Consider all of the habits you form to maintain a healthy (and happy) life: eating clean, drinking plenty of water, making it to your go-to fitness classes and cutting yourself off on your second binge-watching episode to get some shut-eye. But what about taking care of your skin? Even if you follow the advice of your dermatologist and moisturize on the daily, apply sunscreen and make sure that you wash off your makeup at night, there are additional treatments to make your skin even healthier.

From facials and massages to peels and injectables like Botox, here’s how often you should give your skin (and your body) a little more TLC:

Botox: Every four months

Think Botox is just for your mom? Think again. Not only can these injectables be used to treat migraines, but they can also help get rid of forehead and between-the-eye lines before they deepen and become more pronounced. Sounds great, right? It is, but the only catch is that you have to have recurring appointments to ensure the line doesn’t make a re-appearance. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu recommends an appointment every four months, on average. “If you maintain these in-office treatments, your creases may not come back. The dose and pattern of Botox may change over time, so your doctor should carefully reassess your face and facial movements before each treatment,” she explains.

Chemical Peels: Depends on strength and purpose

More intense than a facial and designed to help treat pigmentation, acne scars and imperfections, peels are a go-to service for many A-list celebrities. Why? Peels are great for shedding a layer of skin and revealing a younger, smoother and fresher layer. Recovery and frequency depends on the strength of the solution, Dr. Wu explains. “Light peels, like glycolic acid, can be done monthly, but deep chemical peels like trichloroacetic acid are only needed once a year,” she says.

Facial: Once a month

From deep-cleansing your pores to hydrating parched skin, facials come in a variety of forms. Dr. Wu says if you have acne-prone skin that is sensitive to blackheads and breakouts, a facial can change the overall appearance and glow of your face. If your budget allows, Dr. Wu suggests booking a facial every month and to make sure you pay attention to your skin’s reaction. “A facial shouldn’t leave you looking worse or breaking out more,” she explains. If you notice a negative side effect, consider shopping around for a new spa that uses natural ingredients, or decrease your visits to every six weeks to two months.

Massage: Weekly, if you can

Real talk: when was the last time you got a massage? For most people, it would probably take them a hot second to figure out when they last had a professional massage to knead out their aches and pains. But while it’s usually a pricey endeavor, for those who are avid exercisers or sit at a desk for long periods of time, Dr. Wu explains that a message will not only get rid of that stubborn neck and back pain, but also regulate your circulation and leave you feeling more balanced, relaxed and comfortable in your own skin. For a budget-friendly way to enjoy more rubdowns, reach out to the local massage school in your area. Often times, these academies will offer discounted rates so students can earn their practice hours.

Manicure or Pedicure: Weekly

Though you might only have your nails professionally tended to before a big event or when you’re about to head to the beach, Dr. Wu says that manicures and pedicures are a warranted weekly indulgence, especially if you have tough calluses and hangnails, to keep your skin and nails healthy. Though most nail salons are mandated by state health standards, she adds that you might want to consider bringing your own tools to avoid infection.

Sometimes, the road to clear and healthy skin can be overwhelming. Between keeping your overactive glands under control and watching out for potentially harmful ingredients in your beauty products, you also need to deal with a host of other issues like skin discoloration. We know that dark patches, or hyperpigmentation, are commonly caused by UV damage and aging and that redness can be due to an allergic reaction, but what about those white spots dotting your face? Turns out, these white spots, or hypopigmentation, can have a number of reasons, and the first step in treating it is getting to its root. Find out if any of these conditions is causing those mysterious white spots to appear on your skin.

1. Milia

Most moms are familiar with milia, a condition that develops when keratin gets trapped under the skin and causes white-colored cysts or bumps to form, because it’s quite common among children and newborns. However, it can actually occur at any age and may take longer to resolve in adults. Secondary milia, on the other hand, can be a result of sun damage, burns, prolonged use of steroid creams and blistering skin conditions.

Symptoms: Small, white or yellowish bumps commonly found around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead; also occurs on the gums and inside the mouth of infants; secondary milia can occur anywhere on the body, following other skin conditions.

How to Deal: Primary milia in infants require no treatment as it usually resolves within a few weeks. In adults, milia can take longer to go away, so your dermatologist may suggest lancing to remove the cysts, applying topical retinoids, microdermabrasion or an acid peel.

2. Vitiligo

Milky-white patches above your eyes, neck or hands may be a sign of vitiligo, an “autoimmune skin condition in which the body is triggered to recognize its own pigmented skin cells as foreign and attacks and destroys them,” says board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at the University of California Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD. While this condition can start at any age, the American Vitiligo Research Foundation says it often develops between the ages of 20 to 30 with the light discoloration appearing anywhere on the body.

Symptoms: Milky-white patches of varying size on the body; other less common signs are premature graying of hair (including lashes, beard or eyebrows), loss of color in the tissues inside the mouth and change in color of the retina.

How to Deal: Managing vitiligo should be done by a dermatologist, and treatment options include light therapy, topical anti-inflammatories and immunomodulating creams, according to Dr. Shainhouse. It’s also important to always wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn in the discolored patches.

3. Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis

If you need more reasons to never skip sunscreen, then here’s another one for you: white freckles or idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH). “You cannot get this color back. The spots are permanent,” warns Dr. Shainhouse. Aside from causing brown spots, too much sun exposure also destroys the skin’s melanocytes that result in these light spots that often appear on the arms and legs.

Symptoms: Freckle-like white spots on shins, forearms and other sun-exposed areas; usually smooth but may also appear scaly.

How to Deal: “Prevention is key for IGH,” says New York-based board-certified dermatologist Janet Prystowsky of Livad Skin Care. “Wear sunscreen!” To reduce its appearance, topical steroids, tretinoin and dermabrasion may be used.

4. Pityriasis Alba

This mild, inflammatory condition is more common in children with eczema, but can also develop in young adults, particularly those with sensitive skin and darker complexion. “It presents as small white patches, usually on the face, with fine scales,” says Dr. Shainhouse. While the exact causes are unknown, it often occurs with dry skin and atopic dermatitis and are more noticeable after sun exposure.

Symptoms: Starts as red, scaly patches that turn light; oval, round or irregular-shaped; usually occurs on the face (cheeks and chin) but may also arise on neck, shoulders and upper arms; dry and scaly especially in winter.

How to Deal: Pityriasis alba seldom requires serious attention as it usually resolves on its own. The best moisturizers can keep the dry appearance under control, while calcineurin inhibitors, pimecrolimus cream and tacrolimus ointment are reported to help restore the skin’s color. “If the spots are persistent or itchy, see your dermatologist for a topical prescription medication to reduce the inflammation,” adds Dr. Shainhouse.

5. Tinea Versicolor

“Tinea versicolor is the result of your skin’s natural yeast population growing out of control,” explains Dr. Prystowsky. The reasons for yeast to overgrow vary from person to person, but it’s believed to be caused by hot and humid weather, sweaty and oily skin and a weakened immune system.

Symptoms: White to pink brown spots that form patches and can appear anywhere on the body; causes itchiness in affected area; may be dry and scaly; usually disappears during cold, dry months and returns in the spring or summer.

How to Deal: Anti-dandruff shampoos used as a body wash can kill yeast, says Dr. Shainhouse, and the skin’s color is usually restored after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment. Applying antifungal creams, soaps and lotions with active ingredients like selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and pyrithione zinc and using a medicated cleanser during warm, humid months can also keep yeast overgrowth in check, adds Dr. Prystowsky.

Discovering the best deals online can often feel like finding a needle in a haystack, which is especially disenchanting when it comes to your favorite website. At Dermstore, we know the online savings struggle is real, which is why we have created numerous options for you to save money on our site. From email subscriptions to reward programs, we offer something for each customer’s unique interest. Become the savvy Dermstore shopper that you were always meant to be with these money-saving tips!

1. Try New Products for Free

A Gift with Purchase (GWP) is a free gift based on what you bought and is the perfect way to sample and discover new beauty products. This becomes crucial when you hear of a beauty product that seems like a good match for you, but aren’t quite sure how your skin will react to it. From serums to shaving creams, there’s a GWP for every beauty enthusiast. Some shoppers like the excitement in not knowing what free gift they’ll get until they see it in the package, but if you’re the kind who likes to plan ahead, check out this page, which lists all the GWPs available for you.

Note: Some of these gifts have a minimum threshold. Once you meet the threshold, your free gift should automatically appear in the checkout page.

2. Get Email-Exclusive Deals

Not a Dermstore email subscriber yet? You’re missing out! By signing up for our email, not only will you get an instant 20% savings on your first purchase, you’ll also get first dibs on sales, free gifts and insider info on new product arrivals. And here’s another secret: Some beauty brands don’t like publicizing their discounted rates on the public site, so we sometimes send email-only access to certain brand sales. Shhhh! Sign up here to start receiving our email-exclusive deals!

3. Subscribe to Your Staples

So you have a skin, hair or makeup product that you just have to have no matter what. Guess what—you can save on them, too! Our Dermstore Subscriptions program lets you order your beauty staples once, and have those automatically shipped to you—for free of course—at your preferred schedule. That way, you don’t need to worry about running out of your favorite products and you get to save 15% on those products every time, too! Sounds like a win-win in our book.

To subscribe to any product, simply go to that product’s page on Dermstore.com and check the “subscribe” button. You’ll then be prompted to choose your refill cycle. After you’ve chosen the right cycle for you, click “add to cart” and check out as usual. You will not be charged until your order ships. You can also modify, skip or cancel subscriptions at any time.

4. Get Rewarded Just by Shopping

As if shopping for beauty products isn’t rewarding already. At Dermstore, we take rewards a little bit further by offering Dermstore Rewards. This cool incentive lets you earn 5 points for every dollar you spend on our site. And for every 100 points, you get $1 to spend on any beauty product of your choice! The best part? You can combine your Dermstore Rewards with all other offers and promotions. Plus, it’s free and simple to join. Sign up today and start getting more bang for your beauty buck!

5. Spread the Word

Read anything that you liked on the blog? Shared a video or photo from our Facebook or Instagram feed? You get points for that too! By liking and sharing our blog and social posts, not only do you spread valuable insider tips and info on beauty brands and products, you also earn Dermstore Rewards. A perfect excuse for dusting off your Insta account!

6. Create a Favorites List

At Dermstore, we’ve made it easy for you to keep tabs on your favorite beauty products. Each time you “heart” a product (by clicking the “Add to Favorites” button on the product page), that product will automatically get added to your My Favorites list, so you can always come back to it when you’re ready to make a purchase. The best part? When you place your order from your My Favorites page, you get an extra 10% off!*

7. Utilize the 30-Day Money Back Guarantee

We get it: shopping for beauty products online can be tricky. What if you get the wrong shade of foundation? Or realize that the cream you bought isn’t the best match for your sensitive skin? That’s why we offer a 30-day money back guarantee. If you’re unsure about a product, just buy it, try it, and if you don’t like it, just return it for something else. We’ll give you a full refund or exchange it for another product. You’ll only need to pay for the return shipping. Refer to our return page for additional return policy details.

8. Specials Tab

At Dermstore, we run sales and promos every day—no kidding! If you want to see all of our existing deals, check out the “specials” tab on our site’s top navigation bar. Most shoppers love starting here first, where they find 20 to 60% off on everything from makeup palettes to hairstyling tools to creams and serums to help you maintain your daily routine.

9. Chat With Our Customer Service Team

Need more information about all our product and promo offerings? Our customer service team offers a wealth of information, and they’re available Mondays through Saturdays through email, phone or live chat!

*Discount applies at checkout. Not valid with other discounts. Brand exclusions apply.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, a mid-life crisis or you’re simply stuck in rut, you may be searching for answers on the eternal quest to happiness. When giving yourself a pep talk just isn’t enough, try these scientifically proven methods to reach happiness—no matter where you are in life.

1. Fake It ’til You Make It

We’ve all heard this phrase before, but did you know that it actually works? Amy Cuddy, an American social psychologist, author and lecturer shared her research into the phenomenon of faking it in her 2012 TED Talk. Cuddy says, “We know that our minds change our bodies, but do we know if our bodies change our minds?” According to her research, with just a few simple mind and body adjustments, you can completely change your mood.

Because our minds and bodies are connected, our inner emotions are often exuded by the way we carry ourselves on the outside. Hunching, crossing the arms and slouching are nonverbal cues that showcase sadness or a lack of confidence. On the other hand, standing tall, expanding the body and holding the hands at the hips are all generally used when we feel confident, powerful or happy.

Cuddy suggests that by faking or pretending “power poses”, we can trick ourselves into being happier, more confident people. She continues by stating, “tiny tweaks can lead to big changes. Just two minutes of these poses can change the way you feel.” Changing your body language and even putting a smile on your face for just a few minutes at a time tells your brain that you are feeling happy. You can fake it enough until you become it.

 2. Take up Yoga 

Yoga is for more than just strutting around in your favorite stretchy leggings. Practicing yoga is good for the mind, body and soul. This meditative workout is one of the best things that us stressed-out Americans can do for our happiness. Even though sitting still on a mat for an hour may seem like pure torture in our fast-paced society, it can reap many benefits for your overall well-being.

According to a study on the effects of yoga on mood conducted by Boston University, yoga can actually increase the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric levels. What does that mean? Gamma-aminobutyric acids tell your brain to regulate anxiety. Studies have shown that in just a single yoga class, you can start lowering levels of anxiety and depression.

Not only can yoga help with your inner wellness, but it can also help you get bright, glowing skin. Sheila Jalalat, MD states that many skin problems, such as acne and psoriasis, can be caused or worsened by stress. Because yoga has been shown to assist in reducing depression and anxiety, it can also have a positive effect on your skin concerns as well. 

3. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward to

Planning a trip is another great way to help you achieve happiness. Vacations are your chance to explore a new place, disconnect from daily stressors and learn more about yourself.  In March 2010, the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life conducted a study relating happiness and vacationing. They found that the simple act of planning a trip boosted happiness for eight weeks.

Why? Planning a trip is the perfect way to escape your daily stresses. Having a plan set in place, no matter how far in the future, will give you something to look forward to and be excited about. So, go ahead—put those vacation days to good use and treat yourself to the vacation of your dreams.

4. Practice Mindfulness 

In some cases, we are unhappy because we are living in our heads. Whether you are hyper-focused on your career, relationships or what’s to come in the future, you may want to consider practicing mindfulness. Rather than spinning yourself into a downward spiral of panic attacks, keep calm and just be. “Mindfulness helps us take control of our own emotional experiences,” says Tristan Coopersmith, licensed psychotherapist and Chief Inspirologist of Life Lab wellness center. “A peaceful mind is a less depressed and anxious mind—and, instead, is a confident, patient, tolerant, vital, happy one.”

Dr. Lindsay Henderson, PsyD, a psychologist who treats patients virtually via the app LiveHealth Online says, “Try to go easy on yourselves as you attempt to figure this all out. Begin practicing mindfulness now so that you make living in the moment a habit, not a chore.” Finding the key to happiness is not something that happens overnight—and it’s not the same for everyone. Finding what happiness means to you takes time and effort. Give yourself the time you need to figure it out on your own terms.

The cat eye is one of those classic makeup looks we hope never goes out of style. It’s feminine, sexy and as intense or dramatic as you want it to be. Created with a signature winged eyeliner detail, we’ve been inspired by our feline friends since the days of Cleopatra. Still as popular as ever, this look can be a little tricky to get just right. Lifestyle and beauty blogger Hayley Paige helps us learn how to master the cat eye makeup look with these tips.

A Few Tips for Getting Started

• Aim for products marked as waterproof in order to prevent smudges. When you’ve worked hard on those precise lines, you want them to stay looking sharp!
• If you’ve made any mistakes while gluing on false lashes, a cat eye is the perfect cover up to hide any blunders.
• Never go to sleep in your makeup—especially after a night out with an intense cat eye.
• Use a liquid eye makeup remover or oil cleanser to remove your look at the end of the night with ease. (Watch how effectively an oil cleanser removes a cat eye look)

How to Create a Cat Eye: Step by Step 

1. Prime Your Lids

Apply a thin layer of eye primer to create an even base and give your finished look more staying power. Blend in your eye primer with a small sponge or thin brush, being careful not to tug at your eyelids. 

2. Apply Eyeshadow

What level of drama are you’re going for with your makeup look? If you want your eyeliner to do most of the talking, opt for a neutral color palette. Nudes and a bit of subtle shimmer will make your liner stand out even more. Now, if you’re hitting the town for a night out and want to really make a bold impression, blend a darker shade of eyeshadow in the outer corner of your eyes, toward where you’ll be drawing your eyeliner.

3. Choose Your Liner

Hayley prefers using a liquid liner like the felt-tip Liquid Eyeliner Pen from blinc because its precise tip allows for more control when creating a really precise cat eye. However, if you prefer using gel eyeliner with an angled brush or are loyal to your favorite pencil, opt for what’s most comfortable to you.

4. Draw a Fine Line Along Your Eyelid

Start with the inner corners of your eyes—saving the fancy wings for last. If you’re going for a more subtle look, you can start the liner in the middle of your eyelid, which is what Hayley often does. This creates a softer look and really puts the focus on the defined, outer corners of your eyes. Draw a thin line across each eyelid, ensuring they are the same thickness before moving on to the cat eye corners. 

5. Wing It

While some of us like to use a piece of tape as a stencil for our wings, you might want to learn how to freehand a straight wing. Instead of worrying about trying to get a perfect wing in one sweep, try it Hayley’s way (it’s as easy as connecting the dots). “I’ll connect a really fine line from the corner of my eye to the tail of my brow bone,” she says. “Then, I’ll take the end of the wing and connect it back to my eye.”

6. Touch up Any Imperfections

When your wings don’t match or something doesn’t look quiiiiite right, don’t worry! It’s not easy to get it perfect on the first try. “If you mess up and apply too much winged eyeliner, or if it looks sloppy, take an angled eye shadow brush, dip it in makeup remover, and clean up the edges of your wing,” says Hayley. “Using this technique, you can define your wing without removing all of your makeup.”

7. Complete the Look With Lashes

The last step is to top it off with mascara or false eye lashes to add drama and balance out your cat eye. We love Lilly Lashes for glamorous volume and Kevyn Aucoin’s Starlet lashes for a subtle elegance. Meow!