Here you are, you’ve got a bunch of great skincare products and you want to benefit from each one.  You’ve read tons of advice on the internet about daytime routines, and talked it over with your friends.  But, how should your daily skincare routine look? In what order should you be using each product? 

We’re glad you asked. 

Applying your skincare products in the proper order will ensure that you receive the full benefits of each product. 

The skin’s job is to keep things out, but many of the skin care products we use have ingredients we want to get in. Only a very small amount of these key ingredients can penetrate the skin, even when perfectly formulated and perfectly applied. If you don’t apply products in the correct order, you will not see the best results from your skin care regimen.

1. Cleanser.  In the morning, start by splashing your face with warm water and then apply your favorite cleanser. You should also use a Toner, to simplify the process we recommend the Estala Toner Cleanser.  It is both a toner and cleanser in one. 
2. Face Serum.  Give your skin a burst of intense and lasting hydration in the morning with a quality Serum. This helps to replenish skin and retain moisture, while enhancing firmness and elasticity to restore a youthful glow.. We recommend the Estala Cell Repair Serum. 
3. Eye Cream. it’s vital to apply an eye cream at least every night, if not twice a day, starting in your 20s.  It’s about maintaining the health and thickness of the eyelid skin. Improving the skin quality in this area early on ensures that the eyelid skin does not easily lose laxity and its smooth appearance later on. For best results, consistency is key. Regular use of eye cream over time will keep the eyelid skin elastic and can improve or prevent against some fine lines or collagen loss. Remember: Nothing is magic. Results don’t occur overnight.  You can further protect the delicate skin around your eyes by choosing an eye cream with SPF or applying sunscreen every day. We also advise you to remember to wear sunglasses when outside to protect against UV-light damage and lines that can creep up around the corners of your eyes from squinting. Try the Estala Revitalizing Eye-Cream. 
4. Spot Treatment. Prescription medications and acne spot treatments, like serums, need to be applied as close to the skin as possible to maximize their benefits.  As acne spot treatments differ in active ingredients, check your product packaging or consult your dermatologist for the best way to apply it. Prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide, a common acne spot treatment ingredient, has a one- to three-hour working time.  Any cream that comes in contact with it before it has completed its work will likely inhibit the active ingredient from working properly. Remember that acne spot treatments can dry out your skin, so always apply only on spots where you need it. Try the Estala Acne Spot Cream.  It uses benzoyl peroxide, providing fast and consistent results. 
5. Moisturizer. Yes, everyone needs a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin.  Even though your body has its own natural lubricating system consisting of glands that secrete oil (or sebum) to maintain a protective coating against harsh outside conditions and infections, most of us do need extra hydration after the havoc that sun, weather and harsh chemicals wreak on our skin.  Most experts recommend that the best time to apply a moisturizer is while the skin is still damp, so the sooner you go through applying your serum and treatment, the sooner you’re able to lock in much-needed hydration with your moisturizer. If you’re using an acne spot treatment, you may want to skip those areas when applying your moisturizer to make sure the ingredients in it won’t interfere with the active ingredients in your spot treatment. 
6. Sunscreen.  Last but not least, this one sounds simple, but it is probably the most underused and overlooked product in the skincare world.  You need to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. This will fight wrinkles, fine lines and aging. 

The world of cosmetics is a massive industry and in 2017, the global market for cosmetics topped $500,000,000,000.  Yes, that is 500 Billion.  

There are many great products out there, and also some to watch out for. 

Additionally, there are some industry tips & tricks you should be aware of. 

We are going to highlight 10 eye-opening secrets about the makeup industry. Remember ladies, the more educated you are, the better off you’ll be!

1. The FDA oversees beauty products. However, it doesn't review cosmetics before they go on the market, it can't recall a product if there's a problem, and it has banned only about a dozen toxic chemicals from beauty products, compared with the more than 1,300 that are banned in the European Union.  For the consumer, this means you need to pay attention to what you’re buying and read all the labels. 
2. Nearly 1 in 5 cosmetic products contain Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.  While the jury is still out on whether exposure is harmful, you can avoid it altogether by skipping products that list DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, or bronopol as an ingredient. 
3. SPF Foundation is not enough. Experts say most people don't use enough makeup to fully protect their skin, and they end up missing important areas such as their ears, neck, and the back of their hands.
4. Quality tools matter. Good brushes help you apply makeup evenly and blend it in so you look more natural. Even the best makeup won't look as good if you put it on with mediocre brushes. Check out the Estala Makeup Brush Set.
5. Cover spots with concealer, not foundation. If you try to camouflage everything with foundation, it accentuates wrinkles and doesn't look natural. 
6. Scar-Eliminating Cosmetics don’t work. Many of us have scars we would love to smooth out and fade and the beauty industry preys on consumers by releasing products which they claim can eliminate almost any scar. The truth is, there are different levels of scars, and most of them can't be fixed by simply using beauty products.
7. Some Lipsticks contain lead. Due to the lack of regulations, many brands can skirt by on revealing many of the harmful ingredients that are used in their products. Cosmetic brands are notorious for using lead in their lipsticks, even though it's known that the material is poisonous. Other industries, including oil and gas, have banned lead entirely, but the beauty industry continuous to allow lead in many lipsticks. Check to make sure that yours is lead-free. 
8. Mascara is made to dry up early. Mascara will cost you anywhere from $5 to $50 if you're looking to splurge. But, as you've noticed, these tubes of sticky goodness don't last very long. After just a few months, your mascara usually dries up to the point where you can't get any product out of the tube no matter how hard you try. The beauty industry is hoping that dried mascara will compel makeup lovers to head back out to the stores and stock up on more products, but there is a very easy way to extend the short shelf-life of your mascara. A little bit of saline solution, such as eye drops, spritzed inside the tube of your favorite mascara will rejuvenate it and bring it back to life almost instantly.
9. Some deals are too good to be true. If you find a skincare or makeup product online that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Just recently, a groundbreaking report by Refinery29 revealed that many products being sold online through websites like eBay are actually counterfeit products purchased through the beauty black market.
10. Your products should be stored correctly. Storing your beauty items in the bathroom could be a bad idea, because the warm and humid air makes them expire faster (and sends you out to buy more). Face creams and other beauty accessories that you don’t frequently use every day should be stored in the fridge.

For most of us, summer is now in full force.  Temps are high, everyone is going out and our skin has to deal with it.  We are going to talk about two Do-It-Yourself Facemasks that can help keep you looking fresh. 

Following your usual skincare regimen is still a good idea, but sometimes you need to freshen up your routine.  

These easy, at home face-masks are the way to do it.  Best of all, they’re 100% organic!

Cucumber and sugar mask

Cucumber is filled with Vitamin C and caffeic acid, which have amazing skin benefits. Cucumber is great for the skin as it has hydrating and nourishing properties that help soothe inflammation, balance oil production and reduce puffiness.

How to do it:

Mash together cucumbers and some sugar and refrigerate for 1 hour. Apply it onto your face and let it dry. Wash off in 15 minutes.  Enjoy your hydrated and glowing skin!

Cinnamon and honey face mask

Cinnamon is another powerful ingredient that nature has been kind to give us. It is high in antioxidants, contains anti-inflammatory properties and as a result, it works beautifully on pores and acne. 

Honey is naturally antibacterial and is full of antioxidants. This makes it a great remedy for acne and dryness. 

How to do it:

Powder a cinnamon stick and add just a few drops of honey to it. Apply it on your skin and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash off to reveal fresh and clearer skin.

Remember the days when painting your nails was just a silly sleepover activity for girls night? Well, sleepovers may be a thing of the past for you, but easy nail care doesn’t have to be!

Applying your favorite varnish, and all that goes along with it, should be an easy and fun process. Yes, you can get professional looking nails right at home.  

Pay attention to these 5 Tips. 

1. Pull Off Polish:  Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover.  Cover your nail with the cotton and allow the liquid to naturally pull the polish from your nail, rather than forcefully rubbing. 
2. Coats Are Key: Base coat helps protect nails and make polish stick, while top coat keeps color in place. It will pay off in the long run to use them both, especially since base coat will prevent your nail bed from being dyed the color of the polish. When applying any polish on your nails, use three strokes (one in the center, one down each side) and then cap it to keep the paint fresh.
3. Dry Every Layer:  Allow each layer of polish to dry. This will save you from having to deal with dents and lines/ This can be tedious, so we recommend using an LED Nail Dryer
4. Mix Instead Of Shake: Don't shake the nail polish bottle, instead, roll it between your palms. This mixes the polish without causing air bubbles. This will result in a smoother and more even application
5. Read The Labels: Just as with makeup and skincare, not all nail polish brands are created equal, so make sure you're buying or using a good product. Steer clear of polishes containing toxic chemicals like dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene, as these toxins can contribute to brittleness, splitting, and cracking.

Welcome to the internet.  A vast space filled with knowledge on nearly every subject.  You have undoubtedly found some excellent skin care advice online.  

However, there is also no shortage of bad (and possibly dangerous) advice floating around the web.  

We have compiled the Top 5 Skincare Trends To Avoid.  Some of these are widely promoted as safe and effective, while others are lesser known. 

Let’s get started.  

Soap Bars: This is so common that it’s hardly just a “trend” but we thought it was worth mentioning.  Using soap bars in the shower is actually not good for your skin, they often cause excessive removal of natural oils and dry out your skin. This can even lead to rashes, especially in the colder months. Soap bars can be especially rough on your face. 

Not All Charcoal Face Masks Are Equal: Charcoal face masks seem to be everywhere, but we suggest checking the ingredients before you apply one to your face.

Charcoal itself isn't the problem but more so the glue used to apply the mask, as it can peel off normal skin cells and cause damage. Overuse of these masks can cause the skin to get very dry and irritated.  Read the label and go for the best quality mask you can find. 

Natural Oils Instead Of Moisturizer:  This is really common nowadays.  In some cases, it makes sense to use natural oils to help moisturize the skin.  However, using them every day can cause issues. Some, like coconut oil, are just too greasy and do not allow the skin to breathe.  This may lead to more breakouts on acne prone skin. Find a good moisturizer, and stick with that for regular use. 

Nut Based Exfoliating Scrubs: Sure, these seem like they’d be a great, all-natural alternative to harsh chemical exfoliants. But the truth is that the rough particles of the nuts (walnut shells, for instance) are actually doing more harm than good for your face. The jagged edges can leave small scratches along your skin, which in turn can cause irritation and breakouts. Stick with soft, circular exfoliating agents such as glycolic acid, sugar, or microfiber cloths.

Toothpaste For Spot Treatment: The rumor that toothpaste is a fast and effective remedy to shrink spots overnight is owed to the common drying ingredients such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol that can be found in many tubes. Whilst these ingredients may be your golden ticket to achieving pearly whites, these formulas are often too strong and can aggravate dry skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Spot treatments containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid will offer better results, without damaging skin.  Our recommendation is the Estala Acne-Stop Cream which utilizes salicylic acid for fantastic results. 

At the end of the day, do what works for your skin.  Just beware that not all trends are workable, and some may cause more harm than good. 

If there was one thing that could make or break your routine every time, it would be your brushes.  Even the highest quality cosmetics and beauty products can turn out poorly if they are not properly applied.  Your brush set is more important and useful than you may think. Having the right tools for the job will make a world of difference. 

Here we are going to list a few makeup brush types that you may not be familiar with. These can offer some truly unique and amazing results. 

Flat Kabuki Brush:  This is a flat top foundation brush for applying liquid makeup.  It will make application quicker, easier, and give you airbrushed-looking, flawless results. The flat top makeup brush can (and should) also be used when applying sheer powders and blushes.

Smudge Brush:  A smudge brush offers the perfect shape to expertly smooth in eyeshadow color along the lash line for a smokey look. The dense bristles apply exact color application for extreme intensity, to blend colors or smudge lines. These work great for contouring and enhancing definition around the eye.

Coverage Concealer Brush:  The pointed or flat concealer brush is best used when targeting small blemishes. Brushes with tight and compact bristles pick up and distribute product onto the area with the most control.

Flat Brow Brush:  A brow brush helps to evenly blend the product and make the eyebrows look more natural.  This can provide a more professional looking results. 

The Estala Makeup Brush Cleaner & Makeup Brush Bundle includes all of the above mentioned brushes, for a total of twelve in the set.  An electric makeup brush cleaner is also included, so that you can keep your brushes free of buildup, bacteria and other irritants.  

Do you find yourself gazing longingly out of your office window this summer? 

Perhaps you’re counting down the days to weekend freedom?  

The sunshine beckons, and workers all over the world have only three months to sneak in fun in the sun.

So how do you manage your busy workload and still make the most of summer? 

Here are a couple fun work-life balance tips to make things easier. You really can get your job done and still enjoy the sunshine.

1. Picnic — At Work. Your kids and some of your friends are out on summer break and enjoying swimming, museums, sports and more. If you’re at work, you’re missing out. The best way to stay involved in their summer fun is the only leisure hour during the working day, lunch. Invite your family or friends to a picnic lunch on your corporate campus or at a local park. Pack a meal, a blanket and some sporting equipment for a speed date with important people in your life. 
2.  Don’t Talk About Work So Much. Work can be full of joy, but it can also be full of stress at times. It’s okay to talk about your work, especially if it’s something you really love! But, if that’s all you ever talk about – are you really striving for a positive work-life balance? Sometimes you might not even notice you talk about work all of the time. Try to be aware and intentional about your conversations with others. Of course there are times that you can chat about work, but don’t let that be the central focus of your conversations. There are plenty of other enjoyable and important things to talk about this summer. 
3. Be Sure To Schedule Downtime. When you choose to schedule downtime instead of leaving it up to wherever it falls in your week, you’re actually creating a better work-life balance. When you schedule self-care or “me” time into your week, you’re acknowledging that you need that time to recuperate and to find balance. If you have scheduled downtime and something else comes up, try your best to stick to your schedule anyways. 
4. Plan Free Fridays. Three-day weekends are rejuvenation magic and a great way to sneak away for a mini-vacation, whether you’re hitting the beach or just planning a staycation. By taking just three personal days, you can have three different vacations in a three-month period. Go crazy and take the following Monday off, as well — your friends and family will love it.
5. Take A Walk.  That sounds simple, well it is!  It’s so easy to get sucked into email jail and back-to-back meetings (trust us – we know) that you might not even see the sun during the work week. That needs to change ASAP. Sunshine is a healing, rejuvenating natural phenomenon. It also happens to be great for your skin, and your tan. During your lunch break or just when you feel that email slump coming on, get out of your office chair and head outside for five minutes – we promise you’ll see a difference.

Are you planning an epic vacation this year?  Whether you’re traveling just a few hours away or perhaps to a different country, your beauty routine will have to change. Travel can be stressful, so it’s important that you know how to keep up appearances while on the go. 

Have no fear, because today we are going to cover the Top 8 Beauty Travel Hacks that will keep you looking and feeling your best for the whole trip.  Remember these tips, and thank us later. 

 1. Moisturize:  If you are going to be flying to your destination, it is vital that you apply an intense moisturizer the night before. This will help to increase the hydration of your skin, before you experience the dehydrating effects of cabin pressure on an airplane.

2. Mist with mineral water: To refresh makeup while traveling, never glob on more foundation or blush. Instead, use a mister of mineral water and add a dab of moisturize.

3. Skip the long-lasting lipstick. These can easily dehydrate your lips and mouth.  Instead, apply several coats of lip stain, let dry and then apply clear gloss.  Reapply the gloss as needed during your travels.

4. Cold-Compress your puffy eyes.  Get some crushed ice from your hotel, wrap it in a towel and press it under your eyes.  This will leave you feeling immediately refreshed and will reduce puffiness. 

5. Stock up on eyedrops.  During travel, we will often spend a long time staring at small screens or books.  This can leave your eyes looking red and watery. To combat this, use eyedrops. They will soothe and lubricate your eyes.  This can also help refresh you after a nap. 

6. Take your cleanser.  Many experts agree that if you had to take only one skincare item with you, it should be your cleanser. An abrupt change in cleansers during your trip could cause breakouts. Check out the Estala Revitalizing Toning Cleanser.

7. Don’t forget hand cream. Keep it in your bag, and use it often. This will  prevent your hands from drying out due to the new environment and weather you’re experiencing. It can also help you after you’ve washed your hands with the harsh soaps found in most public bathrooms. 

8. Remember that dry shampoo exists.  Perhaps you’re traveling for work, or maybe you’re just short on time. Either way, dry shampoo could save you from having a bad hair day. Consider packing this just in case. 

Armed with these 8 beauty travel hacks, you can enjoy your trip to the fullest without worrying about your skin and beauty routine too much.  

Summer is officially here.  With that, summer acne is also here for many of us.  You may be wondering, why does my skin breakout in the summer?  Good question. Summer is one of the most annoying times to have skin issues, as you’ll likely want to spend your days out and about with friends and family. 

So why does acne often get worse (or appear randomly) during summer?  

The short answer is: With hot, muggy weather, we sweat to cool off.  Irritants like dirt, dust and oil stick to the sweat and can cause clogged pores. Because the bacteria that causes acne loves a super oily environment, like sweaty skin, the oil on our skin coupled with bacteria create the perfect recipe for a pimple. 

As if the heat alone wasn’t enough to cause breakouts over the summer, if you’re loading up on sugary foods and drinks, like soda, margaritas and ice cream, you could be instigating pimples and not even realize it. Sugary, high-glycemic foods are pro-inflammatory, which will lead to more oil production.

How To Treat Summer Acne For Oily Skin:

If you’re experiencing summer breakouts, you’re going to want to take the right approach to treating your acne during the warmer months. 

1. Use an Acne Stop Facial Mask.  This leaves skin feeling fresh, hydrated, and smooth. The secret ingredient to this acne-fighting product is bentonite, a healing clay mineral. Bentonite helps to absorb oil, draw out toxins, and unclog and shrink pores instantly, helping to prevent stubborn acne breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria to get rid of breakouts and prevent more from starting. Because of the oil-absorbing properties of this anti-acne face mask, we recommend this product for people with oily skin.
2. Start using an Acne Stop Cream.  This will remove excess oil, get rid of stubborn acne, and prevent future breakouts. It reduces inflammation and redness and absorbs excess oil, making it the Best Acne Cream on the market. 
3. Apply a  PM Cream. Packed with Acne Fighting ingredients, this nighttime acne cream is perfect for fighting blemishes while you sleep. This Acne Treatment Product helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne while also promoting cell turnover as part of the Acne Scar Treatment, giving your skin a fresh canvas. It reduces pigmentation for a more even skin tone and helps to get rid of dark spots caused by acne so you can achieve clear skin.

These three products are currently available in a bundle, giving you a discounted price with all the benefits. Conquer your summer acne for good, so you can enjoy the season with clear, blemish free skin. 

We all have our own makeup routine.  For some, it’s as simple as putting on a little bit of foundation and some SPF.  For others, it may be mascara, anti-aging serums and face-masks. Whatever your routine is now, there will always be some room for improvement.  So, what is the one accessory that’s really going to have the biggest impact on the quality of your routine?

Well let us tell you.  

Hollywood LED Vanity Mirror

What makes a beauty routine go smoothly is a combination of tools, products, lighting and a great mirror.  If you’ve got your tools and products sorted out, then a large mirror with LED bulbs is the logical next step to really up your self-care game. 

With the Estala LED Vanity Mirror, you can choose between brighter white LED light, or warmer natural yellow light.  

This vanity tabletop mirror is also adjustable both forwards and backwards, so you can find that perfect angle of ideal lighting and focus. 

It also features a built-in digital clock, so you’ll never worry about being late again. Because let’s face it ladies, getting ready can take longer than we think, and that’s okay. 

Upgrade your bedroom or parlor room today with the Estala LED Vanity Mirror.

Your beauty routine will never be the same again. 

“I bought this mirror because the natural light in my bedroom is really poor and the lighting in my room isn’t sufficient at night. I had to move lamps around to do my make up. Really annoying. The mirror is perfect, arrived quick. A good size but not heavy and easy to re-locate. Love it!” - Sarah

“This mirror has perfect lighting; it improved every aspect of my makeup application because I could finally see everything! It is super easy to put together and the quality is really good. One of my favorite features is the digital clock on the mirror. It helps keep me on time in the morning while I'm getting ready, I absolutely love this about the mirror. Very functional and the size is perfect for my makeup desk. Its not too big or too small. I am extremely happy with this product, I love it so much!” - Julie B.