One brand I really fell in love with this year was Costa Brazil: a sustainable beauty line founded by Francisco Costa. All of their products are sustainably sourced, environmentally responsible, vegan, no animal testing, free of parabens, phthalates, PEGs, silicones, sulfates, gluten, mineral oil and artificial colorants, and are dermatologist tested. This summer, I received an email about their iconic Aroma fragrance. The email called it “the fragrance we’ve been waiting for,” going on to describe it as “complex, green, and a little smoky, it also has floral and citrus notes that we found truly intoxicating. As the fragrance dried down on the skin, combining with each individual’s chemistry, it took on a quality unique to that person and evolved to smell different on each of us.“

Needless to say, I ordered the fragrance on the spot, having never smelled it, knowing I was taking a bit of a risk as perfume can be such a gamble: it depends so much on your body chemistry; what smells great on one person may not work on another. I’m so glad I did as it has since become one of my absolute favorite fragrances. It’s a little bit woodsy and smoky. But (as described above) it blends in floral and citrus notes to keep the fragrance from being too masculine. An obsession was born. I then went on to try their body wash. (It’s heaven, makes you feel like you are showering in the rain forest.) Don’t even get me started on their candle. It’s incredible!

An Amazing Gift Idea from Costa Brazil

Today I wanted to talk about a great gift idea from Costa Brazil. Of course, the brand has some amazing gift options under $50 and under $100. But today, I wanted to talk about their Travel Essentials Kit!

ALSO – amazing news! Costa Brazil is offering my audience 30% off sitewide! Use code THESTRIPE30 and don’t forget to select expedited shipping to receive in time for Christmas, expires 12/31/2022.

The Travel Essentials Kit is priced at $125 but contains $335 worth of product. It contains smaller sizes of their Hydrating Face Cleanser, Face Serum, Kaya Anti-Aging Face Oil, Body Cream, and Kaya Jungle Firming Body Oil. I brought the kit with me to Miami and felt so luxurious — the products are truly world class (especially the oils!). This set would make an amazing gift for any skincare lover (especially if they travel a lot!). It’s luxurious and the products leave skin GLOWING!

PS. More gift ideas here!

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Whenever my skin is feeling dull or tired (common for me during the holidays!), I reach for Vitamin C. It is one of my favorite ingredients for mornings as it immediately brightens my skin, leaving it glowy and radiant. Our friends at Biossance just launched their newest product: their Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer. I was lucky enough to snag a jar to test early. I have been using this as my day cream for the past few weeks and LOVE the results. My skin is noticeably brighter and more radiant.

The other great thing about Vitamin C is that with time, it helps build collagen. So by using a Vitamin C serum or moisturizer like this one every day, you build more collagen. Collagen plumps up the skin, helping to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Biossance squalane + vitamin c rose moisturizer review

Net takeaway: you’ll notice immediate brightening and radiance benefits. But over time: smoother skin and fewer fine lines. Also! Biossance has given us a code.. now through 1/6/23, take 20% off all full size products (no bundles or gift sets, sadly!) with code THESTRIPE20 .

First impressions:

This moisturizer is lightweight and sinks in immediately. The texture is amazing – it’s almost a little bit bouncy, like a gel. I like that it absorbs so quickly and has more of a matte finish. I will add that I have really dry skin so like to sometimes top it off with a couple drops of the Squalane + Vitamin C rose oil.

Product Ingredients and Benefits:

The formula itself is packed with antioxidants. You already know about Vitamin C. It defends the skin from the environment, brightens the look of skin, and promotes collagen production. But it also contains fermented lemon peel, which is a natural alternative to leading chemical brighteners. It works to brighten and even out skin tone. Lastly: squalane, which you probably know all about my now if you’re a long time reader. Squalane is Biossance’s signature ingredient (naturally derived from sugar cane!), providing instant hydration and locking in moisture.

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Very very good skin care news –  Biossance’s Friends & Family Sale is going strong! If you have read here a while, you probably know this, but Biossance is my favorite skincare brand. Everything they make is incredibly high-tech while also being vegan, cruelty-free, and EWG-verified. I LOVE their products. You can read more about their mission here but I am such a massive fan of this brand.

Biossance friends & family

And now is the time to shop. Biossance is offering 25% off sitewide, and exclusive gift with purchase offers. Clean Crew members can take 30% off. I’m going to talk about my favorite products but for anyone new here, a quick little refresher on why we love Biossance!

First of all, I always like to highlight Biossance’s key ingredient… it’s in all of their products: SQUALANE.

Biossance’s squalane is one of the things that a) makes their products so effective but b) makes me love them even more as a brand… they are a really good company, doing great things for the planet. The body produces its own version (known as squalene). But as we age, our body’s ability to produce and retain squalene decreases.  Squalane is traditionally harvested from shark livers (awful!) which has a devastating impact on the environment.

Biossance has found a way to derive their 100% plant-based squalane sustainably, from sugarcane. Squalane is in all of their products, and it is a weightless oil that instantly locks in moisture. That’s one of the reasons I love their lactic acid so much; the products are ultra-effective without drying out your skin.

Let’s talk Biossance favorites.

First and foremost, I LOVE THE LACTIC ACID. If you have followed me for any length of time, you have probably heard me rave about Biossance’s Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum. This is a wonder product. In just one use your skin will be smoother and brighter. I still remember the first time I tried this product. I couldn’t believe how much smoother my skin was the next day, after just one use. It’s powerful – 10% lactic acid… but as I mentioned above, the squalane lets it exfoliate the skin without drying you out.

This brand does such a good job with serums. Besides the lactic acid I love the Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum. This is a great daytime Vitamin C serum. It is incredible for brightening the skin (and fading dark spots – I make sure to use this on my chest, where I have some sun damage).

Also on the serums front: the Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum. This is a fabulous moisturizing serum. I use this after toning, before any other serums (I love that you can layer it with your other serums!!!). It plumps and firms and hydrates deeply. Because of the plumping benefits, fine lines are reduced in appearance. I use this almost every morning, before Vitamin C! There is a longer review of this serum right this way.

I also LOVE Biossance’s Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner. This is great because it has BHAs to gently exfoliate. So you get that little tingle (and it tightens up pores, minimizing their appearance) but thanks to the Squalane (again: power ingredient!!) it will not dry you out. I love this toner. Toner is the final step of the cleansing process: after cleansing, before your serums and creams.

Speaking of creams, there are so many good ones to chat about.

The Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream is one of my favorites. It’s really, really hydrating, which makes it great for dry skin. This one delivers a lifted look, almost immediately… smoothing and firming the under eye area. (It’s an Allure Best of Beauty winner for good reason – those awards are no joke!).

The Squalane + Omega Repair Cream is what I reach for whenever my skin is acting funny or upset (I had a histamine reaction a few months ago and my derm told me I needed to give my skin a break. So it was just a gentle cleanser (this one, also Biossance) and this cream. Worked like a charm, my skin was back to normal in a couple weeks.

I always forget to talk about the Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream (I get so hung up on skincare for the face that I forget about the body) but it’s one of my most re-purchased Biossance products. This body cream is heaven. It’s super creamy and hydrating, it’s got caffeine to firm and tone, and it smells wonderful (highly recommend the light citrus scent.

Make sure to check out Biossance’s Friends & Family Sale right now for 25% off sitewide. Use code FRIENDS25. Biossance Clean Crew members save 30% with code CREW30.

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As a dry skinned person, I really struggle with moisture. For me, hyaluronic acid is one of my absolute favorite ingredients. It plumps the skin, it moisturizes, it’s amazing! I know I talk about a lot of expensive beauty products around here but one really affordable amazing find this year has been The Inkey List’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

When it comes to affordable skincare products The Inkey List is definitely a favorite brand. Everything I have tried from the brand has been great – I also love this cleansing balm (it’s such a big tube for $11) and this caffeinated eye gel which zaps under eye bags. Also fun fact from my beauty marketer days: an inkey list is the the industry name for the long list of ingredients that’s in every product. Just interesting/cool that they chose that name. Out of everything that I’ve tried though, the hyaluronic acid serum is far and away the best of the bunch.

Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Review

First of all I want to talk about what hyaluronic acid actually IS and how it works, because the science behind this product is pretty cool. I think the name can be confusing, making people think it’s an exfoliant, but it isn’t! Hyaluronic acid, or HA, will not exfoliate your skin but it will hydrate it. HA is known for its powers to plump and hydrate, leaving skin soft and supple (and reducing the look of fine lines as it plumps). HA is a humectant. A humectant is a substance that naturally attracts water to it. It can do this by drawing moisture from the air, from creams, etc. Hyaluronic acid actually pulls moisture from the air into your skin.

From an ingredient/science perspective, it’s best as a serum or as an ingredient in a moisturizer. If you just put HA on your face alone you won’t see great benefits, the benefits really happen when you layer it under a moisturizer. The HA attracts the water from the cream, pulling it into your skin. Think of it as a powerful booster for your favorite moisturizer.

Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid

Of course. This is a big one/the most important. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in our bodies (it’s found in our skin, our connective tissues, etc). But just like with collagen, as we age, we produce less of it (UGH_. This is one of the main reasons that we notice dryer skin as we get older. Also worth noting: no product will contain pure hyaluronic acid. This stuff is expensive. Most skincare products with hyaluronic acid only contain 1-2% but that is still really powerful! This serum contains 2%.

Matrixyl 3000 Peptide

Supports natural collagen production to visibly plump. It works like a messenger to the skin, signaling the skin to produce more collagen. Between this and the HA, this serum is a powerful skin plumper!

Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Texture & Feel:

This product is very silky and viscous. You only need a few drops. Also important: it is not sticky at all and it has no smell!

How To Use The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum:

Again, this is a booster for your other serums and moisturizers. So this will be your first step before your serums. I go cleanse, tone, this, then serum. (And then, moisturizer and oil if I’m using an oil).

If you use an essence, you can use this after essence. You only need a couple drops. So while the bottle is small, it lasts a long time.

I can’t stress this enough: think of it as a booster for your current moisturizer. It helps your creams and moisturizers do their best work.

Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum Results:

The biggest two noticeable differences I see using this product are moisture (it really does make your moisturizer work better) and plumpness. Since it plumps up the look of the skin, fine lines are less visible. Of course, the effect is temporary but that’s okay! For under ten bucks, this is a pretty epic product.

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One of the things I love about working with Sephora is their dedication to showcasing products that are not only effective, but also good for your skin and the planet. Back in 2021 they launched the Clean + Planet Positive platform, aiming to evolve Clean at Sephora to incorporate sustainability. Brands like Farmacy, Biossance, Saie, and Tata Harper.. All of these brands go above their clean efforts to support sustainability, too!

Today I wanted to showcase three favorite products from Sephora’s Clean and Planet Positive platform.

3 Holy Grail Clean + Sustainable Beauty Favs

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

What it is: I feel like such a broken record as I talk about this cleansing balm SO much but it truly is pretty epic. It’s won multiple awards and what I love about it is that it melts off all of your makeup (and SPF, dirt, and oil) without stripping the skin (or leaving behind any residue). I tried this four or five years ago and have been an evangelist for the product ever since! It’s definitely holy grail status.

How to use it: I like to take a quarter size dollop and massage it into dry skin. I like to do my face first and then focus on my eyes (it literally melts off makeup!) last so that I’m not accidentally rubbing my eye makeup all over my face. I then add just a little bit of warm water, transforming the balm into a milky lather.

Farmacy’s sustainability mission: Farmacy is on track to have 100% waste-free packaging this year. They’ve made the switch to PCR plastic, glass, and recyclable materials. All of their cartons are made of FSC-certified paper and all packaging ink will utilize soy or vegetable ink. When they switched the cap of our Green Clean to make it 100% recyclable, they reduced our landfill volume by 10.4 tons! Lastly, Farmacy is proud partner of Feeding America—the nation’s largest hunger relief organization. The brand is committing to donating 1.5 million meals in 2021, 3 million meals in 2022, and 6 million meals in 2023.

Tata Harper Restorative Plumping & Brightening Eye Cream

What it is: This is a newer favorite! I love this eye cream because it is ultra creamy and hydrating (my under eye area gets even dryer than the rest of my face). It’s a natural peptide-powered eye cream designed to target wrinkles, hydration, and puffiness! It’s now available in a refillable container to minimize waste.

How to use it: Morning and night, use your ring finger to dot this cream on under your eyes and around the orbital bone. Remember to gently pat, not rub! I like to apply my eye cream after cleansing/toning (before other creams and serums).

Tata Harper’s sustainability mission: Tata Harper Skincare is partnering with Trees for the Future for two years to plant 100,000 trees, revitalize 100 acres, sequester 3,616 tons of carbon, and plant 1,000 people out of poverty.

Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer

What it is: This is the best bronzer ever. I’ve featured it multiple times here and it’s my absolute favorite. It glides on so easily (I highly recommend the brush too!) with a natural, easy sun-kissed glow. It’s buildable and gives the most natural bronze. It’s also got good for skin ingredients. Colloidal oatmeal soothes, smooths, and hydrates. Grapeseed oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E to hydrate and nurture the skin. Elderberry extract balances the skin’s microbiome and is high in vitamin A.

How to use it: Using the brush, apply all over your face for an easy sun-kissed glow.

Saie’s sustainability mission: Saie uses ethically sourced ingredients, recyclable components, and their cartons are made from 100% FSC recycled paper in a carbon-neutral facility. They are also a certified ‘Climate Neutral’ brand, offsetting Carbon footprint by investing in climate change initiatives. Their goal is to become carbon-neutral by 2023

Shop Clean + Planet Positive at Sephora, right this way!

Created in partnership with Sephora.

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We are going to start today’s post with a little story time. I was not cool in middle school. I was a weird kid to begin with but was frequently picked on and bullied. Art class was my safe space. One day, I was quietly working on this string art project. Two boys came up to me with that look in their eyes (the look that says, harassment is coming!). “My parents were at your parents’ restaurant last night and your parents served them SNAILS.“

I was of course, horrified, and denied the allegations. I wasn’t a confident kid but knew my parents would obviously never serve snails… the horror! The boys insisted, further emphasizing how gross it was and how gross I was, by association. Later that afternoon, I ran to my mother with what they had said. She laughed and smiled and gave me a hug, only to confirm my worst fear. “Escargot! Snails are actually delicious… we cook them with garlic and butter and they’re amazing.” The HORROR. I was beyond grossed out.

Fast forward 28 years later and here I am, agreeing with my mom. But also: putting snail slime on my face!?! Twelve year old me would be deeply distraught.

Let’s talk about snail mucin!

As with many of my recent purchases, I was first influenced here by Courtney Grow (Courtney is the influencer’s influencer – she finds the best stuff). It started with the sheet masks and then the essence. And friends, I have to tell you, it’s inexpensive, it’s gross in theory, but it works.

Snail mucin is a powerful moisturizer because it’s actually packed with hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and antimicrobial peptides. It helps out with hydration but also: elasticity, which is something we absolutely want as we age. I wanted to give a better explainer for how this works because (as you can see) beauty products containing snail mucin are becoming more and more popular. Get ready, today’s post is a longer one… I’ve prepared a full book report for you on the wonders of snail mucin.

Snail Mucin in Beauty Products

What is snail mucin?

Snail mucin = snail slime. Mucin is a classier name for slime. On ingredient lists, it’s often listed as snail secretion filtrate. It’s a thick fluid with a slimy texture. Snails produce mucin to lubricate their bodies; allowing them to glide cross surfaces without being hurt. The mucin is also their best line of defense (besides their shell) as it also protects them from harmful bacteria.

How did this all start?

Rumor has it that the ancient Romans let snails crawl across their faces for their anti-aging benefits. The first we know of it becoming popular was in Chile, where snail farmers who handled snails on a daily basis noticed that their hands looked younger and extremely soft. This led to the creation of Elcina (I am tempted but need 5 friends to go in on this with me, ha). In terms of mainstream popularity, we can thank the Koreans. Snail mucin has been a very popular within the K-Beauty world for years and years. Now, it’s gaining mainstream popularity, fast. Emily Ratajkowski is a fan, and according to this article Katie Holmes, Drew Barrymore, and makeup artist Troy Surratt are all fans.

Does it hurt the snails?

This varies product to product. For the two products I am referring to, no snails are harmed. I researched this a bit and won’t bore you with the details, but there are all sorts of ways to harvest the mucin from steam baths to a “net method” where nocturnal snails are placed on a mesh net in a warm dark room. They glide around and then the snails are removed and the mucin is harvested. Yes, they are kept in captivity but from everything I’ve heard, they’re treated very well as happy snails create more mucin. (You can read more about the ethics of snail mucin here if you are interested.)

Does it smell?

No! The two products I have been using (the essence and the sheet masks) smell like nothing at all.

Snail Mucin Benefits

Locks in moisture!

Because snail mucin is packed with hyaluronic acid (a natural humectant), it helps to penetrate the skin and really hydrate it. I’ve personally noticed that my skin is much softer and more hydrated on days I use this. I kind of see it as a more affordable alternative to hyaluronic acid serum.

Improves the look of wrinkles and fine lines

This study found an improvement in fine lines after applying snail mucin every day for 8 weeks.

Plumps the skin up

Hyaluronic acid is also great for plumping the look of the skin. Snail mucin is also packed with glycolic acid, which helps to stimulate collagen production in turn, plumping up the skin and keeping us looking young.

Fades Dark Spots

As it fades dark spots and sun damage, it also illuminates and brightens.

Soothes the skin

Snail mucin also contains zinc (anti-inflammatory) and allantoin (soothes irritation).

Fading acne scars

I do not have acne scars so cannot personally attest to this but wow, go read this article if that is you! The anti-microbial benefits are real.

Snail Mucin Products

I really like the CosRX products as they have a really high concentration of snail mucin without feeling overly slimy. Their products are also really affordable! The essence contains 96% snail mucin, mixed with sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), and arginine (an amino acid). I use the essence like I would use a hyaluronic acid serum: after cleansing + toning, but before my other serums and creams. Think of this as a fancier alternative to an HA serum. It’s a great booster for plumping and hydration.

The CosRX face masks are amazing too. At first, I couldn’t get over the price ($25 for a pack of 10) but the benefits are so amazing, your skin is just so much softer and plumper after using them. I like to leave on for as long as possible. Like an entire movie if I have the patience. They are really, really hydrating. I like to put a few drops of either hyaluronic acid or the essence onto my skin before, and apply one of these masks.

I’m also very intrigued by the Elcina cream as it was the “original”, but it’s pretty expensive and I definitely don’t need six jars. If you’ve tried it, please let me know your thoughts in the comments section!

PS – these are my favorite hydrating masks!

The post Snail Face. appeared first on The Stripe.

Ilia’s brand new C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40 has been one of my most requested products to review. I have been playing around with it for the past couple months, and am still not sure what to think. I want to like it (Ilia is my favorite!) but overall, I think it’s a no for me. My issues are mostly because of the applicator, which I hate. But the formula… it’s only medium… plus a little high maintenance! Ilia made such a big deal about it but I think their Super Serum tint is a much better product. I will get into all of the product benefits, pros & cons, etc. below.

Ilia C C Beyond Triple Serum Mineral Sunscreen Review

I was intrigued by this product for a few reasons. First of all, I am an Ilia super fan. I use their products daily and think they are one of the better brands in the clean and natural space. I love their super serum tint, their mascara, their gel eye liner, their multi-stick blush (“in the mood” is a favorite), their eye shadow palette (the warm one NOT the cool one)… their true skin serum foundation… their lip oil… there isn’t really a product they’ve made (until really now lol) that I haven’t liked! Ilia is definitely one of my top 3 favorite/most used cosmetics brands. I was also intrigued by the product because I’ve gotten a lot of requests from YOU to review it. That always pushes a product up on my to-review list.

Lastly, I liked the idea of combining two steps: Vitamin C and SPF. It sounded like an efficient product which can help save time and effort. I feel kind of bad being hard on it, but I also want to be honest. The truth is that not every product from every brand is going to be a ten.

I think that it is really important to understand what you are getting before you buy it.

The biggest thing to know is that this is NOT a tinted moisturizer. While technically it is a tinted SPF, it’s just a facial sunscreen with Vitamin C. It’s confusing (or at least it was slightly confusing to me) as it comes in shades, but all the shades really do is cancel out the white tint of the SPF so that there isn’t any white cast. So you are not going to get much/any coverage from it. I don’t like much coverage but truly: this has zero coverage, so just keep that in mind.

Key Ingredients:

While there really aren’t any makeup benefits to this product, there are some great skincare benefits. The formula is packed with good for skin active ingredients like vitamin c and niacinamide, and of course… SPF 40. One product that brightens, smooths, and protects.

L-Ascorbic Acid 10%:

Encapsulated Vitamin C which visibly brightens, firms, and evens skin. It can also help to fade the look of dark spots. In my skin care routine I use a Vitamin C serum every morning before moisturizer and SPF so I liked the idea of combining two steps into one.

Niacinamide 2%:

This is one of my favorite active ingredients for skincare as it really helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier. It also visibly smooths texture, minimizes pores, and refines uneven tone.

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide:

SPF 40. This will protect skin from UV rays, blue light, and pollution. Sun protection is so important, I apply SPF every day.

How to use it:

There are a lot of instructions with this product. It’s a little high maintenance and easy to mess up.

If you have dry skin, apply a moisturizer or oil before applying this. I find the product a little confusing because in my own skin care routine I’ve always applied Vitamin C before moisturizer and SPF afterward. In this case, you apply this (both steps) after moisturizing. The brand recommends using one of the oils that is in the formula (jojoba, squalene, or meadowfoam seed oil) as your moisturizer as they will mix well with the product. That is a hell no for me (I need my Bader/prefer a more active facial moisturizer), but if you do that it will prevent any pilling (I had a little bit of pilling when I used this and Bader together).

It’s really important to shake extremely well before dispensing the product. The brand says to shake for at least ten seconds. This is because the formula contains a high concentration of powders (suspended in oil). The powders = active ingredients, so you want to make sure they’re properly mixed!

Pat the formula lightly onto the skin – do not rub, or it will cause pilling. Once you’ve applied the product, allow it to absorb into skin on its own and penetrate the skin. Wait 60 seconds before applying makeup. See? High maintenance!!!!

Shades:

There are three shades of this product. Again, keep in mind that all the shades do is prevent a white cast. This has no makeup benefits whatsoever.

Tone 1

Tone 1 is the lightest shade. It’s for extra light to light-medium skin tones

Tone 2

Tone 2 is what I have been using. It’s described as being for medium to medium-deep skin tones but I am pretty fair, just a little bit tan right now).

Tone 3

Tone 3 is for deep to extra deep skin tones

Pros and Cons:

Ease of Use:

This product does not get any stars for ease of use. The applicator is painstakingly annoying. I do not understand the pump; I hate it. I wasn’t sure if maybe I am supposed to put it directly onto my face vs. pumping the formula directly into my hand and using my fingers to apply. I’ve tried both ways and hate it either way. Add to that the “complicated” formula (see above: no rubbing! no patting! no touching for sixty seconds). I get that they need an air tight pump to keep the Vitamin C stable but I hate it.

Texture:

I don’t love the texture. It claims to be lightweight (and it is) but I can absolutely feel it on my face. I also experienced pilling when I used it with my favorite moisturizer. My moisturizer is going to dictate the other products I use, not the other way around.

White Cast:

One of the redeeming qualities of this product is that there is no white cast. That’s because of the tint… as I mentioned above, there isn’t really any coverage, but the tint ensures that there won’t be a white cast.

Price:

This retails for $64. Expensive, considering that the skin tints retail for $48.

My final take:

Honestly? I liked the idea of this product (mostly the idea of combining SPF and Vitamin C into one simple step but all things considered I think this product is pretty skippable. I love Ilia but think that the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a much better product than this one. The only benefit I see to this is that it contains Vitamin C whereas the skin tints don’t have very many skincare benefits but I don’t think that really matters – just use a Vitamin C serum!

I would recommend using a different, separate Vitamin C serum, followed by the Super Serum Skin Tint. While it’s nice that it combines steps, the product is high maintenance and all of those instructions above cancel out the efficiency of combining SPF with Vitamin C.

I am also, if being honest, not a huge mineral sunscreen person. That is an entirely separate conversation/post though: the texture bothers me…. Ilia’s super serum is one of the few that doesn’t bother me but for SPF I am 100% team Supergoop.. the Unseen Sunscreen is my favorite SPF and I’d rather just use that + a Vitamin C serum (the Biossance and Sunday Riley are my two favs) since this one doesn’t actually have much coverage.

The post Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum Mineral Sunscreen Review. appeared first on The Stripe.

Moisturizing masks is always a big request over here so today I wanted to dedicate an entire post to them! I have very dry skin so will typically do a moisturizing mask a few times a week. My skin really needs the extra shot of moisture. It varies. Sometimes I will throw one on mid-day (this is great if I have an event later in the day, leaves skin nice and plumped up), if I’m doing a movie night or reading for a long time I’ll often sit with a sheet mask (the only times I’m truly sitting stiill!)

If I have the time to actually lay down and do a mask, a sheet mask (especially before bedtime) is wonderful. If I don’t mind getting my pillow a little messy, I’ll do a sleeping mask. And before a big event, nothing is better than the Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask. It’s expensive but so decadent. All of the masks featured in today’s post are excellent and will leave skin feeling silky, soft, happy, and hydrated.. Your skin will thank you. (Don’t forget to drink lots of water, too… there is only so much that topical products can do to penetrate the skin barrier and restore moisture!)

PS – for all of these, I definitely recommend a mask brush. This is my favorite, I get the product out of the jar using the spatula side, and brush evenly onto my face with the brush side.

My 9 Top Hydrating Face Masks

Note: these are in no particular order!

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

I know I said they are in no particular order and they really aren’t BUT, This mask is far and away the most luxurious of the bunch. And I love it so so much. I save it… I only use it when I have a big event or a special night out (I reallllly love it after an exfoliating mask like the Tata Harper one). It is amazing at plumping the skin. While temporary, fine lines are so much less noticeable after you use this. Like I said above, it IS expensive… but I only use a little bit at a time.

COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask

These days, these inexpensive sheet masks are always sold out (just keep checking back, but in a pinch the essence is also fabulous) but if you can snag them, they are LEGIT. I think I found these from Courtney Grow, whose beauty recommendations I always love. She swears by putting one of these on OVER the Sisley Mask and leaving both on as long as possible (like until they dry). I don’t know if I am patient enough to do this but I want to try! Snail Mucin really helps with the skin’s elasticity, + they leave your skin ultra hydrated and DEWY!

KLUR Supreme seed purification mask

NEW FAV ALERT! I was almost hesitant to include this one as it’s technically a purification mask… but as it deeply purifies, it also hydrates the skin barrier so beautifully. This one has become a new favorite… it purifies the skin while also wrapping it in a cloud of moisture. I am a huge, huge fan. Not a required thing but this one also smells amazing. I think it’s the cacao. Also: Klur is a small Black-owned business based in Los Angeles and the founder (we chat regularly on Instagram) just seems like a lovely human.

Tula Self-care sunday nourishing face mask

TIBAL made me do it. I wasn’t a huge Tula fan in the past but she is right. This mask is legit, probably their best product! It is a good (more affordable!) alternative tot he Black Rose (or the Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask). You can leave it on, you can sleep in it, it just leaves skin really dewy, plumped up, and radiant. So good after a long flight or when you just feel like your skin is looking dull and tired. I reviewed it in greater detail HERE! My only gripe is the iridescent finish but it doesn’t really make a big difference.

Royal Fern Phytoactive Hydra-Firm Intense Mask

Another more luxurious option. If you care about firming up the skin as you hydrate, this one will be your best friend. I really like Royal Fern’s products. Similar to Sisley Paris, they are plant-based but high tech! This leaves skin smooth, silky, bright, firm, and HYDRATED. Pricy but worth the money. Leave on overnight if you can – it makes for an incredible overnight mask.

Follain Ultra Hydrating Mask

I really messed up here as I didn’t include it in the shoot (howwww) and it is one of my all time favorites (and also one of the most affordable options in the bunch! This is just such a good moisture mask. The formula is hydrating and most buttery… plus it’s packed with good for you ingredients like Mango Seed Butter, Rosehip Oil, Chia Seed OiI,, and Squalene! It isn’t high tech like some of the others, but it does what it promises: in twenty minutes, rough dry skin is restored and smooth.

Clark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask

Another OG favorite! This one is excellent for redness and sensitive skin. All skin types will love it but I wanted to call this out as it’s formulated specifically to help with redness and won’t irritate sensitive skin types. The formula is lush and creamy, packed with Vitamin E, Green tea (to protect against free radicals), the brand’s signature jasmine essence

Coola Moon Silk Moisture Recharging Mask

This mask looks like a really pretty marshmallow cloud and is suuuuuper hydrating. It’s incredibly indulgent and the signature ingredient is Tremella mushroom extract (this ingredient has become really popular in the beauty world, known for its abilities to help skin retain moisture. I like to leave it on for 20 minutes and then tissue off.

SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask

This was the first sheet mask I ever tried and it ruined me as it is just… the best. Skin just looks fresher, glowier, and oh so dewy after using. Pitera is the magical ingredient here, and this mask has high concentrations of it. It’s SK-II’s proprietary blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that work together. The blend helps to rejuvenate the skin and renew its outer layer.

The post My Top Hydrating Face Masks. appeared first on The Stripe.

I’m so excited to tell you about a new favorite product today. When Beauty Pie approached me about creating sponsored content around their new Youthbomb Serum, I was excited – I am a huge huge Beauty Pie fan. But despite knowing and loving the brand, just like with all skincare products I told them I’d need a few weeks to test it out before I could commit. Within just a few uses, I knew this product was going to be a YES… but still, I waited a few more weeks, just to be sure.

Friends. This product is no joke. It is easily the best new skincare product I’ve tried this year. I am on a pretty much constant hunt for extra glow and radiance, and this product is the GREATEST when it comes to glow. It also smoothes, tightens, rejuvenates, hydrates, and helps with anti-aging. But the GLOW is real. (Okay, the tightening benefits are also pretty great but if I had to pick a favorite benefit it’s the glow. You see results pretty much instantaneously.

Beauty Pie Youthbomb Serum Review

You are going to love this serum. It can be used morning and evening. It plays well with other products and can be layered into your existing routine. In the morning you will want to use it after your Vitamin C serum (if you use one), before moisturizing and applying SPF. In the evening, I like to apply this right after I finish cleansing and toning my face (before other serums like retinol and acids and of course moisturizer).

I am going to tell you more about it (and more about Beauty Pie too!) and why it works so well but first! Beauty Pie has an offer for us. Use code GRACESENTME for $10 off the cost of a new membership 

Let’s Dive in!

Beauty Pie Youth Bomb Serum is one of the brand’s most advanced skincare formulas. Usually a serum like this would cost at least $185. But Beauty Pie members get it for just $48 (more on how their membership works below!).

Every single ingredient in this serum has been chosen for its ability to dramatically improve how your skin reflect light. In their consultant dermatologist Dr. Andrew Markey’s words, it helps to replicate the “wow effect” you get after visiting your derm. As Dr. Markey says, “Healthy skin is characterized by an even reflection of light,” “The glow, luminosity and radiance that may have been lost over the years is a key sign of healthy skin. It is packed with peptides and actives for radiance, glow, firmness… all of the things we talked about above. This is a luxury face serum, for just $48.

I also want to chat about BeautyPie’s business model as it’s really cool!

A Beauty Pie Membership…

There’s so much value in a membership; you can get incredible products (and also save a lot of money!). Beauty Pie lets its members shop for luxury beauty directly, from the best suppliers in premium skincare, makeup, haircare, bodycare, candles, fragrance, accessories and nutritional supplements, without the 10X typical industry markup. You get the same luxury quality without paying for the middlemen or retailer’s cost.

An annual membership is $59 ($10 off with code GRACESENTME) and it allows you to shop for all of your beauty needs for up to 75% off traditional retail prices. I am also a big big fan of their retinol, the retinol hand cream, their candles, and all of their body care and makeup. If you want to see a few more Beauty Pie favorites, check out this post, this post, and this post!

The post The Best New Skincare Product I’ve Tried. appeared first on The Stripe.

This post was published just over four years ago, but is one I reference frequently so I make it a point to update it at least once a year with my most current thoughts + favorite products as a few things have changed/ 

The Correct Order to Apply Skincare Products

One of the questions I get asked the most is what skincare product to apply, when!? With so many products out there (serum! toner! essence! oils!) layering your skincare products can feel really overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be though, I promise! The general rule is to layer your products from thin to thick; and to apply the products with the highest percentage of active ingredients first so that they are absorbed first. And of course, SPF is the last step. Makeup goes on after SPF!

I’m not an expert or board certified dermatologist (lol), but I have talked to a lot of experts about this, and this is what I have been told.

I’ve talked about product order before in my bedtime skincare routine but today I wanted to break things down in full. I think the biggest “controversial” part of my routine (if skincare routines can be controversial, ha ha) is whether to apply face oil before or after moisturizer. I’ve been taught that facial oil is the last step, but if you want to apply it before your moisturizer, do that, no one is stopping you! I say this often, and I’ll say it again: if something works for you, there’s no need to fix it just because of “rules.”

I’ve seen it in my DM’s and reader emails, everyone stresses out about doing things the wrong way. You’re not going to ruin your face because you didn’t follow the recommended product order. The only thing that is truly bad for your skin is using too many actives at night (or skipping SPF during the day). Listen to your skin, experiment to see what works, don’t stress! Pampering should be fun… applying things in a slightly “wrong” order is not going to ruin your life.

I will also caveat that you might not need all of these steps. If you have sensitive skin or oily skin for example, you’re probably not going to want to do all of these serums and oils. I have dry skin, so share what works best for me. My biggest concerns are hydration, dullness, and anti-aging… tackling those fine lines and wrinkles!

Cleanse and exfoliate:

Obviously this is the first step. But I included it because if you are doing a double cleanse (more on that here),you should use the creamy/oil cleanser first. I love a good cleansing oil or balm… they transform washing your face into a luxurious treatment. These are frequently applied to dry skin and the point is to use that rich cleanser to get your makeup off, and then use a gel cleanser to get your skin extra clean. If you are doing a face scrub, that’s the last part of your cleansing process.

Toner:

For the longest time, I didn’t think toner was necessary but recently changed my position. Toner should be the last step of your cleansing routine. If you use a toner, this is where you do it. Pat skin dry and apply all over with a cotton pad. This toner is my personal favorite! I wrote more about toners and why you need one in this post!

Essence

The next step is your essence. Whereas toner is the last step of cleansing, essence is the first step of skincare. (If you use it – you can read about my love of SK-II in this post.) I apply my essence (Right now my favorite essence is actually the newer Royal Fern one – it’s described as “if P50 and SK-II had a baby” and I think that’s pretty spot on).

*Note: P50 is very very active and I consider it an acid, not an essence. I recommend only using at night, and if you do use it before bed don’t use other actives (retinol, Vit C, etc). Just moisturize. You could do a gentle serum like hyaluronic acid (this is my current favorite HA serum – it’s amazing at plumping up the skin!), but you don’t want to do much else. Also, re: P50, Helena did a great review of it!

I wrote a longer post about the difference between essence and toner; highly recommend reading that if you are at all confused!

Special Moisturizers

If you use an eye cream or a neck cream, this is when I like to apply these. Caroline Hirons has drilled it into my head (read her book, it’s amazing!) that eye cream goes on before everything else. The eye area is so delicate; you want to just pat it on very gently. I do a little extra patting around my crows feet and fine lines. For eye cream, this one from Strivectin is my current favorite. It pretty much just does everything. I also love the Neocutis Lumiere so much. It does a great job tightening and brightening. This one from Biossance is also very good. (Plus it’s clean and less expensive).

Serum or Actives.

Serum is the next step. The way you want to think of your product order is that you want to apply the ingredients with the highest concentration of active ingredients first, so that they’re closest to the skin and absorbed first. Essence is packed with actives, as is serum. But because essence is less viscous (it’s consistency is like water), you want to apply that first. I use a bunch of different serums/actives. Below is a loose guide to my favs and how often I use them.

Also: this is my favorite hydrating serum. You can use it before any of these (or Vitamin C serum in the morning). It delivers a long lasting shot of lasting hydration… and it has a nice little plumping effect too!

• Retinol – 1-2x a week. This is my current favorite retinoid. For something affordable, I love the Olay one. The Biossance phyto-retinol is amazing if you want something clean.
• Acid – 2x a week. Still loving the Biossance one. (Honeymoon Glow and P50 also fall into the acids category!)
• Kiehl’s Wrinkle Reducing Concentrate – 1x a week
• (On the off nights I just do Bader and skip serums)

Moisturizer 

Obviously Bader is king (for me) but on serum nights I don’t use it (I make sure to use it in the AM instead if I don’t do it at night!)

My second to last step is always my moisturizer. I love a thick, velvety moisturizer. This one from Sobel Skin (refer to this post for a more in depth review of that!) is probably my favorite for non-Bader nights but I also love Skin Food!

Spot treatment

This is when I’d apply any spot treatments (like pimple cream, etc!)

Oil or SPF

The last step in your routine should be face oil (at night) or SPF (day).

Oil is what seals it all in! I like to let everything I’ve applied sink in for a minute or two while I brush my teeth, and then gently pat on my oils. I love to warm my facial oil up in my palms and then push it into my skin. For me, oils are saved for nighttime as after serum AND moisturizer I’m already pretty shiny, but I really like to lock in all that moisture. My favorite is either the Biossance Rose Oil or Everyday Oil and sometimes if I am feeling really extra I will do Vintner’s Daughter over Dr. Bader. Yes I know that’s one very expensive skincare routine but it’s an incredible combo.

For SPF right now I am VERY big into the Supergoop Glowscreen. It’s so pretty that you can skip makeup (or put foundation over it for a more subtle glow). I know a lot of people swear by mineral sunscreen but I have historically had a hard time with it. It feels like my skin can’t breathe!

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post The Correct Order to Apply Your Skincare Products. appeared first on The Stripe.