Shop their edited curation of the world’s most innovative beauty products and enjoy up to 50% off brands including: African Botanics, By Terry, Miriam Quevedo, Kevyn Aucoin, Lipstick Queen, Rodial, Eve Lom, Tata Harper, Natural Bissé, Makeup Drop, Royal Fern, Juara, NUFACE, R+CO Hair, Tula, Chantecaille, Sara Haps, Smith & Cult, Verso, and more. The discount is available online and will be automatically applied to your basket.
Barneys New York Summer Beauty Bag Event is here from now through June 23. Spend $175.00 on cosmetics, skincare, or fragrance and receive a beauty bag filled with our favorite summer products.
The 20 piece set includes samples and deluxe samples from: Kai, Oskia, 3Lab, Marvis, NARS, Rene Furturer, OUAI, Harry's, Malin + Goetz, Moroccanoil, La Mer, By Terry and more. *While supplies last, one per customer. Valid on U.S. orders only. Visit: www.barneys.com (Affiliate Links).
When the Makeup Wars Team decided to feature our all-time favorite night creams, I didn't even need to take pause to think about which one I would select. In fact, the only face cream that came to mind was African Botanics Fleurs d'Afrique Intensive Recovery Cream.
That I love African Botanics has been well-established in these virtual pages, and it is safe to say that it is by far my absolute favorite eco-luxe skincare brand, and it is actually my overall favorite skincare brand for that matter. This company, lovingly created by Julia and Craig Noik, has unquestionably cracked the code on creating ultra-luxe skincare products that are healthy, non-toxic, effective and the pinnacle of luxury. They carefully scrutinize every single ingredient that they use in each of their products, and only select the finest available– irrespective of the cost. Each product is a study in elegant textures, unsurpassed efficacy and a potent symphony of actives. If a brand that is cruelty-free and that practices Fair Trade, sustainability, and that creates economic opportunities for the people in the Noik's native South Africa is important to you– then African Botanics is a brand that you really must try. African Botanics Fleurs d'Afrique Intensive Recovery Cream, which is an extraordinary day and night cream, is ultra-luxe, highly effective, and delivers on its claims.
African Botanics Fleurs d'Afrique Intensive Recovery Cream is a remarkably lightweight, and yet very emollient, ultra moisturizing cream that can be used alone, or perfectly paired with African Botanics Fleurs d'Afrique Intensive Recovery Oil (Reviewed HERE). When paired with its companion oil, the oil can either be applied first to warm, damp skin, or mixed directly with the cream and applied to the skin. If your skin requires added nourishment and hydration the ultra-luxurious coupling of these two products delivers tangible results and unsurpassed efficacy. Used alone, Fleurs d'Afrique Intensive Recovery Cream is the most luxurious and nourishing cream that I have tried to date.
The lightweight formula immediately melts into the skin and it soothes, heals and moisturizes. Filled with antioxidant-rich anti-aging and anti-inflammatory "night blooms, indigenous Africa Desert and Bush Plants" –these ingredients encourage skin cell renewal while deeply nourishing and hydrating the skin, plumping fine lines, and reducing redness and inflammation. The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make this cream equally effective for blemished skin, skin prone to redness and inflammation, or any skin type in need of added hydration. So calming and healing is this cream, that it has become my go-to post-peel pick. I use it morning and night, and I definitely see a notable difference in my skin. My skin is remarkable soft, silky smooth, supple, hydrated, luminous, fresh in appearance and my fine lines are plumped. In my experience, this is by far the most effective cream that I have tried, and its heavenly ultra-light aroma, which is a subtle amalgam of the Jasmine Flower Water and the other aromatic ingredients, is neither too pronounced, nor is it long-lasting, and therefore it won't pose a problem for people with olfactory sensitivities.
According to African Botanics,
From a distant world of truly wild and remote locations far from all civilization and light pollution in the most southern hemisphere of Africa, there is eternal beauty that endures all time. Where exotic night blooms, indigenous African Desert and Bush Plants™ have adapted to survive the challenges of their environment - harnessed and captured with a potent concentration of highly advanced marine biotechnology that is packed with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing properties.
Enhanced with a unique Blue Marine Micro Algae and a high concentration of plant peptides, this light, multi-correcting face cream stimulates cell renewal, plumps, protects and envelops the skin. Restores skin’s density and bounce while improving texture and luminosity. Deeply hydrates, infuses skin with moisture. Helps fade and fight the signs of aging skin: fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, inflammation, dryness and sagging skin. Strengthens skin’s barrier and offers superior protection from free radical damage. Promotes firming and toning of the skin with ultra-light and silky texture. Soothes, calms and reduces redness, speeding the recovery of the damaged cells.
Directions: Suitable for all skin types. USE AM and PM to increase hydration, replenish moisture, soothe and de-stress the skin while firming and promoting rapid repair. Apply to face, neck and décolleté. Glide in gentle strokes along jawline up towards the ears from the center of your face towards temples and from the base of your neck upward to boost circulation. For skin in need of intense hydration, apply a few drops of Intensive Recovery Oil before applying the cream.
Skin Type: acne-prone, unbalanced, sensitive, dry, mature and oily.
Overall Assessment: This cream is unquestionably the embodiment of eco-luxe perfection. There is not a single thing that I could suggest to perfect its formula, efficacy and the sheer joy one experiences luxuriating in this peerless luxury cream. A+
Do you have a shiny t-zone in the summer? 15 Minute Beauty hates mid-day shine on her nose and has tried just about every product out there to keep her skin looking matte. Here are her favorite products to mattify her skin.
Laugh, Love, Contour takes us on a trip to California this summer with the new KBShimmer Wanderlust Collection. The 8 piece collection will transport your nails to the lush West coast shore, even if the rest of you is stuck a little closer to home!
Beauty Info Zone loves meeting new brands and loves to host giveaways. Put those together and you'll be able to learn and hopefully win a Body Be Silk Lip Fix Kit. It's scrumptious and efficient. Read and enter.
If you have a penchant for luxury face oils, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog highly recommends Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil and Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil. The former is a delectable youth preserving oil for normal skin, while the latter is an ultra-luxe regenerating oil for mature and sensitive skins. Both are absolutely amazing! #Herbivore
Shipra from Taneja's Bride just isn't a rule follower. She has exquisite taste and no one is going to tell her the rules. That's why you need to read her Kris Eyeshadow Palette x Kylie Cosmetics review with your wallet nearby.
There are many ways to save money on your beauty products these days. Head over to Makeup Obsessed Mom to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck.
Thinking of booting your Vitamin-C game? Pammy Blogs Beauty tries out JASON's Antioxidant skincare. Find out what she thinks!
How much do you rely on concealer? If you are Justina from Justina's Gems then it's a lot. See the comparison she did on two favorites from Tarte to see if one of them will become your favorite too.
I remember first being wowed by Frédéric Fekkai haircare products when I was introduced to them at one of my favorite salons many years ago. I happily purchased the products that were used on my hair, and savored using them on my newly styled tresses at home. All of these years later, I continue to hold this high quality salon brand, and its wonderful products, in the highest esteem, and have three of their styling products to share with you.
Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray ($20.00 for 8 oz. from Fekkai, Walgreens, Beauty Encounter, Skin Care RX and Target): If you are seeking a high quality hairspray with flexible hold that is brushable, and that leaves hair looking natural and thoroughly touchable, then you really need to consider this brilliant Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray. It neither hardens, nor flakes, and it never gives you the dreaded "helmet-head" appearance. Furthermore, it has a beautiful light floral aroma that makes it a lovely choice for daily use.
According to Fekkai,
Brushable, flexible hold for touchable style. Experience hold that sets you free with Sheer Hold Hairspray. It's soft, flexible hold that won't stiffen your natural hair. Scented by petals and florals.
Directions: Hold can 8-12” from hair. Spray evenly. Salon Tip: As a finishing touch, spray on brush and sweep through hair for soft, flexible hold.
Fekkai Blowout Primer ($20.00 for 5 oz. from Fekkai and Walmart): This primer mist offers hair thermal protection against the damage caused by blowouts, but it also effectively fights frizz and fly-aways. In fact, it is so effective in its ability to tame frizz that I often use it on my hair when I let it dry naturally as well. It leaves hair soft, smooth and manageable, and it has a wonderful fruity scent that is punctuated by fresh ocean notes.
According to Fekkai,
Give hair the protection it needs. A mist that helps defend strands from damage. Helps prevent breakage with heat styling. Primes hair for blow drying. Wraps hair in protective shield to help ward off frizz. Scented by fruit and oceanic notes.
Directions: Shake and spray on damp hair before heat drying or styling. Salon tip: Great for creating sleek, smooth styles on thick, curly hair.
Fekkai Blowout Sealing Serum ($20.00 for 1.7 oz. from Fekkai, Walmart, Skin Care RX and Skin Store): Whether you blowout or air dry your hair, this sealing serum makes hair manageable, frizz-free, sleek and ultra smooth. It is thinner and more concentrated than many of the other silicone-based hair serums that I have used because Cyclopentasiloxane is a very lightweight and silky silicone that is quite emollient with a bit more slip. The end result is that this is a highly effective serum that lacks the heaviness associated with products of this sort, and I prefer its lighter texture. It has a wonderful fruity scent that is punctuated by fresh ocean notes– just like the aroma used in the primer.
According to Fekkai,
Add marvelous manageability and keep your look smooth and sleek between stylings. This touch up serum, scented by fruit and oceanic notes, resists humidity to help tame frizz and flyaways. It's essential for keeping your sleek style longer.
Directions: Apply a small amount into your palm. Rub hands together and smooth over dry hair starting at the ends. Salon Tip: For hard to manage hair, apply both before and after your blowout.
That I am rather fanatical about using face serums, should, at this point, come as no surprised to you. However, it is rare that I come across a serum that is so unlike the others that I have tried that it earns the distinction of breaking the mold. That is precisely the case with the StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Wrinkle Recode Line Transforming Melting Serum.
In fact, most serums are light and watery, principally because most have water, or some other thin liquid as the first ingredient, but with this serum StriVectin sought an entirely different formulation. The first two ingredients, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Glycerin, give this serum a thick gel-like texture, and water does not appear until further down the list. The end result is an ultra thick, rich and highly concentrated light pink gel with a very emollient texture.
Its unusual, and very luxurious, texture requires a very specific mode of application: pump a very small amount into your palm, rub your hands together to warm and emulsify the serum, and then it will melt into the skin as you gently press and massage it into your face. While I do note that it melts into the skin, it also leaves behind a bit of a barrier, like occlusives do, that seems to seal in moisture. In this way, one might liken its texture to that of a thicker silicone-based primer or cream, but make no mistake about it, this is all serum.
What I have noticed is that this cocktail of ingredients deeply hydrates the skin, causes the skin to effectively retain moisture, and leaves it soft, smooth and supple. Furthermore, it softens the appearance of fine lines, presumably by plumping the skin, and makes the skin more luminous.
According to StriVectin,
StriVectin’s proprietary BioRecode Technology revitalizes skin’s own wrinkle defenses to reduce the look of lines, creases - and even deep, stubborn wrinkles - in just 7 days*. This super concentrated formula melts luxuriously into skin to visibly plump, smooth and restore youthful radiance. Most of the skincare products in your bathroom cabinet are the result of great chemistry. But Wrinkle Recode was inspired by the revolutionary science of epigenetics, which is the study of how lifestyle and the environment can affect how we age and presents an entirely new and efficacious way to target the root cause of wrinkles.
Claims:
◙ Super concentrated serum visibly diminishes all dimensions of deep wrinkles
◙ Breakthrough BioRecode Technology revitalizes skin’s own wrinkle fighting abilities to reduce the look of lines and creases
◙ Melts luxuriously into skin to restore youthful radiance and clarity
Directions: Thicker than a typical serum, this melting serum requires a slightly different application method. Pump 1 pearl sized drop. Warm in hands, then gently press into skin, all over a clean face AM and PM. This method helps the serum emulsify and melt to spreads and absorb easily.
Key Ingredients: Youth-renewing Oils (Dhatelo & Macadamia Oils): Mimic fatty acids found naturally in skin to replenish and retain moisture Tone Modulating Molecule: Technology to improve radiance and clarity NIA-114: StriVectin’s patented, optimized form of Niacin / Vitamin B3 that is clinically-proven to strengthen the skin barrier and supercharge the performance of other ingredients
If you are anything like me, and have been intently watching Herbivore, and have been wondering whether this much-hyped natural beauty brand is worth trying– then I can answer your query by saying yes. Naturally my initial purchases had to be a couple of their face oils, and I was admittedly, in part, seduced by the gorgeous packaging. However, I had a suspicion that beauty was more than skin deep, and the contents would befit the elegant packaging, or better yet, that the packaging would befit the divine contents. My suspicions were correct, and my purchases have proven very worthwhile.
Herbivore is a 100% Cruelty-Free company that makes their products in small batches in the USA. Their eco-friendly and sustainable products do not contain mineral oil, parabens, chemical preservatives or any harmful ingredients.
Herbivore makes three different beauty oils that are each formulated to address the specific needs of particular skin types:
Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil: This is a Jojoba Oil-based facial oil that is cell regenerating and nourishing, and it is formulated for mature and sensitive skin.
Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil: This is a Coconut Oil-based facial oil that is a "youth preserving" and nourishing for normal skin.
Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil: This is a Squaline-based balancing facial oil, which is derived from olives, that is formulated for combination and acne-prone skin.
About Herbivore and Their Facial Oils, Truly Natural. Everything we create contains the finest all-natural ingredients, with an emphasis on ingredients that are plant-based, organic, and food-grade. Each ingredient is included for a therapeutic reason. No animal testing is conducted on our products or ingredients. All of our oils are cold-pressed or steam distilled. These are the best extraction methods available and lead to premium quality oils. All products are made in small batches in the USA.
Concentrated Moisture. In contrast to traditional cream moisturizers and lotions, which tend to be high in water and emulsifying agents but low in effective ingredients, our facial oils contain no fillers and are formulated with only effective natural ingredients. They absorb easily to get moisture, vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants into your skin. Additionally, they form a natural lipid barrier to lock moisture in and protect against dryness and heat in the environment.
Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil ($64.00 for 1.7 oz. from Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, Sephora, Dermstore, Revolve and Sephora inside JCPenney): Formulated for normal skin, this gorgeous lightweight and fast absorbing oil leaves skin soft, silky smooth, hydrated and with a pronounced dewy glow. The antioxidant and Omega-rich formula nourishes and protects the skin, while the delectable Camellia and Jasmine aroma delights the senses. The fractionated Coconut Oil, which is the carrier oil, is used in this effective formulation to ensures that this elixir effortlessly melts into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue.
According to Herbivore,
Lush, exotic floral oils give skin a bright new glow while gently preserving its youth and replenishing hydration. An exquisite blend of Orchid Extract, precious Jasmine Sambac, and Japanese Camellia Flower Oil combine to defend against free radicals, increase elasticity, and feed the skin with beneficial vitamins and fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6 to protect against premature aging.
Directions: Apply 3–10 drops to cleansed and toned skin morning and night. Massage in and allow to absorb for 1–3 minutes before applying makeup. Store at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:
Orchid Extract: "A natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin. It works to smooth and condition. It is also a powerful antioxidant that fights against the oxidant effects of free radicals and premature aging. Additionally, it contains important minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc for skin to absorb."
Camellia Flower Oil: "Known in Japan as Tsubaki Oil and used for centuries in skincare by the Japanese. It is a lightweight oil that easily absorbs into the skin. Rich in skin-cell-renewing fatty acids Omega 3 and 6, it naturally increases skin's elasticity and gives it a luminous glow."
Jasmine Sambac Oil: "Comes from the night blooming variety of Jasmine. It is a sweet and exquisite oil that has been used in skincare and perfumery for centuries with good reason — the scent is intoxicating and the oil itself works to increase the skin's moisture content and increase its elasticity."
Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil ($88.00 for 1.7 oz. from Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, Sephora, Dermstore, Revolve and Goop): Formulated for mature and sensitive skin, this delectable lightweight and fast absorbing skin effortlessly melts into the skin and immediately hydrates, calms and nourishes the skin. Skin feels indescribably soft, smooth, moisturized and pampered. It is a wonderful soothing and calming elixir for irritable and inflamed skin, and is a wonderful post-peel choice to help heal the skin. This antioxidant-rich formula, which uses Jojoba Oil as its carrier oil, offers deep moisture without any residual greasiness, but instead leaves the skin with a distinct luminous glow. After prolonged use, it softens the appearance of fine lines and helps to heal and repair damaged tissue. It has a lovely light rose aroma that is a treat to the senses.
According to Herbivore,
Like a Phoenix from the ashes, allow your skin to regenerate with this blend of luxe botanical oils and skin-cell-renewing CoQ10. This oil will dramatically rehydrate and rejuvenate your skin at the cellular level. Leaves skin soft and silky with a renewed appearance and texture.
Directions: Apply 3–10 drops to cleansed and toned skin morning and night. Massage in and allow to absorb for 1–3 minutes before applying makeup. Store at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:
Rosehip Oil: "Comes from the fruit of the wild rose plant, naturally rich in essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6, and 9 that regenerate skin cells and repair damaged tissue. Rosehip is also high in Trans-Retinoic Acid which aids in preventing premature aging."
Sea Buckthorn Oil: "The richest natural source of Beta Carotene available. Beta Carotene is a natural form of Vitamin A that penetrates deeply into the skin to restore and revitalize from within."
CoQ10: "An important, naturally occurring substance that assists in producing biological energy within the cells. After the age of 30, the body produces less CoQ10 each year which in turn decreases the skin's natural collagen production and ability to regenerate skin cells. Nourishing the skin with natural CoQ10 can increase the skin's collagen production, leading to greater skin elasticity and less fine lines and wrinkles. It also boosts the skin's ability to regenerate itself. CoQ10 is a very small molecule that can easily penetrate into the skin."
Chia Seed Co2: "An excellent natural source of Alpha Lipoic Acid to smooth fine lines and decrease inflammation while increasing skin's natural glow and radiance. It is also the richest source of Omega 3 found in nature which makes it extra nourishing to the skin. Additionally, it is high in antioxidants and photo-nutrients to protect against premature aging from sun exposure."
Meadowfoam Oil: "Known for forming a natural protective barrier to keep moisture and vitamins in the skin. Additionally, it works to naturally preserve the other oils around it."
Neroli Oil: "Has been used for centuries to soften wrinkles, reduced veins and capillaries, and stimulate new growth in skin cells."
Ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, CoQ10, Hippophae Rhamnoides L (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosa Damanscena (Moroccan Rose) Absolute, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Essential Oil
Overall Assessment: I am thrilled with my purchases, and am already plotting my next Herbivore purchases! A+
I test an unbelievable amount of skincare, and yet I still get quite excited about trying new and new-to-me products and brands. I just recently leaned about Calysta Labs and was curious to try a few of their products.
About Calysta Labs,
Dr. Hardik Soni is the owner and medical director of a medical spa in Summit, New Jersey that specializes in skincare, and noninvasive cosmetic treatments and technologies. As a physician involved for 10 years in the cosmetic skincare industry, I often found skincare products to be either generic formulations functioning merely as expensive moisturizers, or so harsh that people could not tolerate them. I saw a lack of highly effective skincare that actually produced visible results. Every ingredient that goes into Calysta Labs products has years of research and testing behind it, offering proven benefits to your skin. We deliver the most potent blend of anti-aging ingredients available over the counter–collagen-boosting retinoids, smoothing alpha hydroxy acids, clarifying niacinamides –in meticulously crafted formulations that are balanced with natural anti-inflammatories (organic aloe leaf juice, jojoba seed oil and white willow bark extract, for example) and moisturizing conditioners such as olive fruit oil and panthenol.
Calysta Labs Illuminating Anti-Aging Serum ($69.00 for 1 oz. from Calysta Labs and Calysta Labs Official Amazon Store): This lightweight nighttime serum, which is one potent antioxidant-rich skin brightening elixir, effectively softens the appearance of fine lines, encourages skin cell turnover and lightens hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, it helps to treat breakouts and leaves skin soft, smooth and even in tone. While many active nighttime treatments of this sort can dry out skin, especially when they include Retinol as this one does, this lovely serum includes a few nourishing oils, and the first ingredient, which is Aloe Barbadesis instead of water, helps to ensure that skin is calmed and hydrated rather than irritated and dehydrated. Given the active nature of this exfoliating serum, it is imperative that you use a high SPF sunscreen during the day in order to protect your skin. My skin, which is normal/combination, can at times be sensitive, but this serum does not irritate my skin. It does tingle my skin a little bit for the first few minutes after application, but it neither burns, nor is it unpleasant. That said, if you have particularly sensitive skin it would be wise to patch-test this serum before using it all over your face.
According to Calysta Labs,
A lightweight but powerful combination of hydroxyacid, retinol and antioxidants helps even skin’s tone and texture, while also treating blemishes and dark spots, boosting all-over brightness, and helping reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Directions: Apply a pea-sized amount on clean face at bedtime. Use every other night for the first several applications, then use daily.
Calysta Revitalizing Moisturizer ($45.00 for 1.7 fl. oz from Calysta Labs): This is a lightweight, and fast-absorbing, gel-textured moisturizer that melts into the skin and is a very refreshing hydrator for the warmer months of the year. While this is formulated for all types of skin, including oily skin, this is a lighter weight moisturizer than you may need if you have particularly dry skin. It is, however, absolutely perfect for my normal/combination skin. It offers my skin all-day hydration without feeling heavy, and it sinks in completely without leaving behind a greasy residue. It leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple and hydrated.
According to Calysta Labs,
A light, silky moisturizer quenches thirsty skin and revitalizes dull patches without clogging pores or feeling heavy. Good for all skin types, including oily skin.
Directions: Apply to clean face in the morning and before bed for best results.
Overall Assessment: I am quite impressed by the efficacy of both of these products, and will definitely use both of them up. I am interested in trying more products from Calysta Labs, and think that their products are worthy of your consideration.
