The Ultimate Beauty Guide, From A-Z: The Letter B, decoded

b

 

A while back, Trends & Tribulations started the ABC’s of beauty to help educate readers on the many weird, bizarre, and overall unknown ingredients and products on the market.  We continue on this segment with the letter B.

 

BB CREAM

Image via uh supply

Image via uh supply

Essentially a supercharged foundation, this tinted “beauty balm” blends moisturizer, sunscreen, primer and foundation into a do-it-all complexion product.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Image via NYC Benzoyl Peroxide

Image via NYC Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a bacteria-fighting ingredient found in skincare products to treat acne.  It’s made in the scientific laboratory by treating hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl chloride.  It is usually found in 2.5 to 10 percent concentrations in acne treatment products.

BETA HYDROXY ACID (BHA)

Paula's Choice BHA Spot Treatment, $43 for 0.3 oz.

Paula’s Choice BHA Spot Treatment, $43 for 0.3 oz., via Paula’s Choice

BHA is a oil-soluble substance that works by exfoliating deep into pores to make room for regeneration of new skin. It is generally less irritating than alpha hydroxy acid.  It works best for acne prone skin, since it is soluble in oil, vs. its counterpart, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which is water-soluble.  It can make skin sensitive, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using it (keep scrolling for more info).

BLACK TEA

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Traditions kit, $98, via Sephora

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Traditions kit, $98, via Sephora

A tea containing vitamins, (B2, C, E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc), polyphenols and tannins.  vitamins (B2, C, E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc), some essential oils, polyphenols and tannins.  Polyphenols are natural antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.  Tannins protect our bodies and skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation and are known to fight bacteria.

BIOTIN

Vibrance Biotin & MSM Capsules for Long Hair, $29.99, via Amazon

Vibrance Biotin & MSM Capsules for Long Hair, $29.99, via Amazon

Part of the B complex vitamin, also known as vitamin H, it aids in cell growth and production of fatty acids, promoting healthy hair, skin and nails.  It is found in products, but can also be taken in pill form.

BOTANICAL

Fig + Yarrow boasts botanical beauty products, via Fig + Yarrow

Fig + Yarrow boasts botanical beauty products, image via Fig + Yarrow

Botanical means plant-derived ingredients in skincare products, haircare and cosmetics.  The types of plants they originate from include herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves or seeds.  They are most notable for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit sensitive skin with rashes, breakouts, sunburn, eczema, redness, and uneven texture.  They are also beneficial to use post-procedure, whether that is a chemical peel, laser, or anything else.

BRIGHTENING

Image via Livingly

From left: StriVectin Instant Revitalizing Mask, $62, via StriVectin; Clinique even better Brightening Moisture Mask, $36.50, via SephoraShiseido White Lucent All Day Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 22, $57, via Sephora, image via Livingly

“Brightening” is a term for products that reduce skin redness and uneven pigmentation, typically using ingredients like salicylic or kojic acid.

BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

image via SBA blog

Image via SBA blog

Product that protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.  The SPF number essentially measures how much a sunscreen protects you from sunburn, which is caused solely by UVB rays.  UVA is a longer wavelength of sunlight & it consists of 95% of all ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth.  Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is an extremely important product to have to protect your skin from wrinkles and sun spots.

Image via LionessMagazine

Image via LionessMagazine

 

Do you have any other questions about products beginning with B?  Share in the comments section below!

xo

 

 

5 Tried & True Face Moisturizers From a Product Junkie

5 Tried & True Face Moisturizers from a Product Junkie

Anyone who knows me, or has ever been through my beauty cabinet(s), knows that I am a total sucker for a good product.  After trying out many different face moisturizers over the years, I’ve rounded up some of the best moisturizers that hydrate your skin, without leaving any greasy or shiny residue.  Here are my top picks for all different skin types.

( 1 )

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Dr. Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion, $35, via Sephora

This stuff goes on smooth, and leaves no sticky residue.  It’s my absolute favorite face lotion to use under make-up, as it creates a light, even base; just the right amount of hydration, without creating shine.

( 2 )

Paula's Choice RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator, $29, via BirchBox

Paula’s Choice RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator, $29, via BirchBox

This stuff is amazing for both its anti-aging and acne fighting properties, while keeping skin hydrated.  It’s a fabulous all-in-one product.

( 3 )

Trilane Retinol + Vitamin C Moisturizer

Trilane Retinol + Vitamin C Moisturizer via Amazon

Trilane recently sent me a sample of this moisturizer for me to review and post my thoughts on Trends & Tribulations.  Trilane Retinol + Vitamin C has a light, yet smooth consistency, similar to an oil, without any sticky residue.  It is extremely hydrating, and gives my skin a dewy glow.  Vitamin C & Retinol both give major anti-aging benefits, and are great for fading acne scars and other marks.

( 4 )

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil, $27, via The Body Shopsss

This stuff will make you wake up looking well-rested and glowing.  For real.  If your skin is especially parched, pair it with the Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask to hydrate your skin like no other.

( 5 )

Dr. Jart Water-Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask, $48, via Sephora

Dr. Jart Water-Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask, $48, via Sephora

I’m all for anything that will give my skin some extra benefits while sleeping.  This sleeping mask is great for rejuvenating tired-looking skin, as well as keeping it look hydrated and plump.  It’s gel formula sinks into skin in seconds, leaving you with a non-greasy feel.  Bonus: It accelerates the fading of scars and brown spots.

What are your favorite skin care products?

xo

The Permanent New Trend in Cosmetics You Don’t Know About

Makeup Tattoos: The Art of Permanent Cosmetic Tattoos

Permanent Makeup

Are you an expert in the art of tattoos? If you love tattoos, then you may have already thought about the art of permanent cosmetic tattoos. If you’re not a tattoo enthusiast, but you want to learn more about the art of permanent cosmetic tattoos and what to expect before you decide to invest in this procedure, keep reading.

This permanent cosmetic procedure is gaining popularity among women interested in filling in their eyebrows, defining their lips, along with applying eyeliner.

Continue reading