Posted on April 9, 2021 March 29, 2022

Is Your Oily Skin Dehydrated?

Many people believe that if you have oily skin, it couldn’t possibly get dehydrated. Right?

Wrong.

With the changing of the seasons and with the influence of different factors, many people suffer from skin dehydration, whether they have normal, dry, oily skin, or a combination of the three.

The struggle with this skin condition is real, and in order to achieve well-hydrated skin, you have to first understand your skin type and its condition, and take effective steps towards solving the problem. Don’t worry if this sounds confusing – Vine Vera is here to help! Read on to learn more…

How to Deal with Oily Dehydrated Skin

We’ll explain more about how to pinpoint whether your skin is oily and dehydrated further down. However, if you already know that you’re in this boat, here’s what you can do about it:

Use a Mild Cleanser

When we say mild cleanser, we mean a cleanser that is devoid of all the heavy, harmful chemicals. Until your skin restores its water, try to use a gentle cleanser, such as the Vine Vera Resveratrol Vitamin C Cleanser.

And, don’t forget, the water with which you clean your face mustn’t be too hot, or too cold, it needs to be just right, or in this case, lukewarm.

Use a Serum

If you add a serum that specifically targets dehydration to your skin routine, you are increasing your chances of solving the problem faster. Unlike moisturizers, a serum penetrates the skin faster due to its smaller molecules, and helps your skin better retain water. If you don’t yet have a go-to serum, give the Vine Vera Resveratrol Vitamin C Serum a try!

Moisturize

Many are fooled by thinking that if they have oily skin, they mustn’t moisturize. However, moisturizing helps our skin retain moisture more effectively. Be sure to look for a good moisturizer that is made for oily skin. That way, you will regulate that shiny finish, while also hydrating your skin.

One good example would be the Vine Vera Resveratrol Chianti Morning Recovery. Not only does it contain plenty of moisturizing ingredients, but it’s also formulated with licorice root extract, which leaves skin looking brighter.

Don’t Forget About Sun Protection

The sun will only worsen both your oiliness and your dehydration, making sun protection a must. While a dedicated sunscreen is great, it can sometimes be more convenient to use a moisturizer that already contains SPF. This way, each time you reapply it, you’ll also be hydrating your skin a little bit more.

SPF30 is the way to go, such as with the Vine Vera Resveratrol Cabernet Replenishing Moisture Cream SPF30. This moisturizer/sunscreen doesn’t contain any pore-clogging ingredients, yet it’s still incredibly hydrating. This makes it a great choice for those with oily and dehydrated skin.

How Many Skin Types Are There and Which One is Mine?

In order to determine which type your skin belongs to, you need to observe several factors – how much water there is in your skin, how oily it is and how sensitive it is. The water in the skin determines how elastic your skin is going to be, and the oil its softness.

Although we would all like to have the normal skin type and be devoid of all the troubles that go with for example, dry or oily skin, not many are fortunate enough. Yes, normal skin is not an attribute of the majority, whereas oily and dry skin is.

But let’s first go back a notch and see what skin type you actually are.

Normal Skin Type

The main feature of this skin type could be described in the same way Goldilocks describes the beds in the bears’ house: not too soft, not too hard, but just right.

Indeed, if you have a normal skin type, you certainly have a perfect balance of softness and firmness, and oiliness and dryness. You show no or little sensitivity to outer or inner irritants, and have a radiant complexion with barely visible pores.

Oh, how we envy you!

Dry Skin Type

Having dry skin could be painful most of the time, because the dryness of the skin affects its elasticity. Namely, if you have dry skin, you are more likely to have significantly less elasticity which can, more often than not, cause very painful skin breakage.

The complexion of people with dry skin usually feels dull and rough. The skin is covered with red patches, especially in the winter month, when every type of skin is especially prone to get drier. This part of the year is particularly problematic and painful for the people with dry skin.

The other factors that usually make matters worse are: genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, UV rays, long hot baths and some ingredients in the products you use on your skin, which can cause your skin to show signs of irritation.

Unfortunately, due to your skin losing its elasticity, you are more likely to have visible lines and other signs of aging.

In order to solve these problems, you have to help your skin stay hydrated. Rich skincare products that are designed for dry skin are what you need, such as the Resveratrol Pinot Noir Longevity Cream from Vine Vera.

Oily Skin Type

If you are asking yourself who is having a rougher time, people with dry or oily skin, the answer is – everybody! Each side has its own problems.

The main features oily skin are enlarged pores, dull complexion or an overly shiny one, blackheads and other skin blemishes. Oily skin is more prone to acne breakouts. The reason for this lies in the fact that oily skin produces extra sebum which is clogging the pores, and causing inflammations.

The level of “oiliness” of your skin can change during time, and can be a consequence of many different factors: puberty, stress, hormonal changes, too much humidity, or a wrong product you are applying on your skin.

In order to look after your oily skin, you need to wash it regularly, exfoliate at least once a week, and, for crying out loud, don’t ever squeeze the pimples, because if you do, it will take you forever to heal.

We should always look on the brighter side, though. Oily skin is less likely to get wrinkles.

Combination Skin Type

This type of skin has all of the features of all the different skin types. One part of the skin can be normal, the other part oily and the other one extremely dry.

People with combination skin usually have problems with their T-zone (nose, forehead and chin).

Unfortunately, the range of problems one might have with this type of skin is very wide. You could have enlarged pores and acne breakout on one hand, and skin breakage on the other.

The proper way of treating this type of skin includes different types of products and individual treatment for different zones.

Skin Condition vs. Skin Type

Now that we have explained the difference between different skin types, we hope that you have managed to determine which one is yours.

When we talk about skin, it is important to make a difference between your skin type and the skin condition you might have.

Skin type includes the general features your skin has, whereas skin condition is something you might get due to different external and internal factors, and it is usually of temporary nature.

The external factors that cause the appearance of a certain skin condition include: poor nutrition, climate, exposure to outer irritants and your skincare routine. On the other hand, internal factors include the fluctuation of hormonal levels, stress levels and natural aging process.

There are five basic types of skin conditions and those include aging skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, skin pigmentation and blemish prone skin.

Aging Skin

Even though there are other types of skin conditions that are more serious, this one seems to affect us the most. Throughout years, decades, even centuries, emphasis has been put on slowing down the aging process, and making your skin look younger and fresher. That is why it comes as no surprise that most skincare products today are designed to slow down the ageing process.

(If you’re looking for a product that’ll reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, try the Resveratrol Vitamin C Moisturizer from Vine Vera.)

Sensitive Skin

If you easily break out in rashes and if your skin is itchy most of the time, then you are considered to have sensitive skin. Unfortunately, this condition has a number of possible causes ranging from genetic factors to different environmental influences. In order to take care of this condition and relieve yourself of uneasiness and discomfort you might have, it is best to try to avoid the detrimental outside irritants and apply different skincare products.

Skin Pigmentation

Next to aging skin, this is one of the conditions that troubles people the most. Hormonal changes and genetic predisposition are the likeliest reason behind the change, as well as UV radiation which is only making it worse. UV rays cause the overproduction of melanin, which is responsible for the color of your skin. By adding any product that has additional Vitamin A in it, you could find a solution to your problem and get a nice and radiant complexion.

Blemish-Prone Skin

This condition is mostly found with people with oily skin. It occurs when the area around the hair follicles gets congested with oil and dead skin cells. Various factors affect your skin to become blemish-prone – hormonal changes, diet and environment.

Again, salvation could be found in finding a proper cleanser and adopting a proper skincare routine which will clean your skin properly and give it appropriate nourishment.

Dehydrated Skin – Everybody’s Problem

Dull and tired skin is certainly something that nobody wants to have. However, when your skin has problems with keeping the moisture in, it begins to flake and crack. Those are the first signs of your skin lacking moisture.

As it has previously been mentioned, even though there is a misconception that only people with dry skin suffer from dehydration, this is not true. Every type of skin can suffer from dehydration, even the oily one.

Signs Your Oily Skin is Dehydrated

Think that your oily skin may be dehydrated? Here’s how to know for sure…

The Appearance of Dark Circles and Dullness

When your skin is dehydrated, it loses its radiance.

When this happens, your complexion usually appears very dull. In addition, there is a chance that the dark circles under your eyes become more noticeable.

Your Skin Becomes Itchy and Irritated

Without water to hydrate the barrier layer of your skin, the layer that protects your skin from outer irritants, these irritants are more likely to penetrate the skin and cause damage. Itchiness and irritation are soon to follow as a response to the changes.

Breakouts

As it has been said, when oily skin becomes dehydrated, it generally tries to compensate for the lack of water by overproducing oil. However, this increased amount of sebum is what causes problems to people with oily skin to begin with. It clogs the pores and creates a fertile ground for various bacteria to flourish and cause infections. As a result, acne breakouts appear more intensively.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Even though we have mentioned that the benefit of oily skin is that signs of aging come much later, unfortunately, if you are suffering from dehydrated skin, you are also going to notice the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dehydration influences both the surface and deeper layers of the skin and, therefore, causes the deeper lines to become more visible. Luckily, their noticeability diminishes significantly once the skin is back to a state of hydration.

Reasons for Dehydration

Outdoor Irritants

If you think only sun rays can draw water out of your skin, you are wrong. There are many environmental factors that cause water shortage in the layers of your skin. Dry wind and air can also cause the water to be released from your skin easily, causing itchiness and irritation.

Poor Diet

Unhealthy food and beverages are the reason behind many health issues and conditions people have today. So, it is not surprising that skin dehydration is one of them. Overconsumption of coffee, alcohol, fast food and sweets can disrupt metabolic processes, and, among other things, it may cause your skin to lose the water it needs to be healthy and fresh-looking.

Hot Showers and Baths

Who would have thought, right? Unfortunately, it is true. When you expose your skin to hot water, it removes the protective oil layer from your skin, which is responsible for retaining water. This way, your skin is more likely to lose the water, making your skin dehydrated.

Inappropriate Skincare Routine

Sometimes, by trying to remove the excess oil from the surface of their skin, people do more harm than good. You might use cleansers that are just too drying and irritating or scrubs that are just too harsh, thinking that you will remove the excess sebum more effectively, but this is only going to have a counter effect.

Skin is a delicate organ, and it needs to be dealt with carefully and mildly.

One more mistake people with oily skin are making is that they are using products which have high amounts of alcohol in them. Alcohol is an extremely drying substance, and causes your skin to lose water fast.

Hopefully, by following the above tips, you’ll be able to keep your oily skin hydrated and enjoy a healthier-looking complexion for years to come!

Posted on March 26, 2021 March 29, 2022

7 Ingredients That Will Give Your Skin an Instant Glow

Skincare enthusiasts focus on the same old steps when it comes to caring for their complexion. There’s hydration for that glass-like dewiness, exfoliation to brighten the look of the skin, and even clay masking to purify and detoxify the feel of your complexion.

But some people—younger ones especially—forget to look after proper blood circulation, which gives the skin a nice glow. It sounds a bit medical, like it’s not even a cosmetic concern. Many of us often take for granted the fact that good circulation makes our skin look incredible.

It’s the secret to a naturally radiant and rosy flush that makes you glow. It gives your skin a luminosity that not even your favorite moisturizers and exfoliating toners can do!

Here’s the lowdown on good blood circulation and what it actually does for the skin, plus seven powerhouse ingredients that can help you achieve that healthy-looking glow!

Why is Good Blood Circulation Important for Our Skin’s Appearance?

Let’s have a quick refresher on a simple high school lesson, shall we? Red blood cells travel all over the body, delivering much-needed oxygen to all the organs to get them to function correctly.

Good blood flow means that your entire body is oxygenated and is working properly. It also means it can eliminate all the waste that can clog up your veins and arteries as it flows.

The Problem with Poor Circulation

Now, in the case of bad blood circulation, your organs aren’t getting all the nutrients they need to function properly. This can cause serious issues, especially if your blood vessels get clogged up with fats and plaque, constricting your blood’s passageway.

An inadequate blood flow can also affect how your skin looks, making it look dull and lifeless since your body doesn’t have enough vitamins and nutrients going around to keep you looking radiant and luminous.

Bad circulation can also cause pigmentation issues leading to an uneven tone. This is because your cells aren’t oxygenated enough to look uniform and color and radiance.

Other issues bad blood circulation can cause on the skin are slow inflammation and wound healing, the appearance of dark and baggy under-eyes, and even premature aging. We don’t want visible fine lines and wrinkles early on in life, now do we?

7 Ingredients to Look Out For to Give You Glowy Skin

Keep your eyes peeled for these seven ingredients. They have excellent properties to aid in giving the skin a radiant finish.

Retinoids

This derivative of vitamin A is a magic word for anyone looking into new skincare products. It has quite a reputation for reversing the appearance of skin aging by tightening the look of the skin.

But another reason retinoids are a fan-favorite is that they give the skin a naturally radiant glow, making your skin look super healthy.

Give vitamin A a try in the Vine Vera Resveratrol Vitamin C Serum.

Green Tea

Green tea has properties that brighten the appearance of the skin and reduce fine lines and aging.

Green tea is excellent at boosting the look of your overall complexion.

Here at Vine Vera, we love all that green tea does for the skin. You’ll find the ingredient in several of our products, such as the Resveratrol Age Defying Eye Serum.

Red Algae

You might be thinking, “Gross! How could anyone put algae on their skin?” Well, the answer is: anyone serious about enriching the look of their skin will love this ingredient.

Not only does it moisturize, but it gives the skin a glow. It also makes the skin feel so much more resilient.

Vitamin B3

Also known as niacin, this type of vitamin B is super impactful in leaving the skin looking healthily flushed.

It’s very impressive at taming the feel of inflammation in your skin, which should come as no surprise because niacinamide is a fan-favorite skincare vitamin for soothing the look of the skin and clearing up the appearance of redness due to acne.

Ginseng

This spice is known to be a vasodilator, similar to peppermint and other spices and oils.

This ingredient is loved for how it minimizes the look of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It also brightens the look of the skin, giving it a gorgeous glow.

Avocado

This fruit isn’t just perfect over toast for breakfast—it’s also a secret weapon to glowing skin.

It keeps the complexion looking plump and the skin feeling strong and fortified.

Resveratrol

We’ve saved the best for last on this list. Resveratrol is an ingredient usually found in berries, grapes, and wine.

In recent years, it has become quite a trendy skincare product for those with sensitive skin. Many people see it as an ingredient that soothes the feel of the skin, but in reality, it offers so much more than that.

Aside from reducing the appearance of redness from inflammation, it also gives the skin a glow.

Resveratrol is a hot new skincare ingredient for sophisticated women in need of an extra glow (and also wine lovers looking for yet another reason to love and rave about their favorite drink!). If you want to try it out for yourself, look no further than Vine Vera.

A terrific moisturizer to incorporate into your skincare routine is Vine Vera’s Resveratrol Cabernet High Potency Moisture Day Cream. This product is rich in resveratrol and vitamin E, both of which are holy grails for bright-looking skin.

It takes time to see a difference in your skin when incorporating these into your routine. Consistency is key if you want to see results, so stick with it, and you’ll be as radiant as the sun in no time.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Promote Healthy-Looking Skin

While it’s easier and more convenient to rely on skincare products to give your skin a radiant finish, there are a couple of healthy lifestyle changes that could make an even more significant impact when adopted in conjunction with the right products.

Exercise

Exercising is one of the best things you can do to promote better blood circulation all over your body. Pumping up your heart rate by jogging, doing jumping jacks, or even just pacing around the house can improve your blood flow and give your skin that glow you’re yearning for.

You can elevate your fitness regimen by getting into yoga and meditation. Reducing your stress levels through these is also a surefire way to improve your blood circulation significantly.

Getting massages regularly is another thing that can help increase blood flow in the face and body. Because you’re stimulating the skin, it allows for speedier blood circulation, giving you a rosy flush and natural radiance almost instantly.

Diet

Being more conscious of what you eat is also crucial when trying to improve your circulation. Eating too many salty foods can raise your blood pressure, which keeps your blood flow from being efficient. Cut down on processed foods and too-hearty meals and balance it out with lighter, healthier snacks.

Turn instead to foods that are high in vitamins E and A, like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, avocados, and more. These help prevent blood clotting in your veins, promoting healthier circulation with no blockage.

Load up on garlic, onions, and spices like cayenne pepper when cooking your fave meals as well. They can also reduce inflammation in your blood vessels, therefore stimulating your circulation.

Hydration

Lastly, always remember to hydrate. Drinking a lot of water is healthy for many reasons, but it plays a huge role in blood circulation.

Staying hydrated maintains the volume of blood your body has. Without hydrating regularly, there won’t be enough blood cells to flush out toxins or keep your skin looking radiant.

Conclusion

How your skin looks is always going to be a reflection of what’s going on inside your body.

Trying out products with any of the seven ingredients listed above may just surprise you, and the prize is none other than smooth, radiant, and clear skin.

Treat yourself to more exquisite skincare from Vine Vera here.

Posted on March 2, 2021 March 29, 2022

How to Use Makeup to Hide Acne

It’s the night before one of the most important events in your life. You look at yourself in the mirror, and, to your horror, you’re experiencing a breakout of blackheads and pimples. A breakout is one of the worst things that could happen, especially if you want to look your best on a specific day.

Hope is not lost! The solution to this problem? Cover your acne with makeup.

If you’re not the type to worry about makeup, this might seem like a complicated process. However, it’s a useful skill to have so that you can achieve the elegant and sophisticated look you were aiming for. So sit back, relax, and read this article with all your heart.

Common Mistakes When Applying Makeup

Before we try to hide acne with makeup, let’s figure out how to prevent it in the first place.

Not Cleaning Your Face Before Applying Makeup

Even if you’re running short on time, you need to make sure that you clean your face before putting on makeup. Putting makeup without cleaning your face is not a good practice because there may be excess oil, dirt buildup, and germs on your face. These dirt particles, excess oil, and germs will be trapped on your face if you cover them with makeup, which, later on, will cause acne breakouts!

Need a cleanser suitable for oily skin? Try the Vine Vera Resveratrol Vitamin C Cleanser.

Sharing Your Makeup

Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to makeup!

Even if it is your best friend or your sister, makeup sharing is a major no-no! If you use the same makeup and tools as other people, you can also transfer the bacteria and oil from their face into yours. In doing so, you are increasing your risk of infection and acne breakout, which is incredibly dangerous!

Keeping Your Makeup On for the Whole Day

Even if you’re only applying a small amount of makeup on your face, it will still adversely affect your skin if you wear it for too long. Therefore, it is essential to remove your makeup by the end of the day. If you sleep with your makeup on, these chemicals will mix with any oil and dirt accumulated on the surface of your face. These can clump together and clog your pores.

Tips for Using Makeup to Cover Your Acne

Use a Moisturizer as Your Base

If you think moisturizing your face is one of the causes of your acne breakout, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not true! What causes your breakout is a failure to moisturize your skin. Moisturizing should always be your first step before putting makeup on. This step can help provide a smooth base for your foundation and concealer.

Even if you’re not facing a breakout problem, experts recommend including a moisturizer in your daily routine. Moisturizers are even more helpful if you’re suffering from a skin problem. Make sure that you always apply the appropriate amount on your face before putting on makeup!

Applying moisturizer is a critical step — as we said, it gives you smoother-feeling skin when you apply your foundation and concealer. If you moisturize religiously, there won’t be dry areas on your face. Therefore, the makeup won’t cling and attach to the dry spots that can cause pimples.

Aside from those benefits, moisturizing can also help you avoid looking like you put on too much makeup. The Vine Vera Resveratrol Cabernet High Potency Day Cream is a great formula to apply pre-makeup!

Prime Your Face

When you use primer, makeup will cling to your skin more effectively. You will notice that the colors of your makeup tend to be more vibrant than when applying directly on skin that isn’t primed.

If you use a primer, you won’t need to layer your foundation or concealer excessively to cover up your blemishes. After all, applying too much product with oil content will further clog your pores and contribute to breakouts!

Protip: Invest in a good quality primer! Don’t buy something too cheap — you might end up clogging your pores instead of the primer serving its purpose!

Use a Color Corrector

With your face moisturized and primed, the next thing to do is to use a color corrector. For some, this step might seem intimidating or too much of a hassle. However, you’ll realize that color correctors are, in fact, your best secret weapon for making zits disappear.

In fact, color correctors are even more helpful if your pimples are leaning towards the red side. Here’s a quick guide on what color corrector to use for acne and other blemishes:

Dark Green Shade: Red and inflamed blemishes
Dark Yellow Shade: Popped out pimples
Peach Shade: Darker acne spots and scars

Keep in mind that it’s unnecessary to put an excessive load of color corrector on your face. A little goes a long way!

Experts suggest beginning the process with a small amount of the product. Make sure to place it sparingly on the right spots. Once you finish that small amount, you may add more if you feel that it’s necessary. It is easier for you to add more product than remove what is already on your face.

Apply Two Layers of Concealer Properly

The most effective recipe to achieve that perfect look and hide acne is to use the two-pronged approach in using concealers.

What’s the first step, you ask?

Use a light concealer as the initial layer. Make sure that it’s at most one or two levels lighter than your skin tone. Professionals suggest that you use a cream concealer to disguise your blemishes effectively. If you use powder, it will most likely make your skin look cakey and will only draw unwanted attention to your face.

After the first layer, you may add another layer of concealer that exactly matches your skin. Do not forget to use a makeup sponge so it’s easier for you to cover your acne in every angle, especially those which you cannot touch with your hands. Always keep in mind to be gentle when applying the concealer. Do not rub it on — instead, lightly dab it so that you won’t remove the makeup you applied below it.

Choose the Best Corresponding Foundation

It’s not enough to rely on your concealer. Another vital aspect of using makeup to hide acne is the right foundation. Depending on your needs, you can use a full coverage foundation to cover those blemishes. Make sure to choose something that doesn’t transfer, can last long, and is the same color as your skin tone! This way, it won’t disappear with sweat and leave strange-colored patches on your skin.

If you have a breakout, use a brush instead of applying foundation with your fingers or a sponge. Using a brush helps you apply the product evenly and ensures you’re not touching your acne unnecessarily.

Use Products That Are Free of Harmful Chemicals

Using products that can clog your pores and help acne-causing bacteria grow and thrive without you knowing must be insane. Breakouts caused by chemicals are why you must familiarize yourself with these ingredients that you should avoid.

Experts say that all skin types are prone to breakouts, especially when using the wrong products. When choosing products, it would be best to look for products that suit your skin type and are free of harmful chemicals that might trigger acne breakouts, such as alcohol, fragrances, and acrylic.

First and foremost, you need to steer clear of comedogenic ingredients that are known to cause skin troubles. These comedogenic ingredients may include fragrances and dye, which contain harmful chemicals that can be incredibly irritating to sensitive and acne-prone skin types.

Aside from that, you may also want to avoid alcohol. Alcohol-based products are designed to maximize a product’s penetration deep into the skin, providing you with a long-lasting, all-day look. However, there is a downside to these kinds of makeup products. Alcohol is a chemical that, when used excessively, can lead to dehydrated or irritated skin. As a result, alcohol can cause or exacerbate breakouts.

Likewise, you might also want to be wary of makeup formulas that contain acrylics. Acrylics can help keep ingredients in a product together. However, they are not breathable and can potentially clog your pores. Silicones must be avoided as much as possible too. This ingredient may give you that silky-smooth feeling, but it is also a significant contributor to dry skin and clogged pores, which result in acne.

Use the Right Type of Makeup Brush and Technique

If you want to cover your acne breakouts seamlessly, using the right application tool is vital. Suppose you are going to apply foundation on top of your acne. In that case, experts recommend using a dry buffing brush and moving it in a circular motion. This brush is the one with dense bristles.

Makeup experts discourage people who are suffering from breakouts from using a sponge in applying foundation. The reason behind this is that sponges pull the product off from your blemishes, which is the opposite of what you want to happen.

But, not everyone is ditching the sponge!

Some use a combination of the dry buffing brush and sponge. A brush offers a full range of motion for flawless makeup application. It helps you apply makeup to your skin without pulling the product off. The sponge, on the other hand, helps blend the makeup for a more even look! Aside from that, the sponge can also help if you don’t want your makeup to look cakey.

If you do not want to make your breakout worse, it would be best to avoid using dirty makeup tools. Dirty makeup tools will apply more bacteria to your skin, and it will cause your face to break out even more.

Keep this tip in mind: wash the brushes you use to apply makeup around your eyes at least twice a month. Other sponges and brushes should be washed at least once a month.

Lastly, one of the easiest ways of applying makeup on your face may be using your fingers. However, don’t you know that this is also the most common cause of acne?

Yes, you read that, right! One reason why you are getting acne is because you’re applying makeup using your grimy hands. When you use your hands, you are also transferring the germs and bacteria from everything that your hands touched to your face. These germs and bacteria are a leading cause of breakouts.

According to experts, there are several bacteria that our hands get when touching different things. These bacteria, when transferred to our face, can irritate our skin. Stick to your tools!

Set Your Makeup

Setting your makeup helps it stay longer on your face. By doing so, you won’t have to reapply multiple times throughout the day, allowing you to successfully hide your acne! Aside from that, you might also want to seal your look with a finishing spray to prevent your makeup from fading. If you’re looking for a setting spray to use, try to find one with tea tree oil; it helps prevent and curb acne breakouts!

Something to Ponder On!

Having blemishes might be a big problem, but this doesn’t mean that you are no longer beautiful! You are still beautiful, no matter what!

But, if you want to gain more confidence, it will help you know how to cover your blemishes by applying makeup.

However, do remember that using too much makeup and the wrong products can make your breakouts worse. This is counterproductive — it will not only make your blemishes stand out more, but it will also affect its healing process.

The more makeup you put on, the more difficult it is for your body to heal. If you fall into this trap, there’s a large possibility that your breakout will get worse as your special day draws nearer. Makeup is even worse if you put it on a pimple that just popped or an open wound.

Remember our tips and you’ll be ready to face the world — no breakout is going to stop you from living your best life! Stay beautiful, and turn to Vine Vera products to help you feel like the Goddess you are.

Posted on February 16, 2021 March 29, 2022

Have You Ever Tried a Magnetic Face Mask?

The majority of us have gone through this pandemic with highs and lows, lows usually including overindulgence in food and drink.

Oh, not you?

Guess it’s just us, then.

Be that as it may, all the stress, commotion and the overeating and drinking have influenced the state of your skin, especially your face. In order to keep our sanity, sticking to a routine seems more important than ever in these harsh times. This also includes our skin care routine.

It is precisely the modern times that have provided us with many products to solve this problem, the most effective being face masks. However, many people are often puzzled over which one to choose, since there are so many different types on the market.

Let Vine Vera make things a bit easier for you.

Face Masks 101

Cream Masks

These types of masks are beneficial for every type of skin, of course, depending on the ingredients.

People with dry skin should look for cream masks that have oils in them which create the moisturizing effect needed to hydrate their dry skin cells.

On the other hand, if you have problems with excess sebum on your skin’s surface, be careful to choose a mask that will help you remove it and unclog your pores properly, so your face can be allowed to breathe.

Clay Masks

Clay masks are usually designated for people with normal to oily skin since they have properties that help minimize the appearance of pores. They also have that mattifying effect everybody with oily skin needs.

They are a perfect means for naturally removing the toxins from your skin. They firm and tighten the appearance of your skin, making it look younger than ever. If you have acne breakouts, it is best to choose clay masks that have cleansing enzymes and sulfur which will help the feeling of inflamed skin and soothe the visibility of redness.

It is important to remember not to remove the leftover mask violently but with a warm wet washcloth. You should put it gently over your face and let it stay that way for a couple of minutes. The steam will help loosen the clay and make it easier for you to remove it.

Gel Masks

If you have problems with inflamed skin that needs to be dealt with carefully, it is best to use this type of mask.

Its soothing effect will help restore your face to its former state. Gel masks are perfect for dry and sensitive skin that needs to be hydrated regularly.

They are usually filled with collagen which is responsible for your skin’s recovery.

Sheet Masks

These masks are especially good, because they can be applied to any type of skin, whether it is dry or oily. The formula that they contain makes them that much more favorable if applied with a serum. It is best to use a serum before the mask so when you apply the mask, it helps the serum go deeper into your skin.

Sheet masks are also filled with antioxidants. Look for ones that have pomegranate or green tea in them, so you can enhance how bright and tight your skin looks.

It is crucial not to rinse it off but just to apply a moisturizer and you are good to go. A sleeping cream or a moisturizer can only boost the nourishing effects of the mask.

Exfoliating Masks

Whether physical or chemical, these types of masks are good for removing the dry residue from the surface of your skin and unclogging your pores. The chemical ones usually consist of hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes, which give your skin a proper cleansing, removing all the dirt and dead skin. They also have properties that make your skin look a little brighter and even out the appearance of your complexion. Your skin will feel fresher almost instantly after the application of the mask.

Exfoliating masks are not recommended for use more than once a week. Too much exfoliation can damage your skin and irritate it, causing the appearance of redness and inflammation.

Eye Masks

To be honest, these ones are a real eye-opener, if you know what we mean.

They target only the area around your eyes, because it is very sensitive. Not every product can be put on that area, making it key for eye masks to be formulated with care in mind.

Want to add an eye mask to your routine? Try the Vine Vera Pinot Noir Anti-Aging Luminating Face and Eye Masks for a healthy-looking glow.

Magnetic Face Mask – the New Kid on the Block

If you got bored with all the products you have to apply in order to keep your face glowing, boy, have we got news for you!

This crazy mask everybody is talking about will blow your mind, replace many of the products you are using and make all your wishes of a fresh-looking face come true!

What is a Magnetic Face Mask?

Even though you may think this is something totally unheard of, that is not entirely true. According to renowned dermatologists, magnetized skincare dates back 2000 years.

The power of the magnet was not just used to attract metal, but for many other different purposes.

The healing powers of the magnets have long been used to solve many skin conditions. A magnetic mask is beneficial for all skin types.

How to Apply a Magnetic Face Mask

In order to apply the mask, you need to clean your face and dry it well. This face mask will not stick if your face is not properly cleaned, or if it is damp. Therefore, you simply cannot skip this step.

Put the mask on the skin while being careful not to put it under your eyes or around the mouth. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes and then remove it. In order to remove it from your face, you need to apply the magnetic cap, from the recommended distance. It will remove the mask as you move it around. After you remove the mask completely, it is good to massage your skin shortly so that it can absorb all the nutrients.

The magic lies in the pull. Once you draw the mask with the magnet, with it, you draw all the impurities from the skin. The skin feels softer straight away and there is an immediate glow. This means you can apply it before a night out, so your face will seem brighter and fresher than ever!

If this is what you get straight after you use it, imagine what you can expect in the long run.

Resveratrol Malbec DNA Magnetic Mask

If you have waited for the perfect product to arrive, then your waiting has come to an end. This phenomenal mask will solve all the problems you might have on your face while also significantly reducing the visibility of the wrinkles and other fine lines on your skin.

If we should pick a phrase that would most accurately describe this amazing skincare wonder, it would be – the future is now. The process behind it is incredible – it combines coconut oil, cannabis sativa seed oil and diamond powder, only to produce a miraculous mixture designed to give you tighter-looking skin you will simply adore.

It comes with a magnet which you use to remove the mask from your face. With each inch passed, you can notice the change in your skin. A younger, fresher, brighter-looking complexion everybody will envy you for. You simply can’t miss buying it!

Posted on February 1, 2021 March 29, 2022

How to Maintain Your Summer Glow Throughout the Winter Months

Have you been missing that gorgeous golden glow that seemed to effortlessly radiate from your skin all summer?

Winter may try to take that from you, but you don’t need to let this happen. Instead, read on to learn what you need to do to keep your summer glow consistent throughout the year.

Develop a Hydrating Daily Skin Care Routine

One of the main reasons behind dull skin is a lack of moisture.

Moisture keeps your skin cells looking plump, soft, smooth, and radiant. However, with the air being so much drier in the winter, moisture evaporates out of the skin at a much faster rate, leaving skin cells looking dull and dry.

One of the best ways to counter this is to develop a hydrating skin care routine that you can follow each day. Ideally, you’ll create two – one for the morning, and one for at night.

A good winter skin care routine goes as follows:

A mild cleanser, such as the Vine Vera Resveratrol Vitamin C Cleanser
A gentle, hydrating toner
Hydrating serums, such as the Resveratrol Chianti Revival Serum from Vine Vera
A rich moisturizer
A hydrating facial oil

However, the secret lies in making sure that each of the products you use really is hydrating.

The best way to do this is by checking out the ingredients list. These are some of the most hydrating skin care ingredients that you should hopefully be seeing listed on your hydrating skin care products:

Hyaluronic acid
Glycerin
Ceramides
Squalane
Fatty alcohols
Lactic acid
Plant oils

Stay Hydrated from Within

A hydrating skin care routine will seriously benefit the skin cells that live on the outer layers of your skin, but what about the ones that lie deeper down?

Unfortunately, the majority of topical skin care products simply aren’t able to penetrate all the way through to the deepest layer of your skin, leaving those skin cells lacking. What makes this worse is that many of those skin cells are vital for some of the most important functions your skin carries out, such as cell regeneration, collagen production, and more.

This is why internal hydration is so important too.

This tends to be easier in the summer than in the winter, since you naturally feel thirstier in hot weather.

If you’re someone who often forgets to drink enough water, here are a few tips to help you to remember:

Mark a water bottle with time-focused goals
Set reminders on your phone
Make water more exciting by infusing it with fruit
Try to drink a glass of water before each meal, as well as when you wake up and before you go to bed
Download a hydration app

Stay Active

Did you know that exercise gives your skin a near-instant glow?

It does this by increasing blood flow, and your blood is what carries oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. Once it delivers this nourishment, your blood then carries away any toxins, which keeps your skin cells functioning well and looking good.

Increasing blood flow improves all of this even further, giving you a beautiful natural glow.

Do you struggle to stay active in the winter?

The temptation to forgo exercise in favor of snuggling on the sofa in front of the TV can be too strong for many to resist. The secret to getting around this is to find a winter exercise that you genuinely love – this will give you that motivation you need to get moving.

A few winter activities to try out include:

Teaching yourself a different indoor exercise, such as yoga or dance, making use of the many online resources available
Winter hikes through nearby national parks
Taking your dog for new and interesting walks. If you don’t have a dog, there are many people in need of help who do – volunteer to walk their dog instead
Winter sports, such as skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey

Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Are you guilty of letting your diet slide during the winter months?

Comfort foods are a popular winter warmer, but it’s important to keep your diet balanced and healthy throughout the year.

You’ve probably heard of the phrase, “you are what you eat”. This not only applies to the health of your body, but that of your skin too.

A healthy diet will quickly be reflected through your skin, with problematic skin conditions clearing up.

Don’t worry, healthy doesn’t need to mean boring. Here are a few fun and healthy ways you can jazz up your favorite meals:

Choose whole grains over white and refined, whether it may be bread, rice, pasta, or anything else
Opt for healthier cooking techniques, such as baking and roasting instead of frying and grilling
Try recreating your favorite fast food meals
Challenge yourself to try one new healthy ingredient each week
Cook with unrefined, extra virgin oils

If you’re still struggling to pack all of the nutrients you need into your daily meals, it would be worth considering dietary supplements. In fact, there are a few supplements in particular that could really benefit your skin, such as:

Omega-3 fatty acids
Beta-carotene
Prebiotics and probiotics
Zinc
Magnesium
Biotin
Hyaluronic acid

Dress for the Weather

You may want to look your best, but it’s important that your outfit is designed to protect your skin and body from the winter elements.

Not only will wind and snow make you feel cold, which will instantly zap away that summer glow, but consistent exposure will dry your skin out, making it even harder to get your glow back.

Owning a good selection of winter accessories can help to make sure that you’re never caught out, even on the wildest of days:

Gloves and mittens
Hats
Scarfs
Socks
Umbrellas
Windbreakers

Keep spare items of each one in your car, at work, in your handbag, and anywhere else you can think of. This way, you will always be able to protect your skin.

Exfoliate…But Not Too Much

It’s easy for the skin to take on a rough and dull appearance over the winter. Exfoliation provides instant gratification, removing all of those dry skin cells to leave your skin looking fresh and radiant.

There’s no denying that exfoliation is extremely beneficial for your skin, but you need to be careful with this in the winter.

Why?

Because exfoliation leaves your skin without its protective outer layer, making it vulnerable to the elements. Wind, rain, snow, and cold temperatures will take their toll even more.

If you’re exfoliating once a week and taking care to nurture and protect your skin afterwards, then you won’t have any problems.

However, if you’re over-exfoliating, you’ll likely notice your skin soon start to feel raw, sensitive, and easily irritated. You could experience everything from excessive dryness to eruptive breakouts, all because you’ve severely disrupted your skin’s barrier at the worst possible time of year.

If you think that you may be over-exfoliating, stop exfoliating immediately. Give your skin some time to recover before re-introducing exfoliation into your skin care routine. Make sure that you take things slowly and gently this time around!

Learn How to De-Stress

Just about everyone could do with learning how to de-stress. Not only is stress a serious problem for your mental health, but it affects your physical health too, as well as your skin.

How?

In a few different ways:

It triggers your body to produce more cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol increases sebum production in your skin. This makes your skin oilier, increasing acne breakouts
Stress commonly leads to sleep deprivation, which is the most common cause of puffiness and swelling underneath the eyes
Stress prevents the skin’s protective barrier from properly functioning, which means that more moisture starts to evaporate out of the skin. This leaves the skin looking dry and rough
Stress weakens the immune system, which causes rashes and redness to appear on the skin. This same immune interference also triggers flare-ups in other skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis
The cortisol produced by your body during times of stress damages the proteins that give your skin its smoothness, firmness and tightness. Prolonged periods of stress will quickly lead to fine lines and wrinkles

Surprised?

People usually are, not often realizing just how much of an impact stress has on the skin.

But how do you learn how to de-stress?

It’s definitely easier said than done, and takes some commitment. Everyone is different, meaning that the activities that de-stress your best friend may not work for you at all.

So, make a list, write down the following de-stressing methods, and try one at a time whenever you feel stressed. Decide which ones work best for you so that you can narrow down a shortlist of fail-safe de-stressing techniques.

Do some exercise
Talk to a friend or family member
Meditate
Do something relaxing, such as taking a shower or reading a book
Do something creative
Try some breathing exercises
Write down what you’re feeling
Take a short walk outdoors

Treat Your Skin to a DIY Facial Massage

Covid-19 has placed quite a few restrictions on people, meaning that your face has probably been missing those ultra-relaxing massages that accompanied your regular facials.

Of course, those massages weren’t simply for pleasure. A facial massage stimulates the lymphatic system, allowing your body to clear away toxins at a much faster rate. This then invigorates both your skin and your immune system, giving you that healthy and happy glow.

The way in which a facial massage increases circulation will also give you a brighter and more vibrant appearance, while smoothing away the visibility of fine lines.

Whether you want to keep things simple or go all out with a 20-step massage routine, a quick search online will reward you with a number of different facial massage videos that you can follow and learn from.

You’ll then be able to incorporate the techniques you learn into your daily skin care routine.

If you really start to get into the facial massage realm, you can take things a step further by investing in a facial massage device. There are numerous at-home skin care gadgets out there that are designed to massage the skin and boost lymphatic drainage, and they’ll give your fingers a break too!

Use Makeup for Some Extra Help

Sometimes, you need an instant fix. While improving your skin care routine and lifestyle is always the best way to achieve and maintain a consistent summery glow, you can always turn to makeup when you need immediate results.

This doesn’t need to be anything complicated…

Simply applying a tinted lotion can give your skin an illuminated appearance. Alternatively, add some illuminating makeup drops to your favorite moisturizer – go for a darker shade if you want to shimmer with a beachy bronzed look.

If you’re good at highlighting, then this is another way to get your glow on. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with multiple highlighters, either using different shades on different parts of your face, or blending a few different shades together. This will add even more depth to your winter glowy look, making it appear beautifully natural.

You may have said goodbye to summer, but that doesn’t mean that you need to say goodbye to your summertime glow. Instead, follow the tips above and you’ll soon be back to your glowing self, with this radiance being one that you’ll then be able to easily maintain throughout the years.

Posted on January 22, 2021 February 18, 2021

The 12 Most Anticipated Books of 2021

If you enjoy reading, then you understand the anticipation of waiting to read a good book. Not only is it fun, but reading keeps you healthy, young, and sharp.

The year 2021 promises new books in such big numbers that you will be spoilt for choice no matter what your genre is. So, what appeals to you most? Romance, fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, horror…you name it.

We have compiled a list of the 12 most anticipated books of 2021 and given you a sneak-peek into each, just to get your reading juices flowing.

The Push by Ashley Audrain

January 2021

The Push is a psychological drama and Ashley Audrain’s first novel. Ashley introduces Blythe Connor, an eager first-time mom, and a wife.

During the early days of parenthood, Blythe’s dreams of being a warm loving mother to her daughter take a nosedive. Her parenting challenges lead her to conclude that all is not well with her daughter- or at least, something about her daughter is different.

Or was it just her imagination? Fox, her husband seems convinced that it is all in her mind and he tells her so. Due to her husband’s continued dismissal, Blythe starts to doubt her own sanity.

The birth of her second child, Sam, finally brings the mother-child bond that Blythe has always yearned for. However, just before she and her family can bask in the new-found bliss, their life as they know it changes, forcing Blythe to come to terms with the truth about her own life.

A Lady’s Formula For Love by Elizabeth Everett

February 2021

Are you a romantic at heart? Then you will instantly get hooked on Elizabeth Everett’s romantic debut.

The book features an instantaneous attraction between a widowed viscountess and her bodyguard, Arthur.

Lady Violet Hughes heads a secret club of quirky female scientists back in 1842 England.

When a chemical weapon released by an illegal workers’ association threatens England, Violet takes on the task of finding an antidote. This puts her in danger as she strives to protect her work from eminent sabotage and still hold her club together.

Help comes from her step-son Grey, who hires officer Arthur Kneland to keep Violet safe. The connection between Violet and Arthur quickly sets them off for such an exciting romantic journey that neither of them has control over what happens next.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

February 2021

This book is set back in 1934 Texas during the Great Depression. People are grappling with the effects of a severe drought and joblessness. Farmers can only look with helplessness as their efforts to keep their lands end in futility.

Water is drying up by the day and to make things worse, people have to deal with destructive dust storms.

Like her neighbors, Elsa Martinelli is torn between staying to fight for her land which she cherishes, and going west to start afresh. Three things work in her favor and that of an entire generation; courage, selflessness, and an indomitable spirit.

From the author of bestseller Nightingale and The Great Alone Kristin Hannah, expect historical fiction that breathes life to every story that she tells. The Four Winds is no different.

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates

February 2021

When one of the world’s most celebrated and wealthiest figures speaks, the world listens. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation and a philanthropist of climate change, has written a book based on over a decade’s worth of research and investment on climate change.

In this book, Gates not only explains the urgency to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions but also shares actionable details on tools that the world can build to succeed. He expounds on how technology is already helping, what needs improvement, and what innovations we should be expecting in the future.

And just before you brush the book off as a manual for policies that only governments can implement, it contains the roles individuals need to play in order to achieve the goal as well

If you are passionate about saving the planet, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster will educate and inspire hope in you that a better future is possible.

My Year Abroad by Chang-Rae Lee

February 2021

Chang-Rae Lee won the Hemingway Award with his first novel, Native Speaker back in 1996. He hasn’t disappointed ever since.

My Year Abroad is the story of a good-hearted American college student, Tiller. Then there’s Pong Lou, an innovative Chinese American entrepreneur who is persuaded that there’s more to the average look of the young man’s exterior.

To prove himself right, Pong takes Tiller on a boisterous trip to Asia. The trip proves to be so transformational for Tiller that it completely changes his view of himself and the world around him.

Reflecting on his completely alien experience abroad, Tiller contemplates what this means for his future but one thing is true; his life will never be the same again.

Chang-Rae skillfully weaves attitudes and stereotypes of western and eastern life, parenthood, mentorship, cultural immersion, and much more into a captivating tale of an odd couple with just the right hints of humor and darkness.

Girls with Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman

February 2021

When 3 brilliant girls have to battle for the one available spot in Stanford, their mothers realize that a cutthroat competition has just begun. And one that they are willing to face head-on. Sadly, it is also one that is likely to leave destruction in its wake.

Two of the mothers have something they can use to their advantage to secure the futures of their daughters. For Alicia the tech giant, it is her fortune and status. For Kelly, Stanford alum, it is her PTA influence and insider knowledge. Unfortunately for Maren, she is broke, single, and not well-connected to maneuver her way to Stanford.

What lines are these women willing to cross? One of the girls is involved in a suspicious near-fatal-accident a few days before applications. This puts the school community into chaos even as the spotlight rests on the families.

Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman’s debut novel is a spot-on reflection of the mayhem that may accompany college admissions.

Girl A by Abigail Dean

February 2021

When Lex Gracie escapes her abusive home, she avoids, by all means, any thoughts related to her family and the ‘house of horrors’ she grew up in. She is determined to let her past the identity of the girl who escaped go, in order to start life afresh.

Lex then receives the news of her mother’s death in prison. She is also notified that her mother left the house to her and her siblings. Realizing that retracing her steps back to her past is inevitable, she joins forces with her sister, intending to transform their house of horrors into something good.

The objective is a tough one to achieve and requires her to come to terms with all her six siblings and face the ghosts from their childhood.

In her debut Girl A, Abigail Dean has spun redemption, horror, and passion into one exciting page-turner.

This Close to Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith

February 2021

From the author of So We can Glow, Leesa Cross-Smith, expect an interesting story of two people brought together by fate at the most opportune time.

Tallie Clark, a divorced therapist in Kentucky encounters a man on the side of a bridge seemingly ready to take his own life. She immediately pulls over and manages to invite the man, Emmet, for a cup of coffee and later into her own house.

Without confessing the nature of her job, Tallie creates the perfect environment for Emmet to pour his heart out. It is only then that she realizes that both of them had secrets and they both needed healing.

Gradually they inch towards Emmet’s near-suicide experience and into the hard truths of Tallie’s life.

Later by Stephen King

March 2021

Bestselling author Stephen King has yet another book for the Hard Case Crime series after The Colorado Kid and Joyland.

Later features the life of Jamie Conklin, a boy born with extra-ordinary abilities. To protect his son, Jamie’s mother, a struggling single mom, just wants an ordinary life for him.

Jamie’s ability could help his mother, a fact that is evident when his mother’s lover, an NYPD detective draws him into the investigation of a ruthless killer. Unfortunately, using his powers comes with dire consequences.

The story is packed with the intensity of emotions that accompany the resolve to face one’s demons and stand against evil at all costs.

Clara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

March 2021

If you get thrilled by science fiction, then Clara and the Sun will keep you both entertained and thrilled! The book by Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro instantly takes you to the future of technological advancement.

The book introduces you to Clara, a human-like solar-powered artificial friend (AF). Clara is tailored to be a child’s companion and as she waits to be bought from the AF store for her duty, she is determined to learn as much as she can from the humans that frequent the store.

When her day finally comes, she becomes the companion of a teenager, Josie, and now interacts closely with her and the members of her family. Clara also comes to terms with the fact that humans possess emotions that she can’t quite understand and that she shouldn’t put too much trust in their promises.

The book also touches on environmental destruction. Clara’s who sees the sun as the god of nourishment experiences difficulties relating to her ‘god’ when the sun is hidden by smog.

While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Adams

May 2021

This book introduces us to a talented young law clerk Avery Keene. Avery gives her all to successfully juggle a demanding job as a clerk for the celebrated Justice Howard Wynn and an unstable family.

Her life is almost shattered when Justice Wynn slips into a comma. She is then notified that Justice Wynn had appointed her as his legal guardian and power of attorney.

Thanks to her new role and responsibility, Avery discovers that Wynn was secretly researching one of the most controversial cases in the court. She also deduced from Wynn’s findings that he was suspecting a related conspiracy involving powerful people in Washington.

As she follows Wynn’s carefully crafted clues, she realizes how deeply invested Wynn was in the controversial case. Unfortunately, the more she pursues the truth, the more she puts her life in danger.

The author of While Justice Sleeps, Stacey Abrams is also the author of bestsellers, Our Time is Now and Lead from the Outside.

Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor

June 2021

After his breakthrough with the Booker Prize finalist, Real Life, in 2020, Brandon Taylor is coming back in 2021 with Filthy Animals.

Notably, the book has nothing to do with animals. Set in the Midwest, the book is a collection of intertwined stories that revolve around relationships, romance, intrigues, and struggles of modern-day life among young creatives.

In one story, a young man explores the intrigues and inadequacies of an open sexual relationship with two women. In another, cancer threatens to drain both the body and the family of a young woman.

Brewing undercurrents among teenagers blow up, leading to a night of violence while in yet another, couples try to navigate varied aspects of their lives that will either drown or ground their relationships.

So, what links all these stories? Find out when you grab your copy!

There you go! Which ones are you itching to read?