Brighten Up For Summer

July 24, 2012 by Guest Blogger • Comment

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Summer is all about lightening and brightening up. It’s definitely the time of year when I feel most drawn toward vibrant colors in everything, from the food I eat to the clothes I wear. Seeking out color is not only mood boosting but also results in healthy, glowing skin. Here are a few ways you can easily brighten up your summer days…

{1} Bright fruits and vegetables are not only beautiful to the eye, but they’re also packed full of important antioxidants. Top your morning yogurt with fresh blueberries or try this delicious blackberry, peach and walnut salad!

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{2} I’m a new devotee to the Brightening Duo (Vitamin C Ester and Face Firming Moisturizer)–have you tried this combo? After using this powerful pair for just a week, I noticed immediate results in the form of visibly brighter, firmer and radiant skin. I no longer have to rely on luminizing makeup to fake a glow. Plus, the citrus scent and subtle rose fragrances smell delightful.

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{3} One of my favorite tricks for brightening up tired eyes goes well with a summery glow–just mix a tiny dab of the Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream with an old shimmery white eye shadow. Then using either an eyeshadow brush or simply your ring finger, pat the creamy mixture into the inner corners of your eyes. The effect will be very subtle but really makes your eyes pop.

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{4} Bold colors can be intimidating to wear full on, so give the season’s hottest hues a try in smaller doses through accessories. A nude flat with a neon yellow toe (similar here) or a pouch in cobalt or fuchsia (here and here) allow you to incorporate color into your wardrobe without a serious commitment.

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{5} Don’t forget to use color in your home, too! From throw pillows on your couch to fun napkins for entertaining guests, those little details impart a summer vibe all around you.

Do you eat or wear more color in summer? What are your summer beauty tricks?

Lauren Craig is the founder of the lifestyle blog Perpetually Chic, where she shares her keen eye for details through globally and seasonally inspired food, fashion, travel, decor and more. Follow her blog and see more of her inspiration on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Summer at the Market

July 17, 2012 by Guest Blogger • Comment

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Do you have access to a local farmers’ market? The stalls are filled to the brim with gorgeous, colorful produce this time of year, and my favorite way to spend Saturday mornings is loading up on fresh ingredients to transform into a meal to later savor on the patio. Here’s my go-to routine for a perfect summer Saturday at the market…

{1} I’m not big on makeup on the weekend and really like to give my skin a rest. But that doesn’t mean ignoring it. Instead, I opt for a quick process so I can get out the door: I start with Perricone MD’s Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser, then follow it with Deep Moisture Therapy to make my skin baby soft and glow. Next I dab the ultra-rich Firming Eye Cream around my eyes to keep those dark circles in check. Last but not least, I let the No Foundation Foundation disappear into my skin, giving me a polished but not overly made-up finish. In the car, I’ll swipe on some lip balm.

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{2} At the market, I investigate the first couple of vendors just to absorb what’s available and gather inspiration. Then I start filling my bag with items I know I’ll either snack on alone or can use as part of a meal. Antioxidant-rich cherries, tomatoes and cucumbers were just a few of the things that landed in my bag last weekend.

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{3} I always keep my eye out for a cheery bouquet of flowers to bring home and enjoy for the week. Fresh flowers are hands down my favorite indulgence!

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{4} Fresh, seasonal ingredients make summer cooking such a breeze and allow for spontaneous new creations. A favorite is thinly slicing a zucchini, carrot, red bell pepper and red onion with a mandoline, tossing everything on the grill, and then layering onto grilled bread with hummus and a bit of mozzarella. Cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion seasoned with salt and pepper and drizzled with olive oil and Sriracha make a nice side salad.

Summer Beauty Tips for Travel

July 10, 2012 by Guest Blogger • Comment

Hi Perriconistas! Lauren Craig from Perpetually Chic here, and I’m so thrilled that Perricone MD asked me to stop by throughout the month of July to share my favorite summer tips with you. Whether you’re jetting off to the Caribbean or simply driving to the lake this summer, keep reading for my simple travel rules:

{1} Pack light. After years of over-packing, I’ve slowly learned to edit down. Always in my bag: A great dress in a colorful print to throw on for day and dress up at night, classic leather thongs that go with anything, a lightweight scarf and a universally flattering black swimsuit (I love a retro style like this top). Don’t forget your favorite sunglasses and a straw hat to shield yourself from the intense summer sunshine!

{2} Simplify your beauty routine. I like to focus my efforts on good skincare using just a few essentials in travel sizes—even if my travel will be by car. I love the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Travel Set—with three easy steps (cleanse, treat, moisturize) and a dab of concealer, I’m out the door with fresh and glowing skin.

{3} Capture memories. Whether a camera or a journal is more your style, preserve those cherished moments of summer fun to look back on later. Whenever I’m in need of a mental vacation, I love to flip through my photographs or the notes I wrote about my favorite experiences.

{4} Get out and explore. Don’t forget to slow down, pause and savor the beauty around you, because wherever it is you’re traveling, there’s something magical worth noticing!

Summer Beauty Foods: The Artichoke

June 19, 2012 by Guest Blogger • 1 Comment

The globe artichoke is one of the oldest known cultivated vegetables, and it happens to be brimming with nutritional benefits. The artichokes we typically eat are actually a flower of the whole plant—anyone love artichoke hearts? Flavor aside, here are some more health and beauty reasons to incorporate artichokes into your diet

An excellent source of magnesium, and the trace mineral chromium- which has been shown to support healthy weight loss.
They also provide Vitamins A and C, folic acid, biotin, the trace mineral manganese to fortify hair, skin and nails.
They are also a good source of skin clearing vitamin A.
Artichoke can support cholesterol reduction because of its strong choleretic activity (promotes bile secretion in the liver). Choleretics increase the elimination of cholesterol and decrease the production of cholesterol in the liver. The niacin present also aids in helping produce HDL—the “good” cholesterol.
They aid in detoxification. Since the artichoke plant is a member of the thistle family, it has similar benefits to milk thistle–protecting against toxins and infection.
The carbohydrate in artichokes is in the form of inulin, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels*. This also makes them an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Note: the artichokes must be fresh, since the inulin will eventually convert to other sugars as the artichoke ages.

To learn more about eating for beauty, click here.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s artichoke recipe.

Katharina Knoll, a Manhattan-based food and art enthusiast has prepared a series of anti-inflammatory recipes celebrating simple, rustic foods. Enraptured by the intersection of health and nutrition, Kat is the founder and director of Behind Foods. Follow Kat on her blog, Katharina’s Food Adventures, and keep in touch through her Facebook fan page and Twitter

DIY Eye Shadow

June 18, 2012 by ascott • Comment

Summer beauty is about sheer, glossy makeup and beautiful skin. To get that sheer “glossy” cream eye shadow look (while protecting your skin) you can take your favorite shadow and combine it with No Concealer Concealer.

Step 1: Select a Shadow. This look works well with shimmery, neutral shadows- especially peaches, golds and whites. It’s a great way to repurpose old shadows that are crumbling as well. Here, we used a white shadow from Shu Uemura to create natural looking brow bone highlighter.

Step 2: “Shave”. Gently and lightly “shave” off just a bit of powder- about the size of a pea

Step 3: Pump & Mix. Mix 1 pump of No Concealer Concealer with your shadow and mix until you reach your desired color. You can add either more shadow or more No Concealer based on your preference.

Step 4: After applying your favorite anti aging eye treatment, pat on a light coat of your custom shadow.