The Beauty Beat Roundup June Edition

Hey readers! I hope you're enjoying your summer so far. Warm, long days under the sun and enjoying Lake Michigan and those late nights out can do a number on your hair, skin and eyes. So, this month's Beauty Beat roundup is focusing on some great products to keep your tresses healthy, your eyes bright and you feeling vibrant and fresh.

I don't know if it's the long days or the extra sun, but during the summer I notice my under eyes tend to get a bit darker and are puffy when I wake up. According to the Mayo Clinic, "As you age, the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin may start to sag, and fat that is normally confined to the area around the eye can move into the area below your eyes. Also, the space below your eyes can accumulate fluid, making the under-eye area appear puffy or swollen."

Several factors can lead to this, including:

• Fluid retention due to changes in weather (for example, hot, humid days), hormone levels or eating salty foods
• Not getting enough sleep
• Allergies or dermatitis, especially if puffiness is accompanied by redness and itching
• Heredity — under-eye bags can run in families

The big factors that seem to play into my under eye issues in the summer are fluid retention due to humidity and allergies. Oh man, seasonal allergies are my nemesis this year! The itchy eyes lead to redness and puffiness. Some simple ways to help remedy these issues include staying hydrated, keeping away from salty foods to help with water retention and using medicated eye drops that have an antihistamine in them. Of course, these help, but I still may end up with puffiness and that requires an immediate remedy.

 Masque Bar Hydro Gel Eye Patches to the rescue! This is an eye zone treatment that is enriched with Gold, Adenosine and Snail Extract to help improve elasticity and brightness and diminish the signs of aging. It is also effective to help reduce the appearance of eye puffiness and dark circles. Definitely give them a try this summer. The cooling effects of the patches immediately depuff and after a 15 minute session, I rub in the remainder of the cream and my eyes feel so much better.

Summer is the perfect time to transition to a new scent. Smells are the sense I most associate with summer. If I could create the perfect summer scent it would have notes of fresh savory fruits, vibrant citrus, sea salt and fresh air mixed with floral notes. Body mists are a great option for summer as they are light and airy, don't overwhelm and won't break the bank. One of the issues, though, is that they aren't always long lasting. Surprisingly Instyle ActivESSENCE Time Released Fragrance Mist is
long wearing - up to 12 hours!

This is definitely a good option for a lightweight body mist that won't break the bank at just $7.99 at any local Target or CVS. The two scents that are my go to include: Exotic Cherry Blossom (a sensual floral scent) and Citrus Splash (a bright fruity scent). ActivESSENCE Time Released Fragrance Mists allow you to completely revamp your fragrance arsenal while simultaneously providing your skin with essential oils and vitamins A, C, and E, leaving it feeling nourished, hydrated, and supple.

Premium Blend by Original Penguin is the kind of scent for the guy who wants a bright scent without it being overwhelmingly fruity smelling. This is one of my favorite scents on a guy! There are notes of crisp bergamot, fresh lime peel, and wild spearmint. The deeper background of the cologne evokes a rustic infusion of fresh musk, driftwood, and woody vetiver. Available at Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, The Buckle, Boscov’s, and all Original Penguin boutiques.

The latest Perry Ellis RED fragrance is getting a lot of attention this summer. I absolutely love this scent for the warmer months. Perry Ellis RED packs a punch with its contrasting essence of freshness, oriental undertones, and a definitive masculine touch to the scent. An initial burst of juniper berries and a kick of citrus evolve into deeper notes of red apple, sichuan pepper, red leather, and amber. The addictive trail of the fragrance infuses textured hints of sage, creamy oak moss, and sandalwood revealing a fearless confidence and a sexy sophistication. The fragrance just gets better as the day or night wears on. Although the essences seem as if they might be a bit overpowering, they're blended well enough to offer a sweetness to the scent.

The chlorine and sea salt that is inevitable in the summer can really do a number on your tresses. The chemicals and salt mixed with the constant sun beating down on your head can dry out your hair. Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Amber Oil Shampoo and Conditioner is the ultimate repairing duo. It helps to repair damaged hair from the inside out. I love the scent of the shampoo and conditioner! It has salon quality without the salon price. The shampoo doesn't dry out my hair and the conditioner is thick and sticks to the hair to offer a deep nourishing treatment that strengthens.

Another focus in the summer should be on restoration of your hair. Leave in treatments are a great way to condition if your hair is feeling dried out. ColorProof Evolved Color Care Baobab Heal & Repair™ Leave-In Treatment is magic in a bottle, seriously.  The Baobab super fruit from Africa's "Tree of Life" really does put life back into your limp hair. Used for centuries to restore life in the harshest conditions! Its curative and hydrating properties fuel this leave in treatment along with revolutionary proteins, new nano technology and rare essential oils to fortify and smooth the hair follicle while repairing damage.  Hair is definitely revitalized after use. This is a light enough product that it can be used after a shower and before your blow-dry out your hairfor maximum color and heat protection.

For all you lovely blondes out there,  ColorProof also offers their Evolved Color Care Signature Blonde Restorative Filler. The process of bleaching hair can leave it fragile and porous - add to it the chemicals and harsh salt from the ocean or pool, and your hair really feels the effects of summer. This restorative treatment prolongs the vibrancy of your signature blonde shade while filling in gaps in the cuticle and closing it to produce a smooth and youthful finish.


If the damage you're experiencing this summer has caused hair loss or thinning, then check out Keranique's Hair Regrowth Treatment. After about 2 months of using this product, I am noticing the thickness returning to my part. I noticed slight thinning and hair loss after my pregnancy and while nursing.  Keranique's Hair Regrowth Treatment features 2% Minoxidil, the only FDA-approved ingredient clinically proven to help women regrow hair. For women with thin hair looking for serious and long term solutions and to maintain their hair's body, this is a real and affordable option. All you do is use it twice a day, everyday, for healthy and fuller-looking hair. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that promotes oxygen, blood and nutrients to the follicles to make them stronger and help re-grow hair.

Finally, summer is a fun time to experiment with color! If you don't want to make up your face, keep it simple with mascara, a tinted moisturizer and then focus in on your pretty pout! INGLOT is an amazing range of high quality cosmetics that are at drug store prices. They have by far some of the best lip products on the market! The line offers incredible coverage and color staying power alongside rich and intense tones. Their HD Lip Tint Mattes offer full color coverage with a silky matte finish. Both smudge- and transfer-resistant, this unique product ensures a long-lasting effect not seen with traditional lip tints. Available in 10 colours, ranging from subtle nudes to classic reds and darker statement shades. All of INGLOT’s HD products contain HD pigments.

I hope you enjoyed this latest roundup! Are there products you would like for me to test out or that you want to learn more about? If so, just leave your comments below or reach out to us on Facebook!

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Jen