Blog Archives
The One To Beat: Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20
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BB Creams are flooding the market. With CC Creams on their way – how do you choose which one is best for you?
Beauty/Blemish Balm Creams were originally developed as a post-procedure cream used to treat, hydrate, prime, protect, and camouflage the skin. Great for all skin types including those with sensitive skin, these versatile “five-in-one” formulas are designed to do it all: treat with high levels of active skin care ingredients; moisturize and smooth dehydrated skin; prime and perfect skin’s surface; camouflage and color correct the skintone; and protect skin from the sun with SPF. They can be used as a last step for their skincare benefits or used on their own as an instant beautifier.
Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20 is currently the one to beat. What sets it apart is, unlike other BB creams, Omorovicza does not contain any silicone, an ingredient that, unfortunately, coats the skin, trapping dirt and bacteria beneath it. It acts as a 5-in-1 Complexion Perfector: foundation, moisturizer, sunscreen, concealer and anti-aging cream. It disguises blemishes, counteracts redness, masks broken capillaries, diminishes the appearance of dark circles, hydrates and protects from UVA/UVB rays.
Formulated with:
- Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres penetrate the epidermis and release hyaluronic acid gradually over time for enduring plumping and resurfacing of fine lines and wrinkles.
- A potent form of Vitamin C, boosts the production of collagen and elastin, reduces free radical damage and boosts cell turnover.
- White Lupin energizes and revitalizes.
- Ruby Crystal minimizes the appearance of fine lines and imperfections.
- Mineral CosmetologyTM, a patented mineral delivery system, leaves skin firmer, more supple and younger-looking.
Available in one color, Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20 is in the light/fair family but very workable. The color adapts to the skintone, providing a ‘lit from within’ soft focus. The lightweight creamy texture glides seamlessly over the skin and provides medium coverage without masking your natural radiance. Skin is left looking perfected and healthy all day long.
Learn more about Omorovicza HERE.
Keratin Infusion: Inova Professional
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Keratin is a type of fibrous protein that makes-up part of your hair, skin and nails. We are constantly depleting the keratin in our hair through chemical processing, heat, environmental factors and age. All of these factors can break-down the keratin creating weak, damaged hair. New innovations in hair care have found that product rich in keratin can help secure stronger and healthier hair.
Inova Professional specializes in keratin-packed products and treatments. They specialize in frizzy, unruly and unmanageable hair. I have never used products containing keratin until now and am not sure why I waited so long.
The Silk Keratin Smooth Protection Sulfate Free Shampoo is a wonderfully rich shampoo. Creamy and thick, you would never guess this product is sulfate-free. It gently cleanses the hair and removes build-up, infusing the hair with strengthening keratin, nourishing coconut oil and vitamin-c. Hair rinses feeling smoother and conditioned for increased manageability and shine.
The Silk Keratin Smooth Hydration Conditioner infuses hair with strengthening keratin to help rebuild the hair and silk proteins to seal the hair cuticle. The result is hair that is instantly smoothed of frizz, detangled and increasingly shiny.
The Silk Keratin Miracle Mask is a weekly treatment you can use at home. Formulated with white carnation oil, avocado oil, silk protein and keratin protein, it repairs split ends and other symptoms of dry, weak, and damaged hair. One of the best hair masks I have ever used – you will notice a difference the instance you apply and rinse. Hair feels coated and protected, but not weighed down. After styling, hair is noticeably smooth and silky and remains that way until next wash.
Formulated for all hair types, but is ideal for chemically treated or thermo-reconditioned hair, Inova Professional products are a ‘treatment’ for the hair. Yes, they smell wonderful and feel luxurious, but all of that aside – I feel and notice a difference in my hair. After 1-2 uses, I noticed smooth and silky locks. After 5-10 uses, I have noticed stronger, healthier hair.
About Inova Professional:
Inova Professional was founded by Daniel Babishov and Simon Aminov, two NYC salon owners and senior hair stylists. With over 40 years of combined experience, they both specialize in unruly, curly, frizzy hair. After many years of seeing clients’ hair become increasingly unmanageable and frizzy due to color processing, relaxing, and various other chemical processes, they wanted to develop a treatment that would not only salvage their clients’ hair, but also act as a conditioning treatment to keep hair healthy and shiny. Their goal was to develop a solution for unmanageable hair, as well as a cohesive hair-care system for clients to prolong it’s long-lasting results.
With this goal in mind they developed the Pure Keratin Hair Smoothing Treatment, a revolutionary hair smoothing technology designed primarily to eliminate frizz and secondarily to straighten hair. The Pure Keratin Hair Smoothing Treatment is formulated with keratin and collagen proteins, as well as mineral oil and cacao extract to rebuild and strengthen the hair where it has been damaged, as well as protect and smooth the hair.
Inspired by this treatment, they also developed a line of Silk Keratin retail hair-care products to be used in conjunction with the treatment, or on their own. All of the Inova Professional products are developed with our signature keratin complex and other essential ingredients.
Glow-T’s Mineral Powder Foundation Awards
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Glow-T’s Mineral Powder Foundation Awards.
Trust me, I have tried them all. I am a true fan of mineral powders for texture, coverage, finish and added benefits. To date, here are my picks:
BEST TEXTURE: Korres Wild Rose Mineral Foundation
This talc-free, loose powder foundation contains Korres signature Wild Rose Extract, a natural source of vitamin C that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and skin discolorations. The texture is lightweight and feels like it allows the skin to breathe. It glides on the skin with a silky-smooth texture. The coverage is very sheer which makes this the perfect setting powder, for the brightening benefits and SPF 30.
BEST COVERAGE: Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation
Originally developed with leading doctors and for use in a medical setting, Youngblood minerals are some of the finest available. The Natural Mineral Foundation is no joke. The ultra-fine powders provide the most full-coverage I have seen, yet still feels light on the skin. It produces a flawless, glowing complexion and covers any blemish or discoloration properly. Perfect for all skintypes, it is enriched with minerals that provide UVA/UVB protection and is completely free from talc, perfumes and chemical dyes.
BEST FINISH: Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15
This finely milled powder is composed completely of natural elements with 15 active amino acids. It helps to clear the skin of toxins, promote healthy skin-cell growth and fight the aging process. The real selling point is the amazing satin finish this product produces. It makes skin look incredibly youthful and luminous. While buffing this product into the skin, it almost feels like a cream and smooths over the skin effortlessly. The water-resistant powder is long-lasting and provides medium coverage and the shade selection is full of neutral tones that look natural on the skin.
BEST IN SHOW: PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals
The All-In-One mineral powder foundation. Treat/Cover/Protect. The only mineral line that contains CoffeeBerry, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and the causes of aging skin. This foundation feels weightless on the skin. It contains light-diffusing minerals that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles producing a smoother more perfected complexion. It not only evens-out skintone and redness, but treats the underlying causes. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this is the best choice for broad spectrum UV protection: SPF 25, UVA 10, PA+++. When I wear this foundation, I think of it more as skincare than makeup. It gives me the perfect coverage and glow, in which I even feel comfortable wearing it to the gym. This is my pick for a Mineral Powder Foundation, it is truly in a category of it’s own.
Retinol Rival: Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum
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Solazyme is a biotechnology laboratory in San Francisco where scientists study renewable energy solutions for cars, military ships, and airplanes. During their research, the company unexpectedly stumbled onto alguronic acid, a regenerative and protective skin care compound which launched the skin care line called Algenist.
Available only in Algenist products, this bioactive compound joins other powerful antiaging active ingredients to create a powerful serum that rebuilds skin firmness while restoring elasticity.
When scientifically tested (commissioned by Algenist): Alguronic Acid demonstrated significant anti-aging properties, increasing elastin synthesis by up to 32% and cellular regeneration by up to 55%. In head to head studies, alguronic acid outperformed retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C in it’s anti-aging capabilities.
I have used the Concentrated Reconstructing Serum for over one month now, and have noticed a change in my skin. Skin tone is much brighter, skin feels extremely hydrated and my sometimes acne-prone skin has disappeared. I have not noticed a significant change in fine lines and age spots, but will continue to use. The serum feels wonderful on the skin and produces no irritation, redness, or flaking, which are common side effects produced by more traditional ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.
Scientific ‘mumbo-jumbo’ set aside, based on usage – this is a fantastic serum that keeps my skin clear, hydrated and glowing.
Benefits of Coconut Oil: Organic Fiji Virgin Coconut Oil
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Coconut has an abundance of benefits and uses. Enriched in vitamins A, B, C and E, Coconut oil is a natural anti-oxidant that nourishes and repairs the skin and hair.
Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It can easily penetrate into your hair restoring it’s protein content and provide incredible antioxidant properties. Coconut oil also contains a powerful antimicrobial called Lauric acid. Lauric Acid is a saturated fatty acid that fights bacteria and infection and has been used in the treatment of acne.
On the long list of benefits, Coconut oil is an amazing moisturizer. Organic Fiji Pineapple Coconut Organic Cold Press Coconut Oil for Face, Body & Hair is my favorite. This product is extremely nourishing and smells amazing. The tropical aroma of pineapple and coconut is relaxing and intoxicating. Slather it all over your hair and/or body and you will instantly be dreaming of your next vacation.
Nature’s Retinol: Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder
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Vitamin C is an effective weapon to fight the effects of premature aging. As we get older, the collagen in our skin diminishes resulting in a loss of firmness over time. Vitamin C aids in the growth and repair of skin tissues and is a powerful antioxidant that helps to ward off the effects of free-radicals.
Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder is a topical vitamin C powder used to brighten skin tone and prevent premature aging. This 99.8% high-potency topical vitamin c powder can be used alone or mixed with your favorite moisterizer. Simply add one pump of moisterizer to the palm of your hand and one scoop of turbo booster c powder, mix and apply. You will immedietly see brighter and more even skin tone, smoother and healthier skin. Over time, reviews have shown a diminish of fine lines and dark spots, as well as an improvement in dark under-eye circles.
Also known as “natures retinol,” vitamin C is an easy and effective way to prevent premature aging.
Tried & Tested: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
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Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is a nutrient-rich, fade-free, long-wearing cheek product.
The main ingredient, Amazonian clay, minimizes oil on the skin to keep the product in place. Its nutrient-rich formula, infused with Vitamins A, C and E fights free-radicals and protects from premature aging.
The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush comes in an assortment of eight shades. From baby pink to strawberry red, the colors are strong and pigmented. Some of the colors have a sparkly finish, while others take-on a more more matte finish. I have found that the matte finishes tend to be a bit chalky on the skin and prefer a more shimmery hue.
This blush is accurate in it’s 12-hour, long-wear promise. The color remained true throughout the day and survived in 75 degree heat.