skin care

Skin Care

The Ultimate Beauty Regimen For Decades of Glowing Skin

You may already have gorgeous skin, but the real trick is keeping it that way as you age.

You may already have gorgeous skin, but the real trick is keeping it that way as you age. So when we talked with celebrity esthetician Kate Somerville (who has worked with celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson) at her West Hollywood clinic, the first thing we wanted to know was how to keep our skin glowing for decades to come. She offers some excellent advice, including what to look for, what to avoid, and a regimen you should follow every day. On Kirbie: Club Monaco dress.

summer beauty

Is Your Mole Cancerous? Find Out How to Tell Now

Going to the dermatologist for regular mole screenings is one of those thing that we know we should do but sometimes let fall to the wayside.

Going to the dermatologist for regular mole screenings is one of those thing that we know we should do but sometimes let fall to the wayside. Regularly checking in on your moles, however, is not only easy, but also smart. New or changing moles can be a sign of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Luckily, you can give yourself an at-home checkup with ease. And because it's Don't Fry Day, a day created by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention to raise awareness and remind everyone to protect their skin outdoors, there's never been a better time than now to learn how to do it. You just have to remember your ABCs.

If your mole displays any of these warning signs, then it's a good idea to get it checked as soon as possible by a dermatologist to rule out melanoma:

  • Asymmetry: If one half of the mole does not match the other half, then it's asymmetrical and should be checked.
  • Border: Look at the border of your mole. Is it ragged, blurred, or irregular? If yes, then go in for a checkup.
  • Color: Healthy moles are one consistent color. But moles that have different colors or varying shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red can be dangerous.
  • Diameter: Pull out your ruler. If your mole is larger than 6 mm, then make an appointment with your doctor.
  • Elevation: Moles that are raised above the skin can be a sign of melanoma and should be checked.

Now, don't be nervous; not all moles that display these signs are linked to melanoma. But it's always a good idea to be safe rather than sorry, as skin cancer is usually fairly easy to treat and cure if it's caught early. Always keep an eye on irregular moles, and if you see a new mole appear, then go in for a check as soon as you can.

Not sure where to get screened? Visit the American Academy of Dermatology's website to find a free screening center near you. Beauty brands also want to help. In honor of Melanoma Awareness Month, SkinCeuticals is sponsoring free skin-cancer checks (with participating dermatologists). And for every SPF product L'Oréal Paris sells throughout the Summer, $1 will be donated to the Melanoma Research Alliance. How's that for a beautiful kickoff to a new season ahead?

Skin Care

What We're Sweet On: A Does-It-All Beauty Oil

The weather has been hot and humid (already) in New York City, and while adding an oil to your beauty routine might seem counterintuitive, just wait until you try Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil ($125).

The weather has been hot and humid (already) in New York City, and while adding an oil to your beauty routine might seem counterintuitive, just wait until you try Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil ($125). Its lightweight formulation includes camellia oil for nourishment, licorice extract to calm skin, and squalene for added hydration. Plus, the flakes of 24-karat gold add a decadent touch to the whole experience. But what makes this bottle so magical is that it's truly multipurpose. I use it on freshly cleansed skin for a lighter moisturizer day and night; I rub it all over my body after the shower for radiant, smooth skin; and I use it on the ends of my hair to combat dry, frizzy strands. The lipid structure of camellia oil is similar to that of your skin, so it's easily absorbed, it won't clog pores, and you're not left with a greasy feeling. This bottle of beauty elixir has streamlined my Summer beauty regimen down to one quick fix.

Like what you see? Find out how you can get 15 percent off Tatcha products (plus free shipping) from now until June 5.

Editor's Pick

Get a Luxurious Spa Facial at Home in Only 30 Minutes

Sometimes you don't have the time (or extra cash) to schedule a professional spa facial, but you can give yourself a DIY treatment at home in only 30 minutes.

Sometimes you don't have the time (or extra cash) to schedule a professional spa facial, but you can give yourself a DIY treatment at home in only 30 minutes. We talked to Elemis International Trainer Emer Gillen to get a step-by-step guide to doing a high-quality minifacial from your bathroom. So, pull out the classical music, your fluffiest bath robe, and aromatherapy candles; it's time to head to the bathroom to treat yourself. You'll learn the right way to give yourself a face massage, along with Gillen's secret to getting rid of tired eyes when you keep reading.

Beauty How To

How to Hide Spider Veins, Stretch Marks, and More This Bikini Season

Don't let bruises, blisters, blue veins, and stretch marks keep you from baring your legs this Summer.

Don't let bruises, blisters, blue veins, and stretch marks keep you from baring your legs this Summer. You can don the shortest shorts, high-cut bikinis, and miniskirts with just a little bit of extra coverage (that is, if you choose, of course.) Read on to discover three ways to hide your tiny imperfections during the warmer months.

Hair

More Products Added! 170+ Drugstore Steals Under $10

When it comes to your makeup bag, drugstore beauty is, well, a beautiful thing.

When it comes to your makeup bag, drugstore beauty is, well, a beautiful thing. From face wipes to lip balms to frizz serums, we've rounded up our favorite products that won't break the bank. They're all under $10, and they're all right here.

Jump to:

— Additional reporting by Jessica Cruel and Kaitlyn Dreyling

Skin Care

What We're Sweet On: A Sexy Take on Body Lotion

When you think of your destiny, we're guessing that body lotion is the last thing on your mind.

When you think of your destiny, we're guessing that body lotion is the last thing on your mind. But cult-favorite brand TokyoMilk is making us reconsider that with its Dark Destiny Body Soufflé ($40). Infused with midnight jasmine, sweet honeysuckle, and freshly cut ginger, this body butter doubles as a seductive perfume. But that's not to say it skimps on moisturizing. Destiny boasts an impressive array of skin-quenching ingredients, like shea butter and avocado oils, to smooth out even the most stubborn dry skin. The best part is that is doesn't leave behind that greasy residue that some lotions do. Glide the creamy lotion all over your limbs, focusing on your pressure points, and you can just about kiss your perfume goodbye.

Skin Care

Re-Create Gwyneth Paltrow's Age-Defying Facial at Home

Gwyneth Paltrow has a lot to offer: she's talented, she has a great sense of humor, she can sing, she dresses well, and she might have the most flawless skin we've ever seen.

Gwyneth Paltrow has a lot to offer: she's talented, she has a great sense of humor, she can sing, she dresses well, and she might have the most flawless skin we've ever seen. She attributes her glowing complexion to celebrity esthetician Sonya Dakar, who regularly prepares Gwyneth for big events with an apple stem cell facial.

We ventured to Beverly Hills to meet with Sonya, learn the key components of the facial, and even get tips on how to create a version for ourselves at home. Best of all, the ingredients you need can be found at your local supermarket. Now there's no excuse not to give this a try.

To try some of Gwyneth's favorite products, you can shop them on Sonya's site.

On Kirbie Johnson: Club Monaco "Lauren" blouse.

Hair

10 Travel-Size Essentials Under $10

It's more than typical for separation anxiety to kick in whenever you're faced with packing for a trip and leaving your favorite products behind.

It's more than typical for separation anxiety to kick in whenever you're faced with packing for a trip and leaving your favorite products behind. Travel restrictions make it so our full-size products need to stay at home while we're getting blissed out on vacation. But keep your chin up. We've rounded up 10 of our favorite drugstore products in their travel-size counterparts . . . and they're all $10 or less.

Looking for more products under $10? Check out our ultimate drugstore beauty guide.

Source: Shutterstock
Beauty How To

Blast Blemishes With This Two-Ingredient Spot Treatment Recipe

When you're plagued with a persistent pimple and need to clear it up fast, never fear.

When you're plagued with a persistent pimple and need to clear it up fast, never fear. Here's an easy, two-ingredient spot treatment that comes together in no time. All you need is a small bowl of crushed mint leaves and oats.

Procedure:

  • Take a handful of fresh mint leaves and pulverize them with a pestle in a bowl.
  • Next, add moistened oats to the mixture and mix until it forms a paste.
  • Apply evenly to your face, or just to your affected areas, and wait 20 minutes.

Relax and take deep breaths during your waiting time; allow time for the oats and the oils to absorb. Apply twice a day as needed, storing the remaining mixture in a sealed container in the fridge.

Remember: Just like with any new product you're applying to your skin, it's advisable to do a patch test to make sure you're not allergic or overly sensitive to it.

Source: Shutterstock and Flickr users S Diddy and ZeHawk