"Tips For Soft, Sexy Looking Hair"

Want to see what I do to get my Hair Looking Soft and Luxurious? Is dull, dry, damaged hair getting you down? Then try my quick and easy tips for a more confident you. For .99¢ you can get my personal tips for great looking hair. So, don't wait one minute longer. Try my hair tips today!

July 29, 2011

Get Toned And Sexy, Flirty Skirt Worthy Legs

"Miniskirts are out in full force on the red carpet this season: Cameron Diaz showed off her mile-high legs at the "Bad Teacher" premiere; both a tanned Leighton Meester and a fair-skinned Emma Stone wore minidresses at the MTV Movie Awards; and Jennifer Aniston bared her enviably toned gams in a black leather mini at the London premiere of "Horrible Bosses.""

"To nail down a "sexy legs" routine that works fast, I consulted the experts behind some of the sexiest bodies in the world. From must-do exercises to the best shower, makeup, and fashion tips, follow their advice and you'll be ready to slip on that mini within a week. Yes, a week." From Total Beauty.com
Follow these 6 simple steps and your legs will be ready for show-and-tell in a week

How to Get Your Legs Summer Skirt Ready
This is a TotalBeauty.com workouts for women article
It's no secret that the miniskirt is making a comeback. So, when it's time for your pasty white legs to see the light of day, here are the tips you'll need to get your gams in shape.
July 28, 2011

Z Mei Shampoo And Conditioner Review

BRIT'S WHAT'S HOT AND NEW BEAUTY REVIEW
I was recently asked by Z Mei to try out their Nourishing & Revitalizing Shampoo and Hair Repair & Strengthening Conditioner here's what I found.

Like many women I consider my hair an investment.  Over the past 20 years I have spent much more money than I care to admit, to keep my golden locks beautiful.  Considering what I pay to have it colored, highlighted and cut is exactly why I CAREFULY choose which shampoos, conditioners and countless numbers of styling products that I use on my investment, I mean my hair.

The Z Mei Nourishing & Revitalizing Shampoo that I reviewed gently removes product build-up, dirt and oils without using synthetic detergents.  Rather it utilizes "botanical extracts and herbal nutrients" to cleanse and nourish your hair and scalp.  I found this shampoo to be very gentle on my color treated hair. I am a huge believer in that using shampoos that do not contain synthetic detergents is one of the best ways to protect your hair color against color fade.  After using the Z Mei Shampoo my hair was soft, bouncy and my color looked great. 

After shampooing I followed up with the Z Mei Hair Repair & Strengthening Conditioner.  This conditioner is formulated to repair the damage done to our hair from heat styling and coloring, leaving your hair healthier and more manageable. I found that this conditioner did a great job at smoothing and hydrating my stressed out strands and my blonde locks looked great! Just as a note, I always have a much harder time finding a good conditioner than shampoo because most conditioners leave my hair too flat and soft.  The Z Mei conditioner did a great job at conditioning my hair without leaving it so soft and flat that I couldn't do a thing with it. I also had my daughters try the Z Mei shampoo and conditioner on their non color treated, wavy- curly hair and they both loved how beautiful and healthy their hair looked and felt after using this shampoo and conditioner!    

For  more information on these products please visit their website ZMei.com

Official product information form Z Mei.com
"Using a carefully formulated blend of botanical extracts and herbal nutrients, Z Mei Nourishing & Revitalizing Shampoo removes dirt, oil and harmful styling agents without upsetting the delicate balance of the hair’s and skin’s own natural chemistry. Free of synthetic detergents and waxes and containing our proprietary Z Meizome Complex, this shampoo gently moisturizes the scalp while allowing skin pores to breathe and promote new cell growth. As a result, your hair’s own natural strength and beauty shine through."


"Z Mei Hair Repair & Strengthening Conditioner "is one of the most effective hair and scalp conditioning treatments you can find at any price. Containing our proprietary Z Meizome Complex of pure essential lipids that match your body’s own chemistry, Z Mei Conditioner penetrates and moisturizes hair and scalp while dramatically repairing the damage done by coloring and heat. Your hair is left more manageable, healthier right down to the individual shafts and follicles, better protected during styling and coloring, and visibly more luxurious."

Simple Solutions To Some Of Summer's Beauty Downers

"Are you as hot as I am? OK, OK, there's a good punch line in there somewhere but honestly, I'm in Indianapolis right now and this heat is beyond brutal. It's a good thing that I know a few "beat the heat secrets" (that I'm willing to share) or I'd be showing up for meetings and TV appearances looking less-than-lovely -- not a good career move for a beauty editor."

"The three summer beauty bummers that bug me most? Redness, puffiness, and dry, frizzy hair. And, here, as promised, is how to steer well clear of 'em..." From Total Beauty.com
Frizzy hair, puffy skin, and redness -- oh my! See how to fix these summer bummers fast

Get Rid of Summer Beauty Bummers
This is a TotalBeauty.com sun care article
We're enjoying the beach weekends and barbeques, but with the good comes the bad -- and sadly, summer's heat wreaks havoc on our skin and hair. Want to see our best tips for fighting these common summer beauty bummers? Check 'em out here.
July 27, 2011

Garnier Blow Dry Perfector Straightening Balm Review- July 2011

YOU'RE THE BALM!
The latest in your "at-home" line of defense against unwanted frizz and curls, the Garnier Blow Dry Perfector Straightening Balm and the Garnier Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist!  The newest editions to the Garnier Sleek & Shine family help to tame and straighten unruly waves and curls as well as protecting your hair against frizz and heat damage.  

HEAT SEEKERS
I really like using both of these products to help make my hair soft, smooth and straight.  The Blow Dry Perfector Straightening Balm helped to smooth my hair while leaving it super soft, shiny and frizz free.  Short on time when you are getting ready? Well, you're in luck because the Garnier Blow Dry Perfector Straightening Balm also helps to shorten blow dry time.


The Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist did an awesome job at protecting my hair against heat damage as well making my hair perfectly straight with the assistance of my flat iron. Both of these products contain hair lovin' Argan Oil that helps to nourish and protect your hair against heat damage. Please let me know what you think of these new products.  Till then!  B.

Garnier Blow Dry Perfector Straightening Balm Product Details From Garnier.com
"This powerful straightening balm with argan oil from Morocco makes it easier to blow dry your hair, while creating a weightless, humidity-resistant barrier to frizz for lasting smoothness and shine."

Garnier Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist
"This powerful straightening mist with argan oil from Morocco protects your hair from the heat of your flat iron, while sealing in smoothness and shine for a lasting, sleek finish."

The 8 Shocking Skin Care Sins That Are Ruining Your Complexion

"We don't know about you, but if we hear the same-old skin care tips one more time (you know -- wear sunscreen, have a derm check your moles once a year, exfoliate twice a week), we're going to scream."

"We all know about these often-repeated good skin care habits we need to follow for a perfect, glowing complexion. And as beauty veterans, we're even familiar with the more obscure tips, like patting your moisturizer into your skin instead of rubbing it, or applying urine on your face to fight acne (which is so false BTW)."

"And even we were surprised -- no, shocked -- by these skin sins everyone commits, including us." From Total Beauty.com
These 8 common habits could be keeping you from the clear, perfect skin of your dreams

8 Skin Sins You Didn't Know You Were Committing
This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article
We all know how bad sunbathing is for your skin and how going to sleep without washing your face is killer for your pores. But you'll be shocked by these 8 common skin care habits that are ruining your complexion.
July 26, 2011

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Limited Edition Tubes - July 2011

Great just got a whole lot greater! Maybelline Great Lash Mascara has recently gotten a makeover. In honor of celebrating their 40th year of helping women create fantastic looking lashes, Maybelline is giving its Great Lash Mascara a fresh new look. The mascara that we all love has had it's iconic pink and green tube embellished with hot new designs from designers Max Azria, Tracy Reese and Vivienee Tam.  These limited edition tubes designs include black lace, graphic floral design and a Chinese symbol for "lash".
I loves the edgy, sexy feel that these designs lend to the Great Lash Mascara Tubes.   Each tube still contains the same fabulous mascara formula that many women cannot live without!  These limited edition tubes will be available at Target in September so, check them out for yourself and let me know which design is your fave.  Till then!  B.

Brit's Borrowed  Beauty Bit
Did you know that "Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara sells one tube every 1.7 seconds in the U.S?"  That's a whole lot of happy lashes out there!

The Quick Fixes You Need To Repair Your Beauty Emergencies - July 2011

"After all the time you spend primping in front of your bathroom mirror, it can be frustrating when you realize your perfectly powdered nose has become an oily t-zone that could use its own road sign (Warning, slippery nose ahead!). Or your expertly curled "beachy" waves have turned into a frizzy beehive. Or your freshly manicured nails start to chip and break."

"Drooping eyelashes, greasy roots, a random bug bite on your face -- we've all been caught with a beauty emergency when we don't have our go-to hair care and makeup kits by our side."

"And while beauty catastrophes like these may not be avoidable, you can be prepared. We're not suggesting you try to shove the contents of your vanity table into your cute little clutch. Instead, we're going to give you crafty beauty tips that show you how to use everyday objects -- ones you can find on the fly -- to fix even your biggest beauty emergencies." From Total Beauty.com
Because you can't stash all of your go-to products in your cute little clutch, here's how to handle beauty dilemmas on the go

Solve Hair and Makeup Emergencies with Everyday Items
This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article
Have you ever been out and about when you decide to open a diet coke can and your nail wantonly snaps right off? When you're in a beauty emergency but your nail file, hairspray, and other beauty saviors are out of reach, look for these crafty objects that'll get the job done.
July 25, 2011

Skintimate Shaving Gel - Limited Edition Mara Hoffman Review

Skintimate has teamed up with fashion designer Mara Hoffman to create a set of limited edition designer cans that you won't be able to resist! The set boasts 4 new beautifully designed cans that contain Skintimate's signature scents like Strawberry Tangerine Twist™, Raspberry Rain®, Flirty Mango—and Skintimate® Skin Therapy Dry Skin Shave Gel. I recently received from Lippe Taylor a complimentary sample of the new Mara Hoffman limited edition Skintimate Skin Therapy Dry Skin Shaving Gel and I have to admit that the can does look awfully cute sitting in my shower. Now, while these bottles are very eye catching, I found them to be more than "just a pretty face". I loved how soft, smooth and sexy my legs looked and felt after shaving them with the Skintimate Shaving Gel!

I have learned that when I used a well known shaving product like the Skintimate Shaving Gel I got better results then I did when I used a no name brand. I found that I went all "cheapy" and bought a generic shaving gel I had the WORST case of nicks, razor burn and dry flaky skin.  I figured "It's just shaving gel , how bad can the no-name brand be?"  Well, I learned quickly that it is much better for my skin if I go with a name brand shaving gel like the Skintimate if I want soft, smooth legs!  I found the Skintimate Shaving Gel to be a rich, luxurious creamy shaving gel that soften and protected my skin from the drying effects shaving. I love that I can get beautifully soft legs from a beautiful looking designer bottle minus the designer price tag!  Please let me know which design is your favorite.  Till then!  B!



Skintimate Teams Up with Mara Hoffman! Product info from Skintimate.com
"Skintimate believes that every woman deserves a chance to follow her passion—that's why we created the Skintimate® Studios program featuring Mara Hoffman. Mara is so supportive; she even agreed to partner with Skintimate to create a set of limited-edition cans, to add a little extra flair to your daily routine!"

"Look for one of Mara Hoffman's limited-edition cans today at a store near you!"

"Available in:
Skintimate® Signature Scents™ Strawberry Tangerine Twist™, Raspberry Rain®, Flirty Mango—and Skintimate® Skin Therapy Dry Skin Shave Gel"

"Explore our full line of moisturizing shave gels and creams that can help give you a little "leg up" in the morning."

Learn How To Get A Braided Celebrity Hairstyle For Yourself!

"I love -- repeat, love -- braided hairstyles. They're so perfect for summer, especially if you're trying to not wash your hair every day (which is hard but SO much better for your hair). When I see celebrities like Jessica Alba and Sienna Miller wearing unique braids, I immediately want to recreate them on myself. The hitch? I have always been a terrible self-braider."

"Thank goodness a visit to Nine Zero Salon in West Hollywood, Calif., where you can get a super-stylish braid done at their braid bar (for as little as $25!) recently burst my no-can-do bubble. I was so inspired by their signature braids, I had to ask how to do them. Fortunately, Nine Zero One Salon celebrity stylists Florido Basallo and Amber Maynard were more than happy to demonstrate the steps."

"I was also able to get braiding tips from celebrity stylist Marcus Francis, who caused a hubbub with the gorgeous braided style he did for Bryce Dallas Howard at the Cannes Film Festival. And after soaking in all this advice, I had a revelation: Those intimidating celebrity braids aren't so hard to do after all. In fact, with a little practice, you can probably do them with your eyes closed." From Total Beauty.com
This hot trend is here to stay -- see how to wear your own unique braid now

8 Gorgeous Celeb Braids and How to Get Them
This is a TotalBeauty.com celebrity hairstyles article
We took a visit to Nine Zero Salon in West Hollywood and although we're not too inept in the braiding department, these gorgeous looks blew our minds. The salon's stylists showed us exactly how to do these braids for ourselves. Want to see?
July 24, 2011

16 Best Night Creams You Have Got To Check Out For Seriously Beautiful skin

"Slathering on a quality night cream before you go to sleep can lead to clearer, smoother, glowy-er (so a word) skin. And all you have to do is sleep to make it happen -- doesn't get much easier than that."

"So how do you find the right one for you? Start with these night cream reviews. Our readers have tried more than their fair share of face creams and reported back to us on which picks are anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, even anti-acne (spoiler alert: the no. 1 rated cream is all three). Now all you have to do is read their reviews and decide which of the many fantastic options out there you want to try first." From Total Beauty.com
Beauty sleep is taken to a whole new level with these amazing finds

16 Best Night Creams for Better Skin
This is a TotalBeauty.com best and worst skin care products article
Remember when we used to believe that magical things happened at night? When fairies leave money under your pillow and Santa comes down the chimney and leaves a ton of presents? Here's some great news: Magic still does happen at night -- if you use the right night cream. Readers say these are the best.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.5

No. 16: Murad Essential-C Night Moisture, $58
"My skin texture and firmness have really noticeably improved."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.5

No. 15: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $19.92
"Not Botox, but I did notice a reduction in wrinkles and dark circles."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.5

No. 14: Olay Night of Olay Firming Cream, $6.99
"My sis-in-law told me it looked like I lost weight in my face. I didn't -- it was this firming cream that tightened it up and made my face look thinner."
July 23, 2011

STRESS BUSTERS THAT WILL HELP MAKE YOU FEEL AND LOOK YOUNGER

When it comes to women and stress, it "can cause your skin to have breakouts. It can make you eat too much or not eat enough. It can make you pull out your hair -- almost literally -- and can even cause you to pick at your nails and skin. When we're stressed, we start to behave in often unhealthy ways." That being said, there are things you can do -- at home, in your own space and time -- to minimize the internal and external affects of daily damners (AKA: stress).

You can keep your skin and hair from feeling the pain from your stress, as well as clear your mind and spirit from the sorrow it can often bring. "Stress is a normal, common issue for all of us. But you can work through your stress in a sane and healthful way with the right know how and [by] taking some initiative," explains Robbins.

6 Stress Busters That'll Make You Look Younger

There's nothing like feeling crazed to make you look, well, old. Here's how to avoid that nasty side effect to stress

6 Stress Busters That'll Make You Look Younger

This is a TotalBeauty.com women and stress article

As if the job, bills, family demands, and everything else that gets us feeling frazzled to begin with weren't enough, stress also manifests in our skin and health. That's why these 6 stress busters are so essential. They'll help calm your anxiety and make you look years younger. We swear.

De-stress now

July 22, 2011

Fast Food That Is Good For Your Skin -WHAT? 7/22/2011

Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming! It seems that one of my wildest wishes may have just come true. My dream that one day fast food that tastes AMAZING will have positive benefits for my skin may not be such a crazy idea after all.
From Total Beauty.com -"We don't live in a perfect world where you always have the time, money, and willpower to drink organic spinach/wild salmon/sweet potato smoothies all day. Fast food is, well, fast -- one of the reasons why we love it. And if you're crazy busy with a million things on your metaphorical plate, then your dinner has likely, on occasion, come in a cardboard box with no real plate in sight."

"So what, are we smoking crack and telling you all your excuses for eating fast food are fine and you shouldn't worry about the damage it could be doing to your skin, not to mention your overall health? Of course not. But we are telling you that if you have to, or want to eat fast food, at least make choices that are better for your skin than the rest (and don't worry, we didn’t just pick salads from every menu). To help you navigate the fast food menu, we spoke to Jim White, R.D., a registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokesperson, to find out which options to pick at some of your favorite fast food joints."

No, we're not talking about those fatty, double dipped hash browns. But there are healthy options at fast food chains. See the best picks now

Fast Food That's Good for Your Skin
This is a TotalBeauty.com healthy skin diets article
Sounds like an oxymoron right? In our society, fast food means "unhealthy," "bad," or even "this is why you're fat." But there are good choices -- even ones that have big benefits for your skin. You just need to know which dishes to choose. See 'em here.
July 21, 2011

Finally Get Flaunt Worthy Soft, Smooth, Sexy Feet - Emjoi Micro-Pedi Review 7/21/2011

Have you ever spent a day in flip flops or walked through the rough sand at the beach barefoot and at the end of your day you realized that your feet are a dry, cracked mess? So, before going to bed you take a shower, moisturize your feet, slip into bed and suddenly feel your dry feet scratching against the sheets?  I HATE that feeling!  It's GROSS I know, but it happens to the best of us.  So, in order to help others get sexy, smooth soft feet, I wanted to share my experience with a new home pedicure product that I received from Lipton Publicity.

I had the chance to try out the new Emjoi Micro-Pedi that helps to quickly smooth away the rough, dry, callused areas on the soles of your feet.  The Emjoi Micro-Pedi is a battery operated, motorized product that effortlessly removes stubborn dry patches on your feet, giving you back the soft smooth feet you once had. At first glance it looks like an electric shaver and actually and it handles in the same "easy to use" kind of way.  Simply turn it on and run the exfoliating rollers over your feet to remove the dry skin.  The Emjoi Micro-Pedi comes with 2 exfoliating rollers, one coarse and the other is extra coarse so you can decide which level of "exfoliating" your feet require. There is no rubbing or scrubbing involved with sharp metal scrapper blades that can nick or cut your skin and I found that this product did a much more effective job at removing dry skin than my pumice or loofahs did.  

The Emjoi Micro-Pedi is a convenient, quick and painless way to get a professional looking foot treatment anytime you want one.  Plus it keeps my feet in tip top, sandal ready condition at all times!  For more information on this product please check them out at http://www.emjoi.com/

The Hottest Hairstyles for Your 30's

"Your 30s can be weird. You've grown out of those wild, try anything, up all night times of your 20s (you have, right?), but you're not quite ready to sit at home with a PBS special and a mug of chamomile tea. What you're really after is something in the middle -- a fun evening with friends with a dash of adventure, but without the mysterious "bar bruises" and a wicked hangover."

"It's the same thing with your hair. In your 30s you need a hairstyle you can still have some fun with, but you can't get away with some of the, uh, experimental styles you had in your 20s."

"Rest assured that you don't need to chop off all your hair into a "sensible" cut the moment the clock strikes midnight on your 30th birthday. Instead, try one of the fun, chic, and easy-to-wear hairstyles in this roundup and follow the advice we got from Mika Fowler, a stylist at the Gavert Atelier Salon in Beverly Hills, Calif. As long as you also steer clear of the major hair mistakes Fowler filled us in on as well, it'll be smooth sailing until your next milestone birthday. And don't worry, we have hair dos and don'ts for your 40s too." From Total Beauty.com

The wrong cut can make you look matronly -- or like you're trying too hard. Here, the hairstyle dos and don'ts once you reach your third decade

The Best Hairstyles for Your 30s
This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article
OK, so you're not exactly old, but the carefree days (and looks) of your 20s are gone. With those beer-guzzling and shameless sun-tanning days behind you, it's time to match your hairstyle to your age. Find inspiration in these celebrity dos and don'ts to find a look that's cute and age appropriate.
July 20, 2011

The Answer To Why We All Are Beauty Junkies 7//20/2011

"Ever wonder why you walk into Sephora on a mission -- say, to find a new signature scent -- and walk out $127 poorer because you couldn't resist also picking up a skin-clearing face serum and lash-boosting mascara? You probably chalk your unexpected purchases up to the fact that you're a bona fide beauty junkie. That's what we do."

"At least, that's what we did until we met Ben Bennett, founder and creative director of Hatch Beauty, a Los Angeles-based branding, packaging, and product development company. Bennett has spent years in the beauty biz as the creative mastermind behind top cosmetics, skin care, and fragrance companies, so he knows a thing or two about the tactics manufacturers use to lure us in to buy beauty products we don't really need." Click on the link to see how companies get us to buy more beauty products.
Cosmetics companies employ these 9 tricks to sucker you into spending your hard-earned cash on products you don't need. See them now

9 Industry Secrets That Get You to Buy Beauty Products
This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty products article
Ever walk down the drugstore makeup aisle or through Sephora to restock on moisturizer when a flash of pink and orange sparkly goodness catches your eye? Suddenly you're at the cash register with a new lipstick, blush, and a limited edition eyeliner set -- without your moisturizer. These products caught your eye for good reason. Here's why.
July 19, 2011

Stila Cosmetics Natural Eye Shadow Palette -My New Summer Crush

I have a new "beauty crush" and I just had to share my latest love with all of you! I recently ran across the Stila Natural Eye Shadow Palette and it was love at first sight!  Have you checked it out yet? This palette contains the most beautiful and totally wearable collection of shadows that I have seen in a long time. Every color you want to give you the perfect natural but sexy looking eye is included in this palette. Not only does this palette have "good looks" but these shadows are a cinch to work with and can  be used wet or dry. The Stila Natural Eye Shadow Palette also includes a matte chocolate brown Smudge Sick Waterproof Eye Liner that helps put the finishing touches on your new sexy eyes!  My favorite shades include "Kitten", "Bubbly" and "Sandstone".  Check them out for yourself and let me know what you think of my new "crush".  Till then!  B.


Product details and picture from Stila.com
"The new Natural Eye Shadow Palette is a beautiful collection of Stila's award-winning eye shadows in wearable, neutral shades for every skintone that can be worn wet or dry."


"The palette also includes an exclusive Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel, a matte chocolate brown, and an 6-page lookbook with detailed how-to tips and tricks.'
Shades include:

- Bare - matte ivory shade

- Kitten

- Bliss - matte beige pink

- Sunset - shimmery canyon pink

- Sandstone - matte light coco

- Bubbly - shimmery pale gold

- Gilded Gold - golden brown with shimmer

- Luster - dark aubergine with gold shimmer

- Night Sky - blue with shimmer

- Ebony - black

BONUS: Palette also includes an exclusive Smudge Stick shade in Damsel, a matte brown.

The Hottest Perfumes For Summer

Still looking for your signature summer scent? Try checking out these summer perfume "hotties" from Total Beauty.com - "Summer is known for its fragrance -- and when we think fragrance, we think perfume.This season not only offers up glorious earthy smells, it also brings a fresh crop of designer perfumes that are perfectly lighter and more whimsical than the heavier scents of fall and winter. And just as you swap your wardrobe for lighter clothing when the temperature soars, you should do the same with your perfume."

"But finding your new signature summer scent takes work -- and you know what they say about summertime being easy living. Who wants to spend precious beach time in Sephora, sniffing the perfumes that line the perimeter of the store? Here's a little secret: To find a summer scent that speaks to you, choose one that's similar to the way you like to smell throughout the rest of the year." From Total Beauty.com
A one-stop guide to finding your perfect summer scent -- no dealing with pushy salesladies or spending hours in Sephora required

Your Perfect Summer Perfume
This is a TotalBeauty.com perfume article
There's something about summer that makes us want to switch to a scent that's a bit lighter and fresher than what we wear in the fall and winter. But trying to find a new perfume that's right for you can be like looking for a needle in a haystack -- until now.
July 18, 2011

BEST TONERS FOR DRY SENSITIVE SKIN, BEST ASTRINGENTS FOR OILY SKIN 7-18-2011

If you're looking to add a toner or astringent to your skin care routine, it's crucial to find one that'll work best with your skin type. So keep these tips in mind:

• Have oily or combination skin? Use an astringent. These work best when it comes to removing excess oil. Astringents have ingredients such as alcohol, witch hazel, or acids (like salicylic acid) that help reduce oil production and fight acne. Using an astringent is critical for oily skin as it helps "clean and tighten your pores, making it harder for debris and dirt to penetrate your skin and cause irritation or breakouts".

• Have dry or sensitive skin? Use an alcohol-free toner. Those with dry skin should avoid using astringents or toners that have retinols, glycolics, or benzoyl peroxide in them. These will be "too drying and may even cause the skin to breakout," says Newman. Instead, look for one that is water-based and has ingredients like rosewater or chamomile extracts, and vitamin B derivatives like panthenol, which help lock in moisture and prevent makeup from looking cakey. To get information on some great products follow Best Toners & Astringents.

There are derms who say that you need to tone your skin and those who argue that you don't. Find out whether you really need it now.
Best Toners & Astringents for Your Skin
This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article
Confused by the conflicting messages about whether or not you need a toner or astringent? We got to the bottom of the opposing arguments to get a final verdict and rounded up the absolute best products in the category. Find out what we discovered now.
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8

No. 22 Sea Breeze Deep-Clean Astringent Actives, $4.99
"It removes grime that doesn't come off with any makeup remover, soap, or cleanser I've tried and keeps skin smooth, glowing, and dewy."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.1

No. 21: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, $7.99
"This gentle toner works with my complicated skin like a seasoned therapist."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3

No. 20: Biore Triple Action Astringent, $7.49
"I have unbalanced skin, and this [astringent] moisturizes the dry spots and dries the oily spots."