BeChicMag.com

3 steps you can’t afford to skip

By Mercedes Sanchez

While not everyone’s skin is the same, there are some basic (and imperative) routines that every woman should practice regardless of her skin type.

Cleansing

For women with sensitive skin, cleansing in the morning and before bed are two steps they can’t afford to miss. I always recommend women with sensitive skin to cleanse with a no-soap cleanser, like Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash , to cleanse and nourish skin. Look for products that are hypoallergenic and don’t have any dyes or harsh chemicals.

Moisturizing

Even if you fall more on the oily side, adding moisturizer to your daily routine is encouraged. Not only does moisturizer often act as an anti-aging regimen, it also keeps your skin healthy because it hydrates. Look for a moisturizer that’s kind to the skin, has pure ingredients and doesn’t contain alcohol.  I like Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer to keep my skin nourished all day long. Only apply a small portion if you have oily skin.

SPF

You should be applying SPF to your daily beauty regimen year round, but especially now that we’re approaching the warmer months. Using sun protection prevents dark spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and of course fights against harmful UV rays.

No matter what your skin type, these are three steps not to be missed!

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This post was created in connection with my appointment as an ambassador in the Simple^® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Tips on managing stress

By Mercedes Sanchez

It’s true. Stress can aggravate sensitive skin. How? Stress hormones increase the amount of oil your skin produces which can lead to clogged pores and zits.

The first way to treat stress and prevent sensitive skin occasions is by washing your face at least twice a day with facial skincare products like Simple Skincare’s Moisturizing Facial Wash, which leaves your skin thoroughly cleansed and nourished. Here are some other ways to manage stress and keep your skin happy:

#1 Treat yourself. Think about something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t made time for. Whether it’s just a pedicure or manicure or going a little over your budget with your next visit to the shoe store.

#2 Watch something fun. Hit the movie theaters and watch a new film, or browse through my BeChicTV original videos for tutorials and celebrity interviews.

#3 Meditate. Take a walk through your local park or participate in your community to get your mind off whatever is causing you stress.

#4 Sleep more. Get more sleep by cutting back on your night routine a few nights a week and use Simple’s Cleansing Facial Wipes to remove your makeup faster while soothing your skin with pure, skin-loving ingredients.

#5 Spend time with those you love. Whether it’s your immediate family or your friends and family away from home, talk about your projects, goals, love life or your favorite new dress or lipstick!

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This post was created in connection with my appointment as an ambassador in the Simple^® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Skin Type 101: What You Are and How to Care for It

By Mercedes Sanchez

With so many products out there, choosing the right one for your sensitive skin can be challenging. I like to review new products and makeup on BeChicMag.com, but sometimes we have to bring it back to basics. Before I recommend anything else, let’s talk about you! Do you know your skin type? Don’t fret if you’re in between, or not too sure.

Take a look below where I help identify your skin.

Oily skin causes your skin to look shiny and the excess oil can cause breakouts. Treating oily skin begins with washing your face every morning and night with a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin. Many drugstore cleansers contain soap which can cause the production of more oil. Suggestion: Try Simple Skincare’s Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. It’s a no-soap facial wash and includes vitamins and no dyes or perfumes. Don’t be afraid of using a moisturizer; in fact, it’s essential. Just add a light lotion on a few minutes after cleansing.

Dry skin forms for different reasons such as cold temperatures, genetics, etc. For severe dry skin and signs of conditions like eczema, I recommend you consult your doctor or dermatologist. But for soothing mild dry skin, I recommend using a nourishing cleanser like Simple’s Moisturizing Facial Wash. This one comes with Pro-Vitamin B5 which is known to restore and soften the skin and Vitamin E which moisturizes. Drinking water also helps soothe dry skin.

Are you breakout prone? My sensitive skin tends to break out when I don’t eat well and during stress. In addition to monitoring what you eat and sleeping well, I recommend removing all makeup before bed with these Cleansing Facial Wipes. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before leaving the house, especially if you have dark spots from previous zits. The Vital Vitamin Day Cream SPF 15 moisturizes and protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Tell us, what’s your skin type and how do you treat it?

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This post was created in connection with my appointment as an ambassador in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

The UK’s Top Facial Skincare Brand is Coming to America!

By Mercedes Sanchez

I can’t believe the products are finally here! It’s one thing to see the new Simple Skincare images online and receiving them in advance, but it’s great to actually see them on the shelves! I went to a Target in the tri-state area over the weekend and saw an impressive display of the new Simple Skincare creams and facial skincare products for sensitive skin.

For the longest time, Simple Skincare has been the #1 skincare brand in the UK. Now that the products are here, we all have access to quality products at affordable drugstore rates!

I’m most excited about their light hydrating moisturizer that comes with SPF, the Simple Vital Vitamin Day Cream, but they also have eye makeup remover, night creams, cleansers, a facial gel wash, scrubs, wipes, toners and eye care products.

Though I know a thing or two about beauty and cosmetics, I don’t know what your skin needs most. Take a look at SimpleSkincare.com and browse through a wide variety of facial skincare products for sensitive skin to see which products might be a good fit for you! It’s worth the browse as Simple Skincare omits any fragrances and dyes and instead includes essential vitamins.

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Which Simple Skincare product do you want to try most?

FTC Disclosure Notice: This post was created in connection with my appointment as an ambassador in the Simple^® Skincare Program.
Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare and twitter.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Achieve the Perfect Base for Makeup Application

By Mercedes Sanchez

Earlier today I counted how many products I use before actually applying makeup. It turns out I use three. And as much as I could use those extra minutes in the morning, this skincare regimen is imperative. If an extra 3-5 minutes can prevent your makeup from looking cakey or chalky, then it’s worth it. Here’s how to achieve the perfect base for makeup application:

Remove makeup before bed

We can’t stress this enough. If you’re too lazy to wash your face before bed, get a towelette you trust and gently pass it through your face. If you use a night cream or a retinol to fight wrinkles, then removing makeup before bed is super necessary.

Cleanse before or during shower

I use a no-soap cleanser every morning in the shower. I often hear about women (and men) who are so quick to finish that they simply just add  the cleanser and rinse it off right away, but what good does that do? Use the product for what it’s meant to do: cleanse. Wet your face before applying the cleanser and lather using your fingers in circular motion. My dermatologist always said to use cold or warm water– never hot.

Toners?

I almost never use a toner, but they’re encouraged for both morning and evening use. Toners are said to remove the last traces of makeup and cleansers.

Moisturizer

In addition to cleansing, moisturizing might just be the most vital part of creating a perfect base– especially during the winter. Adding a good moisturizer prevents dryness that can naturally occur with or without makeup. If you’re prone to breakouts, look for a light moisturizer such as Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer.

Looking to revamp your beauty routine this month? See my tips on how you can reboot your skincare in 2012.

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FTC Disclosure Notice: This post was created in connection with my appointment as an ambassador in the Simple^® Skincare Program.
Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare and twitter.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.