The Importance of Moisture

Dry skin is characterized by a lack of moisture in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. The barrier of the skin is comprised of fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol. A
dysfunctional barrier cannot hold the proper amount of water and allows moisture to evaporate from the skin.



If the hydration levels are not increased in the skin, the depletion of water causes a reduction in the cohesiveness between corneocytes, the cells that make up the stratum corneum. As a result, the corners of the corneocytes turn up and eventually will scale and flake - commonly known as dry skin. The skin then becomes dry and brittle. Rough surfaces do not refract light as clearly and the healthy glow from the microcirculation is hidden by the accumulation of corneocytes. Aging skin shows an increase in dehydration and a slower recovery from damage to the skin’s surface.


Cosmeceutical moisturizers like the new glotherapeutics Moisturize and Restore collection address dry skin symptoms by raising hydration levels in the stratum corneum and by acting as a natural barrier to keep the nutrients in the skin. Essential fatty acids, ceramides, emollients and humectants will reverse the negative effects of dry skin by restoring elasticity, leaving the skin smooth and velvety soft.

Visit www.gloskincare.com to learn more about barrier protection provided by glotherapeutics moisturizers!

Product In-Depth: The Science of Vitamin C

Over the past several years, you may have come across research into something called free radicals and how they relate to the aging process. Free Radicals are molecules that are missing an electron in their outer rings, making them unstable. Because the free radical molecule is unstable, it will “steal” electrons from the nearby atoms in healthy cells, creating another free radical and setting off a cycle of free radical creation, which ultimately results in destruction of healthy cells and tissue.

We are exposed to these free radicals from things like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke and stress. Free radicals are thought to cause a number of skin conditions related to aging, including skin darkening, inflammation, and the breakdown of collagen and elastin – elements that make the skin plump and youthful. Years of exposure to free radicals causes our skin to show signs of aging. So what can you do to repair skin, and protect it from future damage?




Advancements and discoveries in modern skincare research has come up with a solution in the form of antioxidants.


Antioxidants are the heroes that come along to protect our skin from free radicals – they have the potential to slow the signs of aging. As an antioxidant, L-ascorbic Acid (also known as vitamin C) has garnered serious attention. Research shows that it stimulates collagen production, while simultaneously working as an anti-inflammatory to speed up wound healing.





While drinking a glass of O.J. every day is certainly healthy, it alone will not be effective in the fight against the aging process. When ingested, a very small percentage of vitamin C actually reaches the skin. Topical application is preferred for maximum skin care benefits, and L-ascorbic Acid is the only form of vitamin C that penetrates the skin.

Start your skin care routine by applying topical vitamin C every morning for protection against free radical damage, and start seeing results in as little as 8-12 weeks.

Be sure to try one of our new Vitamin C serums by glotherapeutics to help your skin get the best source of Vitamin C for anti-aging benefits - available this fall from glotherapeutics on gloskincare.com!

Exciting New Vitamin C products from glotherapeutics

glotherapeutics launches vitamin c serums collection to revitalize and protect skin: coming fall 2010!

glōtherapeutics, the skincare collection known for breakthrough-ingredients, high performance formulations, and a signature systematic approach to skincare, introduces an all new line of scientifically-proven Vitamin C serums to revitalize damaged skin and visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

This revolutionary new collection offers the most effective form of Vitamin C available, L-Ascorbic Acid, with breakthrough peptides to repair, strengthen, and protect skin cells resulting in a healthy, youthful-looking complexion.

Applying glōtherapeutics Vitamin C serums has enormous skin-rejuvenating and protecting benefits. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C:

• finds and destroys reactive oxidizing agents and other free radicals
• provides important protection against UV radiation damage
• improves skin elasticity
• decreases the appearance wrinkles by stimulating collagen production
• reduces redness
• promotes healing
• suppresses pigmentation
  

The new Vitamin C serums are available in 7.5% Vitamin C Eye Gel, 10% Vitamin C, 15% Vitamin C, and Ultra 15% Vitamin C. Each serum contains Zinc Sulfate and L-Tyrosine. Zinc Sulfate is antibacterial and boosts the immune system at the cellular level, increases T-cells, accelerates the healing of wounds, and is essential for cell growth. Zinc is also partially responsible for collagenase, enzymes that break peptide bonds in aged collagen fibers so new collagen can be created. L-Tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids used by cells to synthesize proteins. When combined with L-ascorbic acid, it encourages fibroblast activity to increase collagen production.

Other active ingredients in the glōtherapeutics Vitamin C serums include the cutting edge peptides of Inyline, Snap-8, Preventhelia and Longevicell which reduces the depth of wrinkles and protect against UV radiation as well as extracts that reinforce the skins elasticity.

Stay tuned to our beauty blog for additional in-depth information on these cutting-edge ingredients.

Tricks of the Trade Photo-Ready Face

Whip up a perfect summer glo with this fresh-faced tip! While glominerals pressed base is one of our most popular base products due to its easy application, don't overlook the gorgeous finish that a our liquid foundation can deliver. If you are like me and shy away from liquid foundation because you're afraid it might be too heavy, try this technique and you'll be amazed at the light-as-a-feather look and feel that comes with the perfect application!

GATHER
• gloProtective liquid foundation - Satin II
• gloMoist hydration mist (Use two pumps)
• glominerals texture brush
• Small glass bowl for mixing

WHIP
Using the texture brush, mix gloProtective liquid foundation with 2 pumps of glōMoist hydration mist in the glass bowl.

APPLY
Using the texture brush, give a light airbrushed application of the mixture. The whipped gloProtective liquid foundation - Satin II and gloMoist hydration mixture goes on like silk and offers a lovely satin, photo-ready finish!

MIX IT UP
I tried this with the gloSheer ting base bronzing gel and the overall result was just stunning! Use the same whipping technique with gloSheer tint base, the base bronzing gel or gloHighlighter for an extra gorgeous glo!

Visit gloskincare.com to check out all the base basics products in the glominerals collection.

Colorado Sidebar: Climbing 14ers

As a transplant from the state of Ohio, I live in awe of the beautiful mountains surrounding us here at glo headquarters in Denver, CO every day. If you visit or move to Colorado and enjoy hiking, bagging a 14-er is almost a right of passage. A few weekends ago, I finally got to conquer MY first 14-er.

For those not familiar with the term, a "14-er" is a mountain exceeding 14,000 feet. Mount Bierstadt is one of Colorado’s most popular, and easiest fourteeners. Along with Mount Evans, Bierstadt is the closest 14'er to Denver. It’s not much more than an hour outside of Denver and the easiest route only requires a 3.25 mile, 2,391 foot ascent up a class 1 trail to reach the summit.

I have to say it was am absolutely gorgeous sunny day and with being at such a high altitude, sunscreen like glotherapeutics daily defense SPF 30+ was an absolute must. Additionally, I am not one to leave the house completely bare-faced, even when summiting a mountaintop! The recently launched glominerals water resistant mascara stayed on my lashes all day long, even during the middle of the hot afternoon. I would highly recommend this mascara to anyone, especially the outdoor/active types.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so I'll let the pictures speak the rest of the experience for themselves ...




View of the summit from the trailhead


Just starting to climb and the parking lot is getting pretty small.

The final ascent.

We made it!

--Diane

Get your Shine on this Holiday Weekend!

Thd 4th of July is all about festivities - festive fireworks, festive parties, festive food/drinks and of course looking festive as well! Make sure you shine this weekend with perfectly glo-ing skin. glominerals has an entire collection of products for creating a perfect glo, no matter what your skin type.

gloShimmer brick :: Using your texture brush, swirl all four colors from the gloShimmer brick together and highlight cheekbones and collarbones. Using your eye base brush, add an extra swipe of the lightest shade over browbones for extra definition. Add a tiny amount of the same shade to the inner corners of your eyes with the mini crease brush for a finishing touch!


gloCheek sheen, peachy :: the all-new glominerals cheek sheen is ideal for on the go beauty, plus its formulation makes it perfect for any part of the face & body! Blend into cheekbones for a subtle sheen, or use over eyeshadow for additional dimension. Perfect for accentuating your shoulders or decollete.


gloBody bronzer :: Tanned legs naturally look longer, leaner and more toned. Enhance your own natural tan, or add subtle color and sheen with the gloBody bronzer.

Beat the summer heat with fresh fall goodies from glominerals!

If you're looking for something fun and new to get your mind off the dog days of summer, check our our cool, refreshing new collection of glominerals!

Earthy and glamorous all at once, additions include intriguing new shades and up-to-the-minute beauty essentials.


First up, our limited edition gloReflection kit combines our two newest eye shadow shades, silver mist and linen, plus two of the most smolderingly gorgeous colors in the line, mermaid and sable. Lips are treated to a full-size of our newest liquid lips shade - luna, plus the versatile (and aptly named!) autumn gloPrecision lip pencil. B

etter yet, all this can be yours for just $47 - that's a 28% savings!

In addition to being featured in our fall collection kit, both new eye shadow shades are available individually, as is the all-new liquid lips in luna.





For glo-on-the-go, you'll be ready for anything with the addition of a retractable ultra brush to our amazing tools collection. Our most popular base brush is now available in this superconvenient retractable travel version, keeping your brush clean and protected.

Last but definitely not least - and a new cult favorite amongst us glo staffers - is the gloLip ritual.

Lavish your lips with the pure essential oils of anise, clove, peppermint and thyme while jojoba esters and natural apricot kernel oil condition chapped lips and impart moisture. Slide on this sheer silky treatment and surrender to what will become your lips' daily renewal: the all new gloLip ritual from glominerals.

Follow @gloskincare for Freebies Every Friday!

If you don't already do so, be sure you follow @gloskincare on Twitter for fabulous freebies every Friday - for one day only! Any and all purchases with the offer code "glofreebiefriday" will receive our free gift of the week.

Today's freebie is:

gloPrecision eye pencil in twilight ... coincidentally, there's a small film saga by the same name that is premiering this weekend :) So get your twilight on this weekend in more ways than one!

Summer Skincare

Now that summer's officially arrived, be sure to keep your skin looking its glo-ing best with our top summer glotherapeutics picks -- all under $35!



1. glōDaily Defense SPF30+ :: $30
A lightly tinted broad spectrum protector that easily applies daily and has a smooth finish.

2. gloPumpkin Enzyme Scrub :: $30
Keep your complexion fresh and radiant by exfoliating several times a week with this luxurious scrub.

3. gloSoothing Gel Mask :: $32
In case you accidentally get too much sun, vitamin E and antioxidants work to heal and soothe.

4. glōClear Complexion Pads :: $34
Easy application pads contain active ingredients to gently break down excess sebum, immediately balance oily skin and help prevent growth of p.acne bacteria.

5. glōRefreshing Mist :: $14
Keep your cool while lounging poolside or stash in fridge for an extra refreshing mist.

Summer Beauty, Inspired by Samantha

Last but certainly not the least in our collection of SATC2-inspired looks, we have sassy Samantha to take us into the weekend. When you like to show off a little skin like she does, glominerals makeup and glotherapeutics skincare products help keep skin gorgeously glo-ing day or night.

TODAY only, pick up gloSheer lip stick in aruba (featured below) FREE with any purchase with promo code GLOFREEBIEFRIDAY. Follow @gloskincare on Twitter for more deals!

Miranda-Inspired Glamour

Miranda's perfectly polished look in SATC2 inspired these picks from glominerals and glotherapeutics!



PS "follow" @gloskincare on Twitter for SATC2 inspired freebies!

What to do with Hydration Mist Canister?

If you're anything like me, the gloMoist Hydration mist is a staple of the morning makeup routine, especially in the summer! This morning I am pretty sure I finished off my first container of the year and I got to thinking about some cool ways to reuse the spritzer. I came up with several ideas and I'm wondering if any glo makeup mavens out there have additional ways they reuse them! Here are mine:

--Fill it with water to use as a spritzer at the pool (beach, for you lucky coastal people!).
--Use it as a plant mister.
--Use it for a mister when ironing clothes.
--Fill it with water and keep it in the fridge to cool off the skin after really hot days of yard work.
--Try it out as a travel-size container for: hair spray on-the-go, travel bug spray, travel hair scrunching gel, travel-anything-you-need-a-sprayer-for! Create some cute labels or use stickers so you don't accidentally put hairspray on your arms and legs though!

If you have other ways you've reused this versatile container, share in the comments section!

We're crazy about SATC2, too! Charlotte-inspired picks!

We're crazy about SATC2 (too!)

We're just as excited as you are about the second Sex and the City movie! So we've decided to let ourselves go (crazy for SATC2 of course!) We've pulled together some Carrie Bradshaw-inspired glo picks for you (and for us, too). Here's the best part - TODAY ONLY you can get gloSoothing Gel Mask (great for any glam gal, desert vacation or not!) for FREE with any purchase when you use offer code GLOFREEBIEFRIDAY at check out. Here's the undeniably fabulous truth: you can snag any (or all) of these glamorous glo products and your skin will ADORE you every time you spoil it with the gloSoothing Gel Mask.

And for those of you who love Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha just as much or more than Carrie, we've got sweet picks coming for each of them too (so stay tuned!).

Rule the world this summer (be Royal)

Bring on the heat! And by heat, we most certainly mean gorgeous looks that will bring 'em to their knees. One of our favorite ways to kick up the sultriness for summer is with gloRoyal lip crayons. Try imperial pink for a sweeter-than-fresh-watermelon smile that'll stick to your lips even if you decided sink your teeth into one (a watermelon, that is!) The chubby pencils are perfect for warm weather and days on patios and in parks when you'll love the extra pop of color and the low maintenance of a crayon (which gets along just fine in your cute little clutch for the afternoon!) So live Royally, enjoying the lazy days of summer with a gorgeous smile.

Get Cheeky

Add a gorgeous summery sheen to your cheeks with glominerals newest summer bronzing must-have, gloCheek sheen in peachy. This shimmery stick is a little tube of magic for getting that just-kissed-by-the-sun sheen that works so perfectly for summer!

We really like the versatility this little guy - use it on cheeks of course, then add a tab to the eyelids or a kiss of shimmer to shoulders and décolleté . It's so simple to use to the go too, perfect for easy summer makeup - just toss in your handbag or beach tote! glominerals has some application tips that can be found here. Let us know how you're using it!

Flawless foundation - absolutley irresistible!

It comes as no surprise to me (and probably won't come as any surprise to all of you who already wear any of the wonderful base products from glominerals) that glominerals bases are getting attention all over the place. Bobbie Thomas, the TODAY show style editor loves gloPressed base (and has been wearing it for ten years! What the TODAY show clip here) Sofia Vargas of the TV show Modern Family is on the same page - she chalks it up as a style secret in People Magazine. That's in addition to beauty bloggers everywhere who are discovering (and sharing) love for glominerals' superior foundations that (as one blogger put it) are "like organic food: full of pure ingredients."

Warm up for the warm-up

Weather.com (and my mother) tell me that my North Carolina hometown is rocking 87 sunny degrees right now but here at glo headquarters in Denver, winter and spring are still playing tug-of-war. Last weekend I sat on my porch and soaked up some sunshine between piles of ice and snow (not without SPF-- I keep my complexion healthy, protected and pretty with gloPressed base in golden medium, of course!) The peek-a-boo spring days give me just the inspiration I need to try a something new to celebrate what's coming (warm weather!) Here's what I'm loving now -- fresh eyes with gloEye shadow in lilac washed over the lid and just under the brow bone, then contouring the crease with one of my favorite light browns (I'm obsessed with twig.) Sometimes I layer that over a bamboo base and I always use gloLid primer so what's pretty at 7 a.m. before work is still pretty at 6 p.m. for happy hour. I've also been into pretty pink blushes and irresistible lashes that do resist water (gloWater resistant mascara is the ticket.) So come on over to Denver spring - I'm warmed up for the warm-up.

Spring tease

Denver is getting a sneak peek of spring today -- the sun is bright and the sky is blue! It's enough to give everything (even daily chores) a silver lining. Speaking of silver lining for your day, the beautiful glominerals spring collection is now available. We've got your precious metals covered with the new gloMetallic smoky eye kit . And your spring glo is perfectly accented with the gloShimmer brick in gleam for eyes, cheeks and all over glo. (Incidentally, the gloShimmer brick's shades look divine with a real silver lining -- check out the gloEye divine look here.) So smoke up your eyes and finish off your look with what I'm still stuck on: the perfectly rosy gold gloGloss in brown sugar. You'll be as irresistible as spring.

lips like sugar

It's all about spring at glo headquarters in Denver! Even though flurries fell last night, we're living in a world of rosy golds and classic neutrals. Spring has lots of perks-longer days, more sunshine, fresh flowers... but what I'm loving is soon-to-launch gloGloss in brown sugar. It's just about as perfect a shade as I could imagine. The color is a rosy natural hue with a touch shimmer that's well, just like the sugar it's named for.
The glominerals spring collection will be available March 1, 2010.