Every lady, whether she is 16 or 60, wants to look her best. That can mean different things to different people, but surely everyone will recognize that clear, healthy, glowing skin is extremely important! Unfortunately, over 50 million Americans struggle with acne—something that takes a toll not just on looks but also on self esteem. Personally, even a single blemish can ruin my entire day!

Anyone who has ever dealt with this unsightly condition—seriously, who hasn’t?—knows how frustrating it can be to treat. Many folks just experiment with harsh products on their own (most of which don’t live up to their lofty claims). Those who can afford it may seek out a dermatologist and medication (again, not a cure, since over half of all patients quit taking the medicine anyway, due to a lack of results and/or side effects). 

An amazing new app from MDacne offers a better approach. Created in Israel, using cutting edge technology, MDacne allows users to get a real-time image analysis of their skin. I found it very easy to use—start by filling out a questionnaire and taking a selfie. Based on your own individual needs and the severity of your skin problems, a customized plan is offered. Not only for recommended products, but food and hygiene tips as well. Follow the plan and check your progress with the app’s built in monitoring system. MDacne is like having a personal skincare coach at your fingertips. No wonder it’s the #1 acne app in the iTunes store.

The app can be downloaded for free and there’s also a premium subscription plan that offers more features. The cost is $2.99 for a week and $17.99 for three months—worth every penny to wake up clean and clear, ready to present your best face to the world.

Whether you’re dealing with an occasional breakout or constant eruptions, the MDacne app is definitely worth a try.

While I’ve never met a commercially-made beauty product that didn’t entice me, I don’t always have good results with bottled items. Fragrance, dyes, preservatives, additives—the list goes on. Natural products, however, are much less likely to cause a reaction. They’re also cheaper and fun to make, too!

Here are some excellent masks you can enjoy at home:

1. Moisture Mask: Combine equal parts fresh strawberries and bananas in a blender. Add 1 Tbsp. of raw honey. Apply to skin and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

2. Oily Skin Mask: Mash a tomato until it’s pulp, then mix with 1 Tbsp. of wheat germ. Apply and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

3. Inflamed Skin Mask: Apply plain, whole milk yogurt to completely coat the face. Leave on up to 30 minutes. Crushed cucumber can also be added. It’s good either way.

4. Blemished Skin Mask: Add lukewarm water to green tea powder (Matcha) until it forms a paste. Apply and let sit for 30 minutes. Can be done twice daily, if needed.

5. Homemade Fruit Peel: Cut a lemon in half. Rub over the face, making sure the juice is extracted. Let sit 5-10 minutes. Be careful to avoid the eye area. This also works great on ashy/discolored areas like knees and elbows.

6. Extremely Dry Skin Mask: Warm raw honey until it becomes manageable but not scalding. Apply to skin and let sit 20 minutes.

7. Texturizing Mask: Use to improve skin that looks dull. Mash together banana, papaya, avocado, and peach. Apply to skin and let sit 20 minutes.

8. Astringent Mask: Steep fresh sage and fresh mint in whole milk. Apply to skin, let dry and sleep with it on overnight. Wash face in the morning. It has a wonderful effect.

9. Redness mask: If skin is red, raw, and/or sunburned, try this. Take 1 cup of whole oats and blend. Add 1 Tbsp. of water and 1 Tbsp. of raw honey. Apply and let sit as long as you’d like. (I’ve done it for an hour.)

10. Revitalizing Mask: Puree a handful of fresh, ripe apricots. Add a few drops of olive oil. Apply to skin and let sit 20 minutes.

To enhance the experience, I love to apply cucumber slices to my eyes and soak in a warm bath as the mask does its magic. So relaxing and rejuvenating!

The Body Shop is offering free samples during their 3-day in-store event. While at the mall last night on an unrelated errand, I stumbled onto this deal and it was fabulous! The freebies are from their tea tree line and they also offered a personalized consultation.

The event continues until 7/16, from 10:00 AM-6:00PM. Definitely worth checking out if the timing is convenient for you.

Madison Reed, my favorite hair color company, is offering a very cool freebie this week. Receive a free bowl and brush with the purchase of any hair color kit; plus, it all ships for free!

I have colored my hair for many years and I did it for most of that time without a bowl/brush. Did it work? Of course. Was the outcome as good? Honestly, no! The brush helps the color go on a lot smoother and the bowl/brush combo is a nice extra to have, in my opinion. I probably wouldn’t have bought them separately, so being able to get them for free the last time this promotion was offered was wonderful. Now, it’s a regular part of my monthly color routine.

Use code JUNEPROMO at checkout thru 6/19 if you’d like to snag this deal.