Beauty

What is Beauty?

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

7 Skincare Ingredients That Actually Plump and Hydrate Mature Skin

July 28, 2025 · Leave a Comment

At some point, just about everyone has found themselves staring at a moisturizer bottle, trying to make sense of the ingredients list. As someone who cares about their skin, you may also have concerns about using harsh chemicals that could do more harm than good.

Fortunately, you can find quality skincare products for mature skin when you know which ingredients to look for. As you begin your search for the right cream for sagging skin to meet your needs, look out for these ingredients that signal quality.

1. Plump Your Skin With Peptides

Peptides are simply short chains of amino acids that send signals to your skin to make more elastin and collagen. You can think of them as cheerleaders that prompt your skin to do its best to promote overall good health, which could help stave off fine lines and wrinkles.

Products containing peptides can help promote more collagen production. You may find this especially beneficial for improving hydration and elasticity in delicate parts of your skin’s structure. For instance, gels and skin serums containing peptides can help gently improve the appearance of fine lines around your lips and eyes.

2. Help Your Skin Retain Moisture With Hyaluronic Acid

You might have seen this skincare product ingredient appearing on the labels of liquid makeup and moisturizers. This ingredient is gaining popularity due to its ability to ease dryness by helping the skin retain more moisture.

Hyaluronic acid is a type of naturally occurring sugar that exists throughout your body’s connective tissues. One of the things that makes this ingredient unique is that it is known for playing a huge role in keeping the skin plump and supple.

In fact, hyaluronic acid is recognized for being able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Including this ingredient in your skincare regimen helps your skin maintain its ideal moisture levels.

3. Try a Vitamin C Serum

This vital nutrient is contained within citrus fruits, bell peppers, and other natural foods that you can eat to nourish your skin from the inside out. You can also use a vitamin C serum to hydrate your skin from the top, and you’ll find that skincare products containing this ingredient are easy to work into your daily routine.

If you’re using a serum, apply it after cleansing your skin. Or, you can use a moisturizer containing vitamin C during your hydration step. Either way, you can enjoy knowing that vitamin C also works well with other ingredients you’ll find on this list that including hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

4. Discover the Wonders of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

This ingredient might feel like a mouthful, but it’s not as complicated as it seems. When you see this ingredient listed on a skincare product label, you can feel confident that it’s not a potentially harmful chemical.

Instead, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a form of vitamin C that is oil-soluble and stable. Skincare product manufacturers include it in creams and moisturizers to help promote your body’s ability to stimulate collagen production.

Using products containing this ingredient can help you maintain firmer, more elastic skin. Improving your overall skin tone can help it retain moisture, plumping up areas with fine lines to make them less noticeable.

5. Boost Hydration With Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid is a plant-derived ingredient that is found in the walls of many plants that you are familiar with, including apples, grapes, and spinach. This ingredient is generally considered safe for use in skincare products and is often added to help stabilize other ingredients.

On its own, this powerful antioxidant may also have a soothing effect on your skin. Looking for products that contain both ferulic acid and vitamin E can provide you with a skincare regimen that is packed with helpful antioxidants.

6. Look for Skincare Products With Squalane

Seeing a name that you might not recognize on a skincare product label might cause you to pause. But you can rest assured that squalene is an oil that helps to increase hydration naturally. Your skin naturally makes squalane, and it is also found in plants.

As you look for products that contain this ingredient, you’ll want to look for ones that specifically contain squalane versus squalene. Squalane is plant-based and more shelf-stable compared to the animal-derived form. Plus, squalene is recognized for being more eco-friendly, to give you a skincare product that you can feel good about using.

7. Choose Products With Vitamin E

Similar to vitamin C, this nutrient works as an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from potential damage. Vitamin E is found within your skin’s natural oils, and it works as a barrier that helps to seal in moisture.

As mature skin begins to slow down oil production, it’s beneficial to incorporate vitamin E into your skincare regimen to help your body retain as much hydration as possible. Using products containing this ingredient can help you maintain smoother skin that appears and feels more hydrated.

Explore Skincare Products That Contain Powerful Hydrating Ingredients

As your skin matures, it may require some assistance with staying hydrated, as natural oil production begins to slow down. Knowing which ingredients you see on a serum or moisturizer label actually work empowers you to make informed decisions about your skin’s appearance.

Now that you can recognize the ingredients that you prefer to use for plumping and hydration, it’s time to get started. Since skincare needs can vary from one person to another, it’s helpful to take a personalized approach to developing a hydrating regimen.

Clinique 30% off The Best Deals end today: Save NOW

June 7, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Clinique is having a rare 30% off sitewide offer for Smart Rewards members, and 25% off for non-members

The discount applies to all the Clinique favorites:

Dramatically Different Moisture Lotion
Almost Lipstick Black Honey
Quickliner for Eyes
High Impact Mascara
Moisture Surge, Glow Serum
Smart Clinical Repair™ Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask
Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Happy, Calyx fragrance
Gift Sets

The non-aerosol Hairspray is still out of stock.

New Product: DDML with SPF 35!

Free Gift with Purchase

Pick a free full-size treat with an eligible $100 order.*
Choose your favorite from the fresh summer selection, including a Free Full Size – Clarifying Lotion 2 , or full size Moisture Surge Mask

Pick a free full-size treat.

How to get the Clinique Discount

Get this discount by signing into your Smart Rewards account and it will apply the discount automatically at checkout. Exclusions apply.

25% off sitewide for non-members.
Or join free today to get this extra discount

More News To Know About Clinique

DISCONTINUED CLINIQUE PRODUCTS GUIDE 16 ways to find your favorite discontinued products

Other skincare Products for sensitive skin Types

More unscented hair care options great for those with sensitivities or work in mandatory fragrance-free environments.

Where to Buy Discontinued Clinique Products?

Discontinued Clinique Lipstick You Love How to Find It 2025

May 30, 2025 · 1 Comment

This is the DISCONTINUED CLINIQUE LIPSTICK GUIDE. Is your favorite lipstick discontinued? This guide tells how to find your favorite Clinique lipstick again.

I was heartbroken when Clinique discontinued my favorite Clinique lipstick.

So, I began to search for a replacement.

This is when I learned how hard it is to replace a discontinued Clinique lipstick.

Was your favorite Clinique lipstick discontinued? We found some legit ways to find it again.

Do the Clinique Discontinued lipsticks include my favorites?

Clinique has discontinued some lipstick shades.

Some beloved discontinued Clinique lipstick shades include:

Richer Raisin
Raspberry Glace
Tenderheart
Guava Stain
Honey Ginger
Fresh Watermelon
Shy
A Different Grape
Sugar Pop
Bamboo Pink lipstick
Barely
Surprise
All Heart
Plum Pop
Also the Clinique Butter Shine lipsticks, including the shade Delovely

Is Black Honey Lipstick by Clinique Discontinued?

There is a rumor that Clinique discontinued Black Honey lipstick. Is this true?

Sometimes Black Honey lipstick is not available for sale anywhere. Some buyers fear it is discontinued. Fortunately, it is most likely only sold out temporarily.

Black Honey is one of Cliniques most loved products. It has been popular since it first came out in 1971!

Originally, Clinique Black Honey came in a small pot. The original pot packaging of Clinique Black Honey lipstick is no longer available.

It is now available in a lipstick tube and a lip and cheek oil.

It also comes in Pink Honey. Pink Honey is a rose version of the classic.

Black Honey lipstick is special because it has a clear base instead of the typical opaque lipstick base. This is why Clinique Black Honey dupes are often similar, but not exact.

A Discontinued Clinique lipstick can still be found online. This includes GWP lipsticks — Need to locate a discontinued Clinique lipstick? Check out these sources

Where Can I Buy Discontinued Clinique lipstick?

Here are 5 legit ways to replace your favorite discontinued Clinique lipstick.

Discontinued Clinique Lipstick Resource #1: FragranceNet

The first good option is FragranceNet.

They have new stock of older lipsticks. This includes some discontinued Clinique lipsticks.

For example, we saw the original version of Raspberry Glace lipstick at FragranceNet.

Some items there are many in stock. Other items they have less than 10.

FragranceNet is a legit vendor. They have been around for several years. We have had good experiences at FragranceNet. The items we have purchased here have always been in excellent, new condition.

Discontinued Clinique Lipstick Resource #2: eBay

eBay is an excellent resource for Discontinued Clinique Lipsticks.

Some sellers are private individuals with a few extra lipsticks to sell.

There are many professional sellers with discontinued Clinique. They have some new unopened old stock. That includes some discontinued and hard to find Clinique lipsticks.

Some eBay sellers also have old gift with purchase (GWP) or bonus offer gift bags. These often have limited-edition or deluxe sample sized Clinique lipsticks.

Discontinued Clinique Lipstick Resource #3: Bonanza

Bonanza is a third resource for finding your favorite lipstick shade again.

Bonanza is mostly sellers who are individuals not professionals with multiple lipsticks in stock.

If you see a lipstick you want on Bonanza, it may not be available for very long. Vet sellers carefully, but you may need to act quickly!

Discontinued Clinique Lipstick Resource #4: Poshmark

Poshmark has a few professional sellers. But it is mostly individuals selling new unwanted items from their personal collection.

TIP: Always check that a lipstick in new and unused condition.

When possible, inquire if the lipstick has been in storage. This is important because the lipstick may have been exposed to heat or cold causing it to melt or freeze.

Discontinued Clinique Lipstick Resource #5: Three Custom Color

Three Custom Color does not have old Clinique stock.

Instead, they can replicate any lipstick shade.

They can replicate your favorite lipstick two ways.

The first way is by sending them a small sample and they copy it exactly. They will make you 2 lipsticks.
The second way is they may already have your favorite discontinued Clinique in their collection.

There are over 275 Clinique lipstick and chubby sticks color dupes available! These include long discontinued colors and more recent shades. Some dupes are Tenderheart lipstick, Guava stain, and Fresh Watermelon lipstick.

And if your favorite discontinued Clinique lipstick is not already in their collection, no worries. They can make a custom dupe for you.

Once a lipstick is created, they keep the dupe recipe on file. This way, you can always order it again in the future.

Is there a good dupe for Clinique Black Lily lipstick?

Yes. Three Custom Color duped Clinique Black Lily lipstick.

They also have Black Honey and Black Lilac lipstick dupes.

Why did Clinique stop making my favorite lipstick?

Sometimes limited-edition Clinique lipsticks come in the Clinique bonus gift bags. These lipsticks are only available in the bonus gift offers and not part of the regular Clinique lipsticks for sale.

To buy these lipsticks, you most likely need to find that Clinique bonus bag for sale again.

One option to find former Clinique Bonus gift bags for sale is to check the Cosmetics Company store. These are brick and mortar outlets. There is also an online Cosmetics Company store.

They regularly have several old gift with purchase bonus bags in stock at all times. Sometimes they are from the last bonus bag run, sometimes they are as much as 18 months old. Different department stores tend to get different bonus bags, so it may take some time to identify the right bonus offer that held your lipstick.

Other lipsticks don’t sell well in some areas. Your favorite lipstick may still be available elsewhere.

Does Clinique Lipstick Expire?

Was your favorite lipstick discontinued long ago?

Experts say that used or open lipsticks can expire in 2 years.

How to Best Extend the Life of a Lipstick

To maximize the life of a new or opened lipstick, store it in a cool, dark place. Some people even keep their lipstick in the refrigerator.
If the color, texture or scent of a lipstick has changed, it has turned.

Any lipstick with water as an ingredient can develop bacteria or mold.

To reduce the risk bacteria, always use a clean lip brush to apply lipstick.
A lipstick may have expired if it forms small beads of moisture on the surface.
A lipstick also may be about to expire if a white film or cast forms on the surface of the lipstick. It is possible to wipe this cast away, but it will form again.

These issues may factor into if you want to search for an original discontinued lipstick or find a good dupe.

Summary of DISCONTINUED CLINIQUE LIPSTICK YOU LOVE and How to Find It in 2025

That’s our list of 5 places where to find your favorite discontinued Clinique lipstick. There are online and in-store vendors that may still have that long lost lipstick you love!

This guide focuses only on where to find discontinued Clinique lipsticks.

Are you looking for where to find other discontinued Clinique products, not just lipstick?

Try the Discontinued Clinique Product Guide

BAKUCHIOL: What it is + The Skin Benefits We LOVE

May 19, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Bakuchiol is known to make skin look younger because it acts like retinol but without the irritation. Can Bakuchiol really make skin look young?

Read this Bakuchiol Guide: What it Is + The Skin Benefits We Love

About Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It is also called babchi. It is a plant-based phenol that decreases wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Studies show that gentle, natural bakuchiol holds its’ own against Retinol. Structurally, babchi is nothing like retinol. While it can technically cause redness and irritation, it is rare.

Unlike retinol, you can use it during the day. It is still important to use sunscreen.

Why Use Bakuchiol Not Retinol

Retinol is the gold standard of skincare ingredients. It quells acne, age spots, and wrinkles. It leaves skin dewy, refined, refreshed, and younger. But before the dewy, youthy, fabulous skin phase, there’s the dreaded irritated skin phase. And for those of us with sensitive skin that phase of retinol use is torture. In fact, many stop using retinol altogether because they cannot tolerate that phase of intense skin irritation. There are some ways how to buffer retinol for sensitive skin:

Applying a moisturizer first, wait 10 minutes then apply retinol.
Use Retinol only for a few hours then washing it off is another option.
A third option is using retinol only one or two nights a week.
Some prescription retinols, such as Atralin, contain built-in buffers that allow many sensitive skin types to finally experience retinol.
Some over the counter retinol products contain buffers to soothe irritation.

But some people prefer a natural alternative with less fuss.

Bakuchiol Skin Benefits We Love

Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative. It is non-irritating.
It improves photoaging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation equally as well as retinol, but is better tolerated. ^[1]
Stimulates collagen within the skin, as well as significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. ^[2]
Inhibits melanin production on age spots and acne scars ^[3].
Treats acne without skin peeling or redness.^[4]
NEW Moms: Ask you doctor about Bakuchiol use. It may be okay during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding (retinol is NOT considered safe for either – so plan accordingly).

bakuchiol is an alternative to prescription retinol

Prescription Retinols such as Atralin have built-in buffering ingredients that may help some sensitive skin types tolerate retinol use. Others prefer natural ingredient alternatives. [/caption]

Bakuchiol Research Studies

“Our study demonstrates that bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging and is better tolerated than retinol.” ^[5]

One randomized, double-blind, clinical study compared retinol and bakuchiol. There was no statistical difference between how each decreased wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. But the retinol users reported facial skin scaling and stinging. ^[6] A second study confirmed the Retinol-like functionality of bakuchiol. It also documented the stimulation of collagen within the skin. Bakuchiol was used twice a day for 12 weeks. The result was a significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. ^[7]

Feature	Retinol	Bakuchiol
Anti-aging effectiveness	Proven to stimulate collagen, smooth wrinkles and improve texture	Comparable benefits (wrinkle reduction, elasticity, pigmentation) in clinical trials
Skin tolerance	Can cause redness, dryness, peeling, irritation, and sun sensitivity	Gentler alternative; typically low irritation, suitable for sensitive skin
Photosensitivity	Increases sun sensitivity must be used at night with SPF	Stable under sunlight, safe for morning use, no added photosensitivity
Suitability during pregnancy	Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding (Vitamin A derivative)	Considered safe during pregnancy (no retinoid structure) though discuss with your doctor
Speed & potency	Fast-acting and potent; noticeable results in weeks but harsher	Generally milder and slower; may take longer for visible results
Research & track record	Extensively studied for decades well-established effects and risks	Promising clinical results and growing evidence, but shorter history in skincare
Daytime use & integration	Restricted to nighttime; incompatible with many other actives	Can be layered with other ingredients, including daytime routines; adaptable integration

Pros and Cons Benefit Chart

Recommended Clean Beauty Skincare with Bakuchiol Benefits

We previously featured two Bakuchiol clean beauty skincare products:

Both give Retinol results without retinol irritation.

24K Carrot Glow also contains Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a clean ingredient that helps skin with premature aging and photo damage (sun damage).

Tropical Melt contains probiotics to clear acne prone skin. Both are great clean beauty skincare options depending on your specific primary skin condition.

About Tropical Melt with Bakuchiol

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt is an excellent multi-tasker to address wrinkles, acne, discoloration, and acne. Apply this multi-tasking balm to damp skin and use it as a cleanser, makeup remover, mask, or leave-on treatment. We love the retinol results AND how skin still feels so supple, hydrated, and smooth!

Find Clean Beauty Skincare options featuring Bakuchiol like Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

References

Dhaliwal, S.; Rybak, I.; Ellis, S.R.; Notay, M.; Trivedi, M.; Burney, W.; Vaughn, A.R.; Nguyen, M.; Reiter, P. (February 2019). “Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing”
British Journal of Dermatology. 180 (2): 289=296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 29947134.
Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
Ohno O, Watabe T, Nakamura K, Kawagoshi M, Uotsu N, Chiba T, Yamada M, Yamaguchi K, Yamada K, Miyamoto K, Uemura D. Inhibitory effects of bakuchiol, bavachin, and isobavachalcone isolated from Piper longum on melanin production in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1504-6. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100221. Epub 2010 Jul 7. PMID: 20622433.
Dhaliwal, S.; Prospective, British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
Ibid
Chaudhuri, Bakuchiol, Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014

ABOUT THIS POST

These Caley Cosmetics and Morganna’s Alchemy products were both originally submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own. See details in the original product reviews. All Ingredient Guide research is our own. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for this Ingredient Guide, please contact us. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Find Clean Beauty Skincare options featuring Bakuchiol like Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt[/caption]