The seasons are changing and, for those of us entering the colder climates, this is a time to assess the best products for our particular skin. Essential oils offer a variety of topical applications to meet your needs.

The first consideration is the source. Make sure anything you put on your skin is organic and sourced from a reputable distributor. I personally stay away from those oils manufactured by large corporate entities where the goal is profit over purity.

Oils, Creams, Serums

What type of product is best for your skin? It depends, though face serums, because of the concentration of their active ingredients, are thought to be very effective in targeting specific concerns.

Dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky explains, “The concentrations in serums are meant to penetrate the skin faster and easier than creams because they’re not diluted with moisturizer.”

I am one of those people who really like to dig in and understand the science of creating basic recipes. I make my own ghee, ricotta cheese, pesto, etc. just for the fun of it. That’s just me!

In that same manner, I have researched, experimented, and tested a variety of essential oils for my own use. I am aging, so after years of trying many products, here is what I have found to work best for my normal, aging, sometimes dry, wrinkled at the edges skin.

Please be aware that a small percentage of people may be reactive to various essential oils so always test a small area before a full application. I like to combine oils and use a solid carrier oil, such as Grapeseed, to deliver small, diluted amounts to my skin.

Grapeseed Oil

Organic grapeseed oil, processed from the seeds of grapes, is great for cooking. It is also a fantastic base for facial products as it makes the skin softer, more elastic, and evens out the skin tone.

Additionally, grapeseed oil contains a powerful antioxidant ingredient called proanthocyanidin and helps to protect your skin from absorbing the full damage of UV rays. You can use this alone or as a base for your own ‘formula’, as I do.

Vitamin E

Organic Vitamin E protects your skin from free radicals that form because of environmental factors such as pollution and unprotected sun exposure. Vitamin E is a moisturizer and healing agent. “Basically, it’s an all-around ‘workhorse of a vitamin’,” as board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban calls it.

“Vitamin E is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can be soothing and help calm the skin,” she says. “It’s also good for hydrating skin, and serves as a moderately effective natural barrier to the sun.”

Lavender Oil

Organic lavender oil naturally reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, detoxifies, and cleanses the skin. It is another effective source of antioxidants. Lavender can soothe inflamed skin by reducing redness, swelling, and itching. And a dose or two of lavender oil is known as a soothing and calming aroma.

Frankincense Oil

Organic frankincense oil can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections such as discoloration as it stimulates the growth of new cells. It evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of age spots.

Helichrysum Oil

Organic helichrysum oil is not well-known. However, it’s a very effective anti-microbial and antibiotic skin formula ingredient. Helichrysum oil is treasured for its fantastic regenerative and protective benefits as well as its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Rose Oil

Organic Rose Oil is an anti-inflammatory agent and tissue regenerator. It not only moisturizes, it’s “often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ or the ‘queen of all oils’. This oil is great for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Rich in gifts from mother nature, Rose Oil helps promote beautiful, radiant skin.”

These are the organic essential oils that I have formulated into my own GYG Organic Facial Serum and see the best results on my own skin. I have normal, slightly olive, and acne-free skin. I highly recommend that you select a few oils that have the properties that best suit your own skin qualities.

There are benefits and side effects to all essential oils, however, so doing your own homework is essential.

Other Essential Oils

Other Essential Oilsthat might be just right for you include:

• Argan
• Cedarwood
• Vetiver
• Neroli
• Geranium
• Marula
• Grapefruit
• Peppermint
• Copaiba Oleoresin
• Tea Tree
• Roman Chamomile
• Ylang Ylang
• Organic Palmarosa
• Lemongrass

Morning and Night

I use my GYG Organic Facial Serum in the morning, after I splash my face with cold water, then I apply sunscreen on top. At night, after I cleanse, I apply another small dose of the same serum, always incorporating facial acupressure for best results.

For information on my own GYG Organic Facial Serum formula, techniques for Facial Acupressure, and more, please visit my website at www.GrowingYoungerGracefully.com.

Do you use facial serums? Have you created your own formula, or do you purchase a ready-made one? Which essential oils work best on your skin? Which ones do not agree with you? Please share your observations and experiences below.

As 2021 comes to an end, it’s an excellent time to review your finances for any tax moves that might benefit you. This time of year might be busy with seasonal events and other deadlines, but some opportunities come with an expiration date.

If you need some ideas on where to begin, this list can get you started. Then, through research and discussions with your tax preparer, you can decide what makes the most sense.

Review Your Situation

Start with a review of your finances. What do you expect your annual income to be, and what are the sources of that income (earnings from work, pensions and Social Security, investments, etc.)? Similarly, tally up any expenses and actions that might impact your taxes. For example, if you have substantial health care costs, or you made contributions to tax-favored accounts, that’s important information.

Any significant tax decisions require input from a tax professional like a CPA. When you do this initial review, it’s smart to provide this information to your tax preparer and ask if they see any opportunities or issues. A second set of eyes might save you some headaches – and some money.

Most importantly, conduct this review with the big picture in mind. It’s easy to focus on minimizing this year’s tax burden as the primary objective. But that could come back to haunt you. If you’re planning for retirement income, sometimes it makes sense to pay taxes intentionally to improve your chances of success.

Help a Charity

It’s relatively easy to get a tax break for charitable contributions this year. Because of pandemic-related rules, you can deduct cash contributions to qualifying charities without itemizing in 2021. In other words, those who take the “easy” standard deduction generally qualify.

For most single taxpayers, you can deduct up to $300 for 2021. And married households that file a joint return can go up to $600.

Giving Appreciated Investments

If you want to make bigger contributions (and possibly itemize for a bigger deduction), nonprofits can certainly use your help. 

One way to maximize your impact is to give investments that have increased in value since you bought them. For example, if you bought a stock, ETF, or mutual fund that is worth substantially more than your original purchase price, you might be able to give the investment directly to a charity.

To do so, you transfer the shares in-kind to the charity – instead of selling the investment and sending cash (or sending funds electronically).

When you give investments in-kind, you don’t need to sell and pay taxes on your gains. As a result, you might have more to give away.

Qualified Charitable Distributions

Those over age 70.5 have an additional option for charitable giving. With a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can send funds directly from an IRA to a qualifying charity. With that approach, you get to exclude the distribution from your income, which can be helpful in a variety of ways. Again, since you’re giving away money pre-tax, there’s more left over for your favorite charity.

Squeeze in Tax-Favored Contributions

Retirement accounts and other tax-favored accounts have annual limits, meaning you need to act each year to fully utilize those accounts. 

If you want to max out those accounts, but you haven’t done that yet, you may still have time. Workplace plans like 401(k) and 403(b) plans might allow you to adjust your contributions for the last few pay periods of the year. And individual accounts like Traditional and Roth IRAs generally allow contributions until the tax filing deadline in April.

Also, don’t forget about health savings accounts (HSAs) if you’re eligible to contribute. Those accounts have potential triple-tax benefits, and you can typically deduct contributions regardless of your income level.

Should You Harvest Losses (or Gains)?

It might make sense to sell investments in taxable accounts before the end of the year. That’s because any trades you make might lock in gains or losses for the year.

When you “harvest” tax losses, you sell something at a loss to potentially reduce your tax bill. Those losses can offset taxable gains, ultimately reducing or eliminating the gains. Plus, if your losses exceed your gains, you might be able to reduce your taxable income by up to $3,000 per year.

That said, remember that the tax loss rules can be complicated. For example, you need to be mindful of wash sale rules, and you might eventually have to pay taxes when you eventually sell.

Tax Gain Harvesting

If your income is below certain levels, you might be able to sell investments at a gain and avoid capital gains taxes. That is one of the few “free lunches” available, so it’s wise to review this opportunity every year.

Adjust Withholding

If you’re still in your working years, it’s worth reviewing your tax withholding each year. By doing so, you can adjust how much comes out of your paycheck. The goal is to have the right amount withheld each year so that you don’t have a substantial tax bill in April (and you might also prefer to avoid getting a large refund).

The IRS has a handy withholding calculator that can help with this task. 

Satisfy RMDs

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are back for 2021. If you’re over 70 or 72 years old, you may be required to take funds out of certain retirement accounts. But that rule was paused for 2020. As a result, you might have disabled automatic distributions or simply forgotten about this important step.

Why is it so important? The penalty for missing an RMD is 50% of the amount you were supposed to take out. So, if your RMD for 2021 is $5,000, you could face a $2,500 penalty.

Evaluate Roth Conversions

If you have savings in pre-tax retirement accounts, it might (or might not) make sense to convert some of your money to after-tax Roth savings. When you convert, you pay taxes on pre-tax funds and shift the money to a Roth account. And after satisfying certain requirements, you may be able to withdraw funds from the Roth account tax-free.

Roth conversions are a strategy for prepaying your taxes. That might make sense if you think that tax rates will rise in the future – or if you have a relatively low income this year. If today’s tax rates are acceptable, you can get taxes out of the way now and avoid paying later.

As with any strategy, there are better and worse ways to do it. It’s best to pay the taxes with funds outside of your retirement accounts, and it might make sense to convert in small “chunks.”

Get Ready for 2022

Once you get 2021 squared away, look ahead to 2022. It may be helpful to set aside funds for major expenses and retirement account contributions. If you’re still working at a job with a retirement plan, see if it makes sense to increase your contribution amount (maximum limits are higher in 2022).

Finally, keep an eye out for tax law changes. There are several proposals out there that may affect your finances.

Remember that all of the strategies above have specific requirements, and tax rules can change over time. As you explore these techniques (and many others that are not mentioned here), it’s best to work with a CPA or financial planner who is familiar with your finances.

That person can explain the pros and cons of different strategies, and they should be familiar with some of the pitfalls you may face as you manage your finances.

What do you think? Do you try to manage your taxes each year, or do you spend your time and energy on other pursuits (there’s no right or wrong answer – and the value of these strategies is debatable)? Are there any moves that have helped you in the past?

Well, the time for savings is now and Dermstore’s Holiday Savings Event is nothing to snuff at. The renowned beauty brand is spreading a little holiday cheer to their customers new and old with exclusive savings of up to 30% off their entire site. Unlike other retailers that opt for a higher discount during the late stages of their holiday sale when, let’s face it, all the good stuff has long sold out, Dermstore is combining their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to give their loyalists some serious bang for their buck.

Starting right this very moment and continuing until November 29, Dermstore’s 200 must-have brands are heavily discounted and ripe for the picking. Shop everything from lash-enhancing essentials to Tarte favorites for up to 30% off. All you need to do to secure the bag is enter code BLACK at checkout and watch those digits melt away. Plus, you can earn up to 3X Dermstore Rewards points on select top brands if you’re planning on becoming a recurring customer, and, after learning about their generous offerings, who wouldn’t?

RELATED: Ulta Beauty’s Early Black Friday Sale Includes Up to Half Off TikTok-Viral Lipstick

At this point, you might be asking yourself “Okay, but are all the good brands getting exempt?” Here’s the honest answer: Nope! Hop on over to their site and you’ll see chemical peel extraordinaire and celeb favorite, Dr Dennis Gross Skincare, along with new kid on the block and cool girl beloved, ILIA, as well as the tried and true moisturizer brand that will last you the whole year (if you’re the only one using it), First Aid Beauty.

With this many incredible offerings, it’s a wonder that Dermstore isn’t keeping these deals a secret, but now that the word is out, take to the streets and spread the skincare gospel. Sales are meant to be experienced by all and your friends and family will consider the good word a little holiday gift of its own.

Courtesy: Dr Dennis Gross.

Dr Dennis Gross Let It Glow Set

If you’ve yet to hear about the star power that is Dr Dennis Gross and their full line of exfoliating, tightening, and skin-perfecting treatments, now you have. If there’s one product we can fully rave about without reservation, it’s the extra strength daily peel, which, luckily, is included in this value pack. It’s valued at a whole $147, but today you can get it on sale for nearly half that price at under $90. 

Courtesy: First Aid Beauty.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

What could be better than a super hydrating moisturizer to carry you through the winter? We’re always looking for ways to up our hydration game and keeping your skin from suffering the harsh weather that winter brings. Plus, this is an insanely low price considering this tub is the size of your face. At 25% off, you can shop this skin-saver for under $30. 

Courtesy of Ilia.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 (1 fl. oz.)

Is there a better way to reign in the New Year than with this perfect skin tint? The hippest new beauty brand on the market features a unique formula that’s part skin care, makeup, and SPF. 

Courtesy: Tarte.

Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette 

If you’ve been looking for that perfect subtle yet effective holiday palette, this is for you. Twelve shades, from shimmering sunset to subtle sunrise fill this wear-everyday set that’s now on sale for just over $27. Plus, it makes for a perfect stocking stuffer and is neutral enough even for the non-makeup wearer in your life.

Courtesy of Olaplex.

Dermstore Exclusive Olaplex Essentials Kit

Giving the gift of healthy hair doesn’t have to mean a salon treatment. If you or a loved one are always facing the winter dread of split ends and dry scalp, Olaplex has an array of remedies for all your hair woes. This full kit of products is valued at $112, but today you can get it for $84, along with 3x the Dermstore points you normally would. So this purchase will save you in the present, and down the road the next time you shop at the retailer.

Courtesy: Slip.

Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase 

Beauty really does begin from the inside out and, I’d deign to say, feeling good starts with a good night’s sleep. Keeping your hair knots at bay and your skin from feeling wrinkled from a night of sleeping on your face, this silk pillowcase solves more than one beauty problem. Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Gisele Bündchen swear by this hair hack that reduces frizz. Slip’s case is the cream of the crop, so we’re taking advantage of the 20% discount we can get now. 

Courtesy: Ora.

ORA Electric Microneedle Derma Pen System 

If you’re interested in the discourse surrounding the latest beauty secret Dermaplane, it’s time you tried it out for yourself. Now, the at-home microneedle pen can have it’s day in the sun and with five adjustable speeds, you can adjust the settings to take your skincare journey at your own pace.

If this list is sparking joy, head on over to Dermstore’s Holiday Sale Event for even more savings on all your favorite products.

Well, the time for savings is now and Dermstore’s Holiday Savings Event is nothing to snuff at. The renowned beauty brand is spreading a little holiday cheer to their customers new and old with exclusive savings of up to 30% off their entire site. Unlike other retailers that opt for a higher discount during the late stages of their holiday sale when, let’s face it, all the good stuff has long sold out, Dermstore is combining their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to give their loyalists some serious bang for their buck.

Starting right this very moment and continuing until November 29, Dermstore’s 200 must-have brands are heavily discounted and ripe for the picking. Shop everything from lash-enhancing essentials to Tarte favorites for up to 30% off. All you need to do to secure the bag is enter code BLACK at checkout and watch those digits melt away. Plus, you can earn up to 3X Dermstore Rewards points on select top brands if you’re planning on becoming a recurring customer, and, after learning about their generous offerings, who wouldn’t?

RELATED: Ulta Beauty’s Early Black Friday Sale Includes Up to Half Off TikTok-Viral Lipstick

At this point, you might be asking yourself “Okay, but are all the good brands getting exempt?” Here’s the honest answer: Nope! Hop on over to their site and you’ll see chemical peel extraordinaire and celeb favorite, Dr Dennis Gross Skincare, along with new kid on the block and cool girl beloved, ILIA, as well as the tried and true moisturizer brand that will last you the whole year (if you’re the only one using it), First Aid Beauty.

With this many incredible offerings, it’s a wonder that Dermstore isn’t keeping these deals a secret, but now that the word is out, take to the streets and spread the skincare gospel. Sales are meant to be experienced by all and your friends and family will consider the good word a little holiday gift of its own.

Courtesy: Dr Dennis Gross.

Dr Dennis Gross Let It Glow Set

If you’ve yet to hear about the star power that is Dr Dennis Gross and their full line of exfoliating, tightening, and skin-perfecting treatments, now you have. If there’s one product we can fully rave about without reservation, it’s the extra strength daily peel, which, luckily, is included in this value pack. It’s valued at a whole $147, but today you can get it on sale for nearly half that price at under $90. 

Courtesy: First Aid Beauty.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

What could be better than a super hydrating moisturizer to carry you through the winter? We’re always looking for ways to up our hydration game and keeping your skin from suffering the harsh weather that winter brings. Plus, this is an insanely low price considering this tub is the size of your face. At 25% off, you can shop this skin-saver for under $30. 

Courtesy of Ilia.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 (1 fl. oz.)

Is there a better way to reign in the New Year than with this perfect skin tint? The hippest new beauty brand on the market features a unique formula that’s part skin care, makeup, and SPF. 

Courtesy: Tarte.

Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette 

If you’ve been looking for that perfect subtle yet effective holiday palette, this is for you. Twelve shades, from shimmering sunset to subtle sunrise fill this wear-everyday set that’s now on sale for just over $27. Plus, it makes for a perfect stocking stuffer and is neutral enough even for the non-makeup wearer in your life.

Courtesy of Olaplex.

Dermstore Exclusive Olaplex Essentials Kit

Giving the gift of healthy hair doesn’t have to mean a salon treatment. If you or a loved one are always facing the winter dread of split ends and dry scalp, Olaplex has an array of remedies for all your hair woes. This full kit of products is valued at $112, but today you can get it for $84, along with 3x the Dermstore points you normally would. So this purchase will save you in the present, and down the road the next time you shop at the retailer.

Courtesy: Slip.

Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase 

Beauty really does begin from the inside out and, I’d deign to say, feeling good starts with a good night’s sleep. Keeping your hair knots at bay and your skin from feeling wrinkled from a night of sleeping on your face, this silk pillowcase solves more than one beauty problem. Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Gisele Bündchen swear by this hair hack that reduces frizz. Slip’s case is the cream of the crop, so we’re taking advantage of the 20% discount we can get now. 

Courtesy: Ora.

ORA Electric Microneedle Derma Pen System 

If you’re interested in the discourse surrounding the latest beauty secret Dermaplane, it’s time you tried it out for yourself. Now, the at-home microneedle pen can have it’s day in the sun and with five adjustable speeds, you can adjust the settings to take your skincare journey at your own pace.

If this list is sparking joy, head on over to Dermstore’s Holiday Sale Event for even more savings on all your favorite products.

For those who would rather curl up on the couch with their credit card than brave the crowds of holiday shoppers, Cyber Monday 2021 beauty deals are where it’s at. With brands putting just as big of an emphasis on this online shopping extravaganza as Black Friday, it’s safe to say your shopping cart will be well-stocked with beauty deals. If staying in and surfing the web is up your alley, make sure to check out the Cyber Monday beauty deals below for major savings.

You can go straight to your favorite beauty brand’s website, such as Nars and Murad, for site-specific deals or shop from bigger retailers like Violet Grey and SkinStore for even more freebies. We recommend grabbing holiday kits and advent calendars that already have a huge value. Give them as an already-wrapped gift or break them up to save some goodies from yourself. Stock up on some of our favorites, below.

Nars.

Nars – Up to 30 Percent Off

Score 20 percent off sitewide and 30 percent off orders of $150+ with code CYBER. Also, get a free lip gloss with a $75+ purchase with code GLOSS. We can’t recommend the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer more.

Murad.

Murad – 30 Percent Off

Take 30 percent off sitewide and score a free full-size Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (a $62 value) with a $150 purchase. Try the new Retinol Youth Renewal Serum for soft winter skin.

Courtesy of Violet Grey.

Violet Grey – 20 Percent Off

Shop 20 percent off best-selling skincare, haircare, makeup and more at this cult-favorite retailer.

BeautyStat.

SkinStore – Up to 75 Percent Off

Use code CYBER for an extra 10 percent already reduced skincare. Plus, get a free SkinMedica Lumivive System (worth $66) when you spend $175+. BeautyStat’s best-selling Universal C Skin Refiner is the cheapest we’ve ever seen.

Golde.

Golde – 20 Percent Off

Golde’s holiday kits already have an incredible value and now you can take 20 percent more off just in time for the holidays

Payot.

Payot – Up to 25 Percent Off

This cult-favorite French skincare brand is offering 15 percent off purchases of $85, 20 percent off $100, 25 percent off $125 and 35 percent off $200.