Move over, parabens! There’s a new preservative in town.
It’s called Phenoxyethanol. Rumour has it, it’s gentler, safer and still as effective at keeping bacteria and other nasties out of your skincare products.
Is that too good to be true? Here’s what the science says:
✕
Do You Know Some Preservatives Release Formaldehyde?
Sign up to my newsletter and receive the “preservatives that release formaldehyde” cheat sheet.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and receive the “preservatives that release formaldehyde” cheat sheet.
What The Heck Is Phenoxyethanol?
Phenoxyethanol is an ethylene glycol ether. An ethanol molecule attached to a phenol group.
In plain English? A preservative with a moisturizing oily texture. It’s usually made in a lab, but you can find it in green tea, too.
Cosmetic chemists love it because it’s so easy to work with. It’s effective in most formulas and pH ranges.
Why Is Phenoxyethanol In So Many Skincare Products?
Blame it on parabens. These popular preservatives have gained such a bad rep (totally undeserved, by the way), a lot of brands are phasing them out and replacing them with something that is seen as safer.
In other words, it keeps your skincare products safe from most of the bad bacteria and organisms you DON’T want proliferating in them.
P.S. Unlike parabens, Phenoxyethanol is strong against bacteria, but weak against yeast and mold. It should never be the only preservative used in a lotion.
The same people who hate on parabens are now starting to hate on Phenoxyethanol, too. For no reason.
Some people just don’t like the idea of having preservatives in skincare products. They’re rather take the chance and use a contaminated cream that gives them an eye infection and makes them go blind…
Yes, that CAN happen when you use preservative-free products. Preservatives are there for a reason: to keep you safe from the micro-organisms that want to harm you. Skip them at your own peril.
Critics say animal studies show Phenoxyethanol causes reproductive and developmental toxicity. What they don’t tell you is how these studies are done: by forcing animals to eat insanely high amount of this preservative!
Heck, even Vitamin C can kill you if you ingest TOO MUCH of it. Does that mean you should never eat an orange?!
If you want to determine if Phenoxyethanol is safe for skin, you have to consider how it’s used on your skin. In skincare products, you can only use 1% or less or Phenoxyethanol.
Sure, there’s always the chance Phenoxyethanol can irritate your skin, especially if it’s sensitive. All preservatives can. They’re killers and killers can’t be too gentle.
But reactions to it are rare. Using preservative-free cosmetics, on the other hand, is much, much more dangerous.
Do You Know Some Preservatives Release Formaldehyde?
Sign up to my newsletter and receive the “preservatives that release formaldehyde” cheat sheet.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and receive the “preservatives that release formaldehyde” cheat sheet.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an alternative to parabens, go with Phenoxyethanol. It’s an effective preservative that keeps bacteria from multiplying in your skincare products – without irritating your skin.
Do you think Phenoxyethanol is a safer alternative to parabens? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
Sponsored content – It’s Summer, it’s often humid and if like myself you have less than perfectly well behaved hair you may be in the market for something to tame frizz? But why stop there when you can address issues such as damaged hair, colour fade and protect against heat inflicted from electrical tools as well reducing static and increasing hair shine with one product? If you add one hair product to your hair routine, let it be Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment(£14.99).
I’m pretty low maintenance when it comes to my unruly locks, I’m pretty much a wash and go kinda gal, purely because I am so strapped for time so the Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment, is right up my alley and as it is an exclusive salon formula you know you are in good hands. Yes, Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment is loaded with benefits but if it is tricky to use, you’ve already lost me. Luckily this easy to use mist, only requires to be misted onto damp hair, comb through and style as normal. It literally takes 2 minutes and as such I’m sure this is something we can all spare for better hair?
So let’s talk about my hair shall we? It’s long, frizz-prone, bleached so therefore damaged and generally if I’m being entirely honest with myself not all that manageable. As I said above, I’m pushed for both time and patience, therefore I don’t have a huge interest in hair styling products. Well that was until I got to try out Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment for myself. Essentially the best way I this instantly hydrating formula is to perhaps compare it to a beyond souped up leave-in-conditioner. Simply must in, go and enjoy all the benefits with next to no commitment.
Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment protects against heat so you can ditch other heat protectants, saving on time and money – you can also wave goodbye to additional conditioning treatments and de-tangled because this tropical (lime and coconut) scented miracle has you covered. From the first use you will notice that not only is your hair far more manageable but also shinier too with improved volume too – great if like myself you have fairly lank hair.
As great as all of this is, it pales in comparison to what Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment achieves when combined with heat. For years I have wanted to try out a Keratin infused blow-dry in the salon but as mentioned I am pushed for time. Rather wonderfully, I no longer need to worry about this as Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment has given me the silkiest, smoothest hair with a high gloss sheen and all I had to do was run the hair straighteners through my hair.
It shouldn’t really be surprising as Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment is a salon formula but sometimes you have to experience products to fully understand the hype. And that’s what I think you should do, give Keratin 10 – Leave In Miracle Treatment a whirl and see how one beautifully scented product can revolutionise both your hair and routine.
You can shop the entire range here but I personally rate and recommend the Keratin 10 money saving triple pack (£17.48) – link.
Humectant is one of those fancy words us science beauty bloggers like to throw around to prove we know our stuff.
But everyone else is probably scratching their heads, wondering what the heck we’re talking about.
Better explain myself, eh? Here’s what humectants are and why you should load your skincare routine with them:
What The Heck Are Humectants?
Humectants are a group of substances called hygroscopic (more science jargon Gio? Weren’t you supposed to explain this in English?)
Hygroscopic means that it attracts water from the air into the skin.
Who can do it? Here are the most common humectants found in skincare:
Aloe vera
Butylene glycol
Glycerin
Honey
Hyaluronic acid
Lactic acid
Propylene glycol
Sodium hyaluronate
Sorbitol
Urea
What The Heck Do Humectants Do?
Humectants attract and bind water to the skin.
But, where do they get this water from? Two places:
From the environment (when there’s enough moisture in the air)
From the deeper layers of the skin (where the air lacks moisture)
This makes humectants both good and bad guys in skincare. Huh?
Why Are Humectants Good For The Skin?
When humectants draw water from the air, everyone’s happy. Your skin is inundated by a wave of water that increases its moisture levels.
More moisture = smoother, plumper, brighter skin.
Humectants are a great way to keep oily skin hydrated without adding more oil to it. They’re also great at amping up moisture in dry skin.
But, here’s the catch: if you have dry skin, you can’t just put moisture back in it. You also have to seal it with an oil. That’s why you should use either a humectant serum followed by a facial oil or a moisturiser with both humectants and oils (here are my fave picks for you).
When there isn’t that much moisture in the air, humectants steal water from the deeper layers of the skin.
In the short term, this makes your skin look softer and suppler.
In the long term, it dries out your skin like crazy.
P.S. High concentrations of humectants do the same thing. Use them in moderation.
What Are The Best Serums And Moisturizers With Humectants?
All my fave serums and moisturisers with humectants have one thing in common: they feature hyaluronic acid (or its close cousin, sodium hyaluronate).
I love hyaluronic acid because it can attract and bind to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water. It doesn’t get more hydrating than this.
Here are my picks:
SHOP THE POST
The Bottom Line
Humectants can be dry skin’s BFF or its worse enemy. Use them in moderation when there’s enough humidity in the air: they’ll keep your skin well-hydrated, softer and plumper. But in low humidity environment? Don’t go overboard.
Have you tried humectants in skincare? Share your experience in the comments below.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
If you’re not exfoliating, you’re missing out. Exfoliants remove all those dead cells that make your skin look tired, dull, and old, giving your face a brighter and healthier look.
But, not all exfoliants are created equal. There are two types: chemical and physical exfoliant. And, one type is way, way better than the other.
Which one? The answer may surprise you…
What Are Chemical Exfoliants?
How do they work?
They dissolve the “glue” that holds skin cells together, allowing them to fall off. They can also dissolve the dead skin cells themselves.
These little particles can have jagged edges that can scratch and tear up skin. Apricot kernels are the absolute worst. Avoid!
Plus, they may not exfoliate evenly. If you scrub your chin for 2 minutes and your cheeks for 2 and half, your skin will be more exfoliated in some places than others.
Best Picks:
Shop Best Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical VS Physical Exfoliation: Which Type Is Best?
Chemical exfolition all the way. Why?
It exfoliates skin evenly
It’s less likely to irritate skin.
Chemical exfoliants also do other stuff like hydrate skin and boost collagen production.
Seriously, who said that chemical is bad?
What do you think about chemical vs physical exfoliants? Let me know what your fave type of exfoliant is in the comments below.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
You know how sheet masks make you look like a serial killer? Not anymore.
BioMiracle Start Dust Bubble Masks turn your face into a cloud. The fun-coloured sheets fizzle and foam until you’re all covered in tiny blue or green bubbles. How cool is that?
I know, I know. It’s just a gimmick. It doesn’t make the masks work any better BUT who said skincare can’t be fun? You can even choose what creature you want to turn into:
Unicorn: a multicolour mask with charcoal and propolis to hydrate and clear up skin
Mermaid: a blue mask with antioxidants (Vitamin C, bamboo and seaweed) to prevent premature ageing
Bumble bee: a yellow and black mask with black charcoal and propolis to clear up skin
Pixie: a green mask with green tea and apple to moisturise skin and prevent wrinkles
Flamingo: a pink mask with rose extract and berries to hydrate skin
I’ve played around with Mermaid and Pixie. Here’s what happened:
How Do Bubble Masks Work?
Sort of like soda water. Take Coke, for example. It has carbon dioxide, a gas that dissolves in water. When you open the can, the pressure drops, the gas gets out and your coke starts to fizzle and bubble.
BioMiracle Star Dust Bubble Masks uses Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether, an oxygenated perfluorocarbon. When you put the mask in your face, the oxygen turns back into gas, forming little bubbles all over your face.
This reaction doesn’t do anything special for your skin. But it makes your pampering session more fun. Are you up for that?
BioMiracle Star Dust Mermaid Bubble Mask is a blue sheet mask the colour of the clear sparkling ocean. Its essence is infused with:
I leave the mask on my face for 20 minutes. Around the 10 minutes mark, I start to hear little popping sounds. As I look in the mirror, I see tiny blue bubbles forming over the blue sheet.
When I take it off, my skin has a lot of the essence still on. It looks foamy, sort of like soap, and a little blueish. I rinse the whole thing off with water and pat my face dry.
My skin is now so soft to the touch. It looks a little brighter. When I wake up the next morning, I look fresh and awake.
It’s not something I’d use every day. But it makes my skin routine fun once in a while. Plus, it’d be a great present for any teen in your life.
BioMiracle Star Dust Pixie Bubble Mask is a green sheet mask infused with a similar essence as the Mermaid Mask. It uses the same fizzling gas, same surfactants and same dollop of glycerin.
Oh, and the green colour. This time, the foam the mask creates is a bright green hue. Kinda makes you look like Mrs Hulk taking a bath…
After removing the mask, I rinse off the foaming essence with water. I can instantly tell my skin is a little softer and brighter. Not as softer as after the Mermaid mask, but it does make your skin look fresher.
I’d say this is more suited to people with oily skin concerned with antiaging. If your skin’s on the dry side, the Mermaid Mask is a better fit for you.
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
At least that’s what Dr. Julian De Silva, a London-based plastic surgeon, concluded when he analyzed the 33-year-old’s features using computer mapping technology.
“The Phi ratio of 1.618 has long been thought to hold the secret for beauty,” he says. After measuring Amber and other celebs across 12 key markers for the nose, lips, eyes, forehead, chin and facial symmetry and shape, he found that Amber came closest to the ancient Greek principles for physical perfection.
“[She] has the most beautiful face in the world, scoring a high 91.85 percent.”
Of course, a plastic surgeon more than anyone would know that the so-called “perfect” facial proportions can be achieved by going under the knife. Funnily enough, Dr. De Silva’s algorithm scored Kim Kardashian a 91.39 percent, and we all know there’s nothing natural about her!
So did Amber also have a little help? Let’s find out!
Amber in 2005
Amber Heard at Teen People’s 2005 Artist of the Year Party.
Our first shot is from back in 2005, when Amber was 19 years old. She’s got the same dirty blonde hair colour, the same eyes and the same gorgeous skin. What’s different compared to now? I think it’s mainly to do with her mouth. For starters, we can see that her upper lip was naturally a lot thinner than the lower one.
Amber in 2006
Amber Heard at the 2006 Los Angeles Art Show Opening Night Gala.
In this more front-facing shot from 2006, we get a better look at her original nose. It does seem a little wider and more prominent compared to more recent photos. Also, her smile doesn’t have that “Hollywood” look yet, I believe because she has a bit of an overbite. Note the thinner eyebrows, which were on trend back then.
Amber in 2007
Amber Heard at the 2007 Awards Season Diamond Show Fashion Preview.
In 2007, Amber was still au naturel (I think!). I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have recognized her in this shot. Again, the difference is all in the mouth—her overbite is causing her teeth to slightly protrude over her lower lip, and her top lip isn’t nearly as full. The makeup is also washing out her complexion. I think the foundation is too matte and powdery, and could use some dimension from bronzer or blush.
Amber Heard at the 2007 premiere of ‘The Beautiful Ordinary.’
Amber looks even less like herself in this shot. While her skin was super pale before, now she’s got a deep tan and tons of blush. Plus, a very dated eye makeup application (nobody does smoky eyes like this now!). Then there’s the hair, which is even lighter, with a ’70s-inspired feathered cut. Isn’t it crazy how her smile alone makes her look so different?
Amber in 2008
Amber Heard at the 2008 Hot Hollywood Awards.
In 2008, she cycled through several hair colours. First, it was back to her natural dirty blonde—but styled in these stiff, retro curls. (There was a real old Hollywood moment around this time, do you remember? Scarlett Johansson used to wear this type of look as well!) Amber’s teeth are also brighter, although there are more changes to come. As for the “bunny lines” beside her nose, sometimes those can happen from Botox. But she was only 22 at this time… hmmm!
Amber Heard at a D&G boutique opening in 2008.
Who knew that Amber once had black hair? This is totally a Megan Fox aesthetic (she was at her peak popularity at this time!). I think Amber actually pulls the colour off fairly well, even with much lighter eyebrows. It really shows off her striking green eyes.
Amber in 2009
Amber Heard at the 2009 Sundance premiere of ‘The Informers.’
By the following year, the black hair had faded into this deep brown, which Amber paired with a spray tan and spiky false lashes. From this angle, I’m noticing two things. With her mouth slightly open, she still has that slight overbite look (which she doesn’t have now). Plus, her nose still has the same tiny bump on the bridge, just like in 2007.
Amber Heard at Virgin America’s 2009 Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale launch party.
By the end of the year, it was back to light hair—but this time, a radical bleached platinum instead of her natural dark blonde. Not only is it too light for her skin tone, but the colour is uneven and looks really fried. She also returned to the retro waves and bright red lipstick. I think this combination makes her look a lot older than her 23 years!
Amber in 2010
Amber Heard at Diesel’s Black Gold cocktail reception in 2010.
Then came another dramatic transformation in 2010. To coincide with her first film roles as the female lead (in Drive Angry and The Rum Diary), she got an upgrade to both her hair colour and makeup. This warm blonde is a lot kinder to her skin tone, and the smoky eyes and flushed cheeks are super pretty. I don’t think she changed anything further about her features at this time… but stay tuned!
Amber in 2011
Amber Heard at the 2011 Hollywood Film Awards.
The following year, Amber was a blonde again, but this time, it looks a lot more polished. Although I’m still not crazy about the colour, the sleek styling makes her look every bit the celebrity. Another observation: spray tans were a lot more obvious in this era! The same goes for the makeup, which is heavy-handed. As for her teeth, they’re whiter and brighter than ever. I think she had veneers, since the sizes and shapes are different versus 2008.
Amber in 2012
Amber Heard at the 2012 24 Hour Plays on Broadway Gala.
At age 26, Amber had yet another hair colour change, and this one’s my favourite of all, a warm medium brown. I can remember loving this at the time, and I feel the same way even now! Orange lipstick was a huge trend that year, and Amber is wearing it with beautiful fresh skin. Her brows have also filled in somewhat, compared to 2006. But there might be something else contributing to this look… a little tweak to her nose. Remember, celebs often change their hair at the same time, to throw us off!
Amber in 2013
Amber Heard at the 2013 Met Gala.
Amber’s brunette hair was equally gorgeous in 2013. I actually did a double take with this photo—at first glance, I thought it was Miranda Kerr! You have to admit, she looks very model-esque with the minimal makeup and side-swept, brushed-out waves.
Amber in 2014
Amber Heard at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards.
I think 2014 was the year that Amber really “made it” as star, becoming a regular on the red carpet. The first thing that jumps out in this picture is her upper lip. Does it look fuller because the edge has been overdrawn with lip liner? Or did she have a little something injected? I’m not sure!
Amber in 2015
Amber Heard at the 2015 premiere of ‘The Adderall Diaries.’
Okay, by 2015, I definitely think Amber was dabbling with hyaluronic acid lip injections. See how the bottom side of her upper lip is kinda lumpy? She also has this same expression in 2007, and her upper lip did not have this much fullness. In other news, I think she finally landed on her “Life Colour” with this blonde. She has stayed close to this shade ever since!
Amber in 2016
Amber Heard at the 2016 Glamour Women of the Year Awards.
Does Amber get prettier and prettier or what? She was 30 in this photo, and I’m loving the off-the-face updo and glowy makeup. Red lipstick has started to become her thing now (it also makes lip injections less obvious!). You’ll notice that her mouth position seems more relaxed, possibly because her teeth are no longer protruding as much.
Amber in 2017
Amber Heard at the 2017 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala.
Hair and makeup always improve dramatically as people climb the celebrity ladder, and this look is no exception. The tousled beachy hair, brown smoky eyes, shaded brows, contoured cheeks and matte stained lips are all super sophisticated (and were no doubt executed by professionals). Notice how her upper lip now matches the size of her lower one.
Amber in 2018
Amber Heard at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s 2018 Grants Banquet.
With a sleek ponytail and red lipstick, this ensemble was perhaps Amber’s most grown-up look to date. See what I mean about the red lipstick camouflaging the plumped-up lip(s)? The makeup is good, although she is wearing a heavier layer of foundation. Her face also seems more angular now, perhaps from age, weight loss or stress. Truthfully, I think she looks a little tired. (Stars! They’re just like us!)
Amber in 2019
Amber Heard at the Planned Parenthood of New York City 2019 Spring Gala.
That brings us to Amber’s most recent pic—and even with red lipstick, these lips stand out. They’re definitely the plumpest she’s had to date, and are what got me thinking about this Before & After in the first place! Fortunately, they’re balanced by super minimal makeup, an off-the-face hairstyle and her fullest brows yet.
Specifically, I was thinking a nose job—just like the majority of celebs we’ve looked at in this column. Now that I’ve examined her red carpet photos, I still suspect that procedure. But this is one of the harder cases to tell for sure!
With her face angled to the side, there’s not a significant difference in her profile over the years, except for possibly a less projected tip. When she’s facing the camera, I can see she might have had some conservative sculpting to narrow her nostrils, and to create a more button-like tip.
One thing I’m sure about, however—Amber made big changes to her lips and teeth!
There’s no denying that she’s experimented with lip injections these last few years, to increase the size of her upper lip.
What made the biggest difference was addressing her protruding teeth, probably with something like Invisalign’s invisible braces. Now, when she smiles, her teeth no longer overlap her bottom lip. She also has a much whiter, more even smile, likely due to a combination of teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.
When we think about plastic surgery, we don’t usually think about cosmetic dentistry, but Amber’s Before & After goes to show you how transformative it can be!
How do you feel about Amber’s beauty evolution? Which of these looks is your favourite? What “beauty work” do you think she’s had done?
We launched new products on Peach & Lily yesterday!
We’re so excited to share these three new innovations with you: a clay mask that hydrates and helps soften skin while clearing out pores (Pore Proof Perfecting Clay Mask), an overnight mask that helps rejuvenate skin as you sleep (Overnight Star Sleeping Mask), and an eye stick that immediately wakes up your eye area, helping de-puff and brighten (Cold Brew Eye Recovery Stick).
Read more about our newest innovations below, and learn three easy ways to incorporate them into your glass skin routine!
Pore Proof Perfecting Clay Mask
Our Pore Proof Perfecting Clay Mask is your solution for congested pores and/or rough, dry skin! We started with kaolin clay (the gentlest of clays) and added bentonite to help decongest even the most stubborn of pores, and then we included all these hydrating, nourishing, antioxidant-rich ingredients to pamper skin — glycerin, wild cherry extract, strawberry extract, allantoin, and centella asiatica extract, to name a few.
The result? A clay mask that doesn’t dry into a hard shell on your skin, rinses off easily, and leaves your skin feeling baby-soft and looking sparkling clean!
How to use? After cleansing, apply an even layer to damp skin. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Follow with the rest of your routine — your toner/essence, treatment (aka serums, ampoules, and/or facial oils), and moisturizer! If you’re using this in the morning, make sure to finish your routine with your favorite SPF!
Cold Brew Eye Recovery Stick
When it came to an eye stick, we wanted something that works — and works fast. At the same time, we wanted an eye stick that contained no harmful ingredients, like PEGs, Ceteth-10, and a whole bunch of other ingredients. We also didn’t want any menthol or peppermint extract because we didn’t want those potentially sensitizing ingredients in a product you’d apply around your delicate eye area. At first, we were told by our partner lab that that was impossible, not if we wanted to get the effects and texture we wanted.
Perseverance pays off, though, and we accomplished that impossible feat! Our Cold Brew Eye Recovery Stick instantly imparts a cooling feeling and helps the eye area appear de-puffed! It also glides on so smoothly without any tugging or pulling at the delicate skin around your eye area!
How to use? After cleansing, you could do our Super Reboot to help resurface skin and give pores a nice clean. Follow with one of our Lazy Day All-In-One Moisture Pads as your toner-serum-moisturizer-in-one, then swipe the Cold Brew around your area. One swipe gives you that cooling feeling and de-puffed look, but two (or even three!) swipes will increase the effects! And, of course, during the day, always apply SPF!
Overnight Star Sleeping Mask
It sounds too good to be true: apply the Overnight Star Sleeping Mask, go to sleep, and wake up glowing. We knew it sounded too good to be true, so we obsessed over this formula until we had something that would truly live up to the name. We packed it with antioxidant-rich ingredients, like acai berry extract and black ginseng root extract, a super-luxe ingredient that’s also the original superfood, and we also made sure that it would be so hydrating and nourishing without overloading skin and weighing it down.
We also obsessed over the texture because we wanted our Overnight Star also to be a beautiful sensorial experience that elevated your PM routine and made it feel like your worries were melting away as Overnight Star sank into your skin. It took us so many iterations, but we finally landed on this truly unique texture — the best way we can describe it is a bouncy jelly balm meets a whipped gel-cream. It simply melts into skin, absorbing quickly, so you can dream away and wake up to radiant skin.
How to use? Cleanse, apply toner, essence, treatments, and apply the Overnight Star, instead of your usual moisturizer. A little bit goes a long way. Then, don’t forget to treat your lips and slather on a layer or two of our K-Beauty Rescue Balm. Get your beauty sleep, and glow.
—
We hope you check out our new innovations! Feel free to leave your questions below and share your skin transformations with us on social media, tagging us and using our hashtag, #GlassSkinGoals!
“People might presume that since I’m a model, I have perfect skin, but I’ve always had skin issues,” says Lindsay Ellingson.
Working as a runway and Victoria’s Secret model in her 20s, she was constantly battling breakouts, thanks to a non-stop travel schedule and all the makeup being applied to her face. She also told The Cut and Erno Laszlo that she developed melasma, dark circles and hyperpigmentation.
Those struggles inspired her to start researching the ingredients in her skincare products, and now, at 34, she’s finally figured out what keeps her skin “glowing and balanced.”
Although Lindsay’s skin type is combination (“my T-zone gets a little bit oily”), she takes a decidedly gentle approach with her routine.
“The best advice that [dermatologists and estheticians] have given me is to stop stripping my skin,” she told Spotlyte. “Just because your skin is broken out or oily doesn’t mean you need to go at it with harsh cleansers and treatments.”
Photo: @lindsellingson
Her favourites include an array of lightweight serums and hydrating masks, along with products from her own line, Wander Beauty, which she launched in 2015. (They’re “infused with skin-loving ingredients… and free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and mineral oils.”)
Here’s how Lindsay takes care of her skin, inside and out.
Lindsay’s Morning Skincare Routine
1. Micellar Water:
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Bioderma Sensibio H2O: “Bioderma micellar water is a staple in makeup artists’ kits backstage. It’s extremely gentle and feels like water, without any of the harsh effects of tap water.”
2. Essence:
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence: “Then I press a few drops of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence in my skin, which always gives me a nice glow.”
3. Serums:
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops: “I’m obsessed with layering serums right now. I often skip moisturizer because serums are more active and just as hydrating for me. I start with Dr. Sturm’s Anti-Pollution Dropswhich have a water-like texture that melts into my skin. It’s packed with active ingredients like purslane to protect skin from oxidative damage and inflammation.”
Ildi Pekar Tissue Repair Serum
Ildi Pekar Tissue Repair Serum: “Next, I use Ildi Pekar Tissue Repair Serum—it’s enriched with CBD oil, which helps to calm any redness or inflammation. It’s become an essential in my beauty routine. My skin just drinks it up and it leaves me with a post-yoga glow.”
4. Face Oil:
Wander Beauty Glow Ahead Face Oil
Wander Beauty Glow Ahead Face Oil: “I hydrate with Wander Beauty Glow Ahead Face Oil. The raspberry seed oil acts as a natural sunscreen and evening primrose oil instantly absorbs, leaving my skin more bouncy and ready for makeup.”
5. Eye Mask:
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks: “I wear [them] for about 10 minutes. The warmth of the gold foil helps the serum to absorb deeper into my skin for an instant refreshed look. It’s like a spa treatment for your under-eye area.”
6. Sunscreen:
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30: “I never leave home without wearing SPF. Right now, I’m loving Josh Rosebrook’s Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30. It’s packed with skincare ingredients, so if I’m in a rush, this product alone will work as my skincare and SPF. The formula starts off white and then blends beautifully into the skin without leaving a chalky finish.”
7. Foundation:
Wander Beauty Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation
Wander Beauty Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation: “To perfect my skin with undetectable coverage I mix two drops of Wander Beauty’s Glow Ahead Face Oil with our Nude Illusion foundation (I wear Light) to create a lightweight tinted oil. Then I blend onto problem areas of my face with our Wander Cushion which gives me perfectly diffused coverage. We named this foundation Nude Illusion because it truly looks like your skin, but totally, undetectably perfected.”
8. Concealer:
Wander Beauty Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer
Wander Beauty Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer: “To conceal imperfections, I apply Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer. When we created Dualist, I was inspired by my years spent backstage in the makeup chair. These two formulas are all I need for that no-makeup makeup look.”
9. Blush/Highlighter:
Wander Beauty On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator
Wander Beauty On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator: “I add a pop of colour and glow to my cheeks, eyes and lips with On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator. The dual-ended stick is my go-to multitasker that works like a pretty filter for my face.”
10. Lip Balm:
Wander Beauty Beach Balm
Wander Beauty Beach Balm: “[It] is my absolute favourite. The shade is called Sangria, and it has a gorgeous berry tint, and your lips are just drenched in hydration.”
11. Face Mist:
Wander Beauty Glow Getter Mist
Wander Beauty Glow Getter Mist: “I set my makeup and refresh throughout the day with Glow Getter Mist. The Icelandic glacier water in Glow Getter’s formula calms my skin.”
Foreo Luna Mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush: “My nighttime beauty routine includes cleansing my skin with Foreo’s Luna Mini, which works to deeply cleanse and exfoliate.”
3. Exfoliator:
Lancer The Method: Polish
Lancer The Method: Polish: “And then exfoliate with Dr. Lancer skin polish, my go-to for an at home microdermabrasion effect.”
Resurface by Shani Darden Retinol Reform: “A few times a week I use Resurface by Shani Darden, she’s an expert esthetician whom I learned about in a Byrdie article focusing on her amazing skincare products. This retinol and lactic acid serum has reduced my hyperpigmentation, and it is now one of my secrets to flawless skin.”
Wander Beauty Extended Stay Hydrating Overnight Mask: “I finish off with Wander Beauty Extended Stay Hydrating Overnight Mask. It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t make a mess of my pillow. Plus, the mix of watermelon and rose flower oil leaves my skin luminous in the morning.”
6. Face Massage:
Skin Gym Rose Quartz Gua Sha Sculpty Face Tool
Gua Sha tool: “The last beauty product I use at night is my gua sha face tool, which I use to give myself a lymphatic massage to define my features.”
7. Silk Pillowcase:
Slip Silk Pillowcase
Slip Silk Pillowcase: “I always sleep on my Slip silk pillowcase to prevent bed head and sleep crease.”
Lindsay’s Skincare Treatments
Facials:
Ildi Pekar: “Once a month, I see my facialist Ildi Pekar. She’s originally from Budapest, and has very unique treatments…. She has really transformed my skin. I rarely get breakouts and my skin tone is much more even now. [She] does the best microcurrent treatment, which is like a workout for the face.”
The Cryosphere: “[Myfavourite beauty treatment indulgence is] Cryo Facials at The Cryosphere.”
Dermaplaning:
Dermaflash Luxe Facial Exfoliating Device
Dermaflash Luxe Facial Exfoliating Device: “I shave my face using a tool called the Dermaflash. If I have an event or party to go to, I’ll shave my face in the morning after exfoliating with Lancer’s Polish. It just makes your makeup look so much better and you have baby-soft skin.”
Facial cupping tool: “I cup my face! [It’s] so satisfying. It’s like an instant face lift.”
Face Masks:
111Skin Meso Infusion Overnight Micro Mask
111Skin Meso Infusion Overnight Micro Mask: “One of my favourite new beauty finds is 111Skin Meso Infusion Micro Masks, which I sleep in before any modelling shoot. They contain just two ingredients: hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump fine lines, and vitamin C, which helps to brighten skin and even the complexion. What makes these masks unique are the 150 micro structures that gently press the skincare ingredients deep into the skin. It’s a little like dermarolling, but much more gentle. You can use these masks to target specific areas that need extra help like under the eyes, crow’s feet, forehead, or frown lines.”
Nuori Supreme Moisture Mask
Nuori Supreme Moisture Mask: “Nuori is known for creating the freshest, all-natural formulas. What makes this mask unique is that you can wear it almost anywhere—it’s lightweight and practically invisible on the skin. I apply it during flights or while at the office for an instant boost of hydration.”
Wander Beauty Lift Off Purifying and Brightening Peel Off Mask
Wander Beauty Lift Off Peel Off Mask: “The mix of superfruits and kaolin clay help to gently lift impurities and bring back the radiance to my complexion.”
Lindsay’s Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle
Diet:
“I’m a healthy eater. I stay away from processed foods as much as I can and avoid anything with white flour. I notice a huge difference in my energy level and overall well-being.”
Sakara: “To stay healthy, I signed up for Sakara’s meal delivery service. I bring their lunches to the office which is great for me because then I’m not tempted to order takeout, and I know I’m getting a perfectly balanced plant-based meal that gives me energy for the whole day.”
Supplements:
Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Food
Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Food: “I take vitamins every day including Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Repair Food which helps to renew your skin from the inside out with powerful actives like purslane and quercetin. My skin has a noticeable glow after one week of use.”
Hot Yoga:
Modo Yoga: “The hot classes always help me unwind after a stressful day and I love to get in a good sweat while I work out—it feels extra cleansing. Also… inversions are said to be a ‘natural face lift.’ They increase blood flow and oxygen to the face, which gives you a healthy glow.”
Pilates:
Le Petit Studio NYC: “It’s a great workout for anyone with injuries because it’s so low impact. I had spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis when I was 13 and have limited mobility in my spine. I’m so much stronger, especially my core, but still lean.”
Sleep:
“Sleep is the best medicine if you’re feeling burned out or your skin is having a meltdown… get a good eight or nine hours’ sleep. There’s nothing better. Weeknights I’m in bed at 10 p.m. and asleep by 10:30 p.m. because I feel like my best self with eight hours of sleep. On the weekends, I love a night out with my husband and friends, so I just sleep in!”
Saunas:
“[In the evening, you can find me] in the sauna. My husband and I relax inside for about 15 minutes. It’s a great phone-free moment for us to talk about our days.”
What are the best high SPF sunscreens? And should you even use one?
Rumour on the street has it, high SPF sunscreens give you a false sense of security. You think you’re better protected, so you don’t bother touching it up… or applying enough in the first place.
Imo, that’s true of ANY sunscreen. This stuff is thick. Greasy. White. A total pain to reapply with makeup on. If you didn’t have to use it, you wouldn’t.
All the more reason to go with a high SPF sunscreen. While SPF still lets 3% of UV rays hit your skin, SPF 100 only lets 1% of UV rays through. In other words, SPF 100 works 3x better than SPF 30!
Unfortunately, governments haven’t caught up on this research, yet. Some countries ban sunscreens with a SPF higher than 50. That’s why you see SPF 50+ a lot lately!
Question is, which ones are worth getting? Here are the best high SPF (50+ ) sunscreens to keep you safe all summer long… and beyond:
✕
How Effective Is Your Sunscreen?
Grab the “Sunscreen Audit” worksheet and find out!
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and receive the “Sunscreen Audit” worksheet.
Best High SPF Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 50+ Sunscreen + WetForce For Sensitive Skin & Children ($42.00)
I’m not gonna lie. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 50+ Sunscreen + WetForce For Sensitive Skin & Children leaves a noticeable white cast on your skin. Chalk it up to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two white mineral UV filters that provide broad spectrum sun protection without the irritation. They’re so gentle, even babies can use them! The catch? You need to use so much of them to reach SPF 50+, they make you look a bit like Caspar The Ghost. But hey, it’s nothing a bit of foundation can’t fix. Plus, Shiseido sprinkled in a few antioxidants to fight free radicals and keep your skin young. If your skin’s sensitive, it’s well worth a try.
Best High SPF Sunscreen For Oily Skin: La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 ($19.99)
Lost all hope of finding a wearable sunscreen for your oily, breakout-prone skin? Give La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 a try. For starters, it has a creamy texture that dries down quickly – no dreaded greasy cast here. The best part? It helps absorb excess oil, so you won’t have to blot your face every 5 minutes. It can also withstand heat, humidity and up until 80 minutes in water! Make no mistake, you still have to reapply it during the day – especially if you sweat a lot. But it does offer better protection than most sunscreen out there – and in a texture oily skin will love.
Best Antiaging High SPF Sunscreen: Replenix Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50 Plus ($40.00)
Best for oily to combination skin, Replenix Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50 Plus has a lightweight texture that dries down to a soft matte finish. It’s loaded to the brim with antioxidants – including Vitamin C, green tea and resveratrol – that enhance sun protection. Remember that 1 or 2% of UV rays high SPF sunscreens still let through? They end up forming free radicals, nasty molecules that give you wrinkles and dark spots. Antioxidants neutralise them before they can wreak any real damage. Phew!
Best High SPF Sunscreen For Dry Skin: Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60 Soft Sheer Sunscreen Lotion ($30.50)
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60 Soft Sheer Sunscreen Lotion has a creamy lotion texture that dries to a smooth, non-greasy finish. Its formula is pretty basic, but effective: it protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays and keeps it safe and moisturised for hours. In other words, it does what a good sunscreen is supposed to do. If you’ve got dry skin, you’ll find this a pleasure to use. The best part? It’s 100% fragrance-free.
Best High SPF Sunscreen On A Budget: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 ($10.49)
If you’re on a budget, look no further than Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70. It has a lightweight, almost runny texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue or white cast behind. It provides excellent sun protection from ALL UV rays (but you still need to reapply it during the day). It’s water-resistant, making it a great option for the beach, too. The catch? It uses a high amount of synthetic UV filters to reach SPF 70. You know what that means? If you have sensitive skin, this can be too irritating for you.
Grab the “Sunscreen Audit” worksheet and find out!
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and receive the “Sunscreen Audit” worksheet.
What do you think are the best high SPF sunscreens? Share your picks in the comments below.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
Dawn Siler 