Mother’s Day is almost here and Belladerm wants to wish every mom a HAPPY, RELAXING MOTHER’S DAY!

Now let’s talk candidly for a moment about motherhood. Moms are notorious for not taking time for themselves, isn’t that right? I mean, they have to take care of the whole family first and then whatever time is left over (read: none) a mom will plan to focus on herself.  More often than not, there just isn’t enough time to go around and moms adjust to a constant state of feeling stretched too thin and  vow that they will just have to enjoy “me time” later on when life slows down.  The problem IS, it really won’t slow down.  You must carve out (painfully sometimes) the time to just be YOU and relax a little.  Whether it is having lunch with a friend, reading a few chapters of your favorite book or going for a run…the time you take for yourself will reap huge rewards not only for you as a mom, but for your kids.  What they get in return is a refreshed, more vibrant mom. We love to see moms come in and enjoy some pampering – a facial, a makeup consultation or whatever makes them feel pampered and beautiful.  It feels good to know that we are rejuvenating them so that they can return back to their families in a better state of mind and that they will have the simple satisfaction of knowing they took some “me time” and didn’t put it off until tomorrow, or next year, or even next decade! This time you steal away, no matter how brief it is, will make a big impact in your life and in your sense of self.  We invite you to make it a goal to enjoy some quality time away from the daily grind to recharge your batteries.  You totally deserve it! Keep up the great work, moms!

We want to make it easy for you to get something for Mother’s Day. When you purchase a gift card of $150 or more between now and Mother’s Day (May 13th) you will get $50 in Bella Bucks to use with the gift card or keep for yourself to do a little pampering of your own. This link will take you to our website where you can purchase right online!
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What percentage of Americans aren’t getting enough sleep? Would you believe it is a whopping 70%?  There really is something to that little saying about getting your beauty sleep! Not getting enough rest will take a toll on your looks and it may be so gradual that you won’t really see how dramatic it can be. Truly, getting too little sleep may slow collagen production and promote wrinkles.

So how can this be helped? Well, maybe you just need some advice about how to wind down, perk up in the morning and feel your best all day.

First off, let’s talk about how you go to sleep. It may be beneficial to snack yourself to sleep. No kidding! Eating a small carb-heavy snack with a little protein 1-2 hours before you catch some zzz’s will trigger your brain to produce the calming neurotransmitter serotonin. Try a rice cake with some peanut butter or ice cream with berries.

Another way to fall into a deeper, more restful sleep is by keeping cool at night.  It will signal your body to sleep more deeply! Try 68 degrees and see how it works. You should also avoid having blinking lights in the room when you fall asleep.  Your Blackberry, computer, tv, you name it.  The blinking lights can disrupt slumber. Also, if you have to wake to use the bathroom in the night, keep the light on a dimmer so you can turn it on very low.  Even a short exposure to the bright light of your bathroom in the night will lower levels of melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

What about mornings? You’ve rested and it feels so hard to get yourself out of bed now. Waking up is tough to do but try these tricks to see if one might work for you. You need to stop your habit of hitting snooze. The fragmented sleep before you wake up can leave you more groggy so you are setting yourself up for feeling more sleepy. Instead, place your alarm clock across the room so you are forced to get up and shut it off–and then stay UP!

Your body will appreciate hitting the gym in the morning.  Exercise will increase blood pressure and heart rate and activates the whole nervous system, which gives you a healthy boost in the morning. You should also pay close attention to what you eat and drink in the morning.  Down a couple of glasses of plain water as soon as the alarm goes off.  We all wake up dehydrated and every biochemical reaction relies on us having enough water–like our thinking processes and muscle contractions. One thing you want to avoid in the morning is carbohydrates like bagels.  After giving you a quick spike in blood-sugar levels, simple carbohydrates will leave you more sluggish than before. A better choice would be a protein shake or a piece of whole-grain toast with fruit or yogurt.

Java lovers? Ok, we’ve got one to make you smile here. Ingesting some caffeine in the morning will not only inhibit the body’s chemicals responsible for drowsiness but will also prompt the release of adrenaline, which increases blood flow to the muscles, speeds the heart rate and opens the lungs’ breathing tubes. An 8 ounce cup in the morning (about 50 mg of caffeine) is enough to kick-start most people. In fact, the best brew is a latte.  The proteins and carbohydrates in milk are ideal for fueling the brain and muscles.

So there you have it…put these to the test and let us know how it is working for you! Happy sleeping!

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April is here, the grass is getting green and the trees are budding! This is such a rejuvenating time of year. Did anyone fool you good on April Fool’s Day?

We hope you made it out to shop for some of the latest trendy colors for spring.  Let’s continue with part 2 of our fashion trend update for spring.

• Anoraks: While you may not be familiar with this term, you likely know what they are already. They’re a super lightweight, casual cover-up that will give your look a sporty edge with lots of style. You’ll find them shiny or matte, long or short, and neutral or colored. Fabrications like nylon, polyester and acetate give them a particularly authentic active appearance.

•  Pink short suits: A blazer with shorts? Yep, that’s right. It may take the right person to pull off this look, but it definitely is on the trend list for spring!

• Peplum skirts, shirts, and dresses: These are defined by a short flared ruffle that sits at the natural waist. Show off your curves in this look! They do look best on more slender women, however. They can add bulk to the hips so if this is your problem area, maybe reconsider.

• Open shoulders: They make the entire outfit look relaxed and seductive.

• Wider shorts: We wore lots of shorts last season, but they just got wider this year!
• Futuristic prints: You’ll see a lot of strange, colorful prints out there this year, but floral prints are still very much a hot item, too.
• Boatneck shirts and dresses: This look shows off your feminine shoulder line. For formal occasions, designers offer more demure versions of this trend but for casual garments, neckline can go as deep as you wish.

• Hot pants: This trend will definitely motivate us to get working out if the thought of the quickly-approaching swimsuit season hasn’t already! It isn’t the first spring/summer we’ve seen these.  It doesn’t look like they are going away anytime soon.  If you prefer to hide your legs more in the summer, maxi dresses are still very trendy so you won’t have trouble finding full-length dresses!

If spider veins are keeping you from showing off your legs this spring/summer in the trendy fashions, stop in to learn more about treatment options! There are a couple of different ways to treat these unsightly veins and one is using a laser–so no injections at all! Sclerotherapy treatments happen to be on SPECIAL right now, as well. Take 15% off treatment packages now through April 30th! Helping you look and feel your best is our specialty.

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We love to keep you ‘in the know’ when it comes to all things fashion and beauty.  Let’s talk color trends for this spring. Here is what’s hot:

• Minty Freshness: Yep, that’s right.  All shades/tones of mint are going to be on the racks.  Use it as a full outfit color or as a pretty accent shade.

• Tangerine: Beautiful, Bold and Eye-Catching! Perfect for a sundress, purse or sandal! Don’t dilute this one by pairing it with other colors–make a statement!

• Pastels: Soft, Flirty & Subtle! Now these are perfect for pairing together.  Don’t be afraid to layer and the more the merrier!

• Neon: Need we say more? This trend is a little bit harder to fall in love with but nevertheless, it is out there! Though mixing with neutrals is surely safe, you truly have fun when you go neon on neon.

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Wouldn’t it be awesome if every day was a good hair day? We spend a great deal of time every week with a blow dryer held to our head, fixing our locks.  It feels amazing when we know our style turned out just right but many days, we walk away feeling like we have wasted a lot of time and it still doesn’t look good.  I mean, it just falls flat about 5 minutes after you style it, doesn’t it? There may be some pointers that you could use if you struggle with this, too. We have listed some below for you:

• Start with wet hair. You can gently towel-dry so it’s not dripping wet, but don’t rub too hard (it’ll get tangled). For the smoothest, most long-lasting results, avoid “rough drying” — fluffing the hair with your hands while drying. While it saves time, it makes hair frizzy.
• Don’t use too much product. If your hair is fine or oily, it’ll become limp. Put a bit of product only the ends, if needed.
• This takes more time but is WORTH it.  Divide your hair in sections, and start in front because this area tends to dry the quickest. Using a round brush and plenty of tension, aim the blow-dryer at the roots and move it along the length of your hair to the ends. Heating the hair in the direction of the cuticle helps keep it smooth and fights frizz.
• For volume and height, hold each section up and in the opposite direction from the way you want it to lie. For extra bounce, pin each section up after drying to let it cool. This helps set the curl so your hair doesn’t go flat the minute you walk out of the bathroom.
• To make your blow-out last, spray your hair lightly and then leave it alone. Avoid brushing it out or running your fingers through it — this will break up the bounce and make it go limp. RESIST that temptation.  Just messing with your ‘do too much after you are done can leave it flat.  It is better to spray and go!

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True, but plenty of beauty junkies are still in the dark when it comes to what’s up with them. What’s the difference between a serum and a cream? Why are they so expensive? And most importantly, have you considered trying one? Here are some reasons why you might want to consider making serums a weapon in your skincare arsenal.

You have a serious skin challenge.

Cosmetic chemists and derms maintain that serums tend to be more efficacious than plain old-school moisturizers due to the method of delivery: Serums are more concentrated so they’re able to penetrate more deeply than creams, according to Ni’Kita Wilson, YouBeauty Cosmetic Chemistry Expert. That makes these products ideal for troubleshooting specific problems such as redness, acne and hyperpigmentation. For example, rosacea sufferers might try a serum that contains azulene, which can help calm irritated skin.

You have ultra oily skin.

Oily skin types tend to avoid rich, heavy oil-based creams like the plague since they can clog pores and bring on breakouts. But skimping on a moisturizer means losing out on potential anti-aging benefits. What’s more, drying out your skin can actually result in increased oil production. Luckily, most serums are water-based and lightweight enough to slather on sans an oily aftermath. Bonus: Formulas that contain vitamin C or luminizers tend to impart a gorgeous glow, leaving skin looking hydrated and healthy—not sweaty. Top off with an oil-free, gel-based sunscreen.

You have super dry days.

Wintertime is notorious for causing your skin to turn dry and flaky—and even the creamiest, richest moisturizer isn’t always enough. Many serums are formulated to act as boosters to heavier creams by providing a crucial layer of vitamins and essential oils that the cream effectively “seals” into skin. Think of a serum as a strong foundation and cream as a protective barrier. Look for serums that contain super-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Belladerm carries some amazing serums like iS Clinical and we’d love to explain their benefits to you and help you decide which one suits your needs best. Drop by to chat with us or learn more about our products here.

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What would your vote be? Yes or no?

We found a thought-provoking article put out by Psychology Today that confirms those of you who’d vote YES.  It is true–your love life does affect your health!

Consider how closely your heart health (and more) is related to your love life when you read this excerpt:

The tone of your love nest factors into your medical status, too. Women in marriages full of hostility have more coronary artery disease than those in warmer relationships, while men in more controlling relationships (whether they are the dominator or the one getting bossed around) have more coronary artery disease than those in egalitarian marriages. Both situations likely activate stress responses, which are known to contribute to, if not cause, an array of ailments.

Soul mates can even develop the same afflictions over time—a condition in one spouse often places the other at increased risk for the same disorder. This may be true for cancer, stroke, arthritis, hypertension, asthma, depression, and peptic ulcer disease. One study shows that a person’s hypertension risk doubles when their spouse is diagnosed as hypertensive.

That’s probably because commitment typically leads to shared meals, activity patterns, financial resources, and social networks. Couples may also find themselves true partners in health by means of social control, in which one spouse tries to keep the other wholesome, and mood contagion, where one partner’s anxiety washes over the other and even takes a toll on his or her body: Men whose wives are upset by their work are nearly three times more likely to develop heart disease.

Communication is one of the most basic and important parts of any relationship.  When we pair up in a relationship, we often end up with one person being more expressive and the other being more prone to keeping feelings inside.  There is a benefit for those couples who learn to meet in the middle and communicate openly in a way that makes both people feel comfortable.  Consider what the article has to say about bottling up feelings inside and how that affects health:

…women who “self-silence” during arguments with their spouses are four times more likely to die over a 10-year period than their peers who express themselves. These women (23 percent of the wives studied!) may be bottling up anger out of fear of the husband’s reaction. But suppressing feelings clearly has a negative effect on physiology, probably akin to stress damage, though the exact pathway isn’t yet known.

Bet you didn’t know just HOW much that bottling up those emotions could affect you and your health! These insights (and the changes you might make in response to them) could dramatically impact your life and even your longevity.  If you’ve been ignoring poor communication for a long time, this Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to make a step in the right direction! For your happiness AND your health! If you are reading this as a single person, use this new info to choose wisely when you do find that special someone for keeps. Research shows that their habits, lifestyle and communication with you will ultimately affect your health.

Here’s to healthy bodies and love lives!

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Belladerm!

To send your significant other a little hint about what you’re REALLY hoping for this Valentine’s Day, click here and fill in the form! Make it easy for them and get something you really want! It’s a win-win! 

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Eyelash extensions have become a trend in the beauty industry. Long, luxurious lashes make you feel pretty and really play up your eyes.  But just because the process isn’t surgical, doesn’t mean it is safe or even a good idea at all.  Eyelash extensions are applied by gluing lash extensions to individual eyelashes, which can be very dangerous when you consider the fact that you’re trusting someone with a powerful adhesive and tweezers very close to your eye for hours at a time.

Another thing to note is that most face cleansers will dissolve the glue used to attach your extensions. Use the wrong cleanser and you could wash off your extensions completely, or even end up with all of your eyelashes stuck together in one big clump. Trying to remove the lash extensions before they fall off naturally is difficult to do without causing your natural lashes to fall out too. Add to this that they are expensive and need to be refreshed frequently. No thanks!

So, while some people are swearing by eyelash extensions as their new beauty secret, many are wishing they’d looked into LATISSE, which is a far better option and will grown your OWN natural lashes long and beautiful! Just think, when someone comments on your gorgeous lashes, wouldn’t it feel good to know they are your very own lashes, as opposed to some lashes that were glued on!

Belladerm has an exclusive special offer on LATISSE currently for all newsletter subscribers.  Click HERE to see our January newsletter and learn more about this great offer. May your lashes grow beyond belief! Here’s to feeling beautiful! If you’d like to receive our newsletter going forward, subscribe HERE.

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We want to wish all of our blog readers a very Happy New Year! Here’s to a prosperous, beautiful new year!

We’ve had a pretty mild winter so far, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to escape the cold temps and head somewhere for a vacation in the next few months. Have you made plans? Don’t forget to also plan ahead for your beauty treatments to get your bod ready for the beach and pack your sunscreen! Remember, we also carry UVB accessories like hats and sunglasses!

If you are taking your family on a trip, these are some great places to consider besides the ever-popular Florida destination:

•  Turks and Caicos:  Nestled in the beautiful, exotic Caribbean islands, Turks & Caicos is a top contender in popularity  for families with children of all ages.   There are so many opportunities for families to unite, have fun together and explore a piece of paradise.    A fun, unique attraction is the Conch Farm  which is the only farm that raises conchs,  tour the Turks & Caicos Museum, go whale watching for the giant humpback whale, relaxing together on the white-sand beaches, swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving  as well as bird watching and enjoying beach barbecues.  Lots of fun in the sun!
• Bahamas:  As this popular family vacation destination is just a few short hours from the coast of Florida, your vacation travel budget can go far enabling you and your family to enjoy more fun together.  There are so many tours and activities available.  Some examples include dolphin encounters and swims, jet-ski adventures, kayaking trips, stingray encounters, parasailing, sunset cruises, snorkeling and scuba diving, native shows, biking tours, jeep tours, sub tours and glass bottom boat rides, fishing, sea lion encounters.  White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, ethnic cuisine and beautiful exotic flowers and warm climate all make this destination a fun and relaxing location to visit.
• Dominican Republic:  With at least 800 miles of coastline along the azure waters of the Caribbean sea located at the east end of the island of Hispaniola, Dominican Republic welcomes families who will find that the many all-inclusive resorts in the country are ideal for vacations.  Of course beach activities abound  with water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, river rafting, wake-boarding, water skiing, surfing and kite-boarding as well as day trips to visit the local national park, Ocean World Adventure Park for close-up encounters with dolphins, sharks and tigers,  horseback-riding and whale watching during the months of January through Mid-April.
• Kauai, Hawaii:  Kauai is the garden island in the Hawaiian chain.  You and your family will find an abundance of activities  that are family friendly.  There is so much to explore and do, for instance Hawaii Movie Tours, Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures, the South Pacific Dinner Show, Kauai Zip Line Adventure, dinner cruise, helicopter rides, Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum, Koke’e Natural History Museum, visit some of Kauaii’s nine amazing and varied state parks.  Hawaii’s temperate climate draws families to vacation there year-round.
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico:  Many exciting opportunities are available for your family to make memories together that will last a lifetime.  This area is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations where you can participate in a wealth of activities including day cruises, canopy tours,  relaxing on the warm beaches, horseback riding, sailing, mountain biking, hovercraft riding, an evening experiencing a true Mexican Fiesta, sea turtle encounter, sea kayaking, swimming with dolphins or sea lions, deep sea fishing or whale-watching.

Oh, and here’s a 2012 vacation fashion tip–bright hues are popular for those getaways right now.  Think clear, vibrant orange hues and striking bright pink shades. They will look beautiful with your sunless tan that you apply before you take off! Bon voyage!

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This time of year, even though it is fun and exciting, leaves most of us walking around feeling frazzled and sleep-deprived.  You have too much to do and just not enough time. Throw into the mix that you want to look glamorous for those multiple holiday parties you will be attending.  We have some answers for some common questions this time of year:

Q: I’ve had too many late nights recently and my complexion is looking a bit dull. How can I look like I’ve had an early night even though I haven’t? 

A: Add a hint of radiant light with glominerals Bronzers or Revision Intellishade. Apply these luminizers anywhere you want a subtle, natural glo that can instantly brighten your complexion. The perfect finishing touch! The Clarisonic is a great way to exfoliate your skin for a quick glow.

Q: I’ve got a few parties to go to in the coming week and I’m worried about oily shine ruining my makeup before the evening is over at these parties. How can I control the shine without caking on powder?

A: Dust your face with glominerals perfecting or finishing powder and finish with a spritz or two of hydration mist to set your makeup for the night. Tuck some oil blotting papers in your purse–these can be your best friend if you hope to avoid too much powder.

Q: I have quite a lot of larger, open pores.  Is there anything I can do to minimize my pores when I prepare for my holiday gatherings? I’m self-conscious about them. 

A: There are products available that will help reduce the appearance of larger pores.  One to check out would be SkinMedica’s Rejuvenation Toner or Obagi’s Pore Therapy.

Belladerm would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are here to help you find solutions for YOUR beauty questions.  Stop in or call us today!

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