Skin Blog

Achieve Radiant Skin on a Budget: Discover the Power of Facial Steaming Looking for a way to brush up your skincare game without breaking the bank? Just like a pore extraction from your esthetician, treating your steam facial is probably the best thing you can do for your pores. You’ve probably noticed that most professional extractions start with face steaming! However, not everyone has the money for consistent pro-extractions, and it’s a great option for those who are excited to skip the esthetician’s bill. Facial steaming is an easy, yet effective DIY skin treatment that nourishes, cleanses and leaves your skin feeling luxurious.  Read on to find out how to get your natural glow back without having to visit the spa. How Can Face Steaming Help My Skin? Keep your skin hydrated. Steam hydrates your skin by simply increasing oil production to naturally moisturize the face.  Releases Trapped Sebum. Sebum is naturally occurring oil from your sebaceous glands to lubricate your skin and hair. Also, when sebum is trapped beneath your skin’s surface, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to acne breakouts and inflammation.  Promotes Circulation. The unique combination of warm steam and an increase in perspiration can dilate your blood vessels to naturally increase circulation. This quick boost of blood flow nourishes your skin, delivers oxygen, and leaves a healthy glow. Absorb Skincare Products. Steam naturally increases skin’s permeability, allowing it to better absorb your favorite moisturizer, serum, and treatment products… and you get more bang for your buck! Soothe Your Skin. The warm feeling of steam on your face is relaxing enough, but if you’re ready to turn it up a notch, try adding soothing essential oils! For a calming, spa-like experience, try lavender or eucalyptus oil. It Helps With Sinus Congestion. Not only does face steaming help your skin, but it can also help relieve sinus congestion and headaches as well.  Easy And Affordable. So easy, a caveman can do it! No need to dish out big $$$ to a steam facial at a spa. In addition, you can enjoy the same benefits at home using the items you already have in your kitchen! Deep Cleanses Your Skin. Steam opens up your pores and helps loosen any buildup of makeup, dirt, and oil. Opening up your pores can also soften blackheads, making it significantly easier to remove!  How Can I Try Face Steaming At Home? There are several easy ways to enjoy this versatile, easy skin treatment at home. It can be as simple or luxurious as you want! Here’s a quick step-by-step description for our favorites techniques.  Steam Over A Bowl Or Sink Of Hot Water: Grab your fluffy towel and choose your spot. Remember, comfort is key, so if you’re doing this over a sink, simply grab a chair or stool.  Tie back and secure your hair so it’s not in the way during the steaming process. In addition, use a gently exfoliating cleanser.  Bring 5-6 cups of water to a boil in a pot or kettle. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a handful of herbs when the water begins to boil. Also, after adding your choice of scent, stir gently. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Moreover, carefully pour the hot water into the sink or bowl. If you’re using a sink, don’t forget to use a drain cover!  Take a seat, drape your towel over your head and the pot. Also, be sure to hold your face 6 inches or more above the water. For more or less head, simply raise or lower your head. In addition, you can also lift a corner of the towel to cool off, if necessary. Steam your face for up to 10 minutes. Warm Towels Technique: Get a hand towel and turn on the hot water tap. When hot, fill a bowl or sink with enough hot water to soak your entire towel.  Secure your hair and cleanse your face with an exfoliating cleanser.  Soak your towel in the hot water and wring out excess water until the towel is damp. Lean back in your favorite chair or lie down. Place the towel on your face, holding each corner up so they meet on your forehead. Simply adjust the towel so that it covers your entire face. Be sure to include your eyes and leave your nose peeking through. Relax for 5-10 minutes. Which Herbs And Oils Should I Add? Adding dried herbs and essential oils to your DIY face steaming can offer extra benefits. Specific herbs and essential oils have a calming or invigorating effect, depending on what your skin needs. Essential Oils: Lavender: Great for dry skin or eczema. It has relaxing aromatherapy benefits.  Eucalyptus: Perfect for those dealing with severe acne or sinus congestion. Orange: Uplifting aromatherapy properties, orange can also help with dull complexion and blocked pores.  Geranium: Oil derived from geranium flowers. It is a natural astringent that tightens and tones the skin. Herbs:  Rosemary: Super fragrant herb can help oily skin. Chamomile: Assist with skin inflammation and dermatitis, making it suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin. Tips & Tricks: Prepare yourself by drinking extra water before exposing yourself to heat. Wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser so your skin is ready to reap all the rewards of steaming. Don’t forget to apply your favorite moisturizer cream or serum! The effects of your favorite skincare products work best right after a steam facial.

Treating acne and blemishes can sometimes feel like a fruitless endeavor. When you’re scanning the skincare section, the ingredient lists seem so daunting and confusing. What is this twenty-letter chemical listed on the label? And how is it supposed on treating acne? We hear you - that’s why we always strive for clean, natural ingredients. In fact, did you know the secret to a clear complexion can actually be hiding inside some all-natural ingredients - some of which you probably have at home in your kitchen? It’s true, and we have five natural ingredients in mind for treating acne. 1. Tea Tree Oil You might already be familiar with Tea Tree Oil but if you’re not, allow this to be your introduction. It’s sourced from the tea tree, a plant that’s native to Australia. In its essential oil state, it’s loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Also think back to what causes acne and other unpleasant skin blemishes - it’s a buildup of bacteria inside the pores. In addition, try applying Tea Tree Oil diluted in a gentle lotion directly to your face, or look for it as a key ingredient in acne treatments and makeup. 2. Aloe Vera Ever got a sunburn? While not great, it happens to the best of us. But that’s how most people become acquainted with the soothing and healing benefits of Aloe Vera. Also, this cooling gel comes from the spiky aloe plant. Not only does it feel naturally smooth and comfortable on your skin, it can help decrease redness and heal skin irritation. Aloe Vera is pretty easy to find - you can likely even find it in its natural state in the produce section of the grocery store! 3. Honey Yes, we know what you’re thinking: I’m fine with putting a drizzle of honey in my tea, but on my FACE? Bear with us here: Honey is actually incredibly beneficial as a skincare ingredient. Not only is honey filled with antioxidants, it’s naturally antimicrobial. That yucky bacteria that can cause an acne breakout? Honey will make short work of it. Not only that, honey can help moisturize dry skin and clarify pores, which ensures your newly-clear complexion will stay glowing and smooth. Want to work honey into your skincare routine? It’s easy to whip up your own weekly mask with a mix of raw honey and plain yogurt. Spread on a thin layer, let sit for a few minutes (while you relax, of course!) then rinse. There’s never been a more delicious way to treat acne. 4. Green Tea Enjoy a cup of green tea every now and then? You’ll be happy to hear that your daily cuppa can actually be the secret to the clear, acne-free skin you crave. The dried tea leaves are rich with antioxidants which can help clarify your pores and promote a smooth complexion. Try making a mask with green tea leaves and honey or Aloe Vera and apply for a few minutes up to twice a week. 5. Coconut Oil We make no secret of the fact that we love Coconut Oil, here at Emani. It’s the best natural moisturizer we can find and it does wonders for acne-prone skin. If your acne is triggered by overly dry skin, Coconut Oil might be the soothing moisturizer you’re looking for. But like so many of our other favorite ingredients, it also naturally fights bacteria. Collectively, our Emani Team always has a tub of Coconut Oil in the bathroom to use as a daily moisturizer - and we think it might work for you too! Have you ever tried any of these natural ingredients? Let us know in the comments below!

So you want to be a skincare guru, do ya? Maybe you’re constantly in an Instagram-scrolling, YouTube-watching wormhole of constant skincare content…but you can’t seem to get started. Maybe you’ve got a twelve-step routine…but it’s not going anywhere. We want to help you bring your glowing goddess skincare guru dreams to life. There are a few steps involved, but we promise you’ll be well on your way to making those dreams come true!  Becoming a Skincare Guru: Know Your Skin, Ingredients, Routine, and Inspirational Figures 1. Know your skin type – and how to treat it effectively. All the best skincare guru have a very intimate knowledge of their unique skin type and how to treat it. That means if you want to take control of your skincare, you have to know your own! A lot of people aren’t aware of their skin type, therefore they aren’t washing and caring for their skin correctly.  The easiest way to determine your skin type is to give it a wash - nothing fancy, just the mildest cleanser you have. Then wait. Give it a good thirty minutes and don’t put anything else on. That means no makeup, no lotion, no nothing. Once your thirty minutes is up, take notice of how your skin feels. Does it feel tight, especially when you smile? That’s a clear sign that your skin is dry. Examine your face in the mirror, does it look shiny? That’s a good sign your skin is oily. Are you noticing dryness and shininess? Then you probably have combination skin. Seriously, it’s as simple as that! Once you figure out your skin type, you’ll open things up to a whole new world. 2. Know your essential ingredients Now that you’ve got your skin type down, you’ve got to figure out what good stuff is going to make your skin happy. Natural ingredients are so important to the overall health of your skin, but choosing the wrong ones can be disastrous! For example, coconut oil is a super buzzy ingredient that a lot of skincare gurus have in their arsenal. It’s a great moisturizer for dry skin, but it might not be the best treatment for oily skin. Oily skin is better suited for lighter natural moisturizers like Aloe Vera or Shea Butter. Choosing the right ingredients to best treat your skin type will have you well on your way to guru status. 3. Know how to stick to a routine To be your own beauty guru, you may not need the overloaded, multi-step skincare routine you might see on social media or beauty forums. Above all, the best thing you can do for your skin is to find a consistent and effective daily skincare regimen that you can commit to. A good general rule is: Cleanser, serum, moisturizer, SPF, in that order. Start with these simple steps every day and ease into a routine. Another thing to keep in mind: It can take up to six weeks to start seeing improvement in your skin - nothing is going to happen overnight! Be patient, and start working in more advanced steps into your regimen as you get more comfortable. 4. Know who to follow Now that you’re well on your way to guru-hood, it’s time to spread your wings! Finding the right inspirational figures to follow on social media might require a little research. Be on the lookout for bloggers and YouTubers who have the same skin type as you - their routines will definitely be more effective. Be on the lookout for professionals too, sometimes estheticians and dermatologists have great content to follow. You can even start building your own community. Share your journey with skincare dedicated Instagram handle or YouTube channel of your own. You’re a skincare guru now! It’s time to show off! What steps are you taking towards your own skincare guru status? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re anything like us, you were probably surprised to hear about skin pH levels. Your skin’s pH level is a critical component of good skin health. An pH imbalance level may be the root cause of common skin issue, such as breakouts, dryness or excess oiliness. We put together some information on your skin’s pH level so you can learn more about how it impacts your skin and some easy ways to maintain its balance.  The term pH is short for ‘the potential of hydrogen’ - it refers to the Acid vs. Alkalinity ratio in a given substance. pH is usually categorized by acidic, neutral or alkaline. It is also commonly referred to as your skin’s acid mantle. PH is measured on a scale between 1 to 14. The lower the number, the more acidic, the higher the number, the more alkaline. Our body’s overall pH level is around 7, so scientists consider the body to be slightly alkaline. Our skin’s pH is slightly lower, at a level of about 5.5, which means that our skin is weakly acidic.  Anything you put on your skin that is higher or lower in pH level will have the corresponding effect, raising or lowering the skin's pH level. When products are too alkaline, say with a pH level higher than 7, skin naturally becomes more acidic to neutralize the harm. When the skin's pH imbalance level is compromised, it is unable to neutralize the threat, this can cause damage to the skin.   pH Scale: 1-3 = Strongly acidic. Examples: grapefruit juice & vinegar Being in this zone may result in oily, acne-prone skin that suffers from redness and inflammation.  4-5 = Skin goals - weakly acidic Example: black coffee 6-8 = Weakly alkaline - Examples: tap and seawater 11-14 = Strongly alkaline - Examples: Bleach, ammonia  Being in this zone may result in skin dryness, inflammation, premature signs of aging, skin irritation, redness, and breakouts.   The Importance of Maintaining A Healthy Skin pH Mantle Your body's pH level is its first defense against germs, bacteria, environmental stress, and free radicals. Skin with a healthy and balanced pH mantle is also more effective in retaining moisture and hydration.  If the skin’s acid mantle becomes compromised or broken down, the skin will be less effective in fighting bacteria and germs. This can lead to more sensitive skin, that is more vulnerable to skin irritations, breakouts, and premature aging.  The breakdown in the defenses of the skin mantle will also impact the skin's lipid barrier, compromising its ability to heal and repair itself as efficiently as before. What Is A Healthy Skin pH level?  Healthy skin has a pH level between 4.2-5.5. At this optimal balance, skin can actively fight bacteria. If you have chronic dry skin, premature fine lines, and wrinkles, your skin may be too acidic. Signs of Skin pH Imbalance *For informational purposes only, consult a Doctor or Dermatologist when dealing with skin issues - Chronic breakouts  - Tight feeling skin - Consistently dry skin - Redness - Enlarged pores  - Flakiness and rough texture  - Heightened skin sensitivity  - Premature signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles  - Eczema - Psoriasis  - Rosacea   If you want to be certain of your skin’s pH level, some dermatologists offer liquid pH testing services. There are also at-home test strip kits to test pH levels, but these tend to measure the body's pH level more than the skins. How To Avoid Disrupting Your Skin’s pH Level  - Avoid using hard water to shower and clean your face (hard water is alkaline (pH level may be as high as 8.5)  - Choose skincare and beauty products carefully. Many bar soaps or face cleansers have pH levels above 7, some as high as 12. Look for a cleanser that has a pH balance of 5, no more than 6.  - Look for products rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.  - Don’t use hot water to wash your face, lukewarm is best. - Skip products with harsh chemicals or toxins.    Common Products Or Treatments That May Cause A pH Level Disruption - Acid peels - Some Retinol treatments  - Some chemical exfoliants  - Bar soap Now that you know how important a properly balanced pH mantle is to the health of your skin, you can identify if a pH imbalance may be what is triggering some of your skin issues. Most importantly, start looking for products that will work in harmony with your skin's acid mantle.

Perfect skin, perfect makeup, perfect hair, perfect bodies, the list never ends. In the digital, advertisement-driven world we live in, we are constantly surrounded by images of modern perfection. We live in a time of photoshop and filters. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish what’s even real vs edited, the lines have gotten so blurry. It can make us feel pressured to look perfect but in reality, nobody is perfect.The expectation of looking flawless 24/7 can feel daunting, we are always seconds away from a snap or a post that the whole world may see, especially if you struggle with sensitive skin issues. We know you guys get it, we have heard from so many of you about the struggles of dealing with sensitive skin. We once heard from a woman that worked in the health department of her local supermarket. After suffering from terrible acne, she quit her job because she didn't feel like she represented healthiness and deserved to work there. This broke our hearts, no one should feel hopeless or not good enough simply due to the appearance of their skin. Unfortunately, these are very common feelings for those who deal with severe skin issues. Studies have shown that dealing with acne can cause self-esteem issues, depression, feelings of isolation, and anxiety.  These feelings can lead to people withdrawing from friends and family, social activities and from pursuing professional opportunities and advancements. The idea that you are somehow less than or unworthy because of perceived imperfections is wrong. Every single one of us is valuable, worthy of good things, and can make a positive impact and difference in the world. Beauty is much more than how we look on the outside. So, we say, let’s take away the expectation of looking perfect. Let’s get real with ourselves, and each other. Real skin has hair. It has texture and bumps. Real skin has fine lines and wrinkles it also deals with breakouts. Real skin has dry, flaking patches and  has eczema and rosacea.  Let’s start with ourselves, and spread the message of beauty inclusivity. Let’s work with what we have, learn to embrace and enhance our natural features, not hide behind a mask or filter. Say goodbye to fake, toxic ingredients, and unrealistic beauty expectations.  We need products to help improve our skin! Our products to WORK and PLAY as hard as we do. We want to take our makeup off at the end of the night and have our skin still feel radiant, glowing and, dare we say, HEALTHIER than ever before! No matter what age we are, or what stage of life we are entering, we want products that actually WORK. Let’s choose makeup and beauty products that are healthy and nourishing for our skin. Products that are safe for our bodies, and ethical for our planet. Let’s choose sustainable and cruelty-free options. Let’s embrace laugh lines and imperfections. Beauty begins from the inside out. Beauty is about self-confidence, joy, and kindness.  Yes, our products are 100% Vegan, Peta Certified, 100% Gluten Free, and free of undesirable ingredients, but they are also long-lasting high performing, and fully glamorous too! We treat our makeup products as if it’s your line of skincare because we want you to have the best of both worlds.  “We are making a positive impact on the world through our cosmetics, in hopes that it will begin a chain reaction throughout humanity.” - Michelle Doan How we talk to ourselves and the things we tell ourselves matter. Start by stopping the expectation of being perfect. Try to pay close attention to your thoughts and be aware of negative self-talk or being overly critical of yourself. Try and acknowledge to yourself that no one is perfect, and it’s an unrealistic standard. Tell yourself you are strong, smart, and beautiful, even if you don’t believe it yet, set the intention.  Instead of focusing on what you perceive to be flaws or imperfections, try focusing on what you do like about yourself. Maybe it’s your smile, your eyes, your loyalty, your kindness towards others, your passion, or your strength. Beauty isn’t one thing, it’s something unique to each individual and how they choose to reflect that into the world.  Inner confidence starts within ourselves. Each and every one of us are capable of believing we are beautiful, and projecting that same positivity into the world. Real is beautiful, and beauty is in the imperfections. 

Have you been trying to combat that tight, stiff feeling in your skin? Is your skin extra oily? If so, you may be suffering from dry skin. Dry skin is a chronic, genetic skin condition you are born with, as opposed to dehydrated skin, which is caused by external factors. Today, we are sharing some information on the differences between dry skin vs. dehydrated skin. We’re showing you how to best treat and care for each type, as knowing the difference may make all the difference in your skincare routine. Why Treating Dry Or Dehydrated Skin Is Important? If your skin becomes overly dry or dehydrated, it may flake and crack, which can lead to bacteria in your skin, which may cause breakouts or skin irritations. Dry and or dehydrated skin is also more vulnerable to damaging free radicals, and more prone to premature aging because the skin's moisture barrier is compromised. If your skin is overly dry or oily, it’s pH level may be unbalanced, and it will begin to produce more oil to compensate, which may lead to increased breakouts. Dehydrated Skin Characteristics Dehydrated skin is a condition that develops from external factors like diet, environment, product choice. Dehydrated skin is usually lacking water and needs hydration. Dehydrated skin feels tight and itchy around the forehead and cheek areas. Anyone can experience dehydrated skin, as opposed to dry skin. Those with dehydrated skin may experience dark circles and bags under the eyes due to increased skin sensitivity. Dehydrated skin may appear intermittently. It can be based on climate, diet, hot water use, heating or air condition systems, and incorrect product use. How To Help Improve Dehydrated Skin Dehydrated skin is often mistaken as oily skin, due to the skin being overly dehydrated and producing excessive oil. As a result, many try to use products to dry out the skin and control oil production, which in turn only exasperates the issues. Dehydrated skin benefits from water-based moisturizers.   Dehydrated skin benefits from reduced alcohol and caffeine intake. Also try and avoid harsh products that strip the skin. Look for skincare and beauty products rich in water. In addition, hyaluronic Acid has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water, fortifying the skin's natural barriers by penetrating and infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenation moisture. Aloe Vera is another super hydrating ingredient to look for. Dry Skin Characteristics Dry skin lacks sebum (oil) and requires moisture to maintain its health. Dry skin lacks a sufficient amount of lipids. Dry skin is a genetic skin type you are born with and will need to continuously treat, especially in colder climates. Dry skin is a chronic condition. Dry skin can also experience dehydration. How To Help Treat Dry Skin Dry skin benefits from products rich in oil. Dry skin benefits from increased water intake and facial oils/moisturizers.   Use a humidifier in your home.   Use lukewarm water to shower, and limit time in the shower. Avoid harsh products that strip the skin.  A healthy, balanced, and glowing complexion is something we all want. Knowing how to identify and treat specific skin types and conditions will help you to treat any skin issues and help to return your skin to balance. Knowing your skin type can also enable you to select products that enhance your complexion and do not irritate your skin.

There’s a lot of wonderful, shiny things out there in the world, especially this time of the year. You can’t go anywhere without seeing twinkling holiday lights or shiny tinsels. You know what’s not so wonderful? Shiny, oily skin.  If you’re prone to oily skin, you might have noticed that your skin gets even slicker during the winter months. When the cold air (and high-octane heating systems) kick up, it can seriously dry out your skin. And in exchange, your oil production goes into overdrive to overcompensate. Oily skin requires some different methods as treatment than you might normally expect. It also requires the right kind of “maintenance,” so to speak. Unsure of what to do? Here are five easy-to-follow (We mean it!) tips to keep things slick-free: 1. Know The Right Way To Cleanse Oily skin requires its own special regimen to care for. It’s not just a matter of squeaky-clean scrubbing. You need to use the most gentle cleansers you can find - nothing harsh and filled with foaming sulfates that might dry out your skin, which will only make matters worse for your oil-producing pores. Toners can also be helpful for skin that’s overproducing oil, so find a gentle one to follow your cleansing regimen. Avoid any thick moisturizers - they can trap oil in your pores and lead to a breakout. Light creams and serum-like formulations are going to be your best bet for keeping your oil-prone skin plump and hydrated. 2. Exfoliate Wisely Pore-clogging dead skin cells are another major cause of oily skin. As the dead cells get trapped in your pores, your oil production increases. Therefore, if you have oily skin, then you definitely need to exfoliate - but not too hard and not too much! Look for gentle, natural skin exfoliants like diluted apple cider vinegar or plain yogurt. As for how often to exfoliate, a good place to start is once a week for the face and twice a week for the body. Pay close attention to how your skin responds, if the skin becomes red or irritated, consider toning it down. If you don't notice any difference or improvement, you may be able to increase the frequency slightly. Always consult a Doctor or a Dermatologist before beginning any new skin treatments to make sure you are choosing an effective and safe method for your skin. 3. Look For Oil-Control And Mattifying Products If you have oily skin, you know how hard it is to get your makeup to last all day. It’s hard for your foundation and concealer to set right and as the day goes on, you shine right through it. That’s why finding the right products, best suited for your skin type is so important. For example, our Miracle 7-in-1 Primer Serum is specifically designed to balance oil production in the skin and to help your foundation apply flawlessly, and last all day. A setting powder can also do wonders for extending makeup wear and controlling shine. In fact, we have just the right thing in mind. We call our proprietary Emani setting powder Bye Bye Shine for a reason. It’s specially formulated to work amazingly on any skin tone and type, and blends in amazingly to leave your complexion matte and shine-free all day, without looking flat. 4. Keep Calm Stress can wreak some serious havoc throughout your body. It can mess with your digestion, your sleep habits and if you have oily skin...you know the drill, hello breakouts. In order for your skin to look the best it can, it’s so important to feel good too. Spend time with your favorite stress-relieving activities. Whether it’s yoga and meditation, or a night out with friends, take advantage of the things that help you take care of yourself. Remember, self-care is just as important to your overall well-being as eating right and exercising! (By the way, if the holidays have you gritting your teeth, we have a few life hacks to keep you covered)  5. Call In The Pros When all else fails, it’s time to turn to the professionals. If you’re still having trouble handling your oily skin, try a facial. Do your research and find the right esthetician who knows how to handle oily skin and find the right solution for your skin type. Still, concerned? Make an appointment with your dermatologist. As a doctor, they can help you develop a regiment to treat your oily skin, offer suggestions for improvement and monitor any changes in your complexion. Don’t panic, you’ll be clearing up any oil slicks in no time! How do you deal with extra oil and shine? Tell us your tips in the comments!

Refresh and Revitalize: Your Guide to Post-Holiday Detox Post-Holiday Detox: Well, the holidays are over and a new year is officially upon us. Take a deep breath, you deserve it for surviving the craziest time of the year unscathed! Of course, it can be hard to start enjoying the fresh start if you’re still feeling tired, sluggish and rundown from the post-holiday season. Family visits, late nights and meals that aren’t, shall we say, the healthiest thing you can eat…it takes a lot out of you! We’re sure there are plenty of New Year’s resolutions on your radar this time of the year. But let's get real! The best way to ensure you’re starting on the right foot is to refresh yourself from the hustle of the post-holiday season. That means it’s time for a good detox! What do we mean by a detox exactly? You might be thinking of some crazy diet to flush out…whatever is in your system – and that’s part of it! We’re thinking of effective ways to detox both your body and your mind to start feeling good inside and out. There’s no need to rush into any drastic lifestyle changes! Our 5 tips to help you detox from the post-holiday season are easy enough to get you started. Trust us, you’re bound to feel better. 1. Take Stock Of Your Eating Habits  Maybe you, like the best of us, had a few too many gingerbread men or very filling dinners this season. Delicious as they are, they probably don’t leave you feeling 100%. But the way to compensate is not to dive into any crash diets. Instead, start small – it will be so much easier to build good habits this way! Start by clearing out any holiday treats from your home – candy canes? Leftovers? Fruitcake? It doesn’t matter, get them out of your kitchen! instead, stock up on fresh and healthy foods that you enjoy, such as fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. 2. Get A Good Night's Sleep Holiday fun usually doesn’t come without late nights, especially on New Year's Eve! A lot of us find ourselves on the other side of the New Year with some pretty messed up sleeping habits. Exhaustion and poor sleep can lead to more than just a grouchy mood. Studies have shown that just one bad night of sleep can cause health changes throughout your whole body! This year, start making a point to ease back into a normal schedule. Yes, that means a solid seven to nine hours per night! Also, get into a luxurious bedtime routine to help you relaxed, like a bubble bath and some relaxing music. Also, limit your screen time before bed! The light from your computer, phone or TV can make it hard for your brain to “switch off” when it’s time to sleep. Make it the perfect opportunity to dig into that book you’ve been putting off! 3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Did you drink more mulled wine and eggnog than water this season? Understandable, but hardly the best thing you can put in your body. One of the quickest and easiest ways to detox after the holidays is by upping your water intake. Most people are actually more dehydrated than they realize. Getting the right amount of water can help clear your skin, improve your digestion and promote positive mental health – that’s right, just from drinking water! Invest in a good reusable water bottle (go easy on the plastic please!) and start carrying it with you to encourage and remind yourself. Need a little flavor? Try chopping up some fresh fruits and herbs to toss inside for a yummy pop. Strawberries, lemons, cucumbers, and mint are great for this! 4. Look Out For Better Habits It’s a sad fact, but the majority of folks never follow through with their New Year’s resolution past the first month. And that’s probably because they jump into a new vigorous routine too quickly. It’s hard for anybody to commit to an intense new diet or exercise routine – and it’s even easier to quit. This year, start by making small changes, especially looking for good habits you can easily integrate into your life. Make a commitment to exercise once per week, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, for example. These are the kind of changes that will add up quickly! 5. Spend Time With People Who “Recharge” You The holidays are a time for togetherness, but with some families that can easily lead to too much togetherness. A great way to detox? Also, spend time with people who make you feel like your best self. Think of them as “rechargers” to cleanse your spirit. Grab coffee with a friend, catch up over dinner with your closest sibling or plan a low-key happy hour with your coworkers. Surround yourself with the people who make you happiest, and those stressful feelings will lift away. What are your favorite ways to ‘detox’ after the holidays? Let us know in the comments!

Do You Like to Start Your Day With a Glass of Orange Juice With Breakfast? Lots of people do! It’s delicious, refreshing (And vegan too! If that’s your thing) but most importantly, it’s loaded with Vitamin C. Vitamin C gets a lot of attention this time of year. Study after study has proved that it’s one of the most effective ways to strengthen your immune system – meaning less colds and flu! There are so many sources of  Vitamin C out there - from fruits and vegetables to chewable vitamins and dissolvable supplements - we’re pretty sure you’ve had at least one. And if you’re lucky, it probably kept you strong and healthy throughout the flu season. So you know what Vitamin C does for the inside of your body, that’s a given. But what about the outside? Turns out, Vitamin C is an amazing supplement for your skin applied topically in serums, foundation and other makeup. But how does it work? And what does it do? Well, let’s back up a little bit and talk about antioxidants. Antioxidants - it’s another very buzzy word these days. In essence, it’s a substance that helps prevent and protect against damage from free radicals - which are unstable compounds that your body creates in reaction to stress. Now, when we say stress here, we don’t just mean anxiety or busyness. A lot of things in the environment can create damaging free radicals. Things like too much UV radiation from the sun, air pollution, cigarette smoke, certain chemicals among other things can lead to them. If left unchecked, free radicals can do a lot of damage. Over time they can damage the proteins throughout your body, your cells, and even your DNA. But antioxidants are attracted to free radicals, consuming them before they can cause any damage and strengthening areas that have already been harmed. Okay, Where Does Vitamin C Come In Then? Well, Vitamin C is actually one of the most potent antioxidants you can find! Think about the foods that are naturally rich in anti antioxidants - oranges, berries, broccoli - they’re all super healthy (and super delicious too!). When you eat these foods, you’re really doing your future self a big favor. Since the skin on your face is much more delicate than the rest of your body, it’s more susceptible to harm. Wrinkles, loss of collagen, dark spots and other signs of aging - they’re all signs of free radical damage. And that is where the Vitamin C comes in. When you apply Vitamin C topically to your skin, you’re helping to repair and pause these signs of aging. The substance can help stimulate the production of collagen, resulting in plump and youthful-looking skin. As it repairs the weakened cells and proteins, wrinkles and crepey skin will appear smooth and supple. As For A Few Of Our Recommendations? Well, obviously we’re big fans of our HD Corrective Concealer + Vitamin C. This luxurious and creamy cover-up has a potent 2% Vitamin C worked right into the formula. It’s designed to mask any darkness, imperfections, and blemishes. As you apply, the antioxidant-rich formula helps to fix those imperfections. It smooths and plumps skin’s texture while brightening any dark spots or under-eye bags. It’s almost like...permanent concealer?! Talk about a win-win!   When it comes to every day, we also recommend our Flawless Matte Foundation. It’s filled with plenty of organic ingredients, including peptides, gold, peat and of course, Vitamin C extracts. It’s a cream-to-powder formula, so it looks really natural and smooth on your skin when you apply it. And, much like the concealer, it helps to improve and clarify your skin every single day. Increased elasticity, brighter skin tone? It’s all there! Free radical damage is an unfortunate and unavoidable part of our everyday life, that’s the bad news. But the good news is...Vitamin C! Smoother, supple, brighter skin? It’s completely attainable, whether you drink a glass of orange juice or blend on some concealer. Believe it! Do you have any favorite Vitamin C-rich foods? Let us know in the comments!

Is Your Diet Causing Your Skin to Breakout? Are you feeling frustrated due to skin breakout? You use face wash, toner, and moisturizer, all formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin, but still, aren’t getting the clear and healthy results you want?  Good news! We know what may be causing your skin to break out. As for the bad news? You might need to give up some of your favorite guilty pleasures like dairy and sugar. It turns out, the foods you are eating may be playing a key role in the appearance and health of your skin. NOT AS SWEET AS YOU THOUGHT? Americans consume on average of 153 grams of sugar every day. To put that in perspective: just over a hundred years ago, the average American consumed around 9 grams daily. That means we’re consuming 17 times more sugar than ever before! One of the biggest side effects of increased sugar intake is a disruption in insulin levels. This is one of the key causes of common skin issues and breakouts.   What Is Insulin?  Insulin is a hormone that’s released by an organ in your body called the pancreas. It helps glucose enter the body’s cells to be converted into energy. Some foods, called “high glycemic” foods, break down quicker than others, causing your body to release more insulin to absorb that fuel. Some of these foods can include white bread, sweetened cereals, pasta, baked goods, white rice, and other sugary drinks and food. The Problem With Too Much Insulin  If there’s too much insulin in your body - or if you have a condition like diabetes where your body can’t use the insulin - sugar levels in the blood become higher. As a result, inflammation-producing enzymes can start to bind themselves to your body's collagen through an oxidative process called glycation. This can cause skin’s collagen and elastin to break down, which can lead to tired, dry and droopy looking skin.  For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006 showed that those who had a high-sugar and carbohydrate diet also had a higher level of inflammation than those who had reduced their sugar intake.  Sugar also dehydrates your body and skin, which can lead to dry skin that’s more susceptible to damage. Remember, water is your skin’s main defense barrier. Quit Being So Cheesy Cheese, ice cream, pizza, and cheesecakes are among humanity’s greatest inventions, but dairy may also be a trigger for causing disruptions with our hormone and insulin levels, similarly to carbs and sugar. Drinking a glass of milk can spike insulin levels 300 percent, so it may be the lactose or milk sugar in milk that causes inflammation, increased oil production, hormonal imbalances, and the resulting skin irritation. Clearer Days Ahead  The good news is, with some simple changes to your lifestyle your skin breakout can improve. To fight breakouts, aim to consume foods high in anti-inflammatory properties. Including an important anti-inflammatory omega-6 fat may be helpful in preventing and treating unwanted breakouts. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! It is very important to drink enough water to nourish your skin. Water helps keep your digestive system healthy by flushing out toxins, which improves the health and the texture of your skin. You will also want to make sure to avoid all hormone disruptors in your skincare and makeup products.  These include parabens, phthalates, triclosan, PEGs, and some synthetic fragrances.   Clear Skin Ahead  It takes approximately two to three weeks to see improvement in your skin once you remove dairy and sugar from your diet and allow your body to detox from it. Trying to make big changes all at once in your diet can be overwhelming, so try to begin with just being more aware of the types of food you incorporate into your diet and incorporating foods with anti-inflammatory properties, like old olive and leafy greens. Switch the soda or juice for sparkling water. Try to make little changes gradually, remember Rome wasn't built in a day. Your future clean and clear skin thanks you in advance!    

The Balancing Act of Skincare Balancing skincare with your skins pH level is a hot topic, with alkaline water taking center stage. Supermodel Miranda Kerr swears by it. NBA star LeBron James is a self-proclaimed aficionado about it. But what does it all mean for your skin? Skin is naturally designed to fight off infections and stressors from the environment. Its ability to perform these functions is affected by its pH level. The pH level of the skin refers to how acidic or alkaline it is. If your skin is too alkaline, it can be more susceptible to acne, dryness, and sensitivity. If your skin is too acidic, it decreases the amount of oil your skin produces and decreases your skin’s ability to protect itself. Our skin's protective acid mantle is a thin surface layer composed of oil from glands and lactic/amino acids from sweat, determining our skin's pH level. This mantle's delicate balance can easily be disrupted by various internal and external factors. For instance, throughout our life experiences, our skin becomes more acidic in response to lifestyle changes and our environment. Just think of all the things that come into contact with our skin on almost a daily occurrence (products, smoke, air, water, sun, pollution). All of these factors contribute and interfere with the acid mantle, breaking it down and disrupting the skin’s ability to protect itself. Alkaline water is capable of rejuvenating and rehydrating your skin. It contains antioxidants that help you fight against the free radicals that cause many of these problems mentioned above. It is known for having a slightly higher pH level (8 or 9) than regular drinking water (7) to help neutralize the acid in your body to ensure your skin’s pH level has a neutral reading. Drinking Alkaline Water The benefits of alkaline water are amazing, but consuming enough is a daunting task. Most people find the age-old advice of drinking 8-12 glasses of water per day a difficult goal if they’re not used to it. Start by drinking 3-4 glasses of alkaline water per day (approx. 1 liter). Gradually increase your water intake over a few weeks until you reach 8-12 glasses daily (2-3 liters). Topical Antioxidants Ingesting antioxidants in the form of Alkaline water is important, but so is topical application. Topical antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E and green tea are crucial for helping to maintain the delicate acid mantle. They help to fortify the cells so they’re able to function optimally and protect the cells from environmental stresses and oxidation. Good-for-you Ingredients As we go through life, the amount of oil naturally produced by our skin decreases. In addition, this decrease disrupts the balance of the acid mantle and its ability to protect your skin. It’s vital through every stage of life to always select good-for-your-skin products (oils, moisturizers, primers) to add to your balancing skincare routine that continuously helps to rebuild your acid mantle and strengthen this vital barrier. Also, look for ingredients like jojoba, coconut, argan oil and olive oil in your balancing skincare and cosmetic products that work effortlessly with the skin to produce natural oil. And remember… Skin cleansers can be those sneaky skincare products that you have on your counter that are not pH balance. They tend to be overly acidic and do more harm than good to your poor skin. Choose a mildly acidic face cleanser (pH 5) for all skin types to maintain the acid mantle. Balancing skincare is like a rollercoaster. You will find that, as life goes on, your pH level may fluctuate. As such, you will have to modify your skincare routine as you adjust. Be kind to your skin by opting for gentle, natural, hydrating ingredients in your skincare routine. Combat environmental stressors for a balanced complexion.

In the search for cosmetics, you’ve – no doubt – seen brand after brand claim to be one of the following: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, or Natural. But, what do these terms actually mean and why should they be important to YOU? Let us clear things up for so that you can make better, smarter choices about your cosmetics and so that you can see where our passion comes from here at Emani. VEGAN Vegan Cosmetics refer to products that have been manufactured without any animal by-products or animal-derived ingredients. Think of these products as being a diet for your skin. CRUELTY-FREE Cruelty-Free Cosmetics refer to products that have been manufactured by methods that do not include testing or experimentation on animals. Products that are 100% Cruelty-Free have not undergone animal testing in any stage of the production process. Brands that are Cruelty-Free test their products humanely and safely using human volunteers. NATURAL Natural cosmetics are products manufactured using ingredients exclusively sourced from the earth. These products do not contain any chemicals or synthetics. Products laden with chemicals can harm the environment and can have incredibly negative health effects on those who wear these products. Here at EMANI, Our Goal Is To Enhance Your Skin’s Health While Keeping In Mind The Health Of The Rest Of Your Body. So, how does our goal as a cosmetic company relate to these similar, yet very different, terms? Emani believes in beauty without cruelty! We do not use any animal-derived ingredients in any of our cosmetic products, nor do we use animal hair for any of our makeup brushes. While animal testing is legal in the United States, unlike many other countries, it is not a requirement. Emani chooses to test our products to human without using animals because it is not required. We Are Proud To Be 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free! We also believe in excluding any ingredients that may lead to negative health effects. Emani ONLY uses botanically-derived, organically-certified, and natural minerals in our products. Made with natural and organic ingredients, our products are free of petrochemicals and irritants. What you apply to your body is as vital as what you consume. Understanding your cosmetics and their impact is crucial! Emani is 100% Talc-free, Paraben-free, And Free Of Petrochemicals And Irritants! We are passionate about creating the best cosmetics we can – ones that not only look beautiful, but that are healthy for you and your skin. We extend our passion beyond product ingredients by actively committing to responsible sourcing and processing of each ingredient.  And while most cosmetic companies can claim to be Vegan OR Cruelty-Free OR Natural, we are proud to encompass all three of these essential cosmetic aspects!