ReportWire

Tag: skin

  • Warnings about squishy gel fidget toys | Consumer Reports

    [ad_1]

    THE TWO SUSPECTS ARE STILL ON THE RUN. IF YOUR KIDS LOVE THOSE SQUISHY FIDGET TOYS LIKE THIS ONE, THE ONES THEY CAN KIND OF SQUEEZE FOR STRESS RELIEF OR TO HELP THEM FOCUS. YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK BECAUSE THE NEW CONSUMER REPORTS INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT SOME OF THESE TOYS CAN ACTUALLY BREAK OPEN WHEN THEY’RE SQUEEZED. KCRA 3’S LEE ANNE DENYER SHOWS US HOW THE MATERIAL INSIDE COULD IRRITATE THE SKIN OR EVEN CAUSE CHEMICAL BURNS. LOVED BY KIDS, THESE BRIGHT, COLORFUL, SQUISHY BALLS ARE OFTEN MARKETED AS CALMING SENSORY TOOLS, BUT MANY PARENTS ARE SEEING A TREND. HUNDREDS OF ONE STAR REVIEWS ON AMAZON REPORTING THE TOYS POPPED WITHIN AN HOUR OR BROKE WITHIN TWO HOURS OF PLAYING WITH IT. PARENTS HAVE REPORTED THE STICKY GEL FROM SOME TOYS HAS LEFT KIDS WITH RED, IRRITATED OR EVEN PEELING SKIN. REPORTS FILED WITH THE FEDERAL SAFER PRODUCTS. GOV SITE CLAIM THAT CHILDREN SUFFERED SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION AFTER THEIR SQUISHY TOYS BURST OPEN. BREAKAGE ALONE IS A CONCERN. BUT WHEN WE SAW REPORTS OF KIDS WITH RED OR PEELING SKIN AND EVEN CHEMICAL BURN LIKE INJURIES, THAT REALLY RAISED SERIOUS QUESTIONS, AND IT MADE US WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S INSIDE OF THESE COMPANIES. DON’T HAVE TO LIST THE INGREDIENTS OF WHAT’S INSIDE THESE SQUISHY TOYS. SOME DO AND SOME DON’T. THAT’S WHY KR SCIENTISTS DECIDED TO TEST SOME OF THESE POPULAR SQUISHY TOYS. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT’S INSIDE. SCIENTISTS BOUGHT EIGHT SQUISHY GEL TOYS, BROKE THEM OPEN, AND TESTED THE PH OF THE GEL INSIDE. SEVEN HAD A NEUTRAL PH. ONE OF THEM, THE NEATO GROOVY GLOB, HAD A PH LEVEL OF TWO, WHICH IS AS ACIDIC AS LEMON JUICE OR VINEGAR. SEE, OUR SAFETY EXPERTS SAY THAT THE LEVEL OF ACIDITY COULD POSE A RISK OF CHEMICAL BURNS, ESPECIALLY ON CHILDREN’S DELICATE SKIN. THE MAKER OF NIDO CHALLENGED CONSUMER REPORTS PH TEST RESULTS AND SAYS THAT THE INNER GEL IS MADE OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL, WHICH IS SAFER FOR SKIN CONTACT. THE COMPANY ADDED THAT THEY’VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE CPSC AND THAT AFTER THE SALE OF 100 MILLION NIDO TOYS, THERE HAVE ONLY BEEN FOUR REPORTS OF INCIDENTS TO THE CPSC. TIKTOK TRENDS HAVE ALSO BEEN ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO MICROWAVE SQUISHY TOYS TO MAKE THEM SOFTER. NO ONE SHOULD EVER DO THIS. CONSUMER REPORTS FOUND SOME TOYS EXPLODED AFTER JUST 15 SECONDS, REACHING TEMPERATURES ABOVE 200 DEGREES AT THAT TEMPERATURE, EXPERTS WARN. INSTANT BURNS ARE LIKELY. THESE GEL TOYS CAN BE A LOT OF FUN, BUT IT’S IMPORTANT FOR KIDS TO USE THEM SAFELY. NEVER MICROWAVE OR FREEZE THEM. DON’T LEAVE THEM IN THE CAR. DON’T GIVE GEL FILLED TOYS TO BABIES OR TODDLERS. AND IF ONE DOES BREAK ON YOUR CHILD’S SKIN, WASH IT OFF RIGHT AWAY AND THROW OUT THE TOY. LEE ANNE DENYER KCRA THREE NEWS. I HAVE TO SAY, AFTER BORROWING THIS FROM OUR PRODUCER, SARAH, IT IS QUITE LOVELY. CAN I TRY? YEAH. OK

    Warnings about squishy gel fidget toys | Consumer Reports

    Updated: 6:59 PM PST Dec 19, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    If your kids love those soft, squishy fidget toys, the ones you squeeze for stress relief, you might want to take a closer look. A new Consumer Reports investigation found that some of these toys can break open and what’s inside may irritate kids’ skin, or even cause chemical burns.Loved by kids, the bright, colorful squishy balls are often marketed as calming sensory tools. But many parents are seeing a trend: hundreds of one-star reviews on Amazon reporting the toys “popped within an hour,” or “broke within two hours of playing with it.”Parents have reported that the sticky gel from some toys has left kids with red, irritated, or even peeling skin.Reports filed with the federal SaferProducts.gov site claim that children suffered severe skin irritation after their squishy toys burst open.Breakage alone is a concern, but when you saw reports of kids with red, or peeling, or even chemical-burn-like injuries, that really raised serious questions, and it made us want to take a look at what’s inside these.Companies don’t have to list the ingredients of what’s inside these squishy toys. Some do, and some don’t. That’s why CR scientists decided to test some of these popular squishy toys to learn more about what’s inside.Scientists bought eight squishy toys, broke them open and tested the pH of the gel inside. Seven had a neutral pH. One of them, the Nee-Doh “Groovy Glob,” had a pH level of 2, as acidic as lemon juice or vinegar.CR safety experts say that level of acidity could pose a risk of chemical burns, especially on children’s delicate skin.Schylling, the maker of Nee-Doh, challenged Consumer Reports’ pH test results and says that the inner gel is made of polyvinyl alcohol, which is safe for skin contact. The company added that they’ve been in contact with the CPSC and that after the sale of 100 million Nee-Doh toys, there have only been four reports of incidents to the CPSC.TikTok trends have also been encouraging people to microwave squishy toys to make them softer. No one should ever do this. Consumer Reports found that some toys exploded after just 15 seconds, reaching temperatures above 200 degrees. At that temperature, experts warn, instant burns are likely.The gel toys can be a lot of fun, but it’s important for kids to use them safely. Never microwave or freeze. Don’t leave them in the car. Don’t give gel-filled toys to babies or toddlers.And if one does break on your child’s skin, wash it off right away and throw out the toy.You can read Consumer Reports’ full investigation, including safety tips and responses from regulators at CR.org.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    If your kids love those soft, squishy fidget toys, the ones you squeeze for stress relief, you might want to take a closer look. A new Consumer Reports investigation found that some of these toys can break open and what’s inside may irritate kids’ skin, or even cause chemical burns.

    Loved by kids, the bright, colorful squishy balls are often marketed as calming sensory tools. But many parents are seeing a trend: hundreds of one-star reviews on Amazon reporting the toys “popped within an hour,” or “broke within two hours of playing with it.”

    Parents have reported that the sticky gel from some toys has left kids with red, irritated, or even peeling skin.

    Reports filed with the federal SaferProducts.gov site claim that children suffered severe skin irritation after their squishy toys burst open.

    Breakage alone is a concern, but when you saw reports of kids with red, or peeling, or even chemical-burn-like injuries, that really raised serious questions, and it made us want to take a look at what’s inside these.

    Companies don’t have to list the ingredients of what’s inside these squishy toys. Some do, and some don’t. That’s why CR scientists decided to test some of these popular squishy toys to learn more about what’s inside.

    Scientists bought eight squishy toys, broke them open and tested the pH of the gel inside. Seven had a neutral pH. One of them, the Nee-Doh “Groovy Glob,” had a pH level of 2, as acidic as lemon juice or vinegar.

    CR safety experts say that level of acidity could pose a risk of chemical burns, especially on children’s delicate skin.

    Schylling, the maker of Nee-Doh, challenged Consumer Reports’ pH test results and says that the inner gel is made of polyvinyl alcohol, which is safe for skin contact. The company added that they’ve been in contact with the CPSC and that after the sale of 100 million Nee-Doh toys, there have only been four reports of incidents to the CPSC.

    TikTok trends have also been encouraging people to microwave squishy toys to make them softer. No one should ever do this. Consumer Reports found that some toys exploded after just 15 seconds, reaching temperatures above 200 degrees. At that temperature, experts warn, instant burns are likely.

    The gel toys can be a lot of fun, but it’s important for kids to use them safely. Never microwave or freeze. Don’t leave them in the car. Don’t give gel-filled toys to babies or toddlers.

    And if one does break on your child’s skin, wash it off right away and throw out the toy.

    You can read Consumer Reports’ full investigation, including safety tips and responses from regulators at CR.org.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Gift Guide 2025: The best skincare gifts

    [ad_1]

    Give the gift of great skin this holiday season with these skincare gifts, perfect for just about anyone!

    The Philips Epilator Series 8000 Wet & Dry boasts powerful yet gentle epilation with its improved tweezers and over 70,000 hair-catching actions per minute. This means you can cover more skin and achieve flawless smoothness for up to 4 weeks.

    This holiday season, Bubble makes gifting simple, fun, and affordable with its limited-edition “Silky Season” 3-Step Hydrating Routine. The set includes three of Bubble’s best-selling essentials for clean, hydrated, and glowing skin.

    Clé de Peau Beauté invites you aboard the Dreams Express, a limited-edition collection that transforms beauty into an exquisite journey of imagination and light. Inspired by a fantastical dream world, the Dreams Express Collection celebrates confidence, transformation, and the radiance that comes from within.

    Biossance’s Bright Bestsellers Set is for the radiance-obsessed, with a set that brings together Biossance’s most-loved icons: the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil for instant luminosity, the Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum for bouncy, hydrated skin, and the Squalane + Omega Repair Cream for rich, replenishing moisture. It’s a routine that brightens, firms, and deeply nourishes.

    Josie Maran bite-sized butters are air-whipped, full-body moisturizers that soak in to deliver visible firmness and intense hydration. Tuck them into someone’s stocking, or wrap them up as a set.

    Peter Thomas Roth’s full-size Vitamin C and hyaluronic eye patches come in a two-piece kit that’s ideal for gift giving. The Potent-C Hydra-Gel Eye Patches help brighten and reduce signs of aging, and Water Drench Hydra-Gel Eye Patches help reduce the look of dryness, under-eye bags, and dark circles.

    The Ultimate Hydration Jet Set from Skinfix is the travel skin repair trio. The gel cleanser doubles as a makeup remover, clearing oil and SPF without stripping, a fast-absorbing water cream delivers lightweight moisture and reduces shine, and a rich cream is packed with peptides to restore ultra-dry skin.

    Summer Fridays’ The Holiday Trio Set comes with Lip Butter Balm in Hot Cocoa and Toasted Marshmallow. Nourish dull, depleted skin with a swipe of buttery hydration.

    The NYX Professional Makeup Holiday Fat Oil Trio Lip Oil Gift Set is formulated with squalane, cloudberry, and raspberry oils. They work together to deeply nourish and hydrate the lips, promoting a supple, healthy appearance.

    [ad_2]

    By: Jennifer Cox The Suburban

    Source link

  • Are Dua Lipa’s Skincare Products Any Good?

    [ad_1]

    Earlier this month, the pop star Dua Lipa announced she’d partnered with the German skincare brand Augustinus Bader on a three-product capsule called The Routine. The collection, officially named DUA Powered by Augustinus Bader Science, consists of a hydrating daily moisturizer called the Renewal Cream; the Supercharged Glow Complex, a brightening and firming solution; and a Balancing Cream Cleanser. Do they actually work—and are they worth the price tag? Four W editors found out, and shared their honest opinions.

    Abrigail Williams, Associate Manager, Social Media

    What was your opinion of Augustinus Bader before this? What about Dua Lipa?

    I’ve only heard high praise about AB Science, with Dua being the most outspoken celebrity who put me on to the brand before she announced her collaboration. Because Augustinus Bader products are on the higher end of the skincare price range, they have remained a wishlist item for me—until now.

    I’m wary of celebrity skincare in general and commit myself to a good research session before I buy anything for my face, regardless of who’s backing the product. I stick to clean ingredients recommended by my dermatologist. But when the Vacanza Queen teams with a lab-powered skincare label, you pay attention. Considering how grueling Lipa’s world tour is, how much energy she exerts on a daily basis, and how frequently she travels, her skincare regimen must be on point.

    What’s your skin type?

    I have combination skin and tend to experience oilier patches in warmer weather and dry patches during colder months. I use a benzoyl peroxide-powered cleanser, a moisturizer, toner, and sunscreen daily, plus Tretinoin and an exfoliator here and there.

    What did you think of the Dua Lipa x Augustinus Bader products?

    After a week and a half of using Dua Lipa’s new line, morning and night, I found my combination skin feeling soft, supple, and smooth, especially in places where I usually experience the most dryness. While I do not recommend touching your face throughout the day, I couldn’t help but brush my hands across the usual dry spots, which were baby-soft. I loved the Glow Complex and Renewal Cream, which were both hydrating without being too heavy or oily. Also worth noting: my developing acne just vanished. I could feel a serious cystic pimple forming before I started using Dua Lipa’s collab, and instead of developing, the blemish shrank and vanished. The TFC5 was working overtime.

    Would you use them again?

    I’ll be using the Glow Complex and moisturizing cream long after this experiment ends. I still have texture and sun damage on my face, but I’d be surprised if only a week of a new skincare routine cleared all that away. It was nice to commit to such a simplified routine; sometimes, too many bells and whistles leave the brain overworked first thing in the morning and exasperated right before bed.

    Ashley Peña, Senior Designer

    What’s your skin usually like?

    I have acne-prone skin and I do well with hydrating products. I keep my routine simple!

    What did you think of the DUA collection?

    I used the entire set, morning and night, for about a week. There were no overpowering scents, which I liked. The star of the routine is definitely the Glow Complex. But I’m not sure the formulation agreed with my skin, because the Renewal Cream didn’t leave me feeling as hydrated as I thought it would, and my face took on a dull quality in the days after starting the complete regimen. Although, I will say: my skin feels really smooth lately.

    Did the products work for you?

    As a whole, the trio wasn’t for me. But I favored the Glow Serum and would definitely recommend it. I think I’d like to try each of the products again, separately, and integrate them slowly into my existing regimen.

    Maryam Lieberman, Contributing Beauty Editor

    What are your thoughts on Augustinus Bader? What about Dua Lipa?

    I’ve known the Augustinus Bader line for years, having tested it upon launch 2018 and inevitably getting pulled back in every time a new product dropped. The hype around the brand’s hero formulas is well-deserved, and fans of Professor Bader’s products are loyal. A lot of that devotion comes from Professor Bader himself. I interviewed him a few years ago, and he struck me as someone genuinely obsessed with results, with research, and with giving his customers exactly what they’re looking for. His TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex) has been prominent in the regenerative skincare arena; The Cream and The Rich Cream are still the undisputed icons of the line.

    As for Dua Lipa, what I see in her is a hardworking, dedicated artist—a musical powerhouse with unmatched magnetism. Versace looks incredible on her. But truthfully, I’ve never looked at her complexion and had that instant I need to know her entire routine reaction. She is beautiful, but her skin isn’t a defining feature of hers.

    What did you think of DUA?

    I used the cleanser, the Glow Complex, and the Renewal Cream for one week, morning and night. It felt fine on my skin, no scent to speak of. I liked the cleanser best. It was soft and cleansed properly, without any residue or dryness.

    I found the whole set didn’t do much. I really wanted it to, but I didn’t notice any remarkable changes. However, I still love The Cream—and “Dance the Night.”

    Matthew Velasco, News Writer

    What’s your usual skincare regimen?

    I have gone through dozens of skincare routines through the years, but have finally settled on one that works. In the morning, I cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen. At night, I do the same (no sunscreen) and apply a vitamin C serum and a snail mucin essence (don’t knock it ‘til you try it). I’ll also use some eye patches or an overnight mask if I’m feeling fancy.

    What was your experience using the DUA line?

    I used the core three products—the Balancing Cream Cleanser, the Supercharged Glow Complex, and the Renewal Cream—for an entire week in place of my usual routine. I used all three at night, and just the cleanser and cream (plus my go-to sunscreen) in the morning. I was especially partial to the Glow Complex, as it left my skin feeling hydrated, plump, and light after absorption. I am very antiscent when it comes to the products I use, so I appreciated that there was barely any smell with this line.

    Was it good?

    For the first few days, I was very pleased with the results. But halfway through the week, I noticed a string of small whiteheads along my forehead and my T-zone—something that rarely happens. I switched back to my normal routine to avoid putting my skin through more trouble, but kept using the Glow Complex at night.

    I would definitely try the line again (and for a longer period of time), because the ingredients—niacinamide, marine bio-retinol—are ones that I’ve had good results with in the past.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Looking to winterize your skin? DC dermatologist on how lotions ‘will not cut it’ this time of year – WTOP News

    [ad_1]

    A D.C. dermatologist has tips on how to help your skin combat the cold, dry air of winter and avoid flare-ups of conditions like eczema.

    WTOP’s Alan Etter on how to winterize your skin in dry weather.

    The cold, dry air of winter can make your skin drier than usual and make skin conditions like eczema harder to keep under control.

    But there are strategies to help winterize your skin and combat the weather changes.

    Dr. Adam Friedman, professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington University School Medicine and Health Sciences, said there are certain things you can be doing to keep your skin hydrated.

    “Your moisturizer needs a winter upgrade,” Friedman said. “Lotions will not cut it this time of year. I recommend creams and ointments to actually trap and hold moisture in the skin, giving the skin a time to repair and actually stay calm.”

    So what should you be looking for on the bottles and tubes?

    “Products that say ‘for eczema,’ as this is an FDA regulated term requiring a barrier protectant called colloidal oatmeal, which has decades of supporting data,” he said.

    And if your skin is really thick and flakey, he said to look for exfoliating products.

    “Keratolytics like urea, mandelic acid … ammonium lactate, these can safely exfoliate that thick skin and help pull water in,” he said.

    He said the simpler the better, when it comes to what is in the products. You want to limit how often you’re cleansing and avoid lengthy showers.

    “We want mild cleansers, because bathing, how one bathes, can play a very big role in how dry one’s skin is during the wintertime,” he said. “We want to keep showers short, not scalding hot, lukewarm. The most important thing is using a mild cleanser, and honestly, not to the whole body.”

    He said not every body part needs to be cleaned everyday. So what should you be doing?

    “The only areas that need soap every day are the underarms, face and groin,” Friedman said. “We can skip a day here and there, because soap is very drying. But then even more importantly is applying that cream or ointment based moisturizer to damp skin, usually within 30 seconds after getting out of the shower.”

    And when it comes to which brands to buy?

    “If a claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he said. “My advice is, go for the bigger name brands that have the resources and take the time to actually evaluate their products with clinical studies.”

    WTOP’s Mike Murillo contributed to this report. 

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    [ad_2]

    Valerie Bonk

    Source link

  • How to apply foundation to mature skin, according to pro makeup artists

    [ad_1]

    When it comes to creating a flawless makeup base, we’re often inclined to stick to the routine that works. But learning how to apply foundation to mature skin might make a world of difference—especially if your usual products and techniques aren’t delivering the same results they used to.

    “Since our skin changes as we age, our makeup should too! Meet your skin where it is now,” says Laura Geller, whose namesake makeup brand Laura Geller Beauty caters to mature skin. If you’re dealing with new or different concerns, especially with foundation on changing skin, you’re certainly not alone.

    “One of the biggest client frustrations with mature skin is that foundation often highlights what you’re trying to diffuse,” says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. That can mean product settling into expression lines on the face, making them appear deeper, or draining the skin of moisture, which highlights dryness and texture. But for every new concern, there’s a simple solution.

    Featured in this article

    Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Foundation

    Read more

    Best Drugstore Option: L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

    Read more

    Whether it’s a technique adjustment, a new formula, or a little extra skin prep, small tweaks can help you get the most out of your favourite foundation on mature skin.

    Ahead, you’ll find expert-backed insight on…

    Image may contain: Adult, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Bracelet, and Cosmetics

    11 best moisturisers for mature skin of 2025, reviewed

    How to choose a foundation for mature skin

    There are a few key factors to keep in mind when selecting a foundation for mature skin in particular. Chief among them is retaining moisture: “As we get older, our skin craves hydration, not heavy, drying formulas,” Laura says.

    When choosing a liquid formula, Christian recommends prioritising the following attributes:

    • Light to medium buildable coverage. Heavy coverage options can be drying and might exaggerate texture on the skin.
    • A satin or radiant-natural finish. Flat, matte options tend to settle into fine lines, while dewy options can highlight dryness or texture.
    • High water content. Water-rich foundations sink into thinner surface skin seamlessly, and prevent cracking.
    • Skincare support. Hydrating skincare ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can help smooth the skin’s surface and improve wear time.
    • Gentle mineral or hybrid formulas. If you have sensitive, thinning, or reactive mature skin, these tend to be less irritating and often feel weightless.
    Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation

    Courtesy of brand

    Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Foundation

    Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation

    Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

    Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation

    If you prefer a solid foundation to a liquid, Laura advises opting for a baked formula. “Baked products start as creamy pigments, then are baked for 24 hours to lock in moisture, leaving you with a silky, lightweight finish that glides right over fine lines,” she says.

    Laura’s Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation is a good example: “It evens tone, brightens dullness, and never looks heavy on mature skin,” she says.

    How to apply foundation to mature skin, step-by-step

    Step 1: Moisturise.

    Any makeup routine—at any age—should begin with clean, hydrated skin. “Mature skin loses water faster than it loses oil,” Christian says. He recommends prepping the skin with a moisture-locking serum (we love Medik8’s Hydr8 B5 Intense), “to plump the surface so that the foundation has something to grip onto.” Follow that with a non-greasy moisturiser, which helps to smooth texture in addition to hydrating.

    Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, and Perfume

    CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

    Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Face Moisturizer

    Courtesy of brand

    Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

    If you’re still seeing signs of dryness, Christian recommends adding a light layer of emollient, perhaps a thin ceramide cream, only to “high-movement zones,” including your smile lines and the corners of your eyes. “This keeps the foundation from cracking later. Let everything absorb fully, as rushing this step guarantees slip and separation,” he says.

    Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

    Courtesy of brand 

    Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

    Step 2: Apply a primer.

    “If there’s one step you never want to skip as your skin matures, it’s primer, primer, primer!” Laura says. “Primer creates a gorgeous, smoothing barrier between your skin and your makeup so foundation doesn’t seep into wrinkles, look caky, or break apart midday.” She also notes that the right primer can be your ticket to richer colour payoff and longer wear.

    Image may contain: Bottle, and Lotion

    Fenty Beauty Grip Trip Hydrating Primer

    Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer

    Courtesy of brand

    Lancôme La Base Pro Perfecting Make-Up Primer

    Christian emphasises the importance priming with precision. “Use a hydrating primer on dull or dehydrated areas (cheeks, under-eye perimeter), and a smoothing or blurring primer very lightly on pores and smile lines,” he says.

    Step 3: Apply your foundation.

    If you’re using a liquid formula, Christian recommends pumping a small amount onto the back of your hand first. Use a dense, flat brush to pick up a minimal amount of product, and apply it to your skin. Laura recommends using “light sweeping or buffing motions,” while Christian suggests “light circular motions to sheer the foundation out and stretch it toward the hairline.”

    Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

    Courtesy of brand

    Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

    Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100

    Courtesy of brand

    Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100

    Both experts advise against applying a heavy layer of foundation all over your face. Instead, dot it strategically onto the areas where you want more coverage, evening of skin tone, or brightening. Christian says to “avoid loading crow’s-feet, deep lines, and the outer jaw” with more foundation; these are areas where the product might settle in and draw more attention.

    Step 4: Remove excess product.

    To avoid a caky finish and product settling into fine lines, it’s a good idea to remove the excess foundation from the surface of your skin. Christian’s pro tip: “Take a damp makeup sponge and press—don’t drag—over the skin. This pushes pigment into texture and lifts off extra product.”

    Step 5: Set and finish.

    If you prefer to set your foundation with powder, Christian recommends only setting the areas where your face moves the most (smile lines, sides of the nose, and under the eyes if needed). Use a small, fluffy detail brush or a puff to very lightly, gently tap powder into these areas.

    [ad_2]

    Grace McCarty

    Source link

  • This new skincare device gave me glass skin in 10 minutes

    [ad_1]

    The Shark FacialPro Glow has officially joined my skincare lineup – and honestly, it has more than earned its spot.

    Since reaching my late twenties, skincare tools of all kinds have become a part of my self-care ritual; my bathroom is basically a mini spa, home to a CurrentBody LED mask and my trusty FaceGym gua sha. So, when Shark invited me to preview the FacialPro Glow before its launch, promising an at-home Hydra-Facial experience, I knew I had to see if it lived up to the hype.

    I’m someone who used to book in for weekly Hydra-Facials before my wedding (yes, my bank account is still recovering), so the idea of getting those same pore-clearing, glow-boosting results without leaving the house sounded too good to be true. But, I’ve spent the past month testing it (the Shark FacialPro Glow officially launched in the UK in the first week of October; rather than going live with a review immediately, I wanted to see if it was worth the hype) and have many positive thoughts.

    Ahead, everything you need to know.

    Featured in this article:

    How I Tested The Shark FacialPro:

    I’ve got dry, sometimes dehydrated skin, so when Shark announced the FacialPro Glow – basically an at-home Hydrafacial promising clearer, glowier skin – I was all in. I got my hands on it before it launched and attended the press event, where the Shark team explained exactly how it works, how to use it safely on sensitive skin, and what kind of results to expect. There was even a live demo, which definitely helped me make sense of all the attachments (there are a lot, btw).

    Because my skin can be on the sensitive side, I decided to play it safe to start. I patch-tested the AHA + BHA Derm Detox Exfoliating Gel beforehand since I knew it was a strong acid-based formula. It did tingle a little, but nothing too harsh – and I didn’t have any redness or irritation afterwards. For my first session, I went for the gentle tip attachments and the medium suction level. Now that my skin’s used to it (and I’m more confident), I’ve moved up to full intensity with the ‘normal’ tips. From experience, I’d say it’s perfectly fine for most sensitive skin types.

    I’ve been testing the FacialPro Glow once a week for the past month, usually in the evenings when I can actually take my time. I stuck to the brand’s recommended order (cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, depuff) and noted how my skin looked and felt after each session. I even took before-and-after photos, and filmed a TikTok of the whole process below.

    Why You Can Trust Me:

    I’ve been reviewing beauty and wellness products for over six years – five years in previous roles, and the last eight months here at Glamour. In that time, I’ve tested hundreds of skincare tools, from LED face masks and gua sha tools to spot treatments for acne. I regularly attend brand launches, interview dermatologists and MUA’s, and get early access to new products so I can properly trial them before they hit the shelves.

    When it came to the Shark FacialPro Glow, I spoke directly to the experts behind the device to understand the tech, the results it claims, and how best to use it for my skin type. Though I don’t have acne-prone skin, I do struggle with dehydration and visible pores (mostly because I never drink enough water). After just two sessions, my skin looked glowier, smoother, and makeup went on like a dream – so it’s safe to say it lives up to its claims.

    Shark FacialPro Glow First Impressions:

    In short, the Shark FacialPro Glow combines exfoliation, extraction and hydration in one palm-sized gadget, while its partner tool – the DePuffi – brings that post-facial sculpt and lift using clever hot-and-cold therapy.

    [ad_2]

    Shani Cohen

    Source link

  • These are the best lightweight moisturisers for oily skin

    [ad_1]

    Do I still need a moisturiser if I have oily skin?

    Definitely. According to Jodie Kidd – supermodel-turned-founder and creative director of Skin & Tonic – one of the biggest skincare myths is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturising. “In fact, skipping moisturiser can make things worse, as your skin overcompensates by producing even more oil,” she explains. “The key is to choose a lightweight formula that hydrates without adding any extra shine.”

    In fact, founder of Allies of Skin, Nicolas Travis, believes that oily skin is not a permanent state. “If you balance your skin with the right products, you can reduce the production of excess sebum so that skin is balanced and happy,” he says.

    What is the best moisturiser for oily skin?

    The best moisturisers for oily skin will hydrate and nourish your skin, while also being non-comedogenic – meaning that they wont block the pores. “Essentially, you want a formula that hydrates, without feeling occlusive,” Travis adds.

    For a trusty everyday moisturiser for oily skin, you can’t go wrong with the CeraVe Oil Control Facial Moisturising Gel-Cream. Completely non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, it’s been formulated with mattifying starches, oil-regulating niacinamide, and three separate ceramides to help support and strengthen the skin barrier.

    Alternatively, for completely weightless hydration in the form of a cooling gel, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser is a great affordable option – and it’s formulated with the humectants hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help draw moisture into the skin. Seeking something considerably more luxurious? The Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream is packed with sophisticated antioxidants, and make a luxurious night cream for oily skin.

    “Meanwhile, if you’re primarily concerned about breakouts, look for a gentle oil-balancing formula that’ll help to hydrate and clarify the skin,” suggests Kristal Goodman, head of product innovation at THG Labs. Our top pick would be the Caudalie Vinopure Moisturising Mattifying Fluid – which is a lightweight fluid-lotion enriched with clarifying salicylic acid, and oil-regulating niacinamide.

    What is the 3 minute rule for moisturiser?

    The “3-minute rule” works on the face and body, and basically refers to the idea that you should apply moisturiser within three minutes of bathing, showering, or washing your face, as then you’ll lock-in maximum hydration before the water evaporates from your skin. Essentially, it makes your moisturising far more effective.

    [ad_2]

    Georgia Lockstone, Denise Primbet, Emma Hobday

    Source link

  • The pimple-popping triangle of death sounds made up. It isn’t.

    [ad_1]

    As a beauty editor, I often act as my friends’ resident beauty myth debunker, fielding questions like: Does rubbing castor oil on your belly button actually do anything? Will the Skims facial Wrap sharpen my jawline? Is my gel nail polish going to give me cancer? (A resounding no to all three.) At this point, there aren’t many weird internet beauty theories that surprise me.

    So when a windfall of videos claiming that popping a pimple in a certain area of the face could lead to catastrophic outcomes (we’re talking blindness or death), I was ready to write it off. But something about this one in particular, in which a woman seemingly attributed her partial facial paralysis to a popped pimple, stopped me in my tracks. It just felt so…real. That zit, inflamed in the crease of her nose, somehow spoke to me. I could feel the pain radiating from the dimly lit screen. And I knew I would’ve popped it, too. But could it possibly lead to such a dire outcome?

    A quick due diligence search confirmed the unthinkable: The triangle of death, as it’s called, is real; so real it’s a topic taught in medical school.

    What is the triangle of death on the face?

    To be clear, the facial triangle of death is not to be confused with the geopolitical one, which was an area south of Baghdad in Iraq marred by violence in the early aughts, or even the Bermuda Triangle, which is that mysterious zone in the Atlantic Ocean where ships and planes seemed to disappear into thin air.

    This triangle of death, according to Santa Monica-based board-certified dermatologist Sonia Batra, MD, refers to the area on the face from the corners of the mouth to between the eyebrows. Right smack in the centre of that triangle º under the surface of the skin – is the cavernous sinus, which houses essential nerves and vessels that carry blood back to the brain.

    If the surface skin were to be infected as a result of, say, popping a pimple, the infection could theoretically spread, seep into the blood vessels, and, worst-case scenario, lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis (the formation of blood clots), stroke, or death, says Teresa Song, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “This [triangular] area contains the angular and ophthalmic veins that supply the nose and the eyes, so infection can travel easily toward the brain compared to other parts of the body,” she says, adding that unlike most veins in the rest of the body, those in the face do not have valves to help keep blood moving toward the heart, which help ensure adequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients that fight infection and keep the body healthy.

    So, yes, it’s possible that the pesky whitehead at the base of your nostrils – the one you popped without even a second thought – could ultimately lead to life-threatening conditions.

    How likely are you to pop a spot within the triangle of death?

    It sounds like something out of a horror movie. But Dr. Batra assures the triangle of death isn’t as scary as it sounds: “The risk of death from popping a pimple in the triangle of death is low, especially with modern hygiene practices and antibiotics.”

    I, for one, still had some concerns. Especially given the number of pimples I’ve popped in that very triangle over the years. When I spoke to Jodi LoGerfo, MD, a doctor of nursing practice and a family nurse practitioner certified in family medicine and dermatology, I tried to level with her. Realistically, what are the odds of popping a pimple resulting in death or other serious risks?

    [ad_2]

    Dani Hardman

    Source link

  • Halloween pumpkin waste is a methane problem, but chefs and farmers have solutions

    [ad_1]

    Don’t let your Halloween pumpkin haunt the landfill this November.More than 1 billion pounds (454 million kilograms) of pumpkins rot in U.S. landfills each year after Halloween, according to the Department of Energy.Video above: Halloween festivities in full swing in Salem, MassachusettsYours doesn’t have to go to waste. Experts told us your pumpkins can be eaten, composted or even fed to animals. Here’s how. If you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern, don’t throw away the skin or innards — every part is edible.After carving, you can cube the excess flesh — the thick part between the outer skin and the inner pulp that holds the seeds — for soups and stews, says Carleigh Bodrug, a chef known for cooking with common food scraps. You can also puree it and add a tablespoon to your dog’s dinner for extra nutrients. And pumpkin chunks can be frozen for future use.”The seeds are a nutritional gold mine,” Bodrug said. They’re packed with protein, magnesium, zinc and healthy fats, according to a 2022 study in the journal Plants.One of Bodrug’s recipes involves removing the seeds, rinsing and roasting them with cinnamon for a crunchy snack or salad topper. Then you can use the stringy guts to make a pumpkin puree for muffins. This version differs from canned purees in grocery stores — which typically use a different type of pumpkin or squash — because carving pumpkins have stringier innards and a milder flavor. A carving pumpkin’s guts can still be used for baking — you’ll just have to amp up the seasoning to boost the flavor.If you don’t want to eat your pumpkins, you can donate them to a local farm, which might use them to feed pigs, chickens and other animals. Edible parts should be collected while you’re carving and before they’re painted, decorated or left on your porch for weeks. Paint and wax aren’t food-safe, and bacteria and mold can grow on the skin in outdoor climates.Once you’ve cooked what you can and donated what’s safe to feed, composting the rest is the easiest way to keep it out of the landfill.”That way, even though they’re not safe to eat, they can still give back to the earth,” Bodrug said. Composting pumpkins keeps them out of methane-emitting landfills and turns them into nutrient-rich soil instead. You can do this at home or drop them off at a local farm, compost collection bin or drop-off site.”A large percentage of what ends up going to the landfill is stuff that could have been composted,” said Dante Sclafani, compost coordinator at Queens County Farm in New York. “So even just cutting down something like pumpkins could really help curb how many garbage bags you’re putting out every week.”Before composting, remove any candles, plastic, glitter, or other decorations — they can contaminate the compost. A little glitter or paint won’t ruin the pile, but it’s best to get it as clean as possible before tossing it in. Then, chop up the pumpkin into 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) pieces so it can break down more easily.”Pumpkins are full of water, so it’s important to maintain a good balance of dried leaves, wood chips, sawdust, shredded newspaper, cardboard, straw — anything that’s a dry organic material — in your compost bin,” Sclafani said. If you don’t maintain this balance, your compost might start to stink.According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a healthy compost pile should include a mix of “greens” — like pumpkin scraps and food waste — and “browns” like dry leaves, straw or cardboard, in roughly a 3-to-1 ratio. That balance helps the pile break down faster and prevents odors.And if your pumpkin’s been sitting on the porch all month? That’s actually ideal. “It’s never too far gone for compost,” Sclafani said. “Even if it’s mushy or moldy, that actually helps, because the fungus speeds up decomposition.””Composting anything organic is better than throwing it out because you’re not creating more refuse in landfills, you’re not creating methane gas,” said Laura Graney, the farm’s education director.Graney said autumn on the farm is the perfect opportunity to teach kids about composting since it gives them a sense of power in the face of big environmental challenges. “Even though they’re little, composting helps them feel like they can make a difference,” Graney said. “They take that message home to their families, and that’s how we spread the word.”

    Don’t let your Halloween pumpkin haunt the landfill this November.

    More than 1 billion pounds (454 million kilograms) of pumpkins rot in U.S. landfills each year after Halloween, according to the Department of Energy.

    Video above: Halloween festivities in full swing in Salem, Massachusetts

    Yours doesn’t have to go to waste. Experts told us your pumpkins can be eaten, composted or even fed to animals. Here’s how.

    If you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern, don’t throw away the skin or innards — every part is edible.

    After carving, you can cube the excess flesh — the thick part between the outer skin and the inner pulp that holds the seeds — for soups and stews, says Carleigh Bodrug, a chef known for cooking with common food scraps. You can also puree it and add a tablespoon to your dog’s dinner for extra nutrients. And pumpkin chunks can be frozen for future use.

    “The seeds are a nutritional gold mine,” Bodrug said. They’re packed with protein, magnesium, zinc and healthy fats, according to a 2022 study in the journal Plants.

    One of Bodrug’s recipes involves removing the seeds, rinsing and roasting them with cinnamon for a crunchy snack or salad topper. Then you can use the stringy guts to make a pumpkin puree for muffins. This version differs from canned purees in grocery stores — which typically use a different type of pumpkin or squash — because carving pumpkins have stringier innards and a milder flavor. A carving pumpkin’s guts can still be used for baking — you’ll just have to amp up the seasoning to boost the flavor.

    If you don’t want to eat your pumpkins, you can donate them to a local farm, which might use them to feed pigs, chickens and other animals.

    Edible parts should be collected while you’re carving and before they’re painted, decorated or left on your porch for weeks. Paint and wax aren’t food-safe, and bacteria and mold can grow on the skin in outdoor climates.

    Once you’ve cooked what you can and donated what’s safe to feed, composting the rest is the easiest way to keep it out of the landfill.

    “That way, even though they’re not safe to eat, they can still give back to the earth,” Bodrug said.

    Composting pumpkins keeps them out of methane-emitting landfills and turns them into nutrient-rich soil instead. You can do this at home or drop them off at a local farm, compost collection bin or drop-off site.

    “A large percentage of what ends up going to the landfill is stuff that could have been composted,” said Dante Sclafani, compost coordinator at Queens County Farm in New York. “So even just cutting down something like pumpkins could really help curb how many garbage bags you’re putting out every week.”

    Before composting, remove any candles, plastic, glitter, or other decorations — they can contaminate the compost. A little glitter or paint won’t ruin the pile, but it’s best to get it as clean as possible before tossing it in. Then, chop up the pumpkin into 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) pieces so it can break down more easily.

    “Pumpkins are full of water, so it’s important to maintain a good balance of dried leaves, wood chips, sawdust, shredded newspaper, cardboard, straw — anything that’s a dry organic material — in your compost bin,” Sclafani said. If you don’t maintain this balance, your compost might start to stink.

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a healthy compost pile should include a mix of “greens” — like pumpkin scraps and food waste — and “browns” like dry leaves, straw or cardboard, in roughly a 3-to-1 ratio. That balance helps the pile break down faster and prevents odors.

    And if your pumpkin’s been sitting on the porch all month? That’s actually ideal. “It’s never too far gone for compost,” Sclafani said. “Even if it’s mushy or moldy, that actually helps, because the fungus speeds up decomposition.”

    “Composting anything organic is better than throwing it out because you’re not creating more refuse in landfills, you’re not creating methane gas,” said Laura Graney, the farm’s education director.

    Graney said autumn on the farm is the perfect opportunity to teach kids about composting since it gives them a sense of power in the face of big environmental challenges.

    “Even though they’re little, composting helps them feel like they can make a difference,” Graney said. “They take that message home to their families, and that’s how we spread the word.”

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 6 Reasons A Peptide Cream Deserves A Spot In Your Routine – IFB

    [ad_1]

    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.

    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.

    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.

    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.

    [ad_2]

    Rachel G

    Source link

  • Perrie Edwards on acne, agoraphobia and her pregnancy beauty routine

    [ad_1]

    When I meet Perrie Edwards, it’s backstage in an empty bar a few hours before an intimate solo performance. She’s dressed in a sheer, electric blue gown that accentuates her baby bump. “Hiya, are we filming?” she asks as she walks through the door, her glam squad in tow. When I shake my head she grins, kicks off her four-inch platform shoes and settles on the sofa, curling her bare feet underneath her as if this is just a cosy chat between girlfriends.

    That’s the thing about Perrie. Despite a stratospheric career in the band Little Mix, which became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, and a successful debut solo album, she still has an infectious girl-next-door charm.

    Perrie is funny, relatable and completely unfiltered – whether she’s talking about motherhood (Perrie is mum to four-year-old Axel and is expecting a second child) or her battle with acne, which is why she is CeraVe’s ambassador for their Stop The Pop, Rock The Patch campaign.

    Here Perrie Edwards speaks to Glamour about skin, self-care and empowerment…

    When I was in Little Mix, I would sleep in my makeup and then just go over it in the morning – no wonder my skin was atrocious…

    Growing up I never had bad skin. It was more that I just hated my skin. I was very freckly, so I was very insecure. Nobody around me had freckles, so I was the odd one out and I felt really ugly as a kid. And then, as I started to get older, I was like, “No, they are so nice and I need to embrace them and now I love my freckles.”

    But then I started to get spotty. It was more when I was in the band and maybe down to the amount of makeup I was wearing. It was a vicious cycle because the more spotty I got, the more I wanted to put concealer on and then there were the different time zones, lack of sleep, all of that.

    It was crazy. We used to have scheduled glam for four hours, so if we had an 8:00am start, it was a 4:00am start for us. Me and the girls would sleep with our makeup on because our schedule was so intense. I could wake up the next day, have touchups and go to work, but have a few more hours sleep.

    Now I never sleep with makeup on. Your skin can’t heal when it’s got a full blanket on, can it? The Lancôme makeup remover is a godsend and it’s so gentle when I’ve got a full face of makeup on. I soak a cleansing sponge in it as it kind of sucks all the makeup away. Then I’ll use my CeraVe oil cleanser.

    CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

    Lancôme Bi-Facil Makeup Remover

    I used to feel like I needed to whack the makeup on to feel pretty…

    It was a phase, as well, because trends change, makeup changes and what was cool isn’t cool anymore. I love that girls today are stepping out with lovely tinted moisturised faces and their spot stickers on.

    This whole ‘clean girl aesthetic’ is probably my favourite because I just love not having to try as hard. In the mornings I’m useless. I just cleanse and then use my CeraVe spot stickers. They’re so good and once they’re on, you can’t even see them, which is fantastic.

    Mike Marsland/Getty Images

    [ad_2]

    Fiona Embleton

    Source link

  • These LED lip masks promise to tackle hyperpigmentation & plump your pout – but do they actually work?

    [ad_1]

    Your LED lip mask FAQs, answered:

    What is LED light therapy?

    If you’ve ever Googled “best LED face masks,” you’ll know they’re touted predominantly as an anti-ageing device. The principle is simple: light-emitting diodes deliver clinically proven wavelengths of light (usually red or near-infrared) to stimulate the skin at a cellular level. “LED light stimulates the mitochondria, thus increasing cellular energy in the skin,” says Kerr. “This results in healthier cells all round – so think increased collagen production and improved hydration.”

    Put simply: more collagen = fewer wrinkles, less inflammation = calmer skin, and improved circulation = a healthy glow.

    What are LED lip therapy devices & why are they trending?

    Consider LED lip devices to be the niche, pocket-sized little sister of your mask. Instead of covering your whole complexion, they concentrate the light exactly where it’s needed: the thin, delicate skin of your lips.

    “Lip tissue is quite different to the rest of the face – it’s thinner, has fewer protective oil glands and contains less melanin,” explains D’Arcy. “This means it can dry out more easily, show fine lines sooner, and is more vulnerable to environmental stressors. Targeted LED treatment is an interesting option for maintaining lip health and appearance.”

    Or as Kerr puts it: “The lips are much thinner than the rest of the face and have no oil glands, so they dry out quickly and show lines faster – that’s why they respond so well to targeted LED, it’s like giving them their own workout.”

    Why are they trending? Full-face masks have already earned cult status in beauty routines (and, let’s be honest, on Instagram grids). But lips are having a bit of a moment. We want them plumper, rosier and line-free – and not everyone is ready to jump into filler territory.

    “In clinic I see that LED treatments can plump, hydrate and boost natural colour in the lips – it gives them that soft, healthy look,” says Kerr. For a generation that wants quick, needle-free fixes, the LED lip mask ticks all the boxes: portable, non-invasive, and just gimmicky enough to make your group chat jealous.

    How do LED lip therapy devices work?

    The science is the same as for the face: red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate the skin, trigger the mitochondria, and set off a cascade of cellular responses. The results? Better circulation, collagen stimulation (fewer fine lines), and hydration support (a smoother surface).

    Think of it less like instant filler and more like a consistent gym routine: small, cumulative gains that add up to healthier-looking lips over time.

    Is LED lip therapy safe?

    The consensus is yes – with caveats. “Generally, LED light therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment,” says D’Arcy. “However, people who are pregnant should speak to their doctor before use, as should anyone on photosensitising medications such as certain antibiotics or acne treatments. Those with dermal fillers in the lip area can usually still use LED, but it’s always sensible to check with your practitioner.”

    Kerr adds, “If you’ve got a cold sore, skip it until it’s healed. And always double-check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or on light-sensitive medications.”

    Is LED lip therapy a replacement for Botox or filler?

    Here’s the thing: no. LED won’t give you a fuller pout overnight. What it can do is support your lips’ overall health and subtly enhance their appearance. “Dedicated lip masks aren’t just a gimmick; they concentrate the light exactly where it’s needed, which makes a difference if you’re consistent with use,” says Kerr.

    Think of them as a complement to in-clinic treatments or as a maintenance tool if you’re filler-free. The results are more about hydrating and reviving than plumping and defining.

    What to look for when buying an LED lip mask

    Not all lip masks are created equal. The experts we interviewed stressed the importance of doing your homework before you add to basket.

    “Look for devices that use clinically proven wavelengths, ideally around red and near-infrared light. Safety certifications such as FDA clearance or CE marking are also key,” says D’Arcy.

    Kerr agrees: “I think it is important to use devices that have had studies performed on their device, rather than quoting studies about the benefits of LED light in general. If it feels flimsy or doesn’t share its science, it’s probably not worth your money.”

    My honest verdict

    I’ll admit it: I was sceptical at first. An LED lip device feels like the definition of “too good to be true”, not to mention a huge investment for something so niche. That said, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful LED can be.

    When I was battling sudden-onset adult acne in my early twenties, my facialist always finished treatments with an LED session that worked wonders for my skin, so I wasn’t entirely new to the concept.

    After a month of consistent use trialling LED lip devices, I can honestly say my lips feel plumper, more hydrated, and the patches of hyperpigmentation around my mouth have noticeably faded. Admittedly, I don’t yet have fine lines or wrinkles that cause me concern, but I’m quietly hoping that regular use of these masks keeps them at bay for a little while longer.

    [ad_2]

    Georgia Brown

    Source link

  • Lactic acid for skin: benefits, side effects and how to use it to boost your glow

    [ad_1]

    2. Helps with breakouts and acne scars

    Lactic acid accelerates skin turnover, promoting renewal. “This process not only reveals fresher and more youthful-looking skin but also helps to unclog pores, which can be beneficial for treating whiteheads, blackheads and acne pimples,” Dr Phillips notes.

    3. Boosts hydration

    Lactic acid is also a powerful humectant, meaning it helps to attract and draw moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated.

    4. Supports the skin barrier

    “Lactic acid has been shown to enhance the skin barrier function by increasing the production of ceramides, which help to maintain a waterproof skin barrier, reducing loss of moisture from the skin,” says Dr Phillips.

    5. Stimulates the production of collagen

    “Additionally, lactic acid can stimulate the production of collagen and structural molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGS), resulting in firmer and plumper skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles,” he adds.

    6. Fade signs of discolouration

    Dark spots and patches of uneven skin tone are the result of your skin cells producing excess pigment. Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation and acne scars. According to Paula Begoun, founder of Paula’s Choice, concentrations of 5-12% lactic acid help to fade signs of discolouration by speeding up the shedding and renewal of these cells on the skin’s surface.

    Can you use lactic acid every day?

    “Lactic acid can be used daily; however, if you are experiencing dryness, redness or irritation, you will need to use smaller quantities or use it less frequently,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Magnus Lynch.

    Also, take note of what other ingredients you’re using and “avoid using multiple exfoliating acids [such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid] in the same routine as lactic acid unless they have been formulated to work together,” says Dr Phillips.

    11 best ceramide serums to boost your delicate skin barrier

    What’s the best way to use lactic acid for skin?

    Available in cleansers, exfoliators, serums and creams, lactic acid can easily be incorporated into your daily skincare routine. For lactic acid first-timers, seek out a product with a low strength (around 5% – 10%) and slowly work your way up. Start by using it one to three times a week to build tolerance and increase frequency only if there is zero redness or irritation.

    [ad_2]

    Fiona Embleton

    Source link

  • I’ve tried dozens of face serums – these ones impressed me the most

    [ad_1]

    What is a face serum and why do I need it?

    Think about face serums as products that will supercharge your skincare routine and customise it to your exact skin type and skin concerns. Unlike your typical moisturiser, a face serum is lighter in consistency and comes in a higher concentration of active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.

    Whether you’re after a boost of hydration, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing out skin texture or brightening up your complexion – each formula is infused with a number of powerhouse components such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide.

    In which order should I apply a face serum?

    You should apply your face serum after cleansing, exfoliating and the best toners and before your moisturiser or facial oil, eye cream and SPF. A facial serum can be used alone, but since they tend to be so lightweight, they’re easy to layer. Pro tip: invest in one of the best silk pillowcases to ensure everything soaks into your skin properly.

    Can I use face serum daily?

    Absolutely. It’s recommended that you use your facial serum twice daily, depending on the ingredients. Some serums contain key ingredients like retinol or acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid (also known as AHAs and BHAs) and ferulic acid. Some have been especially formulated for resurfacing so as to remove dead skin cells, while other formulas also shield from external aggressors such as pollution and further UV damage.

    How to choose the best face serum according to your skin type

    It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different – if you suffer from dehydrated skin and you’re hoping to get a boost of hydration, look for a serum containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract or vitamin E. If it’s a youth-boosting serum you’re after, retinol is the gold standard, and to brighten your complexion, anything with vitamin C that can help boost collagen production and help maintain your skin’s elasticity is bound to be a sure-fire hit. And if you want to treat sun damage or have more sensitive, acne-prone skin, you might want to go for a gentler fragrance-free option.

    Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at Skin 55, discussed when it’s best to introduce or amp up active ingredients such as peptides in our routines: “In your 20s, your skin is still youthful, but after mid-20s collagen levels start to fall so incorporating vitamin A [or retinoid/retinol] serums at night to help with cell turnover can be beneficial in reducing early development of fine lines especially in fair skin.”

    “Signs of ageing of the skin start to develop for most people in their 30s, such as fine and deeper lines and wrinkles as well as uneven skin tone or pigmentation. Adding in a vitamin C serum under sunscreen can help with skin brightening as well as additional benefits of acting as an antioxidant.”

    “As we proceed through our 40s, oestrogen levels start to decline which can result in dryness. Incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum under a moisturiser and layering the products can help prevent dryness and create the appearance of more supple looming skin.”

    Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best moisturisers, night creams, retinol serums and eye serums.

    [ad_2]

    Denise Primbet, Shani Cohen

    Source link

  • I finally found a face oil that proves ‘oily’ means glowy, not greasy

    [ad_1]

    I’m so glad I caved and tested the Elemis Superfood Face Oil. As a longtime beauty editor, I’ve reviewed more serums, creams, and oils than I can count — yet only a handful ever graduate from the test pile to the “can’t live without” shelf.

    I say “caved”, because I used to be skeptical of face oils (who wants to feel greasy on already busy skin?). That was, until, the Elemis Superfood Hydrating Nourishing Facial Oil — which promises to deeply replenish moisture and restore a healthy glow — completely changed my mind. To me, it’s proof that an oil can be lightweight, effective, and luxurious all at once.

    As a mum of two, skin-care multitaskers aren’t a nice-to-have — they’re practically survival. This Elemis bestseller melts onto the skin without a trace, leaving my skin refreshed and nourished. With its crisp botanical scent, even three stolen minutes of alone time feels restorative. Elemis, the London-born brand celebrated for blending, created its Superfood line as a nutrient-rich spin on skin care (basically, a green juice for your face).

    Keep reading to find out why this oil climbed to the top of my skin-care “menu.”

    My Skin Goals

    I have dry, sensitive, and reactive skin that tends to flare up easily, with an uneven tone that makes it challenging to maintain a smooth and balanced appearance. My biggest test is keeping moisture locked in, especially on my cheeks, where dryness sets in fast and no amount of lotion seems to stick. I truly need something that can effectively restore hydration and soothe those persistent dry patches, all while being gentle on the rest of my skin.

    First Impressions

    Let’s talk about the texture, because that’s usually the dealbreaker with facial oils. This Elemis Superfood Facial Oil manages to hit what I like to call the “Goldilocks zone.” It’s lightweight enough to sink in quickly, but rich enough to give my skin that immediate feeling of comfort. The consistency is silky, not heavy, and I’ll either apply a few drops straight from the dropper or warm them up between my palms before pressing into the skin. I’m pretty picky about fragrance, and this one keeps it simple and fresh. It’s herbal and subtle enough that I barely notice it once it’s on, which makes it easy to use every day.

    Elemis Superfood Hydrating Facial Oil

    The Formula

    Poring over ingredient lists is basically our sport, and this one had us geeking out in the best way. What sets this oil apart is its buffet of plant oils — like flaxseed, daikon radish, rice bran, and meadowfoam — all loaded with fatty acids that replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier (a key benefit for those dealing with dryness, dullness, or irritation).

    “Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid, which helps strengthen the skin barrier and keep it hydrated,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago.

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Elemis’s Superfood Hydrating Nourishing Facial Oil.

    Christa Joanna Lee

    On the texture side, daikon radish oil lends an airy, silky slip that makes the formula feel weightless while forming a soft, flexible layer that helps reduce water loss. “It locks in hydration without clogging pores, making it ideal for people who want barrier support without residue,” adds Dr. Ibrahim. For antioxidant power, rice bran oil is “rich in compounds like gamma oryzanol, tocopherols, and ferulic acid that brighten skin, fight inflammation, and slow visible signs of aging,” he notes. Meadowfoam seed oil raises the bar by mimicking your skin’s natural sebum to further seal in hydration. “The long carbon chains also make the product more stable and less likely to oxidize,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.

    [ad_2]

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Source link

  • How to use a lip scrub for a pillowy pout

    [ad_1]

    Anyone who loves wearing a matte lipstick knows the pitfalls of applying it over chapped lips. While we’re familiar with body scrubs, how to use a lip scrub isn’t always obvious, which is why we sometimes pick at flakey skin or rub the area with a wet flannel.

    And yet, both approaches are too aggressive for our lips. The skin here is more fragile than you may think because it’s thinner than elsewhere on the body. Compared to the rest of your face, for example, which boasts up to 16 layers of skin, our lips only have 3 to 5 layers.

    13 body scrubs that would make TLC reconsider the whole ‘no scrubs’ thing

    Our lips also don’t have any oil-producing sebaceous glands, which means they are unable to naturally hydrate themselves. This is especially evident during the winter months when lips are more prone to chapping. Not to mention, sun damage and frequent licking can easily dry them out, too.

    Lip scrubs can help as they they are designed to gently buff away rough skin. Much like a body scrub, they are typically powered by finely-milled sugar granules, “which are suspended in a nourishing oil to moisturise and give your skin more slip,” says makeup artist Zoe Taylor, who always carries a lip scrub in her kit bag.

    What are the benefits of using a lip scrub?

    There are several benefits to using a lip scrub. Cracked lips are like a road with bumpy potholes; a lip scrub can help to create a smooth base for your lipstick. It also improves the efficacy of your lip balm or oil as the hydrating ingredients are able to penetrate more deeply if there’s nothing nitty gritty in the way.

    Then there are the massage movements you use to apply a lip scrub, which boost blood flow to the area, imparting a rosy pink hue to pale lips and making them look plumper. Applied a long-lasting lipstick? A lip scrub is non-negotiable for helping to remove any stubborn pigment for a squeaky clean surface.

    [ad_2]

    Fiona Embleton

    Source link

  • How to use an LED face mask for glowing skin

    [ad_1]

    You’ve splurged on one of the best LED face masks – but you want to be sure how to use an LED face mask to get the most out of it? The good news is that dermatologists say these types of red-light therapy devices really do work – and there are countless benefits of LED masks provided you use them properly. And consistently.

    SKIP TO:

    How to use an LED face mask for best results?

    “Using an at-home mask is like going to the gym,” says Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in NYC. To truly see any skincare benefit, you need to use it consistently for the recommended usage time.

    Because of this, dermatologists recommend purchasing an FDA-cleared device that best fits your lifestyle. There are full-face masks (like the CurrentBody LED Face Mask), wands (e.g., the Solawave 4-in-1), and even spot treatments (FaceGym Acne Light Shot, for one), and all can be effective with little to no side effects — as long as you actually use it on a regular basis.

    Fit is also a factor when using at-home skincare devices. Some face masks are made of flexible silicone, while others are made of more structured plastic. Though both can be effective, derms tell Glamour you’ll get optimum light penetration when the mask sits flush with your skin. In our evaluations, we found some testers preferred flexible masks (like the HigherDose) for their adjustability and more customised fit.

    LED Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2

    CurrentBody Skin Anti-Blemish LED Face Mask

    CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector

    Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling & LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair Mask

    How often should you use a mask?

    Though the exact recommendations vary from mask to mask, and there are some outliers with shorter or longer treatment times, the most common regimen is at least three to five times per week for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.

    Read more: I tested the CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet for a month – here’s what happened

    Should you put anything on before?

    To prepare for a device treatment, skin should be freshly washed with cleanser and patted dry, says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin. “Avoid applying skin care products beforehand, as some ingredients (SPF, retinol, or exfoliants) may interfere with light absorption.” Using a mask with fresh, clean skin can also help keep your device cleaner and functioning better.

    After an LED treatment, you can follow with your regular skin care routine, like serum or moisturiser to help lock in moisture and improve hydration levels. “If using red or infrared light for antiageing benefits, follow up with products containing antioxidants or peptides to enhance collagen production,” says Dr. Collins. “If using blue light for blemishes, apply a lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturiser and acne treatments as needed.” And if you use your mask in the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum face sunscreen. “A light-therapy face mask can make the skin more sensitive to UV exposure,” says Dr. Collins.

    How exactly do these masks work — and what kinds of benefits can you expect to see?

    As the name suggests, LED face masks are equipped with built-in LED lights, most commonly red light and near-infrared light. When used at the recommended wavelengths of light — about 620 to 750 nanometers for red light and 760 to 1,400 nanometers for near-infrared — they stimulate cell regeneration to improve overall skin tone and skin texture, plus target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and even wound healing.

    [ad_2]

    Brigitt Earley

    Source link

  • Does sleeping on your stomach or side really cause wrinkles?

    [ad_1]

    Sleep might be the most underrated step in your skincare regime. While we can slather on the serums and stick religiously to our SPF routine, if we spend eight hours a night scrunching our face into the pillow, all that effort could be quietly undone. According to leading dermatologists and aestheticians, how we sleep matters just as much as how long we sleep – and the way our face meets the pillow at night could be accelerating facial wrinkles, sleep lines and even fine lines before their time. Nightmare!

    But, before you go booking that botox appointment, hear us out: with a few thoughtful tweaks to your sleeping position, bedding, and nighttime skincare, you can help keep those tell-tale creases at bay. Think of it as future-proofing – choosing a pillow that supports your head without squashing your cheeks, swapping to a silk pillowcase that lets your facial skin glide instead of crumple, and layering hydrating and collagen-boosting formulas so your skin can repair as you rest. These small changes don’t just help prevent crease-related skin aging — they can also make your nightly wind-down feel a little more luxurious, and have you waking up looking (and feeling) noticeably more rested.

    SKIP TO FAQs:

    Meet the experts:

    What are sleep wrinkles?

    Sleep wrinkles are different from the lines caused by our repeated facial expressions – laughing, frowning, smiling – during the day. Dr Raffaella Gabassi at Dermaclarité explains that “Sleep wrinkles are lines that form when the face is repeatedly pressed against a pillow. Unlike expression wrinkles, they’re caused by pressure and compression, rather than muscle movement.”

    Harley Street Dermal‘s Dr Hayder Ria agrees that the way we position our face overnight can subtly shape how our skin ages. “When you repeatedly press one side of your face into the pillow night after night, you’re effectively creasing the skin and putting pressure on delicate structures beneath,” he says. “Over time, this can lead to visible changes such as fine lines across the forehead, volume loss under the eyes, and subtle asymmetry that patients often don’t notice until it’s pointed out.”

    While a quick crease from a pillow might disappear within minutes in your twenties, collagen and elastin naturally decline with age, so the skin loses its ability to bounce back. Unfortunately, that means temporary sleep lines can settle into more permanent facial wrinkles.

    15 best pillows of 2025, according to experts

    What causes sleep wrinkles?

    According to dermatology expert Dr Gabassi, “Sleep wrinkles are caused by pressure, friction, and skin folding against pillows. When the face is pressed into the pillow, the skin and underlying structures are compressed into unnatural positions, disrupting collagen and elastin. Over time, visible creases will appear. Side or stomach sleeping, thin or delicate skin, reduced collagen with age, and certain pillow fabrics can all increase the chances of sleep wrinkles forming.”

    Dr Ria has seen this play out countless times in his clinic. He warns that having your favourite side can be especially impactful: “It’s incredibly common for people to have a ‘sleep side’, and over years it shows.” Repeatedly pressing one side of your face down can cause sleep lines to appear more prominently on that side of your face.

    Even your pillowcase fabric can play a role. Coarse cotton can create friction and contribute to wrinkle formation, while smoother fabrics found in a silk pillowcase, a satin pillowcase, or a smooth sateen pillowcase, allow the skin to glide rather than drag.

    Pure Silk Queen Pillowcase With Scalloped Edge

    Sateen Organic Cotton Pillowcases

    Can sleep wrinkles be reversed?

    Dr Gabassi says, “Early sleep wrinkles can soften with treatments such as skin boosters or microneedling, which encourage collagen renewal. Topical retinoids and peptides can also help, but deeply set sleep lines can be resistant and may require injectable treatments like dermal fillers.”

    If you’re not a fan of needles, BeauSkin London‘s Abi Oleck shares her go-to holistic tools for supporting skin while you sleep:

    • Silk and satin pillowcases: smooth fabrics reduce tugging, keep your skin hydrated, and help prevent those deep pillow creases.
    • Anti-wrinkle pillows: designed to cradle your head and reduce pressure on cheeks and eyes.
    • Breathwork and mindset: lowering stress hormones like cortisol can slow collagen breakdown. “Taking five minutes to breathe deeply or journal before bed can make a real difference to sleep quality.”
    • Nightly facial massage: helps relax the body and mind. “A simple lymphatic drainage massage before bed reduces puffiness and supports skin repair overnight. Choose a good quality oil to aid skin barrier repair.”

    “In clinic we refer to emotion skincare which is not just topical, it is a ritual of restoration. Sleep is where true healing begins — physically, emotionally, and cellularly. The right pillow, the right fabric, and the right mindset all work together to keep your skin lifted, hydrated, and glowing,” says Abi.

    17 best silk pillowcases to keep your hair and skin healthy while you kip

    How to prevent wrinkles when sleeping

    Both dermatologists and facialists agree that prevention is all about removing mechanical pressure from the skin while you sleep.

    Dr Gabassi’s advice is clear: “Back sleeping is the most effective way to prevent sleep wrinkles. You can also use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise friction, and keep your skin well-hydrated with a nourishing night cream or serum to maintain elasticity.”

    Dr Ria lists his top five tips for skin-friendly sleep:

    • Train yourself to sleep on your back – it’s the gold standard for preventing creases and asymmetry.
    • Invest in a silk pillowcase – this helps skin glide against the pillow rather than crumpling.
    • Use a supportive pillow – memory foam, wedge or V-shaped pillows can reduce pressure on delicate areas.
    • Keep skin hydrated before bed – layer a hydrating serum and barrier cream to support overnight repair.
    • Prioritise sleep hygiene – avoid alcohol late at night, reduce screen time, and get 7–9 hours of quality sleep to give your skin the best chance to repair.

    15 best eye creams for dark circles and wrinkles, reviewed

    What other skincare products can help prevent sleep wrinkles?

    Your choice of skincare matters too. “Applying any of these before bed, alongside a deeply hydrating night cream or facial oil, will help to protect the skin,” advises Dr Gabassi:

    • Retinoid products stimulate collagen production.
    • Peptide-infused creams help to repair the skin.
    • Ceramides help to strengthen the skin barrier.
    • Hyaluronic acid serums plump the skin.
    • Antioxidants like vitamin C protect structural proteins from breakdown.

    Abi Oleck stresses that products work best when the skin is clean and ready to absorb them. “Firstly, please never sleep in make up or without washing the daily grime from your skin. When you sleep in your makeup, you trap toxins and free radicals against the skin, speeding up collagen loss and preventing overnight repair. Nighttime is when your skin should be healing, but makeup or the daily grime left on at bedtime disrupts this process, leading to congestion, inflammation, and premature ageing.”

    Incorporating a targeted skincare routine before bed gives your skin the raw materials it needs for overnight repair, improving skin elasticity and skin hydration so it’s more resistant to wrinkle formation. Prioritise rich, moisturising night creams and anti-aging masks that do the hard work while you’re giving it Zzzs.

    Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask 75ml

    Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream

    What is the best sleeping position to avoid sleep wrinkles?

    We know, we’ve mentioned it a lot — but back sleeping really is best.

    Dr Gabassi confirms, “Sleeping on your back is best, as it prevents the face from pressing into the pillow and reduces compression lines.”

    Dr Ria goes as far as to call back sleeping the “gold standard” for preventing sleep lines. It eliminates the compression that happens when you sleep face down or as a side sleeper, which creates creases on the side of your face pressed into the pillow.

    If you really find back sleeping difficult (we hear you!) it’s worth investing in a top quality memory foam pillow that’s designed to keep your head, neck and shoulders perfectly aligned, meaning that when you do drift off, you’ll be less likely to fidget and find your way back to your default side or stomach position.

    Memory Foam Pillow – White

    The role of sleep in skin health

    Beyond mechanics, sleep itself is fundamental to skin health. “As a holistic aesthetician and facialist, I see first-hand how lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, and the simplest daily rituals can transform our skin,” says Abi Oleck. “One of the most underestimated yet powerful treatments I recommend to my clients is sleep. We often chase the latest serum, treatment, or device, but if we’re not giving our skin time to heal while we sleep, we’re working against ourselves. We truly do need our ‘beauty sleep’.”

    “When we sleep deeply, our skin goes into repair mode. Collagen and elastin rebuild, inflammation calms, and hydration levels restore. Miss out on good sleep, and your skin will soon tell the story —dullness, puffiness, and lines become more visible. I always remind my clients: your night routine starts long before the products touch your skin — it starts with rest itself.”

    In other words, you can’t buy your way to great skin if you’re not getting a good night’s sleep.

    Ideal Silk Sleep Eye Mask

    The verdict: best sleeping position to prevent wrinkles

    Sleep lines might seem harmless, but over the years they can become etched into the skin – especially if you’re a dedicated side sleeper or often sleep face down. (Hello, crow’s feet). While you don’t need to overhaul your whole bedtime routine, being mindful of your sleeping position, pillowcase, skincare habits – and let’s not forget, overall wellness – can protect your skin’s collagen and skin elasticity long-term.

    As Dr Ria puts it, “Your sleeping habits are something you do every single night, for years of your life – so it makes sense they leave their mark. By making small adjustments now, you can prevent changes that would otherwise show up later.”

    So yes, beauty sleep is real. And the best sleeping position for avoiding sleep wrinkles? Back sleeping – combined with a high-quality silk pillowcase and eye mask, hydrating skincare, and the kind of deep rest your skin will thank you for in the morning.

    [ad_2]

    Ali Howard

    Source link

  • The best silk pillowcases for a bedroom aesthetic worthy of its own Pinterest board

    [ad_1]

    Sleeping on one of the best silk pillowcases is said to come with a whole host of beauty benefits, including anti-ageing properties for our skin and smoothing properties for our hair. In fact, silk helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture while we snooze, keeping it soft and supple, and in turn reduces fine lines, wrinkles and breakouts. Sure, they cost a bit more upfront than linen or cotton, but the payoff is priceless – deep, luxurious sleep.

    So, if you’re yet to invest in this beauty editor’s must-have, you’re seriously missing a trick. But fear not, we’ve outlined the benefits of switching to silk, along with our editors’ tried-and-tested recommendations of the best silk pillowcases to invest in today, to help you achieve the best beauty sleep of your life.

    Typically, silk pillowcases are sold either individually or in pairs, and can be used separately to complement our luxe bedding set-up. But for all-out opulence, look for complete pure silk bedding sets, sheets, and bedspreads. Throw in an electric diffuser, sleep mask, and a weighted blanket, and you’re in for a serious sleep upgrade.

    Silk pillowcases FAQs, answered:

    Meet the expert:

    How we tested the best silk pillowcases:

    With so many silk pillowcases on the market – differing in silk grade, momme weight, size, and care instructions – it can be tricky to know which one truly delivers on comfort, durability, and beauty benefits. To cut through the noise, we tested a wide range of silk pillowcases across weeks of use to find the ones genuinely worth the investment.

    We focused on pillowcases made from high-quality mulberry silk, all with a minimum of 19 momme for optimal softness and longevity. Our testing spanned different closures (envelope vs. zipper), fit across standard and king pillows, and additional features like hypoallergenic properties or OEKO-TEX certifications. While most of our testing was done with standard-size pillowcases, we also included king, travel and square sizes to accommodate different needs.

    Each silk pillowcase in this round up has been evaluated for its smoothness, breathability, ease of care, along with any notable beauty benefits we noticed after switching to silk. We also considered whether they held up well after repeated washing, before giving each one a score out of 10. Lean more about how we test.

    Why you can trust GLAMOUR

    We’re picky when it comes to sleep. At GLAMOUR, we don’t just take brands at their word. We speak to the experts (think sleep scientists and facialists), dive into the nitty-gritty of skin health and hair care, and most importantly, we test the silk pillowcases ourselves.

    Our editors know what it’s like to deal with insomnia, skin concerns, and allergies firsthand, so we take the job seriously. We sleep on these silk pillowcases for weeks – not just a night or two – and we focus on how our skin and hair feel, how gentle the fabric is, and whether we wake up refreshed or with irritation. If it doesn’t pass the test, it doesn’t make the cut. Simple as that.

    Ahead, our full edit of tried and tested silk pillowcases to elevate your beauty sleep tenfold.

    [ad_2]

    Mayola Fernandes

    Source link

  • 7 best eczema creams to help you during flare-ups

    [ad_1]

    From rich, moisturising body lotions, to thick and greasy ointments, the best eczema creams can generally be found in the not-so-glamorous pharmacy section of your local Boots or Superdrug. These dermatologist-recommended emollients often come housed in telltale white tubs or clinical-looking tubes, and play an essential role in managing symptoms (or tackling flare-ups).

    “Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 2-10% of adults,” explains Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips. “It’s characterised by an impaired skin barrier, which leads to the increased loss of moisture from the skin – leading to dryness and irritation.”

    There are different types of eczema, but the most common one is atopic eczema – or ‘atopic dermatitis’ – which causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. Some people only have small patches, while others may experience more widespread inflammation – but irritation most commonly appears on the hands, in the crook of the elbows, on the backs of the knees, and on the face and scalp.

    Clearly, I’m not a doctor – so please consult your GP for medical advice, management tips and proper emollient recommendations. I am, however, a skincare lover with a particularly sensitive skin barrier – so I’ve become pretty skilled over the years at hunting down everyday lotions and creams that don’t feel overly medicinal. But, importantly, that are safe for use on eczema-prone skin.

    From lightweight body lotions, to rich overnight moisturisers, this edit is filled with face and body creams from skincare brands that have been granted the all-important National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance™. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll definitely still want to reach for the trusty tub of proper, pharmaceutical ointment to tackle any flare-ups — but these dermatologist-approved picks from regular brands like Aveeno and La Roche-Posay are ideal for everyday use.

    What are the symptoms of eczema?

    “Eczema is often identified by itchy, dry, red, or darkly pigmented scaly patches of skin,” says Dr Derrick Phillips. “These patches are often found in areas where the skin creases – like the insides of the elbows, behind the knees, and around the neck.”

    According to Dr Derrick, eczema symptoms can really vary from person to person. “In some cases it can appear as circular patches, whereas on the hands and feet it may show up as small, fluid-filled bumps that can be especially uncomfortable,” he explains. “If it starts to become especially weepy or develops a golden crust, you’re likely dealing with an infection.”

    Atopic eczema is the most common kind, and dermatology research show that it does seem to run in families – and has a link to other atopic conditions, like asthma, hayfever, and food allergies.

    “In many people with eczema, inherited changes in skin barrier proteins like filaggrin make the skin less able to lock in moisture and defend against irritants – which increases the likelihood of eczema flare-ups,” Dr Derrick explains. And everyday triggers like harsh soaps and fragranced cosmetics – alongside environmental factors like particularly dry or cold weather – can provoke a reaction.

    Alternatively, eczema can also be acquired by the immune system being triggered by allergens. “Contact dermatitis develops when the immune system becomes sensitised to specific ingredients or substances that touch the skin – like preservatives, fragrances, or even metals like nickel – and this triggers an eczema reaction.” Dr Derrick adds.

    Can eczema be treated without steroids?

    With more and more people speaking out on social media about the realities of living with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), many eczema sufferers are now reluctant to reach for steroid creams as a first-line eczema treatment.

    In short, it’s definitely possible to manage most mild to moderate cases without topical corticosteroids – as long as you’re really disciplined about keeping your skin moisturised, and actively treat any affected areas.

    However, sometimes, a trusty over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can really help reduce inflammation and itching during a particularly bad flare-up of severe eczema – but only using it for a short-period of time is cruical if you want to avoid any of the nasty side effects. As always, your best bet is definitely to speak to your NHS GP or healthcare provider.

    What ingredients should I look for in an eczema cream – and which should I avoid?

    The best creams and lotions for eczema-prone skin are generally packed with emollients like shea butter and jojoba oil that’ll help soften and moisturise dry skin — as well as soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera to help with any itch relief.

    “Ceramides and panthenol are also great because they will help support, repair, and strengthen the skin barrier,” Dr Derrick adds. “And definitely look out for humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, as they can provide some much-needed hydration.”

    In terms of what you need to avoid, Dr Derrick says that the most obvious answer is anything fragranced. “Plus, it’s also best to exercise caution with actives like retinol and vitamin C, as they can irritate inflamed skin.”

    Ahead, the best eczema creams and moisturisers for daily use.

    [ad_2]

    Georgia Lockstone

    Source link