We are so proud to partner with the AiRS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping make breast reconstructive surgery possible for women who otherwise can not afford to do so, after a mastectomy.

We are always on the lookout for amazing organizations to partner with, and as our Founder Meryl is a breast cancer survivor herself (although she did not have a mastectomy), we think the AiRS Foundation is bringing attention to a vital aspect of healing that is not often discussed. We are so proud to take part and support their commitment to such positive change.

We will be donating 10% of all ARIA and ARIA PURE Lipstick sales throughout the month of October 2019 to the AiRS Foundation (Alliance in Reconstructive Surgery) so go ahead – grab a few of your favorite shades or gift a few to your friends and family!

See the ARIA Lipstick Line Here: https://hyntbeauty.com/product-category/lips/

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Treat Yourself Like a Masterpiece with this New Makeup Collection

Lucky Chick wants you to reignite your creativity and treat yourself like a masterpiece with color that feels as luxurious as they look. Choose from eight perfectly pigmented shades, shimmering glazes and eye jeweled shadows. Experience creamy mattes without the dryness, lip lacquers without the tackiness and eye shadows that stay on all day and doesn’t crease.

 Hydrating active ingredients include:

• Coffee Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• Jojoba Oil

As naturally beautiful as the products themselves, Lucky Chick’s products are vegan, cruelty free, paraben free, peg free, D-5 free, gluten-free and made in the USA. 

For more information, visit https://luckychick.com/ 

About Lucky Chick: Stephanie Miklosvary founded Lucky Chick in 1999 as she was putting her art degree to work as a shoe designer in New York City. Nicknamed “Lucky Chick” by a friend for living in her LC (Lobby C) apartment, she decided to create a persona around her new name inspired by life’s indulgences. Lucky Chick first started out as a luxury bath and body line and has evolved into make-up.  The brand provides a vibrant range of color cosmetics so women of all colors, shapes and sizes can treat themselves like the masterpieces they are.

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Created as a tribute to Matthew Milèo’s late aunt Joell, the new Elixir Oud LA ROSE DE JOELL, rescues and soothes delicate skin that has become weakened by aggressors.

As with the entire MILÈO collection, LA ROSE DE JOELL harnesses the remarkable anti-aging effects of 100 year aged Oud.

Inspired by the strength and vibrancy of Joell, LA ROSE DE JOELL fortifies delicate skin and reclaims its wellbeing.

During the month of October, proceeds will be donated to the Wilmot Cancer Institute for breast cancer awareness, a charity close to Matthew Milèo’s family.

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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 50% of sales of the limited edition Cheeky Physique Shimmer Sleek Pink Ribbon Body Illuminator will be donated to Bright Pink, the only national non profit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.  Get ready to glow with Shimmer Sleek, and help shine a light on breast cancer.  This firming and illuminating body cream visibly blurs imperfections and brings out the radiance of your natural skin tone. 

Curves are defined with caffeine and firming botanicals, while age defying peptides keep skin looking and feeling firm, supple, and smooth.

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The Lip + Cheek Tints collection launched in early 2019 and has quickly built up buzz as the perfect multitasking beauty balm to add to any beauty routine. The collection is a line of three multi-tasking beauty balms that add color and hydration to every look. Eco Lips uses organic jojoba, coconut oil, organic and fair-trade cocoa butter, and sunflower seed wax, making it vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free as well as lightweight. 

The latest line, Ecolixir, boasts the power of oil to improve the skins’ overall health. As part of a natural wellness regimen, its perfect for the clean beauty advocate.

The Bee Free Vegan Lip Balm line is a 100% vegan lip balm line free of beeswax carmine, , and lanolin. Eco Lips has combined candelilla wax with organic fair trade certified cocoa butter and coconut oil to soothe your lips and leave them incredibly soft and supple.

More About Eco Lips

Eco Lips is a Certified B-Corp; Eco Lips is the best lip balm for the world. Eco Lips manufactures the highest quality certified organic and fair trade lip care products on the planet. In addition, Eco Lips offers private label and contract manufacturing services. Eco Lips is a member of the Organic Trade Association and Green America. Eco Lips brand USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade lip balms are available online and at health food stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, outdoor stores, and other fine retail outlets. Don’t panic, it’s organic!

Eco Lips believes in changing the world one set of lips at a time. Since its founding in 2003, Eco Lips has been a leader in “green” formulation offering more certified organic and fair trade lip balms than any other brand in the world.

Before there were any other organic lip balms commercially available, Eco Lips positioned itself as a “gateway” organic product working to embrace and convert non-organic consumers by giving them a positive organic product experience with a low-cost entry-level organic product.

Eco Lips continues to create innovative initiatives and projects such as Iowa’s largest solar power project, the Organic Endurathon, the annual Earth Day Bike Ride, and the Eco Lips Cause Balm program.

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Christa Allen posted a photo to her Instagram this morning wearing WERKSHOP! The 13 Going on 30 actress looked sporty in her Cinnamon and Vanilla Reversible Top ($64) and Rose Mauve Ombre Full Length Triathlon Leggings($98, www.werkshop.com). 

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https://tourocom.touro.edu/academics/faculty/harlem/niket-sonpal.php

There are endless winter health myths that we have heard from well intentioned grandparents and parents. They have become so ingrained in us that we take them as cold hard facts. Many of these myths have no more basis in reality than Santa Claus.  Of course, everyone wants to stay as healthy as possible during the frosty months. In order to do so sensibly, we turned to Board Certified NYC internist and gastroenterologist Dr. Niket Sonpal.

Myth: Allergies go away in the winter

Allergies might be the real source behind your stuffy nose and scratchy throat this season. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in five people suffer from indoor/outdoor allergies, and the indoor variety can actually be worse in the winter. Dr. Sonpal cautions that, “If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or ease up after taking an antihistamine, it might be time to visit an allergist.”

Myth: I wash my hands all the time with hand sanitizer, so I should be fine.

Hand sanitizer will kill most viruses, but not all. You must make sure you use the right amount of hand sanitizer and let it dry completely. Dr. Sonpal points out that,” Some viruses, like norovirus, which causes vomiting, is not killed by hand sanitizer. Soap and water are best to get rid of all bacteria and viruses, but the hand sanitizer is better than nothing at all.”

Myth: It’s cold out, I don’t need sunscreen.

The sun’s rays are just as strong in the winter months as they are in the other seasons. Snow and ice can reflect even more sunlight, up to twice as much. Grab the SPF 30 and put it on, regardless of the temperature. Don’t forget those sunglasses to keep your eyes safe as well.

I’ll just drink some alcohol to keep myself warm.

Although it may feel like drinking alcohol is making you warmer, it does not. Dr. Sonpal says that, “when you drink, the blood vessels dilate or get bigger, and blood flows to your skin and away from your internal organs. So, it may feel like you are getting warmer, but you are not.”

Myth: The Flu Shot Gives You the Flu

According to a new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and Rite Aide, 44 percent of American women view the flu as a serious threat to their health. Yet nearly half (49 percent) do not intend to get a flu shot this year because they believe the vaccine can give them the flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu shot for anyone older than 6 months of age. Dr. Sonpal stresses that, “The shot does not contain a live virus, making catching the flu from it impossible.”

Winter weather makes you store fat and gain weight

Our bodies do not go into some kind of winter hibernation mode, stockpiling every ounce of fat to use for the lean times. It seems logical, like a throwback to our days living in caves foraging for food, but in reality, any weight gain comes from our winter habits. Dr. Sonpal points out that, “we tend to exercise less in winter. We eat more hearty meals and comfort foods, including more sugary snacks and desserts (especially around the holidays).”

Myth: You Lose Most Heat Through Your Head

The saying goes “we lose 90 percent of our body heat through our heads.”  But a 2006 study found that the head accounts for about 7 percent of the body’s surface area, and that heat loss in the region is fairly proportional, according to LiveScience.”Your head is another extremity, and it’s susceptible to cold, so you should wear a hat, but it doesn’t lose any more heat than another part of your body,” says Dr. Sonpal.

Myth: Chicken Soup Will Cure Colds

Many cultures teach us to drink warm liquids like tea, hot apple cider, and soups when we’re dealing with colds. It’s true that something like chicken soup may help soothe and ease congestion, but much like vitamin C, hot soup won’t do immediate wonders.

Myth: Being Cold Gives You a Cold

No matter what your grandma might have told you, spending too much time in the cold air doesn’t make you sick. One study found that healthy men who spent several hours in temperatures just above freezing had an increase in healthy, virus-fighting activity in their immune systems. In fact, you’re more likely to get sick indoors, where germs are easily passed.

Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever

Dr. Sonpal says that, “This is another myth that comes from a time when people didn’t understand the science of body chemistry. The thought was that if you had a cold, food would warm you up. Conversely, if you had a high fever, not eating would cool you down. This is just patently bad medical advice. In both cases, good nutrition gives your body the fuel it needs to fight infections and recover from an illness. When you have a fever, your body is burning energy at a rapid rate, and that needs to be replenished. So, by all means feed your cold; but also feed your fever, or any other illness. Even if you have stomach issues, find a way to take in lost fluids and electrolytes.”

About Dr. Niket Sonpal:

Dr. Niket Sonpal is a native of Long Island NY and a graduate of Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and will continue his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookldale University medical center.

He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.

https://tourocom.touro.edu/academics/faculty/harlem/niket-sonpal.php

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www.drmanishshah.com

We are all subject to marketing and advertising on a daily basis. Nowadays it seems like even thinking about skin care will get you bombarded with countless ads and sponsored post on social media. But how trustworthy are some of the marketing buzzwords used to describe the effects of skincare merchandise? We reached out to an anti-aging expert and board-certified Denver Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Manish Shah. Shah advocates helping consumers understand what this frequently used language means. Dr. Shah is also an ethical patient safety advocate.

“There are many ways marketers attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumer with empty phrases and jargon,” comments Dr. Shah. “A phrase such as ‘clinically tested’ and ‘doctor recommended’ is used to mislead consumers into thinking a certain product has more credibility than it actually does.” However, Dr. Shah explains, when these phrases are used it says nothing for the results of the clinical tests or what the products were tested for. In terms of products being “Doctor recommended,” Shah warns that “consumers don’t know what doctor recommended the product in most cases and if those doctors are getting some sort of incentive for endorsement.”

Dr. Shah shares common marketing jargon phrases used to mislead consumers.

A Product that claims “Patented Technology”

“Patents are not necessarily a foolproof sign that something is groundbreaking or effective,” explains Dr. Shah. “Marketers use this language to convey innovation and superiority that their product might not necessarily have over its competitors,” he says. Patents are sometimes authorized through technicality instead of breakthrough meaning any new combination of ingredients, methods or production process can be patented as long as it is new.

“Maximum strength”

This is a term used often by skin cleansers and moisturizers. “It’s a relative term and the consumer doesn’t really know what it is relevant to. It’s language that entices the shopper to make the purchase without really telling them how it accomplishes ‘maximum strength’ results,” says the Denver Plastic Surgeon. 

“Clinical strength”

From painkillers to hydrating serums, companies love to bill their products as having “clinical strength.” Dr. Shah says consumers should practice healthy skepticism with such claims. “A product that claims it has clinical strength, in many cases, could have been tested by the doctors developing it. If you think about it you can’t really pinpoint what that phrase means because it is relative and we have no context as to what the company considers clinical strength,” says Shah. The perception, explains Dr. Shah, is that the product is better because the world clinical makes it sound more credible.

“For All Skin Types”

“This is a difficult promise to deliver on,” says Shah who has practiced his specialty for 14 years. “Not all skin is the same. If someone has an allergy to an ingredient or some form of dermatitis they really should speak to their doctor about what products are best to include in their regiment instead of blindly trusting a label,” he says. 

“FDA Approved” 

The FDA has different protocols for skincare products that make cosmetic claims as opposed to those that make more medical claims such as promising to increase production of collagen in the skin. Since that is a body function the FDA treats those differently than normal skincare products. However, the FDA just stipulates that the product being sold is safe to use in the manner in which it is directed to be used “FDA approval is not credential that shows the superiority of results,” says Dr. Shah. The plastic surgeon recommends that you not be sold on the sole factor of an FDA approval.

“Anti-Aging, Revitalizing, or Age Defying”

We’ve all seen these on the labels of some cream or serum or advertised in a commercial where beautiful models and actresses are displayed in all of their airbrushed and well-lit perfection. “These terms are somewhat misleading in that they give the perception of an unrealistic turning back of the clock,” says Dr. Shah. To many consumers viewing an advertisement, it might seem like buy and using that product will help them look like an ageless actress and that is not accurate.” Aging gracefully and maintaining a more youthful look has a lot to do with nutrition, exercise, genes, consistent skin care, stress levels, and cosmetic procedures when necessary. But according to Shah, people cannot cling onto just one aspect in order to look their best and no one product will reverse the clock.

Medical-Looking Packaging

Be wary of bottles that look like test tubes, labels or packages that include a medical or first aid cross, or feature type that looks like Rx suggesting that it’s a prescription-strength formula even though it’s sold over the counter.

Botanical

Dr. Shah explains that “An actual botanic is technically an ingredient that is derived from a plant. But, again, “botanical” may be used in advertising to refer to something that is synthetic but acts similar to a plant-based ingredient.”

Instant Results

Keep in mind that “instant results” aren’t the same as “long-term results.” Meaning, you may use a product that gives you instant moisture or has a quick-acting firming effect, but those results may fade after a few hours and require reapplication. Dr. Shah’s final advice: “Check a product to make sure it specifies whether its “instant” effects are long lasting or short term.”  

Firming

What you think it means: Proven to make skin look tauter.

What it really means: Essentially nothing. “There is no objective way to measure firming,” says Dr. Shah “When a brand says their product has been shown to firm your skin, that claim can only be based on very subjective consumer perception.”

Natural

 What you think it means- Make from the earth’s own ingredients with no chemicals

What is really means- 

“Natural” doesn’t necessarily mean anything about the purity of a product. It’s a term that hasn’t been defined by the FDA. To determine what’s actually in a product, read the ingredients list. How many can you pronounce? If they sound like a list of chemicals, they are. There may be a benefit for some people to avoid parabens, usually absent from “natural” products, if their skin is sensitive.

Gluten-Free

What you think it means- That the product is not made with any gluten.

What it really means- Unlike foods, cosmetics labeled “gluten-free” aren’t regulated by the FDA. Do you need gluten-free beauty products? Maybe, if you’re gluten-sensitive and it’s a lipstick, gloss, or balm, which you could ingest in tiny amounts. Otherwise, it’s not necessary. 

About the Expert:

 www.drmanishshah.com

Dr. Manish Shah M.D., F.A.C.S. is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you.

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The summer is a wonderful time as there always seem to be more events than a calendar can handle and countless reasons to get together with your friends and celebrate. With all these gatherings comes the very real challenge of keeping yourself looking well-put together and fresh while also beating the heat. 

To help you avoid melting this summer (or at least, your makeup), read on to discover the essential beauty tips you need to know to get you ready for a summer soiree. 

1. SKINCARE

First and foremost, let’s talk about summer skincare. After all, your skin is the starting point of all your beauty looks and therefore requires the most day-to-day attention. All year round (but particularly in the summer), you need to be applying daily SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. 

Similarly, opt for a thicker and creamier moisturizer than you tend to use during the winter to ensure that you are sufficiently hydrating your skin.

Additionally, ensure you are exfoliating two to three times a week so that you are removing the dead skin cells and allowing new ones to grow. If you are suffering from hyper-pigmentation or age spots (like many women), then you may want to use a Vitamin C serum which will help to restore your skin’s luminosity. 

2. TREATMENTS

If you want to have the ultimate glowing skin for your summer soiree, then — in addition to your at-home skincare — you want to be scheduling regular professional facials that have been prescribed for your skin type. 

This is truly the most effective way to have clean and silky smooth skin because summer facials will concentrate on repairing sun-related damage while also improving your circulation and decreasing the prominence of lines and wrinkles.

One of the best summer treatments available is the Guinot Hydradermie Facial, which is renowned around the world for its magical ability to restore and preserve your skin’s natural glow. If you want to treat your skin in the best possible manner, then a Guinot Facial needs to be in your routine.

3. MAKEUP

Undoubtedly, one of the most challenging aspects of getting ready for a summer soiree is knowing what makeup products are going to be able to withstand the heat and the fun. To start with, you need to be using a high-quality primer that minimizes pores and keeps makeup in place for up to 12 hours. 

Then, make sure to use a concealer and foundation that are waterproof and long-lasting – bonus points if they have sun protection! 

Next, an extended-wear, waterproof bronzer will endure high humidity and extreme moisture to ensure that you enter and leave the party looking just as glowy. 

For a natural summer look, use the same bronzer as your eyeshadow, skip the eyeliner, and throw on waterproof, volumizing mascara. Finish everything off with a swipe of waterproof liquid lipstick in a nude or light pink color and a generous amount of setting spray to ensure your makeup has some serious staying power. 

4. HAIR

Last but not least, you want to make sure your hairstyle complements your outfit and your makeup look while also being easy to maintain during a (potentially) humid summer event. Whatever hairstyle you choose to do, make sure to use a lot of dry shampoo and shine sprays (and keep some in your purse while at the party) so that you can touch up your hair when needed.

Generally, it is recommended that you wash your hair the evening before the event to ensure that you can obtain your desired texture and volume. Not only that, it will also cut down your getting-ready time and give you a less static base to start using your tools and products. 

Alternatively, take the stress out of getting ready and make an appointment at the best beauty salon in Doha (or wherever you reside) and allow a professional hairdresser to work their magic. 

What tips and tricks do you have when it comes to getting yourself ready for a summer event? Any must-have products or tools that you want to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Hillary Kozma is the Owner/Managing Director/Creative Director of Kozma & Kozma Salon. Having built the foundation of her skills with an apprenticeship under a direct protege of Vidal Sassoon, Hillary and her husband opened Glow American Salon in Qatar in 2007 before expanding to Dubai as Kozma & Kozma in 2016. Hillary is hailed by the media as a “pioneer in her field” for introducing new talents, concepts, philosophies, and techniques to the Middle East.

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The summer is a wonderful time as there always seem to be more events than a calendar can handle and countless reasons to get together with your friends and celebrate. With all these gatherings comes the very real challenge of keeping yourself looking well-put together and fresh while also beating the heat. 

To help you avoid melting this summer (or at least, your makeup), read on to discover the essential beauty tips you need to know to get you ready for a summer soiree. 

1. Skincare

First and foremost, let’s talk about summer skincare. After all, your skin is the starting point of all your beauty looks and therefore requires the most day-to-day attention. All year round (but particularly in the summer), you need to be applying daily SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. 

Similarly, opt for a thicker and creamier moisturizer than you tend to use during the winter to ensure that you are sufficiently hydrating your skin.

Additionally, ensure you are exfoliating two to three times a week so that you are removing the dead skin cells and allowing new ones to grow. If you are suffering from hyper-pigmentation or age spots (like many women), then you may want to use a Vitamin C serum which will help to restore your skin’s luminosity. 

2. Treatments

If you want to have the ultimate glowing skin for your summer soiree, then — in addition to your at-home skincare — you want to be scheduling regular professional facials that have been prescribed for your skin type. 

This is truly the most effective way to have clean and silky smooth skin because summer facials will concentrate on repairing sun-related damage while also improving your circulation and decreasing the prominence of lines and wrinkles.

One of the best summer treatments available is the Guinot Hydradermie Facial, which is renowned around the world for its magical ability to restore and preserve your skin’s natural glow. If you want to treat your skin in the best possible manner, then a Guinot Facial needs to be in your routine.

3. Makeup

Undoubtedly, one of the most challenging aspects of getting ready for a summer soiree is knowing what makeup products are going to be able to withstand the heat and the fun. To start with, you need to be using a high-quality primer that minimizes pores and keeps makeup in place for up to 12 hours. 

Then, make sure to use a concealer and foundation that are waterproof and long-lasting – bonus points if they have sun protection! 

Next, an extended-wear, waterproof bronzer will endure high humidity and extreme moisture to ensure that you enter and leave the party looking just as glowy. 

For a natural summer look, use the same bronzer as your eyeshadow, skip the eyeliner, and throw on waterproof, volumizing mascara. Finish everything off with a swipe of waterproof liquid lipstick in a nude or light pink color and a generous amount of setting spray to ensure your makeup has some serious staying power. 

4. Hair

Last but not least, you want to make sure your hairstyle complements your outfit and your makeup look while also being easy to maintain during a (potentially) humid summer event. Whatever hairstyle you choose to do, make sure to use a lot of dry shampoo and shine sprays (and keep some in your purse while at the party) so that you can touch up your hair when needed.

Generally, it is recommended that you wash your hair the evening before the event to ensure that you can obtain your desired texture and volume. Not only that, it will also cut down your getting-ready time and give you a less static base to start using your tools and products. 

Alternatively, take the stress out of getting ready and make an appointment at the best beauty salon in Doha (or wherever you reside) and allow a professional hairdresser to work their magic. 

What tips and tricks do you have when it comes to getting yourself ready for a summer event? Any must-have products or tools that you want to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Hillary Kozma is the Owner/Managing Director/Creative Director of Kozma & Kozma Salon. Having built the foundation of her skills with an apprenticeship under a direct protege of Vidal Sassoon, Hillary and her husband opened Glow American Salon in Qatar in 2007 before expanding to Dubai as Kozma & Kozma in 2016. Hillary is hailed by the media as a “pioneer in her field” for introducing new talents, concepts, philosophies, and techniques to the Middle East.

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