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Lifestyle

Spotlyte: Is LED Skincare the Secret to Firm, Clear Skin? We Investigate Featuring Gina Rivera

March 16, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

Skincare gadgets are having a moment — and they’re becoming increasingly galactic-looking.  Full-on light up face masks, like the Dr. Dennis Gross® Spectralite® Skincare Pro ($435), make users look like they stepped out of a Star Wars® set, not a Sephora®. And respected drugstore brands are in on the seemingly far-out trend, too — just look at the Neutrogena® Light Therapy Acne Treatment ($38).Courtesy

One thing many of these techy skincare tools have in common is LED. Recently, the category has expanded to infinity and beyond, including full-coverage masks, targeted wands, and even hair tools. Despite its abundance, LED can still seem somewhat nebulous. Even the most skincare savvy among us might still be in the dark about what, exactly, LED is — and what it can actually treat.

As it turns out, the answer is a heck of a lot: “LED light has been proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and [skin tone],” says Victoria Lewis, Medical Aesthetician at Tribeca MedSpa™. “It is also good for rejuvenating the youthful glow of the skin and brightening the skin.” To top it all off, LED treatment is non-invasive and completely painless.

What is LED light?

“LED stands for light-emitting diodes,” explains Gina Rivera, founder of Phenix Salon Suites™ and By Gina® (which sells hair tools with LED light). These wavelengths generate heat, which in turn breathes a sort of energetic life, if you will, into skin cells. In science-speak: the energy spurs the skin cells to generate ATP production, which ultimately triggers fibroblasts to produce collagen, Dr. Gross previously told Spotlyte™.

According to Dr. Maryam Zamani, founder of MZ Skin® and creator of the Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device ($625), “There are receptors within the skin that will respond to the LED light to replenish and boost skin cell turnover.”

It all sounds rather futuristic, but the skin-supporting benefits of LED have been known for a few decades — almost 30 years, says Zamani. “These LED treatments were originally developed for astronauts to help with tissue healing and repair,” she adds.

But you don’t have to be an interstellar explorer to reap the rewards. In fact, almost anyone (regardless of skin type) can benefit from LED light therapy, Zamani says.

Are there different kinds of LED light?

Depending on the skin issue you’re treating, you’ll benefit from a specific wavelength. These wavelengths produce varying colors and address different concerns:

Red Light: “Red LED light therapy stimulates cellular activity, and is used to trigger healing and produce collagen. Red light helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, combats sun damage, reduces stretch marks, and deals with redness,” Lewis says.

Blue Light: “Blue LED therapy can be used to kill bacteria that causes acne,” Lewis notes. This wavelength does not sink as deeply into the skin as red does. Instead, it targets the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, to prohibit generation of acne bacteria, adds Kyunghee Kang, LeBody USA expert.

Yellow Light: “This has been clinically proven to increase the overall health of the skin,” says Lewis. “Yellow light addresses skin problems, helps rejuvenate the skin, hastens wound healing, improves blood circulation to the skin tissues, and reduces signs of aging like fine lines or wrinkles.” Additionally, yellow soothes the skin from sensitivity and redness, adds Zamani.

Luckily, any professional LED device — as well as most at-home tools — allows you to toggle between the different wavelengths. This helps you address a range of skin concerns (and have fun while doing it).

How often do I need to get LED treatments?

As with many beauty treatments, consistency is key: you won’t necessarily see instant results from one session with LED. You’ll need to use an at-home LED device frequently — around 15 to 20 minutes every day.

For professional LED treatments, the number of sessions required depends on your specific skin concern. Ultimately, it is less time-intensive than at-home devices because the lights are medical strength. But if trekking all the way to a pro’s office seems a burden, an at-home version might be a better option. “It is difficult to find time for frequent in-clinic appointments and it is so much easier to find 15 to 20 minutes at home to give yourself the gift of glowing skin,” Zamani points out.

Product prices may vary from the time this article was written.

Allergan® may receive commission for purchases made through links in this article.

Credit: https://thespotlyte.com/1122419/led-light-therapy-skincare-devices-benefits

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Skin Care

Christabelle’s Closet: Editor Faves: Spring into Spring with Better Hair featuring By Gina Tools

March 15, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

Your Scalp Will Serenade You With Love Songs

With spring around the corner, make sure you have the best (and healthiest) hair possible with these three hair perfectors!

Tools of the Trade:  Protect that scalp from the drying winter air with NEW By Gina Excel Infared Blow Dryer: Engineered using exclusive infrared Smart technology. Introduces a new way to dry hair with steam heat coupled with Ionic technology. The Excel Infrared Blow Dryer efficiently dries each strand, and by limiting heat exposure it produces negative ions to limit frizz and infuses each strand with moisture to recondition hair.

Must-Use Hair Oil: Rich Hair Care Silk Oil Serum: Your INSTANT Hair Hydrator, Organic jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and olive oil lock-in moisture, while leaving hair silky smooth. This serum is ideal for those who brush their hair a lot as it reduces friction that can cause hair to break. It also smooths the hair cuticle and helps prevent knots. $12.99

Mask it up! Evolis Professional Reverse Treatment Mask. This mask conditions thirsty strands and enriches hair with a boost of antioxidants, restoring life. The REVERSE Mask enhances hair suppleness and protects against damage, while increasing shine and volume. $40

Credit:  https://www.christabellescloset.com/editor-faves-spring-into-spring-with-better-hair/

Filed Under: Hair Care, Lifestyle

Fashion & Style: Gina Rivera On Center Parts & Long Hair

March 8, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

Runway hairstyles at Valentino during Paris Fashion Week were both exemplary and exceptional of the artistry on these runways as the last of the ‘Big Four’ neared a grand finish.

We’ve seen elements of these cuts throughout the four consecutive Fashion Weeks that began in New York before crossing the Atlantic for London, Milan and then Paris.

The hair for much of Valentino’s show was long and natural, parted down the middle with gentle wispy waves over the neck and shoulders. Colors were chosen from a natural palette of beachy blondes and caramels to creamy mochas. Tonal transitions were soft. The hair was gathered simply in back with braids or a twist. This was simple, chic and beautiful, a trend.

Then Valentino wove an elegant, understated, leafy filigree of gold through the braid or twist in back. It was a perfect match for the tunic dresses and strappy roman sandals.

For hair stylists, there is so much to work with on these runways. This is about the clothing that these top fashion designers are selling for the spring and summer next year, but the hair is trend setting, too, and, while we may have to wait for some of the styles to hit the racks, the hair is something that can happen instantly.

The fashion houses of Dior and Chloe also presented clothing lines with long, natural looking hair with beautiful shine and parts down the middle. Unlike Valentino, Dior and Chloe designers left the hair loose and unadorned, a simple, clean beautiful look.

Designer Elie Saab went with a more casual part nearly centered and with long, wavy, windswept locks in a relaxed look.

Balenciaga also went with long hair parted in the middle but in a very controlled, shiny finish to complement the contemporary, geometric shapes and lines.

The fashion house of Carven was something of an outlier with hair at Paris Fashion Week, going with a long, loose look at the ends but a double part and very shiny, slick-back treatment over the crown. There is always room for standouts and the double part is a young, handsome possibility for a controlled finish that went really well with the Carven line of bold, youthful colors, patterns and textures.

So, apparently, the center part and long, wavy locks are here to stay because if Paris says it’s so, then it is. This is ‘60s retro but a classic look that clearly accommodates a vast spectrum of fashion. Ask your stylist how to get it right. This looks easy to do but depends on healthy hair and shine with subtle, sophisticated coloring to create understated depth.

What we’re watching in Paris, of course, are the fashions for next spring and summer, but it was clear from shots on the streets of Paris that no one is waiting to change their hair, and I found myself thinking that this look is, indeed, a classic that can work for fall and winter, too, and it can be easily arranged with a braid, ponytail or bun on the run to change the look.

As always, be open to change.

Filed Under: Hair Care, Lifestyle

Gina Rivera Shares Her Daily Beauty Routine Which Includes Good Skincare & Bible Devotion

February 26, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

What I love about Gina Rivera’s story is that she comes from a family of salon professionals. Born into the industry, she loved seeing how providing a service can truly uplift someone else’s spirits.

But as so many women experience, after having her firstborn child and threatened by the salon she worked at that she would loose her styling booth, she had an “aha” moment. Rivera wanted to give salon professionals freedom to own their own salon and launched Phenix Salon Suites, one of the fastest-growing salon-suite concepts in the US. She also created a line of styling tools and products that focus on restoring and protecting damaged hair.

You may recognize her from “Undercover Boss” that had a tremendous effect on making Gina a bit of a household name, and we couldn’t wait to interview this serial beauty entrepreneur and learn about her personal beauty habits.

Read the full interview below:

Growing up, what were some of your first beauty memories?

I remember the scent of my late mother’s facial moisturizer. It always smelled so fresh and clean. She always loved the Clinque’ line. I can still smell it to this day.

Who taught you about beauty or was it something you discovered on your own?

My mother always taught me to take care of my skin. She was a stickler on telling me to take my make up off at night. She would always tell me to not skimp on facial products.

Who is your favorite celebrity that always slays her beauty look?image credit Jaclyn Smith Facebook page

Jaclyn Smith is so beautiful. To this day, she has flawless skin. She’s simply stunning.

What are your Beauty-rituals?

A.M.

I love the Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi product line. In the morning I cleanse my face with their gentle cleanser.

Next, I use the Ossential Daily Power Defense. Then, I use their Oclipse Sunscreen. I love the sunscreen because it also acts as a primer underneath my make-up. I finish by applying my make-up.

P.M.

My nightly regimen consists of again using the Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi product line. I begin with their Gentle Cleanser and finish with their Hydrafirm Eye Brightening Repair Cream and finally, their Growth Factor Serum.

When traveling, what’s a must-have product in your carry-on?

Daily Power Defense by Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi. Being in different climates and traveling on airplanes makes my skin become very dry. This is terrific for combatting dryness and keeping the skin fresh looking.

What does self-care look like for you?

Self-care consist of being mentally healthy with my Daily Bible Devotions. A good exercise program also plays an important role, even if I can only get in 20 minutes.

Plus, a good skin and hair care regimen helps to keep me looking and feeling my best.

How do you pamper yourself?

I make sure to get a massage at least once a month. It’s refreshing and helps me to destress.

What’s your favorite go-to local spots to get a treatment?

I really enjoy the Omni La Costa resort in Carlsbad, California. They have an amazing spa which is great for my massages and my skin care treatments.

The skin care treatment that I love most is my monthly facial that I get from Skin Care By Shan at Spa Violet in Del Mar, California.

Do you give yourself facials / body treatments at home? If so, how?

For my body, I use a good moisturizing lotion daily as well as a good sunscreen. Living in San Diego I have a lot of exposure to the sun. I use the Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Lotion with broad spectrum with 50 SPF for my face and the 30 SPF for my body.

Are you a bath or shower person?

I just love my hot baths. There’s nothing like coming home after a long day and soaking in a tub.

Read the full interview at Beauty Something: https://www.beautysomething.com/interviews/gina-rivera/

Filed Under: Body Care, Lifestyle, Skin Care, Wellness

Today.com – 12 Best Shampoos for Color Treated Hair featuring Gina Rivera

February 5, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

By Chrissy Callahan

New year, new you? Dyeing your hair a fresh new color is fun. But, let’s be honest: The whole coloring process can be pretty pricey and time-consuming, too. So, when you make a hair color change, you want to make it worth your while.

Keeping your color fresh can sometimes seem like an uphill battle, but with the help of the right products, your brand new hue can go the distance. Some of the top hairstylists and colorists rely on these genius solutions to keep their clients’ color fresh between appointments. Now, you can too!

BEST HAIR CONDITIONER FOR COLORED HAIR

1. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3, $28, Amazon

TODAY editors, writers and experts take care to recommend items we really like and hope you’ll enjoy! Just so you know, TODAY does have affiliate relationships. So, while every product is independently selected, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the revenue.

Also available at Sephora.

“A concentrated at-home treatment is a must for all color-treated hair. This one from Olaplex helps to restore hair back to a healthy state, reverses damage and strengthens the hair structure, so you can continue to color your hair without fear of further damage,” said celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey.

2. Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask, $28, Amazon

Also available at Sephora.

“This mask helps strengthen and moisturize, which helps prevent color from fading quickly. You should do a mask at least once every two weeks, or more if your hair is dry and damaged. Leave the mask on for at least 10 to 20 minutes to get the full benefits,” said Stephanie Brown, NYC Master Colorist at the Eddie Arthur Salon.

3. Julien Farel Vitamin Conditioner, $25, Dermstore

“The Keratin in this daily conditioner strengthens hair, while hyaluronic acid, honey and shea butter deeply hydrate without adding weight, which is something all color-treated hair needs,” Dorsey said.

4. COLOR WOW Color Security Conditioner, $24, Amazon

“This conditioner has eight translucent conditioning agents that will not dull or change the color makeup of the hair. It’s also perfect for detangling and smoothing color-treated locks. It strengthens the hair and prevents it from breaking,” said Gina Rivera, hairstylist, beauty expert and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.

5. Keracolor Color Plus Clenditioner, $21, Amazon

“This is great for clients who are taking a jump on the wild side of color (so your pinks, purples and blues). But, what is great about a product like this is that if you’re a brunette who turns unwanted warm all the time, you can use the silver or silver blue to help tone between color sessions. It’s also great to help with fading redheads! So it’s not just for ‘fun’ color,” Maynard Bolt said.

6. IGK Call Time Styling Primer, $23, Amazon

Also available at Sephora.

“Using a heat protectant before heat styling is very important if you want to maintain your color and prevent it from oxidizing. This styling product has a UV protectant and doubles as a detangler. It also has coconut oil and water which protect your locks from heat and the sun, keep your color from fading and keep hair soft and frizz-free,” Brown said.

BEST SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER COMBOS

1. Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner, $29, Amazon

“These products help target both moisture and protein-depleted hair, so they’re great on clients who use a lot of bleach/lightener. The key ingredient is the Quadra bond peptide complex that restores and repairs the hair’s natural layer. It allows for color longevity as well as reconstruction and hydration,” said Nine Zero One master stylist Amber Maynard Bolt.

2. Kerastase Reflection Chromatique Sulfate-Free Shampoo, $24, Amazon

Kerastase Reflection Chromatique Sulfate-Free Conditioner, $34, Sephora

Also available at Sephora.

“I have experimented and tested out a ton of products, and by far I have seen the best results for my clients with this shampoo and conditioner. They keep color vibrant and also lock in shine and moisture, so hair stays healthy, shiny and beautiful,” said celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena, at Exclusive Artists, whose clients include Chrissy Metz, Mindy Kaling and Neve Campbell.

3. Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Shampoo, $15, Amazon

Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Conditioner, $7, Amazon

Kathleen Firth, stylist and owner of Raika Studio Salon in NYC, swears by Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde shampoo and conditioner. “For our blondies out there, this violet-tinted, color enhancing formula cools brassiness and eliminates warm tones, while also hydrating and adding shine. It’s great for blonde, white and silver tones,” she said.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR COLORED HAIR

Pravana Perfect Brunette Toning Shampoo, $14, Amazon

The Perfect Brunette Toning Shampoo

“Most brunettes’ hair color fades quite brassy from daily wear and tear. This shampoo is a great at-home quick fix because it consists of blue and green pigmentation that you can actually see when you squirt it out of the bottle. Any color expert knows that cool tones such as blue and green can cancel unwanted orange and red tones in the hair. All you have to do is shampoo and let it sit in your hair for a few minutes while it actively mutes out those unwanted warm tones,” said colorist Bianca Hillier of Andy Lecompte Salon.

Credit: https://www.today.com/style/12-best-shampoos-conditioners-masks-colored-hair-t147579

Filed Under: Hair Care, Lifestyle

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