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: 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.

Share your thoughts in the section below!

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 →

Beauty Review: goPURE Naturals Body Scrub

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

goPURE Naturals Dead Sea Salt Scrub, $19, via Amazon

Recently, I had the opportunity to try out goPURE Naturals Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub. Since I’m a total sucker for anything natural & organic, I happily obliged & agreed to review my thoughts on the product. The company goPURE Naturals began by a mother named Erin Keyan after she discovered how many chemicals and toxic ingredients were in so many beauty products. Her goal for goPURE Naturals was to develop a brand that women could trust to contain only the purest and natural ingredients, while making them look and feel their best.

This Sea Salt Body Scrub is made with 100% real Dead Sea salt and is infused with 21 different minerals that are essential to proper skin function, such as Apricot, Avocado, Almond, and Chamomile Oil. The scrub immediately made my skin feel super soft and smooth. If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend shaving 24 hours before or after you use this stuff, as it can cause irritation. Overall, I love the way the body scrub made my skin look and feel, and I would recommend it!