My Experience with the Foreo LUNA Mini

I've got to be honest...when I was first handed the Foreo LUNA Mini I was bewildered by it's appearance. I had no idea what it was for or what I was supposed to be doing with it. Now that I've been using it for two weeks, I'm hooked. Read on to find out why!

What It Is & Why It's So Awesome

The LUNA Mini is a ergonomic, deep-cleansing facial device that fits in the palm of your hand. This device deep cleans your face without being too harsh, so it's great for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.

Like the LUNA, this compact version offers T-Sonic technology, which stands for "transdermal sonic". The LUNA Mini delivers 8,000 pulsations per minute. Unlike standard oscillation, transdermal sonic pulsations gently stimulate blood flow beneath the skin’s surface, cleansing from the inside out and smoothing away the signs of aging. It's basically massaging your skin to a cleaner, healthier state!

Since the LUNA devices are made of quick-drying, nonporous silicone that resists bacteria buildup, they are 35 times more hygienic than your standard bristled facial-cleansing brushes. The rounded silicone touch-points glide across the face, making it gentle enough for daily use and delivering nonabrasive, extra-gentle cleansing that feels amazing on the skin. Like, REALLY amazing!

How To Use It

When I first started using this device, I admittedly did not read the complete instructions. You're actually only supposed to use the device for one minute. The device powers off after three minutes to prevent overuse... I just thought that my minute long facial cleanse took FOREVER!

There is a built in timer that pauses the pulsations every fifteen seconds to indicate when you should move to another area of your face. When the minute is up, the pulsations will pause and the bottom of the device will flash three times in succession to signify the end of your cleansing routine. 

The LUNA Mini offers two intensity modes. If you press the center button once, you'll be in "high-intensity mode". If you press the center button twice, you'll be in "low-intensity mode". I've been using "high-intensity mode" because it feels like a facial massage to me, rather than a daily chore!

Now that you know a little bit more about the device, it's time to get started:

1. First things first, wet your face and apply your favorite cleanser. You can use any facial cleanser with the LUNA Mini, but to keep your device in optimal condition, avoid using clay-based, silicone-based or grainy cleansers as they may damage the silicone touch-points. It's also STRONGLY ADVISED that you DO NOT use cleansing oils with the LUNA devices because they will damage the silicone.

2. Wet the device and turn it on by pressing the center button. It's completely waterproof, including the charging point, so you don't have to worry about keeping water out of that hole. For the first week of use, I didn't know this and was super paranoid about breaking the device by getting water in it. I was cleansing with my finger over the charging point until I found this helpful hint out! 

3. As soon as you've selected the desired intensity, gently move the LUNA Mini in circular motions over your face for one minute. When the minute is over, simply power off by pressing the center button again, and then rinse your face. 

4. That's it, you're done.

Results

The LUNA Mini boasts that just one minute, twice a day, will visibly improve your complexion in three days. Blemish-causing impurities are gently cleansed away, which will not only improve the absorption of your other skincare products, but leave your skin looking clearer, healthier and glowing. 

I can personally agree with these statements. After the first use, I was already raving about it! My skin felt so soft and clean. Now that I've used it for two weeks, I can definitely say that my skin is feeling and looking much healthier. I've noticed less breakouts, practically no pore buildup, and yes...my skin is glowing! I recently visited my esthetician and she even commented on how great my skin was doing! Beautiful skin may come naturally to some, but for most, it takes care and commitment to get there. The LUNA Mini is definitely helping me get there!

Until next time, 

♥

Kimberly

Have you ever used a LUNA device? How does your experience compare? We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions or comments for us, please contact us at customerservice@beautystoredepot.com or give us a call at 1-800-926-5219.

Halloween Makeup

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and ghouls, Halloween is upon us!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because no matter how old you are, you get to play dress-up! Aside from costume apparel, you can also do some amazingly fun things with makeup. Read on for some easy Halloween ideas!

Pop Art

Pop Art was a huge art movement in the late 50's and early 60's. The past few years we've seen pop art inspired costumes, which feature red or white dots, as well as exaggerated features and period specific clothing. Give this look a try with Luna Star Face Paint Sticks! They come in a variety of different colors and are a non-toxic, hypoallergenic alternative to traditional face paint.

Vampy Lips

Vampires (costume or otherwise) are notorious for having deep, vampy, red lips. Enhance your spookiness with a wine colored lip like Pur Minerals Lipstick in Jezebel or gloMinerals Lipstick in Cabaret. Fake blood optional ;)

Shimmer Queen

Glitter! Whether it's a key element of your costume, or you just want to add some shine, shimmer it up! I'm a personal fan of the gloMinerals Body Glisten, but one glitter product is never enough! Glitz up your outfit with some Diva Chics Hair & Body Glitter. It's available in five different sparkling shades, so you're bound to find one that meshes well with your costume. For your eyes, try out the Osmosis Colour Gem Watercolors, or for a more subtle shine, go for a gloMinerals Jeweled Eye Pencil.

Princesses & Tigers

Whether you've got a pretty little fairy or a ferocious beast on your hands , you'll love the Luna Star Naturals line. It's created by a mother of two, who had the well-being of children in mind! This play makeup is made entirely with natural, non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials. Extra Bonus: It's not just for kids, mommy and daddy can enhance their costumes with it too!


Iconic Makeup

From cat eyes to exaggerated lashes, and everything in between, perhaps you'd like to try a famous look out this Halloween! Get Inspiration from your favorite artist, movie, or time period! Makeup on Halloween can be like MAGIC!

Whatever you decide to do this Halloween, make it a fun one! Don't be afraid to get creative. If you still need help getting your costume together, or if you just want to share your Halloween ideas with us, please contact us at customerservice@beautystoredepot.com.

NuFACE Holiday Collection

We're almost through with October and you know what that means...the Holiday Season is right around the corner! Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Holiday Festivities galore! 'Tis the season for beautiful skin! NuFACE has developed two beautiful limited edition devices for this season! Both are centered around luxury and timeless beauty. 

There's the NuFACE Mini in White Rose, which is a fancy play on the original white, with 18K rose gold coated spheres. For the ultimate device of decadence, check out the Chic Black Trinity, complete with 22K gold coated spheres and a sequined travel bag that can easily be transformed into a clutch to accompany you on your night out celebrating the fantastic season. Both devices are clinically tested* to improve your facial contours, reduce your wrinkles and perfect your skin tone in as little as 5 minutes a day. With one of these devices, you'll be sure to impress the in-laws, rekindle the sparks of an old flame, or simply show-off how you've shrugged the years off and ended this one with effortless style and grace. Great gifts for yourself or for loved ones that are looking to tone their facial features and put their best face forward! Who doesn't love gold? Whether it be 22K Gold on top of a sleek black device, or 18K Rose Gold on a slender mini device, you'll be sure to be a hit this season with one of the luxurious holiday NuFACE devices! 

Enough about these gorgeous limited edition devices! Let's get down to why NuFACE should be in your life. NuFACE is focused on transforming the way patients approach skin care by delivering clinically proven, non-invasive devices for ideal skin health. NuFACE was created so that men and women alike would have the tools to look better, allowing them to put their best face forward.  NuFACE sets itself apart in skincare devices with their innovative, easy-to-use microcurrent technology that you can use in the privacy of your own home.  Starting with the classic units, NuFACE's best-selling product is now the NuFACE Trinity, which is the only FDA-cleared, handheld facial toning device with clinically proven results. The microcurrent technology of NuFACE is clinically proven to improve facial contour, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone.  It is commonly referred to as the "5 Minute Face-Lift," due to its superior results.  Not only will the device tone your facial muscles, it will also encourage your skin care serums to penetrate up to 40% deeper for increased effectiveness.

Microcurrent is one of the hottest innovations in the anti-aging industry and is used in top spas and medical offices for facial contouring, toning and firming of aging skin. Microcurrent is a low-level current that mimics the body’s natural current and can provide both instant and cumulative results. Because microcurrent works sub-sensory, the treatment is soothing and most clients feel nothing at all.

If you're still a little frightened at the thought of shocking your face into perfection, don't be! Three of our staff members had the chance to recently take a NuFACE device home for a spin and they had nothing but good things to say! Word of advice: Don't forget the gel primer! The primer protects you from feeling any sort of jolt. For the best results, it's recommended that you complete your microcurrent treatment 5 days a week for 60 days.

*The ENGAGE Clinical Study was an independent study that evaluated the efficacy of the NuFACE Trinity Device with Facial Trainer attachment to improve facial contour, skin tone and wrinkle reduction.
The results are in:
85% of users experienced improvements in facial contour*
80% of users said their skin felt smoother*
77% of users reported their face looked more toned*
73% of users experienced improvements in skin tone**

Do you have a love story about your NuFACE device? Perhaps you just need a little more information before choosing the right device for you? We'd love to hear from you! Please contact us at customerservice@beautystoredepot.com or visit our NuFACE Brand Page to see all the devices and accessories that we have to offer.

Handy Suggestions

Your hands can say a lot about you. They can hint at your age, your marital status, your cleanliness and even your overall state of health. Rather than let your hands make a bad impression, read on for some tips on how to obtain beautiful, healthy hands!

Keep 'em Clean

By now, washing your hands should be a no-brainer. Keeping your hands clean not only helps stop the spread of germs, but also helps you avoid getting sick. In addition to washing your hands, try a hand scrub in order to exfoliate dead skin cells and increase circulation. 

Resist

Nail biting and nail picking not only leaves your hands looking cracked and battered, but these pesky habits can also lead to infection and disease. Try coating your nails with a particularly bitter-tasting polish, or trimming them short in order to remove the temptation. If you still find yourself picking and biting at your nails, you may want to try a stress relieving exercise, such as yoga or meditation. 

Moisturize

Applying a hand cream is one of the beast things that you can do for your hands. When using the hand cream, don't forget to rub it into your nails and cuticles. To make your hands look more youthful and soft, look for a hand cream with sodium hyaluronate, like the Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Hand And Nail Treatment. 

Shape

When filing your nails, file in one direction and round the tip slightly. Pay special attention to your cuticles. Rather than cut them, which puts you at risk for infection, push them back gently after moisturizing to maximize the appearance of your nails. 

Decorate

Prior to selecting the perfect shade, you'll want to put two coats of base coat. The first coat should focus on the top half of your nail, while the second coat covers your whole nail. After letting that dry, apply a few coats of your favorite polish and allow your nails to dry. It may seem like overkill, but your nail color will last a lot longer and shine a lot brighter if you apply a clear top coat.

Maintain

Whether you’re a salon junkie or the DIY type, remember to keep up the good work. Start by giving yourself a manicure every two weeks and alter your routine from there. Remember, healthy hands are beautiful hands! 

Do you have any nail tips that you'd love to share? We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions or comments please contact us at customerservice@beautystoredepot.com

Decade of Decadence: A Perfect 10

 

As many of you know, we celebrated our ten year anniversary throughout the month of September with massive sales, gifts and a PARTY! It was a blast. 

We had a great turnout, lots of local customers, new customers and community support. Cielo on South Lamar was fantastic, donating a beautiful venue for the party with tons of room and a great bar to showcase our fearless leader (and his mixing skills!)

We had a Mustache Bar for the gentlemen where they could try out some of our men’s facial products, a DJ for the dance-inclined, and plenty of photo opportunities for our lovely attendees.

With some party-specific deals, Kimberly took a shift managing our little pop-up shop looking as stunning as ever!

Representatives from some of our most popular lines were present, including iS Clinical, Osmosis, EltaMD, G.M. Collin and Dermalogica. They were there to chat, demonstrate their excellent products, and pose for pretty pictures, of course!

Most importantly, our event managed to raise over $1000 for Austin’s Dress for Success, an organization that we believe in and support wholeheartedly. It was a pleasure and an honor to have Judy Chambers, the Executive Director of the Austin chapter of this national organization, join us herself. The difference she is making every day is immeasurable, her poise undeniable.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to have spoken with her, even briefly, and to have been some small part of the admirable work she does. 

All in all, the night was a roaring success. Much like the last ten years, that success is all due to YOU, and we cannot thank you enough.

Here’s to another ten years of beauty, deals and a little bit of decadence… ♥♥♥