beautygrind

Posts Tagged ‘skin’

, , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Shop My Closet https://poshmark.com/closet/khalilahneals

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

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.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

, , , , , , , , ,

Do You Really Need A Neck Cream?

In beauty, skincare on January 19, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Pexels

How many times have you done your skin care routine and completely skipped your neck? If that’s what you’ve been doing, then listen up. First of all, your face, jawline, neck and decolletage all go together -literally – and should be cared for as one. Your neck, like your hands and under eye area, shows the first signs of ageing so it important to apply your skincare there too. In addition, your neck has fewer oil glands so it is more prone to dryness and sagging. Also with the repeated actions of our heads hovering over our computers and cell phones, crepiness, fine lines and even tech neck is inevitable. Suffice it to say that what you put on your face should be brought down to your neck and chest to keep skin smooth and glowing and to address concerns that you may be having. Ageing is a part of life but it can be done gracefully. Start taking care of your neck now so you won’t have to continuously hide behind turtlenecks and scarves later.

So about that neck cream. Does it matter if you use one or not? What will this extra cream do that your other serums and creams aren’t already doing? The fist thing you should determine is if you are even paying attention to and caring for your neck in the first place. If you aren’t, then a new potion won’t help you. Consistency is the key so start there. Next is to consider the ingredients. Do the ingredients in your current skincare routine address preventative as well as ageing neck concerns? This skin is very delicate – thinner than the skin on your face (similar to the skin under the eyes) so a good blend of ingredients that are gentle yet effective is necessary. With all of that said, a dedicated neck cream can be a good thing because it is formulated specifically for the area. The choice is yours.

Ahead are several creams consider…

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus + Neck & Chest SPF 25 $89 Perricone MD has always been synonymous with effective skincare and this cream is no different. Key ingredients include Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin B3 and peptides to address dullness, discoloration, sun damage and loss of elasticity.

Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus $95 This neck cream has a lifting complex that will also address the delicate needs of the decolletage. Key ingredients include peptides, a brightening complex and Gravitite-CF lifting complex to help diminish fine lines, sagging and loss of elasticity.

iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex $95 is Clinical neck perfect complex is also formulated for the jawline and chest area to help with firmness and elasticity. It also contains antioxidants to help with free radical damage and gently exfoliates to help reveal smoother brighter skin.

Skinceuticls AGE Interrupter $162 This alcohol and dye free formula helps to restore hydration as it improves the appearance of texture, fine lines and wrinkles.

IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Neck Cream $54 iT Cosmetics has a straightforward approach to skincare and this neck cream proves just that. It contains shea butter, elastin, and collagen for a smoother, firmer, more supple appearance.

Estee Lauder Resilience Multi Effect Tri – Peptide Face And Neck Cream $98 Resilience Multi Effect is a rich night cream that helps skin to look more youthful, firmer, radiant with more volume and can also be used as a weekly mask.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

, , , ,

5 Reasons Why You Should Use Cleansing Balms And Oils

In skincare on December 1, 2021 at 12:00 pm

So much is involved when it comes to adulting. There are many repetitive mundane tasks and responsibilities to tend to on the regular: wake up, brush your teeth, get dressed, walk the kids, take the dogs to school, go to work. BLAH BLAH BLAH REPEAT. Adulting can be overwhelming. And just think, at some point during your day, you have to DO YOUR SKIN CARE. Case in point: cleansing your face, especially in the evening. It’s one of many necessary steps in your skin care routine to ensure clear, smooth, beautiful skin. There are endless options when it comes to face wash and regardless of the formula you use (foam, cream, gel, wipes) you want to make sure it cleanses without stripping your face and is the right choice for your skin type and lifestyle.

In addition to the traditional cleansers previously mentioned, an option that is popular and continues to grow in prominence is cleansing balms and oils. Balms and oils can be partnered with your existing cleanser and is perfect because to get the cleanest skin possible it is important to double cleanse, especially if you wear heavy makeup, sunscreen, etc.

5 More Reasons Why You Should Consider Using A Cleansing Balm or Oil:

1. Ensures complete, thorough cleansing. Balms and oils will break down dirt, oil, makeup, and sunscreen before you even get to your regular cleanser. And because your skin is properly cleansed, the rest of your skin care products will work more effectively. If you are wearing (heavy) eye makeup it is still advised to use a separate waterproof eye makeup remover.

2. It can keep skin hydrated regardless of skin type but especially if you are dry and sensitive. Balms and oils are very emollient and contain ingredients that hydrate, nourish and protect the skin.

3. A little goes a long way. You only need a dime sized amount to get the job done. You will also use less of your regular cleanser.

4. It’s great for oily skin. “Hold up!” you might say because your skin is an everlasting greaseball. Trust me when I say that oil attracts oil and cleanses everything off of your face. And even though you are oily, you don’t need to strip your skin because that will actually cause your skin to become more unbalanced which then leads to more oiliness. Hydration and protection for combo/oily skin and everlasting greaseballs like you and me is still important.

5. It can be relaxing because you have to take the time to thoroughly massage it in. This is one of those times of the day where you have to stop and take a moment for yourself. To take the time to care for yourself is quite rejuvenating and can be something to look forward to after a long day.

How To Use A Cleansing Balm Or Oil

Scoop/pour a small amount to hands and apply to dry face.

Massage slowly and thoroughly, avoiding the eye area. Take your time. Breathe deeply. Thank me later.

Rinse off with warm water or wipe off with a cloth.

Follow up with regular cleanser and remaining skin care.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. This balm is power packed with ingredients that not only cleanses but makes your skin better. Green Clean turns into a milky texture once it comes in contact with water. Key ingredients include papaya enyzmes for gentle exfoliation and tumeric for antioxidants and brightening. Perfect for all skin types and great for removing eye makeup as well.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover. This non drying formula which turns into an oil when mixed with water will remove even the most stubborn makeup without stripping the skin and without leaving residue. It is also effective for removing eye makeup

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser. Removes all dirt and makeup and addresses concerns of redness and dullness. Slaai turns from oil to milk and contains a wonderful combination of fruit extracts and fruit oils including blueberry, strawberry, acai fruit oil and cranberry seed oil for nourishing, brightening and comfort. Slaai comes with a handy spatula that is magnetic and stays on the lid for easy, mess free scooping of the product.

Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil. A beautifully packaged product that will adorn many a vanity, this cleansing oil will gently melt all makeup, dirt and impurities away. The Camelia Oil is great for all skin types and addresses the main concern of dryness. It also contains Japanese camelia oil which is rich in omegas and vitamins. And like all Tatcha products, this cleansing oil contians the hadesei- 3 complex of rice (exfoliation and moisture), green tea (antioxidant protection) and algae (antioxidant protection and soothing).

Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil. This cleansing oil is antioxidant rich and contains squalane that is derived from sugarcane. It also contains various oils to ensure moisture, radiance and smooth skin with effective cleansing. Not only addresses dryness but also dullness and uneven skin texture.

Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil. Antioxidant enriched and non-comedogenic, this oil contains several oils to insure the ultimate gentle clean including sweet almond oil (softening, strengthening), grape seed oil (nourishment and antioxidant) sunflower and castor oil (dissolves makeup).

Loved this post? Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

, ,

Body Care Is Just As Important As Facial Skin Care

In beauty, skincare on July 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Sora Shimazaki via Pexels

At this point we all know that it’s a good idea to have an appropriate skincare routine for our faces. It’s also most likely safe to say that many people have a good (or at least decent) routine in place and are experiencing some payoff from the effort. Wonderful. But then there is the rest of the skin on the body which oftentimes gets neglected.

If you are anything like me, this can be the case more than I care to admit. With a power packed schedule, I, of course, do my am/pm skin care routines but for the rest of my body I might only pay attention to what is exposed: an elbow, an ankle, a toe. Throw in the fact that I suffer from EXTREMELY dry, patchy winter skin, particularly on my legs/thighs. which leaves my skin itchy, flaky and blotchy. This is a problem for me when spring and summer rolls around because of the shorter, more revealing clothes I like to wear. My consistent body care neglect then leaves me scrambling to fix the aftermath of my neglect. If only I would take extra time to care for my body skin as much as I do my face. Anywho, in an effort to fix my skin, I have to pull out the most aggressive tactics and artillery to rid myself of this blotchy lizard skin. But sometimes no matter how many concoctions i apply to my skin, it doesn’t alleviate me of what ails me. On top of that, all that harsh and aggressive scrubbing can do more harm than good. I know – I must do better.

So what products and tools have I been using lately on a more intentional and consistent basis to help correct, smooth and even out my skin making it soft, smooth and radiant? Keep reading.

Olay Cleansing & Renewing Night Time Body Wash With Retinol.

If you know anything about me, i will always sing the praises of retinol. It is one of the most powerful anti-aging, skincare renewal ingredients that one can use on their skin. I had been seeing advertisements for this body wash but never got around to making the purchase. Then a friend gave me a bottle and I couldn’t wait to get home to use it. Now let me say that I usually try to stay away from skincare that is fragranced but this body wash smells quite exquisite. I have been using this every night for the past 3 weeks and I must say that my skin – especially on my legs/thighs – is smoother and more even in tone than it’s been in quite some time.

Bathing/Exfoliating Gloves.

I believe in the power of a good body exfoliator but many times I don’t feel like taking that extra step in the shower after cleansing. So instead I use exfoliating gloves because they cleanse and exfoliate at the same time. That in addition to using my gloves with my Olay Cleansing & Renewing Night Time Body Wash With Retinol makes for very beautiful skin that I’m always eager to show off.

Dry Brushing

I’ve read numerous articles about celebrities using this particular technique on the regular so I felt it was necessary to do some research and possibly go shopping for a new tool.

Dry brushing is a type of medicine of ayurvedic origin what has been around for centuries. It is an exfoliation technique that is believed to exfoliate dead dry skin so that the body can eliminate toxins through the pores. There isn’t much scientific evidence/research to support dry brushing HOWEVER possible benefits (with the obvious/most noticeable being the first two) (may) include:

  • exfoliate the skin
  • boost energy and circulation
  • eliminate toxins
  • help break down cellulite
  • help with lymphatic drainage (open pores/sweat)

Now I don’t know about the break down of cellulite, lymphatic drainage or even the elimination of toxins but what I do like is the invigorating and energetic feeling that I experience. Even more important is that I see the dead skin being lifted that I didn’t realize was there. This is the one thing I do in the morning on dry skin to help prep for my shower. For more info on dry brushing, tools and best practices, go here and here.

Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion Deep with Nourishing Serum and Almond Oil

When it comes to body (or hand) lotion, I always look for something unscented (for fragrance layering), rich, emollient and leaves my skin radiant and glowy (maybe slightly greasy) and this body lotion fits the bill. I use it am and pm and when used consistently, the skin on my body looks very beautiful and healthy.

Do you have any body care best practices or is that something you need to add to your current skincare routine?

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

, ,

Musings Of The Decolletage

In beauty, skincare on August 5, 2020 at 10:52 am

“I think that each woman, whatever age, needs to recognize something good in her body.  Someone has beautiful legs, someone has beautiful hair, someone else has beautiful decolletage or a beautiful waist or beautiful hands.  Everyone has something great.”  Carine Roitfeld.

 

Many of us know the importance of taking care of our skin.  And for those of us who have a serious skin care routine in place, we usually don’t spare any expense to ensure our skin is radiant, smooth and blemish free.

With that being said, have you ever stopped to consider all of the places you actually apply said skincare?  I mean we apply our various beauty potions on our face and even have a cream or two for the delicate eye area but did you know that you should bring all of  your skincare down to your nipples?  Yes.  Your nipples.  You see, our face actually starts (or stops- however you choose to look at it) at our nipples and skincare should include the area between the bust area all the way up to your hairline.  According to some, the décolletage technically starts at the bottom of your earlobes right down to the areola.

For Mature Audiences Only

Conversations about décolletage can conjure many different emotions.  For some, it is seen as sexy and beautiful – something to be shown off and admired.  For others, it can be seen as something shameful or something to be covered.  Boys drool over it and girls imagine their best lives with it.  Whatever your thoughts are about it – whether it’s something to see or not see – that isn’t the point of this particular discussion.  The point is the decolletage area is skin that should be cared for.

Your décolletage is actually more delicate than the skin on your face.  It contains no follicles or sweat glands.  And  like your hands, your décolletage, which includes the neck and chest area, usually shows the first signs of aging.  Lifestyle habits whether good or not so good – impact what any of our delicate skin looks like as well.  Other factors that affect what our decolletage and the rest of our skin looks like are:

  • Aging.  What else is there to say?  It is the process of life and our bodies go through many changes as we age.  Fortunately, there are many products (and procedures) available to help us age gracefully instead of looking like we have crashed and burned.
  • UV Rays.  UV rays, in addition to the natural aging process, ultraviolet rays cause collagen and elastin to break down causing us to experience an increase in wrinkles and loss of firmness.  Long term exposure to UV rays – childhood through early adulthood  –  also helps to accelerate the aging process.
  • Diet.  Not being the food police here  – eat whatever you want and enjoy.  The fact still remains that what we put in our bodies will show up on the outside of our bodies and on our skin – whether good or not so good.
  • Gravity.  Like aging, gravity is a mutha.  It can really be a drag so it is important to re-evaluate your beauty and lifestyle routine as you progress in age.

So what do you need to do to ensure that your deocolletage gets the care and attention it deserves?  Treat this area the same way you would your face.  After all, we spend a lot of time and money on our faces.  We don’t want our décolletage to look 30 years older than the rest of us.

  • Cleanse.  Since this area is more delicate use a gentle cleanser.  A cleanser with brightening or treatment ingredients are also options if you have specific concerns about this particular area.  Rinse and pat dry.
  • Exfoliate.  Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliator or buffing cream to slough  off dead skin cells.  You can also choose to use a device such as a Clarisonic that has  the attachment for body or buffing gloves that will cleanse and smooth the area as well.
  • Treat/Firm.  Those same treatment/firming serums and oils you use for your face, bring them down to the neck and chest area.  Gently massage the product into your skin.
  • Moisturize.  Never forget this step which will help keep this area soft and supple.  Remember there are no sebaceous glands so this area can tend to be more dry.
  • Sunscreen.  Just like we use sunscreen for all of  the other areas of our bodies, it’s important to use sun protection in this area, especially when that area is exposed.  Remember that prolonged exposure to UV rays accelerates the aging process which leads to wrinkles.
  • Sleep.  Sleep has regenerative properties not only for our brains and physical body but also for our skin.  Lack of sleep ages the skin therefore making our skin more lackluster and vulnerable to aging.  And when you do sleep, try doing so on your back which can help prevent wrinkles and creasing on your face and chest area.  Sleep wrinkles really are a thing.
  • Posture.  Many of us find ourselves slumped over desks, laptops, and cell phones which compromises good posture.  Remember to sit and stand with shoulders back and our heads up like we are balancing a stack of books.  Walking should take on a similar fashion, as if there is a gentle wind in the small of our backs.  Sure it feels strange and uncomfortable initially but it will help you in so many ways in the long run.
  • Glow.  This is of the utmost importance, especially when wearing low cut to lower plunging necklines.  We love our bronzer and highlight on our faces – it’s equally important to not forget the decolletage.
  • Lift The Girls Up.  With a good  bra (or good underwear for that matter) you can conquer the world.  A proper fitting bra will  help with posture, make your clothes look better and help the girls to sit up nicely, reducing pressure off your back and possibly help the skin not to sag as much.

Products to consider adding to your décolletage skincare repertoire:

 

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

,

The Rise Of Single Ingredient Skin Care: Does your skin care have to be complex to be effective?

In skincare on December 9, 2019 at 5:15 pm

Simple, effective, and customizable describes the new trend disrupting the skin care industry.

As more people begin to understand the importance of taking care of their skin, many are starting to invest more time and money in pursuit of products to support their skincare goals.  For some that may mean actually putting a routine in place where there was none.  For others, that may mean an upgrade to a moisturizer they’ve used for years or adding a sunscreen or eye cream.  If you are a more advanced skincare user, you might also be one to use an essence, serum, peel, mask and an oil.  And, if you are really fancy pants, you might be a jade rolling, micro needling aficionado who has monthly appointments with your facialist.  All in the pursuit of beautiful skin.

That might seem like a of products (or steps) for someone to use on their face.  In some instances it is which is why it’s important to assess what your skin really needs.  Within the various product categories, most, if not all of the skin care products one uses on their skin has multiple benefits because of the many ingredients they are created with.  Nothing is wrong with that if you are getting the results you desire. Many of our favorite skincare brands spend years in research and development to create products that deliver first in class, highly efficacious products.

But then attached to this multi-step, muti-product routine is the all too familiar hefty price tag.  And the fact that you can still be confused about what may or not work best for your particular skin concerns – even after going to a skincare expert, reading multiple articles and reviews or watching YouTube videos.  To ease the pain of the sometimes exorbitant price tag, there is always the option of going to the local drug store to purchase your skin care.  But have you noticed that even drugstore brands are becoming more advanced, complex and expensive?

With that being said, many people are not opposed to using a $200 serum if it really works.  But what if there is a single ingredient product that gets right down to the heart of your skincare needs?  And what if that single (or fewer) ingredient item costs significantly less than its counterpart where a particular hero ingredient shares space with other active ingredients that your skin may not need at the moment?

Welcome to the trend of what has been considered fast skincare.  Fast skincare usually features a single or hero ingredient and a focus on customization without the hefty price tag.  With customization as one of the key components of this newer trend in skincare, customers know what they are purchasing, are able to target a specific concern and can use in addition to the products they are already using – thus allowing one to address their skin’s ever changing needs without the high price.  Why is this trend considered fast skincare?  Because there are shorter R & D times.  With shorter R & D times, the average product turnaround, from concept to production to market is about 18 weeks vs 18 months – a concept similar to fast fashion.  That, in addition to leveraging the power of social media and using simplistic packaging that’s still Instagram worthy allows brands to come to market faster and get in the hands of consumers ASAP.  Below are 4 brands that fall into the category of fast or less expensive targeted skincare with a single/hero ingredient.

The Ordinary.  Just a few years old, The Ordinary, which falls under the Deciem umbrella, focuses on “clinical formulations with integrity”.   This results driven skin care line is very affordable with prices starting at $6 and is free of parabens, sulfates and mineral oils.  It is still important to know your ingredients – the varying percentages and various ingredients can leave one confused.  It’s almost like staring at a chemistry exam.

Versed Skincare.  Versed Skincare is Who What Wear‘s sister brand and has 19 essential products under $20 that cleanse, seal, boost or treat.  There is a line up of serums, oils, cleansers and peels, all of which are vegan and cruelty free – products are only tested on humans.  The simplistic packaging features pastel colors with symbols that speak to the function or focus of the product:  hourglass – aging, bulls eye – target, sun-dullness and is definitely Instagram worthy.

Good Molecules.  Good Molecules is created by Beautylish as a budget friendly brand.  Products are fuss free and start at $6.  Rest assured that the ingredients are up to standard as this product line was created by beauty industry veterans.  They have worked directly with top labs to create products that address texture, acne, dryness and hyperpigmentation with easy to understand terms.

The Inkey List.  UK based brand The Inkey List focuses on 15 hero ingredients – all $15 and under.  Created by former Boots branding and product development team Colette Newberry and Mark Curry, their focus is on simplifying popular skin care terms.  The Inkey List includes skincare heavy hitters such as retinol, salicylic acid and vitamin C and is cruelty free.  They do not work with suppliers who animal test and they do not enter into any test market where there is no alternative to animal testing.  They also have an environmental and sustainability policy  and are making an effort to source ingredients from sustainable sources.