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

Beauty Review: Valentia Beauty Eye Cream & Hydration Mask

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

via BeautyByKelsey

Valentia recently reached out to me to try out a few of their products – their True Glow Eye Cream, the Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask, & their Royal Rose Hydrating Serum. I happily obliged, as I’m sure you all know I am a total product junkie and LOVE trying new stuff. Plus, their beauty products are made in a cruelty-free beauty lab owned and operated by women in the USA. Their products are made using sustainable energy, are vegan-friendly, and use 98% natural ingredients.

First off, the skinny on the True Glow Eye Cream.

Valentia True Glow Eye Cream, $25

It contains the following:

Astaxanthin: The reigning King of the antioxidants – please take a bow – this little guy has 600 times more antioxidant power than Vitamin C, increases skin moisture, smoothes fine lines , and restores elasticity to the skin.

Resistem: or “Natures Miracles” as we like to call them. These plant stem cells work to repair damaged skin cells and protect the skin from stress related aging, leaving skin refreshed and renewed!

Vitamin C: This standout vitamin helps treat multiple skin care and really brightens the under eye are. Your under eye area will feel firmer and look brighter.

Organic Rosehip Oil: Dry and flaky under eyes be gone! Rosehip oil amps up skins moisture content, delivering deep nourishment and reducing the appearance of fine lines that can creep in when we’re a bit dry under the eye.

Arnica: This botanical herb has been widely used in homeopathic medicine for bruising and soreness which is why we chose it for our True Glow Eye Cream. It stimulates white blood cells to relieve dark circles and puffiness.

After using this product for about 5 weeks, there were noticeable results in my under eye area. I received numerous compliments about how fresh faced I looked (even on those days where I tossed and turned for hours the night before). Fine lines and dark circles were noticeably diminished, and my under eye area truly looked plumper.

I would recommend this product to anyone looking to fix their dark under eye circles and as an anti-aging tool to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, along with plumping the under eye area.

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Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum, $35

Now, let’s dive into their Royal Rose Hydrating Serum.

A look at the ingredients:

– Rose Damascena: One of the most nourishing and skin friendly natural oils, providing balance, moisture, and a variety of vitamins and minerals to the skin.

– Niacinamide (Vitamin B): This potent vitamin has been clinically proven to fade away hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and acne.

– Rosehip Seed Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamins C & A, these essential fatty acids work quickly to lock in skin’s moisture.

– Evening Primrose Oil: Provides light, non-oily moisture to the skin, never clogging or irritating the skin.

– Bearberry: Reduces melanin production, thereby lightening the skin, revealing a brighter complexion.

– Lavender: Heals the skin, treating pimples, wounds, and sores.

After trying out this serum for 5 weeks in addition to the eye cream, I noticed my skin seemed more hydrated and brighter. Immediately, my skin looked and felt softer. The verdict? Highly recommend to anyone looking to smooth, nourish, and moisturize their skin.

What are your favorite skin products? Have you tried anything new lately?

xo

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7 Overnight Beauty Secrets to Wake up Looking Gorgeous

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

7 Simple Overnight Beauty Fixes to Wake Up Looking Beautiful

They call it beauty sleep for a reason. You’re ready for soothing rest but your skin is preparing to work hard overnight so you can look gorgeous. Here is how to enhance your skincare routine before bedtime to improve your complexion while you dream.

via Glamour

1. //

Get Your Beauty Rest

While you are sleeping, your skin is regenerating and repairing itself. During sleep, the cortisol, or stress hormone, of the body decreases, which is a good thing because it’s associated with weight gain, skin discoloration, and thinning skin. On the other hand, the melatonin hormone is increased, which not only makes you sleepy so you can recharge, but fights wrinkles and age spots.

via Shutterstock

The best way to ensure these hormones work effectively is to get enough sleep every night. Follow a relaxing routine before bedtime, such as by having a warm bath or drinking herbal tea, so that you train your body to establish a daily sleep routine.

via Shutterstock

Read on for more overnight beauty tips:

Continue reading →

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?