Hang tight while we make that change...
Give your friends $20 off on their first order of $25+ and get $20 for each successful referral. With every successful referral, the referrer will also receive 200 Dream Reward points. New referrals must be first-time Skylar customers. The referrers reward is subject to a minimum spend of $30 prior to tax and shipping charges. The $20 reward code for referrer and the referred friend cannot be used to purchase gift cards, Skylar subscriptions, Add + Save products, or Free Discovery Set + Full Size fragrance. The $20 reward cannot be stacked or combined with other promotional offers and cannot be applied to tax or shipping fees. Limit one code per customer. Same household or self-referrals are not accepted.
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Imagine this scene: A girl boss is dressed to-the-tee for the meeting of a lifetime. She wants to make an impression so she surely won’t forget to spritz with her go-to power-fragrance. She wants the scent to last all day, so she gives a couple of extra spritzes for good measure. She rapidly rubs her wrists together, grabs her bag, and heads out the door.
For many of us, this scene is far too familiar. What you may not know is that the spritzing technique we’ve been using for years is all wrong! Applying perfume, much like choosing a fragrance that suits you, is a subtle art. It takes some practice to really make your scent glow. Here are 4 things perfume-applying faux-pas we should correct to make our scents last into the night.
So many of us think of adding perfume as the last and final touch to our getting-ready routine, almost like the “cherry-on-top”. Like our Girlboss in the story above, most of us apply our perfumes when our skin is completely dry.
An ideal application method is to apply it just after you get out of the shower. When your skin is moist, which will help it lock in your fragrance. For extra longevity, apply an unscented moisturizing lotion before dabbing on your perfume. Moisturized skin helps to keep the scent anchored, making your favorite scent last longer.
Is our Girlboss the only one out there that applies perfume just on her wrists? We’ve done it too! Besides our wrists, there are other important places on our bodies that we should also be applying our fragrance.
A better approach is to dab or spray perfume onto the various ‘pulse points’ around your body. Think of these as the places where your blood flows close to the surface of the skin. The heat from these pulse points helps the perfume radiate evenly throughout your day. Next time you apply your fragrance, focus on applying to your wrists, neck, and over your heart. For an extra special occasion, give the back of your knees a spritz too!
Contrary to just about everything we knew about applying our perfume, it turns out that rubbing is not the correct way. If you’re like us, we thought that if you rub it in, you’re really locking it into your skin! Well, we can just call ourselves older and wiser for learning that rubbing your perfume into your skin is a habit we’ll all have to ditch.
The friction caused by rubbing the wrists creates heat, which burns the fragrance off faster – especially the top notes. This makes your perfume evaporate much faster than it normally would. Some experts even think that rubbing your skin brings out enzymes which more quickly degrade the perfume.
Next time you apply your fragrance, resist the urge to rub! Instead, after you’ve dabbed, sprayed, or rolled your fragrance, just allow it to dry naturally!
When you want your scent to last all day, you might be tempted to spray a couple of extra times. While we may think that this packs on the fragrance to make it last longer, all it really will do, is make your smell too strong for a few hours. There is no guarantee that it will stay as strong for the entirety of your day (and quite possibly, you’ll still lose it by the end of the day).
The better method is reapplication! Give yourself little booster sprays (or rolls) throughout the day. When your first application has somewhat faded, perhaps after lunch or on your way to happy hour, spray on a bit more. A great on-the-go option is to have our travel rollies in your favorite scent on hand for these touch-up moments. Perfect for your purse, or in your desk drawer!
With these simple tricks, you'll be a perfume-applying pro in no time!
Beauty products from skin-care to body care and fragrance are supposed to help make us feel like our best selves. However, in recent years, consumers are learning there's a dirty side to beauty. Some of their tried and true products are most likely full of questionable ingredients that could be considered toxic to their bodies. From makeup and perfume to skin and hair care products, the beauty and cosmetics industry is chock-full of toxic ingredients. These are chemicals you shouldn’t touch - much less bathe in, soak up, and slather on.
While there are many products and brands that have made large strides in providing transparency to consumers, there are others on the shelves that aren’t completely honest. Though a beauty product may have a clean, honest-looking label that boasts “natural” and “organic” ingredients - there still may be harmful chemicals that should be avoided and eliminated from your beauty routines.
Rather than living in fear, there are plenty of ways that you can begin detoxing your beauty routine. One easy, and very important way is to educate yourself on the different ingredients out there. In this quick-start guide, we’ve identified 4 common unsafe ingredients you’ll want to consider kicking out of your beauty cabinet.
Parabens are a class of chemicals commonly found in a wide variety of beauty products. The most common parabens are methylparaben and propylparaben. They’re highly valued by the cosmetics industry as a preservative because they inhibit microbial growth.
Parabens are in almost every kind of cosmetic and beauty products and even in some foods. Including toothpaste, perfume, deodorant, lotions, and soaps.
Parabens are known to be hormone disruptors. Which can be been linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. They’ve also been linked to skin cancer and toxicity in developing children.
Phthalates are a family of chemicals that make plastics more flexible and serve a wide variety of purposes in beauty and cosmetics products. They’re widely banned in Europe, but still common in the USA.
Phthalates are shockingly common. You’ll find them in nail polish, perfumes, hair spray, aftershave, soaps, and shampoos, and countless other beauty and self-care products.
Many different conditions have been linked to phthalate exposure, including breast cancer, developmental issues in children, obesity, insulin resistance, and more. Don’t buy anything containing phthalates, DEP, DBP, or DEHP (which are common types of phthalates). It’s best to look for perfumes that are clearly labeled as “phthalate-free” (like Skylar’s!) This way you don’t have to second-guess the safety of your favorite scents and products
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a detergent used to make cosmetics and beauty products bubbly or foamy.
SLES is commonly used in body wash, shampoo, face cleansers, as well as dish soap and other home cleaning products.
Interestingly, it’s not the SLES you need to be concerned about - but rather a by-product of SLES manufacturing called 1,4-dioxane that often hitches a ride alongside SLES. 1,4-dioxane has been linked to cancer and organ toxicity and contaminates a large number of cosmetics products. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found it in 22% of their tested products. Because 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant, it’ll never be listed in a beauty product’s ingredients. The only way to avoid it is to avoid the chemicals it appears alongside. Check the ingredients and don’t buy products that contain SLES or PEG compounds.
Triclosan (and the similar triclocarban) is an antimicrobial agent. It kills a wide range of bacteria and viruses. Beauty and cosmetics manufacturers include it to prevent microbial growth or to give their products “antibacterial” properties.
Antibacterial soaps and detergents typically contain triclosan, as does shaving cream, antiperspirant and deodorant, toothpaste and tooth whiteners, and various types of makeup.
Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can cause hormonal problems. It’s also known to accumulate in the environment, where it threatens aquatic life and contributes to the emergence of dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria.
The best way to avoid these ingredients is to check the ingredient lists on each of your products. Sometimes an “all-natural” or “organic” label isn’t enough, to dig deeper check out the ingredient list on your bottles or packaging. Look for products that explicitly say that they are free of the specific ingredients that matter most to you. While detoxing may seem daunting, it is not impossible. There are many brands out there like Skylar that have you in mind to bring you safe products that help make you feel beautiful and confident.
Not sure about an ingredient? Check out the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Here you can find an extensive and well-researched list of potentially-unsafe ingredients that appear in many beauty products. Can’t find a specific chemical you’re looking for? If a chemical isn’t listed in their database, it’s most likely safe for your use!
Beaches. Picnics. Blooming flowers. Ripe fruits. If you’re trying to conjure up fragrant memories, you’ll find it hard to beat the lush season of summer. It’s a time where sweet, potent and natural scents permeate our lives, scoring them with beautiful and delicious undertones.
And of course, with the changing of seasons comes the changing of your perfume. After all, you wouldn’t wear flannel in July. Why would you wear the same fragrance you wore throughout winter?
So what should you look for in a clean summer fragrance? What kind of aroma profile will fit best? Additionally, how should you wear summer perfumes differently, as the temperatures rise and your wardrobe changes? Here are 4 tips to help you find the perfect summer scent.
1. Think light scents
Warm weather is better suited for light clothing and lighter, freshers scents. Rich fragrances, like musk, will generally be too heavy for the hot months. On the other hand, a sweet scent could end up feeling cloying and cause headaches in the heat. Instead, aim for light citruses and breezy fragrances - like florals, grass, rain, and berries.
Not sure whether a scent is right for the summer? The sparkling and sweet notes of Capri is a perfect choice. Or if you’re looking for something more oceanic, try Isle - a dewy, fresh perfume that would make you feel right at home in your favorite beach house.
2. Wear less, apply often
Perfume evaporates the longer you wear it, which is why perfume that you apply in the morning will often start to fade by lunchtime. Heat is one of the main factors determining how quickly or slowly your fragrance will evaporate. That means your perfuming strategy in warmer weather has to be slightly different to keep your scent throughout the day.
Try smaller, more frequent perfume applications to keep the scent from being too overwhelming. After a few tries, you’ll find a way to boost up your scent as the seasonal heat and breeze burns it off. The Skylar Rollie is the perfect tool for the job - slip one into your purse or desk drawer and you’ll always be ready for a fragrance touch-up.
3. Touch up your clothes & hair
Another great trick for keeping your summer scent rolling all day long? Don’t just put it on your body. Since your body temperature raises the evaporation rate of your perfume, you can get a longer ‘charge’ by getting it off your skin.
Try spraying a bit of perfume on your fingers, then running them through your hair. Your hair is much cooler, so will hold the fragrance better.
4. Experiment with layers
Wearing layers is generally a bad idea in the summer… unless you’re talking about perfume. Then it’s key to stunning, new fragrance combinations that match the season perfectly.
Try starting with one reliably summery scent - something citrusy or lightly floral. That gives you a base to experiment with. Then add in a complementary fruity scent or something spicier or woodier to complement it. Even perfumes that would ordinarily be too heavy or musky for summer could be the perfect layer in the right proportions.
While you might think layering fragrances sounds tricky, don’t be intimidated. Go slowly, keep an open mind, and see what works for you. With just a little experimentation, you can find a blend of two or even three perfumes for an unforgettable summer signature scent.
Most of us can remember the very first perfume we ever wore, the fragrance we wore to the school dance, or on our wedding day. Perfumes and fragrances can play a huge role in our confidence and creating memories. Unfortunately, many of our past and current favorite perfumes are filled with chemicals and toxic ingredients that can be harmful to our bodies.
With each spritz of traditional perfumes, you’re exposing yourself to ingredients that have been known to disrupt hormones, cause cancer, and interfere with natural bodily functions. This has been found to be true of most conventional perfumes and fragrances on the market.
The good news is that you can have peace of mind while wearing perfume, and eliminate the toxins and toxic ingredients. As you transition to a clean fragrance, you should consider these four questions to ensure that you’re choosing a perfume that you feel confident about using.
Parabens are synthetic compounds that are found in products all over the cosmetics and beauty industry. They are lab-grown and act as a preservative in many of our favorite products. We ingest and absorb parabens from lotions, soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, and of course perfume. Shockingly, research studies have found that parabens are present in over 90% of Americans’ bodies.
According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), “parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.” In fact, the European Union has already banned many of these chemicals, and consumer groups are pushing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to follow suit. We are only beginning to scratch the surface of learning the full extent of the negative side effects parabens has on our bodies.
Phthalates (pronounced thay-lates) are another class of synthetic chemicals you’ll find in all sorts of consumer goods. The more we learn about them, the more alarming they become. Excessive exposure to phthalates has been linked to breast cancer, obesity, lower IQs in children, insulin resistance, among several other health conditions.
Fragrance manufacturers use phthalates as a “fixative.” This means that the phthalates give perfumes an even, consistent scent over time, and helps the fragrance stick to your skin and clothing. And while some phthalates have already been banned by the FDA, many still end up in conventional perfume. While you take a walk past the department store perfume counters, chances are you’re inhaling a hefty dose of phthalates.
Make sure your that when you’re looking for new fragrances or perfumes, that they are 100% phthalate free.
Have you ever felt dizzy after smelling something strong? If so, you’re not alone! Fragrance sensitivity is a serious, yet common issue that many people experience. Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can include wheezing, rashes and other skin issues, migraines, eye irritation, asthma attacks, and more.
Why are conventional perfumes so hazardous? Unfortunately, fragrance manufacturers include a range of secret chemicals and ingredients in their products. This is made possible by a legal loophole allows perfume makers to bottle up almost anything under a single, vague ingredient listing: Fragrance. In one study, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that “the average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label.”
There’s simply no way to know each and every ingredient in a bottle of your perfume. That is why it is important to look for clean, naturally-derived products that are labeled hypoallergenic. This way you can rest assured that the ingredients have been adequately tested to minimize harsh allergic reactions.
Contrary to popular belief, a large number of traditional fragrances (and other cosmetic products are tested on dogs, rabbits, and other animals. Whether you are an animal lover, or not, this type of testing is heartbreaking - and it is not proven to lead to safer products. According to the Humane Society of the US, animal testing “is both unnecessary and inaccurate.” That’s why so many organizations are actively opposed to this practice, and why California has recently banned all animal-tested cosmetics. Choosing a cruelty-free perfume is another practical way to give yourself peace of mind with the products that you put on your skin.
One whiff of alluring perfume can leave you breathless. But what if you can’t catch your breath?
It can be easy to overlook, but it's not uncommon for people to have reactions to certain scents or perfumes. In fact, over 30% of people report irritation in response to fragrances, according to one study.
The range of reactions can vary from person to person, but one bad experience is enough to make someone start asking questions. After all, this is how Skylar got started! At just 4 months old, our Founder and CEO’s daughter had a less than ideal reaction to her favorite fragrance. This led Cat on a journey to learn more about the ingredients found in perfume and what causes sensitivity to fragrances.
Before we let this rain on your parade, there are a couple more questions we can ask. Are we allergic to our perfumes? Or do we have a sensitivity to certain ingredients? Depending on the severity and type of reaction, we are able to determine whether we need to steer clear of perfumes altogether or make the switch to a fragrance with less questionable ingredients. Aren’t too sure? Your doctor will be able to help clarify and lead you in the right direction.
If you find yourself experiencing sensitivity to certain perfumes, your irritation can be alleviated by avoiding certain ingredients and choosing fragrances with cleaner and shorter ingredient list.
As mentioned, nearly a third of people experience negative reactions to fragrances. That’s a large enough number to raise some eyebrows and prompt a Google researching spree. This statistic still begs the question, how can ingredients that are bad for us end up in perfumes and colognes?
The answer has to do with an interesting legal loophole. In 1973, the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973 was passed, which required cosmetics manufacturers to clearly list the ingredients in their products. Fragrance makers, however, were made exempt from this law so they could keep their formulations secret.
That’s why, if you look at a bottle of perfume, the ingredient list might just say ‘fragrance.’ Unfortunately, that word can be the veil that covers not only a fragrance maker’s trade secret but any ingredient that manufacturers don’t want to disclose to their consumers. One study by the Environmental Working Group found 14 secret, unlisted chemicals lurking in the average bottle of fragrance. With so many unknown and untested substances in the mix, it’s no surprise that we as consumers are confused when we find ourselves allergic (or sensitive) to conventional fragrances.
Just because you’re struggling with a perfume allergy or sensitivity doesn’t mean you have to give up fragrances! The key is to find a clean perfume that won’t irritate you or those around you.
So what’s a perfume-lover to do? Next time you’re shopping for a new fragrance, keep your eye out for a formulation that is hypoallergenic. If a fragrance is hypoallergenic, this means that the ingredients have been tested and approved so that you don’t have to worry about experiencing harsh reactions or irritations.
Skylar fragrances are not only hypoallergenic, but they are also vegan, cruelty-free and paraben free. With our fragrances, you can take on your day with confidence that your perfume won’t cause any trouble. And most importantly you’ll be smelling fabulous all day long!
At Skylar, we believe scents are a form of expression (even more intimately, than say, an outfit choice). Spritzing our favorite scents in the morning helps us start our day right.
We know that picking the right fragrance is a deeply personal experience - after all, scents unlock memories, emotions and are one of the first things we notice about one another. Why then, do we stick with the same scent throughout the whole day...and even the year?
It used to be that clean scents were simply not accessible, so women didn’t have the option to switch up their scents throughout the day. With the launch of the new Skylar Scent Club, we want to disrupt the notion that a “signature” scent means only sticking to one option.
We encourage you to have fun with your scents! Mix and match for an invigorating morning scent, a calming afternoon vibe, and a sexy evening note. Similar to an outfit choice, or a hairstyle, express yourself throughout the day by pairing scents that are a perfect match to your mood. The possibilities are endless!
Xo,
Skylar
