Eco*Pretty!

I am now a contributing writer over at Eco*Pretty, one of the very best beauty resources on the web! My first review is up now, let me know what you think!


Jen McGuire, Contributing Writer
Jen is a San Francisco-trained licensed esthetician and makeup artist with 12 years of experience in the beauty industry—seven as a holistic esthetician. She works for several natural companies in different capacities, including skin care education and product representation and demonstration. She is thoroughly trained on the Dr. Hauschka, Jurlique, Juice Beauty, and Aveda lines, plus countless others. She and Lindsay quickly became blogs friends (Jen writes an informative skin care site called Skin Rhythm) and Lindsay brought her on in January 2009. Jen lives in Austin, Texas with her hubbie and twin boys.

Skin Rhythm Spa Tip: Slow Down

I realized recently that I rush through my showers. I have many lovely natural products made with delicious essential oils but I don't usually take the time to enjoy them.

I'm always thinking about the next great product or reading about products I haven't yet tried. I thought about it and had to admit to myself that I already have enough products to last me the next five years (if only natural products could last that long!) so I decided to enjoy what I already have, especially since ( like most people) I am on a pretty tight budget.

This time of year is especially stressful for your skin so now is a good time for a little pampering!

I decided recently to commit to turning my regular shower into a spa experience once a week. Here's how you can do the same.

1. Dim the lights. Chances are you could do your shower routine in your sleep, so why not in the dark? Light a few candles and turn off the overhead light. This will automatically cause you to slow down and focus on each phase of your regimen.



2. Stay present. If you find yourself thinking to the day ahead (if it's morning) or to the events of your day (if it's evening) take a deep breath and try to focus on the sensation of the water and allow yourself to relax.

3. Choose the right products. If you are taking a shower in the morning use products that will help you feel awake and rejuvenated. Anything with citrus or mint is great. If it's evening choose products that will soothe and relax you. Lavender or geranium are both great choices. Are you off on a date or other special event? Try a sensual oil such as jasmine, rose, palmarosa or ylang ylang.

4. Breathe. As you lather your shampoo, rinse your conditioner or wash your face be sure to breathe deeply. Really take the time to inhale and enjoy the aroma of each of your yummy products.

5. Exfoliate. How do you feel when you leave the spa? Soft and relaxed, right? That's how you should feel after your weekly spa ritual. Be sure to slough off the dead cells from your entire body so you emerge feeling fresh and supple.

Don't have a pre-made exfoliant? Whip one up with any kind of oil mixed with brown or white sugar and a dash of any essential oil you have handy. (my husband swears that salt will eat our forty year old metal pipes) or use a loofah or wash cloth. For your face you can mix a bit of plain yogurt, a teaspoon of honey and a bit of oatmeal--leave on about ten minutes and rinse off.




6. Nourish. After you are fully rinsed apply any kind of oil (I have jojoba, coconut and olive oil on hand. Any of these are fine or you can use any body or massage oil you happen to have laying around) Don't rinse off, you will pat off excess as you towel-dry. Once you apply your regualar body lotion on top it will seal in moisture and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

How the Recession Affects Beauty Rituals

With most people tightening their belts, I'm wondering how that has affected the beauty industry as a whole. Does the stress causes folks to rush to their closest massage therapist/esthetician/hair stylist and request the deluxe treatment or do are you like me and just hole up in the bathroom for a bit until things are smoother, shinier and happier?

With my busy schedule and rampant brow growth I pretty much HAVE to wax my own brows, but there are many services I would love to have done regularly if I had the disposable income.

Are there any beauty rituals that you used to outsource that now you attempt at home? Any tips you want to share?

*Above: My favorite brow-wax trick--draw over the parts you want removed with a nude pencil. This will allow you to see your new shape before you commit to it and you can wax right over it!

The ABC's of Supplements

Have you resolved to take better care of yourself in this new year? Do you want to begin taking supplements but have no idea where to start? Try heading over to the Whole Foods website and checking out their latest podcast on the ABC's of Supplements.

From the Whole Foods site:
"Confused about so many supplements on the shelves? Tune in and let us help! We’re going back to the basics and answering some common questions. Nutritionist Malia Curran talks about various benefits and forms of supplements, things to know about regulation and explains a few terms that are often confusing."

Stress and the Skin

Stress is a part of modern life. Many of us have way more stress than we can ever manage effectively with our busy and hectic schedules especially when you throw in inconsistent exercise and poor eating habits.

Ironically, most women I encounter (myself included) choose high-stress times to try new skincare products with mixed results. When you are feeling overwhelmed and it is showing up on your complexion it is tempting to race to the nearest store and find that magic potion that will make it all go away. Shopping can be soothing and the excitement and hope a new product can bring can really distract you from your problems.

The problem with trying new products during times of high stress (both emotionally and physically) is that your body and skin can react to them in ways that they normally would not-- causing you to discontinue using a brand or product that may work quite well for you.

What can you do? Strive to live in balance--view topical skincare as only one small part in an overall self-care package. Navigate stressful times by exercising more, relaxing more, making sure to participate in activities that make you feel calm and happy, drink more water and simplify your skincare routine.

Use a gentle cleanser and step up your exfoliation with a product containing mild enzymes. If you do try new products add one at a time to your regimen and buy a starter kit with trial sizes (about a month's supply is ideal) whenever possible. It's hard to tell if something is right from you after only using it once or twice.

Once when I was pregnant I tried a new deodorant and it gave me the worst rash. Itchy, bumpy and really ugly. I put the product aside and forgot about it. After I gave birth and my body had begun to get back to normal I found the deodorant in my cabinet and decided to give it another shot. I did and it was fine. I have never had another problem with it in the three years since.

Another time I was going through some high-stress times and not taking very good care of myself. I decided to try a pillow pack sample of a moisturizer I had received at Whole Foods. Soon after I applied it I felt that familiar itchy tingle along my jawline and all over my lower face--even on my hands. I decided that this brand was not for me. Luckily I changed my mind a few months later and gave it another shot: it is now one of my favorite brands and I have not had another problem with it. In fact, this same line has cleared up a lot of my skin care issues.

The point is: good skin comes from many factors only one of which is your topical skin care. Managing stress and diet are also key factors in maintaining a bright and healthy complexion.

And if you are out of whack and craving satisfaction...rush to your favorite personal care store and buy a lipstick!