Since it is March Madness I figured a lot of people are drinking beer but did you know beer extract has some amazing skin care qualities!?! Ok so not necessarily drinking the beer…sorry, BUT…it has many uses for natural skin care products.

Beer has been used topically for years! It’s thought that the women of ancient Egypt and Rome used beer regularly as part of the beauty routine to help keep the skin smooth and diminish discoloration.

Yeast extract is an excellent humectant (it is a super-hydrater) comprised of a complex mixture of proteins, sugars, and amino acids. This complex helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyper-pigmentation by discouraging melanin production. Anecdotal results include boosting collagen production and contributing to overall brightening. Makes it an excellent ingredient to skin lightening skincare products like SMD’s Saromae Radiance line.

Yeast is a good source of beta-glucans, which stimulates the immune system, and vitamin B. Your body requires B vitamins to maintain healthy skin and using beer yeast extract in your skincare is one the best ways to absorb it. Sounds perfect!!

www.smdcosmetics.com

When it comes to Korean skin care, more is more. (Heard of the exhaustive ten-step routine that Korean women follow daily?) If you don't quite have the time (or money) for this kind of multi-step process, you're in luck. Here are some quick tips that every woman can follow!

Always Follow the 10-Second Rule

After you take a shower, you're supposed to apply your toner within 10 seconds. The faster you can lock in that moisture and keep your skin protected, the better...same goes for moisturizer.

Wear Protective Accessories (Even When You Aren't at the Beach)

Korean women take a preventative approach to aging at a very young age, whereas women in the U.S. tend to wait until they see that first line or wrinkle.  Not only should using SPF be ingrained, but you should also take protective measures against the sun year round.

Moisturize Every Day and Night

The best times to moisturize are right after you get out of the shower and right before you go to bed.

Hydrate - in Every Way Possible

Every skin expert emphasizes the importance of hydration. Choose products (cleansing, moisturizing, and anti-aging) that have hydrating formulas. And, of course, drink around eight glasses of water a day. Good luck with that! I am personally now using a bottle that measures out my water intake by the hour!

Exfoliate a Few Times a Week

We lose 50 million skin cells a day, and without a little extra nudge, they may hang around leaving the skin looking dead. To fight this, you should choose a product that is pH neutral so it doesn't dry as it exfoliates. Also you don’t need to use sandpaper to exfoliate, in fact we encourage you not to do thatas it will aggravate those with sensitive skin. 

Don’t Just Eat Your Vitamins

A balanced diet is important, but there's more than one way to give your skin vitamins. There are also topical antioxidants, which are serums and creams that contain ingredients that nourish the skin. These can really help to repair the skin from sun damage and they also have natural sunscreen properties. Not sure how to use them? The best time to apply them is right after cleansing, or they can be layered under your sunscreen for added protection.

Sleep Well

It's not just about getting eight hours a night. Getting uninterrupted sleep that’s not alcohol induced isalways a good way to go!

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your skin has a natural barrier to retain moisture, and essential to that is omega-3 fatty acid. Flax seeds on your salad or even walnuts will be an instant boost to your omega-3, thus increasing your skin's ability to hold onto moisture. And be sure to eat a diet low in foods with a high glycemic index (simple and complex carbohydrates).

One of the most common misconceptions about the 10-step Korean skin care routine is that you should introduce all of the products – or at least multiple ones – to your skin at once. This can be a recipe for irritation and breakouts. Here, we detail how to ease into the 10-step routine, and what to do if you’ve already gone too fast, too furious.

Too often we field messages from distressed readers who are experiencing issues like breakouts, redness, or even burning sensations after delving into a new skin care routine. Sometimes the culprit at the source of these concerns is an individual product, but it can also be a reaction to receiving too many new products at one time.

This is why we never recommend adding more than one new product to your routine at a time, and we always recommend patch testing first.

But what should you do if you already went full throttle on a new line-up of products and are now suffering the consequences? Read on below for pro tips from a top dermatologist.

Stop Everything

When someone is experiencing a reaction to a skin care product but they’re not sure which one, we generally recommend stopping everything other than gentle basics.

Reintroduce New Products Very Slowly 

We get it – you just invested some serious cash into new skin care products, so of course you want to use them. But patience can’t be stressed enough when it comes to skin care. Don’t start adding products back into your routine until you’re SURE that your skin has recovered.

Remember That Finding the Perfect Routine Is a Process 

Contrary to popular belief, most skin care products don’t perform miracles overnight. Generally, a product doesn’t offer real results until the second or third week of consistent use.

Bottom Line

We know it’s tempting to slather on a bunch of new products as soon as you bring them home, but bettering your skin is a marathon not a sprint. Be patient, pay attention to ingredients and how your skin reacts to them and what you’re mixing together and we promise that your skin will thank you for it.

Taking a more wholesome approach to beauty is no longer just a trend.  No only are you exposing yourself to fewer chemicals, but the benefits go beyond better skin and a healthier lifestyle, as many natural and organic products also create a smaller environmental footprint.

The common misconception is that if a product is “natural” then it won’t work.  The fact is natural ingredients deliver results and can be as effective as synthetic ones! You actually can heal your skin more on a cellular level through flowers, plants and herbs without damaging your skin.  If you think botanicals and herbs aren’t powerful, you are really missing out.

We know that swamping everything out can be tough…you might not be ready to toss out all the brands and go clean, but if you try just one nontoxic anti-aging product, you’ll be convinced it works just as well as your regular serum.  So go slow with the transition and it is easier. For instance when going clean with your eating, you can’t expect to just toss everything out and start fresh. It is overwhelming to do that. Clean out things as you run out or can invest in clean, safe nontoxic options.

People are starting to realize what we put into our body and on our skin is just as important. Our skin is an organ and we absorb 60% of what sits on our skin. Just think about that. Make safe choices for your skin and really why not if you are getting the same benefits it is sort of a no-brainer.

What is amazing about many of the big ingredients coming out right now is that they are plant derived and bio-identical options! The days of stripping the skin with acne with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are over!  We can now actually heal the skin of acne with plant oils!

Do your research too, because just because a product is natural doesn’t mean it has the proven technology behind it. Founded over 20 years ago, SMD Cosmetics was one of the first Korean natural, luxury skin care companies to powerfully combine advanced technology with ancient herbal medicine. We are proud to have between 35-65 powerful and, active ingredients in a single formulation, compared to most products on the market that have 1-3 active ingredients. Everything about SMD Cosmetics is meticulous, and held to the highest standard of excellence. In South Korea we continue to be the only cosmetic company to have been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence. We remain dedicated to being all-natural, safe, non-toxic, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, cruelty free, paraben free, and environmentally friendly. We never test on animals.

SMD Cosmetics is vertically integrated; we own every step of the process from research, to manufacturing which means our advanced technology is years ahead of other skin care brands. In addition, our Inhyunjin line has been certified by the Korean FDA to be an attested and proven anti-aging group of products. While SMD manufactures over 400 different products in South Korea, we are proud to be launching 14 exclusive formulations, here in the United States.  So get your natural beauty on!!  SMD Cosmetics

SMD Cosmetics night cream unlocks power of ancient herbs,
enhances natural effects of “beauty sleep”

Following the tremendous success of their celebrity-coveted Inhyunjin collection, award-winning skin care company SMD Cosmetics’ breakthrough night cream enhances the body’s own natural processes to restore beauty and reverse signs of aging. The first of its
kind, the Inhyunjin Cream Intensive Night Repair harnesses the medicinal
benefits of over 30 patented, active ingredients, processed 9 times over a
period of 50 days for a uniquely potent formula that absorbs easily, and works
exactly when skin needs it most: at night.

While you sleep, skin enters recovery mode. Body temperature lowers,
making the skin more permeable, and natural hormones go to work boosting
collagen production, detoxifying and reconstructing cells, and counteracting
damage from UV rays, pollution, and free radicals. Scientifically formulated to
penetrate deep into cells, Inhyunjin Cream Night Intensive Repair has 6 unique
and powerful active ingredients that boost the recovery and renewal process
while maintaining skin’s essential moisture to prevent signs of aging, and
restore radiance.

Packed with amino acids that protect skin from damage and improve cell
reconstruction, SMD’s patented night cream contains herbal to medicinal anti-
inflammatory tannins to reduce redness and irritation, while strengthening
capillaries to improve skin texture and tone. Upon waking, skin is healthier,
firmer, and silky smooth. For best results, use with complete Inhyunjin skin care
ritual, massaging cream on face and neck in an upward and outward motion
following Inhyunjin Emulsion. A little goes a long way with this powerful formula,
and one jar can last up to 6-8 months with nightly use. Visit

http://www.SMDCosmetics.com to learn more about the Inhyunjin collection, and to
purchase Inhyunjin Cream Intensive Night Repair.

About SMD Cosmetics:
SMD Cosmetics offers a premium line of award-winning, natural skincare
products from South Korea. Founded over 20 years ago, SMD Cosmetics has
perfected their patented formulas by using the most advanced natural skincare
technology in combination with Asian herbal medicinal wisdom that is truly
authentic. SMD Cosmetics is one of Korea’s most prestigious, top-selling
skincare lines formulated by a team of researchers and chemists to revive,
replenish and rejuvenate your skin using the power of nature and innovative
technology. For more information, visit the site at: www.SMDcosmetics.com.

Let's learn a few things from the Koreans and how they take care of their skin! It's never too early to start is lesson number one!

Sun Protection: For one thing sunscreen is non-negotiable in my house on a daily basis. This is the biggie! Years of not taking the proper steps to ensure skin protection or opting to visit a tanning booth may have felt good at the time, but may have permanently wreaked havoc on the skin. Practicing other sun-safe behaviors—wearing hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing, seeking shade, and limiting time in direct sunlight between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. (when the sun's rays are the strongest). Your skin will thank you years to come.

WORDS FROM THE RUNWAY…

With June just around the corner that can mean only one thing…Wedding Season is upon us. This year it’s extra special because I, like so many others before me, join the ranks as I go from bridesmaid…to bride!

I know, I can’t believe it either. It seems like only yesterday I was sitting front row during L.A. Fashion Week wondering which designers to cover, picking out my outfits weeks in advance, prepping for editorial shoots and trying to navigate L.A.’s crazy dating scene. Now I’m 5 ½ months away from saying “I Do” and we just bought six house plants. My how times have changed–but I digress.

Going from bridesmaid to bride can be a little scary, there’s so much to be done, vendors to coordinate, invitations to send out and parties to attend that you can sometimes forget about taking care of yourself! But, this is hardly the time to forget about you! Or your bridal party for that matter, as any of the products mentioned below can work wonders for your bride-tribe. So without further ado, I give you–the Top 5 Best Bridal Beauty Products according to, well, myself. In no particular order:

1) DDF Glycolic Toning Complex – On your wedding day you want to put your best face forward. Heck, that’s every day, who am I kidding. For that, I turn to Dr. Howard Sobel’s DDF Glycolic Toning Complex. It’s a toner that may help to minimize the appearance of fine lines, reduce the look of pore size (good for photo-ops), and helps to improve the texture of your skin.

It’s formulated with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) which is known to help increase surface cell turnover (make sure to wear sunscreen as this ingredient has been known to increase your risk of developing a sunburn) for that youthful glow every bride-to-be needs! It’s safe to use multiple times a day, or after cleansing as a toner. Think of it as a quadruple threat as it can cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect. So have at it ladies, I know I’ll be using this product daily (or once a week) as I begin my final approach to that alter.

2) Malin + Goetz Revitalizing Eye Cream – Everyone knows’s I’m a crier, I’m not ashamed of it–I tend to cry at the drop of a hat. A baby kitten is saved from a fire, those SPCA commercial’s with Sarah McLachlan in the background–yup I’m sobbing. Along with the tears comes puffy eyes, and no one wants that, especially on their wedding day. But Malin + Goetz takes it one step further, this eye cream is like a genie in a bottle–except it’s not a bottle so much as it’s a blue little pot of gold. When I say little, I mean little. The .05fl.oz will set you back $92.00 but for good reason—it’s intense and a little goes a long way.

De-puff, and reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and dark circles with Malin + Goetz revitalizing eye cream. The cream for brides, MOTB, bridesmaids, grandma, you get the idea. The advanced firming peptides, marine algae, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil deliver a lightweight intense moisturized feeling, that will leave you and your eyes I-do ready in no time.

3) The MAKEUP Drop – Everyone’s obsessed with beauty blenders, brushes, and blobs. Okay, the last one I made up, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s in the works. That said, there are more ways than ever to apply your concealer, foundation, BB Cream or whatever current coverup you are toting. Each method has its pluses and its minuses, each one can do wonders for your makeup regimen and look. However, today, I’m here to introduce you brides and brides-to-be to the Makeup Drop.

This silicon little gem is cruelty-free, non-toxic, and paraben-free. Plus, it doesn’t soak up all of your product like some of those other applicators. It’s smooth surface and texture helps to glide foundation or product clear across your skin. Like ice-skating, on a pristine clean sheet of ice, The Makeup Drop will leave your skin flawless, like you’ve been kissed by air. Which is good, because on your wedding day you definitely will be floating-on-air, so why not also be kissed by it? Am I right?!

The best part, there are multiple ways to use your Drop. Freeze it and apply your moisturizer under the eye for a quick de-puff before your close up. Use it on lip stains to dab a drop of color on your pout, or smear it across your visage for an all over smooth finish. Ladies, I’m sold! Stop. Drop. and Makeup with The Makeup Drop.

4) Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil Treatment – Your tresses are one of the main attractions on your wedding day, so you want to be sure your hair is in tip-top shape for the big day. One way to do just that is by prepping. You definitely want to start early, and I suggest using Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil Treatment at least once a month leading up to the big day. Try once a month, see how it goes, if you still notice dryness up the amount. The Philip B. team recommends the below guidelines for just starting out.

For parched or damaged hair–use twice a week; on dry hair, once a week; and on normal hair 1-4 times a month. For a dehydrated scalp, use once or twice a week.

Be sure to follow the directions carefully, and always practice good judgment when trying new products. If you have fine to oily hair this may not be the right product for you. However, if you have coarse, thick, and color-treated hair like me–then this is definitely the product for you! Give it a whirl, just make sure you try the product well before your wedding. I don’t want to hear about any day-of I do disasters. I’ve touted the miracle that is Philip B. on WFTR for the last couple of years. Trust me, it’s one of those products you’ve got to try.

5) SMD Cosmetics Snail Secretion Cream –  Now I know what your thinking…what the heck, Dana is losing it. But, fear not friends, this stuff is the ish. Yeah, it’s 62% snail secretion, yeah…it’s snail secretion…but there’s more to it than just snail juice.

According to SMD’s website, Saromae Quintessential Snail Serum is

“a natural innovative skin – restoring solution, for even the most sensitive skin…Designed to offer the perfect balance of natural ingredients, formulation, and viscosity to achieve optimum results in feel, absorption, and efficacy.  Help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, sun damage and acne scarring to help restore youth and beauty. Ancient Herbal Science combined with breakthrough innovation, this high-performance, multi-functional serum is designed to do it ALL: deeply hydrate, help reverse and prevent signs of aging, help repair and brighten skin and help protect against environmental aggressors.”

As mentioned before it’s not just snail secretion there’s also Forsythia Virdissima Fruit, which helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. Licorice Root helps to brighten the skin and even skin tone. Paeonia Lactiflora root, a super potent antioxidant that fights against free radicals. It’s also safe, non-toxic, dermatologist tested, cruelty-free, and NOT tested on animals. SMD cosmetics is at the forefront of #Kbeauty trend. That’s keyword speak for Korean Beauty Trend–which is having a revitalization and explosion in the American market. SMD Cosmetics makes a ton of other beautiful skin products and kits if you aren’t quite ready to try the Snail Serum. However, I suggest you do—before you say I Do. Trust, this one is a game-changer.

So there you have it, the top 5 Best Bridal Beauty Products to try before your big day!

Article from: http://wordsfromtherunway.com/

Luxury Korean Beauty Gel Naturally Replenishes and Restores

It’s irresistible. The warmth of summer and the sensation of sun-kissed skin call to you. Still, there’s a cost. The sun drains moisture, leaving skin dry and vulnerable. SMD Cosmetics, the company that recently began sharing its Korean beauty secrets in the U.S., has a solution: “SMD’s AloGel Skin Perfecting Botanical.” An exclusive, premium aloe vera gel formulation that combines the anti-aging qualities of aloe with a unique and patented blend of powerful herbal antioxidants to help soothe, tone and restore moisture while giving you that radiant summer glow.

SMD Cosmetics (www.SMDcosmetics.com), from South Korea, has been the leader in innovative, natural and effective skin care products for decades, and only now is
releasing its luxurious products in the United States. SMD collections and unique
formulations are based on 2,000 years of Korean herbal skin care wisdom, which has
become the envy of the world in the art of defying age and retaining pristine skin.

Toni G., Makeup Artist for Angelina Jolie, puts her trust in SMD’s collection. “I’m very health conscious and aware that what you put on your body is as important as what you
put in your body,” she says. “So, when I discovered this natural skincare brand that was
not only good for my skin but fulfills its promises, I knew it was the real deal.”

SMD’s AloGel Skin Perfecting Botanical serum is a unique formula that takes the
already exalted status of Korean skincare, to the next level. AloGel’s premium formula
nourishes skin with over 75 beneficial nutrients that immediately help erase the
appearance of dry or irritated skin brought on by sun exposure. Some of the exclusive
natural ingredients in the AloGel are:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, commonly known as aloe vera, is synonymous with soothing sunburns. This powerful and nutrient dense gel is at the core of the formula that reduces the appearance of dry skin by restoring suppleness. Vitamins C, E and beta carotene absorb directly and quickly for immediate results.

Morus Alba Bark Extract, or mulberry, is loaded with antioxidants known for brightening properties that produce smoothness and even tones.

Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract has one of the densest levels of Omega 3 fatty acids of any natural substance at 54 to 64 percent. The natural oil helps soothes sensitive skin and minimizes pores while helping to clean out clogged pores.

Wild Sesame Leaf Extract is a natural antioxidant that absorbs into skin and boosts energy to rejuvenate cells.

Propolis extract provides an antibacterial quality in addition to its antioxidant
properties to build skin health.

Mulberry root extract improves skin tone and protects and soothes skin
tone.

Ingredients are everything. Bloomberg News recently reported, “No evidence of Aloe
Vera found in the Aloe Vera at Walmart, CVS,” which should be concerning to
consumers expecting to use the soothing botanical gel on their skin. 1 SMD’s AloGel
Skin Perfecting Botanical serum delivers on unmatched quality. SMD Cosmetics is
“nature perfected,” because their products use the power of nature’s ingredients
combined with the wisdom of ancient herbal science. Their advanced, patented
technology gives us the difference of innovative, active components that make SMD’s
products so different from anything else on the market.

Men and children may also benefit from AloGel. It may help to soothe skin after some
fun in the sun, and it helps to prevent the look of dry, dehydrated, tired skin after
summer travel. AloGel can be used after cleansing and before moisturizing to enhance
any skincare regimen. Keep it in the refrigerator and apply cold AloGel to a clean face to
maximize absorption, minimize pores and restore a youthful radiant suppleness to your
skin.

Celebrity makeup artist for the hit TV show “This Is Us,” Elizabeth Hoel-Chang,
understands the importance of natural Korean skincare. “It’s not only about great skin,
but also giving people the confidence and knowledge of what they are putting on their
skin, a healthy, nutritional element to help preserve themselves,” she says. “In a day
and age of snake oil tonics and empty promises, this SMD Cosmetics line is the miracle
and truth people need to know about and have the ability to get it for themselves
because they deserve it!”

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-22/no-evidence-of-aloe-vera-found-in-the-aloe-vera-at-wal-mart-cvs

About SMD Cosmetics:
SMD Cosmetics offers a premium line of award-winning, natural skincare products from
South Korea. Founded over 20 years ago, SMD Cosmetics has perfected its patented
formulas by using the most advanced natural skincare technology in combination with
Asian herbal medicinal wisdom that is truly authentic. SMD has over 39 patents and
has created over 26 ingredients. It is still the only company in the whole cosmetic
industry in Korea to have ever been awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for
excellence. SMD Cosmetics is one of Korea’s most prestigious, top-selling skincare
lines formulated by a team of researchers and chemists to revive, replenish and
rejuvenate your skin using the power of nature and innovative technology. For more
information, visit the site at: www.SMDcosmetics.com.

Blog: Groomed LA

We got wind of an amazing skin care line and had to look into this #Kbeauty trend ASAP!  What’s all the hype about? Why is it such a topic of conversation?

The trend is referred to as K-beauty, and it’s all about the ingredients. Celebrity make up artists are using it more and more too. We got to speak with 2 notable celebrity MUAs that shared with me their favorite #Kbeauty product and also gave us some tips on trends to watch for this summer!

Here is Elizabeth Hoel-Chang Celebrity Make Up Artist for the hit TV show This Is Us, on her summer skin care tips and tricks:

“I spritz a spray of rose water on my clean face before I put on my favorite natural Korean skin care products from SMD Cosmetics. I use Khiel’s SPF 50 facial sunscreen everyday under my makeup. I’ve been using SMD Cosmetics religiously since November, and now I’ve completely stopped wearing any foundation, because I don’t need it. The SMD Cleansing Oil is the perfect cleanser because it doesn’t strip my face of all the oil and disrupt my PH balance. It has been a life-saver for breakouts. Usually I’d have 4X the hormonal or summer breakouts using a stripping cleanser. I then apply a dusting of mineral powder on my face, concentrating mainly on my cheek area to correct my rocesa. Simple eyeliner and mascara, and fill in my brows. I apply a bit of bronzer or light pink blush on my cheeks and am on my way. I will sometimes blot my face with a light blotting powder, otherwise just let my face be as it is. Even if my mineral powder wears off over a long day at work, it doesn’t bother me now because my skin has repaired, plumped and become so hydrated from the help of SMD Saromae Snail Serum I also make sure I drink plenty of water and implicate more organic avocadoes in my diet since they are in season and are SO GOOD for your skin!! Along with strawberries, grapes and kale.”

So we did a little bit of digging and found out, SMD Cosmetics produces one of the most popular prestigious skin care lines in South Korea, formulated on over 2,000 years of herbal medicine wisdom! It’s a natural (which I LOVE) premium herbal medicinal-based line that is fairly new to the US.

We heard that SMD products are being used by top celebrity make-up artists, and are also now being sold at Nigel’s Beauty Emporium in Hollywood.

We also interviewed celebrity make-up artist and photographer, Troy Jensen, to give us this summers hottest skin care and make-up tips and this is what he had to say:

“I like my “muses” to come to me with radiant glowing clear skin…I love SMD Cosmetics, a K-beauty brand new to the US…some of my clients and I use the Saromae Snail Serum on the skin under make-up for radiance. I ease my clients (Jordan Sparks, Giuliana Rancic, and Mariah Carey to mention a few) into summer make up by first warming up their complexion. I choose a sheer foundation that will give them a warm wash of color. At the moment I’m obsessed with Dior Skin Nude Air Serum foundation. It’s so sheer, it literally looks invisible on the skin. Next I will add a peachy glow to the skin with Two Faced Cosmetics “sweet peach glow” pallet… it has a bronzer, a highlighter and a beautiful peach blush, to give you that instant beach babe look! I even dust a little highlighter and bronzer on the eyes and top of with this seasons IT beauty trend: tinted mascara (I love Benefit Cosmetics “there real mascara” in Beyond Blue. On the lips this summer, shimmer is a big trend and rose gold is really hot. Jouer Cosmetics has created a beautiful rose gold collection for the lips: I love “the long wear lip cream liquid lipstick in rose gold” and I go over it with Jouer’s lip topper in rose gold, focusing on the center of the lip and upper bow of the lip.”

After speaking to Elizabeth and Troy Groomed LA wants in!

I can’t wait to get my INHYUNJIN anti-aging set for myself! #Kbeauty !!! WOOT!!

http://www.groomed-la.com/7374-2/