TRANSDERMA is a beautiful line of highly potent serums that can be best described as scientifically advanced yet exceptionally pure.  The serums focus on vitamins and proven natural ingredients and feature patented delivery innovations that enable active ingredients to penetrate more deeply in the skin, where these actives can do the most good.  TRANSDERMA founder Graziella Gallelli is one of the most generous founders I have had the pleasure to meet.  She founded TRANSDERMA with her late husband, Dr. Alvin Ronlán, and the two of them built the company incorporating her skincare expertise and his experience of over 30 years of research on vitamins and their delivery systems.  Dr. Ronlán found a way to preserve vitamins’ potency without the use of preservatives, and TRANSDERMA Serums are unique in that they are water-free, preservative-free, and emulsifier-free.  The line focuses on high-impact formulations with only a handful of ingredients in each formulation.

TRANSDERMA Serums Review

I had the immense privilege of trying all five TRANSDERMA serums, and I can tell you quite honestly that this is highly effective skincare at its best.  Across the board, TRANSDERMA Serums are free of artificial colors, preservatives, fragrance, and other synthetic compounds.  TRANSDERMA offers truly pure skincare. The serums’ lack of preservatives is truly remarkable, especially when you consider the fact that these products all remained fresh and potent for a long duration of use!  Consider me impressed.  I am delighted to tell you a little about each formulation below.

TRANSDERMA C

Ingredients: Organic 1,2-Propanediol, L-Ascorbic Acid.

L-Ascorbic Acid is notoriously hard to keep fresh, but TRANSDERMA C has completely overcome this issue—without preservatives!  TRANSDERMA C uses a revolutionary technique for stabilization and improved absorption of this simple, potent formulation.  This serum goes on and sinks right in where it belongs.  Not only does it provide antioxidant protection, but it is also great for boosting collagen and elastin production.  I noticed brighter, smoother skin when using TRANSDERMA C regularly.

TRANSDERMA O

Ingredients: Organic 1,2-Propanediol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Creatine, Pyridoxine Cyclic Phosphate (Vitamin B6), Kinetin, Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt (Bio-Pqq), Biotin (Vitamin B7).

TRANSDERMA O is the first formulation I ever encountered with the key active PQQ, which is known to reduce inflammation and revitalize mitochondria.  With this active and B vitamins, TRANSDERMA O is truly energizing for the skin.  I particularly loved to combine TRANSDERMA O with red light therapy for the ultimate skin rejuvenation!

TRANSDERMA R

Ingredients: Organic 1,2-Propanediol, L–Ascorbic Acid, Trans–Resveratrol, Piceid.

TRANSDERMA R is perhaps the best serum I have ever used for evening skin tone and reducing pigmentation.  The formulation is deceptively simple; every ingredient counts, and this one really delivers!  TRANSDERMA R is wonderful for leaving skin brighter and more luminous.

TRANSDERMA A

Ingredients: Squalane, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate.

TRANSDERMA A is one of the best retinol products I have ever used.  I think the formulation is brilliant because the squalene balances out the retinol such that the serum is potent without ever being irritating or drying like so many retinol products tend to be.   TRANSDERMA A is excellent for stimulating skin cell renewal and rejuvenation.  I love TRANSDERMA A because it feels like a complete evening skincare routine (potent anti-aging actives and hydration) in one simple step.

TRANSDERMA M

Ingredients: Squalane, Isostearyl Isostearate, C10-30 Cholesterol / Lanosterol Esters, Alpha–Tocopherol, Ceramide Iii & Vi, Salicoyl Phytosphingosine.

Rather than a cream (which would require an emulsifier and preservatives—neither of which do the skin any favors), TRANSDERMA M is a moisturizing serum.  Formulated with skin-identical ceramides and lipids and using TRANSDERMA’s deep absorbing delivery system, TRANSDERMA M is great for providing deep, healing hydration.  I found TRANSDERMA M to be particularly calming for my skin.

Overall Conclusion:  The entire TRANSDERMA line is superb for maximum results with pure, deceptively simple formulations.  Each serum stands well on its own, but using them together makes for truly exceptional results:  smoother, more luminous, revitalized skin!  I give TRANSDERMA my highest recommendation.

The post TRANSDERMA Serums Review appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Pure•ly Mei Botanical Skincare is a tightly curated, sophisticated line consisting of two gorgeous hero-status plant-based products, Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser and Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum.  Founded by licensed esthetician and trained formulator Sarah Duran, Purely Mei is a line that is designed to bring skin back into balance and harmony by supporting the skin barrier and providing noncomedogenic nourishment.  As I told Sarah after using the products for several weeks, these are not your average oils!  Purely Mei delivers considerable benefits to even the fussiest skin types.  As someone dealing with inflammation, acne, and aging simultaneously, I feel qualified to say that both Renew and Everlasting are exceptional formulations.  Together, these complementary products represent a beautifully streamlined yet complete routine, but each product is also a singular marvel as well.  I was lucky enough to get to try both gems, and I am delighted to have the chance to tell you about my outstanding experience with each.

Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser is an award-winning cleanser that is perfect for anyone whose skin and/or spirit needs a little pampering.  This rich, luxurious oil cleanser is a sensory delight to use with a lovely scent that hints of its natural lavender, geranium, and orange oils.  Renew is very gentle and hydrating, but it gives a thorough clean, washing clean without leaving an oily film behind or stripping or drying out the skin. Prior to using Renew, I was skeptical of cleansers that did not contain a surfactant, but this formulation has shown me that it is not necessary for a just-right clean.  As a skilled esthetician, Sarah Duran formulated this oil cleanser very carefully, and she has a wonderful blog post in which she debunks several misconceptions about oil cleansers. The formulation is very balanced and delivers benefits for all skin types, but especially for anyone dealing with sensitivity, a compromised barrier, or acne.  The oils in Renew are noncomedogenic and high in linoleic acid, which boosts the skin barrier and helps to prevent acne, making this a perfect cleanser for fussy or “problematic” skin.  As someone with both sensitive and acne-prone skin, I’ve found Renew to be a very calming staple in my routine.  As a bonus, its star active, Cherry Blossom, is both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, reducing both the oxidative and inflammatory damage that can accelerate aging and exacerbate other skin complaints.  Additionally, Cherry Blossom helps to suppress advanced glycation end products (AGE) production and AGE-induced fibroblast apoptosis!  Renew is balanced and nourishing and leaves skin hydrated yet truly clean all in one gentle cleanse.  Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser  is a beautiful cleanser—a joy to use and truly calming for the complexion.

Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser Ingredients: *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-4-oleate, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, *Perilla Frutescens Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil & Prunus Serrulata (Cherry Blossom) Flower Extract, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, *Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed (C02) Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf (C02) Extract, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, *Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel oil.  *Organic

Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum is truly an oil that does it all:  hydrates, heals, nourishes, regenerates, and strengthens the skin.  Everlasting is another award-winning gem from Purely Mei, and a single use will quickly show why this showstopper has already started garnering awards, most recently from the Beauty Shortlist Awards.  This silky oil serum provides just the right amount of hydration to skin and rather than remaining on the skin’s surface like some heavier oils do, Everlasting absorbs into the skin where the sumptuous oil serum can work its real magic. With its blend of vanilla-infused Jojoba, Moringa, Pomegranate, Borage, Rose Hip, and Helichrysum Oils, Everlasting smells divine and fortifies the skin with anxtioxidants and 3, 6, 9, omega-rich, nourishing oils.  Bakuchiol and White Lupin Seed Extract are two anti-aging superstars in the serum; Bakuchiol has demonstrated similar anti-aging and anti-acne activity to retinol without the irritation and potential for photosensitivity, and White Lupin Seed Extract promotes high-quality collagen production that results in smoother, firmer skin!

The visible benefits of Everlasting are obvious:  smoother, more supple, calm skin, with a healthy glow.  Best of all, Everlasting is a product that is suitable for all skin types and capable of tackling a variety of skin challenges.  I know firsthand just how healing Everlasting is.  It takes an incredibly special serum to appropriately treat and visibly benefit my skin when it is at its most problematic (e.g., dry in some spots, oily in others, irritated, and acne-prone, all while showing advanced signs of aging), and Everlasting is one of a very select number of products that I can trust to not only do no harm but also to bring my skin into better balance, to soothe, hydrate, and heal my irritation and blemishes.  True to the spirit of Purely Mei, Everlasting restores my skin to calm even when it’s been at its most difficult.  It takes a special hero product to earn your deepest trust for the times when your skin is misbehaving, and Everlasting has quickly become such a go-to hero for me.

Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum Ingredients: *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Seed Oil, *Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, *Rosa Mosqueta (Rose) Hip Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Lupinus Seed Extract, *Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed C02 Extract, Bakuchiol, *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Berries C02 Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Bean Extract, Tocopherol (Non GMO), Bisabolol, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf C02 Extract, *Helichrysum Splendidum Oil.  *Organic

Filled with potent actives, Purely Mei is a line thoughtfully formulated by expert licensed esthetician Sarah Duran.  Purely Mei embraces a pro-aging philosophy, and its products are designed to nurture the skin and empower the user to look and feel their best at any age.  Although the line eschews gimmicky and unrealistic anti-aging marketing, both Renew and Everlasting are beautifully suited for mature skin as well as skin that craves healing, whether from irritation, acne, or both. Indeed, I think it would be accurate to call the products anti-inflammaging, as both Renew and Everlasting contain several actives that tame that inflammatory cascade that can exacerbate skin conditions and accelerate the aging process beyond what it might otherwise be.  Above all, Purely Mei is designed to support the skin barrier and restore calm and balance to the skin while providing the user with an elegant and relaxing experience, and the line succeeds beautifully in doing all this!  For anyone who is ready for a streamlined yet indulgent routine that will yield numerous complexion benefits, I highly recommend trying both Purely Mei products. This is a line worth discovering, cherishing, and sharing!

The post My Review of Pure•ly Mei Botanical Skincare appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

A new launch from Okoko Cosmétiques is always a cause to rejoice.  Recently, I had the delightful opportunity to indulge in two new Okoko treasures, Diamant Bleu Clarifying Cream with Niacinamide and Blue Tansy as well as Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition Next-Level, Age Defying Face Oil with Retinol Fusion. Let’s take these beauties one by one.

Okoko Cosmétiques Diamant Bleu: Clarifying Cream with Niacinamide and Blue Tansy

How can I put into words the pleasure of using Diamant Bleu?  A much-requested item from the Okoko line, this cream is utterly luxurious with a sumptuous buttery texture, the gorgeous color of the sky on a clear and bright day, and a natural fragrance (with key notes of sweet Blue Tansy) so delicious that applying it will lift your spirits and allow for a moment of truly regal indulgence even during an otherwise harried day.

Diamant Bleu is a sensory delight to use.  Sometimes “skincare as self-care” can feel like a marketing gimmick, but not in this case!  It is no exaggeration to say that applying Diamant Bleu offers a precious and enjoyable moment of calm in the storms of life.  I have never smelled any product with a fragrance this delicious, and based on its uplifting effects on me, I would say it is the best aromatherapeutic I have ever tried.  All this praise is simply about the joys of applying Diamant Bleu, but there is so much more to this blue beauty than just delivering an indulgent experience.  As with all Okoko Cosmétiques treasures, every precious ingredient in the formulation is truly performance-driven and based on exhaustive R&D by Okoko founder and Chief Formulator, Oyéta Kokoroko. The gorgeous blue color, for instance, is not just for show; it comes from the combination of natural actives Blue Tansy and Blue Spirulina extract, two incredible plant-based ingredients and potent antioxidants that also deliver skin-calming and detoxifying properties.

If you have a history of complexion woes like I do, then when you imagine a “clarifying cream” you may have visions of harsh dermatological prescriptions that leave skin angry and flaking, but this could not be further from the beautiful reality of Diamant Bleu’s skin-calming results.  I have lovingly nicknamed Diamant Bleu “my blue heaven” because of how dreamy it is in both its performance and use.  The texture is like perfect, freshly-churned butter, delivering an immediate wave of calming hydration.  Before you worry that such a rich, buttery cream might be too indulgent for persnickety, acne-prone skin, let me assure you that Diamant Bleu is formulated precisely for the very concerns of rebellious skin. The importance of hydration plays in optimal healing is often neglected in traditional clarifying formulations, but this is Okoko Cosmétiques, and  Oyéta never delivers less than perfection.  Not only does Diamant Bleu not break me out, it soothes and diminishes inflammation of any sort—whether that is acne, acne marks, or redness and irritation.  Anyone with acne-prone skin can tell you that the marks acne leaves behind are often more stubborn and frustrating than the acne itself was.  Here Diamant Bleu also excels beautifully, with encapsulated Niacinamide proven to rapidly diminish the look of post-acne spots and scarring.

The results of Diamant Bleu will surpass even the highest expectations. My complexion is so much calmer and clearer after regular use of this blue beauty.  This transformative cream is both elegant and high-performance, healing and gently hydrating, all without any harshness–a true feat in formulation!  Diamant Bleu is exceptional and has quickly become my favorite moisturizer of all time.  Of all the moisturizers I have ever tried, none have been as pleasurable and had such an incredible array of benefits as the truly heavenly Diamant Bleu.

Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition Next-Level, Age Defying Face Oil with Retinol Fusion

Les 16 Précieux was already the best anti-aging face oil I had found, but with the new Prestige Edition, you get an entire anti-aging skincare routine all in a single product!  The R&D that went into this treasure is beyond impressive.  As in the White Label version of Les 16 Précieux , Bakuchiol is a key ingredient in the Prestige Edition, but here its effects are further boosted with two evidence-based anti-aging superstars, Encapsulated Retinol and Vitamin C.  The combination of Bakuchiol and Retinol is notable, as the two ingredients work synergistically together, such that their anti-aging and skin-clearing benefits are more than the sum of their individual parts.  Moreover, the Retinol in Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition is encapsulated to improve its delivery and stability.  All this is further amplified by collagen-boosting  vitamin C in an oil-soluble form, L-ascorbyl Palmitate, that helps to brighten and smooth the complexion.

Other incredible ingredients in this luxury cocktail that is Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition include powerhouse antioxidants Astaxanthin, skin-smoothing Ceramides, Fermented Willow Bark to help keep skin clear and bright, White Lupin extract for firming sagging skin, and CoQ10 to help protect skin from environmental stress, and Seabuckthorn and Rosehip Oils to help reduce the appearance of scars.  These are just some of the highlights in this truly divine oil serum!  With all the precious actives featured in Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition, it is noteworthy that the formulation also includes Acai Goji Dehydrasome, an advanced natural ingredient that is not only highly antioxidant and hydrating, but also boosts the delivery and absorption of all the formulation’s beneficial ingredients, of which there are many.

Despite all the potent actives and their enhanced delivery, Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition is incredibly gentle in its power, never causing even the slightest hint of a reaction even on my sensitive skin.  This rich oil is luxurious, hydrating, anti-aging and yet still a perfect choice for those of us dealing with aging and acne simultaneously, as it addresses both concerns and is non-comedogenic.  Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition is by far the most advanced and effective oil treatment serum I have ever used.  Once again, Okoko Cosmétiques has surpassed my high expectations and delivered a product that truly elevates the entire category of facial oils.

The post Okoko Cosmétiques Diamant Bleu & Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

With the launch of Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly, the Skin Herbalists is a line to watch.  Created by one of the foremost skincare formulators in the world, The Skin Herbalists’ founder and formulator Jacine Greenwood combines the unique wisdom of both an expert aesthetician and a certified cosmetic chemist.  Jacine is the force of nature behind the hugely successful, highly effective, and much-loved line Roccoco Botanicals.  A true creative visionary at heart, Jacine is not one to rest on her laurels and was inspired to create The Skin Herbalists to make her special blend of natural plant-based miracles available for home use. The Skin Herbalists line is 100% natural skincare that proves how effective gentle plant-based skin care can be.

The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly

The Skin Herbalists’ first launch is a gorgeous cleanser, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly.  Starting out with a cleanser was doubtless the explicit intention.  A true expert in all things skin, founder Jacine views cleanser as the foundational, most vital step in any skincare regimen. Why is having the right cleanser so crucial?  Cleansers contain surfactants, and if not chosen very carefully, surfactants can have deleterious effects on the skin, such that a poorly-formulated cleanser can deplete vital lipids, impair the barrier, and generate inflammation.  Moreover, when an overly-stripping cleanser damages the barrier, it can remain in the skin, further exacerbating dryness and inflammation. Without an optimal cleanser, skin is compromised from the very first step, and all the other products that follow are working at a disadvantage and likely to yield mixed results. Choosing the right cleanser is the crucial first step toward setting the skin up for success, which explains why The Skin Herbalists’ first launch falls into this category.  The Skin Herbalists have created a cleanser that avoids all the common cleanser pitfalls.  With Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly, The Skin Herbalists deliver a beautiful, balanced, and gentle formulation that does not strip skin lipids, nor remain in the skin.  Instead of causing inflammation, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly actually reduces inflammation  and alleviates redness.  This gem leaves skin clean yet soft and hydrated.

The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is that special cleanser that fully and effortlessly cleanses makeup and debris in one gentle step all without stripping or irritating even the fussiest of skin.  With a rich, buttery texture and gorgeous pink glow, Rhubarb Jelly Cleanser offers a gorgeous and delightful sensory experience that serves as a perfect first step and will elevate the entire skincare ritual.  Even more impressive than the joy of using it, though, is the beautiful effects it has on the skin. Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly leaves skin gently hydrated without any greasy residue, so you get a satisfying cleanse without that parched feeling that some cleansers can cause. Infused with nutrient-dense Raspberry Seed Oil, Kiwi Seed Oil, and Passionfruit Seed Oil, the cleanser provides skin with a generous dose of Omega 3.    The star ingredient, Rhubarb Extract, increases the amount of ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the skin, softening and plumping lines and wrinkles. With its skin-plumping ingredients, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly also reinforces the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.   A specially-chosen concentrated, plant-derived essential fatty acid, Ethyl Linoleate, effectively targets pigmentation while delivering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection, leaving skin bright and calm.  Meanwhile, Kakadu Plum Extract delivers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for calming signs of acne or other inflammatory skin issues.  The result is a truly balanced, gentle cleanser that is effective and beneficial for any skin type.

When asked what would constitute the perfect cleanser, Jacine replied, “The perfect cleanser is gentle and doesn’t dry your skin out, yet effortlessly removes makeup, deep cleans pores and doesn’t contain comedogenic ingredients.”   With this brilliant definition in mind, The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is about as close to perfection as a formulation can possibly get.  Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is versatile in the way it effectively serves many skin types and concerns, gentle in the way it reinforces the barrier and boosts hydration rather than depleting them, and effortlessly effective in the way it removes makeup and cleans the pores.  Using The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly regularly for just over a week, I am already seeing skin that is calmer, brighter, and better hydrated with noticeably less inflammation.   If you ask me, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly truly is the perfect versatile cleanser, and I cannot wait to see what other marvels The Skin Herbalists have in store. I highly recommend giving this beauty from the Skin Herbalists a try to see just how high-performance a cleanser can be. Prepare to be impressed!

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Once in a great while, I am lucky enough to encounter an exceptional beauty entrepreneur who is as kind as she is talented.  Anis Lacerte of I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS is one such amazing woman.  I had lusted after her High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10% for a few years when, much to my surprise and delight, Ms. Lacerte herself commented on one of my Instagram posts.  It was an exciting moment for me, and after a bit of social media interaction, I reached out and expressed my admiration and interest in collaborating, and Ms. Lacerete graciously agreed.

I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS REVIEW

I had the opportunity to try two incredible products from the I’M FABULOUS line, the TCA Toner and High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10%, and I’m delighted to bring you my review.

I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS TCA Toner

First, let me tell you about the TCA (Trichloracetic Acid) Toner. TCA Toner is a highly effective oil reducer, pore minimizer, and exfoliant that works by removing the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the fresh new skin that lies beneath.  I started using TCA Toner during a bad bout of acne and found that it was very good at bringing my skin back into balance.  The toner has a base of aloe and also includes skin nourishing Vitamin E along with acne-fighting Salicyclic Acid and skin-rejuvenating Trichloracetic Acid for a clear, bright complexion.  The blend works brilliantly, and it packs a punch; those of us with sensitive skin may most benefit from using it once a day rather than twice. I particularly recommend I’M FABULOUS TCA Toner for anyone who struggles with acne, as it leaves blemish-prone skin fresh and clean.  TCA Toner is serious skincare that is superb at tackling blemishes, large pores, and acne marks.

I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10%

Now, on to the gem known as I’M FABULOUS High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10%.  This hydrating organic serum has the most impressive, potent concentration of Copper Tripeptide GHK-Cu that I have seen offered anywhere, coming in at a whopping 10%.  This serum is truly exceptional; although it comes in a generous bottle (50ml) it is a highly reparative and rejuvenating concentrate. High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10% can work wonders even when used sparingly; in fact, this is such an intense product that it is best not to overdo it.  Ms. Laceree recommends using it just once a day and stopping for at least 12 months after using one full bottle of the treatment (50ml).

For absolute maximum freshness, the serum comes in two bottles, one with the GHK-Cu active copper concentrate and one of the Copper Peptide Activator Serum.  Combine the two, shake for 30 seconds, and you have a fresh, activated serum ready to use. In addition to the extraordinarily high concentration of the star active, GHK-Cu, the serum also boasts plumping hyaluronic acid as well as an array of branched-chain amino acids that are an essential part of the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Ms. Lacerte has put a great deal of research into her ingredient selection, and the results speak for themselves.

High Tech Copper Peptide Serum is an excellent choice for anyone with undesired acne marks, signs of aging, or both, as it addresses them beautifully. This is skin repair in a bottle.  The serum reverses multiple signs of skin aging as well as any skin imperfections by boosting collagen production at an impressive rate, and it also leaves skin with a clear and luminous glow that is special to such an usually high concentration of GHK-Cu. If you are looking for a smart way to repair and revitalize skin, you won’t do much better than this beautiful copper serum!  There is nothing else quite like it on the market.

If you love wonderful vegan skincare like I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS, don’t miss my revealing interview with brand founder Anis Lacerte here!

The post I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS Review appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

True Botanicals is an uncompromising, highly effective clean skincare line that combines the best natural ingredients with the latest scientific advances in formulation.  Their motto is “pure, potent, proven,” and they live up to it, backing up product efficacy with actual research that demonstrates their products outperform some of the most iconic skincare on the market!  Additionally, their results-driven formulations truly are kind to skin and to the planet.  For example, the US bans only 11 ingredients in beauty products; Europe bans 1,328.  True Botanicals holds itself to a higher, safer standard, banning over 5,000 chemicals known to hurt human or environmental health.  True Botanicals appeals to me because they prove that natural and sustainable skincare can be luxurious and effective.  Today I am going to tell you about an incredible holiday gift set, True Botanicals You Make Me Glow Face Care Kit!

As True Botanicals has been on my wishlist for a few years, I was thrilled to have the chance to try a PR sample of a special holiday gift set, the True Botanicals You Make Me Glow Face Care Kit.  This set offers a lit-from-within glow with True Botanicals iconic Clear Nourishing Cleanser (4 fl oz), Clear Pure Radiance Oil (1 fl oz), Radiance Facial Roller, and a reusable True Botanicals Essentials Bag perfect to use as environmentally-friendly gift wrapping.  The set I tested is focused on giving clear, bright skin, but the “You Make Me Glow” set is also available featuring the Renew line for those who want to focus on anti-aging.  Having enjoyed the Kit for a couple of weeks, I have already seen improvements in my skin in terms of more even tone, less inflammation, and fewer blemishes.  I credit the Clear Nourishing Cleanser and Clear Pure Radiance Oil used with the Radiance Facial Roller for these visible benefits!

How to Use True Botanicals You Make Me Glow Face Care Kit

Here is how I have used the “You Make Me Glow” Face Care Kit to such great effects.  First, I cleanse my face with Clear Nourishing Cleanser.  Next, I apply about 7 drops of Clear Pure Radiance Oil to my skin while it was still moist.  I use the Radiance Facial Roller in short, gentle strokes starting at the center of the jawline and moving up and out towards the hairline. The smaller roller offers gentle precision, and I use it to roll up and out under the eyes and over my temples.  Finally, I roll above my eyebrows up and out on my forehead toward the hairline. I repeat each of the strokes 3-5 5imes until one side of my face was complete and then move to the other side, repeating these steps.

The Clear products themselves are great and truly encourage clear skin while also leaving skin pleasantly hydrated and supporting the skin barrier. Clear Nourishing Cleanser is a creamy, non-foaming cleanser that strikes the perfect balance between sloughing away dead skin and providing healing hydration.  Almost every acne-fighting cleanser I have ever used has been somewhat harsh or drying, but not True Botanicals Clear Nourishing Cleanser!  The base ingredient is not water as you would commonly see, but instead nutrient- and polyphenol-rich green and white tea!  The tea is not only highly antioxidant, but also very restorative.  It is complemented by nature’s salicylic acid, black willow bark, which exfoliates and smoothes skin without irritation. Another star ingredient of many is helichrysum, a soothing antibacterial and antifungal botanical renowned for its wound-healing and scar-minimizing benefits.  Rather than drying out the skin (which can exacerbate breakouts and worsen scarring), Clear Nourishing Cleanser is hydrating and offers truly the perfect balancing cleanse!

Clear Pure Radiance Oil is a plumping moisturizer that simultaneously prevents pesky breakouts and helps minimize signs of aging. It serves these dual purposes beautifully with healing , antibacterial helichrysum, sebum-balancing oils of hemp, pumpkin, and grape seed, and the potent anti-aging ingredients algae and astaxanthin.  Packed with skin-loving essential fatty acids, Clear Pure Radiance leaves skin plump and hydrated, restores the skin barrier, and does all this while also balancing oil production and preventing blemishes.

Clear Nourishing Cleanser and Pure Radiance Oil are especially amazing when used with the Radiance Facial Roller included in the True Botanicals You Make Me Glow Face Care Kit.  Radiance Facial Roller boosts circulation and product penetration, reduces puffiness, eases tension, and helps promote elasticity!  This Face Care Kit would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves skincare or deserves some quality self-care!

The post True Botanicals “You Make Me Glow” Kit Review appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Five Elements Skincare is a standout handcrafted, all-natural line of skin-loving botanical products from New Zealand that powerfully restore and enhance skin’s wellbeing and vitality, all without any questionable ingredients, common irritants, or harmful additives.  When Five Elements founder Karen Mackay reached out to me and offered me the chance to try a few of her botanical treasures, I jumped at the chance.  Be sure to check out my interview with Ms. Macay!  The products themselves are elegant, with clean formulations that rely on time-tested botanicals, rather than faddish ingredients, to deliver a multitude of skin benefits.  After trying a few of the products and being highly impressed at how well they hydrated, soothed and helped to heal my mature skin, it came as little surprise to me to discover that Five Elements Founder and Formulator Ms. Mackay has a postgraduate degree in Botany.

Five Elements Skincare Founder, Karen Mackay

In addition to my fondness for the products, I also love the values and integrity that this line embodies.  Quality is ensured with careful thought and attention at every step of production; they even grow their own botanicals using biodynamic principles on their herb farm in Marlborough, New Zealand.  Additionally, Five Elements Skincare routinely donates 10% of profits to New Zealand Conservation Efforts, and they frequently designate periods of time during which they donate 15% of all profits to conservation charities.  Packaging is PBA,  plastic-free and recyclable.  Their prices are amazingly accessible, and to top it off, they are also offering a special discount to my readers through the end of September (jump to the end if you can’t wait)!

The full Five Elements Skincare line consists of a lovely assortment of facial, body, and hair products.  I have thoroughly enjoyed four of Ms. Mckay’s creations:

• Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm
• Five Elements Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
• Five Elements Elemental Renewal Serum
• Five Elements Comfrey Balm

From the moment I started using Five Elements Skincare, it was clear that the products had been lovingly and thoughtfully created by someone with a keen and nuanced understanding of the healing powers of plants.  Though each the product in the Five Elements range serves a specific, distinctive purpose, the entire line is infused with impressive anti-inflammatory and restorative properties.  Moreover, I would be remiss if I did not mention that Five Elements Skincare offers some of the best value in all green beauty:  pure ingredients, high-performance formulations, all at refreshingly accessible pricing.

Five Elements Skincare is a line that was born out of pure compassion; as you can read my founder interview below my reviews, Ms. Mackay was inspired to create her initial formulation out of a desire to bring comfort and healing to a student she was teaching who was suffering from painful and debilitating eczema.  She had no intention of launching a business.  However, the culmination of her formulation efforts, a balm that she named Five Elements Skin Tonic in honor of the five healing botanicals it contained, led to such a complete transformation in the student’s condition that others soon clamored for it, continually compelling her to make more to share.  Today, Five Elements Skin Tonic is a beloved hero product to those who have experienced its benefits.  Below, I will tell you about my experience with each Five Elements treasure I have tried, starting with Skin Tonic.

The Irritation Remedy: Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to enjoy Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm, which contains the Five Elements plant extracts—a lovely blend of anti-inflammatory Ginkgo, healing Plantago, antiseptic Rosemary, antioxidant Olive, and brightening Rumex–in cold-pressed, extra virgin Olive Oil with Grape Seed Oil and Beeswax.  (The Liquid version contains the Five Elements extracts in an Olive Oil and Grapeseed Oil base.)  All the botanicals have been locally grown in New Zealand, and both the Balm and Liquid are entirely natural and clean without any harsh or harmful additives.  Personally, I cherish the Balm, especially whenever my skin is dry and irritated, which is a fairly regular occurrence for me both because of my skin’s tendencies and also because I occasionally overdo it with harsher actives.  Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm is a nourishing, hydrating, creamy remedy for inflamed skin.  Those of us with problem skin, particularly due to irritation, redness, or dryness, will rejoice at the immediate comfort and rapid healing Skin Tonic helps to provide.  The Balm is a brilliant moisturizer and soothing treatment in one.  Though it may be a little rich for highly acne-prone skin, those with normal to dry skin will love it.  I reserve it for when my skin is dry and not in particularly acne-prone phase and find it a welcome addition to my arsenal.  Remarkably, this soothing botanical gem, made with home-grown plants and lots of care, can be yours for just $17.73!  I wasn’t kidding when I said this was a fantastic value.  Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm is a mighty, healing formulation, especially wonderful for dry, dehydrated, and/or sensitive skin, and an extraordinary find for less than $20!

Ingredients: Elemental Phytoextracts (Ginkgo, Rosemary, Rumex, Plantago, and Extra Virgin Olive oil) in cold-pressed Extra-Virgin Olive Olil and Grape Seed Oil with Beeswax.

The Cleanest Natural SPF I’ve Encountered: Five Elements Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

As someone with photosensitive lupus, I am understandably picky about my sunscreen, and Five Elements Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is an absolute winner.  I love this blend for so many reasons.  First, Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 contains my favorite ingredient for balanced UVB/UVA protection, zinc oxide, and the formula is one of few that includes as generous an amount of zinc oxide (20%) as I like to see to ensure excellent protection.  Despite the high percentage of zinc oxide, Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 does not leave a white caste and blends like a dream!  The blendability is incredible, as is its creaminess.  The formulation is ultra-pure, with just five natural ingredients (e.g., zinc oxide, shea butter in cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive and grapeseed oil base with a touch of beeswax).  Simple ingredients give way to a surprisingly elegant formulation; as someone who has tested a lot of mineral sunscreens, it’s quite impressive to experience one that is so hydrating and blendable, all without skimping on the protection.

Five Elements Natural Sunscreen is truly nourishing with an amazing texture that is luxurious and hydrating while being ultra-smooth and blendable.   In short, this is a true winner!  You get a lovely helping of protective zinc oxide in an elegant formula with a lovely creamy consistency, excellent dispersion of zinc, all with no white cast.  Plus, Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 can easily double as a lovely moisturizer, as it delivers excellent nourishment and hydration with the purest of ingredients.  This is a very complete, high-performance product despite a minimal-ingredient formula.  I love applying and wearing it and am confident in the SPF protection.  If you want to experience a feat of formulation, look no further!  Plus, the price is incredibly accessible at just $17.52.  Amazing!

Ingredients: Zinc Oxide in cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Grape Seed Oil with Beeswax.

The Antioxidant Nourisher with Striking Anti-Aging Benefits: Five Elements Elemental Renewal Serum

Elemental Renewal Serum features Five Elements’ signature, biodynamically-grown five-plant healing Elemental Phytoextracts, included in the formula at a whopping 50%.  This formula is one of few oil serums I have tried that visibly improves the look of skin, no doubt it owes much to the generous proportion of carefully-chosen Elemental Phytoextracts with microcirculation-boosting and collagen-enhancing Ginkgo, soothing and toning Plantago, antimicrobial and oil-balancing Rosemary, nourishing and anti-inflammatory Olive, and tyrosinase-inhibiting Rumex.  The Five Elements are very well-rounded and complementary, and when you enjoy them at such high potency, skin reaps the rewards.  The base oils are nourishing, skin-loving Organic Rosehip, Avocado, and Jojoba Oils, so there is much here to admire.  Delivering vital minerals and vitamins A, D, and E as well as the special Five Elements healing phytoextracts, Elemental Renewal helps minimize scars, pigmentation, and acne, and it also nourishes and plumps skin while stimulating collagen production for healthy, vibrant skin.  It’s easily absorbed and makes a beautiful daily serum to leave skin soft and renewed.  I also enjoy incorporating a few drops of it into my dry masks to elevate their formulas and boost the healing and hydration.  Either way, Elemental Renewal Serum is a treasure, and it gets even better when you realize you can purchase this botanical beauty for just $26.61.

Ingredients: Contains 50% Elemental Phytoextracts (Ginkgo, Rosemary, Rumex, Plantago, and Extra Virgin Olive oil), Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Oil, Organic Avocado Oil.  Organic Frankincense, Geranium, and Palmarosa essential oils.

Sore-Muscle Soothing: Five Elements Comfrey Balm

This blend is another winner: ultra-soothing and truly effective at relieving my muscle pain and occasional joint pain.  Better yet, Five Elements Comfrey Balm is highly effective without the overwhelming stinging, freezing, or burning of so many topical pain relief products!  It provides relief without that discomfort.  The key ingredients include the Five Elements Organic Elemental Phytoextracts plus Organic Comfrey, Therapeutic-Grade Cumin, Frankincense, and Eucalyptus in a creamy and nourishing organic base.  This is a lovely, clean formula that beautifully showcases the magic of botanicals for pain relief.  This pain relief is available for just $16.12.

Ingredients: Organic Comfrey, Organic Elemental Phyto-extracts, Therapeutic Grade Cumin, Frankincense, Eucalyptus, extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil and Organic Grapeseed Oil, Organic Beeswax.

Special Offer, Courtesy of Five Elements Skincare:  Go to their site and use the code SEPTEMBER18 at checkout for FREE Shipping (yes, internationally) for any order over $100NZ (equivalent to around $65US).

Offer expires September 30, 2018.

I’m always eager to expand my horizons! Have you tried this or any other New Zealand skin care brands?  What’s on your global skincare wishlist?

The post Five Elements Skincare: New Zealand-Grown, Botanist-Created Beauty appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Beige Dusk Greys is a delightful Etsy-hosted shop (and, in my opinion, one of the best on the wide-ranging platform) in which Dallas maker Andrea Rogers channels her creative powers and artistic talents to create two of her favorite things: handcrafted skincare products and fine paper goods.  An artisan with many talents, Ms. Rogers makes gorgeous stationery and parcel tags, but since I am skincare-obsessed, it was her skincare formulations that caught my eye.  I was searching Etsy shops for products with prickly pear seed oil and quickly found that–in a lovely blend with camellia seed oil, borage oil, jojoba oil, and house-infused fractionated coconut oil featuring nettle, rosemary, calendula, & thyme–and so much more in the Beige Dusk Greys shop.  Note:  many Beige Dusk Greys products contain coconut oil, but it is a special form that works well even on acne-prone skin.  Ms. Rogers is highly attuned to comedogenicity, so she uses fractionated coconut oil.  I am acne-prone and was initially nervous about applying anything with coconut oil–fractionated or not–but I was able to enjoy her formulations without any problems and feel totally comfortable recommending her line to others who deal with blemishes.

Andrea Rogers of Beige Dusk Greys

Ms. Rogers was exceptionally generous and gave me the opportunity to sample a true bundle of the skincare delights Beige Dusk Greys offers.  The shop is full of tempting formulations, but to get you started, here are some highlights.

Beige Dusk Greys Green Tea Oil Cleanser

Beige Dusk Greys Green Tea Oil Cleanser ($16)–-a light cleansing oil that easily rinses off cleanly, leaving skin fresh but not stripped and providing just the slightest hint of additional moisture.  The ingredients are nourishing, healing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, with the additional benefit of gentle antibacterial properties.  This is a great cleanser that effectively removes makeup yet never overdries; it leaves skin soft and smooth without any greasiness or heavy residue.  Green Tea Oil Cleanser is high-performance in terms of functionality and well-rounded benefits from its choice actives.  A very versatile product, this would work for all skin types, including acneic or sensitive.

Ingredients: Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Nettle, Green Tea, Chamomile, & Ginger Infused Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed Oil), Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, & Camellia Sinesnsis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract.

Beige Dusk Greys Honey & Rose Toner

Beige Dusk Greys Honey & Rose Toner ($12)–-a delicious, refreshing alcohol-free toner that has a naturally fragrant base of rose hydrosol with aloe juice for soothing hydration.  Along with antioxidant-rich rose, this toner also features Manuka honey extract (fantastic for hydration and healing) along with dynamic healing Royal Jelly (great for soothing nourishment, highly reparative).  The formula also includes gentle doses of lactic acid and Vitamin C to aid exfoliation and brightening; neither the is included at a level that would cause stinging or sensitivity, particularly when combined with the other soothing, moisturizing actives in the toner.  Unlike many toners that sting or burn sensitive skin, Beige Dusk Greys Honey & Rose Toner is calming and cooling.  This is a wonderful hydrator that feels soothing on contact, and it offers great benefits for dry or sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Rosa Demascena (Rose Otto) Flower Distillate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe), Manuka Honey Extract, Butylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin, Apis Mellifera (Royal Jelly) Extract, Gluconolacctone, Sodium Benzoate, PEG -7 Olivate (Olive Esters), Glycerin, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, L-ascorbic Acid, Didecoldimonium Chloride, & Rosa Damascena (Rose) Oil.

Indigo Concentrate Beauty Balm

Beige Dusk Greys Indigo Concentrate Beauty Balm ($24)—a creamy, moisturizing balm that is perfect for nearly any skin type and divine for fussy or acne-prone types.  Indigo Concentrate Beauty Balm has a light gel-oil sort of texture that sinks right in with only the lightest residue.  The lovely hue is thanks to soothing and gentle chamazulene, from both blue chamomile and blue tansy oils.  This along with beneficial actives like yarrow, indigo, and sacha inchi oil make this Balm a wonderful remedy for irritated and inflamed skin.  Indigo Concentrate Beauty Balm is a lovely product packed with beneficial, soothing ingredients that calm troubled skin.

Ingredients: Indigofera Tinctoria (Indigo) Infused Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil, Corylus Americana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Seed Oil, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Infused Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Polyglycerol-3 Beeswax (Cera Bellina), Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olive Oil (Olea Europaea), Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tanacetum Annum (Blue Tansy) Essential Oil, & Chamomilla Recutita (Blue Chamomile) Flower Oil.

Now that I’ve piqued your interest with some of the lovely Beige Dusk Greys products, let’s meet the maker, Andrea Rogers!  Below is our interview.

What is the story behind how you became a formulator?

Andrea Rogers: In the spring of 2013 I started tinkering with some DIY recipes for a charcoal mask. I was having some hormonal acne breakouts and was trying anything I could to help it. I really enjoyed making the masks and started experimenting with serums and such and it kind of just grew from there. I was in grad school for 3 of those years, so it was my little hobby I guess you could say, on the side.

 How would you describe your beauty and skincare philosophies?

 Andrea Rogers: I think beauty and skincare is so individual that there isn’t a formula or solution that fits all. Because of that, I think that finding and curating a regime that works for you and makes you feel beautiful is important.

What are your biggest goals as a formulator/maker/founder?

 Andrea Rogers: My goals are to make an effective beautiful product. I’m an art person, so pretty things really inspire and move me. I don’t see why beauty products can’t do the same. In some ways, I view my products as functional accessories.

What are your favorite ingredients to work with, and why?

Andrea Rogers: Gosh, that a hard one. I love any beneficial botanicals I can infuse. I love playing with exotic oils, and really anything smelly, like essential oils.

What is your process for creating a new product?

 Andrea Rogers: Usually I come up with a concept, then find the necessary supporting ingredients and began with a basic recipe, and tweak it until it fits my liking. Sometimes though, I will find an ingredient that I love and build a recipe around that ingredient.

Are you self-taught?  Either way, how did you begin and what have you learned along the way?

 Andrea Rogers: I am self-taught. Really there’s so many excellent resources online. And I also have some books for reference. Practice is also an excellent way to learn. Once you know your materials well, it’s easier to predict what will happen. I have notebooks of notes I have taken along the way and that really helps.

What is your approach to preservation?

 Andrea Rogers: Preservation is obviously a must. I don’t use parabens and try and stay away from formaldehyde donors. I have a selection of preservatives that I use and I choose from there the most suitable for the product. I realize this is a touchy subject for some.

If you had to pick a favorite product or two from you line of which you are most proud, what would it (they) be, and why?

Andrea Rogers: Probably the watermelon & moringa face oil. It’s just so versatile and feels and smells so good.

How would you describe the experience you want people to have with your products?

Andrea Rogers:  I want people to experience the product as a beautiful object that helps make them feel beautiful.

What do you see as the greatest success of your line so far and what are your hopes for the future?

Andrea Rogers: The greatest success is when I have repeat customers that really love the products. I hope that I can continue to grow this business into something bigger and have fun along the way.

You first started experimenting with formulation when you were experiencing some hormonal acne breakouts a few years ago.  What did you ultimately find effective in treating this issue that impacts so many of us?

Andrea Rogers: Honestly, I learned not to over-dry my face.  When the issue is hormonal, topical products can only do so much. Typical acne products dried my skin out, and removing all the oil wasn’t conducive for balance or healing.  I have oily skin, but I’ve learned to embrace it rather than fighting it.

You started formulating during grad school days.  What were you studying?

Andrea Rogers: I was studying studio art. I’m a print maker. I just graduated in May 2016 from a 3-year program.  My Etsy shop had gained some momentum by that point, and now it has taken over most of my time. I spend close to 40 hours/week devoted to running the Etsy shop and formulating. It’s an issue of time management and finding time for studio art.

Can you describe how you moved from making your own skincare to starting your own line?

Andrea Rogers: It was primarily just a hobby at first—skincare and soap.  I had more soap than I could ever use, but there was something so rewarding and soothing about making it. Friends and family loved what I made. They started buying my products, and after a while I expanded to Etsy.  The whole transition happened over a few years.  I wasn’t trying to make money, really; I just wanted to support my addiction to formulating and playing with stuff.  I’ve always been a maker.  I love it; it gives me meaning.

What is your background in art, and how do you think that influences the way you formulate and the overall aesthetic of Beige Dusk Greys?

Andrea Rogers: Being a print maker, you’re very process-oriented, and theres a lot of problem solving involved. Formulation is also very process-driven.  They’re both very aesthetic as well.

You are self-taught as a formulator.  Many consumers want to better educate themselves. When it comes to learning about and understanding individual ingredients, what are your favorite resources that you recommend (whether books, databases, etc.)?

Andrea Rogers: There are a lot of forums online that I’ve found extremely valuable. Also, DIY websites are useful to get a base recipe for something. There’s a supplier database as well, UL Prospector, where I can find out about ingredients.  I spend a lot of time online researching; I’m a thirsty person for information.

In terms of the iterations until a product is satisfactory, it depends. Sometimes I can get it in a few tries. Other products I still haven’t released because I haven’t hit the sweet spot yet after many trials. I spend a good amount of time with products before I try to sell them.

Is Beige Dusk Greys a full-time operation for you?  How have you seen your business grow over the last few years, and do you ever find it difficult to keep up with consumer demand?

Andrea Rogers:  First, it was just a little here and there. When people started responding well to my products, I got more invested, and sales have slowly but steadily grown since then. I’ve learned a lot and grown along with the business.

If someone has your Green Tea Oil Cleanser, Green Cleanse Face Balm, and Nopal Cleansing Exfoliator, how would you advise using each of them in terms of order, frequency, etc?

Andrea Rogers: For me, I like Face Balm at night for removing makeup. Green Tea Oil Cleanser and Nopal Cleansing Exfoliator are lighter and rinse off quickly, so they might be preferable for a time crunch or the morning.

I’m a huge fan of the Nopal Cleansing Exfoliator.  I’ve used so many exfoliators that are unnecessarily harsh and end up irritating skin rather than just gently exfoliating.  How did you manage to get this texture so perfect?   Tell us more about how you developed this.

Andrea Rogers: That took a bit of tweaking. You’d be surprised how much of the formula is actually clay; there’s a lot of body to it.  The smoothness to the texture comes from including the tiniest amount of olive-based wax. I didn’t want it to be too exfoliating, and the oils in the formula add a lubricating element so it’s not too abrasive.

I love both your Watermelon & Moringa Face Oil and the Plum Seed Face Oil.  Both are nourishing and hydrating yet miraculously do not break me out.  You also have another face oil called The Cure.  What do you see as the main differences between these three lovely face oils, and how would you advise someone to choose between them?

Andrea Rogers:  Plum Seed Face Oil is great for dry or mature skin. Watermelon & Moringa Face Oil is soothing with marshmallow extract and prickly pear, a good oil for anyone. Then there is The Cure, which has the lightest texture, but is is good for all skin types. I don’t formulate for a specific skin type. I try to formulate versatile products so it’s more a matter of preference. I’m not trying to cure something with my products, but in general I avoid comedogenic oils and ingredients, because there are so many great alternatives.

Your eye serum is so rich and luscious and extremely hydrating.  What key ingredients make it so effective for the delicate eye area?

Andrea Rogers: It’s probably the rosehip seed oil and the chia seed oil; the consistency of the final product was designed to be like an oily gel.

Can you tell us a little about your masks?

Andrea Rogers: I have a Pumpkin Enzyme Mask that uses pumpkin bioferment as a key ingredient. It’s designed to be a very gentle peel with the consistency of a light lotion. In fact, I designed it to be gentle enough that you can leave it on for anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight, depending on your preference.

The Honey Mask is an oily gel mask, and when I designed it, I wanted to avoid harsher, drying clay-based masks.

The Milk Jelly Mask is designed to be moisturizing and to feel good when you rinse it off.

What are your best sellers?

Andrea Rogers: Any of the face oils tend to be best sellers; when I formulate those, I want them to feel good, and there’s a variety for different preferences in terms of the texture from light to luxurious.  Also, the Face Balm is often a repeat order once people try it.

What’s the most surprising thing about running your business been so far?

Andrea Rogers: Right now I’m trying to get my line more established. Once I get that taken care of, and it’s getting there, I’m realizing that a lot of the work is not creating but actually running the business side of things.  In terms of getting more established, I haven’t started promoting Beige Dusk Greys much yet. People discover me and reach out, and it’s also been word of mouth.

There are so many people doing what I do that, for me, the investment is in repeat customers.  Between customer service (e.g., custom orders) and products, I’m focused on maintaining as much repeat business as possible.

There’s a rewarding aspect to it as well. Beige Dusk Greys is a way for me to celebrate a love for pretty things; I want the skincare to display nicely and, in a way, serve as functional accessories.  I think people are drawn to Beige Dusk Greys because they want to have things that are handmade and specific to them.

The post Beige Dusk Greys Founder Andrea Rogers on Finding Artistry in Formulation appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

After falling in love with Kana Skincare’s CBD Sleeping Mask and experiencing its great skin-soothing results, I was eager to explore this promising trend of CBD skincare further.  There are tons of emerging brands to choose from, with more popping up all the time.  However, I’m not naive:  I know that with an ingredient as “hot” and current as CBD, many companies are simply jumping on the bandwagon, ordering ready-made–and mass-produced–formulas and then just slapping their own label on it as if it’s their unique creation.  (This is called white-labeling, and it is done a lot in the industry, especially when an ingredient is trendy.)  I’m only interested in showcasing brands that are made with true care and intention.  With that in mind, the next special brand I am proud to introduce and review is Code of Harmony.

Code of Harmony Continues to Lead the Way for CBD Skincare

Code of Harmony is the original luxury CBD skincare brand—and still the brand that sets the bar for newcomers and the rest.  I had the great privilege of trying several Code of Harmony products, and I was also able to interview Code of Harmony’s charming and insightful founder and formulator, Janet Schriever (click to read!).  This is incredible skincare created with love and effort by a brilliant maker.  Code of Harmony feels amazing on the skin, and for anyone whose skin may be a little imperfect, it provides serious beautifying powers.  I could tell when I looked at the ingredient lists that these products were unique.  The formulas are ultra-clean, highly botanical, and offer an array of benefits in a single bottle. Plus, all you have to do is follow Code of Harmony’s Instagram for a few days to tell that Ms. Schriever (who runs the account, along with everything else related to the brand) is one of the coolest women in the beauty industry.  She tells it like it is, works hard on her products, and offers up the highest quality skincare without ever overstating what you can expect.  Having said this, Code of Harmony CBD Skincare is transformative and highly effective. The brand’s transparency is refreshing in an industry rampant with false promises.  Now, onto the delicious Code of Harmony products themselves!

 Code of Harmony OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe – CBD Face Cleanser & Makeup Remover

 OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe  is a best seller in the line, and after even a single use, it’s easy to see why. OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe gives you what is known as the Goldilocks effect, or the “just right” clean. OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe is easily one of my favorite cleansers-of any type—ever.  I’ve never used another cleanser that is so gentle and non-drying yet truly gets my skin clean without leftover residue (from makeup, SPF, or the cleanser itself); at the same time, OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe never strips or leaves skin at all tight or dry either. Skin is left perfectly clean, lightly hydrated, and totally comfortable.

OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe is a feat of formulation.  When it comes to cleansing, there are many places to go wrong, like overdoing it and stripping the barrier, not cleansing effectively, and/or leaving a stubborn greasy film on the skin.  I have used many oil cleansers that required a lot of repetition and manual exfoliation to work—not this one!  OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe has earned a permanent place in my routine because it falls into none of these traps and gives me the perfect clean every time:  gentle, refreshed, smooth, never greasy, and never dry.  Code of Harmony’s OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe is gentle, yet it loosens dirt/makeup/debris with even a light touch.  The formula has all sorts of beneficial botanical oils that support and fortify the skin barrier, along with two ultra-gentle yet effective cleansing agents typically used in baby products (genius!), and the result is a brilliant cleanser that leaves my skin gently exfoliated without any of the damage that a typical exfoliator inflicts on my sensitive skin.  I call this the perfect clean.  As an added bonus, the cleanser feels so good on skin that I almost never wash it off immediately, leaving some of the goodness (e.g., Hemp, Hemp-derived CBD, Cucumber Seed Oil, Moringa Seed Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, and more) to sink in for a few minutes.  Even after letting it sit, the minute I add water, it emulsifies into the cleanser I have come to love and rinses easily for the perfect, balanced clean.

Why do I consider this a superior oil cleanser?  Aside from the skin-nuturing ingredients, there is the fact that it uses two extremely gentle surfactants in the formula—so gentle they are most commonly found in baby products. These surfactants are what makes the cleanser actually cleanse the skin; without them, it would just be a skin oil, not a skin cleanser. So many oil “cleansers” on the market have nothing in them that is designed to clean the skin, so they are basically just face oils. The use of ultra-gentle surfactants for an effective clean—along with lots of beautiful skin-nourishing actives and oils—truly sets this formulation apart and explains why I have never truly fallen in love with an oil cleanser before using Code of Harmony OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe.

If you have ever been dissatisfied with traditional oil “cleansers,” you have got to try the real deal, a true oil cleanser that hits all the right notes, cleansing gently and deeply. OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe puts other so-called oil cleansers to shame, I promise you!

OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe Ingredients:

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, D1-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Ricinus communis (Castor) seed oil, Caprylic capric triglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil, Moringa Olifera Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil, Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Oil, Cedrus Deodora (Cedarwood) Oil, Cannabidiol, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract + Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Bisabolol, Phytosterols, Tetrahydrocurcuminoids.

Code of Harmony Virgin Skin Youth Serum

Virgin Skin Youth Serum has become a staple for me because it is incredibly soothing as well as plumping, firming, and brightening.  This serum offers an array of benefits, especially for mature, fussy, or troubled skin (all of which I have).  In addition to offering potent youth-enhancing (firming and brightening skin), I have found Virgin Skin Youth Serum is a wonderful “soothe-all” product that can remedy all sorts of skin ails whether the issue is a frustrating blemish, redness/irritation, or persistent dryness.

Virgin Skin is packed with goodness; in addition to CBD, it also features Virgin Centella Asiatica, Glucosamine, Niacinamide, Tremella Mushroom, Apple, Algae, Sea Kelp Bioferment, Beta Glucan, Coconut Endosperm, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C, Green Tea, and more!  Each one-ounce bottle has a very generous 150mg of CBD as well.  All these luscious actives are emulsified with Safflower Oleosomes for time-released delivery of the actives, so that you get maximum benefit continuously through the day or night.  The result is a gift that keeps giving; skin is calmer, plumper, firmer, and far more peaceful.  If stress is taking a toll and/or you are short on time, this is a great product to have on hand.  Virgin Skin Youth Serum has all the intensive benefits of a truly great serum, and it is hydrating enough that it could double as a moisturizer for most skin, offering a wonderful single step regimen for those days when you’re in a hurry.

The ingredient list (see below) reads like a dream, and the experience is every bit as good as one would hope given the many star players. The hefty helping of CBD is just one of countless beneficial ingredients in this hydrating serum.  The color is a creamy tan, and the scent is natural and earthy in a delicious way—all suggestive of the clean formula and substantial nutrition skin is about to enjoy.  I have gone through my first bottle of this rapidly for good reason. Virgin Skin Youth Serum is another long-term favorite and definite repurchase for me.

Virgin Skin Youth Serum Ingredients:

 Water, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes + Water, Lactobacillus/Nereocystis Luetkeana Ferment Filtrate (Sea Kelp Bioferment), Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp (Mushroom) Extract, Niacinamide, Colloidal Oatmeal, Glycerine, Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Algae Extract + Pullulan, Betaine, Sodium Lactate, Lecithin (Sunflower, Non-GMO), Glycerin + Water + Hydrocotyl (Centella asiatica) Extract, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Sodium PCA, Squalane, Water, Glycerine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Tocopherol, Coconut Nucifera Fruit Juice, Saccharide Isomerate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid (and) Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glycerin, Cannabidiol, Ferulic Acid, Beta Glucan, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Bisabolol, Glycerin, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract + Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.

Code of Harmony Glo-Berry Glistening Skin Oil Serum

Glo-Berry Glistening Skin Oil Serum is a luscious, highly antioxidant oil blend that nourishes with 100% plant-based oils, while soothing skin with a generous dose of CBD (100mg in every one-ounce bottle), and imparting a subtle, natural-looking glow with a touch of finely milled mica. This is a skin-perfecting serum and gorgeous highlighter in one!  Best of all, this is designed to benefit all skin types, so even those of us with acne-prone skin like myself can use and benefit from Glo-Berry without any worry about breaking out!

Glo-Berry Glistening Skin Oil Serum is the ultimate blend, one that provides instant radiance as well as substantial skin benefits with continued use like calmer, plumper, more vital skin.  Glo-Berry is packed to the brim with beneficial botanical ingredients that include CBD, hydrating Squalane, Prickly Pear Seed, Daikon Seed, Passion Fruit Seed Oil (that provides natural carotenoids, minerals, fatty acids, and skin-loving vitamins), Hemp, highly antioxidant Guava Seed (an ingredient that not only has vitamins A, B, and C, but also has firming qualities), Acai Berry, Watermelon Seed, and Red Raspberry Seed Oils.  These many superstar ingredients offer an array of skin-beneficial vitamins and minerals, nourishing and plumping fatty acids, and potent antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage, all while soothing with a generous amount of CBD.  Meanwhile, the perfect touch of mica leaves skin luminous and glowy.

Glo-Berry lends a radiance is gorgeous and natural—the kind of subtle glow that will leave people wondering why you look so refreshed and vibrant. If you want some compliments on your skin (and who doesn’t?!), you really must try Glo-Berry Glistening Skin Oil Serum.  Personally, I cannot get enough of this non-comedogenic, beautifying blend.  With Glo-Berry, my skin goes from dry and dull to moisturized and glowing in mere seconds.  Whenever I’m feeling a tad frumpy, Glo-Berry is the perfect remedy, an instant antidote providing vital nourishment, plumping moisture, and that extra sparkle and luminosity that makes me feel as good as it makes me look.

Glo-Berry Glistening Skin Oil Ingredients:

Daikon Seed Extract, Cannabis Sativa Seed (Hemp) Oil, Squalane (Olive), Passiflora Incarnata (Passion Fruit) Seed Oil Caprylic Capric Triglycerides, Red Raspberry Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Lecithin (Sunflower, Non-GMO), Tocotrienols, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Cannabidiol, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil (Ylang Ylang), Bisabolol, Tetrahydrocurcuminoids, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Copaifera Officinalis Oil.

CONCLUSION

Code of Harmony is an extraordinary line that offers the incredible soothing powers of CBD in incredible formulas filled to the brim with complementary beneficial botanical actives.  The line’s products are soothing and regenerative and leave even troubled skin calm and clear.  This is high-performance clean beauty at its best!

• OCD Oil Cleanser Deluxe offers the perfect clean—lots of skin-nourishing actives, skin barrier protection and hydration, ultra-gentle surfactants to give an efficient and effective clean.  There’s no residue, and skin is comfortable and not tight. 
• Virgin Skin Youth Serum tackles inflammaging, blemishes, and irritation; this gem has the power of a serum and the hydration of a lightweight moisturizer, and it helps skin return to optimal balance. 
• Glo-Berry Glistening Skin Oil Serum is a luscious and nourishing blend of precious and highly antioxidant oils plus the perfect touch of mica to leave skin radiant. Highly recommended!

The post Code of Harmony CBD Skincare: The Original Luxury CBD Skincare appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

If you are looking for green beauty’s most incredible, innovative, high-performance, multi-benefit mask, you need look no further, because I have found it:  Kana Skincare Lavender CBD (Cannabidiol) Sleeping Mask.  CBD is a hot ingredient right now, and CBD-themed products seem to be popping up everywhere but make no mistake:  Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is not just another CBD topical.  Unlike most CBD skincare lines, Kana does not private-label from anyone; absolutely everything is made in-house with never-before-seen formulations that allow CBD to shine like it never has before.  Kana strategically combines the healing powers of CBD with the cutting-edge beauty secrets of Korea; the result is likely to be the best skin you have ever had.  You can quote me on that.  I cannot remember a time I have been this beholden to a product.

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask

I have rapidly depleted a PR sample of this treasure and am so fully enamored with Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask that I have already ordered two more with my own money because I want this mask every night.  (Note:  I am not usually the type to insist on having product “backups,” but I cannot let this run out and risk losing my Kana glow.)  If you try it, you will fall in love—hard.  Everything about Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is magical, from the plethora of benefits it delivers (brightening, skin-clearing, skin plumping hydration, healing, lessening of redness/irritation) to its incredibly relaxing scent (it was blended by an aromatherapist to smell incredible and to aid relaxation and sleep) to the story of its creation.  You might think I am exaggerating about its splendor, but I am not the only one to have fallen under Kana’s spell.  An industry insider once told Kana’s founder, “You know, it can’t be magic,” only to try the Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask and quickly change her tune, stating, “Wow, it worked like magic!”

How is Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask so magical?  The formulation is sheer genius.  Its 28 natural ingredients deliver an incredible array of benefits to transform your skin to the best version of itself.  Let’s look at this gorgeous blend.  One of the superstars in Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is CBD itself.  CBD is a component of cannabis, but unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have psychoactive properties and is legal in all 50 states—no prescription necessary—when specifically derived from industrial-grade hemp.  So why has CBD become such a buzzy ingredient for topical skincare?  It turns out that our skin has an endocannabinoid system with receptors embedded in the membrane of cells, and this system is important to basic functions like those of the nervous and immune systems.  In particular, evidence is mounting that the endocannabinoid system in skin is involved in cell growth and differentiation as well as important immune-modulating effects related to inflammation, such that the system exerts protective effects in many chronic and acute inflammatory skin conditions.  Topically-applied CBD like that in Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask can act on these receptors and help optimize the functioning of our skin’s endocannabinoid system, keeping internal processes more balanced.  In skin, CBD has been posited to have anti-acne effects, anti-itch effects, and general anti-inflammatory effects that could be helpful with a number of issues including allergic and atopic dermatitis.  As Tamás Bíró, PhD, director of the immunology department at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, told Elle, “My research group was among the first to investigate whether the skin is capable of producing endocannabinoids, and apparently most, if not all, skin functions are controlled to a certain extent by the local skin endocannabinoid system.  This includes the skin barrier, which is very important for moisture retention, sebum production, and sweat-gland function, as well as skin-centric sensory functions such as pain and itch. But perhaps most important, it appears that the endocannabinoid system controls skin inflammation—so if an inflammatory or irritation challenge assaults the skin, the endocannabinoid system fights against it.”  Given that inflammation is tied to skin aging, CBD is likely to protect against premature aging as well.  The hemp-derived CBD in Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is the ultimate soother and protector.

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

Yet CBD is just one of dozens of beneficial ingredients in Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask.  For instance, the Sleeping Mask also features Hemp Oil itself, which provides all 21 amino acids and consists of about 75% essential fatty acids in the perfect ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids providing vital hydration and nourishment to skin.  As the full Ingredient Table below demonstrates, the Sleeping Mask features an abundance of healing, hydrating, antioxidant, nutrient-rich, and anti-aging actives.  Some of the many superstars include healing and scar-improving Lavender Oil, hydrating, soothing, and antioxidant a-Bisabolol derived from German Chamomile, skin-plumping Hyaluronic Acid, and anti-wrinkle, healing Beta Glucan.  In total, Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask offers a buffet of topical nutrition for skin and an amazing relaxation experience thanks to natural actives utilized for relaxing aromatherapy.  See the nearly endless benefits for yourself in the complete Ingredient Table below!

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is a beautiful blend like nothing else on the market.  For anyone who wants truly innovative and high-performance skincare that delivers visible benefits, Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is nothing short of a revelation.  This mask will quickly become your best friend because it’s a total giver who can solve nearly any complexion trouble regardless of whether you use her 3 times a week or–if you’re head over heels like I am–every single night.  You’ll notice rather quickly that your skin is brighter, clearer, suppler, smoother, with a natural glow.  Not only does Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask offer all these benefits, but in my experience, she delivers these benefits even to the most troubled skin and stubborn problems.  For example, I am someone who gets hormonal cystic acne that swells up under my skin and seems to linger forever; nothing—including conventional “big guns” like benzoyl peroxide–has ever been able to make any noticeable difference in these blemishes until this mask, which dramatically reduces my inflammation and speeds up the healing process like nothing I have ever seen.  Unlike conventional treatments, she diminishes blemishes while hydrating and brightening my skin, too!  If your experience is anything like mine, Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask will get you a startling number of random compliments on your skin.  Plus, the incredible lavender scent of the mask is truly its own kind of therapy; aiding relaxation at the end of the day no matter how crazy things have been. The soothing ritual of applying this sleeping mask has quickly become as essential to my nightly regimen as brushing my teeth!  I don’t want to go to bed without her!

You don’t have to simply rely on my word on how out-of-this-world Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is.  If you want more evidence, she is so cutting-edge and effective that she got a full feature along with unqualified praise in VICE (and as we all know, that’s not a publication that guarantees a flattering write-up).  The tagline for the article was “Turns out, putting weed on your face is dope!”  Like me, the author loved the way the mask chilled her skin out, and she stated that it could even help skin recover from “a night of bad decisions” (or in my case, a lack of sleep).  The last sentence summed it up, “Why didn’t we all do this sooner?”  If/when you try Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask, I guarantee you’ll be asking yourself the same thing!  Just when you think your next decision can’t get any more obvious, there’s more!  Despite being one of the best and most luxurious products I have ever tried, Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is also a total steal at just $45.  Try it and prepare to fall in love with your skin!

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

The post Cannabidiol (CBD) Meets Korean Beauty: Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.