A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

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Colorescience throws shade on sun damage

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There are a million reasons why we should wear sunscreen but for some reason, we have excuses for not putting it on or reapplying! Many think that a little SPF applied in the morning (in our lotion or makeup) is enough to keep us protected but, that’s not the case! Beyond the serious risk of melanoma, dermatologists remind us that 95% of aging is directly due to sun damage.

For that reason, we’re throwing shade on four sunscreen excuses on why people don’t use SPF correctly or enough. Colorescience offers a non-chemical line of UV Protector products: the Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF30 or 50 (won 2017NewBeauty Chioce Award), Tint du Soleil™ UV Protective Foundation and the Daily UV Protector SPF30. Besides with such loyal Colorescience fans such as Drew Barrymore, who is always on the go and loves a “less is more” look, we think you’ll agree Colorescience makes using sunscreen excuse-free.

Bad Excuse #1: Most are Sticky, Stinky, or Greasy

Sunscreen has a bad reputation for being greasy, sticky or stinky. Find a sunscreen with a lightweight formula and test it on your skin before purchasing. This will give you a good idea of the smell and feel of the sunscreen on your skin. A side note is… creamy sunblocks are considered “organic” in consistency because they interact with your own skin’s chemistry so, they lose their effectiveness 3 to 4 hours after application.

Colorescience Solution:
Daily UV Protector SPF blurs imperfections with a non-greasy, weightless whipped formula or the Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF30 or 50 with UVA/UVB protection offers sheer, natural-looking coverage. Either way, both deliver odorless, lightweight, and “barely-there” protection that won’t sweat off or leave you cringing.

Bad Excuse #2: Reapplying Messes Up Makeup
We should all know that all sun blocks require reapplication, which can be determined by their SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number. An SPF of 30 would allow you to stay in the sun 30 times longer than you could without protection but, that doesn’t mean that you can just relax and soak up the sun. No matter what level of SPF, you need to reapply every 3-4 hours due to water, rubbing of clothes, and sweat. Doctor’s also recommended an SPF 30, anything under is too little.

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Colorescience Solution:
Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF30 or SPF50 comes in five tints to even out your skin tone making you look flawless so, whose needs makeup!

Bad Excuse #3: Sunscreens Contain Chemicals
Pure minerals are essentially the only sun protection recommended for young children, whose delicate skins will absorb chemicals from cream-based sunblocks that can be systemic (entering the bloodstream). Also, some adults are allergic to commonly used chemical blocks in over-the-counter sunscreen cream.

Colorescience Solution:
Daily UV Protector SPF offers a multilevel defense system combating harmful UVA/UVB rays, free-radical damage, and environmental aggressors. The Brush-0n’s consist of pure mineral powders which don’t release any irritating ingredients, because they’re made with the most natural block available in nature (zinc, and titanium dioxide).

Bad Excuse #4: Allergies and Acne
Most sunscreens are greasy and clog pores, especially from sweating in the sun! And it is widely recognized that acne-prone skins can’t handle the double-dose of chemicals and pore-clogging creams.

Colorescience Solution:
Since the Sunforgettable Brush-on SPF is a mineral powder, it is extremely lightweight, yet powerful for a barely-there feel that provides the safest, non-irritating, instant UVA and UVB sun protection. This also means that you can “forget” about grease! Colorescience UV Protector line won’t cause breakouts or irritations.

How’s your SPF IQ?

Take the American Cancer Society’s  Sun Safety Quiz and test your knowledge on sunscreen. In addition to using sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, limit your direct exposure to the sun and cover up whether it’s a cute caftan, wide-brimmed hat, rash guard or umbrella. Down the line, your skin will thank you by looking ageless.

Are you unknowingly contributing to your skin problems?

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Hands down… touching your face is a major NO-NO.

How often do you rest your chin on your hands, wipe hair away from your face, rub your eyes or nose? From turning door knobs, to handling money, to using railings along stairs, and pushing buttons…your hands come into contact with millions of germs. Some so frightening, they could star in their own horror film.

First off, a clean face. We have a great blog on how you should clean your face and you’d be surprised how many people do it incorrectly or use the wrong things to clean their face. Check out our step-by-step cleaning routine. 

Also, here is a list of our Jan Marini, Sothys and Clarisonic favorites (which you can get in our salon and we have great specials going on!), proven to safely and effectively clean your face …

Jan Marini C-Esta Cleansing Gel
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser
Sothys line up of washes
Clarisonic Brush
Supracor Spa Cells mitts

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Our skin is a precious organ

Our skin is a precious organ that needs tender loving care especially as we get older. We all now to wear sunscreen, to moisturize, eat right and exercise but, there are little things that sometimes we forget about, like not touching or rubbing our face, which can be harmful in many ways.

We’ve heard from many board-certified dermatologists that bacteria, viruses and allergens transfer from fingertips onto the skin. And, if that’s not bad enough, repeatedly rubbing the skin can do some real damage. For example, rubbing the eyes, can actually create microscopic tears in the tissue (making the eye area look older faster), break the capillaries in the eyelids (causing little thread-like veins called telangiectasia) or break the capillaries under the eye (intensifying dark circles).

Also, cleaning your everyday tools (brushes, sponges, glasses, etc) and keeping your hands clean is paramount for healthy, happy skin. The following is a list of some things to be mindful of…

Why everyday objects need a good cleaning

Make-up brushes (cleaning)– By far the best cleaning solution we have found is Colorescience’s BRUSH CLEANER (it’s hard to find but, we have it in stock!!). The perfect blend of Hydrogen Peroxide and essential oils to condition the bristles, it guarantees the longest life on your quality Colorescience or other makeup brushes.

Foundation Sponges – We want a cleaned sponge at all times. Sponges can be re-used up to 3 months if properly cleaned. Now, the tricky part…cleaning deep into your sponge and getting fossilized make up out? There’s options like Blendercleanser or even a little Dawn dishwasher soap gets the oils out really well. It’s a trusted brand that not only cleans your dishes but is known for saving wildlife from oil spills.

Eyeglasses – We tend to forget the obvious. Sure we clean the lenses when we can see thru them but, because these touch your hands and any surface you set them on, they become a hazard to your skin as well! Give the frames a mild alcohol swab every so often to fight germy gunk.

Pillow cases – If you wake up with skin irritations or breakouts, your pillow case could be the culprit. When your pillowcase isn’t laundered or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as your skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes.” Yikes! Wash your cases at least once a week and some experts even suggest switching out your cases every 4 days. Time to stock up on cases!

We suggest silk pillow cases. Silk pillowcases have been likened to anti-aging products and are often considered to improve your hair’s health while being hypoallergenic temperature regulators that also moisturize your face. And, silk feels so sexy against the skin doesn’t it?

Money – This bit of info made us a little qweezy but, when you think about it…it’s an eye opener that isn’t too surprising. Paper money can reportedly carry more germs than a household toilet. And bills are a hospitable environment for gross microbes: viruses and bacteria can live on most surfaces for about 48 hours, but paper money can reportedly transport a live flu virus for up to 17 days. It’s enough to make you switch to credit.

Cell phones — How often does your favorite gadget touch your face? A LOT! Often you lay it down on tables, desks, it bounces around in cars and purses and then, you put it right up to your face. Talk about breakout city! Wipe it down often and once a week, give it a good cleaning with alcohol, micro cloth or Q-Tips.

Other hazardous objects to be wary of… door knobs, computer key boards, remotes, seats and so much more. Basically, look around you. What do your hands touch and then, how often do you touch your face or eyes? Kinda scary when you think about it. I know that I absentmindedly do these things a lot and I often wonder why I have a blemish the next day. Well thanks to Patricia Kaspian’s insight and expertise in skincare…I’m more and more aware and I have a happy healthy face:-)

‘Til next time,

DuPree

Colorescience beauty and protection

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We’re pretty blessed to live in a region that has such diverse micro-climates. Whether you’re gardening, walking your dog, riding bikes or spending the day at the beach is your skin protected during your outdoor activities? Are you protected from sweat or swimming? Are you using the best sunscreen? Look I get it… With multitasking and all the running around we do, reapplying slow absorbing, heavy sunscreens on top of our makeup can be a pain let alone a mess.

SUNFORGETTABLE SPF50 is your BFF

You need to protect your skin and often…every 80 minutes at a minimum! And, the summer isn’t the only time you’re at risk for sun damage. UV (ultraviolet) rays are affecting your skin 365 days a year, whether it’s cloudy, foggy or rainy. The American Academy of Dermatology says that 80% of UV rays penetrate our skin even on cloudy days. We also have to take into consideration the air quality. Even those of us along the coast can be affected by harsh air pollution and environmental toxins especially during the current fire season. All of these elements can take a huge toll on your skin. If you want healthy and age defying skin, you have to incorporate a healthy lifestyle and excellent skin care routine.

So, what products will give us the necessary UV protection, has antioxidants, can be worn alone or under makeup, is easy to apply and reapply anywhere, anytime, is gentle enough for sensitive skin and is non-greasy (which is important when holding a tennis racket or a wine glass)? We’re wellness-minded modern individuals who seek superior multi-functional products. Do you think that’s too much to ask for? Colorescience to the rescue…your skin’s rescue! Colorescience is a beauty brand with a commitment for using 100% healthy ingredients in their formulations. An all-in-one luxury beauty brand that brings together skin protection, nourishment, and superior color. Colorescience products are free from harsh chemicals, dyes, talc, alcohol, mineral oil and fragrance. The result is Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens, a line that infused sun protection with makeup and skincare. They figured it out and we all can benefit from this revolutionary new line of products. Some of the top skin care bloggers in Women’s Health Magazine have written about their obsession with Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush. Also available and just as luxurious is Colorescience’s Whipped Mineral Sunscreen which is water resistant up to forty minutes! Both products are available in SPF30 and SPF50 with UVA/UVB mineral protection and coverage that doesn’t feel heavy or ‘caked on’.
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All-in-One Magic

How can products this light and easy to apply be strong enough to defend against environmental aggressors?  Formulated with highly micronized 100% zinc and titanium, there’s no compromising on protection. And soft-finish primers are infused with antioxidants to fight free-radical damage that causes aging. These natural sunscreens from the earth help neutralize the damage to your skin with physical protection (versus chemical- a especially beneficial for sensitive skins). They come in universal tints that even out most skin types, gliding across your skin in either a light dusting powder or in an airy whipped cream formula. You can wear them under your regular foundation or alone. Colorescience has also formulated a “layering ptotocol” of various products to provide the best coverage and protection at the same time.

NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

At A French Touch Salon, we have a reputation for providing elite skincare so, it makes sense that we offer skin care products that meet the same high standards. We want to share with you all the benefits that Colorescience Sunforgettable products offer and through September 2016, receive 20% off the Daily Protectant SPF30 Tinted Whipped Sunscreen and Medium SPF50 Mineral Brush, as well as a FREE introductory mini-brush with your purchase of EVEN-UP 3-in-1 clinical protector.

A bientot!

SPF and a Spritz!

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Bonjour mes amis!

Makeup and Mimosas was phenomenal, I hope those of you who came enjoyed it just as much as I did. As you probably know by now, we at the salon are just in love with all of Colorescience (and of course Christie). It was a pleasure to watch the makeup being applied so expertly, and to see some of you having so much fun. As always, the cheese and snacks were amazing- and tres francais . You can thank Patricia’s great taste for that. (But seriously, the sharp cranberry cheese was to die for. Thank you Fromagerie Sophie!)

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That being said, I noticed that there were some products that didn’t seem to get the love they deserve. So this week I thought I’d highlight some of these products for you, specifically the Primer, Setting Mist, and Anti-Aging Serum. Trust me, you’ll learn to love them as much as we do here.

The primer line is the first of the neglected products, which is just silly when you realize the number of things that primer does for makeup. Primer is the foundation of the makeup, and, like a house, you don’t really want to build makeup without a foundation.  The primer smooths and evens skin tone, as well as helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines, giving you a better canvas on which to apply makeup. As a bonus, like most of the Colorescience line, the Primer is sun-protective. It contains Micronized Zinc Oxide, so it protects your face with a barrier of minerals, meaning that you don’t have to wait 20-30 minutes for your sunscreen to be effective. It’s effective as soon as you apply it. What this means is that it helps keep you from freckling and developing other forms of hyper-pigmentation (which is a major concern for me).

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There are 6 different primers, because Colorescience loves to tailor products to you. These are the Skin Brightening, Skin Bronzing, Skin Balancing, Skin Calming, Skin Mattifying, and Sunforgettable. You probably know just from reading the list which would be best for your skin, because the names are blessedly self-explanatory, but if you have questions or want to get a closer look at some of the primers, you can always schedule a makeup consultation or simply come into the salon to let us show you which one would be best suited to your skin and concerns.

Another  group of products that just doesn’t get the credit it deserves is the Setting Mist line. For those of you who are dancers out there, I’m sure you’ve heard that the man serves as the frame for the woman when dancing. In this instance, Setting Mist is makeup’s man. It holds the makeup steady on your face, and most of its job is to make your makeup look as good as possible.  You can wear our beautiful mineral shades alone, but , Setting Mist keeps the makeup in place and prevents it from transferring to your clothes. It not only holds the makeup in place, but brightens it with the action of hyaluronic acid , aloe and Vitamin E. It’s great to use throughout the day as a refreshing little aromatherapy “boost”  with sandalwood and vanilla. For example, between work and a dinner with girlfriends, a quick spritz should serve to freshen your look. It’s great if you like your makeup low-maintenance, like I do.

Like the Primers, there are different Setting Mists, so you can choose the one that is best suited to you. There is the Hydrating Setting Mist, if you have dry to normal skin, the Clarifying Setting Mist, for oily or blemish prone skin, and the Sunforgettable Setting Mist for those who are as sun (and freckle) conscious as I am.

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Finally, the Anti-Aging Serum. This one is a doozy, because it serves as a 3-in-1 product. It contains Decaplex-10, a blend of ten peptides that work together to both repair aged skin and prevent further aging. Hyaluronic Acid improves hydration and firmness of the skin, both long-term and immediately after application. In clinical trials, 100% of patients experienced improvement in crow’s feet, radiance, and firmness. 100%! In addition, 97% of patients experienced improvement in fine lines, skin texture and clarity. You simply apply the serum twice daily (a pump or two, max) to experience these amazing results.

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So there you have it. Those are some of our favorite products that just don’t get the love they deserve. Each of them is incredibly effective, and directly improves the appearance of many of the Colorescience products that you know and love. Plus, surprise! We’re having a special on all of them, because you know how Patricia takes care of you. With the purchase of anti-aging serum, you’ll receive a free colorescience mascara (which is fabulous, and recommended by dermatologists to those that would/are using Latisse, because it naturally lengthens your eye-lashes). With the purchase of a Primer and Setting Mist, you’ll receive a complimentary eye-pencil. For those of you who are keeping up, that means if you get all three you get both an eye-pencil and mascara. Not that you needed more incentive to love these products, of course. If you’re still not convinced, come into the salon and check them out for yourself, or schedule a makeup consultation.

 

Bisous!

Adrienne

 

 

Summertime Sun Protection!

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and this close to summer is the perfect time to remind everyone how important it is to use sun screen 365 days a year!

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

  • Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
  • One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
  • About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
  • Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen.
  • More than 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun.

And sadly, the number of  skin cancer diagnoses are on the rise, rather than the decline in the US, and a vast majority of the complications related to skin cancer can be prevented by regular use of sun protection.

Being proactive is the best way to keep you and your family safe and healthy, so please be sure to apply sunscreen to yourself, your kids, and other loved ones every time you go outside, or even in the car (you can sustain significant sun damage through car windows!).  Not only will you have the peace of mind of keeping your skin healthy, you’ll reduce a significant amount of your skin’s visible signs of aging.

Need to restock on the most effective sun screen?  Check out this list of our favorite sun screens for an easy option for strong sun protection all summer long.

Colorescience Sunforgettable All-Natural SPF50 Mineral Protection

“Achieve the ultimate protection from sun damage and its aging effects with a soft focus finish. Colorescience Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens are easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day to keep skin protected and beautiful.”  Sunforgettable SPF 50 (the highest SPF ranking allowed by the FDA)  highly refined mineral sunscreen provides safe, non-irritating, UVA and UVB sun protection. The self-dispensing powder brush makes it easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day for continued coverage. Ideal for an active lifestyle, and easy for use with kids- won’t sting  the eyes, non-greasy alternative to heavy, chemically-based drugstore creams (pure minerals mean no chemicals, dyes, tints, oils or perfumes).

Even the most of sensitive of skins love this lightweight solution to the dilemma of what sunscreen to wear. The micronized minerals in this hypoallergenic powder actually reduce the surface temperature of the skin by a few degrees, making it the ultimate sunscreen for those with Rosacea. Chemically-based sunscreens interact with our skin chemistry, heating up the skin and activating capillary activity that leads to redness commonly exhibited in rosacea patients. Colorescience’s inorganic, physical sunscreen based on pure minerals does not interact with the skin, as it provides a safe “blanket” of protection to keep the skin cool, calm and free from over-activity that leads to redness.

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Sothys Cellu-guard: Sun Care

The French know skin~ that’s why “Sothys has created a new generation of sun care: the exclusive association of Cellu-Guard  and jasmine flavonoids provides both dual tissue protection and triple cellular protection, while also enhancing the natural protection system of the skin against free radicals.” Don’t just protect- promote healthy skin despite exposure by caring for your skin apres-sun!

Need a little base color before the shorts and skirts come out to play? Face & Body Self-Tanning Cream has a non-tinted cream formula that gives a natural, sublime and long-lasting tan to the skin without the intense scents and orange hue common to other formulas.

Repairing Age-Defying Face Care is an intensive formula to protect and repair the skin against the aggression of free radicals caused by sun damage. Did you know that 95% of visible skin aging is DIRECTLY attributed to sun-damage? This emollient moisturizer doubles as an anti-aging cream, as it increases firmness, radiance and hydration. After a day of glorious (but damaging) sunshine, soothe and heal the skin by applying this delicious emollient cream as a mask- and then use it as a deeply repairing night cream!

Soothing After-Sun Body Care is a refreshing fluid which softens the skin immediately after exposure through its soothing active ingredients. Prevents photo-induced aging and hydrates to restore the skin’s full radiance.

sothys-sun-careJan Marini Sun Protection

Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 is a weightless sunscreen that features Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (our favorite chemical-free options) in a universal tint with microscopic sponges for additional oil control and a sheer, matte finish. Green tea extract and alpha bisabolol provide enhanced free radical protection while soothing and calming the skin from stress caused by UV and heat.

Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 comes in sheer, or three compatible sunkissed shades; we love to use them as the Ultimate BB Cream!  A sunscreen you’ll love to wear — this invisible, hydrating and weightless sunscreen feels amazing and smells great (think of the islands minus the coconut) for the ultimate in daily wearability. A fast-absorbing, cosmetically elegant formula features microscopic sponges for additional oil control making it the perfect sunscreen for wearing under makeup or as your light “this is my natural beautiful skintone” coverage. Enhanced by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin rejuvenating benefits of phytomelanin and beta glucan 1,3 to help prevent and reverse damage caused by sun exposure.

 

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Please remember to wear your sun screen, mes amis; stay happy, stay healthy, stay beautiful!

Meet Christie from Colorescience This Saturday!

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

Makeup with Christie

Need a little sparkle in your weekend?  Have a spare hour to relax this Saturday?  Want to freshen up on makeup do’s and don’ts in time for Valentine’s Day?  Then call us now to book your appoint with Christie, our friend and makeup mastermind from Colorescience this Saturday!

Christie will be offering Colorescience makeup applications and tutorials between 10 am and 2 pm this Saturday, February 8th, and is excited to share her expertise with all of us!  We want you to be able to look your best for whatever your plans are for this Valentine’s Day; whether you’re making a romantic dinner in for two, or going out to celebrate with friends, we want you to positively glow!

So come in and ” brush up ” on the best ways to highlight your features, and check out some of the brand new colors in lip shines, lip sticks, and eye shadows that we’ve got to add something fun and new to your makeup bag!

And, if you’re still wondering what you’d like to make next Friday special, read all about our fabulous Valentine’s Day Special and reserve yours–for you or a friend–before the 10th (next Monday!).

While you’re here, be sure to ask about and reserve one of our Brand New Colorescience Gel Eyeliner!  The new, rich, crème-gel formula is quick drying, non-irritating, and will last all day without smudging or fading.GelLiner_esignature_FINAL

Christie only has a few hours with us and the spots are filling fast, so make sure you reserve your spot soon!  Plus, visiting us on Saturday will be the perfect opportunity to order your Valentine’s Day Special; makeup, flowers, and a bit of relaxation, what more could you ask for?

See you Saturday!

Bisous,

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