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8 Popular Beauty Myths You Should Stop Believing

In beauty, hair, makeup, skincare on October 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm

When it comes to things like beauty, everyone has an opinion, a trick, and a solution for every beauty need and desire. Whether it’s information that has been passed down from your grandmother, tips and tricks from your best friend, or your favorite beauty guru, there are many beauty routines and regimens that we have committed to for years that keep us looking our best. Or so it seems. This is because there are many schools of thought related to beauty that may actually be a myth.

Now if you feel that what you are doing on a regular basis is working for you don’t change. However, it’s still good to examine our thought process and approach to many of the things that we accept as fact. Below are 8 very popular beauty concepts that we have accepted through the ages that are actually myths.

You Can Make Pores Smaller/Go Away. I totally hate to be the bearer of bad news but pores don’t get smaller or go away. EVER. Also, it would be nice if skin care and makeup companies would stop lying to those who have enlarged pores with empty promises of their magic pore shrinking lotions and potions. Now, everyone has pores. Everyone. It’s just that some people, usually those with oily, acne prone skin, have larger, more visible pores. Furthermore, pore size is determined genetically. For pores that “look” larger, they can be stretched when clogged with dirt and sebum. This is where appropriate skincare plays a role. Daily cleansing, gentle exfoliation, as well as using a detoxifying mask and things like peel pads can help pores look more refined. As far as makeup is concerned, there are certain primers have blurring effects that can also make pores look more refined. But again, pores don’t get smaller or go away. EVER.

Skin Adapts to Skin Care Products So You Have To Switch To Something New. Skin, which is our largest organ, is ever changing and evolving. What your skin needed 3 months ago may not be what your skin needs today. Think about why you bought a particular item for your skin, maybe to help with a particular concern that you had. Do you have that concern now? Not necessarily because the major skin changes might have already taken place so the results won’t seem as dramatic although the product is working the same way it always has. If you want to switch up your skincare, that’s totally fine but just know you don’t have to switch to a new product because your skin is “used” to your current products.

Wearing Makeup Daily Is Bad For Your Skin. Granted there are some makeup formulations that can irritate your skin, causing inflammation and breakouts. But makeup isn’t inherently bad for your skin. Also, skin doesn’t need to breathe because skin is not made up of tiny lungs. Now clogged pores – that’s another issue. Pores are tiny openings in the skin that release oils and sweat – not oxygen. Be sure to cleanse your face thoroughly on a daily basis and use the proper skincare formulation for your skin type. If you feel like you want to take a break from wearing makeup, that is never a bad thing. Have at it.

You Can Repair Split Ends. This is simply not true. You can use products to help improve their appearance but you will ultimately have to clip your ends and be mindful of things like heat styling, having a hair care routine in place and using the proper products for your hair on a regular basis. Also hair doesn’t grow faster when you cut it. Hair growth comes from the root. Not the ends. Snip Snip.

Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer. The oil in one’s skin is not a moisturizer, which is something ALL skin types need. When someone with oily skin does not wear a moisturizer, the skin actually overcompensates for a lack of moisture by over-producing sebum, thus making you more oily and shiny. And even with all of that extra oil, your skin is still dry. It is best to use an oil free or mattifying moisturizer to help with shine as well as moisture.

Dry Skin Causes Wrinkles. Dry skin does not cause wrinkles. Overexposure to UV rays and other elements (aging, poor diet, genetics, smoking/drinking, etc) as well as the breakdown of collagen contribute to wrinkles. Dry skin can accentuate wrinkles but is not the culprit of said wrinkles.

Cellulite Can Go Away. Well not really but sort of – through measures such as surgery. Anyway, although fairly harmless, cellulite can be an annoying occurrence that appears on places such as thighs, belly and breasts. It is more common in women than in men and can become more prevalent in aging, pregnancy as well as weight gain. Even those who are fit or slender may actually have cellulite. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits pushing toward of the surface of the skin. The use of creams, depending on ingredients, can offer a temporary reduction in appearance of cellulite. There are some things you can do to improve the appearance of cellulite such as: hydrate, exercise/eat a healthy well balanced diet and possibly dry brushing. When you stay hydrated, you are helping to flush toxins and keep skin looking healthy. When you are dehydrated, skin can appear more dull and cellulite can appear more visible. Exercising can help build lean muscle and burn fat which can help cellulite appear less visible. Eating a well balanced diet with healthy fats and lean protein can help you maintain your personal healthy weight. Dry brushing is thought to help with lymphatic drainage as well as helps with the appearance of skin.

Black Skin Doesn’t Need Sunscreen. Melanin is wonderful and all but it doesn’t protect against the UV rays that lead to aging (UVA) and burning which can lead to skin cancer (UVB). Also – ALL. SKIN. BURNS. For example, if you put white bread, wheat bread and pumpernickel bread into the oven and leave it in too long, all of the bread will burn. You just won’t see the damage on the pumpernickel as well as you would the white bread. But all the bread is damaged. Same with skin. So please, EVERYONE, wear your sunscreen.

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These Are The Best Foundations For Deeper Skin Tones

In beauty, makeup, skincare on October 9, 2023 at 12:00 pm

Finding the perfect shade of foundation for your rich melanin skin tone is a breeze with these makeup and beauty brands.

Finding the right foundation shade can be a high pressure, sweat inducing, nail biting task. Almost like house hunting (but not as serious). And, like a house, your foundation has to be perfect. Aside from the basics such as the shade of the foundation, there are many other factors to take into consideration: undertone, level of coverage, finish, formulation and wearability. All of these factors determine if a particular foundation is right for your complexion and lifestyle.

For deeper skin tones, (especially those darker than a brown paper bag) just being included in the beauty conversation has been and still is an opportunity. This opportunity often translates into other areas like marketing, advertising, branding, funding and even the products themselves. In times past, deeper skin tones were not even included in the shade range line up of many popular or mainstream brands. To solve that problem, many found themselves mixing several shades together to create somewhat of a match. As time progressed, some mainstream brands made attempts to create shades for deeper skin tones with questionable success. Then there were brands such as Flori Roberts, Fashion Fair, Iman, Posner and Black Radiance who created lines that included deeper skin tones, oftentimes with images to reflect those who again were initially and intentionally left out of the beauty conversation. With these brands came more shade options – along with validation and affirmation.

Fast forward to today where there are more brands than ever creating foundations (and other complexion items) that include deep and dark skin tones. Technology, research and development is lending itself to better formulas, as well as more shades and undertones for product that looks and wears flawlessly on multiple ranges of skin tones.

Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation For Buildable Coverage

This sheer to medium coverage foundation provides 12 hour wear with a natural finish and is vegan and cruelty free. The gel base is infused with skincare ingredients such as squalane and glycerin hydrate and smooth the skin. Amino acid coated pigments provide flexibility the skin needs for great blendability and seamless, comfortable wear.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

Beautiful Skin Foundation provides 16 hour wear and medium buildable coverage that hydrates (hyaluronic acid), brightens (rose complex), plumps (coconut extract) and smoothes giving skin that red carpet glow. Vegan and cruelty free, this foundation contains a Bix Active complex that reduces shine and blurs the look of pores. The neutralized base with clear color pigment allows flexibility in shade matching across multiple skin tone ranges.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation

This classic foundation boasts over 55 shades with the perfect undertones that won’t make you look gray. Buildable medium to full coverage, oil free and lightweight, Double Wear provides 24 hour wear in a matte finish that will not make your skin dry.

Ami Cole Skin Enhancing Tint

Looking for a complexion product that will enhance your complexion and not cover it up, this will be you go to. This skin enhancing tint leaves a satin finish that blurs imperfections and leaves the skin radiant. Baobab extract nourishes, pumpkin seed extract which contains Vitamin E to nourish and calm the skin and hibiscus extract for antioxidant protection.

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation by Lady Gaga. 

Many celebrity inspired and owned beauty brands leave a lot to be desired but not this foundation. Haus Lab foundation marks all the boxes of shade, undertone and wearability. Medium buildable coverage with a natural finish, this formula contains fermented arnica to help with redness irritation and common environmental aggressors such as repeated sun exposure, pollution, free radicals and second hand smoke. Great for all skin types including acne prone.

Sephora Best Skin Ever Foundation

You don’t have to break the bank to have a foundation that looks great on the skin. Best Skin Ever provides a medium buildable coverage with a natural finish that is hydrating and smoothing. Brown algae provides anti pollution shield that also helps to reduce the signs of stress and fatigue.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25.

Believe it or not, Clinique is that brand. As popular as it is, particularly with it’s skincare, I do think this brand gets overlooked when it comes to makeup. The shades and the coverage are actually very good. This particular foundation is medium/full coverage with a natural finish. It is oil free, long wearing and contains hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and vitamin c for skin that looks good even when your makeup is not on.

Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation.

This foundation literally melts in the skin. It is a lightweight medium coverage liquid foundation that leaves no trace or texture on the skin. Sublime Perfection Foundation contains several great ingredients for the skin including a vita serum complex that ensures the skin is hydrated and helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. A diamond core powder helps to enhance luminosity and to deflect away from other skin imperfections. Great for all skin types including oily.

Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation.

Nars has long been a favorite when it comes to deeper shades and formulations. Longwear Radiant goes on smoothly, blends seamlessly and is medium to full coverage. It leaves a natural finish that isn’t overly radiant but leaves the skin looking healthy. Key ingredients include fruit extracts (raspberry, apple and watermelon) to help smooth skin texture for radiance. Best for normal dry and combination skin.

Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation.

When Fenty dropped a few years ago with 50 all inclusive shades, it caused many brands to scramble frantically, pondering their purpose in life and the non-existent shades in their foundation lineup. This particular foundation is, as the name suggests, a soft lightweight matte foundation with buildable medium to full coverage. Pro Filt’r is more suitable for normal, oily and combo skin. For best results, be sure to moisturize your skin, prime and apply with a sponge or brush.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation.

There are so many amazing makeup brands online, on social and in our favorite makeup specialty stores that it is easy to forget the gems at the local drug store. Maybelline Fit Me is one of those foundations. It has medium coverage and deeper shades that actually look nice and seamless on the skin. It is also pore minimizing and contains micro powders to blur and control shine. Perfect for normal to oily skin.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation.

Too Faced usually does not miss when it comes to complexion products and this particular foundation is no different. Born This Way is an oil free foundation with coconut water and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate the skin. Provides medium natural coverage and is great for all skin types including dry.

Fashion Fair Skinflex Stick Foundation.

This is one of the smoothest foundation sticks on the market. The application is effortless and the high coverage and superb blendability is A1. The inclusive range of shades provides for even the deepest, riches of skin tones. Key ingredients include aloe leaf extract to help hydrate and soften the skin. Antioxidant rich rice bran wax moistures without blocking pores. Full coverage with a semi matte finish. Great for all skin types.

Lancôme Teint Idol Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation.

In addition to deeper shades in the line up, there is the inclusion of undertones for those who may be more neutral. Although it is a matte finish, it still allows the skin to breath and appear life-like. Full coverage foundation best for normal oily and combo skin.

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For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com  or info@khalilahneals.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com  and fill out the “work with me” form.

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Your Body Care Routine Is Just As Important As Facial Skin Care Routine

In beauty, skincare on October 2, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Sora Shimazaki via Pexels

Does your skin care routine include the skin on your body? If not start with these products.

The skincare category has seen explosive growth over the past few years. This growth will continue as consumers continue to invest in practices and products that promote health, well being and clear, glowing beautiful skin. We spend hours on our favorite social media feeds for advice, tips and tricks from influencers, celebrities, dermatologists and estheticians. Glass skin, slugging, skin cycling – you name it and there is a chance that you or someone you know has given these trends a try. The willingness to invest time and money on products as well as at home treatments and in office procedures will also continue as our favorite brands create products to meet the demand for health, wellbeing and great skin. With that being said, all of the information and products that is out there, chances are that the majority of the focus is for the skin on the face.

But what about the skin on the body – below the neck? With the exception of summer when we tend to show more skin, the skin on the body doesn’t always receive the same amount of care and attention that it deserves. While it might not be as sensitive as the skin face, body skin can still have it’s share of concerns such as dry flaky skin, eczema, hyperpigmentation and acne. And even if those are not your particular concerns, having a simple routine of daily cleansing and moisturizing, with weekly exfoliation is usually enough to ensure that the skin on the body looks smooth, hydrated and healthy.

In addition to body care products, there are tools such as dry brushing and gua sha for the entire body to help with things such circulation and lymphatic drainage. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aha/bha and retinol which was once reserved for the face are now more commonplace in body care washes, creams and serums to address concerns such as dullness, as well as loss of firmness and elasticity.

You might think this is yet another lengthy step to complete among a long list of things to take care but your body care routine doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time. In addition to using the right products to address your body care concerns, there are some daily and weekly steps to take to ensure beautiful skin which include:

  1. Staying hydrated.
  2. Using warm water when showering or bathing.
  3. Using a gentle body wash that will help hydrate not strip the skin.
  4. Exfoliating weekly.
  5. Using a dry brush before showering.

Skinfix Resurface KP + PsO Body Smoothing Treatment

Developed by dermatologists to offer targeted treatment to irritated skin caused by keratosis pilaris and psoriasis. Clean and cruelty free, this body treatment contains glycolic and lactic acids to help with smoothing and chemical exfoliation while urea, allantoin, and a glycerin complex helps to balance and moisturize the skin.

Odele Ultra Sensitive Skin Body Wash

Accepted by the National Eczema Foundation, this body wash is perfect for sensitive, reactive and irritated skin. It is formulated with oats for hydration and gentle exfoliation and is pH balanced to help with the skin’s moisture barrier.

Clarins Contour Body Treatment Oil

Clarins treatment oil is formulated with 100% plant extracts and helps to tone, smooth and firm the skin. A blend of essential oils which includes Sweet Marjoram and Lemon also help to release toxins in the skin.

Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

Shea butter and bisabilol are key ingredients in this body cream which helps to hydrate and calm the skin. The Body Cream helps promote skin barrier function as well as helps to the firm the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite for a smoother appearance.

Necessaire The Body Retinol

The Body Retinol is formulated with retinol to help with collagen production and repairs and reduces the appearance of crepiness, fine lines, and dark spots. This formulation is packaged in an airless bottle to help preserve the integrity and longevity of the product.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

This vegan body exfoliation delivers intense exfoliation for soft, radiant skin. Formulated with natural oils such as coconut, avocado and evening primrose to balance and hydrate. It is also sulfate, alcohol and paraben free.

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush Soft

Safe for sensitive skin, The Dr. Sturm dry brush will help to lift off dry dead skin as well as help with blood circulation and lymph flow. Use daily on dry skin in small circular motions toward the heart before bathing or showering. Avoid using a dry brush if you have irritated skin.

de la heart The Body Tool

This tool, when used as part of your daily body care routine, will help with with lymphatic drainage and movement as well as help firm, tone and contour the skin. You can also use this tool to help relieve tension and reduce puffiness.

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

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The Best Multitasking Blushes Of The Season

In beauty, makeup on June 5, 2023 at 12:00 pm

These blushes do double duty with multi-use textures and skin care benefits.

When it comes to makeup, blush can be one of the more intimidating products to apply. Many makeup lovers are scarred by images and experiences of blush gone wrong – blush that makes you look like a circus clown or blush that looks more like a bruise. In addition to the wrong shade of blush, the wrong tool and application technique are enough to make anyone steer clear of blush forever.

So what is the purpose of blush? Blush not only adds color to the face, it helps to sculpt and define the features and add dimension one’s complexion. There are many blush formulations to choose from with powder being the most popular. And while the formulation is a personal choice, those who may be more oily may opt for a formula that is powder while those who may be more dry may opt for a cream or gel formulation.

The newest blushes of the season are unique formulations that are virtually foolproof and can be used on any skin type. The no fail formulations are soft veils of color that come in cream, gel and serum hybrid mixes and are infused with skin care benefits. These blushes not only allow the complexion to shine through but can be used on lips and in some cases the eyes. Application is easy because these formulations can be applied in many ways – with a fingertip, sponge or a brush. The ability to use your fingers makes it easier to touch up throughout the day as well.

SIMIHAZE Beauty Solar Blush Tint Duo

This unique and beautifully packaged blush duo comes in two formulas and finishes of cream pigment and gloss that can be worn alone or mixed together for a radiant finish. Although it is a blush, it works well as a lip pigment and gloss. Available in 5 colors.

Urban Decay Hydromaniac Dewy Liquid Blush

A cheek tint that not only gives a beautiful radiant rosy glow to the skin, it also helps to plump and hydrate as well. Hydromaniac Dewy Liquid Blush works for all skin types and can be applied with fingertips, brush or sponge. The tube allows for easy dispensing of product, is travel friendly and a little goes a long way. Available in 6 shades.

Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush

Looking for lightweight buildable cheek color that won’t dry your skin out? Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush is for you. Create radiant cheek color with a formula that has skin loving ingredients. Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection and sodium hyaluronate provides 8 hour hydration. Best applied with a fingertip. Available in six beautiful shades.

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Shift Blush

There is no wrong shade with this fascinating and unique blush formula. Why? Because it is pH balanced meaning the color adjusts to your personal chemistry. Juicy Shift Blush is a creamy, jelly, pudding like formula that melts into the skin to deliver personalized color to any complexion regardless of the color that you choose. Key ingredients include maracuja passion fruit to for hours of hydration and hyaluronic acid superfruit acid for plumping. Available in 4 shades.

Mario Softpop Plumping Blush Veil

Think of Softpop as cream blush 2.0. It is a plumping blush veil that gives a veil of color that still lets the beauty of your skin shine through. Hyaluronic acid is the hero ingredient that does double time for hydrating and plumping the skin, leaving it glowing and radiant. Softpop is perfect for the “I woke up like this” aesthetic. Available in 4 shades.

Fenty Beauty Match Stick Color Adaptive Cheek + Lip Color

This is the perfect gel formulation that delivers your personalized rosy glow with color shift technology. Perfect for all skin types and available in one shade. This Fenty Beauty Match Stick is available for a limited time only so grab yours today.

Loved this post?  Comment down below  and subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with industry researched and professionally experienced resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox. 

For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com  or info@khalilahneals.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com  and fill out the “work with me” form.

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How To Choose A Color Corrector For Dark Under Eye Circles

In beauty, makeup, makeup artist tools on May 30, 2023 at 11:00 am

Finding the right tools and products can help you banish your dark under eye circle woes.

It is often said that eyes are the window to the soul. Eyes can reflect many things – joy, sadness, and even confusion. Aside from looking into someone’s eyes to see what they may be thinking, dark undereye circles pose a level of concern for many.  Dark under eye circles circles can be caused by many factors including allergies, illness lack of sleep and in many cases are hereditary. When it comes to makeup, dark circles not only make you look tired, they can also make your overall makeup application look incomplete – almost as if you skipped an important step.

Finding the right products, tools, and techniques to cover up dark circles is a task that many are willing to take on. While creams and serums may offer cumulative benefits in the long run, something that offers more of a quick fix is what many people are also searching for. This is usually in the form of a concealer.

Concealer is one of the most important products to have in one’s arsenal when it comes to wearing makeup. Like a foundation, concealers come in many formulations, finishes and levels of coverage. They can address many complexion concerns that one can have such as brightening, highlighting or concealing various areas on the face.  The main concern however is usually neutralizing or concealing the dark tones under the eye.

In most cases the average concealer will address under eye concerns but there are instances when concealer is not enough. You know those times when you continue to apply and blend concealer but your under eye still looks dull, ashy or gray?  In cases such as this, it’s not your concealer per se, it’s the tone of the discoloration that is peeking through. While some darkness and discoloration can be easily concealed, there are some cases where those dark tones need to be neutralized first. This is where color correction is needed.

Color correction, which is not a new concept, is based on color theory. Remember back in elementary school during art class you learned about primary and secondary colors as well the color wheel (complementary, analogous, and triadic colors)? For instance, when it comes to complementary colors, if you have a red tone you want to neutralize (think acne), you would choose the opposite color on the color wheel, which in this case would be green, to cancel out the redness.

The main color correcting tone when it comes to undereye is peach and the variation of that tone as it relates to one’s complexion and depth of tone discoloration under the eye.

Pink -fair skin tones

Peach- fair to medium skin tones

Apricot – medium to dark skin tones

Red – dark to deep skin tones

These pink, peach, and apricot tones will also brighten up the under eye area – even if really dark circles isn’t a concern for you.

Be mindful when selecting a color correcting shade because you don’t want the color correcting shade to change the actual shade of the concealer you actually want to wear.  Look for formulas that are more fluid or serum like with a radiant finish and that is crease resistant because you want to avoid creating more texture than necessary.

When applying color correctors/concealers, you want to first prep the area with an eye cream to hydrate and smooth the under eye area. Give that a chance to absorb into the skin then apply a thin layer of your color correcting shade. Using a flat concealer brush is helpful for precise application however consider using your fingertip (ring finger) in a stippling/tapping motion works as well. Doing so (with your finger) helps to warm up the product and helps to press it into the skin. In most instances, the color corrector should almost disappear into the skin and the under eye area should begin to look brighter. You would then apply your concealer and finish off with a small amount of setting powder in a press, roll, sweep motion to set.

BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge

Often imitated but never quite duplicated, the BeautyBlender is the go to tool for professional makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. Designed to help blend makeup with precision, the Beauty Blender is perfect for blending cream and liquid product into tight spaces such as the under eye area and the nose. The BeautyBlender can also be with setting powder for setting and baking. The best way to use a BeautyBlender is to wet it so that it swells up, squeeze out the excess water and apply product in a stippling/bouncing motion.

Sephora Collection Pro Concealer Brush #71

The Sephora Collection brush is one that can be used in multiple ways with multiple products. The tapered end can be used to apply product in a precise manner while the flat side can be used to buff, blend and sheer out product. This brush can be used to apply concealers, correctors, primers, eye cream and cream eyeshadow.

Makeup Forever Concealer Brush small #174

This small precision brush is perfect for concealing and perfecting those small area without going overboard with product or application into areas that don’t need concealing or correcting.

Sonia Kashuk Essential Flat Top Concealer Brush #172

100% vegan and cruelty free, this concealer brush is perfect for blending creams and liquids. The compact dense bristles are synthetic so they will not absorb an excessive amount of product. Also the shorter more densely packed bristles will allow you to build up more coverage in the areas that need it.

Nars Radiant Creamy Color Corrector

A lightweight but full coverage creamy color corrector that blends and absorbs seamlessly into the skin. This formula helps to keep skin hydrated and contains antioxidants to protect against free radical damage and helps to brighten the skin. Available in 4 shades.

MAC Studio Fix Conceal And Correct Palette

This is the perfect concealer palette for multi use and custom blending. Each Studio Fix palette contains 4 concealer shades and two color correcting shades in a lightweight long-wear formula that is crease proof with medium buildable coverage. Available in 6 shades.

LA Girl HD PRO.Conceal

LA Girl Pro is a wonderful and effective alternative to some of the more expensive color correctors/concealers on the market. The lightweight creamy buildable formula comes with a built in brush applicator helps for precise application.

Bobbi Brown Color Correcting Stick

The Bobbi Brown color correcting stick is a very smooth lightweight medium coverage corrector. Unlike many stick formulas, this stick is very creamy and helps to plump and hydrate the skin.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Color Corrector

Available in 4 shades, this color corrector contains ingredients such as flavanoids to minimize eye puffiness and mica for smoothness and luminosity. It is a full coverage cream that can be used on all skin types. A little bit goes a long way for the coverage and correction that you need.

Loved this post? Comment down below and subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with industry researched and professionally experienced resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.

For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com  or info@khalilahneals.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com  and fill out the “work with me” form.

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What Is Bakuchiol And Is It Worth The Hype?

In beauty, skincare on September 5, 2022 at 12:00 pm

Growing older is inevitable. We know this. And there is nothing wrong with making adjustments to ensure that this process is smoother, and more graceful instead of throwing caution to the wind and letting life have its way with our health, well-being and even our looks.

Retinol has always been and will most likely remain the gold standard in skincare when it comes to preventing and softening the signs of aging. Derived from Vitamin A, retinol works on a cellular level to push newer cells to the surface. It instructs skin to produce collagen which is responsible for firm, plump skin. Retinol is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and can actually help with breakouts as opposed to or in addition to ingredients such as salicylic acid. As a matter of fact, Retin A from which retinol is derived was initially prescribed for acne. Patients who used it for acne noticed that their skin was more clear with less hyperpigmentation in addition to having fewer acne/breakouts.

But retinol can propose a downside for some users. Retinol can be extremely harsh on the skin. It can cause irritation, redness, peeling and drying. Not a good look for something that is supposed to be so helpful.

Enter bakuchiol. Ba-ku-chi-who? Bakuchiol (pronunced ba koo chee yol). Bakuchiol comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant (psoralea corylifolia). It is native to countries India and Sri Lanka and is used in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic skin treatments. Although bakuchiol is not new, it is gaining popularity as an effective skin care ingredient. So why the comparison to retinol? For starters although they are molecularly different, they have similar qualities. Bakuchiol is 100% plant derived and retinol comes from Vitamin A and is usually synthetically produced. They both help with brightening, firming, collagen production and hyperpigmentation. Bakuchiol, however, is perfect for sensitive skin and can be tolerated on eczema, psoriasis prone or active skin (breakouts). In these cases, retinol may not be as beginner friendly. Although it is probably best to use bakuchiol at night, some will use bakuchiol am and pm whereas retinol should be used in the evening followed by sunscreen in the morning. Bakuchiol is vegan friendly and is safe for pregnant and nursing women. On the other hand, it is recommended to refrain from retinol use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Overall there is no side effect with bakuchiol. With retinol it is suggested to gradually increase application and make sure you are using a moisturizer to counteract any side effects such as drying, peeling and redness. In addition, bakuchiol is good for mixing with other ingredients that could otherwise not be tolerated in some skin. The combination of retinol and AHA, BHA, and Vitamin can be too active or potent for more sensitive skin and can spell disaster.

When it comes to choosing bakuchiol or retinol, you would need to consider your skin type and whether are you sensitive or not. Do you prefer products that are vegan? Do you have certain views on the use of synthetics in skincare ingredients or does it matter?

There has been extensive research on the efficacy of retinol whereas the research on bakuchiol and its long term effects and uses is not as extensive as of yet. Read the directions on the product that you choose whether it is bakuchiol or retinol. Also, keep in mind that just because a product is natural doesn’t mean you wont have an adverse reaction to it.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum $19.99. This serum is dual phase product that is rich in powerful antioxidants and hydration as well as anti-aging support in the form of plant based bakuchiol.

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum $54. Perfect for the most sensitive skin, this serum will help smooth look of fine lines as well as help to retexturize and brighten the skin.

The Inky List Retinol Alternative Moisturizer $11.49. This cruelty free lightweight cream will help to moisturize will it softens fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven texture.

Credo Beauty 1% Bakuchiol + Olive Squalane Oil Booster $10. This booster is made without a number of questionable ingredient and makes it easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine. Bakuchiol will help with fine lines and wrinkles while squalane will boost hydration. Mix with your current moisturizer or serum or use by itself.

Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment $56. This treatment harnesses the power of retinol, bakuchiol and peptides to help fight wrinkles. dullness and loss of firmness and elasticity. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin.

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For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com and fill out the “work with me” form.

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15 Skincare And Makeup Mistakes To Stop Making Now

In beauty, makeup, skincare on June 27, 2022 at 12:00 pm

From the harshness of unblended highlight and contour to using dirty makeup brushes, chances are you have at some point or are currently making some major beauty faux pas.

Image courtesy of George Milton via Pexels

We all have our go to make up routines which includes our favorite tips, tricks and tools. But it is definitely possible that our go to make up habits could be doing more harm than good to our skin, tools and overall look. That’s ok because below is a list of 15 common beauty blunders that you might not be aware of and the solution to help fix said faux pas.

  1. Using Makeup Wipes To Clean Your Face. I’m not sure when using wipes as the only way to sufficiently cleanse your face became ok but stop it. So you’ve had a long night out and you are too inebriated and too tired to actually cleanse your face – a makeup wipe can help you out until you get yourself together. But please don’t make this a habit – the most a makeup cleansing wipe can do for you is superficially wipe the day off of your face. It will not ever deep clean the surface of your skin let alone get deep down into your pores after a day of wearing sunscreen and makeup and being exposed to the environmental aggressors of dirt, debris and smog. Do your current and your future skin a favor and use a cleansing balm or oil followed by an actual cleanser for your skin type. If you prefer using a makeup wipe, use it a part of your pre-cleanse.
  2. Tugging On The Eye Area To Remove/Apply Eye Makeup And Skincare. We’ve all been there: you stretch/pull at the corner of your your eyes to apply your eye liner, roughly rub your eyes to take off your eye makeup or pull and rub on your under eye area to apply eye cream or concealer. Stop it! The under eye area is the most delicate area of the face. Think of it like this: your face is like construction paper and your under eye area is delicate like tissue paper. The under eye area shows the first signs of aging and rough and tumble pulling and tugging can help accelerate the process. When it comes to removing eye makeup, use a cotton round with a makeup remover. Apply to the eye area and hold for about 10 seconds to loosen any eye makeup and gently swipe away. When it comes to applying eye liner, apply in sections across the lid and be sure to use a formula that glides on smoothly. Don’t pull on the corner of your eyes. When applying under eye concealer and eye cream, use a brush and/or your ring finger and gently press/tap into the skin.
  3. Not Treating The Under Eye Area With Eye Cream/Serum Before Concealer. At this point, eye creams/serums should be a part of your skin care routine. If not, no judgement. Just start now. By prepping with skin care, you will find that your concealer will lay better on your skin. It also prevents your makeup from looking dry and cakey and you won’t have to apply tons to look even and highlighted under the eyes.
  4. Not Using Color Corrector. Have you ever applied under eye concealer or even foundation and found that the shade and tone wasn’t sufficient? As a matter of fact, some areas looked gray? That’s because you most likely need to color correct first. Color correcting helps to neutralize blue, purple and brown undertones in the skin so that your actual complexion product will read more accurately. It all goes back to understanding color theory where opposite colors on the color wheel are not only complementary but those same complementary colors also cancel each other out. For instance, if you are experiencing redness, you would use green to color correct before applying your concealer or foundation. If you have blue tones under your eyes, you would use a corrector in the pink/peach/apricot spectrum, depending on your complexion range, to neutralize those tones before applying concealer or foundation.
  5. Not Cleaning Makeup Brushes Regularly. Have you ever gone so long with not cleaning your brushes that your brushes feel hard and somewhat stiff? When your brushes are dirty they don’t even perform the same and your make up doesn’t look as good as it could. More importantly, not cleaning your brushes is a great way to spread bacteria on the face. Can we say pimples? Anyway, using a brush cleaner like this one or this one not only cleans your brushes but helps to keep the bristles conditioned and is oftentimes anti-bacterial.
  6. Putting On Concealer Before Foundation. Foundation is just that – foundation. A base. It’s the building block for all of the other makeup you put on your face – well aside from good skin care. When you apply concealer first, as you apply the actual foundation, you actually wipe concealer away from the very place you were trying to conceal. Instead, apply foundation first then stipple/bounce concealer on top wherever the discoloration is. You may also find that you won’t need as much concealer when you apply foundation first. When it comes to the under eye, this can be particularly helpful as applying foundation first can help balance and perhaps color correct tones before you apply concealer.
  7. Not Blending Your Harsh Highlight And Contour. Chances are you aren’t on stage but in real life – at work, school or the grocery store. The somewhat extreme highlighting and contouring that we see on our social media feeds works better for stage and maybe television with various lighting conditions but those harsh, unblended lines of demarcation can be quite unappealing in real life. Consider blending more thoroughly for a softer, more complementary look.
  8. Using Too Much Product To Mark Out Highlight And Contour. Or using too much foundation in general. Bottom line – it’s TOO MUCH PRODUCT and takes unnecessary amounts off time and effort to blend. Instead of plastering your face with foundation, highlight and contour shades in intricate designs, try applying your foundation first. Then apply your highlight color (1-2 shades lighter, maybe 3 shades if you know how to blend) in the right undertone then blend. Then go in with your contour color and blend. Apply an illuminator/highlighter if you so choose. Blend that as well. Then take a brush and lightly blend the entire face. This way you will look soft, blended and radiant. Not a colorful ashy mess. *note* Applying your highlight first will actually expose the areas that naturally recede for contour. It is also easier to blend a contour (darker color) into a highlight as opposed to the other way around.
  9. Not Using A Moisturizer Because You Are Oily. Not using at lease an oil free (controls oil production) or mattifying (prevents appearance of oil, makes skin more matte) moisturizer is actually making you more oily. That is your skin overcompensating for the lack of actual moisture in the skin. The oil in the skin is not a moisturizer and the skin becomes more unbalanced when you don’t use a moisturizer to balance and protect your moisture barrier.
  10. Over-Washing Your Face. It is quite tempting to want to wash your face multiple times a day especially when you are oily and/or acne prone. However, just like not using a moisturizer when you are oily can have an adverse affect on your skin, over-washing your face can strip your skin, causing it to be dry, flaky and painfully irritated. You might also find that acne can get worse. When washing your face twice a day, consider using a mild low lather or creamy/oil cleanser like this or this for the morning and a cleanser for deeper cleanse for the evening to wash the day away like this one.
  11. Keeping Expired Makeup. Sure you may love the many items in your make up collection but it is very important to make sure that what you are putting on your face is not expired. Not paying attention to expiration dates can not only cause lack of performance of your favorite items but can also be a breeding ground for skin irritation and possible infection. Learn more about makeup shelf life and expiration dates here.
  12. Over-Filling Your Eyebrows. Good eyebrows are one of the most important features in giving good face. Well groomed brows bring shape and structure to the face. When you have neatly and beautifully shaped brows, you don’t necessarily need too much of anything else to look polished. It is recommended that you seek a professional too groom your brows. It’s one thing to have a natural full brow however filling in the brow too dark and over the natural shape can spell disaster. When filling in your brows, be sure to follow the natural shape of the brow and fill in only the sparse areas.
  13. Not Adjusting Your Foundation As You Age. It’s no secret that your body changes as you get older. This includes changes to your skin. What worked for you in your 20’s (i.e. powder foundation) may not work for you as you get older. Consider using liquid or serum based formulations that address dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and dryness.
  14. Putting Makeup On Dry Skin. Not prepping the skin before makeup application. Your makeup reflects back to you what is going with your skin. If your skin is dry, your makeup will look dry and cakey. You will also find that your makeup doesn’t glide and apply very smoothly to your skin. Be sure to prep with a good moisturizer and hydrating primer before applying your foundation.
  15. Putting Too Much Emphasis On Both Eyes And Lips. How you choose to wear your makeup is entirely up to you. However, consider focusing on one feature such as the eyes and let your other features play a supporting role with complementary tones, textures and finishes. Doing so prevents your look from becoming too under or overwhelming. It also brings balance to the features.

Have you made any of the mistakes listed above or do you make mistakes that weren’t even listed above? Leave a comment down below.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox. 

For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com  and fill out the “work with me” form.

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Your Beauty Products Have A Shelf Life. Many Of Your Favorites Are Probably Expired.

In beauty, makeup on June 8, 2022 at 12:00 pm

Parting is such sweet sorrow but there is a chance that some of the makeup you used today is old or expired. Learn when to throw away your favorite beauty products to ensure product performance and personal safety.

Everyone knows that you are a beauty enthusiast. You jump at every opportunity to add newness to your expansive collection of lipsticks, lip glosses, eyeshadow palettes, highlighters and bronzers. Just seeing these items on your vanity brings a level of joy and satisfaction unexplainable – even if you haven’t used half of these products in several months. It’s ok. No judgement here.

Watching your favorite social media influencers, bloggers and celebrities with their highly stylized makeup/beauty organization systems that hold the latest and greatest in-demand beauty items only makes you actually leave the house just to buy more product to use and display. Or place and Amazon and Ikea order. And let’s not even talk about that order that is already coming in the mail:  I stalk You stalk the delivery guy, staring out of the window, making sure the doorbell is still working and incessantly check the tracking status to see where my your packages of hopes and dreams are – although the order was just placed 3 minutes ago.

But what happens after the initial joy of said new makeup and other beauty products wear off?  Like the older, once beloved products, they get tossed to the side, stored away in a drawer somewhere and forgotten about. That is until you decide to wear it again. But before you bring that lipstick and blush back into rotation, proceed with caution because chances are that product may have expired. What’s important here is understanding that your beauty products have a shelf life and to ensure optimal product performance and personal health and safety, it is important to be aware of the symbols and dates on the packaging.

What Is Makeup Shelf Life?

Just like the foods we enjoy, the makeup we use has a shelf life. When you open up a carton of milk or your favorite chips, its only a matter of days until the milk goes sour and those chips become stale and less enjoyable. Not to mention the fresh fresh fruits and veggies from the produce section without the preservatives. After 2 or 3 days, these food become a soggy, smelly, moldy mess. It’s a similar concept with your makeup and other beauty products.

Mold and bacteria are the culprits when it comes to makeup going bad. Makeup can be preserved for a period before it actually reaches you.  These products will eventually go bad but it will take longer because they are not opened and are usually stored in a cool dark place, preserving the shelf life.  For the purpose of this discussion however, we will discuss the shortened shelf life of product after purchase, when it is opened and exposed to various conditions.

All makeup has an expiration date or a PAO – Period After Opening. An expiration date, whether or not a package is opened, indicates the span of time up until the stated expiration date that a product is expected to perform before it degrades and without any adverse reaction to the user. The PAO is usually marked on the back of packaging with a small jar with a number in it.  This number indicates the life span of that product after opening.  Since most people don’t keep the original packaging their product comes in, it’s a good idea to write the date you opened the product or keep a log.  Sure this is extra work but makeup that has gone bad is a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause a host issues such as skin and eye irritation, site swelling, breakouts and infections that may require medical attention.

With that said, how do you know when to throw your makeup and other beauty products away?  When there is a change in color, texture, consistency, odor or performance as well as unusual separation of the product. If your product is preservative free, you will definitely need to be mindful of the shelf life.  Keep the following guidelines in mind when purchasing and storing product:

  • Control the temperature your makeup is stored in.  If possible, don’t keep your makeup in the bathroom where the temperatures fluctuate consistently and definitely do not leave your makeup in your car.
  • Don’t share your makeup and replace eye makeup after an eye infection.
  • Wash your hands before using your product.
  • Avoid jars when possible.  Every time you open a jar and stick your fingers in your product, it becomes contaminated.  Using a spatula can minimize the growth of bacteria.
  • Use a makeup sanitizer spray.  Also use a tissue to wipe off layer of uncertainty and make sure you clean your brushes.
  • Although it can be more economically sound to purchase the larger size of something, consider how often you will use the product.
  • If you find that you need to dispose of a product, do so by putting it in the garbage instead of pouring down the drain to avoid clogging the drain and contributing to contaminated water ways.

Below is a list of the estimated shelf life after opening for frequently used products (give or take):

Foundation

Oil Free – 12 months

Cream and Liquid – 18 months to 2 years

Concealer

Powder and Stick – 18 months to 2 years.

Liquid and Cream – 6 months to 1 year.

The closer these products are to liquid for the sooner it should be thrown away.

Powder

Foundation, Blush, Bronzer, Highlighter (loose or pressed) – up to 2 years.

Be sure to use clean tools when applying to minimize transferring of bacteria from brush to product to skin.

Eye Liner

Pencils can last up to 18 months. By sharpening the pencil before use, you will shave off some of the layer of uncertainty. You will know when to throw away when the pencil begins to crumble when sharpening or there is a white film that wont come off when sharpening. Be sure to sanitize your sharpener as well.

Liquid and gel – 3 months

Cream Eye shadow

Up to 6 months. Consider throwing away sooner if it’s a pot that you use your fingers to apply the product.

Mascara 

Up to 3 months. If the smell and consistency changes before then, throw it away.

Lipstick, Liquid Lip Stain and Lip Gloss

Up to 1 year. Traditional lipsticks may last a little longer because the top layer can be sanitized with alcohol and shaved with a lint free paper towel. It’s also a good idea to replace these items if you’ve been sick.

Lip Liner

Up to 12 months. Use the same rule of thumb for eyeliner pencils (above).

Brushes

2-5 years, sometimes longer with proper cleaning, conditioning, and storage. Sponges should be cleaned or thrown away after a couple of uses.

Nail Polish

Nail polish doesn’t go bad as quickly because of the solvents/ingredients in it. But once separation occurs that isn’t fixed with shaking the bottle, it’s probably time to throw it away. The same thing goes for polish that has become thick and goopy. If using paint thinner (nail polish remover) doesn’t help, throw the nail polish away.

How consistent are you with throwing away older beauty products? Share your comments below.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox. 

For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com and fill out the “work with me” form

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Should You Apply Face Oil Before Or After Your Moisturizer?

In beauty, skincare on February 2, 2022 at 12:00 pm

If you know anything about skin care then you have most likely have heard about facial oils. While they are not a new concept, incorporating facial oils into one’s skin care has become more mainstream over the past few years. Facial oils have many benefits and can be a great way to treat various skin concerns based on the oil you choose. In addition, these oils can be used by themselves as well as with other skincare and makeup products (like foundation) and can also help give your skin that much sought after glow.

So now that your interest has been piqued and you’re thinking about incorporating a facial oil into your skin care routine, where do you start? Because oils, like serums, can address multiple concerns, you will first have to decide what your concern is and what ingredients you prefer and need. Do you want something to help with anti-aging, redness, irritation, oiliness or hydration? You would then, of course, select your formula accordingly.

About That Hydration Thing…

Keep in mind that oils should not replace your moisturizer. Technically, oils don’t replenish and bind moisture to the various layers of skin like moisturizers do. As a matter of fact, oils don’t penetrate the skin and should be the last step in your routine – applied on top of your moisturizer.

But Wait…

If a facial oil has several ingredients for multiple benefits such as hydration, wouldn’t you want some of those ingredients closer to your skin? So then what part of your routine should your oil go – before or after your moisturizer?

There are different thoughts on this topic. The leading thought is that, as previously stated, oils should be the last step in one’s routine – they go on top of moisturizer to seal everything in. This is because oils are an occlusive and they lock everything in. But what about all of the beneficial ingredients that many of these oils have? Perhaps you would want some of those ingredients in more direct contact with your skin to at least do some topical reparative work. If that’s the case, layer or mix (cocktail) your oils with your serum and/or moisturizer to boost the effectiveness of those products. Otherwise put your oil on last.

How Often Should You Use A Facial Oil?

Oils don’t have to be used daily and can be used on an as needed basis. With oils that address specific concerns, you may find that you only need to apply to certain areas. Daytime use of an oil with sunscreen however can break down the effectiveness of the sunscreen so be mindful when adding oil to daytime skin care.

To Press Or Rub – The Million Dollar Question

There is some debate as to whether you should press or rub oils (or any skin care for that matter) into the skin. The general rule of thumb for oils is that you warm them up in your hands and and press into the skin. You can also use a facial roller when applying oils and serums to the skin. Pressing oils and serums into the skin does lend itself to better absorption. Regardless of whether you press or rub, be gentle with your skin and follow the directions on the bottle.

Reminder – When applying creams to the eye area, always pat product in using the ring finger. The skin under the eye is extremely delicate and the ring finger does the least amount of tugging which can help accelerate the aging process in the undereye area.

Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil $32. Lightweight and multitasking, this oil can be used anywhere on the body including hair. It is perfect for mixing into foundation or skincare as well as under and on top of your moisturizer.

Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra Hydrating Facial Oil $48. Buckwheat Honey and Sea Buckthorn Oil are the key ingredients in this facial oil to help with concerns of fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. It is non-comedogenic and perfect for wearing alone or mixing with your moisturizer or foundation.

Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum $195. This exquisite face oil contains a blend of nutritive botanicals, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omegas to balance and strengthen the skin. Perfect for all skin types including acne prone and mature.

Herbivore Orchid Antioxidant Beauty Face Oil $66. A lightweight, floral scented oil that has antioxidant properties to protect against the signs of aging. Key ingredients include squalane (protects moisture barrier), camelia oil (omega 3 & 6) and jasmine sambac oil (elasticity)to hydrate and give skin a glow.

Darphin Niaouli Essential Oil $75. This oil is perfect for those with oily combo skin as it helps to purify and detoxify while balancing the skin.

Verso Super Facial Oil With Retinol 8 $125. Rejuvenating and nourishing, this facial oil is quick absorbing and helps with firming and tightening gives the skin a healthy glow.

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil $36-$72. Power-packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids 6 and 9, this vegan, cruelty free facial oil helps with dullness and uneven texture while boosting radiance. Vitamins A and C help to strengthen and brighten the skin.

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

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9 Clear Skin MVP’s To Help Banish Acne

In beauty, skincare on February 10, 2021 at 8:30 am
Sora Shimazaki via Pexels

Having a acne is never fun.  Whether it is occasional or a regular occurrence, acne is inconvenient and annoying. And yes, acne is terrible when you are an awkward teenager but what about when you are an adult?  In your career.  On the dating scene.  Advancing toward the next milestone of your life.  In a perfect world, adulting would never include fighting acne.

But it’s not a perfect world and adult acne is a real thing. While some people may think focusing on physical appearance is vain and self centered, those struggling with adult acne know better.  Oftentimes, there is an embarrassment and isolation as well as physical and emotional scarring that is overlooked.

To cope, some adult acne sufferers may chalk it up to breakouts being their lot in life.  Depending on the severity, some may suffer depression and find it difficult to leave the house while others will spend time and money undergoing treatment.  The latter is always an option in treating acne but there are also over the counter (OTC) options that can help banish acne. When going with OTC options, it’s important to know about the various ingredients and what they do for the skin. As with any skin care routine and treatment, if you want to see results, you have to be consistent. Continue reading to get the 411 on these popular acne fighting ingredients.

Niacinamide. Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide has multiple skin benefits such as helping with the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to fight whiteheads and blackheads, brightens the skin and helps to reduce redness. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

Glycolic Acid. This popular AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which is derived from sugar cane is the master at exfoliation and skin clearing. Having the smallest molecule, it is able to penetrate deeper into the skin to help clear up acne, dullness, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Rodial Glycolic Booster Drops.

Salicylic Acid.  This BHA (beta hydroxy acid), salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that treats whiteheads and blackheads.  Performing like Drain-o, salicylic acid dives past oil and gunk to get down to the pores to clear them out and dissolves the “glue” that holds the sticky cells together.  Although salicylic acid is found in most acne treatments, it does not kill bacteria.  Zitsticka Killa Kit.

Benzoyl Peroxide. An old school acne fighting ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, which is perfect for whiteheads, kills the bacteria that causes acne and keeps pores from being blocked. Found in concentrations between 2.5% and 10%, it is best when used on a continual basis. Proceed with caution because it can be drying to the skin and cause redness. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment.

Sulfur.  Another ingredient that kills the bacteria that causes acne, sulfur can be used to treat mild cases.  It is keratolyic – meaning it dries the skin and makes the epidermis thinner.  Sulfur helps to reduce oil and has anti-microbial properties and helps diminish whiteheads and blackheads. Clearogen Sensitive Skin Acne Lotion.

Retinoids. If you are looking for a product with an ingredient that addresses multiple concerns, retinol might be for you. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is anti-aging in that it helps with fine lines and wrinkles. As an exfoliator, it helps refine skin texture and pores as well as helps to speed up cell turnover to reveal new skin. Retinol is also an anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce oil production. You may experience drying if you have dry skin. Use at retinol products night and use a sunscreen during the day. Treats whiteheads and blackheads. Differin Gel.

Hyaluronic Acid. Usually when people have acne, their skin might be more oily than dry. And those with oily skin may skip the hydration piece of their skin care routine because they feel they don’t need it. This could not be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, not moisturizing your skin can leave your skin unbalanced and unprotected – think dryness and bacteria. This can lead to more breakouts. Technically, hyaluronic acid is not an acne fighting ingredient but keep skin balanced which supports skin health and can lead to a reduction in acne. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.

Kaolin Clay. This particular clay has multiple uses including cleansing the hair and teeth but is most popular for skin care. As one of the most gentle clays, kaolin is neutral in ph and is used for many cosmetic purposes. Not only does kaolin clay exfoliate the skin, it also draws out oil dirt and other impurities to help purify the skin. Although it works for all skin types, it is very mild and can work for dry and sensitive skin. Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Pore Refining Clay Mask.

Light Therapy. This kind of treatment uses different colors (blue and red) of visible light to treat acne. Red light, which stimulates collagen, not only treats anti-aging but helps with inflammation and helps to reduce oil production. Blue light is anti-bacterial and helps to reduce the appearance of pores and active breakouts. Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment.

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.