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Flat Ironing to Healthier Hair: Megainvo Professional Steam & Infrared Styler

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Do you cringe at old pictures of women bent over an ironing board, ironing their hair with a clothes iron? Modern flat irons can still do major damage. Flat ironing depletes hair moisture and protein, and weakens the hair cuticle, and can burn or break hair. Even with a thermal styling protective product, flat ironing takes a toll. Keeping hair in optimal shape requires limiting the damage that can be done by flat iron use. So we were excited to find the Megainvo Steam Nano Titanium Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron that styles while actually leaving hair in better condition, sealing in hair moisture and protein while never over-heating the hair.

Megainvo Steam Nano Titanium Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron

Megainvo Steam Nano Titanium Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron comes in a presentation style box suitable for gift giving

QUICK DESIGN FEATURE OVERVIEW

  • Hair-friendly styling using infrared heat, ceramic tourmaline, and steam.
  • Secure carrying case with glove, 2 clips, and pockets to store the cord and iron
  • Six temperature settings
Six temperature settings with easy Power and increment button panel

Six temperature settings with easy Power and increment button selection panel

  • WIDE PLATE: It has a 2-inch wide plate for faster styling of long hair.
  • 2-in-1 Iron curls or straightens
  • Quad Core PTC Heater will not overheat, burn hair or cause a fire hazard.
  • Sturdy construction including an 8-foot long 360-degree swivel cord.

HOW IT WORKS: THE SCIENCE BEHIND MEGAINVO HAIR STRAIGHTENER

Megainvo Hair Straightener uses three main concepts to create healthy hair styling without damage: Infrared Heat, Steam, and Ceramic Tourmaline. The result is healthy hairstyles achieved with less heat. This means less hair damage, loss, splitting, and breakage without compromising style.

INFRARED HEAT

Infrared heat is ideal for hair styling because while the plates themselves are of a higher temperature, it uses electromagnetic properties to transfer and apply lower temperatures of heat onto the hair itself. This results in less damage to the protein cortex of the hair and less moisture loss. Less damage to the protein means far less hair thinning and breakage even with regular use.

Infrared Heat makes for safer hair styling without compromising hair or results

CERAMIC TOURMALINE PLATES (QUAD CORE PTC HEATER)

The infrared heat is combined with Nano Titanium Ceramic Tourmaline plates. This makes the perfect pairing because ceramic conducts heat evenly, so there are no unexpected scorch or burn marks. Has a clothing iron ever damaged a silk blouse or delicate fabric with a burn mark? This is due to an uneven application of heat. The same thing can happen to your hair, but the burn is not always immediately obvious. Ceramic prevents uneven heat or hot spots on the plate, greatly reducing the risk of burning your hair. This also means achieving the desired style with fewer passes of the tool.

Tourmaline also is useful in hair styling because naturally releases negative ions. Negative ions are why ocean air smells so invigorating, they cleanse the air. Tourmaline’s natural negative ion production also contributes to shiny and soft hair. Negative ions increase oxygen absorption, reducing static electricity, friction, and frizzy hair. These factors make for easier to style hair.

STEAM

The upper ceramic tourmaline plate is designed to release steam via several small steam vents. This creates long-lasting hairstyles and replenishes moisture deep into the hair fiber. Steam styling maintains the delicate moisture to protein ratio that makes hair look its’ best. The extra moisture is a protection against the high-temperature heat of the iron.

Small steam vents release just enough moisture to protect hair and lock in style

Additionally, steam helps smooth coarse or damaged hair, creating a long-lasting, sleeker look with less heat. This means even coarse hair can be styled at lower temperatures. Adjust the steam knob for more or less steam.

Adjust for low or high steam to best style your hair type

EXTRA SAFETY MEASURES & FEATURES

  1. A footstop of high-quality fireproof rubber material so the device safely lays flat
  2. Pregnant women and children can use it safely without radiation. (Approved by CE/ROHS/GS/SAA/CETL)
  3. Auto Shutoff after 1 hour
  4. Worldwide dual voltage (110-240V)
  5. Internal temperature protector will automatically prevent over-heating
  6. 1-year warranty

Secure velcro closer, the lined case keeps the iron, cord, styling clips and gloves all in one place

PUTTING THE MEGAINVO FLAT IRON TO THE TEST

My hair is coarse and frizzy texture if left unstyled, and I do like to wear it as sleek and smooth as possible for work. For more casual hair days I like some soft, loose curls or a Kate Middleton straight through the lengths but curled for the last few inches. With some practice, I could do all three of these styles with the Megainvo Flat Iron.

EASE OF USE

The Megainvo Flat Iron heats up in under three minutes. The lowest temperature that you can style with is always the least damaging. I find the infrared heat and steam combo allows me to get first-rate results at lower temperatures than I might use with other flat irons.

The 8-foot long cord swivels 360 degrees which makes it much easier to maneuver, especially when creating curls. The included protective glove is useful as is the included carrying case.

The only real learning curve to this iron is how to use the steam feature. To do this, the water chamber must be filled before use. This is easy to do: it snaps off after pressing the release button, there is a small hole in the back to fill it with water. Put the rubber plug back in place and snap it back onto the device. Once the device is turned on, turn the steam knob and follow the instructions while it heats up. That’s it. Select the temperature most suited for your hair type. The temperature ranges from 300 – 450 degrees F.

Fill the water chamber bu using the included nozzle bottle, snap it back into place, lock it and you are ready to style with steam!

Fill the water chamber bu using the included nozzle bottle, snap it back into place, lock it and you are ready to style with steam!

There are detailed instructions included in the enclosed manual on how to use the iron to get straight and curled hair, both inward facing curls and outward.

RESULTS

I find that using this iron not only leaves hair in good condition, but straightened styling holds well for the second day so I don’t have to use the flat iron daily. If my hair gets damp or it is a very humid day, I might do a very quick pass over the top layer of my hair and the ends and it looks as good as first-day styling.

I was concerned that the steam feature would leave hair too wet and take longer to style, frizzy, or that it would make my styling products sticky and dull. But the steam is just the right amount. I find myself using less styling product because the steam does lock in a soft, shiny style on its’ own.

The two-inch wide plate makes quick work of straightening or curling my long hair.

CONCLUSION

This month, we are recommending several ways to keep hair in optimal condition, and the Megainvo Flat Iron is one of them. If you are going to flat iron or curl hair, using an iron that actually helps hair stay moisturized goes a long way towards keeping hair healthy. The Megainvo Flat Iron is a high-quality, versatile, well-constructed styling tool that is easy to use and delivers long-lasting results. It is effective enough to work even on coarse hair but gentle enough for damaged or fine hair. The auto-shutoff feature gives me peace of mind on mornings that I leave the house in a rush and can’t remember if I unplugged my styling tools. Don’t risk damage to hair when you can achieve straight or curly styles with the safe, hair friendly Megainvo Flat Iron.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Megainvo Steam Nano Titanium Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron at https://www.amazon.com/Straightener-Titanium-Tourmaline-Professional-Megainvo/dp/B0791BFCZW

For Style Chicks readers, get 20% off with promotion Code 9TTAFY3I

Style Chicks received the Megainvo Flat Iron Steam Nano Titanium Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron 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.

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

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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

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 Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer 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.

Home Spa Day Facial: KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer

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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! Afterward, my skin felt so soft!

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:

  1. 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

    Built-in adjustable angle mirror for applying product while steaming

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. It has ceramic heating elements to produce 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. 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!
  8. 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!
  9. 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!

    Woman after using a skin steamer

    Get soft, hydrated, smooth, clean skin with the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer

  10. 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!
Steamer for home spa experience

Steam warm small towels to complete the home spa experience!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the KINGDOMCARES Facial Steamer at Amazon. 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.

Keratosis Pilaris: How to Treat Chicken Bump Skin at Home

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Keratosis Pilaris is chicken bump skin. If you know what chicken bump skin is, you probably have it or know someone who does. If so, you know how hard it is to treat, because nothing seems to work. And it is unsightly, especially in the warm weather when you want to wear arm-revealing apparel. Learn about an easy, safe remedy for KP: Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer.

WHAT IS KERATOSIS PILARIS?

Keratosis Pilaris is small, dry white bumps that occur in patches. They are an excess build-up of keratin in numerous adjacent hair follicles within an area. They are most common on the back of the upper arms, the back and can appear even on buttocks. And they don’t exfoliate away, they don’t respond to acne medicine or creams, they seemingly respond to nothing, and they can get itchy. Oh, and they get angry looking in the heat, in the cold, from creams, sprays, clothing, and it would seem for no apparent reason at all.

It is sort of a not problem of a problem until it is one. Keratosis Pilaris can’t really hurt you unless you get an infection from scratching it. You also can temporarily tame the KP beast with a gentle exfoliation with mild soap and perhaps a brush device like Clarisonic, but you can also make a mess of your skin trying to treat it if you use the wrong products. And it is easy to mistake for acne or poison ivy if you don’t know better, starting a vicious cycle of KP inflammation and redness.

KP can leave unsightly and embarrassing red, irritated bumps that appear like acne or a rash on upper arms

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT KERATOSIS PILARIS

The dread Chicken bump skin will respond to prescription strength Retinol. Retinol gently exfoliates off the dead skin cells entrapping the hardened keratin and replaces that skin with chicken bump-free skin, for the time being at least. It takes a good four to six weeks, but it clears it up pretty well. Further, with regular long-term use, the retinol helps prevent the hardened keratin bumps from forming in the first place, which reduces KP bump formation.

The caveat is that it that Retinol can also make skin dry, flaky and itchy, which make it more difficult to not scratch, which in turn, makes KP all the worse. So the Retinol needs to be buffered. And therein lies the rub: so many other ingredients can irritate KP that not all creams or lotions can be used as a retinol buffering agent.

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

One product we found that is excellent for treating KP is Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer. It combines a prescription strength Retinol of 2.5% with 20% Vitamin C serum. Together they sack chicken bumps, clearing out existing bumps and eliminating the excess keratin from the skin. This prevents new bumps from forming. There is also the bonus of several natural Keratosis Pilaris friendly moisturizers to buffer the active ingredients. These include the super soothing Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, and Sunflower Oil. This not only makes Retinol tolerable but eases the itchiness of existing chicken bumps, which makes it much easier not to scratch.

LORDBURY RETINOL+C CREAM MOISTURIZER IS A COST EFFECTIVE KP TREATMENT

If you are in the market for KP products, you will notice they pretty much all have one thing in common: a steep price tag for a not so big bottle. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer comes in a large and generous 2.8-ounce size for under $30, which makes it the most cost-effective treatment I’ve found to date for the Keratosis Pilaris on my upper arms.

My chicken bump situation is pretty mild, but I’m self-conscious about the area during the summer, and I’m happy to report the Lordsbury Retinol+C moisturizer took care of the problem without any irritation to the area. So this summer, I am chicken bump free!

Treat KP on face, decolletage, and arms with Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer

Treat KP on face, decolletage, and arms with Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer

Looking to try a Retinol with all the prescription strength benefits and none of the irritation? Try Lordsbury Retinol+C moisturizer, a twice a day 2.5% retinol with 20% Vitamin C and loads of natural moisturizers to keep skin soft and dewy.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M3PSEQX/

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains 2.5% Pure Retinol, 20% Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Shea Butter and many other Retinol enhancing ingredients

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains 2.5% Pure Retinol, 20% Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Shea Butter and many other natural ingredients that help skin heal from KP

Style Chicks received Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer 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.

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