Mischo Beauty School: Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions

If you take anything away from this blog, my hope is that it's properly caring for your skin! Education is key- and that's the reason I continue with the "Mischo Beauty School" posts (your "beauty education"!). According to the New York Times "a new beauty product is born every 2.5 seconds", so while there's always a new product to look forward to, the reality is that these products come and go! The foundation for achieving great skin is knowing your skin type, skin conditions and implementing a consistent skincare regimen.

Now with that said, let's address "Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions". Your skin type is genetically determined (you're born with it!) and most often can be controlled with a consistent skincare regimen. Skin types are as follows:

- Normal
- Dry
- Oily/Combination
- Acneic
- Sensitive

Skin conditions are most often caused by external factors such as the environment, stress, medication, etc. and may include the following:

- Dehydration
- Sensitivities
- Aging
- Pigmentation
- Breakouts

These conditions affect all skin types and may change daily. The great news is that these conditions can be corrected! So for example, you might have an oily skin type that suffers from breakouts and pigmentation issues. And so with all that said, knowing the difference between your skin type and skin conditions will only better help you in selecting the best products for your skincare regimen which will ultimately assist in achieving the goal of healthy skin!

Any questions? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Review: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

I started the "Because You're Worth It" posts about 3 years ago shortly after starting this blog because I felt, well quite simply, that readers needed to be encouraged to go out and pamper themselves. And, it was then that I first mentioned The Spa at Mandarin Oriental (Washington, DC).

Well earlier this week I headed over to The Spa for a tour of the facilities and most importantly - an afternoon of pampering! As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with slippers, a warm towel for my hands and a cup of calming tea. At that point I knew this was going to be an experience like no other. I'm so glad that I arrived early because I was able to take full advantage of the "Heat and Water Oasis" (which you can use before or after a treatment), which included use of the Amethyst Steam Room, the Experience Shower, Ice Fountain and Vitality Pool. It was THE perfect way to unwind and relax before my treatment.

My Time Reversal facial treatment started with a thorough consultation to ensure there were no contraindications (this is a MUST--- always! remember this post?), followed by a thorough cleansing, toning and skin analysis. After the skin analysis, the treatment was customized to meet my individual needs and included an exfoliation, a cold stone massage, hand massage, collagen mask and foot massage. The treatment ended with the application of a serum, eye cream and moisturizer with an SPF.

Now being the beauty professional that I am (you all know that I'm a licensed esthetician) I'm somewhat picky when it comes to spa treatments. I opted out of extractions because those are for the hands of my regular esthetician. I wish I would have enjoyed my foot massage - but I do realize that "touch" is personal. So, what feels good to one, may not necessarily work for another. And I must say that I always look forward to mask treatments, with a preference for those that work for the face, neck (shows first signs of aging) and decollete (the second face!). The collagen mask used during the treatment was for the face only.

At the completion of my treatment, my therapist Lisan recommended that I consider purchasing Somme Institute's Step 3 Serum, which is a highly concentrated vitamin C gel that works to improve skin tone, elasticity and build collagen. I thought her recommendation was excellent after having discussed the results of my skin analysis with her earlier and knowing she'd used both a magnifying lamp and woods lamp during her analysis. It's always my goal to protect an investment such as a facial, and maintain the esthetician's hard work with a consistent at-home facial regimen. So, great product recommendations are always welcome!

The afternoon I spent as the The Spa was outstanding - my facial was amazing (yes, my skin is still glowing!) and I was treated like a queen! I'm looking forward to returning soon for much, much more! Why? Because I'm worth it!

Have you visited The Spa at Mandarin Oriental yet?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty School: Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions

If you take anything away from this blog, my hope is that it's properly caring for your skin! Education is key- and that's the reason I continue with the "Mischo Beauty School" posts (your "beauty education"!). According to the New York Times "a new beauty product is born every 2.5 seconds", so while there's always a new product to look forward to, the reality is that these products come and go! The foundation for achieving great skin is knowing your skin type, skin conditions and implementing a consistent skincare regimen.

Now with that said, let's address "Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions". Your skin type is genetically determined (you're born with it!) and most often can be controlled with a consistent skincare regimen. Skin types are as follows:

- Normal
- Dry
- Oily/Combination
- Acneic
- Sensitive

Skin conditions are most often caused by external factors such as the environment, stress, medication, etc. and may include the following:

- Dehydration
- Sensitivities
- Aging
- Pigmentation
- Breakouts

These conditions affect all skin types and may change daily. The great news is that these conditions can be corrected! So for example, you might have an oily skin type that suffers from breakouts and pigmentation issues. And so with all that said, knowing the difference between your skin type and skin conditions will only better help you in selecting the best products for your skincare regimen which will ultimately assist in achieving the goal of healthy skin!

Any questions? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

After tweeting last Sunday about my mini-facial regimen, I received quite a few emails requesting recommendations of a good mask. But, before I suggest a mask, I always need to know your skin type because generally there are two types of masks I recommend: setting & non-setting masks.

Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base- harden, dry, absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks can be used for normal, dry or sensitive skin and are primarily nourishing, hydrating and soothing.

Benefits of masks include some of the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Assist in clearing of blemishes
4. Hydrate & nourish the skin
5. Calm & soothe the skin

I personally use a combination of both mask types. I use a setting mask on my oily t-zone and a non-setting mask everywhere else. So there you have it!

Please continue to email your questions! Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions

If you take anything away from this blog, my hope is that it's properly caring for your skin! Education is key- and that's the reason I continue with the "Mischo Beauty School" posts (your "beauty education"!). According to the New York Times "a new beauty product is born every 2.5 seconds", so while there's always a new product to look forward to, the reality is that these products come and go! The foundation for achieving great skin is knowing your skin type, skin conditions and implementing a consistent skincare regimen.

Now with that said, let's address "Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions". Your skin type is genetically determined (you're born with it!) and most often can be controlled with a consistent skincare regimen. Skin types are as follows:

- Normal
- Dry
- Oily/Combination
- Acneic
- Sensitive

Skin conditions are most often caused by external factors such as the environment, stress, medication, etc. and may include the following:

- Dehydration
- Sensitivities
- Aging
- Pigmentation
- Breakouts

These conditions affect all skin types and may change daily. The great news is that these conditions can be corrected! So for example, you might have an oily skin type that suffers from breakouts and pigmentation issues. And so with all that said, knowing the difference between your skin type and skin conditions will only better help you in selecting the best products for your skincare regimen which will ultimately assist in achieving the goal of healthy skin!

Any questions? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: Ole Henriksen's Dry/Sensitive Skin Starter Kit

I love investing in myself! My focus last week (please accept my apologies for the unexpected blogging vacation!) was on a class I was taking at the International Dermal Institute called "International Skin Care Techniques". The class focus was on analyzing various skin types/conditions and then designing customized treatments. There was tons of theory to learn and of course, my favorite part, practical application techniques and routines to master! The class was amazing and the instructor was PHENOMENAL!

And so with that said, those of you with a dry and or sensitive skin type should check out Ole Henriksen's Dry/Sensitive Skin Starter Kit. As I've said many times before, the most important step in a successful skincare regimen is knowing your skin type and then using products specifically formulated to treat it! I love this kit because it includes:

- Apricot Cleansing Lotion
- Balancing Cucumber Tonic
- Skin Insulator SPF 15
- Nurture Me
- Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask
- New Beginning Scrub

So you see, you have everything you need to get started and be consistent with your skincare regimen- AND you have all the products you need to begin treating yourself to mini-facials at home. Don't you love it?!

Also, the winner of the Motions Hair Care Giveaway is:

- danabrown18

Please email me your mailing address. Thanks to everyone for entering!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty School: Skin Analysis 101

I've said this before and I'll probably say it a million more times, but I can't begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. In my opinion, and as a licensed esthetician, one of the most important steps in a facial treatment is the skin analysis.

An esthetician can't properly treat you unless they know the following:

1. Skin type
2. Skin conditions present
3. Skin texture

The esthetician should use a magnifying lamp/light during the skin analysis in order to properly see/feel your skin and perform detailed work. A proper skin analysis will help the esthetician know what products and services should be performed and which are contraindicated. A contraindication is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. They include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions and skin irritation.

At the end of your facial service you should leave knowing what your skin conditions are and what you should use to improve your skin's health. You should now be knowledgeable enough to know how to properly select products for your skin type/issues.

Any questions? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Facials 101

I consider facials my "essential beauty product" because not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. For those of you who've never had a facial, it's a service performed by an esthetician and usually consists of a professional deep cleansing, steam treatment, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask, moisturizer and possibly other products and treatments.

Not only will facials improve and revive your skin, but they also help maintain the skin's health. You should definitely consider incorporating facials into your beauty regimen! If I haven't convinced you yet- here are a few of the many other benefits:

1. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING
2. Professional Deep Cleansing, Steam Treatment, Exfoliation, Extractions, Massage & Mask
3. Relaxing/Pampering
4. Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
5. Professional Skin Analysis, Product Recommendation & Custom Home Skincare Regimen
6. Stimulates Skin Renewal & Metabolism
7. Corrects/Alleviates Dryness, Oiliness & Redness
8. Softens Wrinkles & Aging Lines
9. Helps Clear Up Blemishes & Minor Acne
10. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING

Questions? Anyone had a fabulous facial lately? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

After last week's post on exfoliation, I received quite a few emails requesting a recommendation of a good mask. Before I suggest a mask, I need to know your skin type because generally there are two types of masks I recommend: setting & non-setting masks. Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base, harden and dry and absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks can be used for normal, dry or sensitive skin and are primarily nourishing, moisturizing and soothing.

Benefits of masks include some of the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Assist in clearing of blemishes
4. Hydrate & nourish the skin
5. Calm & soothe the skin

I personally use a combination of both mask types. I use a setting mask on my oily t-zone and a non-setting mask everywhere else.

Any questions? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Skin Analysis 101

I've said this before and I'll probably say it a million more times, but I can't begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. In my opinion, and as a licensed esthetician, one of the most important steps in a facial treatment is the skin analysis.

An esthetician can't properly treat you unless they know the following:

1. Skin type
2. Skin conditions present
3. Skin texture

The esthetician should use a magnifying lamp/light during the skin analysis in order to properly see/feel your skin and perform detailed work. A proper skin analysis will help the esthetician know what products and services should be performed and which are contraindicated. A contraindication is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. They include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions and skin irritation.

At the end of your facial service you should leave knowing what your skin conditions are and what you should use to improve your skin's health. You should now be knowledgeable enough to know how to properly select products for your skin type/issues.

Any questions? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Facials 101

I consider facials my "essential beauty product" because not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. For those of you who've never had a facial, it's simply a service performed by an esthetician and usually consists of a professional deep cleansing, steam treatment, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask, moisturizer and possibly other products and treatments.

Not only will facials improve and revive your skin, but they will also help maintain the skin's health. You should definitely consider incorporating facials into your beauty regimen! If I haven't convinced you yet- here are a few of the many other benefits:

1. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING
2. Professional Deep Cleansing, Steam Treatment, Exfoliation, Extractions, Massage & Mask
3. Relaxing/Pampering
4. Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
5. Professional Skin Analysis, Product Recommendation & Custom Home Skincare Regimen
6. Stimulates Skin Renewal & Metabolism
7. Corrects/Alleviates Dryness, Oiliness & Redness
8. Softens Wrinkles & Aging Lines
9. Helps Clear Up Blemishes & Minor Acne
10. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING

Questions? Anyone had a fabulous facial lately? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Skin Analysis 101

I've said this before and I'll probably say it a million more times, but I can't begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. In my opinion, and as a licensed esthetician, one of the most important steps in a facial treatment is the skin analysis. An esthetician can't properly treat you unless they know the following:

1. Skin type
2. Skin conditions present
3. Skin texture

The esthetician should use a magnifying lamp/light during the skin analysis in order to properly see/feel your skin and perform detailed work. A proper skin analysis will help the esthetician know what products and services should be performed and which are contraindicated. A contraindication is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. They include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions and skin irritation.

At the end of your facial service you should leave knowing what your skin conditions are and what you should use to improve your skin's health. You should now be knowledgeable enough to know how to properly select products for your skin type/issues.

Any questions? Love your skin.

Darphin CLEAR WHITE Brightening & Soothing Serum

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Facials 101

First, please accept my apologies for the delay in posting! I traveled home to Indiana for the Thanksgiving holiday and had some unforeseen computer issues. I do truly appreciate all of your patience and support!

So I'm posting about facials again due to the many questions I've received from those of you who follow my Twitter updates. I try to give myself a mini-facial once a week and recently decided to include the steps on Twitter. For those of you who've never had a facial, here's a basic lesson.

I consider facials my "essential beauty product", because not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. For those of you who've never had a facial, it's simply a service performed by an esthetician and usually consists of a professional deep cleansing, steam treatment, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask, moisturizer and possibly other products and treatments.

Not only do facials improve and revive your skin, but they also help maintain the skin's health. You should definitely consider incorporating facials into your beauty regimen! If I haven't convinced you yet- here are a few of the many other benefits:

1. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING
2. Professional Deep Cleansing, Steam Treatment, Exfoliation, Extractions, Massage, Mask & Moisturizer
3. Relaxing/Pampering
4. Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
5. Professional Skin Analysis, Product Recommendation & Custom Home Skincare Regimen
6. Stimulates Skin Renewal & Metabolism
7. Corrects/Alleviates Dryness, Oiliness & Redness
8. Softens Wrinkles & Aging Lines
9. Helps Clear Up Blemishes & Minor Acne
10. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING

Questions? Anyone had a fabulous facial lately? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Skin Analysis 101

I've said this before and I'll probably say it a million more times, but I can't begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. In my opinion, and as a licensed esthetician, one of the most important steps in a facial treatment is the skin analysis. An esthetician can't properly treat you unless they know the following - which is only obtained through a proper skin analysis:

1. Skin type
2. Skin conditions present
3. Skin texture

The esthetician should use a magnifying lamp/light during the skin analysis in order to properly see your skin and perform detail work . A proper skin analysis will help the esthetician know what products and services should be performed and which are contraindicated. A contraindication is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. They include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions and skin irritation.

At the end of your facial service you should leave knowing what your skin conditions are and what you should use to improve your skin's health. You should now be knowledgeable enough to know how to properly select products for your skin type/issues.

Any questions? Love your skin.

P.S. I'm currently using a regimen of 3LAB skincare products and will post a review at the end of the month, so please stay tuned!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

After last week's post on exfoliation, I received quite a few emails requesting a recommendation of a good mask. Before I suggest a mask, I need to know your skin type because generally there are two types of masks I recommend: setting & non-setting masks. Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base, harden and dry and absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks can be used for normal, dry or sensitive skin and are primarily moisturizing and soothing.

Benefits of masks include the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Assist in clearing of blemishes
4. Hydrate & nourish the skin
5. Calm & soothe the skin

I personally use a combination of both mask types. I use a setting mask on my oily t-zone and a non-setting mask everywhere else.

Any questions? Love your skin.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Skin Analysis 101

I've said this before and I'll say it again- I can't begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. In my opinion, and as a licensed esthetician, one of the most important steps in a facial treatment is the skin analysis. An esthetician can't properly treat you unless they know the following - which is only obtained through a proper skin analysis/consultation:

1. Skin type
2. Skin conditions present
3. Skin texture
4. Visible appearance of skin
5. If you have allergies to products or scents
6. Why you are there
7. What your concerns are
8. What products you use at home
9. If you have had facial treatments in the past
10. If you are on medication

The esthetician should use a magnifying lamp/light during the skin analysis in order to properly see the skin and perform detailed work. A proper skin analysis will help the esthetician know what products and services should be performed and which are contraindicated. A contraindication is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. They include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions and skin irritation.

The misuse of products or poor facial treatments will harm the skin. At the end of your facial service you should leave knowing what your skin conditions are and what you can do to improve your skin's health. Products for home care should be recommended and preventive measures should be discussed.

Love your skin.

I'd love to hear your facial stories! Please share! Oh, and please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

P.S. I had the Triple Oxygen Treatment Facial at Bliss 49 and the Signature Pedicure at Rescue Beauty Lounge yesterday. Please stay tuned for my reviews!*

Read More......