Spring Into Great Skin: Essential Skincare Must-Haves for the Season

Springtime is in full swing, and there is no time like the present to prepare for the warmer weather. From exotic vacations, to festival season and beach days, stock up this Spring with some beauty must-haves that will make give you that extra something within your daily routine.

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Refreshing Spring Beauty Trends

Annabella Pardo

Spring 2022 is all about refreshing and rejuvenating ourselves. Skincare and health is of the utmost importance for us to shine as bright as the sun this year. We’ve listed our favorite beauty products this season to give us our most glowing self.

Thrive Causemetics just launched the Sunproof 3-in-1 Invisible Priming Sunscreen with SPF 37. This is the ultimate versatile primer that transforms skin into the ideal canvas for makeup (or just velvety skin on its own) that won't budge for up to 16 hours. Protect, hydrate, smooth and shield skin from UVA + UVB rays with SPF 37, while at the same time creating a water-resistant and velvet-matte finish that deeply moisturizes skin. Always infused with skin-loving ingredients and 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Best of all the product is clear and blends into all skin tones evenly with no residue.

Photo via @banishacnescars

The Defender is a mineral based broad spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide plus lots of other great organic ingredients and peptides to help fight off UV damage!

Thrive Causemetics also have some gorgeous new long-wear makeup which is a must for these longer Spring days. Infinity Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks: Get an effortless eye look in seconds! Our waterproof, smudge-proof eyeshadow stick is powered by Semi-Permanent Micropigments™ to stay put from morning to night. Packed with skin-loving ingredients, our revolutionary formula glides seamlessly onto your lids and sets in 30 seconds for life-proof color with the benefits of an eye cream.

Related: Pantone's Peach Fuzz Palette: A Nod to History with Today's Top Skincare Picks

Short hair is timeless and this year jaw length bob and Bixie (combo of bob and pixie) are the it-cut. Making sure to always start my style with Pureology Colorfanatic 21- Benefit Multitasking Spray. It’s a lightweight leave-in conditioner that primes the hair with heat protection and lightweight nourishment at the same time.

2022 is all about warming up the hair color! Warm tones are in creating a high-end luxury look and feel to your image. When you think of warm tones, think buttery, butterscotch, cinnamon, roasted almond, and warm coffee bean. One of my favorites is the Luxurious rich browns, which add a dimension of depth to the hair. Keeping the look fresh and vibrant I recommend Pureology’s Strengthcure Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner. The purple toning properties will counteract any unwanted brassy tones that happen over time with fading

Powergloss is restorative hair and scalp treatment designed to use while you do. Their unique formula goes on dry hair to create overall hair health by repairing, moisturizing, balancing pH, and thickening from root to tip with organic ingredients. When used regularly for an extended period of time, our blend of castor, rosehip, rosemary, and lavender oils stimulates and nourishes the scalp while creating a healthy environment for hair to grow, resulting in improved hair thickness and strength.

Photo via @tanningclub

Royal Tanning Balm from Tanning Club, designed to help you bronze responsibly (Vitamin D required), the esthetician-approved balm is packed with antioxidants and natural UV absorbers to restore moisture and help protect skin from sun damage, and plays well with mineral SPF. Use it in the sun, after sun and as the ultimate dose of luxe hydration any time. Made with royal jelly, shea butter and coconut, olive, Vitamin E, grapeseed, red raspberry seed, geranium and jojoba oils. Produced in CA with 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging.

ZO Skin Health launched one of its most innovative products to give your skin a glowing makeover. IAOX serum uses ZO’s exclusive technologies to defend against premature signs of aging to enable long-lasting youthful skin. It also offers:

  • Antioxidant Protection: This new technology combines an exclusive 12 hour release antioxidant complex which is packed with Vitamins A, C and E as a first line of defense against neutralizing free radicals. A powerful combinations of hydration, cell renewing and anti-aging technology, this IAOX serum will have your skin feeling refreshed.

  • Fights “Inflammaging”: Research has shown that chronic inflammation is the top cause of aging. Unlike acute skin inflammation – that stimulates the body’s innate immune response to protect + repair itself – chronic inflammation exhausts skin’s defensive and regenerative capability resulting in damage known as “inflammaging.” Visual signs of inflammaging include dehydration, dullness, uneven tone and premature lines + wrinkles.

  • Ultra Lightweight Hydration - With cicro-minerals and weightless hydrating power, this product instantly revives complexion with youthful luminosity and glow.

Chrysmela is the world's most secure earring back. It's the perfect gift for someone who has it all. Great for mother's day and bridal parties especially.

Chrysmela is the only earring back that automatically fits, locks and lifts all types of earrings. Made in the same high-tech factories in Japan that manufacture elements of smartphone cameras, the patented technology uses three micro ball bearings to securely lock into place. It's functional, comfortable, and provides peace of mind.

SilcSkin offers non-invasive methods of fighting wrinkles. When applied to the skin, electrostatic energy provided by the pads eliminates wrinkles by improving the irregular collagen structure and creating an increased blood flow, which will result in an improved skin tone and plumped wrinkles. Silicone contributes to moisturizing the skin by drawing the skin’s natural moisture to the surface, which hydrates the skin.

BeeSpa is an incredible all-natural skin cream designed to relieve dry, cracked skin quickly and naturally. Carefully crafted with 16% beeswax, BeeSpa products carry anti-inflammatory properties, and work to moisturize all skin - no matter how dry! A natural, fresh addition to your self-care routine, BeeSpa provides the spa experience from your home, while simultaneously soothing cracked, irritated skin.

Grüner's Evening Ritual Oil is the perfect overnight oil. A single application to address dehydration and the signs of aging. In our opinion, good skincare goes beyond the aesthetic, and supports total wellbeing.. Their thesis for the design of this product is simple: A fast-absorbing facial oil with the antioxidant profile of pure virgin marula oil, and the skin restorative benefits of vitamin A and ceramides, without any essential oils or fragrances.

Karmela Cosmetics, by Nechami is a high-performance, natural beauty brand, focused on giving back to women's healing and empowerment.

They donate 10% of the net profits from every lipstick to organizations devoted to women’s healing and empowerment: eating disorders, breast cancer, endometriosis and more.

Polished allows users to track what polishes they’ve already worn.  With a quick pic from their phone, users can log each manicure including brand and polish name, whether they liked it, would recommend it, and for what occasion they wore it.  Users can browse what everyone else is wearing.  Spotted a color on your friend that you liked? Looking for inspiration for your next spring mani?

Perfect for hair spring protection, Kimtrue's Scalp Gel is designed to help protect fragile and brittle hair from harsh weather. This lightweight formula helps promote growth, alleviate itchy scalps, and strengthen strands of hair.

Myaderm is revolutionizing how you look and feel. The revolution started in 2017 with innovative cannabidiol (CBD) products that deliver effective results. Today, as the CBD cream brand most distributed through national retail, we are committed to continuing to provide FDA compliant and powerful CBD products you can trust. The Ultimate skin care product line reduces redness for a healthy-looking complexion and reduces excess oil (sebum) for clear skin.

Ultimate Wrinkle Repair Cream Improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep with the power of CBD and Pro-Retinol. This lightweight, moisturizing night cream has a powerful ingredient combination that leaves you with dramatically smoother, younger looking complexion when you wake.

Jovē alkaline water is infused with an exclusive patented liquid silica, an essential mineral that increases alkalinity, and charged with electrons, a primary source of energy for our body and cells. Jovē is clinically shown to provide hydration for skin and cellular health through its Advanced Cellular Hydration Technology™.

Musely is a personalized prescription anti-aging skincare platform. Patients are seen virtually by a dermatologist, place an online order, and receive prescription skincare products within days. Musely provides access to the best skincare medication to treat fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, melasma and more. Products include The Spot CreamThe Day CreamThe Anti-Aging Night CreamThe CleanserThe Neck Cream and more.

TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Shampoo dual action gently removes unwanted Chlorine, Bromine, salt water, hard water minerals, associated odors and green tint from your hair while moisturizing with Aloe Vera, Pro-Vitamin B5 and botanicals. The fresh lime + tropical mango scent will reinvigorate your senses.

Jerome Alexander is a 54 year old beauty company that believes every woman deserves to feel beautiful! They recently launched their Stackables Starter Stack, a full-sized portable makeup stack with everything busy women need for home or on-the-go! This stack includes a full sized MagicMinerals Powder Foundation (for concealing, color correcting), cream to powder foundation, eyeshadow and lip quads, and blusher/highlighter. All products come in one neat stack so it's easy to take along in a briefcase, gym bag, purse, or suitcase! All Stackables products are also enhanced with skincare active ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Argan/Apricot Oils for beautiful long-term results while giving you a flawless, full-face of makeup no matter where you are!

TrendHim A healthy beard takes time and dedication to grow. That effort deserves to be treated with respect and care… not a quick wash with whatever soap you find in the shower. This refreshing set includes shampoo and conditioner – the one-two punch for a tangle and build-up free beard.

ENSO is the first smart hair care system designed for the unique needs of fine, medium and thick hair. Wake up to soft, well-nourished hair with the ENSO Overnight Restorative Hair Mask.. ENSO's intuitive technology instantly adjusts to hair on contact, helping to provide ideal amounts of moisture, volume and protection, while enhancing color and shine. Plus, it includes our Karmatin™ and micro-encapsulated vegan b-silk™ protein, to suit the unique needs of each hair type.

Boost whole body well-being with GRO WELL Hair Boost Supplement + Probiotic Multi-Pack, which includes a proprietary blend, jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, 50 million CFU probiotics and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which support healthy keratin and collagen production. Super-charge any drink with the powder to support a healthy gut microbiome and circulation, as well as promote and help encourage visibly thicker, fuller, longer-looking hair.

Treat yourself to a soothing massage with the GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager. It's safe for use on all hair types, wet or dry hair, and features gentle bristles that both stimulate the scalp and its circulation while offering a calming massage that can be done to relax at home or while on-the-go!

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There’s a New Nail Brand in Town And It’s Bringing Chaos

Jessica N. Todmann

“I love your nails.” Midway through checkout, the two cashiers just had to stop ringing items and take notice of her fingertips. At this, the tangy brightness of her nail beds were no longer a match for the big smile XXVZ Nails owner Na’Tasha Simmons cast. She leaned in slowly, taking the opportunity to exchange friendly chatter with the Costco employees and promote her new nail polish line. Na’Tasha has already captured two enthusiastic customers, organically, and her company’s still in pre-launch. But this is who she is: bold, outgoing, charismatic and fiesty. You’ll find these same attributes mirror the tone she’s setting for her nail brand. As a person, she will joyfully command your attention. I reckon XXVZ Nails will be destined to do the same.

The Chaos Collection

The Chaos Collection

When asked what prompted her to start her company, Na’Tasha had many reasons but the foremost was simple, “I had always loved nail polish” she said. Na’Tasha also realized that there was something missing in the world of nail colors that she could add to, “I love the color red, and I always had this idea of creating a line with only reds in it because it’s so hard to find a good red!” The Chaos Collection, XXVZ Nails first family of colors, features five of the baddest options around: Bite The Apple Eve, Wild Thang, Calypso, Rave Ready and Sweet as Pie, all of which stick to a red color scheme. “I cannot be basic,” she states, “I cannot just blend in. Your nails are a statement, they’re an extension of you.” She feels passionate about looking good and feeling your best; she’s calling out to all those who are unapologetic in wanting the same.

XXVZ Nails, set to launch in July, wasn’t only brought to us out of the founders love for everything red- Na’Tasha just realized that it was time to be her own boss. Having been laid off twice since the summer of 2019, she decided to use that time to rethink her career plans and the path she wanted to take professionally. She experienced many sleepless nights, and the coronavirus pandemic only added to the stress of it all. But, there was one night in October where she decided to get up and do something more to push her dreams forward. “I just started researching black owned nail polish companies'' she stated, and Na’Tasha dove deeper into the details, such as how to make nail polish and where it was made. From that moment she took off; scouting vendors, ordering samples and paying close attention to the industry she had set her mind on becoming a part of.

Na'Tasha Applying  Calypso

Na'Tasha Applying Calypso

Na’Tasha brought up being a black woman and what that means to her as she enters the world of entrepreneurship, particularly within the beauty industry. “I’ve just been doing my research” she mentioned, “I’m not going to say that I know everything, but I don’t know why there isn’t representation like there should be. I know that it’s not enough.” But Na’Tasha made it clear that she’s all about disruption and plans on bringing brown and black bodies to the forefront of her company. She recounted a social media feed she came across from a well-known nail polish brand. It featured a photo of a white hand and a black hand joined together, along with sentiment showcasing their commitment to diversity. Then it hit her. “It seemed so insane to me,” she said, “this is social media and this is nail polish and even then we can’t be represented.”  This made Na’Tasha realize that the presence of black and brown people within the beauty world had yet to be completely normalized. “It’s so ingrained that everything needs to look one way. ”

Na’Tasha has an up close perspective of this, coming from a background in magazine production.”I know, when they have two black models in an ad next to two black models in an editorial page, that’s weird to them,” she adds, “but it’s not weird when it’s a white person, like most times, who’s in an editorial page next to another white person in an ad page.” She’d been in the room where uncomfortable conversations featuring race and skin tone had been had in roundabout ways. However, she was personally surprised as she moved deeper into the world of nail polish and saw the same patterns occur. “We’re talking about body parts.” For Na’Tasha, it had become something more than simply launching a nail polish line. XXVZ Nails is an all-inclusive brand, but she’s making sure that there’s truly a place for everyone. “I do want to focus heavily on brown and black people, but also people with different color hair and tattoos. When it comes to retail and health and beauty, you don’t see that a lot.”

Na’Tasha has recently applied for Glossier’s Grant Initiative, which is specifically for black-owned beauty businesses. The company will award fifteen business owners in various stages of growth a set amount of money to, as their post says, “support the next generation of game-changing companies”. While Na’Tasha “hopes to expand the brand into overall health and beauty”, this grant money will help her address the basics she needs to run her business now, especially from home. She’s learned so much and accomplished even more within the past several months. “There’s a lot that goes into this, and I have seen all of the YouTube videos.” It’ll also ensure she can provide the level of quality she seeks within her nail polish line. When asked, she noted that the one thing she wasn’t expecting as a new business owner was to develop this strong affinity for curating her customers’ experience, “I didn’t expect to feel so involved”.

This is a step for Na’Tasha Simmons. A step towards seeing all five versions of her reds painted on the fingertips of XXVZ customers, a step towards being the divine creator of her own career and a step towards her building a black presence within the beauty industry. Her Chaos Collection comes to us at a time where chaos is all abound politically, socially, economically and healthwise but it’s also about feeling free to be you whenever you want to. “It’s now or never” she stated, and this Harlem native has all the smarts to make it happen no matter how the world may turn around her. 

Stay tuned for her official launch and upcoming collections by visiting the XXVZ website and following her on Instagram!

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Best Tips To Save Your Skin This Winter

By Diana Benitez

No matter how much we love winter and the cozy nights in, our skin often does not, and we cannot neglect it. It’s only natural that some people’s skin reacts more extremely than others. Often this reaction leads to peeling, eczema, and blotchy skin, especially on our cheeks that goes beyond a slight blush effect. Check out our best skincare tips for you to use this Winter.

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If you suffer from, or want to prevent dreaded winter skin, here are a few tips.

Related: The Enlightened Under-Eye: Vitamin C's Role in the Pursuit of Perfection

Humidify, Humidify, humidify

Now, I’d say this is for those who live in very dry, stale and frozen areas. It’s much more difficult to reach any level of humidity and expose your skin to it. To do so, this would add a lot of much needed moisture that sometimes the dry weather can bring into our skin. That being said, over-humidifying is also not good, so only turn to it if it’s really necessary. If you're puzzled which spec to look for, here we have an informative humidifier for skincare brands analysis.

Using a gentler cleanser

Something we have to switch up our summer/warmer weather cleansers to a much gentler, less harsh one. Often, much harsher ones will strip our skin of those oils that are already low in the winter. We recommend, Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, $13

Exfoliate

It may seem daunting to exfoliate when you already have sensitive and dry skin, right? Well, exfoliating is a must for the dry patches that sometimes arise when the weather gets below freezing. Though you need to focus on exfoliating, don’t over exfoliate. This can have a detrimental effect of an even more excessive amount of dry skin.

If you still aren’t convinced due to the harshness of exfoliating, here’s an alternative that still rids your skin of those dry cells. Clarisonic Skin Renewing Peel Treatment, $39

Don’t Forget the Scalp!

This is actually something that so many people forget about in the winter months (and maybe even the summer, too). Just like the rest of your skin, this also needs to be hydrated and kept an eye on. You could look into having a scalp treatment done in hair salons near you, but of course, you could do one at home, too, and even invest in a nice shampoo brush for your scalp. In general, just don’t forget this, because it’s still apart of your skin!

Be aware of your moisturizer

During the summer months, or any time during the year that isn’t winter, we typically use a light lotion with a built in SPF, if that. We don’t like the heavy feeling of products on our skin when it’s so hot outside.

It’s incredibly important to not use a lotion, but to step it up to a cream, ointment or serum because it will provide a greater level of moisture.

A few options are:

Fix your shower routine

We often fail to realize that, even though we love those hot, steaming showers, they aren’t that good for our skin. The longer and warmer the shower, the more time that water has to strip your skin of the natural oils due to its repelling quality. It’s recommended that we limit our showers to be shorter and in warm water, not hot water.

Dry skin is often a big inconvenience, but it’s manageable. You don’t have to just deal with it, you learn to work with it. There are many different skin types, and because of that, there are many different skin routines out there. 

The Beauty Advice You Actually Need

If you’re anything less than 100% satisfied with your appearance, it’s likely that you’ve spent a lot of time looking for ways to change things for the better. Moreover, there’s a very strong chance that the majority of suggestions have been shown to be futile. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean you have to start waving the white flag just yet.

Here are 10 pieces of beauty advice that will actually help you unlock the full potential of your look.

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1| Youthful Appearances Are The Best

As teenagers, we’re all desperate to look older. Once we reach the legal drinking age, though, it soon becomes clear that youthful beauty is highly desired. My guide to gaining a younger look through very simple lifestyle changes will make a world of difference to your daily life. Incorporate the tips right away, and you’ll be amazed by the results you see.

It’s not all about getting the youthful look today. Protecting your skin against the signs of aging will ensure that you look your confident best for many years to come.

 

2| A Healthy You Is A Better Looking You

Most people consider the fit physique to be the best. Even if you don’t, it’s important to look after your physical health through exercise and nutrition. Apart from influencing your body image, it’ll impact your posture and a host of other related issues. Make healthy living fun, and you’ll have no reason to ignore the benefits any longer.   

The direct rewards are one thing. Perhaps the biggest improvement, though, comes from the added sense of self-confidence.   

 

3| Less Is More   

When researching beauty tips online, you will come across a plethora of cliches. Most count for very little. The concept that less is more is one of the few exceptions. Finding the right foundations and blushers will establish a solid platform for success. When supported by a touch of defining makeup, you should find that it’s easier to unlock your best look time and time again.

The more makeup you apply, the more difficult it becomes to get things right. Keep it simple, and you won’t go far wrong.

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4| A Winning Smile Is Your Greatest Weapon

We all wish we had the perfect image from top to toe. However, if there’s only one feature that needs to be right, it’s your smile. This is the first thing that anyone notices about you and is the central focus for all communication. As such, spotting the signs of a cavity or other oral health issues at an early stage is key. The longer you leave them, the worse they’ll become.

In addition to the professional support, you should always follow a good daily hygiene strategy. This should involve brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.

 

5| It’s Time To Care For Your Hair

Your hairstyle says a lot about you. This is why you must not overlook the need to find the winning combination of cut and color. A little research into the best options for your natural appearances will work wonders. Opt for a solution that allows you to chop and change with five-minute dos, and you’ll be set for months.

This single attribute shapes your face and sets the tone for your entire facial appearance. If that doesn’t underline the need to get it right, what will?

 

6| Size Matters

Most women are brainwashed by the media and believe that size 2 is the only way to go. In truth, the human body comes in all shapes and sizes, and you should be allowed to embrace your natural appearance. One thing that will influence your look, though, is the size of clothes. Get measured properly right away. Persisting with ill-fitting clothes could hold you back.

Aside from impacting your look in a negative, poorly fitted underwear and shoes can lead to back problems. This is in addition to a range of other issues that you’d prefer to avoid.

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 7| Saying No To Bad Habits Will Help

The incentives for giving up cigarettes and excessive alcohol are plentiful. Still, if financial savings and other ideas have failed to inspire you, improved beauty should. Cigarettes, for example, can discolor your nails and skin as well as your teeth. Therefore, finding a way to finally give up could be one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make.

Transitional periods can be tough. Once you get through them, though, you should find that your appearances are naturally improved.

 

8| Give Yourself A Break

On a similar note, it’s important to remember that modern life can be brutal. If you’re not careful, it will take its toll on your beauty as well as your mental health. Nobody really needs an excuse for a spa day or short holiday, but this is certainly one of them. Giving your body a chance to relax and de-stress can work wonders.

Meanwhile, if you are on a strict diet that may be a little harsh on your body, you must take time to detoxify. Otherwise, all of the good work may turn a little sour.

 

9| Avoid Touching

Grubby hands can quickly smudge makeup, leave dirt marks, and ruin the look. It can even result in minor skincare irritations and bacterial infections that can take several weeks to recover from. Try to avoid touching your face where possible. Moreover, you should carry hand wash at all times. Always clean your application brushes too.

If you are a nail-biter, it’s important to find a product that will help you stop this habit too. It’ll improve your nails and your overall demeanor.

 

10| You’re Perfect As You

While we all love to look our best and emulate our favorite celebs, there’s nothing wrong with being you. Embrace your natural colorings. Love the skin you’re in. And learn to make the most of your natural shape and appearances. Being the best possible version of yourself is a far better solution than trying to be someone else or be something false.

The truth of the matter is that you are your own harshest critic. Nobody even notices those minor problems that you perceive to be major blemishes. You’re beautiful as you are. Rock it!

Have something you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.