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

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

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

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

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., 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

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

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, 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

From left: StriVectin Instant Revitalizing Mask, $62, via StriVectin; Clinique even better Brightening Moisture Mask, $36.50, via Sephora; Shiseido 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

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

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

xo

Four Essential Items You Need to Wash Your Clothing With

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Four Essential Items You Need To Add To Your Laundry

Via Armelle Habib

( 1. )

Baking Soda

Baking soda is harmless to the environment and has mild alkali qualities that help it dissolve grease and dirt. Baking soda can be especially helpful in areas served by hard water: Adding baking soda to a washing machine’s rinse cycle will result in clothes that are better rinsed, softer and more stain resistant. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to top-loading machines or 1/4 cup for front-loading machines along with the usual amount of detergent to give the detergent a boost. Baking soda can help increase bleach’s whitening power so much that you’ll be able to use less bleach.

via Apartment Therapy

( 2. )

Vinegar

Like baking soda, vinegar can serve a lot of different purposes in the laundry room. When using vinegar in the laundry, use distilled white vinegar, which generally can be found in gallon jugs near the baking or laundry aisles in the grocery store. A mixture of half water and half vinegar makes a good stain pretreatment. Spray a little onto the stain a few minutes before washing and then wash as usual.

Vinegar can also add a kick to regular laundry detergents. To soften a standard load of wash, add 1/2 cup vinegar during your machine’s last rinse cycle. In addition to softening, vinegar added at this time will help reduce lint buildup, and it tends to help pet owners with hair buildup on their fabrics.

via HomeBunch

( 3. )

Salt

Adding salt to your laundry helps to restore and maintain bright colors in fabrics. Additionally, it can reduce yellowing in whites and is efficient in eliminating mildew in fabrics. Simply shake a little into your wash for softer and brighter laundry (think Purex Crystals, minus the potentially harmful chemicals). Just be sure to use regular old kosher salt (or sea salt), not Epsom salt. The latter is a composition of magnesium sulfate, which will create hard water (hard water is caused by the combination of the two minerals calcium and magnesium, so epsom salt essentially makes your hard water even harder, thus having the opposite effect on clothing).

Also, placing some sea salt in a sachet and washing & drying your laundry with it will help to eliminate static cling.

Via DecorPad

( 4. )

Lemon Juice

Adding 1/2 cup of lemon juice to a load of laundry will make the entire load smell fresher. Surprisingly, adding lemon juice to a load of whites will also whiten the load. It also works as a powerful stain remover when combined with cream of tartar, and is especially efficient at removing sweat stains from clothing (see the cheat cheat below!). Lemon juice is also a great air freshener. To make your own, combine equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle, and use on your apparel, on your furniture, and around your home for odor control.

Via Buzzfeed

What are your favorite laundry hacks? Do you use any of these?

xo

8 Essential Style Tips Petite Girls Need to Know

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

As anyone who is deviates from the “average” range in apparel knows, it’s difficult to find things that will fit perfectly. Being 5″2, I’ve struggled with finding things that actually fit right without having to enlist the help of a tailor for each item purchased. Jeans, skirts, and sleeves are too long or too short…a maxi skirt will never fit you if you’re under 5″5…and seriously, what is up with “Petite” or “Short” jeans? At 5″2, they have always looked like capris on me, making me wonder how short are the people they were created for?

Here are 8 shopping tips for my fellow shorty’s. Or shawty’s. Or, as my auto-correct would like to believe, shanty’s (although I have no clue as to what shanty’s are).

Now that you know what to look for when shopping, here are my top picks of where to shop for petite clothing that fits perfectly:

Moderately-Priced Brands:

Express, J. Crew, Anthropologie, and Ann Taylor LOFT.

Contemporary/Bridge:

Theory, BCBG, J. Brand (I actually love their petite-sized denim!).

Do you have any petite styling tips or favorite shops to add to this list? Share in the comments below!

xo

What’s What: The Top Trending 5 This Week

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

What’s Trending this Week:

1.

via BestProducts

This week marks the second week of December, which means the Christmas Hustle is on. Check out this ultimate holiday gift guide here for last-minute gifts for everyone on your list.

2.

A random stranger caught the perfect engagement moment on camera…and by the grace of social media, the couple was able to track down the photographer and the darling photo. Read more about this wonderful coincidence here. Then, check out Harper’s Bazaar’s top 100 engagement rings inspiration here.

3.

pantone color of the year 2016

Pantone officially declared two colors of the year for 2016: Rose Quartz & Serenity. Rose Quartz is a dusty rose hue, while Serenity is a soft, purplish blue, which represent the blending and blurring of gender lines. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explains, “In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This, [with] societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information.”

4.

via Well + Good

Scientists have finally discovered the secret to Rapunzel-esque locks: Mushrooms. Read more about the how and why here.

5.

Pirelli’s 2016 calendar includes (from left) Amy Schumer, Yao Chen, and Serena Williams

Pirelli is changing things up for their annual calendar. For their 2016 edition, they traded out their pages of sexy, provocative stars with influential and powerful women that includes businesswomen, athletes, and other world thinkers alike. The cast includes Fran Lebowitz, Yoko Ono, and Tavi Gevinson, to name a few. Check out the other photos and inspiration behind it here.

I hope you all have an amazing week!

xo

The Go-To Guide for What’s In & What’s Out This Season

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Holiday dressing can be confusing, stressful, and not to mention simply tedious (hello, freezing cold!). Thankfully, the folks at WhoWhatWear fixed up this easy, to-the-point guide of this season’s do’s and don’ts for your viewing pleasure.

via WhoWhatWear

What are your go-to rules for holiday dressing?

xo

Trending Now: 15 Classic Trench Coats That Will Never Go Out Of Style

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

A classic trench is an essential of every wardrobe. There’s really no quintessential equivalent to the camel trench coat. It simply exudes class, sophistication, and elegance, whether worn with a dress, a suit, or simply a pair of jeans.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Why, yes, I do need a camel trench coat, and I’m really not certain how I’ve lived my life without one….until now.“

(Congratulations on your newfound realization!)

Now that you’ve taken a few seconds to let it soak in, your mind is probably overloaded with questions. “What details do I want on my trench? Should I choose a belted, a button-up, or both?! Oversized or fitted? Do I splurge on a luxurious high-quality version so that it can last through many more winters to come?“

While all of these questions are perfectly valid and understandable, know that you can simply sit back (let Trends & Tribulations do the heavy lifting here, darling) and relax while you feast your eyes on these shoppable beauties below. All you gotta do is scroll.

(You’re welcome. I love you, too. Don’t get weird.)

( 1 )

Gucci Wool-Blend Trench Coat, $2,919

( 2 )

Proenza Schouler belted trench coat, $1,916.53

( 3 )

Saint Laurent belted trench coat, $5,990.00

( 4 )

Burberry London The Kensington Mid wool and cashmere-blend felt trench coat, $1,595

( 5 )

Jason Wu belted long trench coat, $3,995.00

( 6 )

Akris oversized lapels belted coat, $1,498.09

( 7 )

Carven Belted Double-Breasted Coat, $1,520

( 8 )

Burberry London Checked cashmere-blend cape, $989

(I know, I know, it’s not a trench. But you have to admit, it’s pretty darn cute.)

( 9 )

Rag & Bone Faye Coat, $995

( 10 )

Boss Cepina Wool Cashmere Coat, $625.00

( 11 )

J.Crew Brown Collection Double-faced Italian Wool Sleeveless Coat, $495

(Perhaps a sleeveless version would tickle your fancy…)

( 12 )

Banana Republic Camel Double Breasted Coat, $298

( 13 )

Frame Denim Le Duster suede coat, $1,400

( 14 )

Burberry London fitted trench coat, $4,939.31

( 15 )

Stella McCartney Bryce wool-blend coat, $1,690

Which is your favorite? Do you have a classic camel-colored trench coat, or do you disagree that it is a wardrobe staple? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Love you guys, xo

7 Super Cool Yoga Brands You’ve Never Heard Of

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

7 Awesome Yoga Brands That Aren’t LuluLemon

While we are forever grateful to Lululemon for being the pioneers of fashionable yoga gear (because, obviously, it needed to happen…), there are so many new and exciting yoga apparel brands popping up every day. Considering the last year’s market where sales of athletic pants equaled the sales of denim, it is really not a surprise that more and more companies are banking on the athleisure trend. In honor of the recent article I wrote for MNYoga, here’s the skinny on the coolest yoga gear that’s (ahem) not LuluLemon. Enjoy, loves!

( 1 )

The Upside

The Upside

( 2 )

Sweaty Betty

This British retailer was founded in 1998 to “inspire women to find empowerment through fitness“. They combine innovative, feminine designs with technical fabrics. Plus, they give super cute reusable bags adorned with their geometric logo and motivational quotes with purchase.

( 3 )

Lucas Hugh

Lucas Hugh has an emphasis on futuristic prints and high-quality, technical fabrics that feature reinforced stitching and streamlined fused seams for unrestricted movement. The designer, Anjhe Mules, uses her fashion and swimwear expertise to cut and craft yoga wear that flatters a women’s physique, while feeling comfortable and able to stretch freely.

( 4 )

Alo Yoga

This retailer is inspired by life in the fashion and healthy-lifestyle mecca Los Angeles. They test out all their gear on real yogi’s before putting it to market to ensure a slim and functional fit. Plus, their color blocking is so perfect to mix and match tops and pants together. Who knew you could feel so put together in yoga clothing?

( 5 )

WearGrace

WearGrace is yoga clothing designed for both on and off the mat. Its creator is former art director, graphic designer, and then Director of Image for the Gucci group (creative agency for all the brands: Gucci, YSL, Mcqueen, Balenciaga, and Sergio Rossi, among others) who found yoga after a few incidences happened simultaneously, and she found herself unable to walk and lost her father and husband. The founder, Karen Joyce, explains that her yoga practice became an analogy for her life.

weargrace is a message, a belief and an emotion.

( 6 )

Onzie

Onzie

Onzie was created by a 20-year Bikram yoga practician to create affordably-priced clothing that is functional, flexible, and flattering. Their lightweight, fast-drying fabric allows you to move freely whether you are doing yoga, pilates, spinning, swimming, surfing, or running.

( 7 )

Teeki

Teeki

Clothing made from recycled plastic bottles? This LA-based retailer creates yoga pants and tops using fabric that is spun from fibers made out of recycled plastic water bottles, then cut, printed, and hand sewn using environmentally friendly practices. Plus, everything is manufactured in the U.S., which provides jobs to Americans and reduces their carbon footprint. Considering it takes over 400 years for plastic bottles to biodegrade, this is such an amazing way to help out the environment and offsets the need to produce new raw materials. All that aside, I can personally attest to how unbelievably soft and lightweight their material is, as I own at least a few pairs of their pants (just doing my part for the environment….), and oh, my, are they just daaaarling.

Teeki

What are your favorite athletic brands? Do you shop at any of labels featured above?

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: DSquared2

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

DSquared2 is one of those super awesome labels that just exude a certain cool attitude, with a unique IDGAF kind of feel. And these skeleton heel ankle boots are totally in on it (and kind of perfect for the Halloween season…). The outsides of the boots have a shoelace-inspired lace-up closure that reminds me of equal parts Frankenstein and football, which isn’t an easy feat to pull off.

Wear them with anything and everything during any months ending in -ber.

DSquared2 Skeleton Heel Ankle Boots, $1930

What do you think of these boots? What would you wear them with?

Stay beautiful,

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Rochas

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

There is something utterly girly and adorable about pom-pons and fringe that gets me all nostalgic about my adolescent days of riding around in a colorful bicycle with hot pink, glittery pom-poms on the handlebars. So, naturally, when I came across these Rochas Fringed Sling-Back Pumps, adorned with gold and pink fringe on the toes, and an gemstone embellished high heel, I immediately fell head over heels (pun always intended…I can’t not.). If your inner child is also smitten for these pumps, you can feel really good about purchasing these $1,194 heels, as they are marked down from the original $1,190, so you’re technically saving $796. Well, just look at you, being all economical and such!

ROCHAS fringed sling back pumps, was ~~$1,990.00~~ now $1,194.00

What do you think of these Rochas fringed heels? Also, if you love Shoe Porn, be sure to check out the Shoe Porn Thursday archives for more high heel love.

Beauty Review: OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Serum

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Beauty Review: OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Serum

OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $15.79, via Amazon

I absolutely love natural products, so when OZ Naturals asked me to try out their Hyaluronic Serum recently, I agreed, and wanted to share my review with readers. First off, the serum boasts that it is a clinical strength anti-aging, anti-wrinkle serum that is proven to plump skin & fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

Some of the other lovely tidbits about the serum:

-Cruelty Free: Vegan hyaluronic acid serum does not contain alcohol, parabens or sulfates and is safe for all skin types.
-Made in the USA: In a state-of-the-art FDA registered facility.
-Made with 98% Natural Ingredients & 72% Organic Ingredients.

My thoughts:

It has a lightweight feel, with no greasy residue. It dries quickly, and gave my skin a moisture boost, and worked great underneath moisturizer. It is especially great for the months where the temperatures are high, as it is light and moisturizing. Also, it contains Vitamin C, Organic Aloe, which is great for hyper pigmentation, redness, and anti-aging.