#beauty

25 Skincare and Wellness Tips by the Best in the World

August 13, 2021 by luxelife9_uqniwh 28 Comments

We all need to take care of ourselves, that’s not an option but a must.

And like the rest of us, the most gorgeous Hollywood stars can suffer from acne and wrinkles and can suffer some health issues, so they make sure they have doctors on call who can treat them.

While they don’t always divulge the names of their A-list clients, these superstar skin and wellness doctors do share their most effective treatments. So here are some tips from celebrity doctors that can help on how to properly care for your skin and wellness.

Mask Breakouts

Making a seven-figure salary for a movie can’t save you from breakouts. And throwing money at the problem won’t necessarily provide a cure. “I tell my clients to steer clear of toners and avoid products with benzoyl peroxide, says Harold Lancer, MD, a dermatologist whose clients include JLo and Kim Kardashian. “Oil is not the enemy; bacteria are what cause breakouts,” he explains. “Drying agents create redness and irritation, and encourage increased sebum production, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve. Use a natural absorber like clay to prevent breakouts and mattify skin.” Dr. Lancer recommends his own Lancer Skin Care Oil Absorber ($35), or you might try Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Face Treatment ($48).

Splurge Daily

Paltrow’s trainer and business partner, Tracy Anderson, gives all of us permission to not starve ourselves (um, thank you?). “Pick the meal that you enjoy the most, and let that be your one calorie splurge for that day,” says Anderson. She suggests cutting back on the other two meals with protein shakes or an energy bar (she happens to love Bliss Bar Superfood Energy Bars).

Press to stop headaches

Got a headache? Here’s a tip from Sanjay Gupta, M.D., chief medical correspondent for CNN and associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta

“Here’s a great remedy I use: Take your thumbs and place them under your brows and just above the middle of your eye socket. Push in and up, like you’re giving a thumbs-up; hold for a few seconds. This pressure on the orbital nerve can make stress-related headaches disappear.”

Stick With a Program

With so much buzz surrounding new, “miracle” ingredients, it’s hard not to succumb to the temptation to try them all. But piling on products can ruin your good intentions. “Great, healthy skin requires a synergy of ingredients,” Lancer says. Keep it simple — it’s more important to be consistent with the products you do use. Also, layering on a number of products can be counterproductive — for example, if you apply a product with glycolic acid and then add retinol or a vitamin C product, the two can cancel out each other’s effects, ensuring you won’t get the results you’re after.

For an anti-aging dream team, Lancer suggests a vitamin C day cream and retinol (we like SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0) for the night to improve skin tone. He also likes green tea extract’s anti-inflammatory properties and recommends stem cell formulas to promote the production of collagen, glycoproteins, and elastin.

Snack Between Meals

You know how your mom used to be all, “Don’t snack, or you’ll ruin your appetite!” And you were all, “But I’m so hungry!” Well, now you can tell your mom that Harley Pasternak — trainer to Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Katy Perry and author of the Five-Factor Diet — says low-fat protein snacking is totally fine. Edamame and nonfat Greek yogurt with frozen berries are his favorite options. And in his book, he mentions salmon sashimi with plums and fresh figs with balsamic cream sauce. Yum.

Don’t Deprive Yourself

Since TV host Kelly Ripa is so thin, it’s hard to believe she doesn’t believe in diets. Yet this is what she told Self: “I don’t diet, because I feel moderation is key. My guilty pleasure is french fries.” Apparently, celebs have all the answers. “Kelly is spot-on by not giving herself guilt trips,” says Ashley Koff, RD, of Los Angeles. In fact, Dr. Oz created a whole diet around eating what you love, based on numerous studies that show you’ll spontaneously combust if you don’t eat at least one french fry. Really! Now, this is the kind of diet advice we like.

Eat Your Water

We’ve all heard the mantra that we should drink eight glasses of water a day. But drowning your sorrows in water won’t save your skin, because you’re actually purging vital minerals from your body, according to Howard Murad, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Murad, whose patients are rumored to include Kristin Cavallari and Kim Cattrall, advocates getting hydration from raw fruits and vegetables.

The best water for your cells is found in foods like fruits and vegetables, Murad says. “Not only will you get a boost of important antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients, but it stays in your system long enough for your body to put it to good use,” he explains. That means you should stock your refrigerator with cucumbers, pomegranates, avocados, apricots, mangoes, broccoli, and spinach.

Gorge on greens

During these times you need to keep your immunity up, and here’s a tip from Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author of Super Immunity.

He said that the best foods you can eat to fuel your immune response are green vegetables — they’re loaded with antioxidants that keep free radicals in your body under control. A refrigerator stocked with lettuce, kale, and broccoli is his secret weapon during flu season.

Don’t Ever Stop Working Out, Ever

When all else fails, work out, work out and work out some more. At least that’s what Jennifer Aniston tells InStyle. She works out 5 to 6 days a week. Spinning. Cardio. Yoga. Pilates. And you think she orders those fattening late-night room service runs during press junkets? Uh, no. “I take eight-pound weights with me whenever I’m staying in a hotel,” she says. “It’s always good to do arm exercises when you’re watching television or talking on the phone. I also love to stretch before I go to bed, and usually throw in a couple of sit-ups.” And this, my darlings, is why Jennifer Aniston looks like Jennifer Aniston.

Ditch Under-Eye Baggage

There are only so many miracles you can expect from your makeup if you don’t pay attention to the eye area. To protect this delicate skin, you should apply eye cream twice a day and use sun protection. A few lifestyle tweaks can also make a dramatic improvement in how you look. Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California, advises sleeping with your head elevated on two pillows the night before a big event and avoiding salty foods for a few days. These steps will prevent fluid from collecting around the eyes and causing bags.

Listen to your body

Susan B. Lord, M.D., integrative physician in Great Barrington, MA, and teacher at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, MA, believes that negative thoughts and worry deplete the body and allow things like colds to take hold much more easily. That’s one of the reasons she meditates every morning for 20 minutes. She thinks of it as ‘taking out the garbage’ in her life, mind, and body. She is also very conscious of asking herself a simple question many times a day: What do I need? Is it food? Relaxation? Exercise?

Listening to what my body tells you means you can make healthy choices, day in, day out

Sign Up For A Delivery Service

Delivery-to-your-doorstep meals are nothing new, but according to Paula Abdul, Olivia Munn, and Shenae Grimes, The Fresh Diet meals are da bomb. The company’s Web site offers all sorts of success stories: Us Weekly called it the “best diet of 2011” and Self gave it a gold star. The menus look decent enough (e.g., 3 meals, 2 snacks, and 2 sides — including pesto couscous-stuffed tomatoes), but what got us was the no cleanup, no cooking part. Yes, it’s a little pricey ($44.99 a day for the 31-Day Total Transformation), but have you seen Olivia Munn? Case closed.

Wake Up your Skin

To bring a glow to dull skin quickly, Ava Shamban, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Monica and the author of Heal Your Skin, tells patients to soak a facecloth in cold water and rub it all over the face for a few seconds; you can also do this with an ice cube. “This stimulates blood circulation adding instant, though temporary, radiance,” she says. The exfoliating benefit of the cloth will also help clear pores, so they look smaller. If that’s too chilling a prospect, Dr. Shamban advises rubbing an orange slice over the face for a similarly invigorating effect.

Go herbal

Got a cold? According to David Katz, M.D., ABC News medical consultant and director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center in New Haven, CT, to prevent colds, He is a fan of North American ginseng, a botanical supplement you can find at health food stores. You have to take two doses of it every day during flu season, but the payoff is worth it: You can count on an approximate 30 percent reduction in the incidence of catching colds, which is pretty great. He also recommends zinc.

Take it at the start of your symptoms — 30 mg per day — and it will shorten the duration of your cold by half.

Push Your Body In Shifts

Running circles around the track makes you feel good, right? “Woo-hoo, I’m burning the carbs!” Well, Joe Dowdell, president of NYC-based Peak Performance Strength and Conditioning Center (trainer to Anne Hathaway and Claire Danes), says that’s not enough: He would also like you to be, ugh, methodical about it. The fitness guru says to push your body at the beginning of your workout, only resting 20 to 30 seconds between sets. Toward the end of your workout — you know, that period when you feel like you’re about to puke — take more time resting between sets (up to a minute).

Give Your Skin Some Air

“Intraceuticals’ oxygen-infusing facial is celebrities’ secret weapon because it immediately and dramatically plumps skin for an incredibly fresh appearance,” says Shamban. “It also revitalizes skin cells and encourages topical antioxidant absorption for smoother, softer skin, helping acne, as well as age-related changes such as fine wrinkling and brown spots.” Reap the benefits of oxygen in your home with Philosophy’s Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer ($34) or Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask ($54).

Give baked goods a boost

Do you like baking? Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., R.D., author of The Doctor’s Detox Diet: The Ultimate Weight Loss RX, said that she uses white whole-wheat flour in all recipes that call for flour. It tastes like regular flour, but because it’s made with whole grains, she gets the added heart-healthy, belly-filling benefits of fiber.

Cover Up

“One of the best ways to prevent sagging skin is to wear a UVA- and UVB-blocking sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 each and every day,” says dermatologist Fredric Brandt, MD, whose VIP client list includes Madonna and Kelly Ripa. “This habit should become part of your lifestyle.

Any other efforts you’re expending on your skin will be wasted if you don’t protect it with such sunscreen. “There are new FDA labeling guidelines for what constitutes ‘broad-spectrum,’ so be careful of trendy products that don’t adhere to these new and elevated standards for UVA and UVB protection,” says Lancer. These guidelines go into effect this summer for large companies, but smaller, niche sunscreen makers have more time to implement the changes. And although you can expect to see the new labeling on products that hit the shelves in June, retailers are still allowed to sell older products. If in doubt, look for the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.

Start Stripping

Apparently, actress Amy Adams hates the treadmill so much that she decided to go all stripper-pants on us to lose her baby weight. Yes, the woman known for her sweet and innocent roles (Enchanted; The Muppets) is down with pole dancing. And according to my insider sources (ahem, tabloids), Emma Watson, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Hudson also named pole dancing as an integral part of their workouts. (Hudson reportedly even installed a pole in her bathroom. Dancing by the toilet sounds odd, but whatever works.)

Get Your Fill

Injectable hyaluronic acid treatments such as Restylane, Juvéderm, Hylaform, and Perlane are great tools for adding volume to nasolabial folds (the parentheses that form between the nose and the outer corners of the lips), crow’s-feet, and lip lines. But why stop there? asks Pat Wexler, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, who’s been said to count Donna Karan, Christie Brinkley, Ellen Barkin, and Barbra Streisand among her clients. “Using these hyaluronic acid fillers along the jawline and cheeks, we can create a liquid lift to laterally tighten and fill the face,” she says. “The result can be very natural looking.”

Get light therapy

According to Joel Fuhrman, M.D., one way you can recharge your internal battery daily is to dim the lights one hour before bedtime and sleep in a pitch-black room. In the morning make sure you get some sunshine; you can sit near a window or take a walk outside.

The bright light turns off the secretion of melatonin, a sleep neurotransmitter, and stimulates the production of serotonin, which helps you feel energized.

Tighten Up

Saggy, drooping skin will definitely lower anyone’s Q score. But a full-on face-lift is an extreme measure few can commit to. “For immediate skin tightening around the eyes and mouth, the Pellevé wrinkle reduction system is my go-to,” says Shamban. This procedure, which uses radio-frequency waves to “melt” fat, visibly tightens and tones skin over the course of two to six visits, resulting in a smoother, more svelte appearance, without recovery time. A lower-tech alternative is Lancôme’s Rénergie Lift Volumetry ($90) — its ingredients are designed to lift and contour sagging skin after four weeks of use.

Play mind games to quit stressing

Carl Bazil, M.D., director of Columbia University’s Sleep Medicine Center in New York City said When your brain’s on overload, use progressive relaxation to coax yourself to sleep. Visualize each part of your body, starting at your toes, and imagine them completely at rest. Then move upward one muscle group at a time until you reach the crown of the head. When stressed some can’t even sleep and this tip gets him to doze off.

Try DIY Treatments

There are many new devices that promise to bring the dermatologist’s office into your home, and though pricey, they can offset the cost of repeated doctor visits — provided they deliver results. One device that’s getting good buzz is the FDA-cleared PaloVia Skin Renewing Laser ($500); it delivers short pulses of micro-fine laser light to kick-start collagen production around the eyes. “The PaloVia laser is one of my best-kept skin secrets because it takes the same fractional-laser technology I use on my patients and adapts it for at-home use,” says Tina Alster, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical School, who’s worked with many dignitaries and celebs.

Treat Yourself From Head to Toe

There are areas below your chin that can show the signs of aging too. “Taking care of your neck and décolleté is important, as this area often gives a more revealing indication of a woman’s age,” says Dr. Brandt. “The skin here is extremely delicate and contains fewer oil glands, so it’s more prone to damage and scarring than the face.” To ward off wrinkles, slather the area daily with an anti-aging moisturizer and sunscreen.

I hope these tips from the experts helped you on how to properly care for your skin and wellness. We know we are all beautiful and to make that even get to a higher level, we need to take care of ourselves.

Self-care is not selfish, and no one can love you more than yourself so take care of yourself properly.

As always, for more ideas, visit my Instagram account at https://instagram.com/luxelife9, feel free to follow and engage with me there as well.

Best Hair Products

June 28, 2021 by luxelife9_uqniwh 152 Comments

We girls (even guys) all love to care for our crowning glories. Well, who doesn’t? We all love beautiful and healthy hair. Hair – can really change your appearance (for better or worse). Whether it’s a color or style, your hair can make or break your look.

In this blog, I want to share with you the custom shampoo + conditioner that I’ve been loving so much.

Yes, a custom shampoo + conditioner that is specifically formulated for me was made possible by FORMULATE.

Formulate is a hair care company that formulates shampoo & condition to your specific hair and hair care needs. No one has the same hair. So why are we buying cookie-cutter shampoo & conditioner?

After taking Formulate’s survey, their chemists develop a shampoo & conditioner formula to fit your hair and its needs. If for some reason the formula is not right Formulate will work with you till they get it right.

They look at your environment, lifestyle, current hair + scalp condition, and hair care goals – all of which impact the key ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner.

The whole process is actually quick and fun. On the Formulate website or app, they have a survey that asks you questions regarding your hair. Questions such as: what color is it, is it color-treated, what is its texture and thickness, and so on. They also want to know your location so they can factor in the weather in your area. Then Formulate needs to know what your hair needs help with.

Do you need frizz control, strengthening, etc? Lastly, you get to pick your scent and let them know what ingredients you don’t want in your formula. (They even give you directions on how to use your shampoo & conditioner.)

There are 7 to pick from, ranging from fresh to floral to fruity. The different scents they have are Green with Envy (green tea and honey), Verdant (grass, lilies, eucalyptus), Tidal (coconut, sea, warm sand), Shoreline (spice, citrus, sea), Freshly Squeezed (sweet orange, tangerine), Burgeon (blooming orange blossom), and At Dawn (green apple, pear, rose).

I got their Burgeon and Cool Coconut Scent. And what I love most about their shampoo is that they are free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, preservatives, sodium, and are cruelty-free.
Sulfates are the things in shampoo that make your hair feel knotty and slick while trying to wash it. You can even ask them to exclude any ingredient you do not want or are possibly allergic to.

If you are trying to live as natural a life as possible and try to live as vegan a lifestyle as possible this is a good buy for you.

The packaging is so aesthetically pleasing! Their packaging has a sleek geometric pump bottle that would look elegant in any bathroom, plus with braille for the visually impaired. (10/10 for the thoughtful and beautiful design.) I love how they kept it simple with the alternating black and white on the shampoo and conditioner bottles.So how was it when I first use it?

Of course, as I was expecting, it wouldn’t show great results at first. Like any new skincare routine, your hair needs time to adjust and for the product to work.

On the first week of using it, I noticed that my hair becomes a bit greasy. So if you have dry hair and scalp this is a good thing. But if you don’t like your hair like that you can always ask them to adjust your formulation.

At the two-week mark, Formulate sends you an email requesting feedback about your custom formula. You have to take advantage of this and be honest in your feedback since from your feedback they will adjust the formulations based on what you need.

Even though I am a big fan of the squeaky-clean feel turns out my old shampoo was stripping my hair. My hair was dry after using it and I had to put so much product in my hair just to get my comb through it. After using Formulate my hair is soft, manageable, and easy to style. Which is exactly what I wanted it to be.

I was completely blown away by this company and its products. I truly admire the dedication behind a company that desires to meet each and every one of its customer’s needs. No matter how many times it takes.

I couldn’t tell you how often I’ve purchased hair products only to be completely disappointed, never using them again. Not only is this a huge waste of money, but it also is frustrating. The products get shoved in the closet on the shelf or used as guest shower products.
I recommend trying it and see how you can transform your hair into healthy hair. It is slightly more pricey than most shampoo and conditioners but in my opinion very much worth it for you.

As always, for more ideas, visit my Instagram account at https://instagram.com/luxelife9, feel free to follow and engage with me there as well.

Best things to buy at the 2020 Sephora Fall Sale!

November 7, 2020 by luxelife9_uqniwh 115 Comments

Hey! Know the latest news? It is not about politics or whichever, right! Duh!?

It’s the biggest Holiday Savings event of the year… SEPHORA is ON SALE!!!

Get ready girls and gals! Pick up those lappies and find out which on your wish lists have been dropping with discounts.

Me? Here are some of the skincare products I have purchased this week and of course added MORE already to my basket! Haha-I need help!

How about you? Take a look! You may want it, too.

I love this serum because it is very gentle and non-irritating. A great option if you are just starting to use AHA in your skin regimen.

• THE ORDINARY – Lactic Acid 5% + HA

This 5-per cent liquid formula offers very mild exfoliation for normal skin. It is free of parabens, also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. Good for fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture. The Tasmanian pepperberry helps to calm and soothe your skin after exfoliation. Best to use once per day, ideally in the evening. To reduce its strength can be diluted with other treatments until the skin develops its tolerance. Avoid contact with eyes and when irritation occurs, stop using it and consult a physician. It is advisable to patch testing before use because of its AHA content. I’m using sunscreen and wears protective clothing when going out. It may increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn when exposed within a week of use.

• Next on my list is the KVD Vegan Beauty – Lock-it Foundation

What excites me the most about this foundation is the matte finish in medium sand undertone shades. A full-coverage liquid foundation perfect for my all-day wear, easy application, and blends on my skin well. It is free of parabens and phthalates. The good thing with Lock-it Foundations is that it is transfer-resistant and truly stays on my face longer and not on the clothes or anywhere else. This foundation best partnered with Lock-it Hydrating Primer (sold separately) to make sure our skin is well-hydrated before applying.

• And to add more to my collection, I have Matte Perfection Powder Foundation from Sephora in Porcelain Pink color with plenty of shades to choose from. A creamy powder foundation, weightless, buildable coverage. A pressed powder that flexes and moves with the skin in a natural-matte finish. No cracks, cake, or any suffocating feels on the skin. Using the sponge applicator, just simply sweep and blend. For others who want to apply for lighter coverage, apply this using the Sephora Collection Classic Multitasker Powder Brush #45.

For defining my eyebrows and highlighting it, I chose these two of my most faves:

• BENEFITS COSMETICS – Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil

I love the warm medium brown color. It is super-easy filling and shaping eyebrow pencil with 12 available shades to flatter every hair color. Lots of amazing colors to choose from, so whatever your skin type, this is an A+!

This Goof Proof Brow Pencil features a custom tip that easily shapes, defines, and fills in brows. It effortlessly blends up to 12 hours. I can feel its softness when I apply it, a glide-on color that creates naturally-full-looking and beautiful brows. And it’s waterproof!

There have been clinical results where out of 109 women used this after a week (from a consumer panel survey); 95% said it was easy to fill and shape brows. In an instrumental test on 20 panellists, the color lasted for 12 hours. Another 22 panellists say that the color is indeed waterproof.

• BENEFITS COSMETICS – High Brow Glow Eyebrow Highlighting Pencil

And to redefine my brows with a luminous that instantly illuminates and visibly lifts my brows is this one! It has creamier and more blendable formula. Very subtle highlight and looks super cute under my brows. It is a champagne-pink shade with an eye-catching luminous finish accentuates arches, makes eyes pop, and gives the brow area a lifted look.

And for the Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner, I love March Jacobs’. This eyeliner comes with shimmer, matte and satin finish with lots of color collection that would best suit our mood.

This waterproof gel pot eyeliner in a crayon lasts for 12 hours. An exclusive to Marc Jacobs Beauty, it is the super malleable formula that offers versatility, flawless, and a luxury experience of a gel eyeliner.

An Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner Highliner. It’s a perfect all-around eyeliner!

These three are my fore-keeps and always on my make-up kit.

To spice up my daily favorites, the next items I got are best of the best, iconic, smudge-proof, lip tint, and cheek stain.

• BENEFITS COSMETICS – Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint

The Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint is formulated with Water (Aqua), Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Carmine (CI 75470), Methylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Tetrasodium Edta, Geraniol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Maltodextrin, Benzyl Salicylate, BHT.

I apply this on my lips and layering it to build intensity. Sometimes I put on some lip gloss to have a pouty look. For my cheeks, I put a dot and blend it. The color is so natural-looking and long-lasting, it can stay almost all day. For a healthy-looking and dewy glow, you can wear under High Beam(a satin highlighter which can be sold separately) on cheeks.

• NARS – Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint

I love the peach-pink shades with golden shimmer!

Getting a high shine finish, non-greasy feel and a surge of hydration on my lips make this NARS Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint special because of a seductively-plush-looking lip. What is more amazing about this product is the hydrating lip oil, and other ingredients such as raspberry seed oil that nourishes lips while protecting against environmental stressors; and pomegranate extract for long-lasting hydration and antioxidants.

Now for the end-of-day regimen, let’s not forget how important to properly remove our makeup and do some skin pampering and leaving-out all the impurities.

• LANCOME Bi- Facil Home & Away Duo

A limited-edition, the two-piece set makes up removal liquid formula that activates when shaken to gently whisk away even waterproof eye makeup while conditioning and refreshing the skin. Two for the price of one! One bottle for home and one for travel, that’s so convenient to use and easy to take any time anywhere. For those who use contact lenses, this product is safe and tested as advised of ophthalmologists, especially if you have sensitive skin. This works well, just soak the activated formula onto a cotton pad and apply around the eyes and lash line to remove eye makeup.

• For all skin-types, here’s The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, hydrating formula with ultra-pure, vegan hyaluronic acid. Parabens and Phthalates FREE. Another Allure Best of Beauty Award winner because of its remarkable formulation. It combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as well as a next-generation H.A. cross polymer. A 2% combined concentration for multi-depth hydration.

I apply a few drops over my entire face in the morning and evening before using creams.

There you have it, my love! My basket is full of beauty collection that made my online shopping experience much exciting and I’m so loving it!

Wait, there’s more!

That is because I got a 20% discount and being one of the Rouge customers, I have enjoyed getting more products like:

• Charlotte Tilbury Mini Magic Cream and Mini Jewel Lip Gloss

This is an iconic duo. Charlotte’s Magic Cream instantly hydrates, plumps, lifts, and smooths my skin for a glowing and dewy complexion. Partnered with Jewel Lip Gloss with glittering jewel inspired pearls. Perfect for birthday gift ideas!

• Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb

The warm, sweet, and spicy scents made me feel a garden-party-like with an enchanting whirl of cattleya, jasmine and rose grounded in patchouli and vanilla.

• SMASHBOX Classic Primer

This product is a great primer to make our skin looks smooth and refines pores and lines so that the makeup will last. It has Vitamins A and E to protect our skin. And of course, vegan and a cruelty-free product.

• Kiehl’S Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I got this night oil that serves as an anti-aging night serum. It helps with skin hydration overnight for a smoother-looking complexion and achieve that radiant glow comes morning.

As always, for more ideas, visit my Instagram account at https://instagram.com/luxelife9, feel free to follow and engage with me there as well.

Beauty trends around the world!

October 31, 2020 by luxelife9_uqniwh 73 Comments

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – a common and popular tag line when you describe beauty with a character that comes from within.

You know, I love makeup! I’ve been in the cosmetic/fashion world my whole life and I love the different cultures, trends and the vibes I get from wearing a strong bold eye!

When we talk about makeup, it differs from people by people, places by places, and cultures. We can dig more of this complex topic around the world. But how does cosmetics start? Who was the first to use makeup and how it affects the world market today?

Let’s dive in!

There was archeological evidence that cosmetics evolved during ancient times from Egypt and Greece. In ancient Egypt, they use castor oil as a protective balm and skin creams made of beeswax, olive oil, and rosewater. Historically, there were traces of makeup found in cave paintings. The Old Stone age was a period where women colored their bodies in reddish-brown tones to express themselves in different moods, sexual maturity, mourning, or social circumstances.

During the Persian Empire, today is Iran, “kohl” was used, it a black powder smeared to darken the edges of the eyelids similar to eyeliner.

Around 3000 BC, during the Chou dynasty, royals wore gold and silver stain on their fingernails with gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax, and egg white. In later years, royals wore black or red. These colours used to represent a social class. Lower classes, they were forbidden to wear bright colours on their nails.

Geishas in Japan wore a different kind of lipstick. It was made of crushed safflower petals to paint eyebrows and edges of the eyes as well as lips and sticks of bintsuke wax, a softer version of the sumo wrestlers’ hair wax.

In China, almost similar to Japanese, the eyes are enhanced with very pale or white faces. They applied lead powder as the base make up but as we all know, lead contains toxic materials that might harm the skin. In the early years, they have been using rice powder that passes through the process. Grinding into a fine powder, soaked in cold water, fermented and rotten, cleaned and drained, then exposed to the sun and finally used for makeup. It was categorized into blush, eyebrows, and lipstick.

Indian women preferred a much simpler makeup, lips shades with slightly red colours, and their eyes highlighted in black.

In cosmetic history, there is a fascinating story that evolved during the Roman Empire. During those times, cosmetics were only amongst prostitutes and rich women. There were traditional values and sentiments discussed because of this. According to the church leaders, it was sinful and immoral to wear make up for the middle ages.

Native Americans used cultural face-painting and tribal makeup for ceremonial events or battle. In Africa, with estimated 3000 tribes, makeup plays a vital role in different groups. Each form of face paint signifies traditional and religious reasons and purposes.

Face paint has colours and symbols with a certain meaning and is usually made out of clay with different hues using dried plants and flowers.

In the European Renaissance era, idolization of the art and literature from ancient civilizations of Rome and Greece. Hence, the introduction of white face paint became the basis of aristocracy and social recognition. During these times, natural look, soft, and graceful were likely to be perfect for them. As the years go by, tremendously, it changed and keeps changing as time goes by.

Now, let’s talk about the New Era. Make-up has been a successful product line across the globe. A definition of beauty becomes ethereal, and people who used it come out their chameleon look.

Are you ready to get a glimpse of the make-up line, beauty cosmetics, and skincare today?

Did you know that Western Europe led with an expenditure of $748 Billion (USD) per year on beauty products? The second on the list is United States with $663 Billion (USD). China steps in third with $661 Billion (USD). Oceania and Asia mark as the biggest consumers of cosmetics which makes 39% of the market.

Makeup nowadays can be explored no matter what your culture is. There are various makeup selections offer by beauty companies that are Marketing focus. But it is more important to look more closely at makeup culture itself and how it affects everyday women. Makeup use also depends on the preferences of each individual. We must learn how to respect these considerations.

As makeup artists myself, I, other makeup experts, and beauty gurus consider that makeup is a high form of art. Our face represents as a canvas to create an ethereal image that leads to the discovery of a chameleon look.

As always, for more ideas, visit my Instagram account at https://instagram.com/luxelife9, feel free to follow and engage with me there as well.

The Absolute Best Skincare Line under $20 Bucks!

August 14, 2020 by luxelife9_uqniwh 40 Comments

How’s everyone doing? I hope you’re all doing well.
So, I have people asking daily on my Instagram about more inexpensive products and if they are any good so girl, man, I got the tea baby!!! I know the pandemic is hitting some of you harder than others so loves, I bought it ALL and tried it ALL for you!
We are going to talk about the best skin care line that would give you great results without making you have to decide between good skincare and cheap toilet paper! lol.
Have you heard about The Ordinary?
I guess some of you may have heard or was already using some of their products, a lot of theirproducts actually have good reviews.
But before we talk about their products, lets talk about the company behind it.
The Ordinary is a brand from DECIEM, The Abnormal Beauty Company. Yes, they
call themselves that. lol. They started trading in 2013. Now they own and operate more than 10 brands in the beauty world. Some of these brands have already become leaders in their focused categories while some are still waiting impatiently
to be born. They started with 1 product in 1 market.
They now have a growing portfolio of more than 50 products in more than 15 markets. One of the best-known brands under them is The Ordinary. But dont let the name deceive you, they are an evolving collection of treatments that could do extraordinary results for your skin.
Now, lets start to talk about the great products that I tried from their The Ordinary brand.

1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – $12.20

Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally but its natural function within the skin is not hydration it instead sits on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated temporarily while making you feel like
you need more HA after the product is rinsed. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely
to improve temporary surface hydration. This system is supported by the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration. This will make your skin looks so clear and dewy with no irritation.

2. Lactic Acid 10% + HA – $6.80

Its super lightweight and a little goes a long way. After using this you will definitely see a difference in fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne. Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin, that is why. This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation. If you want a milder formula, they have a 5% available for you. But just a reminder, Lactic Acid should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

3. High-Adherence Silicone Primer – $4.90

If you find it difficult to find primers that are effective and do not cause adverse effects, this may be your saving grace. This formula uses advanced adaptive
silicones to act as a matte, hydrating, blurring primer for makeup that looks higher in definition and adheres for longer. The formula can also be used alone as a non-greasy hydrator that reduces the looks of pores and of imperfections. It preps your
face for a smooth, mattifying finish. If you have mature and yet oily/combination skin with this being a silicone-based primer, you may be concerned that this would be too oily feeling for your skin but this does not feel oily and is in fact very light and leaves a very soft, Matt finish on the skin. On the other hand, If you have dry skin and this won’t make your skin look matte. How great is that?

4. 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil – $6.80

If you have dry skin, this will make your skin feel nourished and smooth. The oil absorbs rather quickly plus it has good coverage for 3 drops. This formulation uses 100% pure Moroccan Argan Seed Oil extracted through a cold-pressing that preserves the integrity of the oils fatty acids, vitamins, phenols (including caffeicacid) and carotenes. Argan oil’s main fatty acid content is made up of oleic acid and
linoleic acid. The oil supports healthy skin and reduces the appearance of flaking. It also adds soft sheen and strength to hair. If you apply it to damp hair and your hair will feel so soft and also shines
throughout the day. And the best thing about it is that it does not have any odor at
all.

5. Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone – $6.80

This product can brighten your skin and soothe your oily t-zone if you have oily skin. It’s also a good product to even out your skin tone. After using it at night, your skin in the morning will be illuminated. It works overnight to brighten your skin and even out the texture. It goes on so smooth & silky and you will not have a lot of stinging at all. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin tone and reduces the appearance of signs of aging. This water-free formula provides 30% pure L-Ascorbic Acid which remains completely stable due to the absence of water. Due to the presence of very light silicones, this formulation feels smooth on the skin despite the suspension format of the formulation, avoiding the short-lived gritty feeling of our original formula. This treatment is ideally applied at bedtime since in some cases, higher concentrations of vitamin C could make sensitive skin more prone to irritation and sunburn.

6. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution – $7.20

You can literally see the glow on your skin after the first application. It’s amazing! If you have sensitive skin, this won’t dry out your skin whatsoever, it really helped congested pores. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) exfoliate the skins topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32%
AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use. This formula contains a very high concentration of free acids. So it is recommended to use only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation and your skin is not very sensitive. Although every person is different, so you may want to start slowly and patch test prior to any regular usage.

7. Retinol 0.5% in Squalane – $5.80

If you have super sensitive skin, this might not be a thing for you. This water-free solution contains 0.5% pure Retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the
appearances of fine lines, photodamage and general skin aging. While Retinol has been studied extensively, it is irritating to the skin. Retinol can cause significant irritation, redness, and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early
stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. So if you wanna try this, try using their Retinol 0.2% in Squalane which has a milder formulation. Again, every person’s skin is different, so you may want to start slowly and patch tests prior to any regular usage.

8. Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% – $28.90

This is one of the few products from The Ordinary with an advanced formula that packs multiple benefits. This is not a single-active-ingredient formula like most of their products. This isn’t under $20, I know, but I could say that the price is very fair
for the ingredients. Looked a little strange and felt a bit slimy but it absorbs perfectly into the skin making it plumper and firmer. This formula combines a
comprehensive array of studied technologies to target multiple signs of aging at once. This formula includes a 1% concentration of pure Copper Peptides, increasing its focus on overall skin health. The natural role of these peptides as found in human plasma includes supporting a wide range of skin health functions like maintaining normal immune function, collagen synthesis, fibroblast
production, and anti-inflammatory responses. The inclusion of Copper Peptides offers a natural blue tint to the formula. They really do make your skin heal faster.

9. Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density – $17.90

Yes, this is for the hair not the skin but I want to also share this amazing product of The Ordinary to you. If you have too many hairs falling out, this serum is for you. This concentrated formula is designed to support hair health so that it looks thicker, denser, fuller and healthier. Using this serum you will see that your hair started growing. And the good thing is that it doesn’t leave the hair greasy. It may
be just a bit uncomfortable for some people in applying it since it was in a bottle with dropper. But that doesn’t matter as long as it shows great results. lol. There are a lot of good reviews about this product, this one is absolutely one of the favorites.

10. 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil -$9.80

This one is really great when you want to nourish your skin. You can apply once a day to the face, ideally at bedtime after application of water-based treatments. In the morning your skin will feel smooth and fine after application in the evening.
This formulation uses 100% pure Rosehip Seed Oil that is both cold-pressed and organic. Rosehip Seed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and pro-vitamin A, all of which degrade when the oil extraction process involves heat. While cold-
pressed extraction is complex, it preserves all of the quality of this important oil which has been shown to reduce signs of photo-aging and many other skin
conditions. The smell is a bit offputting but that only proves that their Rose Hip Seed Oil is completely unrefined and imparts a natural scent partly due to its high omega fatty acid content since Rose Hip Seed Oil that does not have a scent is refined and
offers reduced benefits. Try it! It may become one of your holy grail!

11. Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F – $17.80

This formula makes skin absolutely glow! It will tackle the persistent hyperpigmentation splotches that you may have on your skin. It can also help
reduce your acne if you are suffering from breakouts. Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is
an oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that can be used in higher concentrations without drawbacks. (It is one of the most stable derivatives of Vitamin C but, being a derivative, its potency will not be directly comparable to pure L-Ascorbic Acid.) Making your skin clearer, smoother, softer, more even in skin tone, feels moisturized, and dark spots clearing up.

These are just some of the amazing products that The Ordinary have. Why not try them if you haven’t already! You may find the best product to tackle the problems that you currently have in your skins. And if you have tried some of their products, share your experience below about using them. Since we all have different skin types, I always recommend patch testing before using any products directly on your face.

As always, for more ideas, visit my Instagram account at http://Instagram.com/luxelife9,feel free to follow and engage with me there as well.