Skin Academy

Navigating the Beauty Wonderland: A Guide to Choosing the Best Beauty Products for Your Skin Sometimes, shopping for best beauty products can feel like you’re stepping into a magical wonderland. An overwhelming wonderland of different beauty products to choose from.   Other times, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and sometimes you may feel helpless trying to decipher all the labels, ingredients, and formulas to choose the right product for your skin type. As the best beauty products can be absorbed into our bloodstream through our skin, it’s important to look for products with quality, non-toxic ingredients.  We put together a list with some tips and advice on what to consider when making your next best beauty products purchase.  1. Read The Ingredients List  Ingredients are listed in order of most prominent to least. Therefore, the first few ingredients listed are what most of the formula is comprised of. Also, it’s important to make sure all ingredients are safe and nourishing for your skin, especially the first few listed! 2. Avoid Harmful Ingredients That May Irritate Your Skin And Impact Your Health  While you are checking the ingredients list, make sure to keep an eye out for some of these common skin irritants: Parabens Sodium lauryl Sulfate  Oxybenzone Artificial fragrances and perfumes Triclosan and Triclocarban  Formaldehyde Petroleum Distillates  DEA & TEA Talc 3. Look For Nourishing, Clean, And Natural Ingredients.  To ensure you don’t have a negative skin reaction or breakout, look for products comprised of natural, organic extracts (plants, roots, seeds, etc.) + minerals + antioxidants and skin nutrients (peptides, Vitamin E, C, etc.) Also, these kinds of ingredients will soothe and calm any skin irritations, nourish the skin with moisture, act as a barrier against harmful free radicals, prevent signs of aging, and help treat any skin issues like breakouts or rashes. If you have sensitive skin, look for products labeled non-allergenic or non-comedogenic. 4. Learn About The Brand By Deciphering Packaging Labels And Symbols  When choosing a makeup brand or product, it’s important to consider the brand’s values and ethics. Do they test on animals or use animal by-products in their formulas? However, are they cruelty-free? Also, is their packaging sourced from sustainable methods and recyclable? Most makeup and skincare products now carry symbols on the packaging to help consumers understand the brand and the product.  Here are some common symbols and what they mean.  USA Symbol - Product was made in the United States of America. Leaping Bunny Symbol - Cruelty-Free: not tested on animals. Vegan - The product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. Gluten-Free makeup symbol guarantees products to have fewer than 10 parts per million of gluten, which means you'll be reaction-free. Recycling Arrows Triangle - Packaging is recyclable. Peta Cruelty-Free - Not tested on animals. Open Lid Jar- This is the PAO (period after opening) symbol: within what time period the product should be used after opening.  Book- The hand pointing to the book indicates that there is more information about the product included in the packaging, often in an insert or on the opposite side of a peel-up sticker. Also, this symbol is usually included when there is not enough room to print all the product information in one place. 5. Choose Products That Best Suit Your Skin Tone  Knowing your skin tone and shade is very important when it comes to choosing a foundation, bronzer, eyeshadow, and even lipstick! Understanding your skin tone and skin type will help you to choose the perfect products to flatter and compliment your natural features. 6. Choosing The Best Products For Your Skin Type When shopping for the best beauty products, it’s essential to know what type of skin you have. For example, those with dry skin will benefit from hydrating cream or liquid products, whereas those with oily skin may find a mattifying powder or mineral foundation to be a better choice. You will also want to consider the amount of coverage that will best suit your needs. Those with skin redness, imperfections or irritations may desire more coverage, while those with more balance skin will require less. Foundations that are highly pigmented are great options. In addition, highly pigmented foundations offer lightweight, buildable coverage without looking cakey. Consider trying HD concealers, foundations, and powders. Formulated to appear flawless under intense light or an HD camera, these products enhance your look. Guaranteed to make those Instagram filters unnecessary!   7. Look For Duo-action Or Multi-purpose Products And Formulations  Trying to get ready for school or work is hectic enough as-is! Some people just don’t have time for a multi-step skincare and beauty routine. Products formulated to work as both skincare and makeup at the same time can be game-changers on these busy days. In addition, try looking for multi-purpose products to treat or provide many benefits simultaneously for the skin. For example, concealers that treat breakouts as well as camouflaging them, primers that treat breakouts and balance oil control while extending makeup wear, mascara that nourishes and strengthens lashes while lengthening. 8. Read Or Watch Reviews And Testimonials Spend some time to research the next best-selling product to ensure you get the bang for your buck. Also, reading reviews, comments, testimonials and watching videos can help decide if that new cult-face product is worth your time and money. Also, don’t forget to shop for your specific skin type - not all foundations and bronzers are the same! 9. Money-back Guarantee  A money-back guarantee is a great way to show that a brand truly stands behind their products and their customer’s satisfaction. Also, it’s a way to ensure you don’t waste your hard-earned money on products that simply don’t work for you.  Conclusion We live in a time where there are endless options and choices for beauty lovers. In addition, our team are fortunate to have access to product information to ensure we only use healthy, safe, clean, and the best beauty products. We believe in a beauty experience that is eco-friendly, 100% cruelty-free, 100% gluten-free, and 100% vegan-certified. Are you ready to join our mission for karma-free beauty?

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.

If you are anything like us, you’ve watched a lot of Netflix over the holidays! There was one particular new docuseries called "Broken" that caught our attention. When we saw that one of the episodes was titled “Makeup Mayhem”, we just had to watch! The docuseries episode delved into the dangers of counterfeit beauty products. Here are some alarming facts we learned. The Increasing Demand for Beauty Products As the docuseries states, the cosmetic industry is having a big moment. The industry is currently valued at $445 billion dollars. That number is projected to reach $100 billion dollars in the next 5 years. The popularity of the cosmetic industry has led to the rise of counterfeit cosmetics, causing negative consequences. Why the Rise of Counterfeit Cosmetics? The docuseries episode attributes the rise of counterfeit in the beauty industry to social media, influencers, and scarcity marketing techniques. Social media influencers create hype around brands/products, generating huge consumer demand. When these products sell out in a matter of hours, the demand quickly increases. Some brands are also employing a technique called scarcity marketing. In this case, the company produces a limited supply of the sought-after product to increase demand and perceived value. The Allure of Exclusive and Limited-Release Products  People want to have the newest, best thing. They want to have what their favorite beauty influencer or friends are using. They want to fit in and fear missing out. Some of them want to look like the person on social media, and they believe, if they want to achieve the look at home, they need to use the same product as the influencer. Other times, often when there is a very hyped product release, a few selected people will buy up all of the inventory immediately. After receiving the popular product, they re-sell it for a much higher price on a third-party seller website like PoshMark, Amazon, OfferUp or eBay. These buyers often list the products with huge markups, sometimes 10x more than the original price. When people can’t get the products directly from the retailer because they have sold out, they often turn to third-party seller platforms. The episode of the docuseries features a story of a young woman who wanted to buy the infamous Kylie Lip Kit. She was not able to purchase one directly from Kylie’s site because it sold out too quickly. She bought what she thought was a real Lip Kit from eBay. When she tried the product, her lips started burning and became stuck together. It turns out, it was a counterfeit, and the counterfeit glosses often have superglue in the formula as a replacement for more expensive ingredients. She had to use acetone and butter to remove the glue from her lips! Horrifying! The Dangers of Counterfeit Cosmetics The main source of counterfeit cosmetics is in China. Question: Non-sterile, non-regulated "labs" that are often completely unsanitary are responsible for producing these counterfeits. Quality, safe ingredients in the original formulas are often replace with cheaper alternatives, some of which may be dangerous to your health.   Many of the counterfeit cosmetics in the docuseries tested positive for animal feces, such as rat droppings and horse urine. Superglue, construction clay, and several heavy metals can be find in the fake formulas. Exposure to heavy metals like Arsenic can cause headaches, issues with memory, and fertility issues. A dermatologist featured in the episode has reported that she saw a drastic increase in several common skin conditions like pink eye, styes, boils, and bacterial infections due to the use of counterfeit cosmetics. How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Cosmetics It is important to buy your beauty products directly from the brand or from a reputable source that is a certified seller. It is also important to look for products from the USA.  When a cosmetic product is from the USA, it follows FDA regulations, and you can assure that the listed ingredients are indeed what they claim to be. You also have the confidence of knowing that the product comes in a facility with strict safety regulations. Makeup that comes from other countries doesn't require to meet FDA regulations. At Emani Vegan Cosmetics, we believe in a safe and clean beauty experience that is completely 100% Cruelty-free, 100% Gluten-free, and 100% Vegan certified. We proudly make all of our products in California. Also, we are a company energized by eco-friendly manufacturing, green technology, and ethical suppliers. We are making a positive impact on the planet through our cosmetics in hopes that it will begin a chain reaction throughout humanity.

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!

Winter Skincare Survival Guide: Say Goodbye to Dry, Itchy Skin! Ah, winter. The holidays are right around the corner, a new year is just on the horizon and dry, itchy winter skin is.. not exactly what we’re looking forward to. When the temps start to drop - and the heaters inside start to blast - protect your skin this winter, dryness can make your winter wonderland really unpleasant. Unavoidable? No way! In fact, staying supple and hydrated all season is actually a lot easier than you might think.  But let’s back up a little bit. What causes wintertime dryness? Well, cold air tends to be drier than the warm, humid air from the summer months. This can zap out any moisture in your skin cells. But the heat inside isn’t much better, as HVAC systems and space heaters can also dry out the air as they warm up.   So, What can you do? Be proactive and Defensive? We have a few tips up our sleeve to help protect your skin this winter against dryness! 1. Hydrate Inside Water is the best way to combat dry skin protect your skin this winter - and there are more ways to consume it than you think. Of course, staying hydrated by drinking your eight glasses a day is always a smart place to start. Pack a water bottle with you throughout the day so there’s no excuse not to drink!  ...And Out Of course, locking in the hydration that’s already in your skin is another strong solution against wintertime dryness. Our Miracle 7-in-1 Primer Serum is loaded with potent botanical moisturizers to soothe and quench parched skin. Plus, our Hydrawear Foundation is packed with Hyaluronic Acid - an ingredient we’re big fans of here at Emani - that’s designed to help plump your skin cells up with moisture. Work these two powerhouse products into your routine, and you’ll have smooth skin in no time. 2. Avoid (and Combat!) the Triggers One of the simplest solutions to protect your skin this winter from dryness is to keep away from any triggers. Avoid spending extended time outdoors if you can, and protect your face with a hat and scarf if you do! But if they’re unavoidable - like the stifling heating system in your office, for example - there are definitely ways to stay on the defensive. A humidifier is an easy investment towards keeping the air in your home or office hydrated. 3, Stay Away from Steam The heat from your shower can also strip away the natural moisturizer in your skin. We know, it might sound a little counterintuitive. Even though there’s nothing better than a steamy shower on a freezing day, hot water can strip away the natural oils that keep your skin supple. Try to keep the temperature to a happy medium and if you’re really craving a steaming shower, limit your time to as little as possible. The Things You Didn’t Think About So you’ve got the ins and outs of moisturizing to protect your skin this winter. You’ve got it right? Just a few more things to consider… Did you know that your skin is susceptible to sun damage even in the winter? It’s true! The low trajectory of the sun and bright, reflective snow can actually cause sunburns and UV damage. That’ll leave your skin totally parched too, but that’s the least of your concerns! You should wear sunscreen every day, even in the winter. And while you’re spending all this time thinking about your face, don’t forget about your lips! If the delicate skin of your pout get chapped and cracked in the cold, all of the above tips will certainly apply. We hope you head into the cold frontier of the season with the newfound knowledge of how to keep your face, lips and skin nourished and healthy. After all, the only flakes you encounter this winter should be snowflakes, not dry, flaky skin! Do you have any of your own tips to protect your skin during the harsh winter? Let us know in the comments!

Embrace the Season of Self-Care: Five Simple Ways to Feel Good This Fall We don’t know about you, but among the Emani team, fall is by far the collective favorite season. After a long, hot summer it’s been so nice to enjoy the crispness in the air. And of course, it’s been great taking part in some of the seasonal activities. We’re talking apple picking, pumpkin carving and of course, enjoying plenty of pumpkin spice. There’s no denying that fall is a time of change. As the leaves start to turn, it feels like as good a time as any to start taking stock of everything going on in your life. We like to think of fall as the season of self-care. And if you’re finding yourself in need of a little more mindfulness this time of year - whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety or even just that general blah feeling - we have five simple ways to feel good this fall! 1. Light a Fall Candle Scent is a powerful trigger for memory and emotion. And fittingly, scent is one of the best things about fall. There are so many warm fragrances to choose from, even if pumpkin spice isn’t your thing (No judgment here!). So go ahead, pick out your favorite candle, light it up and sit back and relax as the fall fragrance envelops your home.  If you relax while you’re smelling the candle, you’ll probably start associating that scent with those calm feelings. That way, you can bust out the same candle anytime you’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed. A few quick inhales, and trust us - cooler heads will prevail. And since we’re all about clean living here at Emani, we definitely recommend looking for candles made from organic beeswax or soy - for a vegan option! - with a cotton or cellulose paper wick.  2. Try a New Makeup Look Beauty is what we live for here at Emani, and fall is one of our favorite times of year to switch up your beauty routine. We associate the cool weather with darker jewel tones, bold lip colors, and fresh-faced skin. For the latter, we have to recommend our Hydrawear Plus. It’s loaded with moisturizing and plumping hyaluronic acid, leaving your skin with a beautiful, dewy glow that lasts all day. Sometimes even just switching up your routine can be enough to shake things up. If you normally use a brow pencil, try using a cream for a bolder look (Our Brow Pomade is a great place to start - plus the Vitamin E in the formula promotes fuller, healthier brows!). 3. Enjoy the Weather with an Outdoor Workout Fresh air is really a natural cure-all for so many things. A stressful day, a bout of nerves - they can all be helped with something as simple as a walk around the block.  Fall’s crisp and refreshing weather is ideal for a nice workout. If it’s a sunny day outside, try going for a walk through your neighborhood, or grab a group of friends and go on a hike. Try and find out if there are any outdoor workout classes in your community - imagine doing yoga in the cool air! 4. Try a Fall Recipe Much like smell, tasting something yummy is a great way to feed both your soul and your stomach. There are so many delicious flavors to associate with fall - even thinking beyond pumpkin! We’re talking hearty soups, baked pies, plus seasonal fruits like apples and cranberries. While it’s easy to think of cooking as a chore, it can be a really grounding and revitalizing act. Think about it: you’re taking a bunch of separate ingredients, methodically preparing them and then transforming them into something completely new, all by your own work! There’s definitely something zen and humbling there, if you put it that way. Try to set aside time to cook a new fall recipe, whether it’s whipping up a batch of pumpkin bread or boiling a pot of chicken soup. When you’re focusing on that, you can set aside any stress and anxiety and just focus on the chopping, peeling and stirring in front of you. The delicious reward at the end? Another bonus! 5. Take in the Changing Leaves Fall is a time of change, sure, but it sure is a beautiful one! The changing of the leaves only lasts for a few weeks every season, and it’s one of those fleeting moments in nature that can be so easy to forget about. This season, make time to truly enjoy one of the most splendid things nature has to offer - at Emani, we’re certainly big believers in the power of nature! Take a scenic drive through a wooded area during the peak of the colorful foliage. It’s also a great opportunity to test out your artistic skills, which is such a great stress reliever. Consider yourself an amateur photographer? Snap a few Instagram shots of the reds and oranges in the trees and we guarantee the likes will start rolling in!  Trying to tap into your artistic side? Fantastic! Find a spot outside and start sketching the sights with colored pencils.

Vegan Soy Mascara Takes Home Top Honors at Janey Loves PLATINUM Awards Cue the happy tears - and by that, we don’t mean the irritated, smudgy tell-tale tears you get from wearing a mascara that’s loaded with harsh ingredients. We are so excited to announce that our Vegan Soy Mascara was the big winner in the “Luscious Lashes” category during this year’s Janey Loves PLATINUM Awards, one of the biggest awards in natural and holistic well-being on a global scale. We were selected after vigorous testing from a panel of industry experts and customers in the space. Getting recognized by the Janey Loves team is a major accomplishment for us. As one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious honors in natural health and wellness, it’s huge to be recognized on a global scale.  Say goodbye to Mascara You probably know by now that vegan, organic and feel-good products are a big part of what we do. Our founder and fearless leader Michelle Doan started Emani out of her kitchen back in 2001. When she realized her skin was sensitive to a long laundry list of not-so-great stuff in your standard makeup, she started whipping up a batch of her own homemade foundation that looked and felt amazing to wear and - the best part - wouldn’t irritate her skin. The rest is history, but that’s been our goal since day one: Beautiful products with equally beautiful ingredients. Our Vegan Soy Mascara is one of our big eye favorites because right off the bat, it addresses so many of the common issues we hear from our customers about other varieties that they’ve tried.  Introducing Our Gentle and Nourishing Mascara - The Perfect Solution for Sensitive Eyes For starters, finding the right mascara can be an utter nightmare if you have sensitive eyes. Your eyes are one of the most delicate areas of your body as it is - we all know the annoying agony of having a stray eyelash that can’t be blinked away.  Some mascaras coat your lashes with thick, heavy formulas loads with pretty yucky, lab-produced stuff. They weigh your lashes down and strip away essential moisture, leaving them dry and brittle. Some includes with fragrances - this is one of the more common eye allergy triggers - which can leave your eyes and the delicate skin around them swollen and inflamed. If your mascara is bothering you, then it’s really not going to look great once you have it on. Smudging is often causes the eyes becoming wet and watery due to irritation. We love a good smoky eye as much as the next person, but streaky raccoon eyes from the wrong mascara is never a good look… The Ultimate Mascara for Sensitive Eyes - Organic, Nourishing, and Long-Lasting We took all of these concerns to heart when we were dreaming up our Vegan Soy Mascara. The result is a product that’s organic, all-natural and - the best part! - designed for even the most sensitive eyes.  As the name might suggest, infuse with a natural Soy Protein Extract that’s design to moisturize and nourish your eyelashes to keep them strong and healthy. The formula itself is lightweight and smooth, reducing the risk of annoying clumps. It’s also completely waterproof and smudge resistant. Try wearing it to a sad movie or a happy wedding - this stuff will not budge. Introducing Our Innovative Tree-Shaped Brush - Enhancing Every Lash with Precision and Lift We should also mention our specially-designed brush. Nature is never too far from our minds here at Emani, so we shaped it to look like a tree with a soft contour in the middle. Why does this shape work so well? We realized it was the perfect design to fully coat each individual lash. Plus it lifts and curls too. When we finally perfected and released this mascara, the feedback was almost instantaneous. Not only did our customers love it, but it also worked. We heard from so many women who struggled to find the right mascara that would work for their sensitive eyes. It turns out our product was the holy grail that so many had been searching for. Today it’s still sitting pretty at a healthy five-star review, and we really couldn't ask for more. Conclusion So if you haven’t tried our Vegan Soy Mascara yet, well, what are you waiting for? After over 1,500 five-star reviews, we think the results really speak for themselves. Special Thank You to Our Loyal Fans. You are why we keep striving to create the best vegan cosmetics imaginable and your support is really the biggest motivator. 

Do You Know What You’re Putting on Your Skin? Does this sound familiar? You pick out a new skincare product on a whim - maybe it’s a moisturizer, or a cleanser, or some sort of serum - take it home, try it out...and the next thing you know, your skin breakout.  How did this happen? Well, you may have run into comedogenics - an unfortunately all-too-common ingredient in many cosmetics and skincare products. Though many formulas have improved in recent years, other commonly used skincare products still contain comedogenic ingredients. That could mean a breakout, blemishes and even full-blown acne are waiting just around the corner. Learn to avoid pore-clogging, acne-causing comedogenic ingredients easily. And more so, you can also get to know ingredients that are skin-healthy too. Comedogenics - Hiding in Plain Sight First of all, what are comedogenics? Simply put, they’re substances that sit heavy on the skin and cause comedos - the earliest stage of a clogged pore. Since scientists started researching the effects of these chemicals on the skin in the 1970s, companies have made an effort to remove them. Unfortunately, the sheer amount of comedogenic ingredients used in skincare and makeup means they’re difficult to avoid entirely. An easy way to tell if a product contains comedogenic ingredients is to take notice of the consistency.  Thick, creamy products might feel luxurious to coat over your skin, but they’re actually acting like a big blanket - your pores can’t breathe! Your reading skills are also important when it comes to choosing the right skincare products. A quick skim of the ingredients label will tell you a lot about the makeup of a product - and how likely it is that it can cause a breakout. Products that have “isopropyl-“ in the name are frequently common comedogenics, as are sulfates like the dreaded sodium lauryl sulfate. If you ever come across these on a label, you can assume it’s probably not very nice and breathable for your skin. What Ingredients Should I Look Out For? So with all this in mind, what exactly are you supposed to put on your skin? After all, it seems like the list of what to avoid is impossible to follow. Once again, reading is going to be your biggest helper. The easiest way to avoid acne-causing ingredients is to simply look for products labeled as ‘non-comedogenic.’ Take a look at the ingredients on the box of tube before you purchase - We always list the ingredients for our makeup and serums.  Unlock the Secret to Breakout Free Skin If you can, note the consistency. Does it feel lightweight? Clear? More like a serum? It’s probably much safer to put on your skin without having to worry about a breakout happening. Look out for ingredients that are always safe. Aloe Vera is one of the best and healthiest products you can apply to your skin - and as an added bonus, it’s a completely natural and plant-derived ingredient that’s certainly not comedogenic. Civilizations have used Aloe Vera to treat skin, hair and nails for over 6,000 years, so it’s really time-honored. In fact, it's a key ingredient in our Perfect10 Primer Serum! You’ll be celebrating your clear and healthy skin in no time!

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.

I have a little secret to share with you all: I am the founder of a cosmetics company and I had horrible, sensitive, and cystic acne prone skin! 

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!

Hi Everybody! We are proud to have been featured in the following publications this last month!

Unleash Your Brow Game: The Science Behind Flawless Eyebrows Did you know that flawless eyebrows are proven to be the most important facial feature? Harper’s Bazaar recently wrote about a study conducted by the University of Lethbridge in Canada that scientifically proves eyebrows are even more important than your eyes, nose and mouth! Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a beauty guru, perfect flawless eyebrows are a game changer. Mastering the Art of Brow Filling: A Step-by-Step Guide with Emani's All-in-One Brow Cream Here’s how you can get the look using Emani’s All-in-One Brow Cream, a powder, gel, pencil and setting wax all-in-one formula that makes getting the perfect brow easy. The best place to start is to get your eyebrows professionally waxed or threaded. You will still need to fill them in, but a brow expert will be able to know which shape best suits your face. Once you have your shape you can maintain them at home by plucking and trimming between appointments Take your shade of Brow Cream (Blonde, Light Brown, Auburn, Dark Brown or Black) with your dual-sided V5 Brow/Liner Brush. Pro tip: Square or round off the ends near the inner corner of your eyes. Use an angle brush to fill in the outline, adding more product if necessary.  Use your outlines as guides to fill the rest of your brows. Also, for the best natural look, hold the brush at a horizontal angle and create small, feather-like strokes in the same direction of hair growth Pro tip: Every so often take a step back from the mirror and check how they look from a distance. It’s easy to overfill and end up with the “sharpie” brow. Lightly brush through with the opposite end of your brush. If you accidentally add too much product, brush that area a little extra to soften. After brushing, you may need to revisit missed areas or pluck stray hairs. Lastly, always remember that eyebrows are sisters not twins. Trying to make them match 100% perfectly will make you crazy (or late!)

Embrace the Beauty of Living: Celebrate Your Journey with Emani! Start 2016 with gratitude and a new perspective! Emani is not just about “makeup”, we want to support you in your life’s journey. It’s easy to let the beauty of living itself pass us by. Celebrate life, celebrate you, celebrate your journey. Louie Schwartzberg’s Ted Talk on gratitude inspired us to create a new outlook for 2016. In his discussion, he quotes “beauty and seduction is nature’s tool for survival because we protect what we fall in love with. It opens our hearts and makes us realize we are part of nature and not separate from it.” This realization is amazing on your life’s journey because, through connection of all things, we are able to live mindfully and let gratitude flow from us. Also, by opening your eyes to the simple beauty of the world and accepting gratitude you will feel the benefits of higher self-esteem, improved energy levels, and even better sleep. Tips and Quotes to Cultivate Gratitude in Your Daily Journey Here are a few of our favorite tips and quotes that share how to make gratitude part of your journey: Start a gratitude Journal. Write everything you are thankful for. In addition, be thankful for the trees and the oxygen they give you, thankful for a person, write it all down. Even express your thankfulness for what may seem to be a negative situation in your journey, as these situations are lessons to be use later in life. See each day as a gift. As you walk through your day open your eyes to the beautiful gift that life is. What motivates you, what drives you? Also, where do you see beauty in the day? Furthermore, learn to recognize the gifts in your life and appreciate them. Shift your new perspective. Also, by changing the way you think, you change everything you see including yourself, others, the universe. Every single thing requires a shift in new perspective to see beyond ourselves. Let light in. As your perception begins to change, be open to letting light that flows through you. As light comes in, it also radiates out. Moreover, by being a representation of light, those who come across your path will be touch. Send thank you notes. Think about how you feel when you get a thank you card. The joys, excitement, love…by sending someone a thank you card, you are sharing those same emotions with them. Also, make some time this year and send a few handwritten notes as an expression of gratitude. Positive vibes only: The cells in your body react to everything that your mind says and negativity brings down your immune system. Also, keep the negative out by only letting positivity in. Get your #truthbomb cards from Danielle la Porte to “break you’re your heart and soothe your soul”. Enjoy what you have. There is a quote that says, “When you finally get something good, enjoy it. Don’t always go looking for something better” We’re programmed to always want more, want something better. Be happy with what you are given today. Daily practice. Practice of gratitude must be done daily. By recalling 3 things you’re grateful for everyday for 21 days, you can actually “rewire” your brain to be happy. Conclusion Remember that gratitude can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, anytime. It’s all about releasing judgment, opening your eyes, filling your heart and letting the blessings of life flow through you. How do you practice gratitude? “Put down your shield and stand in the rain of blessings”

Unleash the Versatility of Perfect Concealer: Say Goodbye to Cakey Under Eyes! The best part about perfect concealer is the virtually unlimited ways to use it! Traditional formulations are made with ingredients such as Talc, Petrochemicals and Parabens, which are not only toxic, but drying and irritating to the delicate eye area, causing that “cakey” concealer look under the eyes. Cake is great to eat for the Holiday’s (vegan cake of course) it is a major concealer faux pas. Master the Art of Flawless Concealer: Emani's Vegan Tips for a Picture-Perfect Finish Emani’s HD Corrective Concealer is created with Vitamin C to firm and brighten. It’s also formulated with a variety of seed oils to ensure the best hydration under your delicate eye area. The nutritious formula is also perfect concealer for contouring and highlighting. Say hello to your new holy-grail beauty product! Emani Vegan Cosmetics makes getting the look easy! Here are our favorite tips to flawless perfect concealer: To cover dark circles and brighten under eyes never apply foundation under your eye area. The skin under your eyes is more thin than the rest of your face, which is why this area tends to be more dry and sensitive Libby after triangle Add a small triangle under each eye (note: avoid the “half-moon shape” commonly seen. The triangle gives a lifted effect) and lightly blend into skin, by tapping with your ring finger or using a small buffing brush Remember: concealer is created to have more coverage than foundation. A little bit of product goes a long way, be careful not to overuse it. You can always layer more after you blend for more coverage if necessary Apply foundation first and then concealer. It’s best to see what your foundation covers first and then go in with concealer. If you apply your concealer first you’ll remove most of it while applying your foundation Libby Contour  For contouring and highlighting, our Emani expert artists recommend using a thin veil of Hydrawear 12 Hour Foundation to even skin tone and then using two different shades of concealer for contour and highlight in the areas that best accentuate your facial features. Bonus tip: Use 1-2 shades lighter for highlighting and 1-2 shades darker for contouring Set the look! After you’ve blended your foundation and concealer to ensure you’ve left with no harsh edges set your look with the V8 Kabuki Brush and your choice of translucent HD Bamboo Setting Powder or Perfecting Crushed Foundation for added coverage P.S. Now that we have cake on our minds, try this Vegan Vanilla Spelt Sponge Pumpkin Mousse Cake this holiday season…mmmm….