General Info Archives - Page 6 of 12

Summer Solutions: After-Sun Care

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

The dog days of summer are officially upon us, and if you’re hiking, biking, swimming, or just soaking up some rays, at the end of a day outdoors, your skin can use some extra care.

When we’re in the sun for an extended period of time, age spots – darker brown or black spots – can begin to appear on our skin, often on our faces, hands, and arms. While these generally aren’t dangerous, they can often create a blotchy, aged appearance.

There are three Merlot products that can help counteract these effects, and help restore skin’s youthful glow.

Merlot Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer – Not only does this lotion help soften hands while protecting them from germs, the formula also fights against age spots, keeping hands looking young.

Merlot Anti-Wrinkle Cream – Containing 11 Amino Acids, this formula works to repair skin by stimulating its collagen production and building its firmness.

Merlot Moisturizer – Keep skin protected daily. Merlot Moisturizer absorbs into skin instantly to hydrate and help heal.

So, after a day on the beach, at the park, or working in the yard, show your skin some love with a little Merlot.

Getting A Buzz: Booze-Related Beauty Products

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

Everybody loves a good happy hour, and many companies are now embracing beverage-inspired products. From mimosas to sangrias to gin and tonics, there’s a recent trend toward alcohol-inspired scents.

For us at Merlot Skin Care, utilizing red wine grapes for their antioxidant power has always been a part of our formula.

Every Merlot product is made with red grape seeds, harnessing their natural power to combat the signs of aging.

Our biggest online event of the year

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

Once a year we offer a great big deal to honor our loyal customers. It’s our 4^th Annual Half-Off event and this year every product on merlotskincare.com is 50% Off!

This special is only available online, and only for a limited time. It’s a great opportunity to discover something new – never tried Merlot’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream before? – or to stock up on must-have standards like Merlot Moonlight Radiance Night Cream. (Right now only $10!)

Take advantage before it’s too late. Special ends July 31 at 11:59PM GMT.

Only available at merlotskincare.com

Make Dad’s Day

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16, and what better way to show you care than with a few great Merlot Skin Care items. Dads need to take care of their skin too!

Merlot For Men Moisturizer is unscented and great for Dad to apply after shaving. It’ll smooth and soothe his face, and keep his skin protected.

Is your Dad the active, athletic type? No doubt his feet could use some extra love with the cooling aloe vera of Merlot Foot Cream.

Pin It To Win It: April Contest

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Thanks for entering!

That’s right, it’s our very first Pinterest contest!

To enter:

1. Follow Merlot Skin Care on Pinterest

2. Repin the image below and include the hashtag #merlotskincare

3. Email a link to your pin.

TWO lucky winners will receive the Merlot Skin Care products pictured in the photo. Contest expires April 30, 2013. Winners will be notified via email. Good luck and happy pinning!

Merlot’s Hidden Gems

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

Have you discovered these “hidden gems” of the Merlot Skin Care line?

Purify Pores

Merlot’s Purifying Peel Off Mask is a simple way to instantly improve skin’s appearance. Apply, let set, and gently remove 10-15 minutes later.

See for yourself

Heal & Repair

The ultimate multi-tasking product, Merlot’s 100% Pure Grape Seed Oil works wonders – in a number of ways. It works to deliver hydration to ultra-dry skin, helps reduce the appearance of scars, and works to repair damaged cuticles and split ends.

Try it!

Firm Skin

The delicate skin in the chin and neck areas never gets enough attention. Chin Up Neck Firming Cream works to tighten skin and improve its tone and appearance.

Shop here

My Daily Beauty Routine

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

How would you describe your personal day-to-day look?:
I would say I usually follow the same routine for work: conservative/professional , and fairly natural looking.

What’s your skin “type?”:
My skin is dry/combination and sensitive. I use retinoid, so my skin cannot tolerate too many anti-aging products along with it. If my moisturizer isn’t gentle enough my skin gets very red.

How do you clean/cleanse your face?:
I use a (1) Clarisonic with a creamy cleanser. I also love (2) Merlot’s Toner. I use it at nighttime after my cleanser and before my retinoid. It’s non-drying, helps prevent breakouts and helps calm my skin.

What are your go-to color cosmetic products?:
I have blotchy skin, so I use (3) Bobbi Brown foundation. I like (4) Revlon eye shadow, (5) Burt’s Bee’s lip balm with natural lip liner, and (6) Opi polish on my toenails.

How does getting yourself ready make you feel about yourself?:
It gives me a boost of self-confidence, especially after a long work day. And it makes me feel pretty.

Do you have a favorite perfume?:
(7) Beautiful by Estee Lauder. I love floral scents.

Any beauty resolutions for 2013?:
Wear more sun block, drink more water, and eat more vegetables.

– Nancy Licon is the Executive Director of the El Paso Border Youth Athletic Association in El Paso, TX. Learn more about their programs and show your support here. www.epbyaa.org

My Daily Beauty Routine

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

How would you describe your personal day-to-day look?: I’m a preschool teacher, so I dress very casually.

What’s your skin “type?”: I have mostly dry skin.

What’s your favorite product in your daily routine?: (1) First Crush 3-in-1 face wash! I use it daily and I love it. It’s gentle, cleans well, and makes my face so smooth that I don’t wear any foundation at all! After showering I love to use the (2) Merlot Body Butter. It leaves my skin soft, with just a very light scent. And after shaving, I’ll use the (3) Merlot 100% Pure Grape Seed Oil; it smoothes all the rough spots.

What are your go-to products for eyes?: I wear (4) Cover Girl eye shadow and eye liner, usually in brown and black shades.

Favorite hair care products?: I use (5) Fekkai shampoo, conditioner, and glossing cream. It leaves my hair full. I love the shine it gives my hair and the scent is a clean and light.

Do you have a favorite perfume?: I like (6) Express and (7) Chloe. The scents are fresh and light, and not overpowering.

My Daily Beauty Routine

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

Living in a dry city like El Paso all my life has made my skin very dry. There are so many creams out there that I’ve tried and none seemed to have helped as much as the Merlot products do. I use Merlot on my face and all the way down to my toes, and I love it!

Every morning after showering I love to use (1) Merlot Body Firming Lotion all over my body, including my feet. It’s best to use when my skin is still a tad damp so that it gives my skin that soft, smooth feel all day long.

Before heading out for work I beautify my face first by applying (2) Merlot Moisturizer. I love to use it as a base before applying (3) MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. Using the moisturizer this way does not make my face feel cakey at all, which is a plus! I follow up by using (4) MAC Mineralize Blush color Gentle on the apples of my cheeks. For my eyes I use (5) L’oreal’s Waterproof Power Volume Collagen Mascara in Blackest Black and line them up with (6) L’oreal’s Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black. Then I’m off for a day at the office.

After work I head to the gym. When I’m done with my workout routine I usually go to the locker room and wash my hands – this is where I reach for (7) Merlot’s Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer from my gym bag. It’s awesome because not only does it leave your hands nice and soft, but it also sanitizes your hands. After using the workout machines that are used by everyone in the gym I want to make sure to kill whatever germs are left lurking on my hands.

I end my day by heading home and hitting the shower. (8) Merlot’s Cleanser is great to use after a workout to get rid of any dirt and impurities. The best part about this cleanser is that it also helps to take off the mascara and eyeliner I applied earlier in the day. After the shower I put on (9) Merlot’s Body Butter. It leaves my skin silky smooth and refreshed for bedtime.

My Daily Beauty Routine

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Nicole Beckley

My style is pretty casual, which reflects my active lifestyle. My hair is in a ponytail more often than not, and if I’m not wearing running shorts in my kitchen while baking homemade energy bars, then I’m probably wearing rubber boots while working in a brewery as co-owner of The Can Van. After just turning 30, I’m still struggling with breakouts while I’m becoming more conscious of helping my skin to stay looking young. My challenge is finding a balanced approach that keeps my skin clear, and provides plenty of hydration day and night.

The base of my skincare routine is to wash my face twice a day with (1) Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub followed by applications of (2) On the Spot Acne Treatment with 2% benzoyl peroxide on my trouble zones and (3) Merlot Grape Seed Eye Cream around my eyes. In the morning I moisturize with (4) Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion with SPF 15. At night I put on my favorite Merlot product, (5) Moonlight Radiance Night Cream. It moisturizes without letting my skin get oily overnight, and it has a scent I just love.

I want my makeup to look clean and natural. For a long time I didn’t think it was possible to use liquid foundation without it feeling heavy, but by using a (6) Sephora Pro Stippling Brush with (7) Makeup For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation (in 120 – Sand) I can put on a light layer that’s just enough to even out my skin tone. I like to follow this with (8) Benefit Benetint lip and cheek stain; it gives my complexion a subtle glow that gets some compliments and provides a long-lasting base for any lip gloss I have on hand. I do my eyes last in earthy colors that bring out the complexity of my blue-green eyes, starting with (9) Sephora eye pencil in Khaki Electro and followed with a light brush of (10) Bare Minerals Eyecolor in Summer. I don’t always wear mascara, but at night or when I want to take things up a notch I use (11) Sephora Full Action Mascara in brown.

My hair is naturally wavy, and difficult to manage when it’s long, but my favorite way to keep it under control right now is with (12) Organix Moroccan Argan Oil line. The Intensive Treatment is nice for a deep conditioning session in the shower. I let it air dry and then work in some Penetrating Oil to smooth flyaways and create some texture.

My beauty routine helps me feel beautiful and confident, but one more way of doing that is by working from the inside out. In 2013, one of my resolutions is to bring more fresh fruits and vegetables into my diet. Part of my approach to this is making delicious smoothies. Here’s my favorite recipe, it makes a great breakfast, on its own or with eggs and toast! (Adapted from www.tasty-yummies.com)

Kale Blueberry Wakeup Juice

1 organic banana
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (more or less to adjust the consistency)
1 cup kale leaves, stems removed and roughly torn
Handful of frozen blueberries (or fresh in season)
1 tsp of honey (more or less to taste)

Optional additions:

1 Tbsp Almond Butter and/or
1-2 Tbsp Hemp Protein Powder

I like to freeze ripe bananas, then pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to remove the peel. The bananas don’t go bad, and the smoothie is cold without having to add ice.

Blend all ingredients together, sip, and enjoy!

– Jenn Coyle Catalano is the CEO of The Can Van, a San Francisco Bay Area-based company specializing in mobile canning for craft breweries. Learn more here: www.thecanvan.com