I have been using these Melvita products for about 3 weeks now. I was introduced to them and generously received some full-size samples. I really wanted to give them a true, honest fair shake because many of the organics I’ve tried in the past simply don’t live up to their claims. Melvita Piece by piece, I’m finding I love these Melvita products! Do we finally have a true organic line, certified by Eco-Cert, that puts the others to shame?

I started with Hydrastim: a face moisturizer for dull and dehydrated skin. It not only reduces expression lines but makes a perfect base for a flawless foundation application. My skin appeared smoother and firmer after one use after one week and I had softer, more perfectly balanced skin. You can’t ask for more than that from a 1.69 oz. bottle! It contains aloe vera and other organic exotics and smells great too! Tip: don’t stop with your face. Apply it to your neck as well and you’ll promote a nice, smooth transition from your cheeks through to your neck… great for when wearing outfits with plunging necklines.

Another Melvita daily routine product I’m using is their Eye Contour Gel – This Eye contour gel reduces bags and shadows and smoothes over wrinkles and lines. Well that’s their claim and I have to say it holds water. Not only does the Eye Contour Gel product tighten the skin under my eyes and reduces puffiness, it also has a soothing effect that lets you know it’s working. Filled with all the natural properties needed to do the job, this eye gel really works and makes my eye area look and feel younger which is a must for this type of product. I started to see real results after a few days of use.

Last but not least, Melvita also makes a great, extra rich moisturizing hand cream. Their Extra-Rich Hand Cream has shea butter and won’t break down or leave a greasy feeling to your skin. My hands are very dry from working in water, constantly washing and cleaning them between clients so I need extreme moisture. This product protects, nourishes and delivers repairing properties that made my hands feel instantly comforted. It’s got a pleasant scent and isn’t overbearing like so many other organic hand creams that try to mask those not-so-nice smelling ingredients. It really “hand” delivers a smoothing layer of protection.

So have we found the next organic line of beauty products that live up to all the claims? Well Melvita is certainly on the top of my list. Check out their website and full line of products; from soaps to oils, beehive products and a nicely rounded men’s line! They have a responsible no-synthetics policy and as far as the company itself, they seem to be on the cutting edge and of course have a Facebook page which I’m a fan of. You can buy all of their products right from their website and soon will have boutiques popping up all over the country!

A few days before the event is really when you need to start thinking about looking your best. Of course following a routine is the best advice to look your best all the time. I know crunch time before a special day is always hectic though.

First rule of looking great on film – digital or otherwise – is moisturize. If you read this blog regularly you know that you should be doing this regularly! If not at least do it a week in advance – daily or more if necessary. I would even go as far as treating yourself to a facial or spa day to jump start your commitment to healthy skin and a clear complexion. Keep it up too. Your skin will thank you in the future. While you are there you should get a mani/pedi (manicure and pedicure). A French or neutral treatment is best. You don’t want your nail color to clash or stand out. Close ups of hands and even feet in the warmer months are popular now. One of my clients even had her bridal party wear flip-flops and has photos of them in the sand.

What gets caught on the camera isn’t always that obvious to the naked eye. So make sure you look for the more or less subtle cues. Got roots or regrowth? Get that color touched up. Photos can make your roots look 10 times worse than they really are. Especially high contrast photos like black and whites. Apply a smooth base when doing your makeup too especially if you are going to be indoors. The only part of your face that we want to look shiny is your lips so bring along your lipstick and a clear gloss to cover. And while your on the mouth take a look at your pearly whites and make sure they are just that. If not try whitening toothpastes, pre-rinses and strips that entire week. They will definitely help and the day before use the strawberry trick. Also depending on what you are wearing, watch for unwanted lines and creases from panties and layered clothing.

Most importantly, don’t try those new products or anyone else’s the days before the event. Irritations and allergic reactions are known to happen! If you happen to get a breakout or worse – that highly noticeable pimple right on your nose leave it alone and let your makeup do its job. The redder it gets, the more concealer needed. The more makeup you are wearing, the more likely you are going to need to reapply at some point.

So get plenty of rest the night before. Avoid as much alcohol, cigarettes and other nasties you may indulge in the night before (I’ve been to plenty of pre-parties I needed to recover from) and give your body a break. Wake up a little earlier and plan on some prep time to pamper yourself. You’ll feel great and look even better.

It is so unmistakeable, obvious and important to me and it is total skin care. I’ve mentioned it before and knowing your skin type is very important when choosing the right products and getting in the right habits. Take a look here at past skin care articles.

Now, what’s the first thing you notice when meeting new people? Their eyes? Hair or clothes? Not likely. It’s their skin. Tone, color, evenness and beauty. Or worse, its flaws and unattractiveness. So why not focus on the skin for a little. Think about it this way. If we were magazines and the cover didn’t appeal to you would you pick it up off the newsstand and flip through the pages? Not this chick. It’s gotta look good on the cover in order for me to consider it. Now this isn’t the case in all relationships I know but packaging is important and our skin is our packaging. So what to do about it?

Be proactive and start taking care of your epidermis now. I’m not just talking about your face either. These tips go for your entire body baby. Start with these easy to follow guidelines.

1. Protect your self from the sun. The sun as lovely as it is has long-term damaging effects that are literally impossible to correct. Stay out of the direct sunlight during high-intensity (usually the hottest) hours of the day. In this part of the world that means 11 AM to about 4 PM. If you must be out during these times and it’s hot enough to wear, like nothing, don’t. Wear some clothes or at least a hat that keeps those rays out of and off your face. An obvious but overlooked tip is to use sunscreen. Choose a wide-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 30. Some even have moisturizers in them to help keep your skin pliable all day long. Going for swim? Reapply after your dip even if it’s “waterproof”.

2. Stop that smoking! I know another smoking rant but hey if you want great skin you have to quit the cancer sticks. Smoking accelerates aging of your skin and increases the likeliness of nasty wrinkles. Smoking also thins tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin decreasing the blood flow, limiting the oxygen and vitamins that your skin needs. What happens after that? Your skin losses its strength and elasticity making for a very stiff looking (like leathery) smile.

3. Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize. Did I say moisturize? Day and night and in between if you have to. Good products help keep the water in and nasty stuff out. Remember to know your skin type and get the right product for your skin. A great way to know whether or not you need a moisturizer is to wait about a 1/2 hour after getting out of the shower. If your skin feels tight and dry or rough, you should apply a moisturizer. In serious cases and during the winter moisturizers with oils can help greatly. Also, look for a product with a good SPF rating. A good way to take care of two tips in one.

There are a few more tips like good overall hygiene, a good diet and plenty of rest. These 3 I find make an immediate impact. With a healthy skin routine, good moisturizing product and if necessary a little help from some delicately applied makeup you will certainly glow.

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The three skin care basics – what you should know:

Cleansing
This should be step 1 for anyone’s beauty regime. Start by using a cleanser (not soap) that is targeted for your skin type. Whether it is dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin, some company out there has done their research and found the best formula for you. When cleansing make sure to remember that a little product goes a long way. Use warm water and move the product in a circular motion.

Toning
Toning is a very important but often forgotten step in facial care. I can’t tell you the countless times a facial client has come to me after her facial and asked me what I have used to make her skin feel so nice and tight. The answer is simple, toner. It acts as an astringent, minimizes the look of large pores, helps to tighten and firm skin and is a great preparation for any foundation. This step honestly takes less than a minute and the benefits will soon become obvious.

Moisturizing
Again for this step you should consider your skin type. It should be applied when the skin is still slightly damp. Moisturizers provide a barrier on the surface of the skin and make the skin more pliable which is helpful aginst the effects of aging. We now know that it is possible for creams to deliver active ingredients through our pores and into the deepest layers of the skin so just imagine the benefits the right product can provide.