Style Chicks

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Weightless Foundation

March 3, 2023 ·

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Weightless Foundation is a new player in the luxury foundation market. How does it stack up to the cult classic Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation?

What We Love

This formulation covers a multitude of sins, especially on video conference! It is buildable yet very lightweight.

BEST FEATURE: Armani Beauty’s Micro-fil technology and ultra-fine pigments give coverage without looking heavy on the skin. VERY thin layers get the job done.

Natural looking full coverage with a matte finish

Features

Matte Finish
There is an SPF 25 in this formulation
Lightweight formula with medium to full Coverage
Long-lasting, up to 24 hour wear
Full range of shades

The Experience

The foundation has enough coverage that I can skip concealer, plus it has an SPF.

I absolutely love the even, smooth coverage of this foundation. It blends flawlessly into skin with a very nice slip. There is a featherweight feel but the coverage is full yet natural. And extra dab under my nose and inner under eye and I needed no concealer.

I can find a shade that is an excellent match for my skin tone which is no small feat for my oddball coloring.

There are two things that disappoint:

My skin is not oily, but the color oxidized within a few hours.
It settled into fine lines quickly, despite my skin being well-hydrated and only using a sparing application. I refreshed with lightweight moisturizer dabbed on with a Beauty Blender, but I typically don’t have to maintain a product.

Final Thoughts

This is not a clean formulation from an ingredient perspective, and it doesn’t claim to be.

However, it is still worthy of mention because it gives the appearance of very little (if any) makeup on the skin. Even those who prefer clean beauty may wish to make an exception on occasion for a completely flawless finish that still looks natural.

This matte formulation however, seems best suited towards those with oily complexions.

My skin tends to be more dry, so I personally prefer the dewy finish of the original Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation to this newer matte formulation. Both formulations use the same Micro-fil technology and ultra-fine pigment.

But when you need a matte flawless finish with the look of no visible makeup, (think photo ops) Armani Beauty Power Fabric+ is hard to beat.

Where to Shop It

Find the Armani Beauty range at Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue

Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel

January 28, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Aloe Vera is well known in folk remedy. Research shows it has a powerful biochemistry^[1] supporting many skincare and hair care uses, including collagen synthesis. But not all Aloe Vera products are free of unwanted additives. We like Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel. It is a pure Aloe Vera leaf juice free of added coloring or fragrance. It is completely unscented.

Read about the benefits of Aloe Vera and our experience with Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel.

About Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel comes from the inner leaves of the Aloe Vera plant.

You may use Aloe Vera gel for minor burns, bug bites, sunburn and scrapes. Aloe Vera plants were a staple in many Grandma’s kitchens as a go-to fix for multiple skin problems.

Aloe Vera is also a versatile natural ingredient with both hair and skin benefits. It can be applied alone, or added to a DIY skin or hair treatment.

Why Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel is Special

NO UNNECESSARY ADDITIVES

We like Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel 100% Pure & Natural Gel because it is a pure Aloe Vera leaf juice that is free of added coloring or fragrance.

A lack of excess additives, coloring, fragrance or fillers greatly reduces the chance of skin irritation or reactions.^[2]

Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel has no added color or fragrance. It is clear and pure

UNSCENTED

Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel has ZERO scent. It smells like nothing.

For those of us who desire unscented products, it is difficult to find a pure Aloe Vera product without scent. Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel has no added fragrance. We detect none of the natural allium/onion scent found in fresh aloe vera gel straight from the leaf.

ENRICHED WITH VITAMIN E

This Aloe Vera formulation also contains Tocopheryl Acetate, a stable form of VITAMIN E used in skincare. Vitamin E is anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. It also softens damaged skin to make it pliable.

RESIDUE-FREE ABSORPTION

There is no sticky residue to the Aloe. It contains carbomer, a safe texturizer that enables product absorption. There is practically no dry-down time.

MADE IN THE USA

Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel is made in the USA.

It comes in a 2-ounce travel size (1, 3 or 6 pack) and a 32 ounce size bottle. We tried the travel size 3-pack.

Aloe Vera Benefits

Aloe Vera can get things done! Use it as a shaving cream, treat razor burns and bumps, and as an all around moisturizer.

Aloe Vera Benefits for Skin

Aloe Vera is a base for many clean and natural skincare products, and for good reason.

Aloe Vera feeds the skin with essential nutrients and makes skin smooth, hydrated, and soft. This skin “food” heals, hydrates, and accelerates skin cell growth.

It provides nourishment to the skin as it contains:

Vitamins A, C, B, and E, (all anti-oxidants) folic acid, and choline
minerals like collagen III-enhancing copper
8 enzymes, including Bradykinase to reduce inflammation^[3]
Amino Acids and fatty acids to hydrate the skin without oil.

Aloe Vera has an enzyme that repairs skin cells. This helps soothe and heal:

minor burns
scrapes
sunburn and excess sun exposure^[4]
razor burn
dry, flaky skin

It provides anti-inflammatory^[5] and anti-bacterial properties.

Aloe Vera contributes to collagen regeneration which is helpful in wound healing. ^[6]

Aloe Vera Benefits for Hair

Research on Aloe Vera applications within hair care includes benefits for the scalp and the hair lengths.

SCALP BENEFITS

A healthy scalp means optimal hair growth.

Aloe Vera has an enzyme that repairs dead skin cells on the scalp to help hair grow strong. This helps treat or reduce scalp conditions impacting hair growth such as:

dandruff
dry scalp
seborrheic dermatitis^[7]
psoriasis^[8]

HAIR LENGTHS

The hair length and the ends lose moisture over time. Aloe Vera feeds the hair with essential nutrients and B5 and amino acids make hair smooth, hydrated, soft, and shiny!

TIP: Aloe Vera makes a great conditioner for eyebrows! Combine Aloe with a drop of Castor or Almond Oil and brush onto eyebrows with a spoolie!

The Eden Dews Experience

We like the convenient travel size bottle size and its’ easy to use dispenser top design to keep the product fresh.

Scent: None
Color: None, clear
Consistency: It is a lightweight texture
Dry-down: non-oily, absorbs well. It is not at all tacky even during dry-down.
Residue: No chalky residue, not sticky or tacky.

RESULTS

The feel on my skin is moist and hydrated skin, not the feel of product, very natural. Notably, unlike some aloe formulations, it does not sting or burn on my sensitive skin.

I love an unscented aloe vera formulation because it absorbs better than fresh aloe and smells better than aloe vera gel fresh from the leaf!

Where to Shop It

Find Eden Dews Aloe Vera Gel on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQSRDL8R

Lightweight, thin consistency is easy to spread with no stickiness

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any questions or comments about Eden Dews Aloe Vera?

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

References

Davis, Robert H. Aloe vera: A scientific approach. Vantage Press, 1997.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review, January 2019 pages 1-42
Atherton P. The essential Aloe vera: The actions and the evidence. 2nd ed 1997
Byeon SW, Pelley RP, Ullrich SE, Waller TA, Bucana CD, Strickland FM. Aloe barbadensis extracts reduce the production of interleukin-10 after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. J Invest Dermatol. 1998 May;110(5):811-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.1998.00181.x.
Hutter JA, Salmon M, Stavinoha WB, Satsangi N, Williams RF, Streeper RT, et al. Anti-inflammatory C-glucosyl chromone from Aloe barbadensis. J Nat Prod. 1996;59:541–3.
Chithra P, Sajithlal GB, Chandrakasan G. Influence of Aloe vera on collagen characteristics in healing dermal wounds in rats. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998 Apr;181(1-2):71-6. doi: 10.1023/a:1006813510959. PMID: 9562243.
Vardy AD, Cohen AD, Tchetov T. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. J Derm Treatment. 1999;10:7–11.
Syed TA, Ahmad SA, Holt AH, Ahmad SH, Afzal M. Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Trop Med Int Health. 1996;1:505–9.

ABOUT THIS POST

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: Saccharomyces Ferment

January 17, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Probiotics and Postbiotics are trending in skincare. One skincare ingredient that is gaining traction is Saccharomyces Ferment. Find out how this ingredient can level up your skincare routine, and some of our favorite products containing this yeast ferment.

What is Saccharomyces Ferment

Saccharomyces Ferment is a probiotic yeast obtained by fermentation. It is considered a postbiotic.^[1]

A moisturizing, skin- soothing, nutrient rich yeast ferment that stimulates cell renewal with amino acids and peptides. It is well tolerated even by sensitive skin types.

Why is Fermentation Useful?

Fermentation increases nutrient density like a skincare ingredient “power level up”.

In Saccharomyces Ferment, it adds nutrients to a formulation as it produces amino acids and peptides. Amino acids and peptides can be easily absorbed by the skin to promote collagen synthesis and nourish our skin cells.

The beta-glucan in Saccharomyces Ferment enhances its’ ability to provide a buffer for potent actives within a formulation.

It increases oxygen flow to skin cells. The better the oxygen flow and consumption, the better vital skin components such as collagen and elastin are maintained.

Saccharomyces lysate extract is believed to neutralize toxins such as trace heavy metals and pesticides. ^[2]

Products We Love Containing Saccharomyces Ferment

Saccharomyces Ferment is popular in K-Beauty skincare brands. It is also seen in some Estee Lauder, Origins, and Clinique products.

Here are a few products we recommend:

HaruHaru Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream

HaruHaru Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream is a lightweight gel texture lotion with a host of stellar ingredients which together promote collagen synthesis.

Fermented ingredients such as fermented green tea and Saccharomyces Ferment both protect the skin and rejuvenate. These ferments enable better ingredient absorption as they break down ingredient molecules into smaller molecules easier for the skin to absorb.

It is a generously-sized product with 95% natural origin ingredients, including the highly effective Camellia Japonica is also known as Japanese Camellia or tsubaki. It is the authentic Japanese Camellia seen in brands like Tatcha and SK-II.

Read our full review here

A lightweight lotion with serious benefits

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner

This go-to toner gently brightens the skin with niacinamide, arbutin and licorce root, hydrates with and delivers a hydrating boost from its’ hyaluronic acid and Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner review coming soon! Stay tuned!

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist can be mistaken for an overly dramatic setting spray, when it really is a skin treatment on the go.

It contains more than a dozen treating actives that are considered the “star” ingredient all on their own. These ingredients include Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, licorice root, rice germ oil, red algae ginseng, royal jelly extract, and Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, and of course, saccharomyces ferment.

If you refresh your makeup during the day with a water spray and a Beauty Blender, Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist can really up your dewy skin game while protecting its’ exposome.

This product is most often used by skincare devotees.

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist contains SACCHAROMYCES/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE

Summary of Saccharomyces Ferment Ingredient Overview

Saccharomyces Ferment undergoes a fermentation process that adds potency to the base ingredient. It adds nutrients to a formulation as it produces amino acids and peptides.

Ferments in general enable better ingredient absorption as they break down ingredient molecules into smaller molecules easier for the skin to absorb. It enables formulation absorption within the skin to maximize results.

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

References

British Journal of Dermatology, May 2019, ePublication
Lukic J, Chen V, Strahinic I, et al. Probiotics or pro-healers: the role of beneficial bacteria in tissue repair. Wound Repair Regen. 2017;25(6):912-922. doi:10.1111/wrr.12607

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: