The following are the 5 major types of alpha-hydroxy acids found in skincare products and their sources:
- glycolic acid – sugar cane
- lactic acid – milk
- malic acid – apples and pears
- citric acid – oranges and lemons
- tartaric acid – grapes
Blog Archives
Inspiration: Olympic Gold
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Go for the gold! Inspired by the 2012 Summer Olympics, here are a few gold metals:
Estee Lauder ~ Pure Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow in Cyber Gold: $24.00
Dior ~ Vernis – Golden Jungle Nail Enamel: $23.00
Illamasqua ~ Liquid Metal in Solstice: $26.00
Tom Ford ~ Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust: $30.00
Bobbi Brown ~ Shimmer Brick Compact – Gold: $40.00
Stila ~ Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Koi: $8.00 (sale)
Holy Grail: Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream
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Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream is my go-to, holy grail concealer. The opaque cream covers everything from acne to tattoos while still feeling lightweight and looking natural.
I initially bought this concealer years ago for the main issue of a bruise on my leg. I asked a Sephora representative what would be the best product and she immediately grabbed for Make Up For Ever. It worked amazingly, camouflaging the bruise and stayed-put all day. Assuming the product was too “hardcore” for the face it wasn’t until later I attempted to use on the face, primarily for redness around the nose and pigmentation issues. It concealed like a dream and did not feel heavy or look cakey on the skin. I now use Full Cover for everything from under-eye concealer to spot treatments. The versatile product can also be mixed with your favorite face moisturizer or sheer foundation when you do not want to wear a lot of makeup but need a bit more coverage.
What sets this product a part from the millions on the market is it’s waterproof properties. It is not going to budge once it sets and can be worn to the gym/beach/pool without it sliding off your face. Keep in mind that because of the waterproof capability, you will have to work the product fast – before it sets.
The 0.05 oz tube packs a highly pigmented punch. A little goes a long way as far as coverage and pigmentation. Full Cover is silicone-based, and formulated without any oils, so it is great for all skin types. Since silicone molecules are larger than pores, they will not settle or cake. That’s means the product is non-comedogenic, and perfect for acne-prone skin. The silicone also creates a sort of webbing, like a primer, that will not accentuate flakey patches or dry skin.
Straw Topper: Club Monaco Nancy Straw Fedora
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Warm weather and outdoor fun requires a little shelter from the sun. Club Monaco’s Nancy Straw Fedora is the perfect retreat.
Made from intertwined straw, it is extremely lightweight and comfortable. It will protect your face, hair and scalp from the sun. The neutral color will complement just about anything you pair with it and has a relaxed style perfect for lazy summer days.
Simple and effortless, the Nancy Straw Fedora is the perfect topper to add some character to your look.
Club Monaco ~ Nancy Straw Fedora: $39.00 (sale) original price: $69.50
Skin Rehab: Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10)
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Get glowing, healthy-looking skin instantly with one swipe of Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10). This one-step, daily peel gently exfoliates the skin delivering a powerful dose of protective antioxidants to help prevent visible signs of aging.
The Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10) is formulated with 10% Citric Acid (antioxidant found in citrus fruits) to exfoliate dead skin cells, neutralize free radicals, and help prep skin for moisturizer and serum absorption. With no rinsing or recovery time required, the result is impossibly smooth skin with improved texture and tone.
Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10) is an amazing rehab for the skin. Gentle enough for everyday use, this peel provides the instant gratification of glowing skin after every use.
The product comes with a jar containing 36 pads (+1 test pad), and a bottle of solution. When ready to start the regime, pour the solution over the pads and let it soak in. Then begin to use one pad over the face (can also be used on hands, neck and chest) each morning, or as tolerated. Skincare and makeup can be applied immediately after. There is no rinsing, waiting period, stinging, drying or flaking.
In a clinical study, 100% of participants reported healthier looking skin, smoother texture and a more even tone after just one use.
“The skin is constantly shedding and renewing itself. Failure of old cells to slough off leads to a dull, more aged appearance to the skin. This peel is an innovative way to incorporate gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection into your daily routine with one easy swipe. It’s formulated by the dermatologists who created the original glycolic peel, and utilizes 10% Citric Acid to scavenge damaging free radicals brought on by environmental exposure and help prevent future signs of aging. I recommend using it between office visits to help refine skin texture, smooth fine lines, even skin discoloration, and help diminish the appearance of acne scars and environmental damage.” -Dr. Julie K. Karen, a board certified dermatologist who currently practices at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of NY.
What are AHAs – Alpha-Hydroxyacids?
AHAs are a group of naturally ocurring acids, many of which are found in fruits (hence “fruit-acids”). AHAs are used to help improve a variety of skin disorders including xerosis (dry skin), acne, ichthyosis, seborrheic keratoses and psoriasis. They also improve pigmentary disorders and symptoms of photo-aging; such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, skin laxity and dullness.
AHAs penetrate the dead surface cells of the skin, loosening the molecular bonds that attach them to the underlying tissues. The loose cells slough off, exposing newer skin.
About Citric Acid:
Citric acid is a substance that is found naturally in citrus fruits. It is a powerful antioxidant that can improve the health of skin cells. It stimulates collagen production, fights and protects from free radicals, has skin lightening properties, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of scars.
Colorblocking: Eyes/Lips
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Layering bright eye shadows, liners and lipsticks can result in a fun makeup look that’s right on trend for the season. Just like colorblocking clothes, there are a myriad of possibilities one can create with makeup as well.
There’s a much-heralded rule in beauty that if you do a bold eye, the rest of your makeup should be neutral. With colorblocking, this rule does not necessarily apply. The bright colors will play off each other and make your features pop.
Throw all traditional “rules” out the window and be creative. A lot of these looks are used in editorial or runway features, to make it wearable stick to only two areas of the face, i.e. eyes/lips, cheeks/lips. Tone down the colors and heavy-handed application for a sheer wash of color. This will create a more modern and everyday look.
Tried & Tested: Micellar Cleansing Waters
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Micellar Cleansing Water is used to remove impurities, tone and hydrate the skin without the need of water. These delicate waters immediately eliminate makeup, dirt and oil from the skin with one sweep.
Based on a micelle principle, these technologically advanced products release softening agents to hydrate and calm the skin while effectively removing all traces of make-up on face, eyes and lips. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, (some brands provide a separate sensitive-skin formula) these refreshing waters cleanse and tone the skin without irritation.
The difference between Micellar Cleansing Water and simple makeup removers…
According to Bernard Pochic, Bioderma’s National Trainer, “Micellar Cleansers dissolve the bond between cosmetic pigments and your skin so you can wipe it off.” Doesn’t sound all that different, simple makeup removers primarily smear the cosmetic pigments allowing an easy removal when you wash your face. The Micellar Cleansers is a one-step process that eliminates the need for a second cleanse.
Simply apply product to cotton pad and wipe gently where needed. These products will dissolve even the most stubborn or waterproof product.
Primarily made by French skincare brands, Micellar Cleansers are now popping up everywhere. Here are a few of my favorites, all but one (Bioderma) can be found online, in drugstores or beauty supply.
Vichy – Purete Thermale Cleansing Micellar Lotion, Avene – Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-up Remover, Embryolisse – Micellar Lotion , La Roche-Posay – Physiological Micellar Solution, Bioderma – Sensibio H20 Micellar Solution
Tried & Tested: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad
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Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad
To achieve a sun-kissed glow on the face, I opt for bronzing powders/creams or purchase darker foundations/tinted moisturizers. I cringe at the thought of applying faux-tanning products to the face. In past experience I have found they sink into pores, cause breakouts and never provide natural-looking results. That is until now, after discovering Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads, I am a frequenter of faux-face tanning.
Dr. Denis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads are pre-soaked towelettes that provide anti-aging benefits as well as a glowing complexion. These pads exfoliate the skin, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sun damage. One small pad reveals natural radiant skin that provides a long-lasting tan and fades gracefully. This product is great all-year round, it effectively evens-out skintone which reduces the need for heavy foundations and concelers.
Brilliant Balm: Rodial Glam Balm
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Rodial Glam Balm
Rodial Glam Balm is a multi-purpose skin treatment that revitalizes the skin. This anti-aging balm can be used on the face, lips, neck or hands.
Glam Balm contains Myrrh extract that plumps-up fat cells in the skin for a fuller appearance. Vitamin C that brightens, stimulates collagen and provides antioxidant protection. Calendula, shea butter and vitamin E which help restore moisture and sooth the skin. It also contains Bergamot Fruit oil which is an antiseptic used to treat acne.
Glam balm can be used as a mask or simply to spot-treat. This product has a similar texture to petroleum jelly, but richly thicker. It goes on clear and feels extremely hydrating on the skin. Glam Balm retains no scent and can be used on even the most sensitive skin.
With a multitude of benefits – reduces fine lines, plumps lips and wrinkles, calms and heals sensitive/irritated skin and increases collagen production – there is bound to be a reward for everyone.
Spring Cleaning: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
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Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a lightweight gel that gently hydrates and nourishes the skin. It removes all dirt, oil and makeup from the skin without stripping it of it’s essential nutrients.
Unlike most cleansers, the Soy Face Cleanser does not create a lather when applied. The gel-like consistency thickens as it is worked into the skin and feels like silk. It sweeps over the face and removes anything in its way, softly and gently. A splash of water reveals an exceptionally clean face, squeaky even, without it feeling tight or dry.
Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser smells of cucumbers and rose. It feels cool and fresh on the skin, ever so soothing. Enriched with soy proteins, amino acids and botanicals, this is a phenomenal cleansing product.
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