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In this modern day and age, who really has the time to scrutinize their every move? In fact, let’s be honest; most people nowadays simply go through each day without worrying about the little things at all. However, sometimes these seemingly little things are far more than that.

When it comes to your skin, the little things are what separate healthy skin from damaged, dry skin. However, it isn’t just about using lotion or applying facial masks once a week. In fact, even the smallest of daily routines and habits affect your skin greatly and it’s so important to recognize this in order to work on repairing skin damage permanently. Below are five everyday routines which negatively affect your skin’s health that you may have not even thought of before.

1. Trusting Harmful Beauty Products

One of the biggest mistakes the average woman makes is trusting her beauty and health products implicitly. The truth is that many products out there have toxic chemicals in them which actually do more damage than restoration to your skin.

The best way to avoid these chemicals is by finding trustworthy product brands and also by looking at the list of ingredients on the product label as well. This will ensure that not only can you trust the company’s word but also can trust that you will not be using chemicals which could lead to skin damage in time.

2. Exercising and not Washing up Afterwards

Exercise is a highly important part of a healthy lifestyle but the steps you take once finished are just as important in the long run. In fact, many people will hit the gym and then simply leave without even taking a few extra minutes to clean up. The problem with this is that all of the sweat your body released and the dust and dirt particles that attached to your skin during your workout are left to clog your pores and damage your skin.

The best thing to do to ensure your skin is clean and healthy is to wash your face after exercising and make sure that any dirt or sweat is completely clear before proceeding to leave.

3. Smoking and Drinking

You probably know a ton of other things that smoking and drinking affect in your life but your skin is one thing you may not have even considered. The truth is that smoking can actually age your skin faster and create more facial wrinkles as well.

Similarly, drinking alcohol affects your skin by actually leading to water retention, redness, splotchiness, and an enlargement of the nose and cheeks as well. These effects can seriously damage your skin and last for quite some time so your best bet is to stick to light drinking and to quit smoking altogether. After all, cosmetics and moisturizers can only do so much with what they are given.

4. Sleeping in Your Makeup

We’ve all done it at least once or twice in our lives but the truth is that sleeping in your makeup is extremely harmful to your skin due to the pores it clogs and the dirt this makeup collects over time. That’s why using wet wipes on your face before bed is so useful.

The wet wipes will not only remove the dirt and makeup on top of your face but will also remove the layers of dirt and makeup found in your pores as well. This will make sure that you don’t face any blemishes or oily skin in the future.

5. Eating Foods That are High in fat and Sugars

Once again, the negative affects of eating fat and sugary foods is fairly obvious but what you may not realize is how negatively these food items affect your skin health. The reason for this is that everything you eat actually alters your hormonal balance and unhealthy foods lead to oiliness and pimples because of it.

Instead, opt for healthier items such as vegetables and white meats on top of your daily cosmetic routines and you are sure to see a drastic difference in your skin’s health because of it in no time.

No matter what you choose to add or remove from your daily routine, the most important thing is to listen to your body and recognize when your skin is damaged so as to pinpoint how you can fix it.

After you’ve done this, the last step is to purchase a trusted skincare brand so you can start repairing your newly rejuvenated skin today. If you’re not sure what brands you can and can’t trust, make sure to check out our shop and to look at our ingredients so you can see exactly what a good brand consists of for future reference.

You’re a young, vibrant individual full of life and care for mother earth. After all, who isn’t in this modern generation? But, what if we were to tell you that the makeup and skincare products you use every day actually lead to the degradation of our earth each and every year?

Unfortunately, this statement is entirely accurate and the particulars regarding it are more outrageous than you could possibly imagine. However, to truly understand how these products affect our environment, we must look at what the issue is at hand and then figure out what we can do as concerned individuals to prevent this problem from destroying our environment for years to come.

How Do Health and Beauty Products Harm the Environment?

Although it may shock you, the truth is that each and every year, the cosmetic industry creates billions of tonnes of non-recyclable plastic to hold their products in. In fact, in 2008 alone, over 120.8 billion tonnes of plastic waste was sent to landfills across the country. Once there, this waste continued to emit carbon gas into our atmosphere at a startling rate.

For as long as this plastic exists, it will continuously emit these harmful greenhouse gases into our atmosphere and, unfortunately, the lifespan of the common plastic bottle or cosmetic packaging can be anywhere between 450 and 1000 years.

Unfortunately, various common cosmetic companies are still using packaging that is not biodegradable or recyclable while the ones that do show concern for the environment tend to have prices that are outrageous for the more expensive packaging they are using.

Although you may now be thinking to yourself that you buy products that are fairly harmless and recycle them properly, you are more than likely wrong. From the surprisingly harmful chemicals found in your makeup and skincare products all the way to the microbeads that are put in the most popular face scrubs of today, your carbon footprint may be far larger than you previously postulated.

As stated above, microbeads (also referred to as microspheres) are small beads made up of polystyrene or polypropylene that are found in toothpaste brands and face scrubs all over the world. These small beads may be great for your exfoliation process but, once you wash your face, you are likely sending them down your drain and into the ocean where they negatively affect marine life and emit greenhouse gases for decades.

With all of these concerns now looming over you, you may be wondering what you can do to reduce this pollution in your everyday life. After all, the idea of harming marine life and our atmosphere just to have a clean face is pretty alarming. However, below we will talk about some ways you can change your negative environmental impacts around without losing out on the skincare cosmetics you know and love.

What can you do to Prevent Cosmetic Pollution?

You’ve probably heard the quote by Steve Jobs, ‘we’re here to make a dent in the universe’. Although he probably wasn’t talking about buying more environmentally-friendly cosmetics per se, every small action has its impact.

When it comes to helping the environment, the products you choose to support is highly important and the way you dispose of said products is as well. Therefore, let’s talk about a few things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint starting today.

Buy From Green-Conscious Brands

With the negative effects these cosmetic wastes have on our environment finally being recognized, many brands have chosen a more environmentally-friendly approach. For instance, some brands have chosen to utilize reusable glass containers that can be recycled or refilled at their locations. In fact, certain companies have even been known to reward customers for reusing the packaging once the product runs out.

However, it is important to be wary of the term ‘natural’ nonetheless as some brands simply chose to add natural ingredients on top of the harmful ones and benefit from the green-centric cosmetic fad.

Avoid Microbeads as Often as Possible

Of course, face scrubs are absolutely incredible and help to clear your pores and cleanse your face on a daily basis but, when it comes to microbeads, it is better to simply steer clear altogether. Instead, try face scrubs that utilize natural ingredients like salt as they are not only better for the environment but your skin likewise.

Invest in a Plastic Shredder

Shredding plastic makes it easier for recycling plants to break down your products and it also reduces the space they take up in your recycling bin as well. This allows for you to add more product waste to your bin and not use a full bin as an excuse to toss the excess in the regular trash can.

Fortunately, plastic shredders can be found online for fairly cheap and you can actually make your own plastic shredder for roughly $50 as well. With this said, there’s really no reason why a green-forward individual would not have a plastic shredder in their home.

Make Sure to Place Plastics in the Recycling bin

As stated above, there’s no reason to ever put plastic in a regular trash bin. That’s why paying attention to your garbage is so important. If the cosmetic product or its packaging is made up of paper, cardboard, glass, or plastic, throwing it away in the right bin will ensure that it doesn’t become yet another item stuck in a landfill emitting carbon gas for decades.

Purchase Brands That Don’t use Harmful Chemicals

Although you may think working with a brand that is green-conscious would mean they also steer clear of all harmful ingredients, this is not always the case. Therefore, it is highly important to know what these harmful chemicals are and how to avoid them.

When you see any of the chemicals below, it’s best to not purchase the item as it will not only affect the environment but will also negatively impact your skin’s health as well.

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Formaldehyde
• Propylene Glycol
• Alcohols
• Butylated Compounds
• Phthalates

In the end, by following these steps and being aware of how your health and beauty products affect our world, you can rest assured that you are not part of the problem and are making a dent in our universe one purchase at a time. After all, if you’re bound to make a carbon footprint no matter what, why not make it a light stiletto instead?

With this summer’s highly-anticipated annual beauty bonanza-extravaganza, Cosmoprof North America, set to take center stage at Mandalay Bay in the heart and heat of Las Vegas on July 29th-31st, you’ll want to get ready for an immersive experience with the biggest brands in beauty – and discover some new and now up-comers that’ll be sure to steal the scene.

Beauty is big business – a billion dollar-a-year one, to be exact. And, because of the industry’s ever-evolving, game-changing products, innovative ingredients, and cutting-edge services that are continually pervading social feeds, it can be overwhelming for any beauty buff or novice, alike. That’s where beauty conventions and tradeshows come into play and can mean big business for the industry on all levels. Think Disneyland for beauty enthusiasts.

What is a Beauty Convention?

Basically, a beauty convention or tradeshow is a 2-3 day convergence of like-minded mavens of make-up, skincare, esthetician/spa services, hair care, nail care, body care, etc. If it has anything to do with the beautification of the body, you’ll find it at a beauty convention. Who exactly attends these meetings of both mind and body, you ask? You’ll find dermatologists, plastic surgeons, certified and aspiring skincare estheticians, make-up artists, hairstylists, nail techs, non-invasive body contouring and aesthetic professionals, beauty bloggers, social media stars, influencers, content creators, investors, and your everyday, self-proclaimed beauty-obsessed gal or guy pay big bucks to attend these conventions that promise overflowing swag bags containing the latest and greatest goodies and so much more. Not only is the procurement of goodie bags comparable to those gifted to A-listers at the annual Oscar Awards enough to draw the cosmetics-crazed crowds, it’s the makeovers, educational and training seminars, partaking in meaningful panel discussions with the most legendary influencers and brightest brand-builders, learning about upcoming trends and techniques, networking, scoring deals on your favorite products, infinite inspo, discovering your future “can’t-live-without” product picks, and collaborating (or commiserating) with fellow beauty addicts. And, snapping a selfie with your favorite Insta-glam go-getters always makes for a memorable social media moment. To a beauty guru, it’s like home away from home. But, better and bigger.

Conventions as a whole have always been one of the most effective marketing tools for virtually any industry. Whether you’re in the electronics, financial, real estate, technological, or entertainment fields, you’re guaranteed to come across a tradeshow specifically tailored for networking with those who have similar career goals or hobbies – all under one roof. Conventions have arguably emboldened countless companies and big-name brands, lending most of today’s most celebrated household names their humble beginnings. Make no mistake, they’re a lot of work to successfully pull off. Between months of preparation and paperwork, along with long convention hours consisting of standing and talking to other industry pros, they’re not suggested for the faint of heart. But, the pay-off can be pretty rewarding. Most of the beloved beauty brands you see lining the shelves of your local Sephora, ULTA, Target, luxury department store, or 24-hour pharmacy, including the smorgasbord of trending tubes, jars, and bottles you see on your Instagram on the daily were most-likely introduced and discovered at a beauty convention. (We’re looking at you, Drunk Elephant and Pixie Beauty!) Simply put, conventions are an indispensable tool to discover breakthrough beauty brands and up-to-the-second trends, having been responsible for putting some of the biggest names on the map. They’re also a great way for emerging e-commerce –based companies to make their beauty mark on the highly-competitive and saturated market.
K-beauty brand Cailyn Cosmetics, famous for their endlessly innovative and creative cosmetic wares and social stardom, has gained some serious steam on the tradeshow trail due to their near-perfect exhibitor attendance at every beauty convention in the world over the past five years. It’s a surefire way to get your name, your brand, your products, or your industry-disrupting services in front of those who are most likely going to use them, buy them, and hopefully, love them. #obsessed

What to Expect at Your First Beauty Event

Planning on becoming completely absorbed and fascinated with all things beauty for an entire weekend? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your beauty addiction adventure:

• You’ll probably pay a substantial sum for your attendance. Tickets to almost any beauty convention anywhere in the world run upwards of $150 and up. And, that’s with an industry discount! Plus, there’s parking, transportation, airfare/hotel (if you’re traveling to another city/state/country to attend a show). This can bust your beauty budget and you may have to sacrifice a few monthly Sephora splurges. So, budget accordingly.
• Long lines. And, lots of them. The bigger the brand, the longer the line. Stash your stilettos in your bag and instead opt for a pair of functional and fabulously fashionable flats.
• The eye candy is going to be super sweet. Be prepared to be pleasantly accosted by seemingly endless rows and rooms of booths adorned with perfectly, Insta-glamed promo models enthusiastically introducing products and services. Fun festival fact: These booths take months to construct and hours to assemble and de-assemble, and resemble mini store fronts. They’re grammar school dioramas re-imagined.
• Depending on the beauty convention you attend, you’ll happily find an eclectic and exciting mix of 40-plus vendors/booths repping drugstore gems, luxury, e-commerce, K-beauty, and the “new and now” beauty boomers.
• For each day of the event, you’ll feel like an instant celeb when you leave with swag bags spilling with freebies of your favorite finds – and some cool, cutting-edge, “can’t-wait-to-try” brag-worthy newbies.
• Live, interactive demonstrations on models and attendees. Here’s your chance to score a makeover with the best in the business, so don’t be shy.
• Panel discussions, tutorials, and Q&A’s from the industry’s leading YouTubers and breakout brands.
• Games like “Spin the Wheel” with guaranteed prizes and red carpet set-ups with brand logos perfect for snapping slews of shamelessly selfies with your most-followed social stars and influencers. Some of these red carpet-inspired set-ups are impressively elaborate and uber-creative. The girly-girl DoubleDare Spa booth at IPSY’s Gen Beauty show featured promo models donning fluffy, flirty, baby-pink bathrobes and the brand’s Insta-famous facial sheet masks. The models proceeded to snap pics with willing attendees, while passing out packs of free sheet masks that promised glowing, gorgeous, supermodel-status skin in exchange for honorable mentions using the brand’s #hashtags on attendees’ social platforms. It was marketing-genius and attention-grabbing, to say the least.
• Plan your visit ahead! In the essence of time and all the booths you want to visit, take into account unexpected situations that may occur, including allowing yourself a half-hour to sit and scarf down a sandwich or salad from the commissary. Between long lines, conversing, networking, getting wrapped up in a cat-eye application class, and becoming totally mesmerized by the experience, you’ll wonder how the time got away from you.
• Have a blast, beautiful!

The Best Beauty Conventions of 2018

Got the beauty show bug? Check out these top six, up-coming beauty conventions for 2018 that will sure to bring plenty of Insta-bait:

Sephoria

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the mall-inspired beauty superstore announced earlier this year it’s finally getting in on the beauty convention game. Fittingly named “Sephoria: House of Beauty,” the Disneyland for All Things Beauty is creating its very own version of BeautyCon on October 20th and 21st at its eponymous downtown LA location. According to the brand’s rep, it will be “a highly-immersive, 2-day beauty event fusion of high-touch, physical, and digital experiences.” Sounds fun! Ticket prices are still TBD, but be prepared for some fierce competition in scoring the coveted tix, as VIB and Insider Rouge members will be getting first dibs. Visit Sephora.com to stay in the loop.

Gen Beauty (an IPSY event)

Gen Beauty is a 2-day event that primarily focuses around social media influencers and burgeoning e-commerce beauty brands. This IPSY-sponsored event is open to the public and celebrates self-expression and unique, star-studded style. IPSY co-founder Michelle Phan, responsible for the social media movement in share-worthy beauty tutorials, hosts the yearly event that is very much geared to those seeking an outlet and exposure to the online presence – whether they’re an aspiring influencer, content creator, beauty brand-builder, or just a dedicated beauty guru. Expect all your favorite social media stars and beauty bloggers to be in attendance, along with Phan, herself.

IMATS – The International Make-Up Artists Trade Show – London, LA, Atlanta, Vancouver, Toronto and New York

IMATS is an eclectic and audacious convergence that deliciously celebrates the unexpected and unabashed. And, it never fails to disappoint. Even if you just attend for the people-watching, you’ll leave indelibly inspired and thoroughly entertained. Expect big, bold, and beguiling booths during this 3-day event, as IMATS is where the industry’s most sought-after make-up artists, trendsetters, and theatrical special effects artists share their latest looks, insider secrets, and top tips and tricks of the trade. Score gratuitous amounts of makeup, tools, and accessories to create the most celeb-coveted looks, while attending demos, classes, and panel discussions. This is a show in and of itself. The next event takes place in Toronto September 22-23rd. Visit IMATS.com for more information and tickets.

BeautyCon Festival – Los Angeles

The Los Angeles-based beauty bonanza is the City of Angel’s yearly event that attracts beauty and fashion bloggers, alike. More like a pre-Oscar party, red carpet version of the standard beauty convention, BeautyCon boasts panel discussions, make-up meet-ups, beauty brand launches, networking, and endless, creative inspiration. Expect over 500 (beautifully-attired and aesthetically- appealing) content creators and 100-plus brand experiences and giveaways from all your most beloved beauty, health, and wellness brands. Score a tote filled with over $300 worth of swank product when you sign up for the Hauler Package. Visit Beautycon.com for more information and pricing. The next show is July 14th-16th at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

IBS – International Beauty Show – Las Vegas, NV

Sin City’s annual summer soiree hosts over 350-plus exhibitors of hair, make-up, nails, and spa/salon services. Attend hands-on, educational workshops and master classes in hair-styling and make-up artistry from the leading industry purveyors. IBS focuses on the business of beauty and how to build your brand from the ground up, as well as product development.

Cosmoprof – 2018 – Las Vegas, NV

Cosmoprof, North America, is the premier business-to-business beauty show and is generally not open to the public, as you must qualify for attendance. Based on a business solutions model, Cosmoprof offers one intense, bustling venue brimming with hundreds of products, brands, and services, respectively organized into three separate sections: Cosmetic/Personal Care, Packaging/Private Label, and Professional Beauty (salons/spas/medi-spas).
he Cosmetic/Personal Care section spotlights the most coveted in cosmetics, skincare innovations, tools/accessories, fragrances, toiletries, and organic/clean beauty options – all with a retail distribution goal. It is in this section you’ll also find Discover Beauty, which highlights the best in beauty breakthroughs and budding brands, and breakout companies from all around the world. Cirem Cosmetics will be making its North American Cosmoprof debut this month as one of the featured beauty breakthrough brands sure to leave its beauty mark on the map. Cosmoprof, North America, prides itself on its continual, internationally-reputable dedication to introducing revolutionary technologies, ground-breaking products, and next-generation thinking designed to boost both brand and product awareness. Last year, over 36,000 attendees engaged with a record-setting 1,278 exhibitors from 45 countries to discover new product advancements, brand launches, and new avenues for distribution, packaging, and manufacturing. This year’s event is set to take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from July 29th-31st.

Do you know what’s in your favorite, “can’t live without” skincare and beauty products? Don’t be seduced by pretty packaging and savvy celeb marketing ploys when it comes to your biggest beauty asset – your skin! Let’s take a look beyond the bottle and get down to some beauty basics. Learn to be a skincare sleuth and take your beauty habits undercover. Here are the hero highlights of some of today’s most innovative, game-changing ingredients to get you gorgeous and glowing, while enhancing your skincare and beauty regimens. Sometimes, labels really ARE everything!

Unfortunately, some of the most popular, trendsetting, Insta-promoting products are comprised of nothing more than a few active ingredients, leaving the rest of the jar, tube, or bottle brimming with chemical-laden fillers that are out to do more harm than good to your beloved visage. And, we’re not just referring to the often “guilty-as-charged” drugstore gems. Some of the biggest names in the beauty biz are just as blameworthy for producing less-than-stellar skincare wares. Not to mention, the combination of certain active ingredients also plays a pivotal role in product efficacy and skin safety, as some ingredients “play well with others” (such as vitamin C and retinol) and actually boost the efficacy of one another, while some ingredients “cancel each other out” when formulated cohesively. Furthermore, other active ingredient combos can cause detrimental harm and irritation to the skin, both with long and short -term effects (such as glycolic and retinol), but work amazingly well on their own. While the most popular, clinically-proven hero ingredients that have quickly become the holy grail go-to’s in the business of beauty, both their formulation and pairing-up partners can be slippery slopes when it comes to the health and beauty of your skin. Check out this cheat sheet highlighting the most revolutionary ingredients this side of the beauty counter.

Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few years, you’ve undoubtedly heard and seen these two ingredients on the backs of bottles, fronts of face creams, and sides of supercharged skincare serums. And, for excellent reason. So, what exactly are these two hydrating heroes and what’s all the hype? Here’s a little breakdown of these two hardworking skincare ingredients that are taking the industry by storm, and why you need to get pumped about them. Hyaluronic acid (commonly referred to as “h.a.” by the most studious of skincare savants) is a molecule naturally found in human skin, including connective tissue and joints throughout the entire body. Interestingly, the average adult human has approximately 15 grams of h. a. buzzing about, but the production of this heavenly humectant begins to decline by the ripe old age of 27! Scientifically classified as a polysaccharide, h.a. inherently provides cushioning, long-lasting moisture, and lubrication for joints, nerves, hair, skin, and even eyes. But, its recent claim to fame is due to its indomitable power to “plump,” preserve, and perfect the skin, hence giving the complexion an ethereal-like, youthful, dewy-delicious glow! Its impressive capacity to attract and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water makes h.a. an attractive aging antidote and an integral component of the skin’s susceptible lipid layer. Just a single gram of the moisture-binding h.a. can hold up to 6 liters of water, preventing trans-epidermal water loss, leading to dry, flaky patches and sagging skin. What does that mean for one’s skin health and appearance? A daily slathering of a hyaluronic acid-infused serum, lotion, or cream will exponentially help maximize collagen production and retain more of those skin-smoothing stores, leaving one with succulent, supple, baby-soft skin! Sodium hyaluronate, on the other hand, is the generic, salt-derived form of its prized predecessor that has been bio-engineered to a lower molecular weight for virtually effortless penetration of the epidermal layers for quick, deep-down delivery and superior efficacy. The results are both visibly instantaneous and long-term. You’ll find most legendary, department store-worthy potions have a proprietary, beautifying blend of both h.a and sodium hyaluronate for the most powerful “instant plump-ification.”

Vitamin C

Another mega multi-tasking, hardworking hero ingredient on the “It” list is the virtuous vitamin C. A true power player and headlining all-star, this skin-saving staple really does DO IT ALL – brightens, lightens, tones, and tightens! With continued use, L-ascorbic acid, the scientific name for the most potent form of vitamin C, reduces hyperpigmentation, unsightly scarring, and mottled sun spots due to UV overexposure, thus, evening skin tone, while promoting skin-supporting collagen synthesis for a more lifted look and contoured complexion. Plus, this versatile vitamin boosts hydration levels for long-lasting, luscious moisture to the skin. Aside from its bevy of brightening and beautifying benefits, vitamin C is also a natural, anti-aging antioxidant, meaning it neutralizes free radical damage from environmental aggressors, such as smog, pollution, smoke, and the sun. So, be sure to lock in all the get-gorgeous goodies with your daily dose of this skincare superstar. See. Spot. Run.

Retinol

The BFF to vitamin C, retinol is the natural derivative of vitamin A. Also listed on many labels as retinyl palmitate, retinol is probably the most singlehandedly and remarkably effective anti-ager on the market. Due to its tiny molecular structure, this revolutionary ingredient has been clinically-proven to regenerate skin cells on a cellular level, enhance complexion-perfecting collagen production, and increase firmness, while reducing hyperpigmentation and decreasing wrinkle depth and appearance. In a nutshell, retinol is your fairy godmother to the ever-elusive Fountain of Youth, as its signature “one-stop-shopping” –esque status leaves no skin stone unturned. Though some may be reactive to the vitamin A by-product, most skin types can handle retinol in small, incremental amounts and still reap all the anti-aging and beauty benefits. When used in conjunction with vitamin C, you’re sure to be getting more bang for your beauty buck with this sexy skin sister act.

Make it a threesome with celeb-status Cirem Cosmetics® HCR 3-IN-1 Serum that features the trifecta of ageless, A-lister skin – the iconic feature of hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin C all in a single step, skin-saving step. Save time and face, while scoring the skin of the sexiest, attention-grabbing stars.

AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

The almighty, anti-aging army of AHA’s is comprised of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids, respectively. And, depending on your skin type and what issues you’re seeking to target, AHA’s can prove to be an effective part of your skincare routine. The two most popular being glycolic (derived from sugarcane) and lactic (deriving from milk substances), these anti-aging acids target hyperpigmentation by loosening dead skin cells that dull and dehydrate the complexion, while refining skin’s texture and helping to reduce the appearance of skin’s pores and fine lines. Basically, AHA’s provide a chemical peel-like exfoliation in the comfort of your own bathroom with brightening effects to boot. But, due to the initial stinging of the solution, it is imperative to start with a product which touts a solution of 10-15%, as to avoid unwanted redness and irritation. And, any cream, lotion, cleanser, or serum containing AHA’s should be applied before bed just a few nights a week, then working up to a nightly, regimented application for optimal results. As with any active skincare ingredient, be sure to always slather on sunscreen during the day to avoid potential burning of the skin.

Probiotics

Known as the all-star ingredient of yogurt, miso, kimchi, and other fermented foods, these gut-fighting microbial communities can make you glowing and gorgeous on the outside, too! This burgeoning beauty trend relies on the topical application of strain-infused skincare to help keep skin luminous, healthy, and youthful by acting as a physical barrier on the skin. These natural bacteria of probiotic technology help facilitate healthy skin function, while keeping complexion clean, clear, and beautifully balanced. Ban the blemish – and bad bacteria – with probiotic-imbued skincare essentials. Probiotic skincare is primarily targeted for those who suffer from excessive inflammation, including battling breakouts.

Green Tea

An illustrious antioxidant shown to help reverse and repair the signs of aging, this potent and powerful ingredient is extracted directly from ripe green tea leaves and is commonly found in the most high-performing creams, serums, cleansers, and sunscreens. Green tea extract also boasts brag-worthy boosting powers when worn with an SPF-infused product. The antioxidant-packed ingredient has also been clinically shown to improve the appearance of UV overexposure.

Antioxidants

These beauty babies are categorized as any group of natural or synthetic ingredients that help protect and preserve the skin from environmental stressors, including free radicals, which contribute to oxidation and premature aging of the skin. The most potent and popular amongst the antioxidant elite are green tea, vitamins E, C, and K, lycopene, niacinamide, caffeine, caviar extract, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Skincare imbued with any of the aforementioned daily defenders are sure to wage a war on wrinkles and reverse the ravages of time.

Botanicals/Botanical Oils

Botanicals are any organic, plant-based ingredient shown to have beneficial beauty benefits to the skin and/or overall health. The most commonly used beautifying botanicals in today’s top tier skincare include: ginkgo biloba leaf extract, olive leaf extract, rooibos leaf extract, white tea leaf, nettle leaf extract, elder leaf flower extract, just to name a few. Botanical oils, such as sweet almond, jojoba, macadamia, grapeseed, coconut, argan, evening primrose oil, and others are also plant-based and cold-pressed upon extraction and are treasured for naturally mimicking the skin’s natural lipid layer and inherent moisture composition. Botanical oils instantly melt into skin, leaving both body and complexion comfortably balanced and lusciously luminous.

Panthenol

Also known as vitamin B5, panthenol helps to increase the skin’s resiliency to irritation and inflammation, while acting as a barrier from environmental stressors. This vitamin’s versatility also helps soothe and smooth skin from frequent flaking and dehydration, providing long-lasting, much-needed moisture.

Caviar Extract

Brimming with skin-saving vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, fatty acid -enriched caviar extract feeds skin with a luxurious, dewy-fying dose of omega’s for a plump, youthful, gorgeous glow. Antioxidant-rich properties help protect skin against UVA/UVB damage, preventing collagen and elastin breakdown that leads to the appearance of lax skin and wrinkles. The regenerative and restorative powers of caviar extract stimulate cell turnover for the ultimate skin renewal and rejuvenation.

Diamond Dust

Used gratuitously for aesthetically-appealing purposes, diamond dust casts a light-reflecting luminescent quality to the skin. The diamond dust used in Cirem Cosmetics® YouthBoost Diamond Moisturizing Cream optically blurs, brightens, and beautifies the complexion for fabulously flawless skin. #Nofiltersnecessary

Learn What It Takes to Get Products from the Plant to Packaging

Ever wonder how the most legendary beauty products make it from manufacturing to market? From conceptualization to formulation to package design to promotion are just a few of the in’s and out’s that go into the most memorable, sought-after elixirs, potions, and dream creams – and it’s nothing short of manufacturing magic. But, not all manufacturing is created equal. Learn what it takes to get your most prized prettifying products from the batch to the
bottle.

Cosmetic Manufacturing

So, what exactly is cosmetic manufacturing? Basically, cosmetic manufacturing is akin to modern-day apothecary practices. The practice of whipping up chemicals, botanicals, and other beautifying essences into a proprietary concoction that promises to deliver a particular result(s) is an art form in and of itself. The end result can either make or break an existing or burgeoning beauty brand. Some products turn out to be one-hit-wonders, while others become prodigies in their own right, finding a permanent place on shelves of medicine cabinets for decades and decades. The process begins with a concept, or a particular idea or remedy, to resolve a skincare or beauty issue, be it a face cream, skincare serum, body lotion, perfume, shampoo/conditioner, make-up, nail polish, sunscreen, bath soap, “personal product,” or toiletry. The idea for a product can also be to enhance or maintain existing healthy skin or beauty conditions. After all, there is no shortage of beauty products that are designed to cater to every cosmetic condition or scenario. You’ll be hard-pressed not to find a solution for any kind of beauty woe (or wonder). Year after year, the billion-dollar beauty industry becomes increasingly overwhelming with thousands of products targeting every conceivable issue – from hair to skin to nails to body and beyond. From head to tippy toe, there is a product “for that.” Once a concept for a cosmetic product is initialized, then the process of preparing and researching ingredients and formulations begins. The best beauty brands will hire a tireless team of skincare savants, i.e., board-certified dermatologists, estheticians, and other industry experts to formulate and repeatedly test a number of different cosmetic “cocktails” until a winner is crowned and a newbie is born. This process can take weeks to years, as every situation is different and requires traveling its own specific trajectory from the lab to launch party. Of course, there are rigorous testing procedures to work out the “kinks,” ie, adverse reactions, subpar efficacy, etc, through routine clinical trials.

Private Label Manufacturing

Some cosmetic manufacturing companies even provide marketing and promotional services at a prenegotiated contracted cost. Private label manufacturing is the all-inclusive cosmetic manufacturing practice that offers a “one-stop-shopping” set-up that will take your idea from “concept to cream” without you having to do much else, but pay the tab. Usually, the products are already formulated, pre-packaged, and ready for purchase. The interested beauty brand just needs to slap on its own label and company info/logo. Private label manufacturing takes the guesswork out of timeconsuming formulation, testing, package designing, etc, and is intended for the brand/company to focus on branding and marketing without the fuss of formulas, ingredients, testing, etc. They have an already made product or line of products that are expertly crafted, curated, and customer-ready.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

“The pharmaceutical industry is one that discovers, develops, produces, and markets drugs or pharmaceutical drugs for use as different types of medicine and medications…Drug manufacturing is the process of industrial-scale synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs by pharmaceutical companies. The process of drug manufacturing can be broken down into unit operations, such as milling, granulation, coating, tablet pressing, packaging, and even marketing/promotions.”– Wikipedia. The synthesis of active ingredients and their role in drug formulations determines the delivery of the prescribed end product. As you can gather, the process of pharmaceutical manufacturing is not too different from the role of its cosmetic manufacturing counterpart, as there are scrupulous steps, including extended, laborious research and fastidious formulation.

Making Good on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

So, what exactly constitutes safe, savory, respectable, and reputable cosmetics/pharmaceutical manufacturing? According to the guidelines structured in the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) law advocated by the FDA, there is a litany of meticulous mandates and painstaking procedures to keep products up to par and the company’s who produce them – and it’s all to protect you, the consumer, as well as the integrity of the product and the company’s reputation. The practices outlined in the GMP were put into place to prevent possible harm to the consumer and are required to be adhered to before official product launches. Of course, these guidelines may differ from country to country. For instance, European cosmetic manufacturing standards ban nearly 1,372 ingredients from their bevy of beauty, skincare, and personal products, while, disappointingly, the United States only bans about ten or so ingredients. Hence, it’s safe to say Americans are slathering on some scary stuff! This is where professional oversight and consistent involvement in the manufacturing process by a company is absolutely imperative and determines its ability to exceed even the highest of product principles and industry standards. Employing a loyal, renowned, and highly-competent team of industry-leading scientists, chemists, skincare professionals, and derms can help guarantee unparalleled efficacy, safety, quality, productivity, and comfort. Here are just a few of the minimum requirements of “good” manufacturing that can maximize product effectiveness, popularity, and longevity:

• Premises and equipment should be consistently maintained and in good repair at all times. Consider adequate cleaning and ventilation measures. Check for defects and worn equipment and apparatuses.
• Be sure all staff and personnel are expertly trained in working in compliance to GMP standards. Hygiene and appropriate attire should be stipulated.
• Ingredients should be properly identified, accounted for, and measured in training sessions.
• Are formulations/recipes being followed correctly and efficiently? Who is overseeing this aspect of the manufacturing process?
• Is there documentation for every batch delivered?
• Are all ingredients and products properly stored to prevent contamination and loss of stability?
• Are products correctly labeled for swift and easy identification of materials?
• Is waste packaging marked and properly disposed of to avoid cross-contamination?
• Have you considered defective packaging?
• Are there procedures and protocol in place to ensure high-quality control from start to finish of the entire production process?
• Are there proper procedures in place for imminent complaints, such as dealing with potential adverse reactions, or to recall a specific product?
• Always make sure to properly and comprehensively document/record all grievances, including their settlement of resolution (if any).

The Cirem Story – A Match Made in Manufacturing Heaven (A Harmonious Hybrid of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Manufacturing)

Toss all the cosmetics counter creams, along with the let-down lotions, disappointing drugstore “gems,” and the pretentiously-priced, filler-filled, chemical-concocted potions that promise the world, but don’t deliver. The antiaging answer is in customized manufacturing procedures and proprietary concentration – most notably, a highly-concentrated, bio-active accelerated, performance-proven sumptuous skin serum and equally luxurious face cream that goes more than just skin deep. They deliver clinically-proven results right now…and later. Women began getting frustrated with ostentatiously expensive creams, luxe lotions, and purported dream creams that simply do not work, reluctantly landing them in the plastic surgeon’s office seeking the results they want. The cutting-edge team of beauty innovators at Cirem Cosmetics® knew there had to be a better beauty bet and a safe, more simplified skincare solution. So, they sought the world over to uncover the best-kept beauty secrets of the most beautiful, age-defying women.
What started in an unassuming, family -owned and -operated pharmacy in the heart of Studio City, California, home to the most attention-grabbing stars and the sexiest big screen sirens, was an iconic elixir to the elite. The ultimate aging antidote was conceptualized using the earth’s most rare, consummate botanicals, expertly synergized with advanced scientific research, steadfast technology, and proprietary formulation to bring the glamorous world of Tinseltown an exquisite, yet amazingly affordable, A-lister secret serum, of sorts. Their resolute attention to detail and unwavering passion for wellness propelled the growing brand in producing the most game-changing, celeb-coveted dream cream to date. The fusion of fresh, novel and time-tested technologies from both the pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing industries is brimming within every beautiful bottle. Cirem’s Rapid Absorption Technology™ is the first-ever optimal delivery system of active ingredients that quickly and efficiently penetrates the skin’s deepest layers for unsurpassed efficacy and zero dry-down time. Get a red carpet-ready complexion in seconds without messing up your skincare routine – or your make-up! Every woman deserves to look and feel her beauty best every day. And, she needn’t break the bank on fancy skincare filled with empty promises or resort to costly, chancy cosmetic procedures to get gorgeous, glowing, virtually ageless skin. The secret is in the simplicity. The proof is in the performance. The excellence is in the innovation. Introducing next-generation, signature skincare designed for every woman.
The standard is Cirem®.

If our social feeds are akin to conveyor belts, doling out never-ending images of voluptuous, perfectly symmetrical breasts, an array of ample apple bottoms, catwalk-worthy sets of gorgeous, glowing gams, and tight, toned, and (spray) tanned tummies that accost our waking conscious on the daily and increase our already insatiable desire for aesthetic perfection, it is no wonder that cosmetic surgery has been on the rise. Enhancing, accentuating, or fixing our less-than-flawless figures has become big beauty business, and nothing a little nip here, a tuck there, or pinch or prick here or there can’t handle – all in a modest attempt to achieve ethereal-like bodily perfection and perpetuate our youth from head to tippy toe.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates roughly 15.9 million cosmetic procedures, including minimally-invasive, are performed each year in the U. S. alone, up 2% since 2014. Whether you’re seriously (or semi-seriously) considering undergoing a tummy tuck, a “Mommy Makeover” package, breast augmentation/reduction, rhinoplasty (nose job), liposuction, a surgical facelift, or some lunchtime baby Botox® injections to iron out incriminating expression lines or lip and facial fillers to plump-up areas of volume loss and sagging, the plastic surgery smorgasbord can be seemingly infinite and quite daunting. With the very potential rewards of your burgeoning beauty makeover comes some very real risks, as well as realistic expectations to consider before going under the knife – or needle. Here are just a few things to take into consideration before making that cosmetic procedure commitment.

Everyone Ages – Yes, Everyone!

Sorry to burst your beauty bubble, but the clock doesn’t stop ticking and everyone will experience the ups and downs (pardon the pun) of the aging process at some point in their lives. But, you have a choice. You can accept this very real fact of life and age gracefully, or you can be neurotically obsessed and interminably miserable about it. There is no magical doctor, beauty cream, skincare regimen, or procedure that will indefinitely defy your real age. A combination of the aforementioned may help diminish the ravages of time to an extent, but the essence of your age will inevitably be there. That is just fact, so it’s best to just face it.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

You won’t magically morph into a dead ringer for Angelina Jolie or Christie Brinkley or any of your beloved big-screen beauties the next day – or the next month. So, now’s the time to get really realistic about your pending transformation and what to expect. Consider your body and your face and NOT anyone else’s. Simply allow your surgeon to work with your very own unique and individual genetics, specifications, needs, and desires. This will surely put you at ease prior to your procedure and not leave you disappointed or dismayed once the swelling has subsided. Think of your upcoming procedure as a personal desire to “enhance” or “improve upon” – NOT change. Remember, you’re undergoing this to be a better version of you. This healthy mindset on body image will also keep you from slipping into the emotionally distraught and very common phenomenon known as body dysmorphic disorder, the endless and unhealthy obsession to change your looks at whatever the cost, no matter how risky or dangerous. If you’re already having feelings of self-hate and an unnervingly and increasingly toxic relationship with your body image, drop the plastic surgery idea and seek immediate psychiatric attention instead, because what you really need is therapy and not a thigh lift. The all-encompassing and compulsive need to “fix” whatever it is that is bothering you on the outside is almost always inextricably linked to something needing repair on the inside. So, it is suggested you take a long, soul-searching, introspective look at your life in a very compassionate and self-nurturing manner. That may be all the “work” you really need.

Be Selfish

Do it for you and no one or nothing else. Opting for a prodigious, Playboy-worthy bosom, tucking the tummy, sculpting the stems, saying “goodbye” to those cottage cheese thighs, contouring the curves, boosting the booty, or filling in fine lines is not going to get you that dream job or dream guy. Sorry, but Prince Charming isn’t going to miraculously appear after a perky boob job or pair of bouncy butt implants, so be sure whatever it is you’re seeking to enhance or alter is YOUR decision because it’s YOU who you ultimately have to live with.

Forget Instant Gratification

The desired outcome of some surgeries won’t be immediate, especially those of the surgically-invasive variety, such as liposuction, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, etc, due to subsequent swelling, bruising, bleeding, and other post-op pleasantries. Common in-office procedures, like lip and facial injections, including Botox® and laser, are the most immediate and take upwards of a few days to a week for results to appear with little to no swelling, bleeding, bruising, etc. So, it’s advised not to book your nose job a week before your sister’s wedding, especially if you’re the Maid of Honor.

Do Your Homework

When considering a cosmetic procedure, it really pays to do your homework as extensively as possible. And, that means in-depth researching, asking questions, seeking recommendations, shopping around, getting second, third, and even fourth consultations/opinions, etc. This is your body, so don’t risk a botch job that may leave you permanently disfigured. If a friend has had an exceptional, brag-worthy experience with a certain doctor/surgeon, get his or her number and book an appointment. Better yet, bring said friend along for emotional and spiritual support. Now isn’t the time to be shy.

You May Get Told “No”

And, if you do, take it as a blessing in disguise. Any doctor or surgeon who turns you away for a procedure sincerely has your best interest at heart and their professional integrity is to be admired and appreciated.

Say Bye-Bye To Bad Botox®

Be extremely discerning about who injects your forehead with Botox®, for this minimally-invasive procedure really is a cosmetic art form and not just anyone is qualified to be doing it. The underlying anatomy of the face with respect to nerve endings, contracting muscles, and exactly where the needle should be inserted is the irrefutable difference between a fresh-faced, relaxed look and a the dreaded drooping eyelid. So, ladies, steer clear of Botox® parties and shopping mall-inspired medi-spas and stick to board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists for your face-freshening fixes. Bargain hunt your handbags, not your Botox®. Because, it is your body that will pay the ultimate price. This methodology should be implemented for all your beauty bucket list wishes. Don’t risk a potentially bad, body-altering experience just to save a few extra bucks. If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Don’t Break the Beauty Bank

As you probably already know, unless your plastic surgery is reconstructive due to the result of an unfortunate injury, accident, or illness (mastectomy following breast cancer), your healthcare insurance will not be covering the cost of your highly-anticipated facelift or pin-perfecting lipo procedure. The sad reality is that it cost a pretty penny to look and feel beautiful! From a few hundred dollars every 4-6 months for a skin-smoothing Botox® sesh or filler fix to the tens of thousands for more invasive procedures, you need to consider initial pricing, follow-up costs, time off work, and unforeseeable expenses, such as complications, infections, etc. You don’t want to bust your beauty budget. Again, this should all be part of your research and preparation agendas.

Risk, Recovery, and All the Rest

When you’re completely ready to go ahead with a certain cosmetic procedure and have decided on a specific doctor to see it through, have no shame in your game! Just be sure you’ve discussed all the deets with your doctor – from risks to recovery time to follow-up to costs to the possibility of needing a surgical re-visit (ie, facelifts, chemical peels/re-surfacing, laser treatments, some breast augmentations, etc). Make sure you know step-by-step what will be happening to your body before, during, and after your impending procedure. Keep the surprises for your birthday, not during your surgery.

Go With Your Gut

If at any time during the research process, or after you’ve set the date, you feel the slightest bit doubtful about your procedure, drop it. It’s always normal to have cold feet before any kind of elected surgery, however major or minor, but if you’re having stomach-turning second thoughts about your tummy tuck, maybe that’s your gut, ahem, trying to tell you something.

Consider Alternatives

Have you sought out non-surgical answers to your body woes or advanced skincare solutions to your complexion’s imperfections? Instead of undergoing painful liposuction and its arduous recovery period/downtime, how about joining a gym and partaking in proper diet and nutrition practices? You’d be surprised what a week’s worth of sweat seshes can do to your bottom line. No surgery required! Maybe all you need is a complete lifestyle overhaul or a few tweaks here and there. Consider booking an appointment with your derm or a licensed esthetician to discuss skincare concerns and possible steps you can take to target your complexion’s issues. The billion dollar beauty industry is brimming with a bevy of skin-solving dream creams, super serums, lotions, and potions to help put your best face forward. So many of today’s innovative skincare products offer cutting edge, surgery-like results – without the pain or the price! The Cirem Cosmetics Anti-Aging HCR 3-in-1 Serum and YouthBoost Diamond Moisturizing Cream is the new and now in today’s leading skincare advancements and just may be your anti-aging answer. This dynamic duo offers scientifically-advanced formulations, bursting with a proprietary blend of HCR and beautifying botanicals to refine, restore, and rejuvenate the complexion. The Youth Boost Diamond Moisturizing Cream provides long-lasting, luminous moisture. The formula’s unique addition of purified diamond dust boosts skin-supporting collagen production, while imparting a dewy-delicious, age-defying glow to the skin. The skin looks plump, pampered, and perfected – instantly! It’s your “skincare before surgery” option.

Don’t Feed into Your Social Feeds

As hard as it may be, don’t let the entertainment industry, the media, or filter-filled Instagram photos dictate what you ought to look like. Everyone is different and beautiful in their own way, including you. Learn to embrace your own quirks, flaws, and distinctiveness without compromising your better judgment. And, remember, if you do decide to go through with any type of cosmetic enhancement or alteration, make sure it is about addressing something that is “bothering” you. Don’t seek perfection or movie star-status looks. Our beloved, seemingly “ageless” A-listers don’t look like that when they’re not gracing the covers of our favorite glossies or parading down the red carpet. It takes a generously-compensated glam squad to achieve that “no make-up” made-up face and strategically-placed contour to fake those Insta-glam airbrushed abs. Keep everything in perspective.