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

Tom Ford Shares Beauty, Fashion, & Sex Tips

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Tom Ford’s Tom Style Commandments

Tom Ford shares his top 10 style commandments

Dress with mystery and don’t rule out black for a wedding: the designer known as the King of Sex, TOM FORD, shares 10 of his ultimate style rules via Net-a-Porter

Tom Ford Eyewear Spring/Summer 2011

1 DON’T LET FASHION DICTATE TO YOU

I always feel a little sad when I see a woman head-to-toe in a runway look. Women also change their hair a lot, but if it’s done in an insecure way, that makes me feel sad, too. You need to make what you are wearing your own.

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2013

2 NEVER TRY TO BE OVERTLY SEXY

I’m more interested in a little bit of mystery. Maybe it’s my age… Or maybe it’s because the women in my life are starting to wear stockings now because they think the skin on their legs isn’t as good as it used to be!

Tom Ford Fall 2013

3 FIND YOUR UNIFORM

If you have five outfits that you love wearing and always make you feel your best, which are comfortable and confident and just work, why do you need all the others? Yes, you need some variations on the theme – you don’t want to wear the exact same clothes every day – but I think it’s very important for everyone to figure out what their look is.

Tom Ford Spring 2010

4 REMEMBER: SEXINESS IS ABOUT CONFIDENCE

Sexiness comes from the way you move and the way you handle yourself. It doesn’t come from short skirts and low-cut tops.

Tom Ford Autumn/Winter 2014

5 REASSESS YOUR STYLE EVERY FIVE YEARS

Bodies change, looks change, everything changes, so every five years you need to take off all your clothes and reassess yourself. Try your clothes on and see what still works and what should be rethought – not in an emotional way but in a detached way. Also, do it on your own, because it’s not about what your friends or partner think, it’s about how you feel.

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2014

6 MAKE AN EFFORT

No matter what your personal style, people have to look at you in the same way they have to look at a building, or a piece of art, or a table, or a new car. You become a part of the photograph, the landscape, someone’s vision.

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2015

7 DON’T BELIEVE YOU NEED WARDROBE ESSENTIALS…

It isn’t about owning a classic white shirt or a black blazer – I know women who wear that and look like they’re doing a chic androgynous thing, and other women who look immediately like they work on Wall Street. It’s about your own taste; camouflaging the things you don’t like and accentuating the things you do.

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2015

8 …BUT EVERYONE NEEDS AT LEAST ONE LBD

Because you never know when you’re going to have to go to a funeral, or a job interview, or a last-minute wedding (maybe you’re not supposed to wear black to weddings, but I would). It’s perfect for everything: you can wear it with sandals and it’s a summer look; with a heel, it’s an evening look. Long, short, fitted, loose, it’s such a key piece. It is always chic.

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2012

9 DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF MAKEUP

By changing your makeup you can channel the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, ’60s… You can do everything with beauty because it’s the character; it’s who you are. I find that fascinating. There was a trend a couple of years ago that saw women dressed casually in jeans, T-shirts and sneakers with mega makeup – I loved it. It’s a great way to express yourself that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to have a lot of money.

Tom Ford Advertisement, Spring 2012

10 FOCUS ON ONE FEATURE

I don’t like to see a major lip and a major eye statement [at the same time]. I think if you’re going to accentuate your eyes, great, but then you need a neutral lip. If you’re going to do a bold red lip, it looks the best with almost nothing on your eyes, except maybe a little bit of mascara. I really like to see one makeup statement and just beautiful, glowing skin.

“Sexiness comes from the way you move and the way you handle yourself. It doesn’t come from short skirts and low-cut tops.” -Tom Ford

What do you think of Tom Ford’s fashion & beauty advice? Do you agree or disagree? Share in the comments section below!

5 Tried & True Face Moisturizers From a Product Junkie

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

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 )

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

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 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, $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

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?

Nine Hair Products With a Cult Following

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Most women have drawers and shelves of make-up, hair, and beauty products, and yet, we only use a certain few of those we absolutely love. Those particular products are often our cult classics; ones we would like to bring with on a desert island. Here are nine hair products with a huge cult following, and are known for being tried and true.

L’oreal Elnett hairspray is one of my go-to products, along with Victoria’s Secret Ultimate Hairspray (possibly because it smells so divine). Both have amazing hold, which is perfect for my super fine hair, and none of that crunchy-stiffness.

There's a Reason This Stuff Has Been Around for Over 5 Decades.

There’s good reason this stuff has been around for over 5 decades

Moroccan Oil is one of my go-to products for, basically, everything. It works great as a leave-in conditioner, as well as to smooth split ends anytime your hair looks a little dry. As a bonus, you can even use it on your skin to give you a glowing sheen.

This Is What a Cult Following Looks Like

The Kérastase Paris Beautifying Oil is equally amazing, and can be used on skin, as well.

The Mason Pearson brush has a high price tag, but if you read the many glowing reviews, you’ll easily see why.

The Various Sizes & Types of the Mason Pearson Brush

If you’re looking for an alternative, I’m also pretty much obsessed with my Wet Brush. And yes, in case the name didn’t give it away, it can be used to brush your wet hair (or dry) with no messy or painful consequences.

I could rave on about these products forever, but feel free to try them out for yourselves & see what you think!

What products are your favorites? Share ’em in the comments section below!

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

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Makeup Tattoos: The Art of Permanent Cosmetic Tattoos

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 →

Beauty: What Would Barbie Look Like Without Make-Up?

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Trends & Tribulations

Mexico artist and designer Eddi Aguirre shows an hyper realistic image of the iconic Barbie doll without make-up.

Click to see the full image after the jump!

Continue reading →

Beauty How-To: Achieving a Perfect Complexion

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Trends & Tribulations

With the high temperatures as the summer comes into full bloom, make-up tends to look better au-natural, and what better way to achieve that than with a perfect complexion?

Via Beautezine

What are your tips for achieving great skin?

Beauty Review: H&M False Eyelashes

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Trends & Tribulations

So, I was recently browsing around H&M, and noticed they came out with a make-up line, complete with eyeshadows, brushes, and false eyelashes, among others. I am normally skeptical when clothing stores come out with make-up lines, as they are usually cheap and don’t work too well, but I wanted to get some false eyelashes and thought I’d try ’em out. I was so pleasantly surprised with the quality of the lashes– they adhered perfectly (I never use the glue that comes with the pack, however- I am an loyal fan of Ardell Lash Grip Eyelash Glue), but the eyelashes went on easy and stayed the entire night. As a bonus, I’ve been able to reuse them twice, and they are still in amazing shape to wear again– well worth the $5.95.

For tips on how to apply false eyelashes, check out Refinery 29’s tutorial here. It’s one of the best.

Morning Beauty Routine: Simple, Fresh & Bright

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Trends & Tribulations

Morning beauty routines need to be simple, quick and look natural and fresh.

F a c e :

I use neutral colors to achieve this look, and the Urban Decay NAKED eyeshadow palette has the perfect shades of golds and bronzes to make my eyes look bright.

A bit of concealer to cover under eye circles and imperfections works perfect for a day look, as foundation can often look heavy and overdone in the daytime (Clinique airbrush concealer is amazing!).

To add an airbrushed look, apply a bit of finishing powder or bronzer to minimize shine.

E y e s :

I like to add a line of liquid eyeliner on the top of my lash line to keep the natural look, and Smashbox Limitless Liquid eyeliner or Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner work great to achieve a skinny line (and can be used later at an angle to achieve a thicker line).

Finish the eyes with a couple swipes of mascara, and curl the eyelashes to set the look and really make your eyes pop.

L i p s :

Finally, apply some light lip balm, like Maybelline Baby Lips (they have neutral and tints, depending on your preference) to make your lips look soft, and add a bit of clear gloss to add shine and make your pucker stand out.

What’s your make-up routine?