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 Simple Ways To Increase Your Happiness This Winter

With shorter days and less sunlight, colder temperatures that make it difficult to enjoy any time outside, and the holidays over, it is easy for us to lose sight of our health and happiness.

Trends & Tribulations

Here are 5 ways to become happier this winter season:

1. Enjoy nature.

Although nothing can beat laying out on the beach in the summer, the winter is exceptionally beautiful and can offer some very unique experiences.  Try snowshoeing in a woodsy area, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, skiing, or even gather some friends and go sledding.

This could SO totally be you!!

This could SO totally be you!!

2. Break a sweat.

The cold weather makes our muscles tense up.  Moving your body releases those muscles, which feels amazing.  Plus, exercising releases endorphins, which comes down to a happier you.

3. Be social.  

While it often sounds daunting to go out in the cold weather (especially here in the frozen tundra known as Minnesota), getting together with a friend for coffee, a hockey game, or going to a spin class together is important to stay happy.  Engaging with other people can make this time of the year feel a lot less lonely.

Taking an hour out of your day to grab coffee with a girlfriend can boost your mood instantly.

Taking an hour out of your day to grab coffee with a girlfriend can boost your mood instantly.

4. Eat right.  

Enjoy the food you eat, and make healthy choices that you will feel good about after you have eaten.  Everything in moderation…including moderation.

5. Find silence.

Sometimes all we really need this time of the year is a little quiet time to reflect.  Whether it’s through meditation or simply sitting in silence while working or driving, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life can do wonders.

Trends & Tribulations

What are some things that make you happy throughout the winter season?