Beauty

What is Beauty?

Beauty comes in many forms. Here are a few of our favorites...

Best Brightening Shadow: Chantecaille Eye Shade Ginger

January 17, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Chantecaille Eye Shade in Ginger looks rather underwhelming in the pan but it sings on the lid. See what is to love about this eyeshadow.

PRODUCT TYPE:

Eyeshadow

WHAT IT DOES

It appears transparent when applied wet and opaque when applied dry. It layers beautifully with no flaking or powdery appearance.

Instead of glittery looking shimmer, the non-matte shades have a lovely shifting iridescence that looks great on eyes over 30.

There is a brightening quality, similar to YSL Touche Eclat but not as pink.

It is not a overly warm or orange peach. It pairs well with shimmers, mattes, neutrals and a smokey eye.

WHAT WE LOVE

It has a finish like a finely milled powder.

Multiple layers don’t look cakey. No fallout, no chalky buildup. There is a slew of flattering shades. The formulation is free of unfriendly chemicals.

This particular shade, Ginger, is our favorite Brightening Eyeshadow.

Ginger Eyeshadow is a brightening pale peachy nude basic

We love the Chantecaille Eye Shade in Ginger as a subtle brightening base for pale skin: it adds just a hint of pink pale peach that looks like natural skin but better.

Basically what we wish our lids looked like naturally.

Where to Shop It

Find Chantecaille Eye Shades at BlueMercury, Saks and SpaceNK

Ingredient Overview: Kukui Seed Oil

January 14, 2023 ·

Kukui Seed Oil has the unique ability to penetrate deep into the skin. It is helpful to support collagen synthesis at a deeper level in the skin. Learn about this beloved oil and its’ skincare benefits.

kukui nuts

What is Kukui Seed Oil?

Aleurites moluccana is the flowering tree which produces what is commonly called candlenut oil or kukui seed oil. You may have seen this this tree’s lovely silver leaves for yourself on a visit to Hawaii.

The official name is Euphorbiaceae. Ingredient labels may call this ingredient by one of several names including:

candlenut
Indian Walnut
Kukui Seed Oil

Kukui Seed Oil is used to intensely hydrate and moisture skin.

Why It Is Special

Kukui Seed Oil can do something unusual: it can penetrate into the deep layers of the skin.

This is exciting since it also helps promote collagen production. The deeper the skin can make collagen, the firmer it looks.

It is a dry oil yet is highly emollient and creates a protective layer.

Kukui Seed Oil Nutrients

Rich in Omega-3s, Kukui Seed Oil replenishes fleshly washed skin after the irritation of cleansers and makeup removers.

It contains skin-refining vitamins A, C, and E. A and C can be harsh on the skin, but Kukui Nut has such great softening and buffering properties that it makes C and A accessible to those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema.

It also reduces inflammation, treats wounds and burns, and soothes conditions like eczema.

Skincare Products with Kukui Seed Oil

Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil

Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil uses just three oils – Raspberry Seed Oil, Tamanu Oil and Kukui Seed Oil.

Kukui Seed Oil helps the other oils absorb deeper into the skin. This enhances Raspberry Seed Oil’s collagen production and Tamanu Oil’s scar and sun damage repair.

Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil

Read more about Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil in this article Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil to the Rescue.

Volto Urbano Moisturizing Blue Oil

Volto Urbano Moisturizing Blue Oil fights environmental stressors to protect the skin’s exposome.

A clean beauty skincare product,

Volto Urbano Moisturizing Blue Oil is rich in Kukui Nut Oil which enables its’ actives to penetrate the skin

Read more about Volto Urbano Moisturizing Blue Oil in this article: Fight Environmental Skin Stressors Volto Urbano Moisturizing Blue Oil

Summary of Kukui Nut Oil Ingredient Overview

Kukui Nut Oil is commonly called candlenut oil or kukui seed oil. It can intensely hydrate the skin.

Kukui Nut Oil is a dry oil which penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. This enables superior collagen production and sun damage repair.

Did you find this article Ingredient Overview: Kukui Seed Oil useful? Then you may enjoy other reading other Ingredient Overviews about ingredients often used in clean beauty such as:

NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum

January 10, 2023 · Leave a Comment

A lightweight go-to concealer with a secret weapon: Tremella Mushroom to make your concealer do double duty as a eye treatment.

*NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum contains a secret weapon: Tremella Mushroom*

WHY IT IS SPECIAL

NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum contains Tremella mushroom. Tremella mushroom is better know as Snow Mushroom. Snow mushroom is a traditional beauty secret because it boosts skin hydration and skin elasticity.

Snow Mushroom functions similar to hyaluronic acid but has a smaller particle size so it absorbs better. It also reduces signs of inflammation. It makes skin look dewy without irritating skin.

Tremella or Snow Mushroom is like hyaluronic acid but with a smaller molecule

THE EXPERIENCE

As a concealer, NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum is relatively light coverage. It is not cakey or heavy. I do not find this to be opaque enough to cover a red blemish or thick enough for reshaping and contouring. Concealer Serum is accurate – it is a lightweight kiss of coverage.

However, it is excellent as a brightening under-eye concealer and eyelid primer for shadow, and it makes for a great orbital skin treatment. Skin looks very natural and dewy. Multiple layers do not look cakey.

WHERE TO SHOP IT

Find NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum at Ulta

*NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum comes with a secret weapon: Snow Mushroom!*

Original Sleek Retinol Cream

November 26, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Retinol is one of the best things you can do for your skin. It benefits adult skin of men and women at any age. Whether a teen coping with acne or mature skin fighting wrinkles, discoloration, texture, or large pores, retinol can help. Original Sleek Retinol Cream is non-comedogenic, cruelty-free and contains stellar plant extract ingredients for great skin. Read about this ingredient formulation and our experience with Original Sleek Retinol Cream.

Original Sleek Retinol Cream

What are the Benefits of Retinol?

What are the skincare benefits of retinol? Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative. It is a marvelous antioxidant which prevents collagen and elastin loss^[1]. It resurfaces the texture of the skin, encouraging new, healthy skin cell turnover.

Retinol can improve the appearance of:

sun damage
rough skin texture
acne and stubborn acne scars ^[2]
dark circles
uneven skin tone (brown spots, hyperpigmentation)^[3]
enlarged pores
sun damage (rough skin, sun spots)
sign of aging skin: wrinkles, sagging, dullness

Why It Is Special

Original Sleek Retinol Cream contains plant-based and natural buffering ingredients to help even sensitive skin types tolerate regular retinol use. This formulation is:

Non-comedogenic
High-potency cocktail of various weight Hyaluronic Acids
Cruelty free
No unwanted additives such as gluten, parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, and petroleum.
Buffering ingredients to keep skin free of retinol dryness and irritation
Opaque packaging keeps ingredients fresh
Ingredients typically seen at higher price point products
Ideal for those who want a simple skincare routine such as busy moms, college students, and men
Gentle enough to use on the backs of hands and on the throat helps minimize sun spots and UV damage

Original Sleek Retinol Cream has many skincare benefits

In addition to Retinol, Original Sleek Retinol Cream contains helpful supporting ingredients:

Key Ingredients

Gota Kola improves skin elasticity

Centella Asiatica Extract

Gotu Kola improves skin elasticity and reduces sagging. It boosts antioxidant activity, strengthening the skin and increases blood circulation.

Shea butter definition at StyleChicks.com Defining Beauty Glossary

Shea Nut butter

Licorice Liquid Extract

Licorice root contains glabridin, a potent antioxidant that soothes skin. It lightens dark circles gently, improves uneven tone and skin redness.^[4]

Shea Butter

Shea Butter provides an occlusive barrier to retain moisture. Shea treats acne scars, including cystic acne dark scars. Shea can feed the skin and overhaul the skin texture.

Willow Bark Extract

Willow Bark Extract unclogs pores, reduces redness, and regulates sebum production. It is gentle to the skin. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. ^[5]

Rose Oil

Rose Oil refines skin texture. Its’ antioxidants absorb well into skin dermis which benefits dry and mature skin.

Horsetail Extract

Horsetail Plant Extract reduces redness and soothes skin. Horsetail makes for more flexible skin, especially in connective skin layers and tissue. Horsetail strengthens connective skin layers to keep the skin structure pliable yet taut. Horsetail also lightens discoloration, particularly the dark shadow area of wrinkles.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera Juice provides nourishment to the skin as it contains Vitamins A, C, Bs, and E as well as minerals and enzymes. This skin food heals, hydrates, and accelerates skin cell growth. It provides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, and counteracts skin irritation.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid holds its’ weight in moisturizer, plumping the skin, making fine wrinkles and mild sagging disappear temporarily. It also drives active ingredients to deep skin layers for better results.

Alpha Arbutin

A natural skin-lightening agent extracted from bearberry. It inhibits melanocytes from producing melanin to slowly reduce hyperpigmentation. Effective on acne scars, photoaging, and age spots.

Dandelion Extract

Dandelion Extract

Dandelion Extract stimulates collagen production. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, it protects skin against free radical damage and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Magnesium and zinc detoxify skin, and anti-inflammatory properties calm irritation.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic Acid is a stable Vitamin C which brightens the skin, increases collagen production, and reduces free-radical damage.

Cetearyl Olivate

Cetearyl Olivate is a combination of the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids from olives. Cetearyl Olivate is moisture attracting and retaining. Olive oil fatty acids have skin-enhancing Omega-3s and polyphenols. These make skin glow!

Beeswax

Beeswax is an occlusive

Beeswax is a natural skin conditioner packed with Vitamin A. It helps with healing, stimulating cell turnover, protects against UV radiation, and fights against the free radicals that cause premature signs of aging. Beeswax has an occlusive quality to provide a barrier while retaining skin moisture.

Vegetable Glycerin

A natural, pure glycerin that serves to attract and retain moisture and oxygen in the skin.

The Experience

PACKAGING

We like the one-pump dispenser design to keep the product fresh, and the nozzle cap to keep it airtight.

PRODUCT

Scent: faint, nothing on drydown
Color: Opaque white
Consistency: It is a creamy texture. A second moisturizer is not necessary, but there was no piling when I applied one after drydown.
Dry-down: It takes a few minutes to dry down but then it is smooth.

Original Sleek Retinol Cream is a lightweight, creamy and spreads easily

How to Use It

Dispense one pump of cream.
Dab it onto the forehead, nose, each cheek, and chin.
Gently rub/pat it into the skin, spreading evenly over the face.
For the throat and upper décolletage, use a second pump worth of product.

Use retinol at night. It can be used nightly, but if you are new to retinols, start with 3 times a week.

With regular use, my skin is well-hydrated and not dry like some retinols. There is no itchy tight feeling!

This is a great formulation for sensitive skin types who cannot tolerate prescription strength retinoids.

Where to Buy It

Find Original Sleek Retinol Cream at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJJFVZRW?ref=myi_title_dp

Questions? Comments?

Have any questions or comments about Original Sleek Retinol Cream?

Email or comment below and we will do our best to answer them!

References

Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319. doi:10.4161/derm.22804
Callender VD, Baldwin H, Cook-Bolden FE, Alexis AF, Stein Gold L, Guenin E. Effects of topical retinoids on acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with skin of color: a clinical review and implications for practice. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23(1):69-81. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00643-2
Ibid
Natural Product Research, December 2007, pages 1,234-1,239
Shara M, Stohs SJ. Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extracts. Phytother Res. 2015 Aug;29(8):1112-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5377. Epub 2015 May 22. PMID: 25997859

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Original Sleek Tightening Cream

November 26, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Sagging skin changes the structure of the face. One may no longer look or feel like themselves. Original Sleek Tightening Cream contains natural ingredients demonstrated to deter sagging for firmer skin. Read about this vegan-friendly formulation and our experience with Original Sleek Tightening Cream.

Original Sleek Tightening Cream

Vegan Skin Tightening Options

Vegan-friendly options for skin-tightening are limited.

Most skin-tightening products contain animal based collagen. Plant-based collagen is less effective and requires other ingredients to get good results.

Original Sleek Tightening Cream combines:

plant-based collagen components (proline, amino acids, and peptides)
two deep penetrating forms of hyaluronic acid
Plantago Lanceolata Leaf extract

This combination of ingredients makes for a powerful trifecta against skin sagging.

But what is Plantago Lanceolata Leaf?

What is Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract?

Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract is also know as narrow-leaf plantain or ribwort.

Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract is a low-growing perennial weed. It is rich in Allantoin, a powerful skin soothing agent that encourages cell growth.^[1] It is a wound healing herbal agent in traditional medicine which has anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, tissue regeneration, astringent, and antioxidant, effects.^[2]

How does it help skin sagging?

Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract helps maintain the structure of the support network of adipocytes in the face, such as the facial contours like a firm defined jawline and taut cheekbones.

It limits the natural loss of lipids within adipose tissue which occurs as we age. This loss of adipose tissue density makes skin deflate and then sag.

Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract supports lipids which maintain the facial contours for firm skin

Plantago Lanceolata

Why Original Sleek Tightening Cream is Special

non-comedogenic
firms the appearance of double chin
cruelty free
no unwanted additives such as gluten, parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, and petroleum.
opaque packaging keeps ingredients fresh
plant based, vegan friendly collagen amino acids such as proline.
includes ingredients typically seen at higher price point products to protect against blue light and environmental stressors and retain youthful adipose fat in skin.

Original Sleek Tightening Cream contains 97% natural ingredients

In addition to Plantago Lanceolata Leaf, Original Sleek Tightening Cream contains helpful supporting ingredients. Let’s take a look:

Key Ingredients

Ginger improves skin elasticity for firmer skin

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract is ginger. Ginger Root reduces inflammation and is a potent antioxidant.

Ginger root can also tighten the skin, fade dark spots and give skin a lovely glow! One study reports ginger enhances wound healing and collagen production.^[3]

Aloe has skin-friendly vitamins

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera Juice comes from the Aloe Vera plant. Aloe Vera heals, hydrates, and accelerates skin cell growth. It provides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Aloe Vera provides plant-based collagen components.

Rose Extract

Rose extract soothes irritation and redness and is believed to lighten dark spots and discoloration.

Ceramides are fatty acids that help to hold cells together, protect the epidermis and smooth skin. Natural ceramides deplete with age. This formulation contains three important ceramides:

Ceramide NP

Ceramide NP is a ceramide found in the skin. It is a hydrating, anti-aging emollient to protect upper skin layers. Containing fatty acids, it reinforces the skin barrier on dehydrated skin.^[3]

Ceramide AP

Ceramide AP a fatty acid ceramide found in the skin, it works well with other ceramides to keep skin hydrated. Decreased levels of AP related to environmental stressors and correlated with skin barrier conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is most effective when combined with cholesterol to counteract skin barrier problems.^[4]

Ceramide EOP

Ceramide EOP a ceramide that works best with other ceramides and cholesterol to protect the skin barrier and resiliency.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol supports ceramide function.

Phytosphingosine

A fat which supports the skin barrier.

Honey

honey

Honey is a natural humectant and antioxidant. This bee product excels heals scars and promotes an even skin tone. It promotes wound healing while gently exfoliating dead skin cells.

Crosspolymer Hyaluronic Acid

A modified form of hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure that keeps it within the skin’s uppermost layers longer. ^[5] This creates an enhanced hydration effect.

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate is a non-synthesized form of Hyaluronic Acid. Skin-plumping Sodium Hyaluronate has a lower molecular size than other Hyaluronic Acids. It absorbs deep into the skin.

chondrus crispus

Chondrus Crispus Extract

Chondrus Crispus Extract is a variety of Red Algae.

This seaweed is rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein which protect skin from blue light (such as from smartphones).

It contains natural peptides and amino acids to keep skin hydrated by locking in moisture. Carrageenan provides defense against environmental stressors.

Vegetable Glycerin

Glycerin fills in gaps in dryer skin which makes skin look better and keeps the outer layer of the skin intact.

Bisabolol

Bisabolol is derived from chamomile. It reduces collagen breakdown and discoloration while soothing and hydrating skin.

Sorbitan Olivate

Sorbitan Olivate is a combination of the fatty acids of olives and a fruit-based sugar alcohol. Highly moisturizing.

Lavender

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is lavender. Lavender Oil softens and conditions skin. Lavender’s anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties keep skin healthy. It has soothing properties to calm any skin imbalances such as inflammation or dry skin flaking. The linalyl acetate in lavender enhances cell growth in the skin.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter treats acne scars, including cystic acne dark scars. Shea can feed the skin and overhaul the skin texture, even on deep burns.

Arginine

An amino acid which supports protein production.

The Experience

PACKAGING

We like the one-pump dispenser design to keep the product fresh. There is a small plug for the dispenser nozzle to keep the product as air tight as possible. One pump of cream is enough for throat, hands or face.

It comes in opaque packaging with an airtight dispenser nozzle

PRODUCT

Color: white, creamy
Consistency: It is a dense texture, it starts a bit tacky and takes a bit to dry down, but then is smooth.
Scent: There is a slight scent upon application, dissipates upon dry down.
Experience: Makeup or lotion does not pill on top.

Original Sleek Tightening Cream Swatch: a slightly tacky white opaque cream

RESULTS

Most tightening creams leave an opaque film on the skin, this is transparent, so can be worn without makeup on top.

It is excellent for use on hands and throat to reduce age spots, firm and hydrate.

I particularly like how it works on my hands. A regular lotion may make my hands look and feel soft, but doesn’t help signs of aging. Original Sleek Tightening Cream works great on my aged, discolored and wrinkly knuckles are now looking plump and younger.

Where to Buy It

Find Original Sleek Tightening Cream at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJZ8BM89?ref=myi_title_dp

Original Sleek Tightening Cream

Questions? Comments?

Have a comment or question about Original Sleek Tightening Cream?

Email us or tell us in the comments below.

The Style Chicks do their best to answer your questions.

References

Najafian, Younes et al. “Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review.” Electronic physician vol. 10,2 6390-6399. 25 Feb. 2018, doi:10.19082/6390
Ashkani-Esfahani, Soheil et al. “The Healing Effect of Plantago Major and Aloe Vera Mixture in Excisional Full Thickness Skin Wounds: Stereological Study.” World journal of plastic surgery vol. 8,1 (2019): 51-57. doi:10.29252/wjps.8.1.51.Natural Product Research, December 2007, pages 1,234-1,239
Bhagavathula, Narasimharao et al. “A combination of curcumin and ginger extract improves abrasion wound healing in corticosteroid-impaired hairless rat skin.” Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society vol. 17,3 (2009): 360-6. doi:10.1111/j.1524-475X.2009.00483.x
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2016, pages 135-147
Journal of Lipid Research, July 2008, pages 1,466-1,476
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23