the cool colors when you’re putting makeup on, then you probably have a cool undertone.

So that brings us to another dilemma: what colors are warm and which are cool? Contrary to some people’s belief, one color isn’t just cool or warm. Generally speaking, all colors have warm hues and cool hues. Red lipsticks are a good example: red lipsticks with blue tints in them are cooler so they would suit those who have a cool undertone. Warm hued reds have an orange tint and look better on the warm undertoned.

Cool

• People with cool skin tones like Scarlett Johanson usually have eyes that are blue, gray, greenish-blue with gray flecks, or a deep brown that borders on black.
• Your skin looks healthiest in pure white shirts.
• Pink or blue-based red lipsticks are more flattering than corals, terracotta reds, and chocolate browns.
• The veins on your wrist have a blue tint.
• Silver jewelry looks best on you.
• Other celebrities with a cool undertone: Alek Wek, Michelle Trachtenberg, Keira Knightley

Warm

• Warm skin tones like Leona Lewis‘s are usually accompanied by green, hazel, amber, or warm brown eyes.
• Your skin looks healthiest in off-white or beige shirts.
• Coral, terracotta red, and chocolate brown lipsticks are more flattering than pinks or blue-based reds.
• The veins on your wrist have a greenish tint.
• Gold jewelry looks best on you.
• Other celebrities with a warm undertone are: Nicole Kidman, Chelsea Clinton, Gillian Anderson, Leona Lewis

Neutral

• This is where it gets a bit complicated! If you are a neutral this means you either have a mix of cool and warm undertones or no distinguishable undertones at all, like Victoria Beckham.
• Neutral tones are rare, and the lucky people who have them look good wearing all colors.
• The veins on your wrist wil appear green and blue.
• Other celebrities with a neutral undertone: Dita Von Teese, Alyssa Milano, Kelly Clarkson

So to summarize, if you have a cool undertone you should go for a pink based foundation. If you have a warm undertone you would choose a more yellow based foundation. Neutral people are the luckiest and could opt for either a cool or warm foundation and pair it with the opposing powder or you could go for a foundation that has more balanced undertones.

…and a couple more tips for choosing the right shade:

• Match foundation to the color of your neck to avoid a makeup line at the jaw line
• If you have some redness on your face, it can appear as if you have a pink undertone. Pink will only accentuate the redness while yellow can actually help to neutralize it.

Visit SkinMedix.com and look for our detailed descriptions to help you find your best shade! If you still aren’t sure what your skin undertone is or if you have questions about colors from any of our makeup lines, email me at Gina@SkinMedix.com!

Talk soon! XO,