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Beauty

What is Beauty?

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

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Weightless Foundation

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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:

  1. My skin is not oily, but the color oxidized within a few hours.
  2. 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

Best Brightening Shadow: Chantecaille Eye Shade Ginger

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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.

Chantecaille Eye Shade
Chantecaille Eye Shade Ginger

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

 

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.

Virtually no fallout

 

Virtually no fallout

Where to Shop It

Find Chantecaille Eye Shades at BlueMercury, Saks and SpaceNK

 

Chantecaille Eye Shade Ginger

 

Chantecaille Eye Shade Ginger

Ingredient Overview: Kukui Seed Oil

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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

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

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

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

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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
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

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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

Retinol has many skincare benefits

Original Sleek Retinol Cream has many skincare benefits

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

Key Ingredients

Gota Kola Skincare Benefits

        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

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

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

           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

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

How to Use It

  1. Dispense one pump of cream.
  2. Dab it onto the forehead, nose, each cheek, and chin.
  3. Gently rub/pat it into the skin, spreading evenly over the face.
  4. 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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Ibid
  4. Natural Product Research, December 2007, pages 1,234-1,239
  5. 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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