The Best in Beauty: Skincare Reviews by the Experts

Welcome to our website! Here you will find beauty reviews, tips and tricks for all your needs. We hope that our site helps answer any questions or concerns you may have about the latest makeup, hair care products, skin care routines, etc. Please enjoy browsing through our content and let us know if there are any topics you would like us to cover!

Who are we and how can we help upgrade your skin care routine?

Our team of experts have years of experience in the beauty industry and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with others. We aim to provide honest, reliable reviews for your reference – whether you’re looking for a new skincare routine or just want to know if that latest serum really works. We hope that our website becomes a valuable resource for you as you continue your journey to beautiful, healthy skin!

What's the catch?

There isn't one! Our reviews are based on our own personal experiences and we never accept money in exchange for positive reviews. We only recommend products that have been tested by us or trusted users from Amazon, Sephora etc., and if you’re unsure about a certain product please send us an email to let us know what's up!

Do you review products for any skin concerns?

We have a wide range of products that suit all skin tones, from those with combination or oily skin to those with darker skin tones versus fair, sensitive skin. We also review hair care and body care as well! If you’re looking for tips to improve your overall beauty routine then let us know - we're always up for new challenges!

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients as an added bonus and a token of our appreciation for you stopping by!

FAQs

What is a "skin tone"?

This concept is best described as the color of your skin and is broken up into two concepts: surface color and undertones. Your surface color is how you would describe yourself to someone else and is broken down into 4 categories (known as the "Fitzpatrick Scale"):

Type II (White, Fair)

- The lightest range of skin tones. You likely burn easy, and have light or red hair.

Type III (Medium White to Light Brown)

- Generally those with skin considered “light” have warmer undertones (we’ll get to that in a second) than those with fair skin. You likely are able to tan in the summer.

Type IV (Olive, Moderate Brown)

- You have a tan skin tone with warm golden or olive undertones.

Type V (Brown, Dark Brown, Darker Skin Tones)

- The deepest range of skin tones.

Your undertone is essentially exactly what it sounds like: the tone of your skin underneath of you surface color. This comes in 3 different tones:

Cool

- Characterized by a bluish undertone to the skin.

Warm

- A golden or peach-colored undertone.

Neutral

- A neutral undertone is neither cool nor warm. For darker skin tones, a neutral undertone would have an olive tint.

I was told I have a "oily skin" type. What is that and what do I do?

Oily skin is just one of 5 different skin types used to explain the amount of oil and sebum your skin produces. This is significant when deciding which types of products to include in your regular skincare routine. Here is a quick rundown of the different skin types and how you should approach them in your regimen:

Normal Skin

The right amount of facial oils, normal skin has:

• No or few imperfections
• No severe sensitivity
• Barely visible pores
• A radiant complexion

Combination Skin

Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have this type. It may need slightly different care in different areas.

Combination skin may have:

• Pores that look larger than normal because they’re more open
• Blackheads
• Shiny skin

Dry Skin

You may have:

• Almost invisible pores
• Dull, rough complexion
• Red patches
• Less elastic skin
• More visible lines

Your skin can crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If it’s very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.

Dry skin may be caused or made worse by

• Your genes
• Aging or hormonal changes
• Weather such as wind, sun, or cold
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds
• Indoor heating
• Long, hot baths and showers
• Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers
• Medications

Use these tips to help your dry skin:

1. Take shorter showers and baths, no more than once daily.
2. Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid deodorant soaps.
3. Don't scrub while bathing or drying.
4. Smooth on a rich moisturizer right after bathing. Ointments and creams may work better than lotions for dry skin but are often messier. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
5. Use a humidifier, and don't let indoor temperatures get too hot.
6. Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents, or household detergents.

Oily Skin

You may have:

• Enlarged pores
• Dull or shiny, thick complexion
• Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes

Oiliness can change depending upon the time of year or the weather. Things that can cause or worsen it include:

• Puberty or other hormonal imbalances
• Stress
• Heat or too much humidity

To take care of oily skin:

• Wash it no more than twice a day and after you sweat a lot.
• Use a gentle cleanser and don't scrub.
• Don't pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. They'll take longer to heal.
• Look for the word "noncomedogenic" on skin care products and cosmetics. This means it won’t clog pores.

Sensitive Skin

It can show up as:

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness

If your skin is sensitive, try to find out what your triggers are so you can avoid them. There are many possible reasons, but often it's in response to particular skin care products.

What is the perfect skincare routine?

We have an article written about our "Essential 7-Step Skin Care Routine", which we would highly recommend you take a peak at if you'd like a more detailed answer. However, there are some general tips that can help all types of skin:

• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle facial cleanser.
• Apply moisturizer after cleansing and before bedtime.
• Use sunscreen every day, even if it's cloudy or cold outside year round.
• Drink plenty of water each day to help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, which can dehydrate your skin.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants and other nutrients essential for good skin health.

What are the most important ingredients to include in my skincare?

Such a loaded question that really does require a long-winded response to be accurate. We will do our best below to list some of our favorites and why they are so important:

Vitamin C

A strong Vitamin C serum is almost a necessity for any self-respecting skincare routine; it can even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, protect against sun damage from uv rays, alleviate dark spots, and decrease sebum production in oily skin.

Vitamin E

Another antioxidant like Vitamin C, but it is more fragile and often comes in the form of tocopherol. It can help fade acne scars and dark spots, increase hydration which leads to firmer skin, reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Similar to Vitamin C, it is best applied in serum form.

Retinol

This ingredient works by speeding up cell turnover rates - meaning that your cells will give off their dead ones faster than normal (which sounds gross but isn't) leading to a brighter complexion. Retinol also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation caused by dryness or sunburns.

Hyaluronic Acid

A natural substance found in our bodies that helps keep hydrating moisture locked into the outer layer of the skin where collagen lives. A lack of Hyaluronic Acid can cause dry, wrinkly skin that lacks elasticity, but when it's replenished you'll see a drastic decrease in fine lines and wrinkles plus increased firmness and smoothness to the skin.

Green Tea Extract

This ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties which help with redness caused by acne or sunburns while also calming the look of large pores on oily skin types. It also contains antioxidants like Vitamin C which helps fight free radical damage (the kind that causes aging). Finally it is great for sensitive complexions because its caffeine content acts as an astringent toner without over drying your face!

AHA/BHA Acids

These are chemical exfoliators that come either as a liquid or as an ingredient within a product and they work by eating away at the glue that holds dead cells to your face. This allows them to slough off faster than usual and reveal new skin underneath, which is why this type of exfoliation leaves behind smoother more radiant skin with smaller pores.

Kojic Acid

This lesser-known ingredient comes from a fungus and is used as a natural skin lightener. It can help fade dark spots and acne scars over time, but it should not be used by pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.

Shea Butter

A natural fat that comes from the shea nut tree, Shea butter is an incredibly hydrating ingredient that is perfect for dry or sensitive skin types. It helps to soothe inflammation while also providing long-lasting hydration - making your skin look more plump and youthful.

Salicylic Acid

Used to help eradicate acne, salicylic acid helps to shed the top layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. This helps to prevent future breakouts of acne and reduces redness and inflammation.

What is a serum?

A serum is a skincare product that has the consistency of oil, but it's packed with active ingredients. They are often the most effective type of skincare product because they contain the highest concentration of active ingredients in order to be more powerful; however, you can't use too much or it will cause problems like irritation.

Serums usually come in an opaque airless pump bottle that prevents oxidation (when important ingredients break down) and keeps them fresh longer than if exposed to light and air. When buying a serum always look for one with dark glass packaging so your product's key ingredients stay potent! You should also avoid ones that come in jars since this allows oxygen exposure which reduces their effectiveness over time.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a substance found naturally throughout our bodies but decreases with age causing dryness, wrinkles and a loss of firmness. By replenishing our stores of HA we can look younger by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also increasing hydration levels for a plumper more youthful complexion.

There are two types of hyaluronic acid: low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW). LMW is able to penetrate deep into the skin's layers to provide long-lasting hydration, while HMW acts as a surface level moisturizer that forms a barrier against moisture loss. Most skincare products contain a blend of both types in order to achieve the best results.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A that has been shown to be one of the most effective ingredients for reversing visible signs of aging. It helps to increase collagen production, unclog pores, and fade dark spots and wrinkles over time.

However, it's important to note that retinol can be harsh on sensitive skin types and should be used with caution. If you're new to using retinol, start by applying it every other day and slowly work your way up to daily use. Also make sure to apply a good moisturizer afterwards since retinol can cause dryness.

What are the benefits of using a broad spectrum SPF?

Broad spectrum SPF (or "Sunscreen Protection Factor"), is a term used to describe sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the ones responsible for skin aging, while UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn.

By using a broad spectrum SPF you can prevent both the signs of aging and sunburn, as well as reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure adequate protection.

What is the difference between a toner and a face mist?

Toners are skincare products that are used to remove excess dirt, oil, and makeup residue from the skin. They often contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients which can be drying, so it's important to choose one that is suited for your skin type.

Facial mists are a great way to hydrate and refresh your complexion during the hot summer months. They're also a good alternative for those who don't like using toners since they can be used in place of them - while some even claim that facial mists contain hydrating ingredients that aren't found in typical toners!

What is light therapy?

Light therapy is a type of treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to improve the appearance of skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It can be done in a dermatologist's office or at home using an LED light device.

While the results from light therapy vary depending on the condition being treated, it's gaining popularity in skincare for its ability to reduce redness, fine lines and wrinkles.

What is the difference between emollients and moisturizers?

Emollients are used specifically to soften skin by adding hydration that helps improve elasticity over time. They're often found in night creams or facial oil products since they don't provide much sun protection.

Moisturizers, on the other hand, are used to reduce dryness and smooth rough skin texture caused by environmental damage or aging. Look for one with SPF 15+ so you can also protect your complexion from harmful UV rays while moisturizing at the same time!

Both emollients and moisturizers are important for keeping skin healthy and looking younger.

What is the difference between a serum and an essence?

Serums are concentrated skincare products that typically contain high levels of active ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or vitamin C. They're designed to target specific areas of concern on the face and should be applied before moisturizer.

Essences are light, water-based skincare products that are used after cleansing and before moisturizing. They're packed with hydrating ingredients to help improve the overall health of your skin.

Both serum and essence can be beneficial for improving the appearance of skin, so it's up to you which one you want to use.

What is a peptide?

Peptides are compounds that make up proteins in the body and help improve skin firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth out uneven texture, under eye bags or dark circles, as well as increase collagen production which results in tighter-looking skin over time. Look for products containing Matrixyl 3000, Argireline, or peptides from plants like apple stem cells to get the most out of this ingredient.

Skincare products containing peptides can be expensive, but they're definitely worth the price if you want to see significant improvements in your skin's appearance.

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is a potent ingredient found in skincare products that helps protect the skin from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging.

Look for antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea extract, or resveratrol to help reduce the signs of aging and keep your skin looking young and healthy!

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This is done through chemical or physical exfoliants, which are substances that help to dissolve dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth.

Exfoliation can be used on all types of skin because it helps fight acne breakouts by removing excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from pores! But if you have sensitive skin, be sure to use a gentle exfoliant and avoid over-exfoliating.

What is "Permanent Makeup"?

Permanent Makeup is actually a form of semi-permanent makeup that resembles tattooing. The major difference is that instead of ink being used, it is a special type of pigment that fades over time. This allows the consumer to be able to change their "makeup" if they wish to, but they may also get their procedure touched up to be able to keep it the way it is. One of the best Micropigmentation Specialists in the United States can be found on the East Coast the country all the way in "Vacationland" (Maine). Her business (Permanent Makeup & Cryo in Maine) can be found here.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), is a minimally invasive procedure that uses very fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This causes the body to produce new collagen and elastin which helps improve the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Microneedling can be done at home with a dermaroller or at a salon with a microneedling pen. If you're interested in trying this treatment, be sure to consult with a licensed professional first.

What is "cryotherapy"?

Cryotherapy is a form of body treatment that uses extreme cold to help treat many different skin conditions. Cryo chambers or cryosaunas use refrigerant gas (-100 degrees Celsius) to reduce inflammation, kill acne bacteria, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as provide pain relief from backaches and stiff joints!

This concludes our introduction to our website! We hope you enjoy flipping through our reviews so that we can be a part of your next beauty breakthrough!