Featured in VOGUE Australia: What New Yorkers are Wearing Pre-NYFW

Snapped by VOGUE Australia's street style team on my way to grab coffee bright and early. Makeup free and bundled wearing Mackage Marla Jacket, ASOS Scarf, Joie Dalton Booties, and Celine Edge Bag.

May: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

A JAMA Dermatology study just found that there are more skin cancer cases linked to indoor tanning beds than lung cancer cases linked to smoking! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - It's the perfect opportunity to make an appointment with your dermatologist to have a full, head-to-toe examto make sure you don't have any abnormal moles or early warning signs of skin cancer. I personally had my exam today with Dr. Doris Day and was clear with the exception of a potential, small Basal Cell Carcinoma on my nose which was quickly treated on-site. For more information on mobile exam units that may be visiting your area and how to do a self-exam between doctors visits, refer to Skincancer.org. [lightbox link="http://erinsykes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/images.jpeg" thumb="http://erinsykes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/images.jpeg" width="277" align="center" title="images" frame="true" icon="image"]

THE BEAUTY OF HEALTH: HOW SUPPLEMENTS CAN HELP YOUR SKIN AND WELL-BEING

It’s pretty obvious that working out regularly and drinking plenty of water is good for you… check. But which supplements to take to help bring out the glow in your skin and improve your energy can be a little more daunting. Every person needs to figure out the best combination for their body, but I want to give you a bit of insight about what I have found that works for me. Not only have the following supplements / vitamins improved my skin, but they have also helped with my migraines. So, this is my very personal protocol… don’t think of it as a prescription, but glean what you wish… Tumeric: Tumeric is a root that has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions. Studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems (University of Maryland Medical Center). The University of Maryland’s Medical Center also states that turmeric’s powerful antioxidant properties fight cancer-causing free radicals, reducing or preventing some of the damage they can cause. I have personally found that it helps me recover more quickly from workouts and my skin seems less puffy (especially after a few cocktails). I believe its long-term benefits are the most important investment and will continue to be a devotee. I take one New Chapter Tumeric Force Supplement daily. Fish Oil / Vitamin D: I was able to find these two supplements combined into a tasty mango liquid form (Barlean’s Omega Swirl Fish Oil with Vitamin D). Like Tumeric, Fish Oil has a number of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. It is helpful in treating dry skin and Psoriasis. The Omega3 Fatty Acids are major player here; they boost the growth of enzymes in the body to produce more collagen and elastin protein. They also kill off the ‘bad’ enzymes that lower the collagen levels in the body. Ideal levels of of collagen and elastin are necessary to avoid wrinkling of the skin. Most Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, which helps with energy levels. I can personally see the difference in my energy on the days that I forget to take the supplement. Having sufficient energy ensures that you can take care of yourself on a daily basis and make good choices. I have one tablespoon of the Barlean’s liquid each night. B-Complex Vitamin: B-complex vitamins refers to all of the known essential water-soluble vitamins except for vitamin C. These include thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid and the cobalamins (vitamin B12) (more info: e-vitamins). B-complex vitamins promote healthy hair, skin and nails as they work together to counteract damage caused by free radicals. Deficiencies of any of these B vitamins can lead to dry, grey skin, dermatitis, wrinkles, acne, rashes, hair loss and weak, splitting nails. Vitamin B12 helps to regulate your skin’s pigment production and location, preventing hyperpigmentation – the darkening of skin in certain parts of your body. Vitamin B5 can help to minimize acne by helping the body to breakdown oils in the form of triglycerides and cholesterol, whereas Vitamin B2 has been the most helpful of this group with my migraines (More info: University of Maryland Medical Center) I take Pure B Complex Liquid in the morning.

SYKESSTYLE TIP OF THE DAY

When do you wear clear lip liner? Wait solution to “What shade of liner should I carry in my purse?” because it goes with everything! Now… where do I get some of that?

SYKESSTYLE TIP OF THE DAY

Wait two minutes in between applying your serum and your moisturizer. The serum needs an opportunity to penetrate to a deeper level and you don’t want the formulas to mix on the surface area of your skin.

1st: Always Serum [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tip2-2.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tip2-2.jpg" width="250" align="center" title="tip2-2" frame="true" icon="image"]

Wait 2 Minutes, Apply Moisturizer [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tip2-1.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tip2-1.jpg" width="250" align="center" title="tip2-1" frame="true" icon="image"]

SYKESSTYLE TIP OF THE DAY

Always use blush and lip color in the same tone (not necessarily matching!) For example, if wearing a warm lip color (peach, tangerine, coral, orange-red, brick red, or copper) wear a warm blush (bronze, peach). If wearing a cool lip color (pink, fuchsia, blue-based red, or mauve) wear a cool blush (carnation pink, berry or blood red). Generally, cool tones have a lot of what appears to be blue or purple in it whereas warm tones are based in yellow. This is a good starting point as a way to look subdivide all of your makeup and start to see a pattern as to what looks best on you.

DOGGIE BEAUTY

[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/brutus2.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/brutus2.jpg" width="0" align="center" title="brutus2" frame="true" icon="image"] Don’t forget that your pups need some beauty TLC during the cold too. Apply a bit of triple antibiotic ointment of Vaseline to their nose to prevent dry out. Brutus will definitely need a bit after this romp!

THE NEW FACE OILS

Applying oil directly to your face seems counter-intuitive of so many of us who spent our teenage years doing everything we could to forever banish oil from our lives. Now, as adults, we have a whole new array of concerns – with anti-aging leading the pack… and OIL is what will keep your skin looking plump and youthful. Many of the new breed of face oils (include Rodin, Estee Lauder Nutritious, and Josie Marin) contain ingredients such as Argan, Passion Fruit, and Marula Oils which have anti-oxidants that protect against free radicals. Argan, Yangu, and Borage Seed Oil also sooth against inflamation, thus flaming redness and even helping with acne. The oils are dry which means you won’t be left looking shiny. You can use the oils alone at night, under moisturizer, or mix a drop into foundation for a dewy look. Once a week, try using the oil as an exfoliator; after cleansing take a few drops a rub into skin in a circular motion, starting from center of face and working outward. Continue the motion for a few minutes until your start to feel a slight pilling of dead skin. The oil helps to loosen the surface skin in combination with the extended massage. continue until even and radiant.   A few to try: Josie Maran Argan Oil Rodin Olio Lusso Estee Lauder Nutritious Fresh Seaberry Oil [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/oils.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/oils.jpg" width="580" align="center" title="oils" frame="true" icon="image"]

WINTER WONDERLAND

Heading out of your first ski trip of the year? or is your skin struggling to adjust to the December chill? As the seasons change it’s important to change your skincare routine. Contrary to what you may think, less is more when the winds pick up and temps drop. High quality, deeply penetrating moisturizers and serums will become your best friend! Be sure keep the following handy: □ Lightweight serum with hyaluronic acid to help skin hold on to moisture □ Eye cream that treats your main concerns (dark circles? lines?). The area around your eyes is more delicate and sensitive that the rest of your face so it needs special care, especially in extreme conditions. □ Moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher (note that sun reflects off of snow an will cause damage more quickly than you may think) □ BB Cream to perfect your complexion in one step (not to mention further protect) □ Black waterproof mascara so that you will look wide-eyed even when skiing or caught in a a pleasant ‘wintery-mix’ □ Tinted lip conditioner to keep lips moisturized and looking polished □ Softly exfoliating cleanser to get rid of dry, chapped skin at the end of each day

LADIES LOUNGE

Here is a recap from our Ladies Lounge Beauty Night!

Step inside with the ladies via this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl0IBYlNl54

Pinterest Board of our favorite products:

http://pinterest.com/vdlr/best-of-beauty-spring-makeup-trends/

Some of my favorite tips that help streamline your beauty routine!

1) For minimalist traveling bring a face serum, moisturizer, mascara, conditioning lip gloss, and blush/bronzer. It’s important to maintain your Skincare routine or boost it according to your destination (desert heat, beach sun, ski trip dryness).

2) BB and CC creams boot traditional tinted moisturizers. Choose a BB for tint + primer + sun protection. Choose CC for added Skincare benefits if you have uneven skintone, redness, or blemish marks that need extra concealing.

3) Find the mascara formula right for you. Molded wands are great for those with shorter, sparser eyelashes or those that like a defined look. Classic bristled wands give a fluffy, feathered finish. ‘Tubing’ formulas or those with two step that include fibers are a good choice for dramatic evening events or humid days where smudging is not an option.

4) Line and define! Most women choose their eyes as their favorite feature. Enhance them with colored eyeliner, smudged kajal formulas, or a winged looked.

5) Makeup will only look as good as the skin that glows through. Stick to a Skincare routine that includes a repair serum, eye cream, and moisturizer day and night. Don’t forget to apply the serum and moisturizer to your neck and back of hands.

The Ladies Lounge is a collective of fabulous women. Founded in 2003, its mission is to connect stylish ambitious ladies through engaging monthly soirees. Held in the comfort of a member’s home, each event is themed and brought to life through a unique activity. Topics range from goal setting to wine tasting, and everything in between. The Ladies Lounge now proudly boasts chapters in LA, SF, and NYC.

COACHELLA BEAUTY TIPS

Coachella. It makes me glean and wince at the same time. The best bands in the planet in one place . Unfortunately, that place is HOT, dusty, and full of {some} people that aren’t showering for the better part of three days. My goal for the weekend is to look fresh and radiant with as little effort and maintenance as possible; the following will be my keys to success.

[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella1.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella1.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="coachella1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer Price: $45Amazing stuff – A universal shade that withstands high-humidity and extreme moisture. It gets better; paraben- free, sulfate-free, synthetic fragrance and dye-free. Haute hippie appoved.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachell2.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachell2.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="coachella1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Smashbox BB Cream SPF 35 Price: $39You already know I’m a fan of BB Cream in general, especially the multi-shade offering from Smashbox from this prior post. Not only do you have SPF 35 to shelter from the desert sun, but the medium coverage tint + primer coverage makes this a one-stop-shop for the perfectly (protected) complexion.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella3.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella3.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="coachella1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 70 Price: $10.99I am a HUGE fan the Neutrogena line of high-SPF spray sunscreens, all of which contain Helioplex a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. While UVB rays are the ones that cause skin to burn, UVA rays are the ones that cause skin to wrinkle (and this type can even pass through window/glass) thus it is necessary to make sure that you are using BROAD SPECTRUM protection against both types.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella4.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella4.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="coachella1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume Lifting Mascara Price: $21Long wearing, and absolutely waterproof. Achieve and MAINTAIN your ideal lash fringe all day and night. I love the classic cone shape of this brush, too, which allows a precise bottom and outer lash application.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella5.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella5.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="coachella1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof and Tearproof Eyeliner Price: $18This eyeliner glides on without tugging to achieve the festival-perfect cat eye (using the built-in super soft smudger) and will literally stay on through sweat and tears. I use it almost daily and it be sure to make makeup bag next weekend. Must also remember to bring eye makeup remover (face wash def. won’t cut it).
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella6.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella6.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="coachella1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder (Blondish) Price: $35Second day hair, but better… and available in White, Blondish, Brown, and Black to make sure your root touch-up is invisible.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella7.png" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/coachella7.png" width="150" align="center" title="coachella1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Garnier Fructis Survivor Gel Price: $4.89Can’t bear to blow out your hair in the heat? Worried about your curls and frizz in the extreme conditions? This is the ONLY product that keeps mine in check. Note: It is STRONG. You must have curly, somewhat dry hair to use, otherwise it will be much to heavy for you. But, if you are the type of girl who is always looking for the-next-best-curl-manager, it has become my savior.

HOT PINK: NOT JUST FOR BARBIE

Spring has sprung across the country, so this weekend why not welcome the gorgeous weather and step out of your makeup routine with a hot pink lip? Starting with the Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2011 runway show and recently seen on every celeb from Nicole Richie to Rhianna to Emma Stone to Taylor Swift – the hot pink lip replaces classic red as we move into warmer months. [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink4.jpeg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink4.jpeg" width="275" align="center" title="pink4" frame="true" icon="image"] [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink3.jpeg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink3.jpeg" width="196" align="center" title="pink3" frame="true" icon="image"] [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink2.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink2.jpg" width="192" align="center" title="pink2" frame="true" icon="image"] [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink1.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink1.jpg" width="191" align="center" title="pink1" frame="true" icon="image"] When you wear the hot pink lip, the rest of the face should be left pretty minimal; using a great beauty balm as a base, a neutral eye shadow and blush, and lots of black mascara for contrast. Start by using a lip primer like Too Faced Lip Insurance to help lipstick last longer. Next, apply lip liner like NARS Liner Pencil in Miss Sadie around the perimeter of your lips, then filling in the center. Finally, apply your hot pink lip color using a lip brush for accuracy. NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage is a fantastic bright but mature fuchsia that can be worn alone in matte or layered with a gloss. Remember to keep hair sleek and let your lips play center stage. Try the look next time you wear nautical stripes, floral prints, or pure white. [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink5.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pink5.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="pink5" frame="true" icon="image"]

MASCARA WAND WIKI

[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/maskara1.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/maskara1.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="maskara1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Molded Brush – Plastic wands that function like a mascara comb allowing for flexible, oversized take on the traditional bristled brush used to create exceptional length and volume. Best for medium to long lashes as it can be difficult for those with shorter lashes to get brush close to the root. Use a single coat to prevent clumping. Try- DiorShow Mascara
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/maskara4.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/maskara4.jpg" width="300" align="center" title="maskara4" frame="true" icon="image"]	Curved Brush – A curved brush will slightly enhance the curl of your lashes, but not enough to replace a lash curler. Available in both molded and traditional brush types. Try – Maybelline Great Lash Curved Brush Mascara
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/maskara5.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/maskara5.jpg" width="200" align="center" title="maskara5" frame="true" icon="image"]	Mini Brush – Traditionally used for bottom lashes or for sparse lashes. Compact brush allows you to get close to lash line Try – Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

BOOK - ENAMEL DICTION

[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/diction1.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/diction1.jpg" width="300" align="left" title="diction1" frame="true" icon="image"]I happened upon the must-read, kistchy-but-oh-so-accurate book Enamel Diction by The Initiative ($16.95) while browsing Carousel Shop in Bondi Beach, Australia this past week. Enamel Diction’s authors describe the book as a “light hearted insight into the kind of façades we present to the world – and ask; is the nail polish we wear a true reflection of ourselves or just gloss?” Or more simply, can you tell a girl by her nail color? Ultimately it suggests that how we choose to express ourselves through exterior decoration is an important clue to our inner nature. The colors we choose have a meaning and a function. Buff off the coating to varnish the truth with your own copy. Guarantee that you will have your yoga neighbor with the consistent fuchsia pedi all figured out . Below is a peek into my current polish personality… [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/diction2.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/diction2.jpg" width="600" align="left" title="diction2" frame="true" icon="image"]

BEAUTY BALM? BB CREAM?

Beauty Balm, also called BB Cream, is the newest trend within both the cosmetics and skincare worlds. These multi-tasking formulas fuse tinted moisturizer, makeup primer, SPF, skin-nourishing serum, and a powerhouse anti-oxidant complex into a lightweight substitute for traditional tinted moisturizer or foundation. Though just released in the US, Beauty Balms have long been an Asian beauty secret and these original versions pay specific attention to priming, blemish healing/concealing, and offering a high SPF (>45). With about a dozen US brands currently offering a Beauty Balm, it is clear that some are modeling their formulas closer to the Asian standard while others are expanding to suit consumer desires in the States. The following are the five most popular Beauty Balms in Sephora and show a range of textures, weights, shade ranges, etc: For demonstration, if there was a shade range available, I chose the Medium tone (noted below) of the available options.

[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream1.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream1.jpg" width="250" align="left" title="cream1" frame="true" icon="image"]	Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 Price: $37 Shade Used: Shade 2 (Darker) # Shades Available: 2 I like the smooth texture and light-medium coverage of the Clinique Age Defense BB Cream. Excellent anti-aging ingredients and 100% fragrance-free, with the backing of a skincare leader, so long-term benefit expectations are high. I would like to see them expand the shade range as even Shade 2, the ‘darker’ of the options, was bordering on being too light for my medium skin tone.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream2.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream2.jpg" width="350" align="left" title="cream2" frame="true" icon="image"]	Dr Jardt+ Premium BB Beauty Balm SPF 45 Price: $39 Single ShadeThe Premium version of Dr. Jardt’s formulas is meant for normal-dry skin and thus offers more coverage and primer benefits than the Water Fuse version. It offers a medium coverage with an impressive SPF 45. Again, however, the universal single shade is a bit too light and finish a bit matte for me. I do adore the hard shell pump packaging; great for travel as you do not run the risk of an exploding tube in your bag.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream3.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream3.jpg" width="350" align="left" title="cream3" frame="true" icon="image"]	Dr Jardt+ Water Fuse BB Beauty Balm SPF 25 Price: $32 Single ShadeThe Water Fuse version of Dr. Jardt+ is a more lightweight formula, appropriate for summer or oily-skin. It also comes in a single shade, which is also too light to be truly universal, but more flexible than the Premium due to the sheerness of the product. The Water Fuse does not offer as high an SPF, as much coverage or the full priming benefits of the Premium version, but absorbs quickly and offers lightweight moisture. This product has a unique audience; those with light to medium toned skin that is typically oily.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream4.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream4.jpg" width="350" align="left" title="cream4" frame="true" icon="image"]	Smashbox BB Cream SPF 35 Price: $39 Shade Used: Medium # Shades Available: 4I am impressed with the slightly-more-than-medium coverage and poreless finish that I received with the Smashbox product – it is clear that the brand integrated its primer technology into the BB Cream. With an SPF of 35 it falls in the higher tier of competition with regard to sun prevention. This is a difficult line to walk when formulating a color product as a higher SPF often leads to a chalky finish; Smashbox achieved the sought-after SPF without that problem. Also available in 4 shades, making skin tone matching much easier.
[lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream5.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cream5.jpg" width="350" align="left" title="cream5" frame="true" icon="image"]	Too Faced Beauty Balm Multi Benefit Skincare Makeup SPF 20 Price: $32 Shade Used: Nude Glow # of Shades Available: 4 The Too Faced Beauty Balm offers the most luminous, lightweight formula with sheer to medium coverage. It absorbs very quickly and is also available in 4 shades to match your skin tone. I am most impressed by the immediate glow that my skin had after applying this product; it offers a radiance boost not present in other Beauty Balms. Its SPF is on the lower end of the spectrum, but is boosted by an impressive antioxidant/ multi-mineral complex.

Regardless of which Beauty Balms / BB Cream you choose, its apparent that their rise will eliminate the need for traditional tinted moisturizer. Why not use one product and achieve a multitude of immediate and long-term results?

NATURAL BEAUTY

Despite significant effort, there have been few truly luxurious, all-natural skin care lines that successfully combine effectiveness and responsibility. Two shining stars, however, are ARCONA Skin Care, a spa brand from Los Angeles and Intelligent Nutrients, a relatively new line from Horst Rechelbacher, the founder of AVEDA. [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/arcona.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/arcona.jpg" width="180" align="left" title="arcona" frame="true" icon="image"] ARCONA has upgraded all-natural, small-batch formulation to include ultra-high concentrations of antioxidants, plant lipids and extracts, sea vegetables, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. These actives are then cold-pressed to maintain freshness (just think about the LA juicing craze) and the processed using chirally correct technology in order to minimize allergic reactions and enhance effectiveness at a molecular level. [lightbox link="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/arcona2.jpg" thumb="http://www.seriousdesigner.com/erinsykes/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/arcona2.jpg" width="156" align="right" title="arcona2" frame="true" icon="image"] Intelligent Nutrients is a ‘global apothecary’ line offering USDA Certified Organic skin care, hair care, lip care, baby care, pet care, love therapy, and functional foods. All Intelligent Nutrients products are created using 100% renewable energy and are 100% food based, safe, and non-toxic. The core of both the skin care and the functional food line is ‘Intellimune’ antioxidant blend formulated with cold-pressed seed extract to create a super-supplement that fights off free radicals and inflammation, protects health cellular activity and growth, and helps thwart premature aging and disease in the process.