When it comes to miracle ingredients, retinol is high on our list. Not only does it help with things like dark spots and acne, but it also keeps skin firm and taut. Retinol, however, can be extremely drying. Luckily, we found three products that give you the exfoliation you need for a beautiful glow but also have hydrating properties. Read: red, flaky skin will be a thing of the past. On Kirbie: Helmut Lang dress.
Basking in the sun is a summertime staple, but wearing sunscreen is a must. Whether you're hitting the beach or just sitting at a café, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is best. Along with protecting you against skin cancer, a broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks both the UVB rays that can lead to a burn and the UVA rays that cause premature skin aging. So before you go out, slather it on. Here are three nongreasy options we think you'll love.
Sometimes, good things come in small packages. Case in point: SkinCeuticals' new AOX Eye Gel ($85), an antioxidant-rich gel for the under-eye area. It's the first gel to meet the rigid Duke University standards for an effective antioxidant; up until now, only serums have been able to deliver the proper amount of vitamin C (technically, L-ascorbic acid) to skin.
Science geekery aside, how well does it work? After a month of use, the gel has made the ol' under-eye bags less puffy, and a burgeoning blip of hyperpigmentation is in retreat. More important, though, using antioxidants will benefit skin in the years to come — think smooth, even-toned complexion — and healthy, clear skin is worth the investment.
A friend of mine got a facial in Boston and fell head over heels for a moisturizer from SkinCeuticals called Emollience ($50). Her rave reviews about how her skin looked even, supple and hydrated after just one month made me run faster than Forrest Gump to the store. So far I've been using it for two weeks and here are my thoughts:
Emollience has a thin, slip-like texture, but it delivers heavy moisture. It has a light and clean scent that feels refreshing on your face and makes your skin look dewy and smooth. Also, I love that it is reasonably priced for such a large jar. It lasts long too. All you really need is a pinky nail bed-sized dollop for your entire face and neck.
The texture aside, the results are really what make this such a solid purchase. I apply it in the morning and my face doesn't dry out even the slightest bit all day. It absorbs quickly so I can put my makeup on right away without any base or powder sliding off. I use a little bit extra in the evenings, along with an eye cream and when I wake up, my skin looks splotch-free and feels like buttah.
It's recommended for those with dry skin since it contains restorative oils (grapeseed, rose hip and macadamia), but my skin is combination and it seems to be responding well to the formula (meaning, it's not too oily, even around my t-zone). Is this the best face cream in the whole wide world? No, but it definitely ranks high, and I can confidently recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle cream that will give your thirsty complexion a tall drink of water.
June marks the start of Summer, which means your workouts may be heating up. I don't know about you but I love exercising in the Summer. Something about getting extra sweaty makes me feel like I'm really getting in a good workout. Keep motivated this June with the help of my must haves.
Welcome to Part II of Sensitive SPF 30 For Your Face. Since there were just too many yummy and safe SPF 30s for sensitive skin out there, I couldn't help but write about a few more. Here are three additional sunscreens to help prevent premature aging and skin damage for all of you sun worshippers.
Estee Lauder Multi-Protection Sun Lotion for Face SPF 30, $22, is new and not only water resistant, but also combats the appearance of dark spots on your skin with its new ASP (anti-spot protection) formula.
ASP ensures that you tan evenly without getting any of those blotchy, patchy sun spots. This formula also helps protect your skin from environmental damage that can occur while you're in the sun.
In addition, special hydrators to guard your skin against unwanted and dangerous peeling and anti-oxidants have also been incorporated to ward off free radicals. This sunscreen is great for delicate, sensitive skin. It won't clog your pores and it smells fresh and beachy.
A couple more, so read more
Welcome to part II of Serums, Serums Everywhere! This installment will focus on facial serums that contain Vitamin C as a primary ingredient. I hope you checked out part I which focuses on lifting and energizing serums.
Studies show the regular use of Vitamin C products can significantly help to regulate melanin production and hinder hyper-pigmentation in your skin. This means that Vitamin C can seriously fight early signs of aging on your face! Here are my top three picks for Vitamin C infused facial serums. Enjoy!
SkinCeuticals Serum 15 AOX, $75 for 1 oz. This serum combines 15% L-Ascorbic Acid with Ferulic Acid to provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. Apply four to five drops in the morning after cleansing your face and neck and follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen for best results.
The serum may tickle for a second when you first apply it because of the highly concentrated Vitamin C, but when it dries, it will leave your skin glowing.
For one more Vitamin C serum, read more
