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Posts Tagged ‘skin’

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8 Trends And Ingredients You Need To Incorporate Into Your Skincare Now

In skincare on October 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Cottonbro via Pexels

More often than not, a new skin care ingredient or trend will pop up all over our social media feeds sparking curiosity and prompting a full on investigation. “Do I need it?” “Which celeb and influencer is raving about it?” “Where can I get it?” “How much is it?” “Is it really that good?” You then jump on your laptop (or phone) to research said new ingredients and trends to see what the tea is. After evaluating your current skincare needs and personal inventory, what usually comes next is a trip to your favorite beauty store or website for a purchase.

The following skincare ingredients and trends are no different to the investigative and purchasing process that we often find ourselves in. Keep in mind that many of these ingredients have been around however they are having their time in the spotlight and are getting more attention than before. As science, beauty, skincare and personal awareness continue to intersect, we will see more brands fine tune existing products as well as create more efficacious products to meet consumer need. Continue reading to find out what these ingredients and trends are and if you need to add them to your daily routine.

Niacinamide. Although glycolic acid will always have it’s place in many skincare routines when it comes to treating skin concerns such as acne, oiliness and hyperpigmentation, Niacinamide continues to stake its claim in the skincare space and pique many beauty enthusiasts’ attention. A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is known for many of it’s reparative and soothing properties. It is water soluble meaning it dissolves in water making it easily absorbed into the skin. It works for most skin types, partners well with other ingredients in your skincare such as AHA/BHA and vitamin C. Niacinamide can help with acne, discoloration and pores and can be used am and pm. It can also help with dehydration because it helps the skin to produce ceramides which is a lipid that guards against moisture loss.

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Verso Hydration Serum

Allies of Skin Tranexamic and Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum

Refillable Products/Sustainability. Once upon a time, there wasn’t much thought given to how our favorite beauty products were packaged. We bought what we wanted, used the product and threw out the packaging only to repeat the process over and over again without much thought to how this could negatively impact the environment. These days companies and consumers alike have a greater awareness on how packaging has a major impact on the environment. New/emerging brands are making sustainability part of their mission from the start while brands like Caudalie that have been around for some time are focused on changing/updating ingredients and packaging to be planet safe within a certain timeframe.

Soshe G.L.A.M. Refillable Mascara

Hourglass Curated by Hourglass 5 Pan Palette

By Rosie Jane Leila Lou Everyday Body Wash

Microbiome Skincare. Often referred to when discussing gut health, the microbiome (or skin flora) also relates to skin. What exactly is the microbiome? It is the community, environment or collection of mainly bacteria, viruses and fungi (microbes) that live on the skin. Now before you freak out from the mere thought of these organisms living on your skin, please know that these are the good bacteria you want on your skin to keep it healthy. When your skin barrier becomes compromised, it can lead to a myriad of skin issues including acne, folliculitis, eczema, psoriasis and dandruff. Some things that can compromise the skin microbiome are over-exfoliation, medication, stripping the skin with things like extremely hot showers, as well as lifestyle choices such as poor diet and excessive drinking. Microbiome skincare, which contains pre and pro biotics will help to restore and balance the skin when you need a little extra help.

Paula’s Choice Rescue and Repair Intensive Moisturizer

Galinee Prebiotic Face Oil

The Nue Co Barrier Culture Cleanser

Dark Spot Correctors. Before you consider going under a laser, consider a dark spot corrector. Dark spot correctors are definitely not new however more brands are including these types of product in their lineups. We all know that discoloration can occur after a breakout, injury or inflammation and can be annoying to look at. Dark spot correctors work topically and just beneath the first layer of skin to help hyperpigmentation issues go away. Correctors can take the form of a serum or a toner and can include ingredients such as kojic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, azelic acid, and licorice root. To increase the long term benefits of correcting hyperpigmentation, be sure to use sunscreen and don’t pick at blemishes.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Ole Henriksen Glow 2OH Dark Spot Toner

Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel

Body Care. There has always been a strong focus on facial skin care to address many concerns such as acne, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. Oftentimes however, the skin below the neck is completely ignored. So much so that one may have amazing skin on their face but from the neck down that skin is looking like a weathered oak tree. And for those who do pay attention to the skin on their body, body care might only include using a body wash that wont strip the skin, occasional moisturizer when time permits and the additional body scrub or exfoliator whenever you think about it. That’s perfectly fine but now body care is becoming just as targeted as facial skincare with serums, masks, sculpting tools and devices that will address aging, loss of elasticity, moisture and discoloration. Focusing on body care also gives you the opportunity to slow down, pamper yourself and to also make sure your skin glows all over. Now just imagine how amazing you will look from head to toe.

Agent Nateur Holi Oil Youth Body Serum

Margaret Dabbs Yellow Leg Masque

Byredo De Los Santos Body Lotion

LED Light Therapy. If you are looking for a way to get high level skincare treatments to zap stubborn discoloration, zits, fine lines and wrinkles without going under a doctor’s knife or laser, consider a LED (light emitting diode) therapy device. At home LED therapy is usually less invasive with little to no downtime and range from full face masks to portable hand held devices. While there are many different light wavelengths that devices can emit, the most common is red and blue light. Red light therapy addresses the outermost layer of the skin and stimulates collagen production which is very important in the structure of the skin as we age. Red also helps to reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Blue light targets acne and the bacteria associated with it. To find out more about the benefits of LED therapy, read this.

NuLife Beauty Ultrasonic Fat & Cellulite Burner

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite FaceWare Pro

SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light

Retinol. No matter what new ingredients come on the scene, retinol will always reign supreme. It is the OG, the gold standard in skincare/anti-aging because it will change your skin for the better. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol, which was originally prescribed for acne, actually helps your skin to act and look younger. It helps skin to produce collagen while helping with cell turnover, exfoliation, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, pores and clarity in the skin. Retinol is also anti-inflammatory. With that said, retinol does have a reputation for causing skin irritation, particularly with new users. Today’s formulations contain ingredients that act as a buffer such as manuka honey to help soothe and comfort the skin. Many of today’s formulas are also time released meaning that the retinol is released in small doses over a longer period of time to help reduce irritation.

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinol Serum

Kiehl’s Micro Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum With Ceramides And Peptides

RoC Retinol Correxion Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

Bakuchiol. Often touted as a natural, less irritating alternative to retinol, bakuchiol can yield similar results to retinol. Found in the seeds and leaves babchi plant (Psoralea Corylifolia), bakuchiol is central to ancient Ayurvedic practices and Chinese skincare. Bakuchiol is vegan and contains antioxidants and can help with discoloration, texture issues and free radical damage. It is more tolerated on various skin types and can be an alternative for pregnant women. In addition, bakuchiol and retinol can be used together.

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

Innbeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush

Whish Beauty Botanical Primer With Bakuchiol

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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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5 Reasons Why You Should Use Cleansing Balms And Oils

In skincare on June 12, 2023 at 12:01 pm

Waterproof eyeliner, mascara, lip stain and foundation be gone. You don’t stand a chance with these cleansing balms and oils.

Finding the right products for your perfect skin care routine is very important. Deciding on the right products to address all of your concerns and nourish your skin is sometimes trial and error. 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, 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 makeup and sunscreen and have come in contact with environmental aggressors such as smog.

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 is very 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.
  • 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).

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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.

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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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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.

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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:

 

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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 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.