Style Chicks

Independent Product Reviews | Skincare Guides

You are here: Home / Archives for Beauty

Beauty

What is Beauty?

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

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream Why We Love It

· Leave a Comment

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream is a lightweight gel like cream that absorbs quickly with no tacky dry down.  It is lightweight enough for day use but packs the ingredients of a decadent treating night cream, including several synergistic fermented ingredients that promote collagen synthesis.

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream decanted onto their custom spatula.

Why HaruHaru Wonder is Special

This Clean Beauty brand boasts 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.

It is chemical free, paraben free and cruelty free.

HaruHaru Wonder counteracts environmental stressors, brightens the skin and leaves it dewy and soft. This is done, in part, by the K-Beauty method of using fermented ingredients.

Fermented ingredients such as fermented green tea and Saccharomyces Ferment both protect the skin and rejuvenate. Fermented ingredients also enable better ingredient absorption as they break down ingredient molecules into smaller molecules easier for the skin to absorb. In this regard, Saccharomyces Ferment is a superstar.

Check out this ingredient lineup:

Key Ingredients

Flowering Camellia Sinensis

Flowering Camellia Sinensis AKA Green Tea

 

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Camelia Sinensis is the leaves of green and white tea. It is gentle yet powerful. This green tea is fermented for extra skincare benefits.

It contains phenols and EGCG which evens the skin tone, and is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant. It reduces redness and inflammation around the delicate eye area.

EGCG enables the production of new cells in the epidermis [1] . It contains phenols to strengthen collagen and elastin. This gives skin a bouncy, younger look while delaying wrinkles.

 

Honey

Honey is a natural antibacterial and moisturizing humectant.

Raw honey is a gentle spot acne treatment and anti-aging antioxidant. Honey is a pore clarifier and a moisturizer.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a Vitamin B3 derivative.

Niacinamide promotes collagen, addresses a loss of elasticity and reduces redness. It fades acne scars and brightens the skin.[2] It reduces the inflammation of rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions [3]

An effective brightening and lightening tool all own its’ own, when paired with Vitamin K results in brighter and firmer skin. It decreases sebum production, [4]  fine lines and enlarged pores. It inhibits melanin production in hyperpigmentation. [5]

Niacinamide reduces the impact of environmental damage because it improves skin’s barrier and Ceramide levels [6] .

This formula has a hydrating Sunflower Oil base combined with soothing, skin rejuvenating natural ingredients

hydrating Sunflower Seed Oil

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

Sunflower Seed Oil functions as a lipid buffer against drying ingredients or topical medicines [7] It retains moisture in the skin and is also rich in vitamin E.

Sunflower Oil is non-comedogenic and can moisturize acne-prone areas. It soothes eczema, scarring, redness, and irritation.  It is a natural treatment for atopic dermatitis. [8]

Linoleic acid gives sunflower seed oil anti-inflammatory properties.

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil

Camellia Japonica is an excellent antioxidant and moisturizer, Camellia japonica oil is rich in Omega 9. Omega 9 helps the skin retain hydration.  Camellia japonica oil also contains polyphenols, vitamins A, D, C, and E.

This non-comedogenic oil promotes skin elasticity.[9]   It the most effective at transdermal collagen and elastin delivery.

 
Camellia Japonica

The seed of the Camilla japonica produces a highly effective skincare oil

 

Saccharomyces Ferment

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.

Saccharomyces Ferment is a probiotic yeast obtained by fermentation. It is considered a postbiotic. [10]

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.

Saccharomyces lysate extract neutralizes toxins such as trace heavy metals and pesticides. [11]

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.

 

Lactobacillus Ferment

A probiotic to maintain the microbiome for a healthy skin barrier, reducing skin issues such as acne.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and increases the effectiveness of other ingredients.

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.

Beta-Glucan comes from oats

Beta-Glucan

Derived from oat, Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide sugar derived from yeast or oats. It is an antioxidant and skin-soother especially helpful for calming red, irritated skin.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a natural vegetable-derived humectant. Glycerin helps the skin to retain moisture.

Glycerin fills in gaps in dryer skin which makes skin look better and keeps the outer layer of the skin intact.

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid that is produced by controlled hydrogenation of the skin-restoring ingredient lecithin.

Palmitic Acid

A fatty acid that is a natural emollient found in a variety of palms.  Helps skin retain moisture longer, and is particularly soothing to sensitive skin conditions such as eczema.

 

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols

An emollient and an anti-oxidant. Soybeans are rich in Vitamin E which softens and reduces inflammation.

 

Jojoba Seeds

Jojoba Seeds

Simmondsia Chinensis

Jojoba Seed Oil removes impurities and flakes, reduces inflammation, and soothes skin. Jojoba oil is an emollient, made of 98% monounsaturated fats.

Jojoba gives elasticity and softness to the skin without causing acne or clogged pores.

Caprylyl Glycol

One of the “good” alcohols that binds to moisture.  A humectant.

Caprylyl Glycol is skin-conditioning. It is an alcohol derived from caprylic acid. Caprylic acid is a fatty acid found in milk, coconut and and palm oil

Tocopherol

Tocopherol is a form of Vitamin E derived from vegetable oils.  It is a moisturizing and skin softening antioxidant.

Olives benefits the skin

Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate both use the fatty acids of olives

Cetearyl Olivate

Cetearyl Olivate is a combination of the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids from Olives.

It is not drying because Cetearyl Olivate is moisture attracting and retaining. Olive oil fatty acids have skin-enhancing Omega-3s and polyphenols. These make skin glow! Cetearyl Olivate will not clog pores.

Sorbitan Olivate

Sorbitan Olivate is a combination of the fatty acids of olives and a fruit-based sugar alcohol. It is commonly paired with Cetearyl Olivate to lend a creamy consistency. Quite moisturizing.

The Experience

We love how it counteracts the irritation of aHAs or Retinol without feeling greasy or sticky. It goes on well underneath sunscreen with no pilling. Not heavily scented. And it comes in a generously sized container with this adorable little scoop!

We have been using it for a long time and still can’t get over how effective and decadent it is!?

TIP: spread the cream out from the inside of the face outward and upward. After a moment, tap the skin lightly to enhance absorption.
A lightweight lotion with serious benefits

A lightweight lotion with serious benefits

Where to Find It

Find Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream at haruharuusa.com and YesStyle

References

  1. Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, issue 1, pages 79-96
  2. Loden M, Andersson AC. Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin. Br J Dermatol. 1996;134(2):215-20.
  3. Levin, Jacquelyn, and Saira B Momin. “How much do we really know about our favorite cosmeceutical ingredients?” The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology vol. 3,2 (2010): 22-41
  4. Niren NM, Pharmacologic doses of nicotinamide in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions: a review. Cutis. 2006 Jan;77(1 Suppl):11-6.
  5. Zoe Diana Draelos, Akira Matsubara & Kenneth Smiles (2006) The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 8:2, 96-101,
  6. Josefina Navarrete-Sol­s,1 “A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacinamide 4% versus Hydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma”, Clinical Study Volume 2011 |Article ID 379173
  7. Tanno, O. , et al “Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier.” Br J Dermatol.2000 Sep;143(3):524-31.
  8. Lopez Perez G, Torres Altamirano M. Indications for sunflower oil concentrate in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Rev Alerg Mex. 2006;53(6):217-25.
  9. Jung, E. et al. Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function. Journal of ethnopharmacology 112.1, 127-131 (2007)
  10. British Journal of Dermatology, May 2019, ePublication
  11. 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

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: 10 Tips How to Best Use

·

This how-to guide is about How to Use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment: 10 Tips for Best Use

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment is considered by many to be a holy grail hair rescue product.

But for some, Elasticizer is just meh. How can some people swear by it and others be disappointed?

Proper application is key to getting the most out of Philip Kingsley Elasticizer or Elasticizer Extreme.

Not sure how to use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment? Read our top ten tips for best use below.

How to Use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

How to Use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: 10 Tips for Best Use

Why Elasticizer is Special

We previously reviewed Philip Kingsley Elasticizer and discussed how we love its’ simple but excellent ingredients.

A key ingredient overview helps deconstruct the elusive je ne sais quoi of Elasticizer. Let’s take a look:

Key Ingredients

Olive Oil nourishes hair

OLIVE OIL

A moisturizing oil with Omega-3s and polyphenols. Omegas nourish the hair follicle and make the cuticle smooth and the shaft strong.

Kingsley found Olive Oil works best not as a direct oil application, but within a creamy formula base.

It aids in the penetration of the precious vitamins and fatty acids.

A creamy formula also makes it easier to wash out without oily residue after use.

HYDROLYZED ELASTIN

Elastin gives hair tensile strength: the ability to stretch. Hydrolyzed Elastin adds body and elasticity to hair. It improves hair’s resistance to breakage and aids moisture retention.

Unlike protein treatments, you cannot over-do elastin. Elastin returns a youthful look to the hair.

Elastin is important to keep hair looking vibrant, lush, bouncy and healthy.

Castor seed oil is a humectant

CASTOR OIL

Castor Oil draws moisture into the hair shaft making it plumper and hydrated. It’s Vitamin E softens hair. Castor Oil thickens thinning hair and calms the appearance of frizzy hair.

Castor Oil is typically too thick and sticky to apply directly to the hair. But in this formulation, it washes out easily.

GLYCERIN

Glycerin helps hair to retain moisture. This is particularly important for thirsty coarse and curly hair.

Ten Tips on How to Best Use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment

1. Apply to Fully Damp Hair

Apply Elasticizer to fully damp hair prior to shampooing.

How to do it:
  • Warm the creamy conditioner slightly in your hands.
  • Slowly smooth it into the length of the hair to help it absorb.

2.  It Must Fully Absorb

Absorption is the key. It won’t accomplish nearly as much just sitting on the hair surface.

How to do it

I apply it to a small section of hair at a time.

Then place the hair section between two fingers and gently “squeegee” the product down the hair length to assist absorption.

For sections that don’t absorb after 30 minutes, I re-wet the hair with a spray bottle and repeat the squeegee process.

Gently squeeze it in if the squeegee method doesn’t work.

3. Avoid the Scalp

There is no harm in applying it closer to the scalp, but it is most beneficial applied to lengths down to the ends. I focus extra on areas I heat style with my curling wand – bangs, money pieces, and ends.

Some suggest applying from the ear down to the ends.

4. Keep Elasticizer moist

As long as it stays damp, it continues to work. 

HOW TO DO IT:

  • I like to use a processing cap or hair towel to let it stay moist.
  • Your facial steamer can add a special oomph to the penetration.
  • If Elasticizer is getting dry and hard, spritz it down.

5. 10-Minute Minimum Use

It takes about five minutes to absorb into the hair.  Leave it in for a minimum of ten minutes, or even overnight in a covered cap or towel.

In the Kingsley Clinics in New York and London, they leave Elasticizer in for 30 minutes.

Don’t have time for a full treatment? Try this tip:

“I like to treat any split or brittle hair with perhaps a teaspoonful, gently worked into my hair and then left overnight. Very economical and a quick and easy boost when I don’t have time for the full works.”

– JENNIFER DYE
PHILIP KINGSLEY HEAD TRICHOTHERAPIST

6.  Add heat

Heat intensifies the penetration. Use it while exercising, at the beach or sunbathing, or while taking a steam.

7. Don’t Use Elasticizer before or after Hair Coloring

The packaging says it can remove hair color or impede coloring. Don’t use Elasticizer for 3 days before and after coloring.

I ignored these directions and found out it is true. The Olive Oil can remove fresh color, and color doesn’t take when used within 3 days before coloring.

8. Use the Formulation for Your Hair Type

Use the proper formulation for your hair type.

  • Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme is for coarse, naturally coiled, or very damaged hair.
  • Fine and Medium texture hair should use Elasticizer Intensive.
  • For medium or curly textured damaged hair that is LONG, I found Elasticizer Extreme works. Your mileage may vary.

9.  Add-Ins

Elasticizer is an excellent creamy base for your favorite hair oil. Sometimes I add a few drops of warm Jojoba or Avocado oil

10. Stick With It

We find the benefits are cumulative. Courtney initially didn’t see much difference, but after second use, she was wowed by the results.

Lyn’s coarse and colored hair responded well to Elasticizer Intense, but benefits far more from Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer Extreme.

BEST TIP: after slightly warming a small amount in your hands, gently squeegee it into the hair to aid absorption.

Where to Find Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

Find Philip Kingsley products at:

  • PhilipKingsley.com
  • BlueMercury
  • Violet Grey

Questions? Comments?

Have any questions?

The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

Leave a comment or email us at questions@stylechicks.com

How to Best Use Rosehip Seed Oil for Skin Benefits

· 1 Comment

Our Science of Skincare series explores the benefits of Rosehip Seed Oil.  This article shares 7 clean beauty products using rosehip seed oil.

Best Clean Beauty Rosehip Seed Oil Products

Rose Hip Seed Oil offers the benefits of Vitamin C and Retinol serums but without the skin irritation.

Here are a few of our favorite clean beauty formulations below:

Volto Urbano

Volto Urbano Moisturizing Blue Oil is a lightweight, restorative, go-to oil packed with skin-enhancing goodness. 

We love using just a few drops of this oil for hydration without a heavy oil feel

Many K-beauty oils masterfully address environmental concerns in certain environmental conditions. But these oils are often too heavy and oily for stateside use.

It’s lovely blue hue comes naturally from chamomile, and it boasts rosehip seed oil on its’ ingredient list.

Volto Urbano is a woman-owned, innovative brand with skincare formulations based on peer-reviewed research. The result is barrier-repairing, restorative skin care that combats external aging factors.

See more about Volto Urbano Moisturizing Blue Oil

Earth Wise Beauty

We are VERY excited to tell you about this amazing organic skincare line. Not only are the natural ingredients beautiful and exotic, but the products are fantastic for sensitive skin. The ingredient list is absolutely amazing inclusions and each delivers high performance in potent, healing Earth Wise products:

Earth Wise Ruby Face Oil

EarthWise Ruby Face Oil is an amazing multi-tasker with rosehip oil in its’ jaw-dropping beauty ingredient lineup.

Earth Wise Ruby Face Oil Golden Oil

Earth Wise Ruby Face Oil

Earth Wise Ruby Face Oil Golden Oil

Such a lovely golden hue!

This lightweight daytime face oil can be used alone or combined with other products. It blends with their unique Farizad’s Veil Sun Reflector, a multitasking powder booster to mix with oils and balms.

One drop is enough to treat the delicate eye area skin

EarthWise Passion Eye Serum

This organic eye cream boasts zero boring ingredients. It includes amaranth oil, passionfruit oil, seabuckthorn berry CO2 extract, murumuru butter, and of course, Rosehip Seed Oil. Earthwise Passion Eye Serum deeply hydrates the delicate eye area skin.

Earthwise Passion Eye Serum

We find Earthwise Passion Eye Serum to be an exceptionally silky formulation

Jeffrey James Botanicals

Jeffrey James Botanicals is a luxury organic line that uses amazing ingredients for face and body skincare. These products truly deliver.  Rosehip Seed Oil appears in several products in the range. This makes sense as Jeffrey James Botanicals focuses on quality ingredients that hydrate skin.

Rosehip Oil is amongst the ingredients in Jeffrey James Botanicals The Mask. This delicious smelling, anti-aging whipped raspberry mud refines and hydrates skin while gently exfoliating with glycolic.

The Mask has a lovely texture and smooth feel on the skin

The Mask has a lovely texture and smooth feel on the skin

ROIL

ROIL Private Collection

ROIL is a luxury line of hair and body care. It uses custom-crafted concoctions of organically farmed oils including Rosehip Oil.

Find more ROIL details and our coverage here.

ROIL Body Lotion

ROIL Private Collection

Epionce

Epionce Renewal Facial Cream is a medical-grade botanical-based skin cream using beeswax for skin barrier care and rosehip seed oil for anti-aging.

Epionce Renewal Facial Cream

Epionce Renewal Facial Cream

Rosehip Seed Oil is used in several Epionce products, see more about the Epionce product range here.

Rosehip Seed Oil Honorable Mentions

Kat Burki

Both these formulations leave skin  soft and looking marvelous. Watch for our upcoming full coverage on these two stellar rosehip products.

Kat Burki Rose Hip Intense Recovery Eye Cream

Kat Burki Rose Hip Intense Recovery Eye Cream Is a fast-absorbing, waterless eye serum packed with skin-restoring organic goodness to plump and treat the delicate eye area skin.

Kat Burki Rose Hip Revitalizing Face Serum

Kat Burki Rose Hip Revitalizing Face Serum is a dense cream that is warmed between the fingers, Creme de La Mer style. It makes skin glow.

Also:

I-Lublin Anti-Wrinkle is an impressive collagen-building trifecta of rosehips, Goji, and Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14. Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14 is a peptide that stimulates collagen production with effects very similar to Renova.

Keeva Organics Acne Treatment Cream with Tea Tree Oil. Rosehip Seed Oil is a supporting player to Tea Tree in this acne-reducing formulation. Rosehip soothes inflammation and reduces Tea Tree Oil irritation.

Science of Skincare Series

Our Science of Skincare series explores peer reviewed research on the benefits of natural and clean beauty ingredients.

Did you find this rosehip review useful? Then you may enjoy these Science of Skincare Series articles:

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions about Rosehip Oil or these rosehip oil products? The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

Know a rosehip seed oil product that should be on this list? Tell us!

Leave a comment or email us at questions@stylechicks.com

Why We Love Using Konjac Root with Hyaluronic Acid

·

This Konjac Root and Hyaluronic Acid INGREDIENT GUIDE explains the skincare benefits of using Konjac Root and Hyaluronic Acid together.

Skincare Dynamic Duos

Many ingredients have excellent synergy.

Together these “dynamic duos” kick common skincare woes to the curb.

This article focuses on Konjac Root with Hyaluronic Acid.
Our next article will focus on Ferulic combined with Vitamins C and E.

Konjac Acid comes from this Konjac Root

Konjac Acid comes from this Konjac Root

Konjac Root + Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid helps many active ingredients penetrate the skin. Some examples are:

  1. MSM
  2. Vitamin C
  3. retinol
  4. peptides
  5. niacinamide or B3
  6. Sea Buckthorn Oil

These ingredients each do their best work in the deeper skin layers.

But together Hyaluronic Acid and Konjac Root do something special.

Hyaluronic Acid and Konjac both have high hygroscopic properties. This is the ability to pull moisture into the skin.

Used Alone

Konjac Root

Konjac Root contains glucomannan.

Glucomannan is similar to the kind of hyaluronic acid seen in young skin.

Glucomannan penetrates the upper layer of the epidermis and hydrates the surface and make it look younger.

Konjac root has skin-friendly vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, and E, plus lipids and fatty acids.

It smooths fine wrinkles and promotes collagen and elastin production.

Konjac contains copper, a skincare superstar that builds collagen and elastin.

Elastin is crucial because it reduces sagging and wrinkles and gives skin a springy and healthy look.

Copper is rare and pricey skincare, which makes Konjac Acid a skincare treasure. Copper also plays well with other actives. [1]

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in the skin, but it depletes as we age.

It keeps in moisture to provide cushioning in joints and the skin. It can plump a wrinkle, for example, to appear less severe.

Hyaluronic Acid “pulls” moisture from the air into the skin.

It also pulls active ingredients deeper into skin.

The deeper active ingredients can work, the better the overall result.

What Happens When Konjac and Hyaluronic are Paired Together

The low molecular weight hyaluronic acid plus the glucomannan in konjac maximize their combined water absorption capacity.

But the really special thing is this:

Once they absorb into the skin, they link.

They attract water TOGETHER and swell the skin.

I mean, really, really swell with water. All they can get.

So much water.

The result? It gives the skin a nice plump look while simultaneously treating the skin.

Skincare Products with Konjac Root + Hyaluronic Acid

A few clean beauty skincare products already combine Konjac Root and Hyaluronic Acid for you.

The best skincare product for you depends on your overall skincare goals.

  • Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum adds the power of Konjac Root and Hyaluronic Acid to Ferulic Acid and Vitamin C. It is a really Vitamin C serum level up.
  • Civant Meladerm combines Konjac Root and Hyaluronic Acid with natural ingredients to fade discoloration. And it does it without hydroquinone.

Summary of Why We Love Using Konjac Root with Hyaluronic Acid

Konjac Root and Hyaluronic Acid hold moisture very well and make skin look and act younger.

Since they both draw ingredients into skin, they pair well with a third ingredient.

The deeper ingredients like retinol, Vitamin C or MSM can penetrate into the skin, the better results you will see. This is especially true on scars, texture, and photodamage.

Stay tuned for the next article in this series discussing Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Was this ingredient guide useful? Then you may also enjoy:

References

  1. A.A, Abdulghani & A, Sherr & S, Shirin & G, Solodkina & Morales Tapia, E & B, Wolf & A.B, Gottlieb. (1998). Effects of topical creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream and melatonin compared with tretinoin on the ultrastructure of normal skin “ A pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes. 1. 136-141. 10.1016/S1088-3371(98)00011-4.

Copyright © 2007 - 2026 STYLE CHICKS