Beauty Archives - Style Chicks

Anti-Aging Ingredient Superstars: Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula

September 19, 2018 · 3 Comments

Vitamin C Serum addresses a range of beauty concerns including acne, discoloration, uneven skin texture, and of course, a loss of collagen. Reduced collagen results in sagging, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and skin dullness. Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula combines soothing ingredients like Jojoba and Green Tea with peptides and synergistic ingredients that maximize the collagen production capability of Vitamin C. The result is an effective serum that even sensitive skin can tolerate.

Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula

ANTI-AGING INGREDIENTS PROVEN BY CLINICAL RESEARCH

To get the most out of a Vitamin C serum, select a serum with synergistic ingredients that can maximize the efficacy of the Vitamin C.

What makes Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula so special?

Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula with Retinol, Green Tea and Jojoba contains several potent peptides for serious anti-aging potential

ANTI-AGING, DAMAGE REVERSING PEPTIDES: Amongst the synergistic ingredients in Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula are powerful peptides that each increase collagen production in a specific way. These ingredients are effective even on more mature skin with issues like deep wrinkles and sagging.

One of these is Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, a relatively new ingredient in skin care that acts like decorin. Decorin is found in younger skin, it prompts active collagen production. Decorin decreases as we age. Tripeptide-10 Citrulline mimics decorin, which in turn, fools collagen fibers into thinking they should still be producing at the rate they did in their younger prime.

Clinical studies show how helpful these peptides are in reversing the signs of aging.

In the first clinical study, the antiwrinkle activity of Tripeptide-10 Citrulline and other peptides were tested. Results were documented by deep skin image testing (microtopography and visioscan imaging). Marked improvement in wrinkles was seen in 20 days, and significant wrinkle improvement at 40 days! A possible correlation was also made for a reduction in transepidermal water loss. (1)

A second peptide, Tripeptide-1 visibly repair age and sun damage on the skin. Interestingly, it helps “teach” damaged areas how to rebuild so skin looks and feels smoother and firmer. (2)

A third peptide is Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract. It regenerates skin by retaining moisture, healing wounds, and increasing collagen and elastin production.

Vitamin C, when paired with supporting ingredients, can treat many skin issues including wrinkles, dark circles, discoloration, sagging and acne

In addition to these peptides, Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula also has supporting ingredients that are proven to get the most out benefit of the Vitamin C. This includes:

Thiotain, a powerful antioxidant that recycles the power of Vitamin C, keeping it working longer on the skin.
Vitamin E, a skin softening anti-oxidant that works synergistically with Vitamin C in collagen formation.
Retinol works hand in hand with Vitamin C to break up discoloration, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and increase dead skin cell turnover, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin. It also helps with collagen production.
Moisturizing agents including Jojoba Oil and Green Tea provide a soothing buffer, reducing inflammation and irritation, as well as keeping skin soft and dewy. Glucare-S is a third anti-inflammatory ingredient that soothes skin and enhances the skin’s natural repair process.

Just one to two pumps of Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula treats multiple skin care concerns on your entire face and eye area skin

PACKAGING & DESIGN

The airless pump keeps the product fresh, which is important with a Vitamin C serum. It is a one-ounce container that will last more than long enough to start seeing results.

Air-tight dispenser pump keeps the product fresh and bacteria-free

MY EXPERIENCE

One or two pumps worth of Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula covers my face and eye area, and I use three or four pumps for my face and throat and collarbone area. I applied evenly to just-washed skin and allow the serum to dry before applying sunscreen or moisturizer.

Dries down to a dewy, smooth finish

It dries down without being sticky, tacky or greasy. It does not make my skin feel tight and it does not leave a filmy or white residue. It does not sting and feels mildly cooling during application and until dry-down.

Moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup can be applied over the serum without experiencing gumminess or pilling.

Apply one or two pumps to clean skin

I really like the dewy skin look I get with this formula even from the first few uses. And my skin feels so soft!

creamy texture absorbs quickly into my skin and does not feel sticky

RESULTS

Despite the number of powerful active ingredients, the formula was very gentle on my sensitive skin, so I could tolerate daily use.

I’ve been using Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula daily for three weeks now, and I started to see results in skin hydration quickly, so my skin looked dewy, and my skin felt soft and smooth. Fine lines looked less severe and some discoloration is beginning to break up and fade. I am pleased with the results so far considering it has only been a few weeks.

FOR MATURE SKIN

Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula is ideal for skin over 40 that has experienced a decrease in collagen. Signs of a loss of collagen include enlarged pores, deep wrinkles, and sagging. These occur in the deeper level of the skin and take about 2-3 months to begin to see visible improvement. This is because it takes some time for the increased production of collagen to be produced and properly “refill” these collagen fiber gaps. Once they do, it results in a meaningful effect on the “architecture” of the skin.

In the meantime, dullness and fine lines improve quickly, as does the level of skin moisture, which overall, gives skin a much healthier, vibrant, youthful glow.

Use the serum at least once a day, but twice a day, in the morning and evening, will produce even faster results.

Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C

CONCLUSION

Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula has a host of effective, active ingredients that are typically found in far more expensive formulations, Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula combines the power of peptides, Vitamin C, Retinol, Jojoba, Green Tea, Vitamin E, and other skin-supporting ingredients to quickly reduce visible signs of aging including dullness, wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, sun damage, and even scars and acne. Suitable for daily use without irritation even on sensitive skin, Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula is highly effective, especially for the excellent price point.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DVMQW2G/

Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C

CLINICAL STUDY REFERENCES

The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study., ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28150423
Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2016, pages 411-419.

Style Chicks received Skinniche Ageless Complex Vitamin C Formula for review purposes and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Concealer that Stays Put Without Being Obvious: Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer

September 10, 2018 · 6 Comments

If you’re reading this, you likely have something you would like to conceal. We recently tried Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer which has long-lasting, blendable coverage that does not settle into fine lines.

I began to become self-conscious about my dark circles in fourth grade and have tried more concealers than I can possibly count in decades since.

Clinique Line Correcting Concealer won’t settle into lines or creases or get cakey

So I was very happy to obtain excellent results using Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer. It lives up to its’ promise of smoothing lines, not settling in one bit. The coverage is moderate and the finish is luminous, giving a healthy, natural glow while still covering blemishes or dark circles. It looks natural, not cakey or dry.

It’s lightweight and provides good cover when applying one layer. Also, I can layer a second “coat” of the product if one finds themselves, like me, with especially dark circles paired with fair skin. It does not get cakey.
It is long wearing, staying in place all day till I removed it before bedtime.
As a surprise bonus, it stays soft and hydrated without interfering with other eye makeup, which for me, means no more raccoon eyes from mascara and concealer interactions. This is a big get in of itself.

Comes in six shades

DESIGN FEATURES

The Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer applicator wand has a larger than typical doe shaped slanted applicator tip to apply the product in broad or pinpoint strokes.
A little bit goes a long way, especially since there is little need to reapply during the day.

Large doe foot shaped applicator dabs concealer on precisely

DARK CIRCLE CONCEALER TIP: Clinique recommends using your ring finger to lightly tap the concealer under the eye area, over your lids, and into the inner corner of each eye to conceal any shadows.

BEST INTENDED USE

To conceal lines on the face, such as smile lines, draw a thin line or series of dots along the wrinkle, pat in and upwards with the ring finger. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your actual skin tone to highlight the area.

For dark circles, blending fine lines on the face, and concealing blemishes and redness. It is intended to be applied over foundation or directly to the skin over a light eye cream base.

SHADE OPTIONS

Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer comes in six shades and is 0.31 oz for $20.50. It blends well with Clinique’s foundation lines both for texture and shade choices.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer anywhere Clinique is sold, including online and instore Clinique, BlueMercury, Sephora and Ulta

iRestore Hair Growth System Month Two Update

August 25, 2018 · 3 Comments

August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month, and we are proud to continue our series on the iRestore Hair Growth System. Read on for our experience with the system in our second month of testing.

ABOUT THE IRESTORE HAIR GROWTH SYSTEM AND HOW IT HELPS GROW HAIR

If you’re just joining us on this series, you may be wondering what iRestore does for hair. The iRestore ID-500 Laser Dome is an FDA-Cleared device that is a dome-shaped helmet which is worn for 25 minutes, every other day, for a pain-free laser treatment. The iRestore unit is lightweight and has a generous length cord for ease of movement during use. It is silent, so it can be used while watching TV or while on the computer.

What makes iRestore special? On the inside of the helmet are twenty-one Class 3R lasers and thirty LED diodes that produce a red light in a specific nanometer range. This range has been clinically demonstrated to stimulate hair follicles, thereby enhancing regrowth.

How does iRestore work? Laser light can give dormant hair follicles a “kick-start” by increasing blood flow to the follicles. This brings the right nutrients and supports to bring hair follicles back to life, once again producing hair. Second, the laser can extend the growth phase of hair to restore a healthy hair production cycle once again. As a side bonus, currently producing follicles and the scalp also benefit from increased nutrients and blood flow.

iRestore ID-500 Laser Dome with an auto shut-off timer

The inside of the iRestore Helmet dome headband

LEDs and Lasers in off mode

Lasers and LEDs on

The Style Chicks team has three of our own using the iRestore system for six months to test it for ourselves.

IRESTORE PROGRESS UPDATES

LEE

Two months down, four to six months to go until new growth and I’m starting to get excited!

The program is now routine for me. I have a schedule of the days I use the helmet, and the supplements, serum, and shampoo are all part of my daily routine now.

It seems like I’ve had less hair coming out in my brush lately. If that continues, I will definitely attribute that to the iRestore Hair Growth System.

Lee after two months

COURTNEY

Two months in, and using the laser helmet device is still as easy as could be. I set a reminder on my phone for the days I’m going to use it, and then I use it while I’m responding to my morning emails. It turns off automatically, and I put it back on my desk for the next time I use it. What could be easier?

I love the supplement and went from taking one pill to the recommended two. I started getting a cystic acne breakout after a week of taking the two tablets and initially couldn’t figure out why. Then I realized that I had been eating an especially Biotin-rich diet that week (Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Avocados, etc), and I added the second tablet. Some people break out when they have too much Biotin in their system, and I think that is what happened to me. So, once this acne flare-up clears, I’m going to start taking the one tablet a day again and see what happens. I really hope I can start using the recommended dosage again though – apart from anything it might do for hair, my nails have gotten so strong!

As I reported last month, the Serum is a delight to use, and it is a lovely ritual to massage it into my scalp. I have noticed that some short hairs in the front seem a little thicker and definitely softer, so I think the Serum may be benefiting that area.

I’m especially impressed with the shampoo in this crazy heat we’ve been experiencing. It washes hair clean even after a 90-degree day when my styling products seem impossible to remove, but the iRestore Shampoo removes them gently and thoroughly. It’s great knowing that I’m going to bed with a DHT-free scalp and gently washed tresses!

I’m not seeing any new hair growth yet, but it is still early. I’m still experiencing hair shedding and am having to style around it. Shedding is normal in the first few months and is possibly due to varying hair cycles, so hopefully, it will stop soon and I’ll start getting some hair growth!

Courtney after Two Months

LYN

I colored my hair a shade darker this month, so I’m really motivated to keep up with the iRestore Hair Growth System so the areas of hair loss that I have aren’t as obvious in contrast to my darker hair color.

Helmet Use: The helmet is the easy part, just schedule it for a time that I’ll be otherwise occupied and it is over in no time! I’m finding the battery pack really handy for times that I’m not sitting in one place.

Serum: Like Courtney, I think the little wispy hairs in front are looking a little thicker. It’s not new growth, but I do think it is because of the serum, so I’m happy!

Supplement: Love it! Hopefully, I’ll start seeing some regrowth soon, but in the meantime, my nails are growing like crazy and are really strong.

Shampoo: I was really worried that the shampoo (really, any shampoo) would fade my new color, but my worries were unfounded! No abnormal fading of color, and it adds a boost of shine to my hair. Pretty good for a shampoo that removes DHT from the scalp!

Lyn after two months

So that is it for our experiences using the iRestore Hair Growth System this month, stay tuned for our experience in the next month. In the meantime, iRestore is running some great promos this month:

iRestore Promos

Summer Sale: Save $200 on any iRestore kit and receive a free shampoo ($24.99 value) using promo code GROW200

August Giveaway:

Enter to win:
MAX Growth Kit ($765 value) – 1 Winner
Hair Growth Bundle ($89.99 value each) – 10 Winners
Hair Growth Shampoo ($24.99 value each) – 31 Winners
Enter at http://www.irestorelaser.com/contest

WHERE TO BUY IT

Interested in trying the iRestore Hair Growth System yourself? Find it at https://www.irestorelaser.com

Style Chicks received the iRestore Hair Growth System for review purposes. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Prescription Retinol or Over the Counter Retinol Products: Deciding Which is Right For You

August 17, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Which is better, over the counter Retinol products or prescription Retinol? It depends. Several factors go into this decision. We’ve tried many prescription and Retinol products at a variety of price points and report on the best features of each so you don’t have to live through Retinol trial and error. To determine the best Retinol product plan for your needs, ask yourself the questions below.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains a prescription strength 2.5% pure Retinol without a prescription or doctor’s visit

RETINOL HAS A BACKSTORY

Retinol is an absolute game-changer for many skin conditions ranging from acne to sun damage, scarring, discoloration, as well as wrinkles. Retinol, which in prescription form goes by the name Retin-A, comes in cream and gel forms. In the way, way back, Retinol was only available by prescription for severe acne, and in its’ original form, it wasn’t a pretty process. People tolerated the peeling, itching, irritation, drying and redness for months, waiting for acne-free skin to emerge. And eventually, it did. Meanwhile, many people noticed scars, wrinkles and age spots also disappeared. People wanted Retinol for anti-aging, not just acne.

Now Retinol is readily available, so available that it’s difficult to know what to seek in a Retinol product. Key areas to examine are cost, the percentage of Retinol, ability to tolerate the product and its’ active ingredients, buffering capabilities and ease of use.

Consider the following when selecting a Retinol:

COST

Prescription Retinol brand name and generics are expensive, often $100-150 a tube. Insurance may cover this if you are under 35, but often only for the treatment of acne when prescribed by a dermatologist. If your insurance plan covers Retinol for free or the cost of a co-pay, this could be less expensive than purchasing an over the counter Retinol product.

Prescription Retinols can cost as much as luxury skincare products and often require powerful moisturizers to buffer its’ irritating effects.

HOW MUCH RETINOL IS IN THE PRODUCT?

When purchasing a retinol, a good place to start is 2.5% retinol within the product. More than that can be too irritating without much extra benefit, less than that won’t accomplish much. Many drugstore creams and lotions contain some retinol, but not as much as 2.5%. Some doctors only prescribe Retinol in very low doses, which won’t provide much of a beauty boost. Some prescriptions are too much at 5%, which can irritate all but the hardiest of skin. Prescriptions above the 2.5% range best serve those with severe acne, not those with wrinkles or photodamaged skin.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER ACTIVE INGREDIENTS & DO THEY HELP OR IRRITATE MY SKIN?

Retinol does a great deal for skin, but it can also give a pretty nasty accidentally self-imposed chemical peel, and the results are not pretty. It’s easy to give oneself an accidental Retinol chemical peel, because skin starts looking so good, that it is tempting to apply just a bit more. This works for a few days or weeks, until suddenly it doesn’t, and your face goes from looking dewy and younger to looking like a bad, bad, bad sunburn.

Even if you only use the prescribed amount of Retinol, skin becomes more sensitive to Retinol after about two weeks. The reason is now the old, dead skin layer is sloughed off, but the new skin is more delicate. Yet the same amount of Retinol is being applied to the skin, and that new skin isn’t ready to exfoliate yet. So instead, it becomes red and irritated. Some prescription Retinols come with a creamy base, such as Renova. This creamy base makes the skin surface seem flake-free and dewy, but underneath Retinol is still Retinol, and the skin can suddenly appear red and chapped.

BEST PRACTICES: HOW TO NOT BURN YOUR SKIN WITH RETINOL

The key to avoiding burning yourself with Retinols, prescription or over the counter, is buffering. To buffer either apply moisturizer first (if you’re very sensitive) or after applying Retinol, and don’t skimp. Buffering allows for the maximum frequency of Retinol use per week. If you still can’t tolerate the peeling and dry skin, apply Retinol for twenty minutes to an hour, then wash it off before bed. This way you at least get some Retinol benefits.

But ideally, your Retinol product comes with built-in buffering moisturizers. We like Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer because it is SO emollient without being greasy. In fact, it’s gentle enough to use twice a day every day without redness, irritation or dry, flaky peeling. You won’t have to take days off Retinol use due to over-doing it, but it still packs a powerful 2.5% Pure Retinol.

EASE OF USE

Even if your insurance covers Retinol, the added ingredients in Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer make it an all-in-one product: Retinol plus Vitamin C serum plus moisturizing buffer cream in one easy to apply bottle. No need to wait for the Retinol to dry down before applying moisturizer in the morning or being left sticky by a Vitamin C serum. A product that has everything in one makes skincare much easier.

One pump is all you need for face, neck and decolletage.

One pump of this 3-in-1 product is all you need to meet your Retinol, Vitamin C and moisturizing needs

PRODUCT PICK: WHY WE LIKE LORDSBURY RETINOL+C CREAM MOISTURIZER

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer combines the power of a prescription 2.5% pure Retinol with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and several natural moisturizing agents that make it gentle enough to use twice a day with no irritation, peeling or redness. The Aloe Vera, Jojoba, Green Tea and Shea Butter nourish the skin while buffering. It dries down without being sticky, greasy or leaving a film-like residue, make-up and sunscreen can go directly over the cream. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer also comes at an outstanding price point in a generous 2.8-ounce pump bottle.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains prescription strength Retinol plus Vitamin C to combat KP, along with Jojoba, Vitamin C and Aloe Vera to soothe irritated skin

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains prescription strength Retinol plus Vitamin C along with Jojoba, Vitamin C, and Aloe Vera to soothe irritated skin

WHERE TO FIND IT

Find Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer at Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3PSEQX/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=lordsbury-20&linkId=80ce0c85b497e19a5480f6b096cc3147

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer for the strength of a prescription Retinol for less than the cost of a Vitamin C serum

Style Chicks received compensation for our time and effort as Brand Ambassadors of Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Home Spa Day Facial: KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer

August 13, 2018 · Leave a Comment

I remember my first professional steam facial: the cool feel of the Hyaluronic Acid applied to my face, and then the twenty minutes of soft, billowing steam. It was so relaxing!

And while professional facials are great for pampering and specific skin concerns, you can get the benefit of a steam facial at home. We like the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer for at-home facials.

KINGDOMCARES FACIAL STEAMER is lightweight, easy to carry, and delivers a strong, even stream of warm steam

TEN THINGS WE LIKE ABOUT THE KINGDOMCARES FACIAL STEAMER:

It has a built-in mirror. This is really nice because it means that you can do your steam facial anywhere and you have the ability to relax. You aren’t confined to standing in front of the bathroom mirror. If you apply a topical skincare serum before or after you steam your face, the built-in mirror makes it much easier!
Built-in adjustable angle mirror for applying product while steaming
It has an adjustable angle nozzle. This is nice because you can adjust the nozzle to your comfort. A lot of at-home facial steamers have fixed nozzles, so you have to adjust your position to accommodate the steam. That isn’t relaxing! The adjustable nozzle on the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer allows you to relax and sit comfortably. It also allows you to adjust the area you are treating – perhaps you are only steaming the lower portion of your face, or you are doing a throat treatment. You can position it comfortably without a problem.
Adjustable nozzle can be angled into three positions
Its’ easy-to-refill, no mess water tank holds enough water for a full uninterrupted steam session and then shuts off. This is your time to relax and beautify. You shouldn’t have to be looking at the clock or waiting for your phone alarm to go off. Fill the tank and it will automatically shut off when your treatment time is over.
Easy to fill water tank makes for relaxing steam sessions
It has ceramic heating elements to produce a nano-ionic steam. You are probably familiar with the concept of ceramic nano-ionic steam from higher-end straightening irons. In this case, it produces a finer mist that more easily penetrates your skin, and drives any topical products in deeper.
It has a strong and even stream. We have tried other facial steamers that barely produce any steam, or the steam is inconsistent. The steam from the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer is on-par with a professional machine in terms of strength, and the steam is consistent from beginning to the end of treatment.
It produces a deep clean. I like to take off my makeup with Micellar Water and then use the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer to steam out any extra dirt, makeup, or buildup that is left on my face at the end of the day. Then I use a very gentle cleanser to wash away what the steam brought to the surface, and then I apply my nighttime skincare products onto my clean skin. My skin is so smooth after!
It is sanitary. The unit has a sanitizing feature inside, so the steam that is produced is clean and will not add bacteria to your face. This is a fantastic feature because if the steam on your face has bacteria or mold spores, they will get into your pores! You can be assured that you are getting a cleansing steam with this product, not one that will leave you with more skincare problems!
It is silent. This is a dealbreaker for me when it comes to a relaxing steam treatment. If I’m going to enjoy at-home spa time, I don’t want loud machine noises disrupting my relaxation!
It allows for gentler blackhead extraction and exfoliation. We can’t advocate at-home blackhead and pimple extraction that should be left to a dermatologist, but some blackheads naturally work their way out if they are properly steamed out.
A tip: apply Jojoba Oil to areas that have blackheads, and then use the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer. When the treatment cycle is done, gently rub the area with your (washed) hands and you will be amazed at how many blackheads come out!

Get soft, hydrated, smooth, clean skin with the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer
It can also serve as a room humidifier and a towel warmer. Dry air can wreak havoc on skin, so make sure your surroundings have the proper amount of humidity! It is great for bedrooms since it is silent, so it won’t keep you up at night. Also, it can warm up towels, just like at the spa!

Steam warm small towels to complete the home spa experience!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XBB1K6M/. Style Chicks readers get an extra $15 off with code 4ZJHSIOD.

Style Chicks received KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.