Dawn Siler

Editor’s Picks: 19 of the Best After-Sun Lotions to Soothe and Repair Your Skin

You already know how important it is to wear (and re-apply) sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors. But there’s one more step in a complete suncare routine….

After-sun lotion!

You might think that after-sun is only necessary when you’ve have a sunburn.

Think again. Even if you’re diligent about sunscreen, studies show that UV light disrupts the skin barrier and causes inflammation. Plus, exposure to heat, wind, salt water and chlorine can easily dry out your skin.

That’s why it’s a good idea to apply soothing and hydrating ingredients after you’ve spent time in the sun.

Two of my favourites are aloe vera and niacinamide. Aloe vera alone has been shown to accelerate wound healing, protect against radiation damage, reduce inflammation and bind moisture. Niacinamide can help repair radiation-induced DNA damage, prevent photocarcinogenesis and treat signs of photoaging (like pigmentation). Other good ingredients to replenish lost moisture include glycerin, allantoin and coconut oil.

Just keep in mind that if you do get a burn, you’ll want to stick with lightweight, aloe-based gels to cool your skin down. Thicker, oil-based moisturizers are best for skin that is dry, tight or shedding. You don’t want to use anything occlusive on a burn as it could form a barrier that traps the heat in your skin.

Ready to see the best after-sun lotions I’ve found? The formulas below have the best ingredients—with no dyes, silicones or undesirable oils, and little to no fragrance!

The Best After-Sun Lotions

After-sun lotions from Eco Tan, Goddess Garden Organics, Badger, Herbivore, Burt’s Bees, Beautycounter and Jason.

Herbivore After Sun Skin Soothing Aloe Mist

Herbivore After Sun Skin Soothing Aloe Mist is a lightweight and all-natural liquid hydrator to spray onto your face or body. The aloe water soothes and hydrates, while spearmint essential oil creates a cooling sensation. This is even more refreshing if you store it in the fridge!

Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother

Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother is a fast-absorbing, non-greasy lotion made with 98.6 percent natural ingredients. It’s high in coconut oil, glycerin, aloe vera and honey extract, and can be used on face and body. If you get a little pink after sun exposure, this takes it down by the next morning.

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel is my top pick for your face. It’s a fragrance-free gel moisturizer with 80 percent aloe vera and propolis (bee “glue”). Not only does it soothe and hydrate, but the propolis has additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

Beautycounter Countersun After Sun Cooling Gel

Beautycounter Countersun After Sun Cooling Gel is a lightweight gel with a slight cooling sensation and no sticky residue. I love that one of its first ingredients is niacinamide; it also has propanediol, glycerin and aloe vera. And it smells like monoï, my favourite summer scent!

Kerstin Florian Sun Aloe Gel

Kerstin Florian Sun Aloe Gel is a light, non-sticky gel formulation for the face and body. Besides aloe vera, it includes algae and arnica extracts, which have anti-inflammatory and cell-regenerating properties. The coconut fatty acids and allantoin help hydrate and heal your skin.

Hampton Sun Hydrating Aloe Continuous Mist

Hampton Sun Hydrating Aloe Continuous Mist is a hydrating and cooling body spray. The oil-free and fragrance-free formula contains aloe vera, glycerin and vitamin E, along with menthol to naturally cool you down. You can also mist it on your face.

Jason Soothing 98% Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel

Jason Soothing 98% Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel

Jason Soothing 98% Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel boasts 98 percent aloe vera juice in a formula with gluconolactone, glycerin, allantoin and vitamin B5. This one has a classic gel texture, and isn’t sticky once it sinks in. I would use this one on the body.

Alba Botanica After Sun Gel

Alba Botanica After Sun Gel is a body gel that contains 98 percent aloe vera and has been certified for purity. Due to the high amount of the star ingredient, it has somewhat of a liquidy texture. It also doubles as a shaving gel and after-shave.

Goddess Garden Organics After-Sun Gel

Goddess Garden Organics After-Sun Gel is an easy-to-apply gel spray containing glycerin, niacinamide and of course, aloe vera. It’s more hydrating than most aloe products, although slightly sticky, and is free of alcohol and synthetic fragrance.

Badger Aloe Vera Gel

Badger Aloe Vera Gel is a simple 96 percent aloe vera gel with few other ingredients. It has no scent and a thinner, spreadable consistency that absorbs fast and doesn’t leave your skin sticky. You could use this on your face or body.

Pacifica After Sun Body Spray

Pacifica After Sun Body Spray is an aloe vera body mist that comes in two scents, Coconut Vanilla and Pineapple Flower (both use only naturally derived fragrance). The formula features plenty of hydrating and reparative ingredients, including glycerin, olive oil esters, aloe vera, vitamin B5, caffeine and salicylic acid.

Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel is the most minimalist product here, with only four ingredients including 95.2 percent organic aloe vera (and no synthetic fragrances or preservatives). The packaging is a glass bottle with a pump, and you could use this all-over.

Little Barn Apothecary Coconut + Mint Cooling Mineral Mist

Little Barn Apothecary Coconut + Mint Cooling Mineral Mist is a cooling and hydrating body mist with a blend of simple, natural ingredients. There’s aloe vera, of course, and coconut pulp extract, Dead Sea salt and peppermint oil. It’s ideal to use after-sun as well as post-workout.

Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Gel

Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Gel is a non-sticky gel moisturizer with 75 percent aloe vera plus witch hazel, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and arnica extract. Because it contains several essential oils and botanical extracts, I’d use this one on your body, not face.

California Baby Aloe & Arnica Soothing Spray

California Baby Aloe & Arnica Soothing Spray isn’t just for babies—the whole family can use this after-sun fine mist. It soothes with aloe vera and calendula extract; hydrates with glycerin; and takes down inflammation with arnica extract.

Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel

Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel has the highest concentration of aloe vera, 99 percent, in this jelly-like moisturizer. There are no dyes in here (that’s the colour of the bottle!); there is a trace amount of fragrance but it’s way less than one percent.

Shea Moisture Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal Body Jelly Moisturizer

Shea Moisture Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal Body Jelly Moisturizer is a lightweight body gel with a jelly texture. It doesn’t have aloe vera, but instead contains glycerin, shea butter, allantoin and coconut juice to replenish lost moisture. (It also has beads of activated charcoal, but they disappear once it’s rubbed in.)

Editor’s Picks: 19 of the Best After-Sun Lotions to Soothe and Repair Your Skin syndicated from The Skincare Edit
July 28, 2019 at 09:45PM

The Oral Hygiene Brand You are About To See Everywhere

Sponsored – I think we can all agree that we have thought about a whiter, brighter smile in our lives at some point or other? But where do you start? There’s so many brands out there and not all are great for our health nor the environment, well one much loved brand by just about every huge publication takes the fuss out of all of the above – Carbon Coco, a name you might want to jot down as you will be seeing it everywhere soon.

The great thing about Carbon Coco is that they have thought of everything you could possibly need for perfect oral health and then some. From easy, peroxide free whitening strips, a gentle non-toxic charcoal based toothpaste to even a charcoal infused toothbrush – you name it, they’ve created it and all without animal testing.

If like myself you are new to the world of charcoal infused products and/or you simply like to try out a few things at one time, I can not recommend the Carbon Coco Ultimate Carbon Kit; a nifty suit all pack that contains all you need and a little more, for the perfect smile at home and even on-the-go. This money saving offer provides: Activated Charcoal Tooth Polish, Activated Charcoal Toothpaste, and a Bamboo Toothbrush too!

At first I really did think the world of Charcoal Tooth Polish was nothing but a fad, something that everyone on Instagram talked about and would sooner or later toss aside, well that turns out to not be the case, it is still very much a must-try product and for good reason – it is gentle and it actually works to brighten your smile. Admittedly it does take a little time getting used to seeing a black toothpaste both on your brush and in your mouth but once you get past that, there really is no looking back. Carbon Coco is a fluoride-free formulation, that combats bad breath for up to 12 hours as well as gently removing and preventing stains. Unlike typical toothpastes (Carbon or otherwise) Carbon Coco offer three amazing flavours, including the rather irresistible Peach Mint.

A black powder to whiten teeth may seem strange, off putting even but it might be the one thing your daily routine is missing? The Carbon Coco Activated Tooth Polish is a clever combination of 100% organic Coconut shell activated Charcoal combined with bentonite powder and lemon myrtle. The idea is that you gentle polish the teeth with powder to buff off any stains (great for coffee lovers) and follow up with your toothpaste as normal. It is quick, effective and actually rather fun to use, I’ve personally found it fairly beneficial and highlighting plaque making it a lot easier to target problem areas.

I have one last product that I would like to highlight before leaving you to your own devices to peruse the Carbon Coco website, and that is the Carbon Coco Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush. This nifty toothbrush is not only as cheap as chips but one of the easiest switches you can make to quickly and effectively brighten your smile. As the bristles are constructed from Charcoal infused Bamboo, the specially designed toothbrush can quickly and effectively remove stains – especially when used in conjunction with Carbon Coco toothpaste!

You can shop the entire range of Carbon Coco products here – link.

This is a sponsored post.

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Spotlight On Coenzyme Q10: Is It An Effective Antioxidant?

“And the ‘Antioxidant Of The Year Award’ goes to….”

*drumroll*

“Coenzyme Q10!”

Sorry, Vitamin C. You’re awesome and all, but this year, the spotlight’s on Coenzyme Q10. Since getting the Nivea gig, this little known antioxidant is popping up on the skincare aisles everywhere.

But, how good is it? Is it an one hit wonder or does it have the potential to last the test of time?

Let’s find out:

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance present in all human cells. Its job is to produce energy for the body but it’s its side hustle that has propelled it to fame. Coenzyme Q10 also has antioxidant properties that keep wrinkles away from your face.

For the first 20 years of your life, your body produces all the Coenzyme Q10 it needs. But, as it gets older, it can’t keep up with demand. It produces less and less.

P.S. Coenzyme Q10 has a nickname: Ubiquinone.

paula's choice calm redness relief repairing serum

What does Coenzyme Q10 do for your skin?

I’ve already mentioned this in passing, but let’s go deeper now. Coenzyme Q10 has powerful antioxidant properties that:

Fight free radicals
Reduce UV damage
Stimulate collagen production

A 1999 German study shows that using Coenzyme Q10 regularly reduces oxidative damage and could reduce crow feet.

Awesome, right?

Just don’t bet all your hopes on it. No antioxidant, doesn’t matter how powerful it is, can fight premature aging on its own. The more you use, the better.

Does Coenzyme Q10 has any side effects?

Coenzyme Q10 is safe for most people.

If you have super sensitive skin, there’s the risk it may irritate it (what doesn’t?). But even then it’s rare.

But, if you’re having chemo or taking blood thinners or other meds for cholesterol and blood pressure you should consult with your doctor before adding Coenzyme Q10 to your skincare routine.

What Are The Best Skincare Products With Coenzyme Q10?

Nivea may have made Coenzyme Q10 famous, but I’m not a big fan of the brand. They use only the odd antioxidant while I prefer products that are loaded with them (and other goodies). Like those below:

SHOP THE POST

The Bottom Line

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps you keep wrinkles away for that little bit longer. Just don’t use it alone. It’s way more powerful when it hangs out with his antioxidant friends.

Do you use skincare products with Coenzyme Q10? Share your faves 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.

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Spotlight On Coenzyme Q10: Is It An Effective Antioxidant? syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
July 28, 2019 at 02:52AM

Ask a Hairstylist: The Best Bangs for Curly Hair and a Heart-Shaped Face

Q: I’m wondering what type of bangs would suit my face shape.

Hair consultation - Yasmeen — Yasmeen wants to get bangs.

I’m getting my hair cut soon and I want to get bangs, but I have a round face. So I’m not sure if bangs will look good on me. What sort of bangs would suit me? Thank you! — Yasmeen

A: Yasmeen, you actually don’t have a round face. You have a heart-shaped face.

For your face shape, curtain bangs will suit you best.

They should be straight across, from cheek to cheek, and they should hover just above the lashes. A lot of celebrities have these now—they’re quite pretty and can be very sexy.

Salma Hayek at a 2006 Art of Elysium event.

Salma Hayek at the 2012 LACMA Art + Film Gala.

Salma Hayek at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

Since your hair is curly, you will have to put in some work for this look. You will have to blow dry your bangs and flat iron them a little.

For product, use a bit of liquid silicone, such as Kérastase Oléo-Relax Soin Lissant Disciplinant.

Kérastase Oléo-Relax Soin Lissant Disciplinant

Or Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale

Ask a Hairstylist: The Best Bangs for Curly Hair and a Heart-Shaped Face syndicated from The Skincare Edit
July 27, 2019 at 04:38PM

4 Acne Myths Busted!

The number one reason your acne isn’t disappearing?

You’re doing something to sabotage recovery. It’s not your fault. All the acne myths out there make it impossible to figure out what works from what doesn’t. Time to bust them, don’t you think?

So, here goes 4 acne myths and the truth about them:

Acne Myths #1: Washing your face often prevents breakouts

If only it were that easy! Contract to popular opinion, dirt doesn’t give you acne.

Washing your face 10 times a day to make it squeaky clean won’t make your acne go away. It’ll just irritate your skin and inflame your acne even more. Ouch!

Here’s the deal: your skin is covered by an acid mantle that’s NOT bacteria-friendly. When you raise the ph up several notches – this happens EVERY time you wash your face with a high pH cleanser or even water alone – you’re weakening the acid mantle.

Now that’s broken down, P.Acnes (the bacteria that causes acne) proliferates. Cue acne galore. But switch to a low pH cleanser that keeps your acid mantle intact and – studies show – the amount of P. Acnes bacteria on your skin falls down significantly.

In other words, an acidic cleanser makes your skin inhospitable to P. Acnes and other bacteria.

What to do instead: wash your face twice a day, morning and evening, with a gentle, ph-balanced cleanser that removes all dirt and impurities without drying out your skin.

Best picks:

Corsx low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($11.00): pH 5.5. Available at Sokoglam and YesStyle.
Paula’s Choice Moisture Boost Cleanser One Step Face Cleanser ($18.00): pH 5.5. Available at Paula’s Choice.
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser ($18.00): pH 5.5. Available at Nordstrom and Paula’s Choice.

Acne #Myths 2: If you have acne, you can’t wear makeup

Who came up with this nonsense? Of course, you can wear makeup! And nope, I’m not talking just about those thick, full-coverage foundations you use to cover your acne up.

You can wear any makeup product you want – as long as it does NOT contain any comedogenic ingredients. You can find the full list here.

Little disclaimer: comedogenic ingredients aren’t a problem for everyone. If you have oily skin, you can slather your face in coconut oil and not get a simple pimple.

Oily skin isn’t that lucky. Your skin is already producing way more oil than it needs. So when you’re using makeup high in oils and other occlusives, you’re clogging your pores. And clogged pores ALWAYS lead to acne.

What to do instead: use non-comedogenic makeup products. But, don’t trust the labels. Take a look at those boring ingredient lists to make sure it doesn’t contain anything bad for you.

Acne Myths #3: Tanning helps heal acne

Don’t use acne as an excuse to get tanned!

Sure, a tan’ll cover up the redness… ad dry out your skin, inflame it and give you wrinkles and dark spots. And don’t get me started on skin cancer.

Here’s what no one tells you about a tan: that sun kissed glow is a sign of sun damage. Your tan is your body’s self-defence mechanism.

When your skin darkens, it’s your body’s way of telling that UV rays are damaging it. Destroying your collagen. Generating free radicals. Killing cellular DNA.

Even if tanning did help heal acne, why would you want to cause so much damage to your skin? Especially, when there are so many acne treatments that kick acne in the butt without destroying your skin. Makes no sense.

What to do instead: wear sunscreen every day. Those acne medications often make skin more susceptible to the sun, so this ain’t optional. And, if you really must, get your tan from a bottle.

Acne Myths #4: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them

No! No! No! Popping a pimple is NEVER a good idea.

You’re just spreading bacteria all around your skin, slowing down the healing process and possibly even causing scars. And those are way harder to treat than a pimple.

What to do instead: try a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. They’ll get rid of the pimple for you.

Best picks:

Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide ($18.00): available at Dermstore and Paula’s Choice.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid ($29.00): salicylic acid + green tea. Available at Nordstrom and Feel Unique.

Related: Benzoyl Peroxide VS Salicylic Acid: Which One Is Best To Treat Acne?
Have you fallen for these acne myths? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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4 Acne Myths Busted! syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
July 27, 2019 at 02:22AM

How to Do My Walmart Skincare Routine for $100 or Less

As someone who is always buying the latest skincare products, I know how easy it is to blow your beauty budget—especially if you’re ingredient-conscious like me.

With finicky, acne-prone and sensitive skin, I can’t compromise on quality. So the sulfates, silicones, fragrances and chemical sunscreens that you find in most affordable skincare lines are out of the question.

Fortunately, there’s Walmart.

When I teamed up with them last month, I shared some of the surprisingly great finds in their beauty department, from Korean beauty to clean beauty.

This time, I challenged myself to put together an ENTIRE skincare routine for only $100, and guess what? I did it, using brands and products I love!

My Walmart skincare routine includes products from Derma E, Thinksport, Mad Hippie and COSRX.

Did you know that Walmart carries my all-time favourite acid exfoliant? I also found high-protection mineral sunscreen, silicone-free moisturizer, sulfate-free cleanser and vitamin C serum, all at their everyday low prices.

To see my budget skincare routine, read on!

Morning Walmart Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser:

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

To start the day, my face wash pick is COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. This is one of the best gel cleansers, and it’s only $10! I love that it’s free of harsh sulfates and has a skin-friendly pH of 5.0, so it won’t strip or irritate your skin.

Or, if you prefer something even milder, you can always swipe your skin with some micellar water (like Bioderma Sensibio H2O) on a cotton pad.

2. Exfoliator:

Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub

Next up is Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub, which exfoliates with apricot seed powder, and is gentle enough to use daily. If you know me, you know I love my acids, but they can leave you a little flaky in places, which can be noticeable under powders. That’s why I recently bought this scrub to experiment with. It does a nice job of buffing away any flakes and prepping your skin for makeup.

For this routine, I’ve included my favourite COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid for nighttime, but you could certainly use it here, too, if you are oily or acne-prone.

3. Antioxidant:

Mad Hippie Facial SPF 30

This is an optional step, but I believe every skincare routine needs an antioxidant, and Walmart carries a wide range of vitamin C serums. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is one of my favourites because it’s lightweight, non-oily and super stable. Its active ingredient, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, is a vitamin C derivative that treats pigmentation, dullness and even acne.

Of course, serums with L-ascorbic acid (the active form of vitamin C) are even more potent. Choose from SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, Timeless 20% C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum or Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%. (Just know that they’ll be quicker to oxidize, so you should use them up within about three months.)

4. Sunscreen:

Thinksport Everyday Face Sunscreen SPF 30+

If you have normal to oily skin, you can probably skip moisturizer, as sunscreen alone will give you enough hydration. I’ve been trying out Thinksport Everyday Face Sunscreen SPF 30+, and I’m very impressed! Not only is it one of the least expensive mineral sunscreens, but it also gives you broad-spectrum protection with 20 percent zinc oxide. Plus, it’s non-whitening (due to its slight tint), fragrance-free, water-resistant and low in silicone.

If you have dry skin, layer a good cream like Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer underneath—more on it in a second!

Nighttime Walmart Skincare Routine

1. Makeup Remover:

Bioderma Sébium H2O

I’m all about a double cleanse in the evening, starting with a micellar water to remove my makeup. I’ve long been a fan of the cult classic Bioderma Sensibio H2O, but there’s a variation you might not know about: Bioderma Sébium H2O. It has the same cleansing power, but is specifically formulated for people with acne, oily skin or combination skin.

2. Cleanser:

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Once the makeup is off, it’s time to wash your skin, and once again I’ve selected COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. It’s not just for mornings!

3. Exfoliator:

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Then comes my beloved COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid—and yes, you can find it at Walmart! This is a leave-on beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) gel that does a lot more than just exfoliate… and you don’t need to have blackheads to use it! It treats and prevents acne; reduces excess oil; brightens the skin; fades pigmentation; and softens fine lines and wrinkles. I consider it one of the best skin treatments of all time, and if they ever stop making it, I will have a serious crisis!

4. Moisturizer:

Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer

Your final step is a great night cream. Most lower-priced moisturizers are chock full of silicone, mineral oil and synthetic fragrance. But not Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer. This is a nourishing but non-greasy cream made with clean ingredients including DMAE, a nutrient that helps with firming. I think you’ll love the texture, which is light enough even for my combination skin. The best part? It’s only $16!

Optional Walmart Skincare Extras

To keep it at $100, I didn’t include these extra products in the core routine, but you could definitely add them, depending on your needs and preferences:

Eye cream: If you prefer a separate eye cream (rather than just using your regular moisturizer), Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream is one I owne and love.
Cleansing brush: My favourite deep-cleansing brush comes in affordable mini sizes, like the Foreo Luna Play.
Hydrating serum: Timeless Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most inexpensive hydrating serums, great for layering under your moisturizer or sunscreen.
Lip balm: The best lip balm is actually a nipple cream, Lansinoh HPA Lanolin! It’s made of 100 percent medical-grade lanolin, and heals chapped lips like nothing else.

Shop My Walmart Skincare Routine

Have you tried any of these products?
What would be in your Walmart routine?

How to Do My Walmart Skincare Routine for $100 or Less syndicated from The Skincare Edit
July 26, 2019 at 04:28PM

Astral Just Launched Two Body Washes – Are They As Moisturising As Their Multitasking Creams?

astral intensive moisturising body wash original and with shea butter

Did you know that Astral makes body washes, too? And they’re every bit as moisturising as their multitasking moisturisers.

Well, as moisturising as a body wash can be. I still recommend you slather on lotion afterwards. But when I come out of the shower, my drier-than-the-Sahara skin feels pleasantly soft, so I’m counting that a win.

Astral Intensive Moisturising Body Wash comes in two flavours: Original and With Cocoa Butter. I’ve tried both. Can you guess which one is my fave?

Key Ingredients In Astral Intensive Moisturising Body Wash Original & With Cocoa Butter

Gentle Surfactants To Cleanse Skin

Ever wondered how body washes remove dirt and grime from your skin? Surfactants.

That’s a fancy way of calling ingredients that allow water to mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away and leave your skin clean.

But wait! Don’t surfactants have a bad rep? Yes. Blame it on the old generation of surfactants (I’m looking at you, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). They were drying, irritating and stripped all traces of moisturising oils from your skin.

Things have changed. These days, surfactants are way milder than they used to be. Take Sodium Trideceth Sulfate and Sodium Lauroamphoacete, the two surfactants in Astral Intensive Moisturising Body Wash Original & With Cocoa Butter.

They’re so mild, they don’t foam much. But they easily melt away sweat and other grime of daily life. Granted, if you’ve played in mud, chances are they’re not strong enough to do the job. But then, are you really doing that?

Sunflower Oil To Moisturise Skin

Astral Intensive Moisturising Body Wash doesn’t take any chances. Its surfactants aren’t harsh enough to strip skin bare, but just in case, sunflower oil is here to add an extra moisturising boost.

Sunflower oil creates a barrier on the skin that keeps moisture in. Here, it makes sure skin stay soft and supple all through the cleansing process.

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

The main difference between Astral Intensive Moisturising Body Wash in Original and With Cocoa Butter? The scent.

The Original has your run-of-the-mill fresh scent that makes you think of all things clean. It’s the kind of inoffensive scent no one will mind using. You can easily share it with all the family – even your man won’t make a fuss.

The Cocoa Butter version smells like chocolate. It’s delicious and makes me look forward to shower time. You guessed it, this is the winner for me. 😉 I feel like it gives the body wash (not the most excited of products) that extra something.

Scent aside, both versions have a creamy texture that doesn’t lather much. But they do a great job at cleaning my dry skin without drying it out even more.

Once I come out of the shower, my skin is clean, soft and smelling lovely. Plus, you can’t beat the price!

Available at: £2.99 at Superdrug

Have you tried Astral Intensive Moisturising Body Wash Original or With Shea Butter? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Astral Intensive Moisturising Body Wash Original Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Cocamide MEA, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Lanolin Oil, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, PEG-8, Amyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Tocopherol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid

Astral Intensive Moisturising Body Wash With Cocoa Butter Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Cocamide MEA, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Lanolin Oil, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Benzoate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, PEG-8, Linalool, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

Astral Just Launched Two Body Washes – Are They As Moisturising As Their Multitasking Creams? syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
July 25, 2019 at 08:19AM

Editor’s Picks: 18 of the Best Body Bronzers and Body Luminizers for Sun-Kissed Skin in an Instant

I hate self-tanner.

There, I said it. I hate how it smells, I hate how it stains your sheets, and I hate how easy it is to mess up—meaning you have to live with weird streaks or patches for days.

And it’s not really that safe, as I explained in my self-tanner tutorial. The active ingredient produces a chemical reaction in your skin that actually generates free radicals and accelerates sun damage!

Fortunately, self-tanner isn’t the only way to get a sunless tan.

There’s a new generation of body bronzers and body luminizers that can give you a glowing, sun-kissed look right away. (Many of them, you can even use on your face!)

They’re safer than self-tanners, have no unpleasant odour, and wash right off with soap and water. Plus, most are formulated to be transfer-resistant, so they’re less likely to rub off on your clothes.

Keep scrolling to discover your best bets for sun-kissed skin!

The Best Body Bronzers and Body Luminizers

Isle of Paradise Disco Tan Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer

Isle of Paradise Disco Tan Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer is the body bronzer I’m most excited about, because it’s a newcomer to Sephora’s Clean Beauty department. It has a gel texture and comes in one natural bronzey tint that will show up best on light skin tones. There is some fine shimmer, but it’s super subtle.

Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Oil

Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Oil is a shimmery oil that comes in five tints (Copacabana Bronze and Samba Sway are the most tan-like). You might think that an oil would move around, but this one is in fact transfer-resistant. On your face, mix it with foundation or use it as a highlighter.

INC.redible You Glow Girl Body Blur

INC.redible You Glow Girl Body Blur is a shimmery tinted lotion that helps to “blur” or even out your skin tone, and leaves you with a luminous glow. There are four shades, including a deep mocha, so it will truly suit every skin tone. It’s also transfer-resistant.

Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish

Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish is a creamy tinted lotion that comes in three shades. I have the medium one, and the colour is very natural-looking, with only a tiny hint of shimmer. You can use this on face or body.

Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. Not Your Mama’s Panty Hose All Over Body Highlighter

Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. Not Your Mama’s Panty Hose All Over Body Highlighter is a super shimmery tinted lotion for glowing limbs and decolleté. This one looks best when buffed on with a brush, but you need to work quickly because it’s transfer-resistant. You can also mix this into your foundation; there are three shades.

James Read Enhance Body Foundation Wash Off Tan

James Read Enhance Body Foundation Wash Off Tan is a lightweight tinted gel that can be used on both your body and face. It dries really quickly, and is transfer-resistant, with a luminous (but not shimmery) finish. Although there’s just one shade, you can apply a second layer to build up the colour, or mix it with moisturizer for a lighter tone.

Tarte Better Bod Bronze & Contour

Tarte Better Bod Bronze Contour is a waterproof body bronzer with a completely matte finish. It has a creamy texture (and comes with a mitt to help you blend), and sets within about 30 seconds. There’s just one shade, an opaque bronze that will mask any imperfections.

Kopari Coconut Body Glow

Kopari Coconut Body Glow is a coconut oil-based lotion with golden shimmer. So it doesn’t have a tint, but creates a very glowy effect wherever you apply it. (You can also use it as a face highlighter.) I love the short and simple ingredients list, which is silicone-free with less than one percent synthetic fragrance.

NARS Monoï Body Glow

NARS Monoï Body Glow is a lightweight body oil with a shimmery bronze tint. Monoï oil is made by steeping tiare flowers, a type of gardenia, in coconut oil. That’s what makes this so fragrant (I’ve been known to use it instead of perfume!). On your skin, it gives a sheer golden glow.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup is a spray-on body foundation that comes in six high-coverage shades with very little shimmer. This is one of the most water-resistant and transfer-resistant formulas. Technically, it’s for legs, but I don’t see why you couldn’t use it elsewhere!

Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body

Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body is a hydrating, body lotion with fine shimmer and a hint of sheer bronze tint. The colour isn’t deep enough to show up on most skin tones, but it does give skin a pretty, glossy finish.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lotion Leg Makeup

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lotion Leg Makeup is similar to the brand’s spray-on body foundation, but in a lotion format. This, too, is water-resistant and transfer-resistant, and comes in five shades to match any skin tone.

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Tinted Leg Mist

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Tinted Leg Mist is a spray-on tinted gel with a sheer bronze tint. This is an oil-free formula that is free of shimmer, and is transfer-resistant. I find the spray can be a little messy, so do it in the bathtub!

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Illuminator

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Illuminator is a shimmery lotion that comes in two tints, Nude Glow and Golden Glow. The roll-on applicator makes it easy to apply with no mess, and it’s quick-drying and transfer-resistant.

St. Tropez One Night Only Wash Off Face & Body Lotion

St. Tropez One Night Only Wash Off Face & Body Lotion is a tinted lotion that can be used on both face and body. There are two shades, Light/Medium and Medium/Dark, and the shimmer is very subtle. These are said to last for up to 24 hours, with no transfer.

Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer

Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer is a body highlighter with a gel texture and tons of dewy shimmer. There are three shades, with Brown Sugar being the closest to a bronze glow. This one’s a limited edition, so it won’t be around long!

St. Tropez One Night Only Finishing Gloss

St. Tropez One Night Only Finishing Gloss is a glossy body lotion with a sheer bronze tint and flecks of shimmer. You do need to give some time to dry down, or it will feel sticky and transfer. The texture is a creamy gel.

Editor’s Picks: 18 of the Best Body Bronzers and Body Luminizers for Sun-Kissed Skin in an Instant syndicated from The Skincare Edit
July 24, 2019 at 02:31PM

Fave Five: The Best Of Missha

For lots of skincare fanatics, Missha was their first introduction to Korean skincare.

Remember their cult CC Cream or the Time Revolution Night Activator Ampoule (not sure what happened to that one…)? They’ve got us hooked and craving fore more K-beauty goodness.

But like every other brand out there, Missha has its fair share of duds. Blame it on the essential oils they use to make everything smell fab…

How do you know what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelves? I’ve got you covered. Here are the best Missha skincare products for every skin type:

Best For Sensitive Skin: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist ($49.00)

Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist is loaded with good bacteria. The kind that strengthens your skin’s protective barrier and hydrates your skin. Plus, a big dollop of niacinamide, a multitasking form of Vitamin B3 that does… well, everything: it hydrates skin, brightens the complexion, fights wrinkles, soothes irritations, fades away dark spots… This combo plumps up your skin, gives it a lovely glow and helps soothe irritations. If you have sensitive skin, it’s well worth a go.

Available at: Soko Glam and Yes Style

Best Moisturiser For Oily Skin: Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfall Control Emulsion ($20.00)

Don’t let the word “essence” fool you. Essence is how Korean skincare calls lightweight moisturisers for oily skin. Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfall Control Emulsion is loaded with antioxidants to prevent premature aging and keep wrinkles off your face for as long as possible. Plus, niacinamide to hydrate, soothe redness, shrink pores, treat acne… You name it, it does. You’ll also find shea butter here. It’s a thick, moisturising butter that strengthens the skin’s barrier. FYI, shea butter didn’t compromise the texture. The emulsion’s so lightweight, it won’t clog your pores.

Available at: Feel Unique and Look Fantastic

Best Cleanser: Missha M Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil ($27.00)

Nothing takes off makeup better than oils. Thank the “like attracts like” principle for it. The oils in your cleanser attach to the oils in your makeup and take them on a trip down the drain. Missha M Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil is loaded with all sorts of different oils that melt all makeup and impurities away, yet it doesn’t feel oily and greasy on the skin. That’s what I call a win win.

Available at: Soko Glam

Best For Sun Protection For Oily Skin: Missha Mild Essence Sun Milk SPF 50/PA+++ ($18.00)

Missha Mild Essence Sun Milk SPF 50/PA+++ has a huge dollop of alcohol, so why am I recommending it?! It’s true some people can’t tolerate alcohol at all (if that’s you, skip this). But if you have oily skin, you’ll love this. Alcohol is here to thin to the texture to the point it’s so lightweight, you can pile it on without turning your face into a greasy mess. The high antioxidant content counteracts its drying effect and keeps your skin younger for longer. But how does it protect skin from the sun? It uses the next generation of chemical filters to block out UV rays. The best part? It dries to a semi-matte finish.

Available at: Soko Glam and Yes Style

Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin: Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer ($33.00)

Yes, Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer has snail slime. It’s one of the most moisturizing things on this planet: it hydrates skin, strengthens the skin’s barrier and even helps skin heal faster. Plus, niacinamide, a multitasker that hydrates, soothes, brightens and even fight wrinkles. No matter how dry and dull your skin is now, a few days on this cream will turn your complexion soft and glowy. The catch? It feels a little heavy on the skin, but your skin type won’t mind that (too much).

Related: Feel Unique and Soko Glam

Available: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Snail Slime In Skincare

What do you think are the best Missha products? Share your picks in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

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Fave Five: The Best Of Missha syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
July 24, 2019 at 08:16AM

Soap & Glory Summer 2019

I have to confess as much as I love the novelty and often ingenuity of Soap & Glory’s beauty products, their now iconic "pink" scent really does nothing for me – if I’m entirely honest it is a smidgen too floral for my taste. I wouldn’t go as far as saying I hate it but it isn’t a fragrance I actively seek out, so when the their new Summer collection dropped complete with a new choice of aroma – Call of Fruity, I was more than happy to put it to the test.

I’m not entirely sure if there is a collective name for the small but fairly well formed, new drop of Soap & Glory products but it is more than evident, that they have been made with the balmy temperatures of Summer in mind. With a cooling and crackling body moisture mousse, a deeply hydrating body butter and even a mouldable soap foam, Summer skin has never been quite so fun nor beautifully fragrant.

A quick note on the Soap & Glory Call of Fruity scent; as the name suggests it is indeed a punchy, fruit based fragrance that veers a tad on synthetic and sweet side of things. It has an ever so slight aroma of ripe banana but on the whole it is hard to distinguish exact notes. It is far from offensive and will most likely be enjoyed by most Soap & Glory fans.

With the huge success of the then limited edition Ouai After Sun Body Soother (it produces a crackling sound once applied on the skin), it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that many after a similar product but with a reduced price tag will love Soap and Glory Cooling All Girls, Crackling Moisture Mousse (£5.33). Again this light, mousse textured, body conditioner produces the same satisfying snapping sound once it comes into contact with the skin, all the while cooling and gently hydrating the body too. It is a whole lot of fun to apply (almost addictive), feels wonderful on Summer beaten skin (please don’t apply to sun burn) and smells great – what more could you ask?

If you have been enjoying the current spate of warm, sun-soaked days then perhaps your skin requires something a little moreish than a hydrating body mousse? Then look no further than Soap & Glory No Woman, No Dry Hydrating Body Butter (£6.67) – a thick yet non-greasy body butter that will quench even the driest patches of skin, thanks to a combination of coconut oil and cocoa butter. There’s not much else I can really say other than it works wonderfully and doesn’t take forever to soak into the skin, even after a refreshingly cool shower in the evening.

Lastly we have the Soap & Glory Smart Foam, Mouldable Shower Mousse (£4.33), something I definitely didn’t need but I can’t help but be amused when I use it. Essentially the Soap & Glory Smart Foam is a thick, pliable mousse-come-soap product that doesn’t instantly absorb nor vaporise. Rather you can shape it and hold it in your hand, almost like a slightly squidgy bar of soap. Odd I know but in a world of samey beauty products, this is a breathe of fresh air. I find the moulding aspect particularly helpful for when shaving my underarms as it doesn’t drip or slider around much like an oil or standard shaving product would. Yes most of us will be reeled in by the unique aspect of being able to physically mould a product, however the overall formulation of Soap & Glory Smart Foam is not to be sniffed at; it leaves the skin suitable cleansed without stripping away any natural moisture and is perfect for travel, as it is not prone to leakage.

You can find all the above products and more of the Soap and Glory Call of the Fruity range via Boots.

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The Best Body Bronzers and Body Luminizers

Isle of Paradise Disco Tan Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer

Best For Sensitive Skin: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist ($49.00)

Best Moisturiser For Oily Skin: Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfall Control Emulsion ($20.00)

Best Cleanser: Missha M Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil ($27.00)

Best For Sun Protection For Oily Skin: Missha Mild Essence Sun Milk SPF 50/PA+++ ($18.00)

Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin: Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer ($33.00)

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

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