Phee Waterfield, Author at mamabella

The beauty brand was founded by Colette Laxton and Mark Curry in 2018 and was born from a belief that better knowledge powers better decisions. This was based on the confusion created by beauty and skincare companies, but also because people are curious and “want to understand more about their skin”, enabling them to make the right decisions.

This aligns almost perfectly with what we at mamabella are striving to do; to breakdown the science involved, and cut through the bullshit surrounding skincare and beauty products generally.

In just a short period of time, The Inkey List has transformed what it means to be a beauty and skincare brand today, with digital and online services making it even easier to get products that are just right for you. It even has a live chat tool called #askInkey where you can get personalised skincare advice at any time of the day, direct from experts.

Shop now at Cult Beauty

Why we love The Inkey List

Where do we begin? The Inkey List has a range of products and services that makes it one of the most innovative beauty brands out there.

On its website, customers can benefit from its Recipe Builder—where people can put in what they’re looking for in skin care products—or can get advice directly from the company’s digital skincare specialists or via the #askINKEY.

Its range of skincare – and hair products – also target a variety of problems customers face such as wrinkles and fine lines, redness, dryness, hair loss, grey hair and many more.

The price tags are also not unreasonable. When we put our requirements into the Recipe Builder, we were given an entire skincare routine that would cost us around £50. You can also tailor the recipe based on your budget and requirements – maybe you only need a cleanser and eye cream for example. A concentrated hair treatment that promises to reverse grey hair, meanwhile, costs just £15.

The last thing to love about the brand is its simple packaging. There’s something striking about it; compared to other skincare and hair products, The Inkey List’s selection is black and white, which makes it stand out amongst the crowd.

FURTHER READING: The Ordinary and The Inkey List launch free online skincare consultations

Shop now at Cult Beauty

The best Inkey List products

For removing makeup: The Inkey List Oil and Water Double Cleanser — £10 | Buy now
For wrinkles and fine lines: Retinol – £10.99 | Buy now
For rough skin: Apple Cider and Vinegar Peel — £14.99 | Buy now
For dull skin: 15% Vitamin C+ EGF Serum — £15.99 | Buy now
For plumper and firmer skin: Collagen Booster — £9.99 | Buy now
For acne and blemishes: Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment– £7.99 | Buy now
For redness: Redness Relief Solution – £15.99 | Buy now

The Inkey List recently released a host of new products to brighten and clear your skin. Like the rest of its range, each of these new Inkey List products is super affordable and highly effective. We haven’t added them to the list below (yet) because we want to put them to the test properly but the details of each are as follows:

Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser: This gentle cleanser contains 0.5% Nordic Beauty Peat – high in fulvic acid – to exfoliate the skin; 1.5% kakadu plum extract with Vitamin C; 1% liquorice root to get rid of hyperpigmentation, and 0.5% aloe vera to soothe and calm your skin
Symbright Moisturiser: A day and night cream that uses fermented clary sage to brighten and consolidate skin tone, 2% kakadu plum extract and 1% red algae complex to hydrate the skin

1. The Inkey List Oil and Water Double Cleanser

£10 | Buy now

Who’s it for? Anyone who needs a good skin cleanse without causing dryness.

Why we love it: This one-step double cleanser uses Sea Buckthorn and Sweet Almond Oil to cleanse the skin as well as remove makeup. It also includes Panthenol, which restores skin moisture levels.

How to use it: Shake well and apply to the face with a cotton pad.

FURTHER READING: Best cleanser: Discover which face cleanser best suits your skin from oily to dry and acne-prone

Buy now from Cult Beauty

2. The Inkey List Retinol

£10.99 | Buy now

Who’s it for? Anyone who wants to finish off their fine lines and rid themselves of uneven skin tones.

Why we love it: Retinol is trending everywhere and for good reason—it helps massively in targeting the signs of aging. Derived from Vitamin A, this serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with the bonus of less risk of irritation. If that wasn’t enough, it also boosts overall skin clarity and uneven skin tone. You can read more about the benefits of Vitamin A in our guide to the acids in your skincare.

How to use it: Use it as part of your nighttime skincare routine only. Following cleansing and applying hyaluronic acid, apply a pea-sized amount of the product to your hand and massage it into the face and neck. See our science of moisturiser article or our What is hyaluronic acid guide? for more info.

The Inkey List recommends starting off using this product two to three times a week, increasing gradually if the skin can tolerate it. A moisturiser or oil can be applied afterward.

FURTHER READING: What is retinol and what does retinol do for your skin?

Buy now

3. The Inkey List Apple Cider and Vinegar Peel

£14.99 | Buy now

Who’s it for? Anyone who wants glowing, smooth skin.

Why we love it: With a tagline like “glow in 10 minutes”, what is there not to love? This peel is meant for multi-level exfoliation and while it’s effective, it’s also non-irritating.

According to The Inkey List, apple cider vinegar helps reduce redness and brighten the skin, while also minimising the appearance of pores and marks from blemishes. It also reduces breakouts and is a great cleanser for your hair.

How to use it: Use it in the evening, once a week. You can increase use to twice a week if you think your skin can take it, but The Inkey List warns not to over-exfoliate. You can usually tell if you’re over-exfoliating if you have a particularly shiny forehead. Apply a thin layer to dampened cleansed skin and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Pat your face dry and continue as normal with your serums and moisturiser.

Buy now from Cult Beauty

4. The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C+ EGF Serum

£14.99 | Buy now

Who’s it for? Anyone looking to tackle dull skin.

Why we love it: Used any time of the day, this product helps those looking to rid themselves of dull, lifeless skin. The Vitamin C, combined with plant-derived EGF, aids with skin regeneration, the support of producing natural collagen and elastin, and creates an even-looking complexion.

How to use it: This product is gentle enough for daily use and can be used either in the morning or evening. However, The Inkey List advises only using once and in the morning.

After cleansing the skin, apply a pea-sized amount of serum to the face and neck. Wait 10 minutes before applying a moisturiser. This gives the skin cells enough time to respond to the EGF and won’t affect the cell rejuvenation process, according to The Inkey List.

Buy now from Cult Beauty

5. The Inkey List Collagen Booster

£9.99 | Buy now

Who’s it for? Anyone who wants to have younger-looking skin.

Why we love it: Don’t worry – we don’t mean injecting collagen into your skin. This is a serum that includes Matrxyl 3000 peptide and Syn-Tacks Dual Peptide to boost the skin, mimicking the effect of what natural collagen would do. Skin appears plumper and firmer, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to use it: After cleansing and toning, apply a pea-sized amount of serum into the hand and pat it into the face and neck. If you prefer, you can follow with other serums, moisturiser, and oils.

FURTHER READING: Best anti-ageing cream for targeting wrinkles and fine lines

Buy now from Cult Beauty

6. The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment

£7.99 | Buy now

Who’s it for? Anyone with blemishes, spots and blackheads.

Why we love it: The latest product to join The Inkey List ranks is the Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment. Going against the grain of many acne and spot treatments, this The Inkey List treatment doesn’t dry out the skin, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid.

It works by gently exfoliating dead skin cells, through the use of 1% salicylic acid, while reducing excess oil without stripping skin thanks to 2% succinic acid. Succinic acid is a bio-based chemical that’s derived from corn. Then, 0.4% hyaluronic acid helps moisturise and plump the skin. Spots are cleared while the complexion stays soft, supple, and oil-free.

How to use it: You can apply this treatment all over your face because it’s gentle enough not to dry out areas not affected by blemishes. Or you can use it as a direct spot treatment.

FURTHER READING: How to get rid of spots fast with this failsafe makeup artist tip

Buy now from Cult Beauty

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

The post Spotlight on The Inkey List: Affordable skincare and hair care that does as it promises appeared first on mamabella.

Skin serum, facial oil or moisturiser: What’s the difference and which one do you need?

Phee Waterfield — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 05:00:02 +0000

Whether it’s the reams of products online, or those lining the shelves of high-street stores, it can be confusing to know whether you even need a facial oil or serum, let alone which type, brand, price and so on.

We recently looked into the science of serums, and have previously explained what ingredients to look for when shopping for moisturiser but this is assuming you already know which of these products you need or want.

If you’re none the wiser, as are most of us are, we spoke to Nav Kaur, a member of the General Pharmaceutical Council and Society of Cosmetic Scientists and founder of Tamaar Skincare, to help explain the differences between serums, moisturisers and oils and, more importantly, how to know which one to pick for your skin type.

READ NEXT: The truth about the acids in your skincare

Moisturiser

The changing weather, pollution, air conditioning in offices and on trains, and more can cause our skin to feel dry, look dull, become clogged and suffer from stress. A great way to top up its hydration and bring it back to life is to use a moisturiser.

Pros: “Moisturising daily could hold back time when it comes to your skin health and ageing,” Kaur told mamabella. “You could be seriously letting your skin down and advancing signs of ageing if you don’t use a good moisturiser on your face. “Investing in the right type of moisturiser for your skin type is also crucial to preventing wrinkles, dehydration, enlarged pores and excess sebum which can cause acne.”

In our science of moisturiser article, we explained how moisturiser works with your skin, and which ingredients to look for, based on your skin type. For example, oily skin benefits from Glycolic acid, blemish-prone skin responds well to salicylic acid and mature skin goes hand-in-hand with Hyaluronic acid.

READ NEXT: The science of moisturiser

In terms of when to use moisturiser, Kaur recommends using a lighter product in the daytime, as it “sits better under makeup” and gives a smoother application for foundation. She also says that using such a product can provide a barrier against external irritants, such as dust and pollutants, and can rehydrate the skin as it contains water. You can then use a thicker product overnight to repair and replenish your skin as you rest.

Cons: Unfortunately, using a moisturiser does come with downsides. Choosing the wrong moisturiser for your skin type can actually make problem areas worse. According to Kaur, using this product is more likely to clog pores than oils and serums because it sits on the upper layers of your skin. Making sure you’re following a good cleansing and toning regime will help reduce these effects, but it’s worth considering when choosing a product.

Serum

iStock

As we explain in our What is serum? article, we’re increasingly seeing skincare brands launch serums but there’s a still a fair bit of confusion over whether or not these serums replace moisturisers – or other facial products. They focus on the lower layers of your skin, helping improve its texture from within.

Pros: “Serums are a great addition to any skincare routine and they help to repair and protect the skin addressing a variety of skin concerns such as aging, acne and hyperpigmentation,” continued Kaur. “They come in a vast array of different consistencies — these differences in viscosity and formula make specific serums more appropriate for a particular concern or skin types.” According to Kaur, traditional serums contain water, although there are more oil-based products launching.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? The science of serums

Cons: However, serums can often contain preservatives and unnecessary ingredients or fillers, which might do more harm to the skin than good. They are also much lighter in weight on the skin and you’ll more often than not need a moisturiser placed on top of it to create a protective barrier.

Facial Oil

Unsplac

More of a “direct competitor” to moisturiser than serum, facial oil products provide hydration and nutrition to the skin.

Pros: According to Kaur, facial oils provide the skin with lipids —an important component of living cells — and usually contain plant extracts.

“Facial oils offer the multifunctional ability to moisturise the skin and have the capacity to restore the skin’s barrier, leaving skin feeling firmer and looking more radiant,” said Kaur. “Oils also help to protect skin from environmental damage, which can lead to acne and premature ageing.”

READ NEXT: How to get rid of dark circles

Oils can be used on top of serums to lock in moisture, according to Kaur, and they leave skin feeling supple and plump. Due to them being waterless — waterless beauty is part of the rising clean beauty trend – facial oils have less impact on the environment as it helps preserves the planet’s vital resources.

Cons: As you can imagine, people with oily skin need to be careful about which facial oils they use. They’re not off-limits – and you most definitely still need to moisturise oily skin – but facial oils are the most likely to both benefit, and mess with, the delicate balance depending on which you choose. When using this product, there is no need to double up with a moisturiser like you have to when using a serum.

Which product do I need?

As Kaur explained, the choice about whether or not your face best suits moisturiser, serum or facial oils – or a combination of these – comes down to personal preference, affordability and what needs to be achieved.

“Oils seem to have fewer questionable ingredients and are great for the evening after cleansing, however, moisturisers may feel lighter in hot, humid climates,” Kaur added. “Moisturisers are also better for sensitive skin types as they have no synthetic ingredients.”

READ NEXT: What is acne and how to get rid of it

For breakouts and acne sufferers, Kaur said that while it might sound counterintuitive, facial oils can be a saviour. “Oil and water don’t mix, so ‘oil-free products’ are not necessarily the best option. When the oil is applied to the skin, it blends well with our own natural oils and this helps draw out impurities more efficiently. Prepare for blemish-free skin when using oils as part of your daily routine.”

When it comes between serums and oils, the main point of difference is that oils are more suitable as moisturers. “Facial oils can be used alone instead of a moisturiser whereas serums deliver a deeper dermis penetration and perform better when used in conjunction with a complementary moisturiser,” explained Kaur.

Which Skincare Product do I need for my skin?

Oily skin: Facial oil
Normal skin: Serum, and potentially layer with oil
Dull skin: Facial oil
Problematic skin: Facial oil
Sensitive skin: Moisturiser

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

The post Skin serum, facial oil or moisturiser: What’s the difference and which one do you need? appeared first on mamabella.

Vegan beauty products: The best affordable vegan makeup and skincare brands in the UK

Phee Waterfield — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:00:17 +0000

According to the Vegan society, there are now more than 600,000 people who classify themselves as vegan, with ethical motivations and healthier living the main drivers for changing lifestyle. While it’s becoming much easier to find vegan food and recipes, it’s not always super clear which brands sell vegan makeup and skincare, and which only sell cruelty-free products.

If you’re not sure what the difference is, check out our guide: Vegan vs cruelty-free: What’s the difference?

So how can you not only find vegan beauty products but vegan makeup and skincare that doesn’t cost a fortune? Let us help!

What counts as a vegan beauty product?

Typically, vegan beauty products are certified by the Vegan Society, which coined the term “vegan” back in the 1940s. To be certified, products must fit the following criteria:

No animal ingredients: The manufacture and/or development of the product and its ingredients, must not involve or use any animal product, by-product or derivative
No animal testing: Products must not involve testing of any sort on animals
Effective labelling of Genetically Modified Organisms: Also known as GMOs, products put forward for Vegan Society registration that contain any GMOs must be labelled

When it comes to beauty products specifically, there is a number of ingredients that can make the difference between a vegan and a non-vegan product:

Cera Alba (Beeswax)
Carmine (Crushed up beetles)
Lanolin (Wool grease)
Placenta (from sheep)
Squalene (Shark liver oil)

For example, while some brands like Fenty Beauty and Weleda have vegan ranges or products, some of their products contain ingredients such as beeswax and carmine.

Read our Weleda Skin Food review here

Best vegan beauty products and brands

With the hundreds of beauty brands, we’ve put together a list of our favourite vegan makeup and skincare brands below. These are largely considered to be vegan with either all or the majority of their products, meeting the Vegan Society standard, and we can vouch for how great they are.

Ciaté London: Explore Ciaté London
e.l.f Cosmetics: Explore e.l.f Cosmetics
Milk: Explore the Milk range
Drunk Elephant: Explore the Drunk Elephant range
Balance Me: Explore the Balance Me range
INIKA Organic: Explore the INIKA Organic range
Urban Decay: Explore the Urban Decay range

We’ve also listed the top most Instagrammed vegan brands, according to research from End of Tenancy London, below our handpicked list. We don’t go into detail about those brands because we haven’t had the chance to try them all yet, so don’t want to vouch for untested products. Once we do – and if they’re good enough – we’ll add them to our best vegan beauty products list.

︎ Ciaté London

Explore the Ciaté London range

Ciate London

Why we love it: If you’re not aware of Ciaté London – we weren’t until about a year ago – the brand was founded by celebrity nail technician Charlotte Knight. It’s still widely revered and renowned for its nail products and its advent calendar regularly features in our Best Buys list.

More recently, though, the brand expanded into makeup and has led the way with innovative products, some of which we can no longer live without.

Its eyeliner stamp, for instance, called Stamp and Drag is an everyday product for us. It helps you create perfect winged eyeliner every time, and does so muchly cheaply than the likes of The Quick Flick. What’s more, the shape of the wing works on both eyes so you don’t need to double up (again, as is the case with The Quick Flick.)

We are also obsessed with its Glitter Flip liquid lipstick which activates when you press your lips together and creates a long-lasting party finish. We have it in black and red!

One of the main reasons we love Ciaté London so much, though, is because its hero products are all vegan and cruelty-free. This includes its Dewy Skin (£26) skin tint, full of hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and soothing Dragon Fruit Extract, and the Plant Pots Vegan nail treatments (£10).

Where to buy: You can buy from the Ciaté London website as well as ASOS.

FURTHER READING: A skin specialist reveals how to strengthen your nails and what makes them so damn brittle

Buy now from Ciaté London

︎ e.l.f Cosmetics

Explore the e.l.f Cosmetics range

e.l.f Cosmetics

Why we love it: According to e.l.f cosmetic’s website, the brand never tests on animals nor does it endorse such practices. Its products don’t contain animal-derived ingredients, beeswax has been replaced by synthetic beeswax, and lanolin has been replaced by Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladinpale-2.

The brand also supports the Humane Society of The United States and is a PETA partner as part of the Caring Consumer Project. It considers itself to be 100% vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free.

When it comes to price, e.l.f. is great value for money. Most products come in at below £10 each and sometimes under a fiver. It’s one of the best cheap makeup brands around.

Where to buy: You can buy from the e.l.f. Cosmetics website or from Superdrug — the retailer currently has a 3 for 2 deal on the go. You can also find out what’s inside the e.l.f Cosmetics beauty advent calendar in our best cheap beauty advent calendar guide.

FURTHER READING: Spotlight on…e.l.f, the vegan boss of the makeup and skincare world

Buy now from Superdrug

︎ Milk

Explore the Milk range

Milk

Why we love it: Apart from it being 100% vegan, Milk is very technology-forward. It sees personal style and experimentation as the “ultimate forms of self-expression” and this is reflected in its products.

It also offers a 15-minute free consultation with a Milk makeup expert online, meaning it’s also lockdown friendly.

Founded in New York by Mazdack Rassi, Dianna Ruth, Georgie Greville and Zanna Roberts Rassi, this brand develops all its products in-house at its Milk Studios. All products are cruelty-free, paraben-free and 100% vegan. They even have a blacklist on its website of all the ingredients they do not use.

Where to buy: Cult Beauty stocks Milk Makeup products from its Vegan Milk range.

FURTHER READING: Spotlight on…Milk’s range of high-quality, affordable makeup and skincare

Buy now from Cult Beauty

︎ Drunk Elephant vegan beauty products

Explore the Drunk Elephant range

Drunk Elephant

Why we love it: Despite it’s slightly unusual name, Drunk Elephant is another brand that prides itself on animal-friendly products. The name Drunk Elephant is rooted in a myth that elephants love to eat fruit that has fallen from Marula trees. Once eaten, fermentation occurs inside their very large tummies and the elephants become drunk.

The company, in its infancy, decided to remove ingredients that were bad for the skin’s health, which it named “the suspicious six.” The ingredients include silicones, essential pils, chemical screens, SLS, drying alcohols and fragrance and dyes.

“We don’t care at all about smelling pretty or changing the look or feel of our ingredients, we just let them be what they are naturally,” the company’s website says. The brand also uses “biocompatible” ingredients, which are non-irritating, small-molecule ingredients. The skin can easily absorb these.

The products also come in neon-coloured bottles — what’s not to love?

Where to buy: Drunk Elephant can be bought at Cult Beauty and Space NK.

FURTHER READING: Clean beauty: What are clean beauty products and how can I shop more consciously?

Buy now from SpaceNK

︎ Balance Me

Explore the Balance Me range

Balance Me

Why we love it: The company believes skincare can have a dramatic effect not only on the skin but also your daily wellbeing, and we couldn’t agree more.

The self-described champions of balance take this philosophy into account when selecting ingredients for its products, making sure fragrances are 100% natural and have mood-enhancing benefits.

All Balance Me products are 100% cruelty-free, and the company is 100% open about the ingredients and its formulations.

And all the products smell absolutely amazing.

Where to buy: Balance Me is available on the company’s website.

FURTHER READING: Spotlight on…Balance Me, the honest, natural skincare brand

Buy now from Balance Me

︎ INIKA Organic

Buy now from INIKIA Organic

INIKA Organic

Why we love it: This brand is Australia’s only 100% authentic, natural beauty brand, according to the company.

Founded in 2006, the founders wanted a cleaner beauty space free from toxic chemicals — pure, organic and natural was their goal. Today, it has a presence in 35 countries so its pledge has definitely resonated with people across the world.

All its products are certified vegan and cruelty-free — its products neither harm animals or their homes and don’t contain any animal derivatives or by-products. INIKA Organic is also certified as being organic, 100% natural and 100% halal, free from alcohol, fillers, texturisers, synthetics and toxic chemicals.

Where to buy: You can buy INIKA products directly from the UK store.

Buy now from INIKA Organic

︎ Urban Decay

Explore the Urban Decay range

Urban Decay

American brand Urban Decay makes it all the easier to shop its vegan products with a separate tab on its website.

Despite being owned by L’Oreal, a brand that does still test a small number of products on animals, Urban Decay is PETA certified as being cruelty-free.

Its vegan range not only includes makeup such as the Naked Skin concealer, which comes in an impressive 14 shades, and Hi-Fi Shine lip gloss but it also boasts 30 different types of vegan makeup brush – a much harder vegan find.

Where to buy: You can buy directly from the UK store.

Shop Urban Decay's vegan makeup range

Most Instagrammed vegan beauty brands

NCLA

To discover which vegan beauty brands are most popular on Instagram, End of Tenancy London took 23 cruelty-free, vegan beauty brands from PETA’s official listing and recorded how many hashtags each brand gets.

Out of 23 vegan beauty brands, data was collected and amalgamated for the top 10.

First place went to Los Angeles-based beauty brand NCLA. The cruelty-free brand is tagged 173,601 times on Instagram which is almost 20x more than Nanshy in tenth place. Closely following in second place, with 147,219 hashtags, was the fragrance brand Le Labo, which was founded in 2005.

The third was vegan makeup and skincare brand Arbonne. The company, which in its 35 years on the market has never tested its products on animals, has 113,095 Instagram hashtags.

The vegan skincare brand which highly values clean beauty, self-care, and the spa culture, Sparitual places fourth with 83,087 hashtags, and rounding off the top five was vegan skincare, haircare and makeup brand Pacifica. The Californian brand which has 501,000 Instagram followers, has 60,170 hashtags on the social media platform.

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

The post Vegan beauty products: The best affordable vegan makeup and skincare brands in the UK appeared first on mamabella.

What colour lipstick suits me? Makeup artists reveal how to choose the best shades for your skin tone

Phee Waterfield — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 14:02:36 +0000

The best lipstick shade, or lipstick and liner combo, can make or break a look.

The right lippy will take us from day to night, it can brighten our smile and is often the only makeup we need to face the outside world.

Yet choosing the right shade for your skin tone can be a minefield. Even nude lipsticks vary wildly in pigment, shade and tone and it can sometimes feel as confusing as trying to finding the perfect foundation match.

Fear not! We’ve put together a how-to guide, breaking down which lipstick shades best suit which types of skin tones. We spoke to Sean Maloney, a celebrity makeup artist and owner of SM Academy and SMEyelashes, as well as media and special effects makeup pro Cydney Beasley to get the lowdown.

FURTHER READING: Best lipstick: From nude to red and liquid to matte, here are our favourite lipsticks

What lipstick colour suits me?

Before we breakdown which colours suit which skin tones, it’s worth explaining how to tell what undertone you have.

This forms the basis for the entire colour makeup theory and knowing whether you have warm, cool or neutral skin – and if you have peachy or yellow undertones – can completely revolutionise your foundation, lipstick and eyeshadow choices.

READ NEXT: How to apply lipstick like a pro

We explain this in more detail in our guide to finding the perfect foundation match but in summary:

In natural lighting, look at the veins on your wrist.

If they appear green, you have warm skin
If they appear blue or purple, your skin is cool
If you find it hard to tell, your tone is likely to be neutral

Repeat this by putting on a piece of gold and silver jewellery.

If the gold jewellery looks better against your skin, you have a warm skin tone
If the silver jewellery looks better, your skin tone is cool
If both colours suit you, your tone is most likely neutral

Finally, in natural light, hold a white piece of clothing next to your skin, followed by an off-white piece of clothing.

If you suit the pure white clothing, you have warm skin
If the off-white clothing looks better, your tone is cool
If both suit you, your tone is most likely neutral

︎ Light skin: Pinks and nudes

If your skin is on the pale or light side, you can get away with a wide selection of nude colours, particularly pale pinks, beige and light nudes.

“Warmer undertones suit more peachy or coral shades,” explains Cydney Beasley. “Cooler undertones suit more light browns and nudes.”

Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick in shade Brun Pale

We recommend trying the Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick in shade Brun Pale (£26), if you’re on the cool side.

For those warm tones, try the Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick in shade Amplifier, currently priced at £10 at LookFantastic.com (50% off).

“Cooler skin can look really washed out when warm tones are used, and warm tones on cool skin can emphasise shadows,” added Cydney. “These tones can also make people look skeletal.”

Illamasqua

Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick in shade Amplifier

If you’re stuck for ideas on how to use these shades, Sean Maloney recommends a statement nude lip combination: “A soft milk chocolate brown lip pencil with a beautiful peachy nude buffed into the centre.” To achieve this look, try the peachy nude, Chanel Rouge Coco in shade 432 Cécile.

If you don’t fancy keeping your lips nude and want a bolder lip, MAC Cosmetics has a great lipstick shade finder on its website.

MAC Cosmetics

For light skin colours, its Dare To Bare range offers some great options including the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Shade Cavier (£19) and the Matte Royal Lipstick in Shade Deep Blue (£17.50).

FURTHER READING: How to try makeup on online: We review the best virtual try on tools from MAC, Maybelline, NYX and more

︎ Gold and bronze skin: Red and Purples

For our golden and bronzed skin readers, opt for shades including bright red, berry and mauve purple shades.

“For warmer skin, use more orangey tone shades like an orange-red or dark coral,” advises Cydney. “For cool tones, use a darker purple or a blue-toned red.”

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury’s lipstick shade finder tool is great for allowing you to choose your desired finish and skin tone.

For warmer tones, the Hollywood Screen liquid lipstick in shade Screen Siren (£25) would work well. Sean told us that this matte look will give that “glam feel” especially if you’re going for a red carpet look.

Cooler skin tones can turn to the Hot Lips lipstick in Hel’s Bells (£25).

FURTHER READING: Best red lipstick: Master red lipstick looks with the best from MAC, Maybelline and Charlotte Tilbury

︎ Dark skin: Go bold

With darker skin tones, going bold works wonders. In fact, the bolder, the better. “A true orange or a true purple look really good,” says Cydney.

However, there is still room to go wrong with lipstick shades.

MAC Cosmetics

‘Some people just need to be careful as some colours can make very black skin look grey,” she warns. “Some colours will make a darker skinned person appear very red too.”

If you have red undertones, use warmer colours such as the Frost Lipstick in shade Bronze Shimmer (£17.50).

While people with grey undertone, dark skin should use cooler colours. Cydney reccomends the MAC Cosmetics Powder Kiss Lipstick in the shade Ripened (£17.50).

MAC Cosmetics

︎ Mature skin: Line and gloss

In addition to choosing the best colour lipstick for your skin tone, if you’re on the more mature side we recommend lining the lips first and finishing with gloss.

This isn’t just reserved for older people – and you can read more in our How to get bigger lips naturally guide – but the best lip liner stops lipsticks from leaking into fine linkes and wrinkles around the mouth.

Sean also told us that using the best lip gloss over other finishes of lipstick will give you a plump, “youthful boost.”

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

The post What colour lipstick suits me? Makeup artists reveal how to choose the best shades for your skin tone appeared first on mamabella.

Best cleansing balm: From Elemis to The Body Shop, here are our fave cleansing balms for taking off the day

Phee Waterfield — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 12:39:15 +0000

Cleanse, tone, moisturise, repeat. It feels like these three products have been drilled into our psyche since our first spots appeared in secondary school. So when we came across makeup artists raving about the best cleansing balms, we had to find out what all the fuss was about.

What is cleansing balm?

The majority of us are probably used to using cleansing milks or other liquids, but a balm, sometimes referred to as a butter, seems to resemble a moisturiser more than a cleanser. So what’s the deal?

A cleansing balm is quickly becoming the number one choice for a lot of women due to a number of skin benefits,” Dr. Lucy Glancey, founder of Dr Glancey Clinics, told mamabella. “Cleansing balm is easy to use and most skin types can use it.”

She continued that cleansing balms get rid of all remnants of pollution on the skin, which lead to congestion and premature ageing.

“After using a balm, skin will look dewy and well-moisturised, which makes it a better canvas for other skin products such as moisturiser and SPF to penetrate into the skin,” she said.

Although most cleansing balms are suitable for all skin types, there are some products that help specifically with sensitive or dry/damaged skin.

How to use cleansing balm?

Different brands seem to have different schools of thought on this but Cydney Beasley, makeup artist and an advanced skincare specialist, believes that a cleansing balm works best in a “double cleanse” routine.

You should always use a two-step cleansing routine as this suits all skin types,” she told us. “Start with an oil or balm-based cleanser as a first step as this takes makeup off by dissolving the product on the face.”

She then advises to use a water or gel-based cleanser second, once the skin is clean and free of makeup. Without the balm, the product won’t actually cleanse the skin. Beasley also said to not use makeup wipes: “This can be the equivalent to putting sandpaper on your skin.”

Best Cleansing Balms

Editor’s Pick: The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter – £11
Bargain Buy: M&S Ultimate Cleanse Rose Cleansing Balm – £12
Luxury Buy: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm – £44
Best Vegan Buy: Upcircle Cleansing Face Balm –£18.99
Best Multi-Use Buy: Phoenix and Providence Soothe Hand and Body Balm – £12
Best For Sensitive Skin: Clinique Take the Day Off – £25
Best For Combination Skin: The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm – £10
Best For All Skin Types: e.l.f Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm – £10
Best For Glowing Skin: Lumene Nordic C Pure Glow Cleansing Balm – £15.90

1. Editor’s Pick: The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

£11 | Buy from The Body Shop

The Body Shop

Why we love it: One of our favourite cleansing balms, this butter from The Body Shop is so easy to use. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers, but this doesn’t impact its effectiveness. It removes all types of make-up and leaves skin feeling clean and silky-soft.

This balm includes ingredients such as chamomile, which is highly effective for soothing sensitive skin due to its anti-irritant properties. It also smells amazing.

Buy now from The Body Shop

2. Bargain Buy: M&S Ultimate Cleanse Rose Cleansing Balm

£12 | Buy from M&S

M&S

Why we love it: Natural, vegan and effective. Its tagline says it all. The natural rose balm from the brand’s Pure range offers a deep cleanse with a rose scent. The paraben-free cleanser leaves skin nourished, moisturised and radiant without the bank balance taking a big hit.

For the best results, wipe away the product with the cloth, which is provided. M&S recommends that this product be used every morning and evening.

And if you’re worried about your eye makeup, don’t be. It effectively removes that too — though you will have to wipe away the remains.

Buy now from M&S

3. Luxury Buy: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

£44 | Buy from Amazon

Elemis

Why we love it: There were many luxury cleansing balms to choose from but we couldn’t pick any of them over Elemis. This powerful cleanser will dissolve makeup, daily grime and pollutants, while making your skin smell of elderberry and rose.

It’s also great for anti-ageing. The Pro-Collagen formulation works to smooth and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with skin looking plumped and younger. According to Elemis, this formula is supposed to improve skin firmness, tone and hydration in just 15 days.

To get the best from this product, apply a pea-sized amount onto hands and warm together.

Then gently smooth over the face, neck and décolleté, using upward stroking sweeping motions when applying to the face. Use every morning.

FURTHER READING: Best neck cream: Stop sagging necks, décolletage and cleavage with firming creams from Prai, IMIM and more

Buy now from Amazon

4. Upcircle Cleansing Face Balm

£18.99 | Buy from Upcircle

Upcircle

Why we love it:This everyday balm is gentle and perfect for daily use.

The ingredients have been reused, repurposed and reloved made with finely-ground apricot stones powder, which is a by-product of the apricot oil industry (yes, that’s a thing apparently).

It’s rich in Vitamin E, leaving skin deeply cleansed, soothed and hydrated and is combined with blackcurrant seed, blue tansy and sea buckthorn oils.

The product is best used as the first cleanse, as it breaks down makeup, SPF and any oils such as sebum and sweat.

FURTHER READING: What is SPF and why is it so important?

Buy now from Amazon

5. Phoenix and Providence Soothe Hand and Body Balm

£12 | Buy from Phoenix and Providence

Phoenix and Providence

Why we love it: A new beauty brand from the tiny island of t. Martin’s, Isles of Scilly, you’d be forgiven if you haven’t heard of Phoenix and Providence. This hidden gem is a rich balm made from organic, plant-based ingredients and is made in small batches — so you know it’s made with care.

It can be used to soothe and protect dry and eczema-prone skin. Ingredients include seaweed — which has been foraged from the island’s shores, dried in the Scillonian sunshine and infused with organic jojoba oil (for a full lunar cycle) — organic shea butter and coconut oil, sea buckthorn oil and beeswax.

It’s also free from essential oils and fragrances and it can be used on the face, hands and body.

Buy now from Phoenix and Providence

6. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

£25 | Buy from Lookfantastic

Clinique

Why we love it: Sensitive skin can be very reactive but this has been tested and voted on by many sensitive skin types when removing makeup, SPF or general day to day it is a favourite for many sensitive skin types. It is a lightweight balm that melts into a silky oily texture in your hands. It contains Safflower oil that helps break up natural oils that form in makeup and SPF. Not only that it helps calm the skin without it feeling stressed. We also find that a little goes a long way too, simply use your finger tips to massage over dry skin and rinse off with warm water, this can also be used with a muslin cloth to remove too.

Buy now from Lookfantastic

7. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

£10 | Buy now from Boots

The Inkey List

Why we love it: Besides the fact this cleansing balm is at a decent price, it feels luxurious and it keeps any redness at bay. The oatmeal and ceramides that are contained in this helps strengthen skin’s natural barrier, this is suitable for combinations of skin types to even sensitive skin types. It gently melts makeup and any excess oil without stripping that natural skin barrier. With oat kernel oil a natural antioxidant it helps fight any environmental stress, massage a small raspberry size on damp face then simply rinse with warm water.

It leaves skin looking dewy and it has been said that it can even out skin but with continued use. It gives just that healthy skin.

Buy now from Boots

8. e.l.f Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

£10 | Buy now from E.L.F

e.l.f

Why we love it: Yes, we may have given you a vegan option but this cleansing balm is a 2-in-1. It is a makeup remover and a face cleanser, this is a solid balm that melts into an oil that turns into a milky texture that makes it easy to rinse off. The title suggests hydration because it contains hyaluronic acid which will help keep the skin hydrated. It also contains ceramides and peptides which protects the skin’s barrier. It comes with a very handy spatula to scoop out the balm, this is great to keep the balm hygienically clean. You can remove the balm from your face with warm water or use a damp cleansing cloth.

Buy now from e.l.f

9. Lumene Nordic C Pure Glow Cleansing Balm

£15.90 | Buy now from Feelunique

Lumene

Why we love it: We love a balm that will remove makeup, dirt, excess oil but at the same time leaving our skin looking glowing.

With the help of Vitamin C, this cleansing balm will give the skin a zing and keep it looking brighter. It’s formulated with wild arctic cloudberry seed oil that keeps the skin hydrated and clear and the balm rinses off with ease without leaving any greasy film behind.

Simply massage onto wet skin and rinse well with lukewarm water or a damp cloth.

The Nordic-C range is all about glowing skin and this certainly does the trick!

Buy now from Feelunique

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

The post Best cleansing balm: From Elemis to The Body Shop, here are our fave cleansing balms for taking off the day appeared first on mamabella.

This hair porosity test will reveal if you have high, medium or low porosity hair – and which products you need

Phee Waterfield — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:45:41 +0000

For many of us, our hair is a mysterious beast — why is it always frizzy? Why doesn’t hairspray last? Why won’t curls hold? We’ve turned to hair product after hair product without change, spending hundreds of pounds without the desired end result. The problem may not lie in the products themselves, though. It could be that you’re buying products for the wrong type of hair porosity.

What is hair porosity?

Hair porosity refers to how our individual hair strands hold oil and moisture. From this, it can also mean how long our hair stays wet after a swim or a wash, how long it takes to dry, and whether it frizzes up at the first sign of air moisture.

“There are three main types of hair porosity and your type is often dictated by your genetics,” according to hair brand, Curlsmith. The curl experts explain that determining how “porous” your hair depends on your hair cuticles and how open and closed they are.

This is why understanding your hair’s porosity is essential to getting the most out of your hair care routine.

FURTHER READING: L’Oreal Elvive Wonder Water review: Does the 8-second Wonder Water *really* transform damaged hair?

However, while your hair porosity is dependent on genetics, it can also change over time due to external factors. For example, you could be born with naturally high porosity hair — curlier hair — but end up with low porosity hair – straight hair —as you age.

We should point out that while we’ve linked low porosity hair with being straight, and high porosity hair with being curly, this is not always the case. This is a general rule but it’s not exclusive.

Things such as excessive exposure to the sun, UVA and UVB rays, air pollution, how you dry your hair, how often you use heated hair styling products, as well as hair dye and bleach can all change your hair’s structure. The more damaged the hair is, the higher porosity it will be.

On the other hand, a change in porosity cannot be caused just by using dull or damaged scissors. Still, it doesn’t mean that investing in the best hairdressing scissors to buy wouldn’t have a positive effect on the way your hair looks.

Low porosity hair vs medium vs high porosity hair

Cantu Beauty

There are three types — low porosity hair, medium, and high. Within each of these types are categories of hair graded from one to five as below:

Grade 1 Low Porosity: This refers to so-called “virgin hair” that has been exposed to little or no environmental damage and is low porosity. The cuticles on this somewhat rare hair type are extremely tight and don’t allow moisture in or out. Hair is smooth to the touch and looks very shiny without any product on.
Grade 2 Low Porosity: This also refers to low-porosity hair that has been exposed to some type of environmental damage. The hair is still healthy and easy to manage as it doesn’t tangle and looks smooth.
Grade 3 Medium Porosity: This describes medium porosity hair that has been altered and coloured up to five shades lighter. Due to the chemicals placed on the hair, there is some level of damage and the cuticles are halfway open. This means they allow moisture in but also lose it more easily.
Grade 4 High Porosity: This is high porosity hair that’s been bleached and lightened up to seven shades lighter and thus needs additional care and attention. The cuticles here are open, so it needs lots of moisture because it also loses it very easily.
Grade 5 High Porosity: Unfortunately this describes high porosity hair that is beyond saving. The strands on this type of hair have no cuticles left and you only see the inner part of the hair (called medulla). Because there is no structure left, the hair will feel gummy to the touch and break whenever you run your fingers through it. The only way to fix level five, high porosity hair is by cutting it.

Grades 1 to 2 are part of the low porosity type, grade 3 is medium and grades 4 to 5 are high porosity. According to Curlsmith, the higher your hair porosity the more protein you need to put on it—this is to strengthen the cuticle and lock in moisture.

FURTHER READING: Best clarifying shampoo UK: What is clarifying shampoo and why do you need to detox your hair?

Hair porosity test

Getty Images/iStockphoto

There are several methods to test your hair porosity, but Curlsmith believes the “spray test” is the most effective. Below we’ve explained this particular hair porosity test, and listed a couple of others.

Hair porosity test 1: Spray test

Spray water on a strand of clean, product-free hair and see how the strand reacts.

If the water forms lots of little droplets on the hair surface, without sinking in, this means you have low porosity hair
If the water forms some droplets but sinks in easily afterward, this means your hair has medium porosity
If the water just sinks in, you have high porosity hair and should probably visit a hairdresser pronto

Hair porosity test 2: Float test

Pull a couple of strands of hair from your comb or brush and drop them into a bowl of water. Let them sit for 2-4 minutes.

If the strands float, you have low porosity hair
If they sink, you have high porosity hair

Hair porosity test 3: Touch test

Run your fingers up a hair strand to feel its texture. Place the strand in your fingers, holding onto the end, and pull it slowly through your fingers towards the root.

If it’s smooth, you have low porosity hair
If it’s rough or bumpy you have high porosity hair

Bear in mind that you need to have a full-length strand of hair, if possible. This is because hair towards the end of the strand may feel bumpier because it’s older and has been subjected to more environmental damage.

︎ Low porosity hair products

Despite the fact it may seem like having low porosity hair is the ideal, it does come with some downsides. This means you can’t just use any products for low porosity hair.

For instance, low porosity hair repels moisture. This means that hair masks and treatments have a harder time trying to penetrate the shaft. Low porosity hair is also prone to build-up, especially from protein-rich deep conditioning products. In fact, these can leave the hair feeling stiff and straw-like.

If you have low porosity hair look for lightweight hair milk, protein-free, daily conditioners that contain glycerin or honey. These ingredients are what’s known as humectants and they attract and hold moisture.

FURTHER READING: Best shampoo for every hair type, from dry to curly, natural and fine

Cantu Beauty Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coil Calm Detangler

£6.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Cantu Beauty

Cantu Beauty specialises in products for natural and afro hair, and it’s these hair types that tend to have low porosity. As the name suggests, this detangler contains shea butter and glycerin to condition the hair before styling.

To use, simply spray it on damp hair and comb through. You can do this before styling or when you’re leaving your hair to dry naturally. We’ve listed the Cantu Beauty detangler because it’s the most versatile product, and it’s super affordable, but anything from the Cantu Beauty range will help low porosity hair.

Buy now from Amazon

Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Conditioner

£10 | Buy now from Feelunique

Shea Moisture

This daily, rinse-out conditioner contains shea butter and coconut oil to soften and detangle hair. It also features coconut milk and Acacia Senegal, two lightweight ingredients that penetrate the hair shaft and reduce frizz. Not to mention all this coconut makes your hair smell incredible!

FURTHER READING: What does shampoo and conditioner actually do to your hair?

Buy now from Feelunique

Camille Rose’s Curl Love Moisture Milk

£11.99 | Buy now from Beauty Bay

Camille Rose

Camille Rose’s Curl Love Moisture Milk is incredibly popular and sells out really quickly every time it comes back in stock. And if you can get hold of it, you’ll see why. It contains organic avocado, castor, and macadamia oil, plus rosehip oil, aloe vera, and green tea to soothe and hydrate low porosity hair.

FURTHER READING: Best conditioner for all hair types and budgets

Buy now from Beauty Bay

︎ High porosity hair products

High porosity hair loses moisture easily so it’s important to use leave-in conditioners, moisturisers, and products that seal and protect the hair. High porosity hair will benefit from thick hair butters and rich creams.

If you have high porosity hair you should look out for anti-humectants, or products that promise to protect your hair from humidity. They effectively block moisture from getting into the hair, seals your damaged cuticles, and prevent them from absorbing excess moisture in the air, all while retaining the goodness of your hair products.

OGX Bonding Plex Shampoo

£7.99 | Buy now from Boots

OGX

OGX makes great hair care products without charging a fortune. They’re little hidden gems in supermarkets that often perform better than the higher-end products.

This Bonding Plex shampoo cleanses the hair featuring cystine, a cross-linking polymer, as well as vegetable proteins. These help smooth the hair cuticle and prevent future damage.

FURTHER READING: Hairstory New Wash review: Can this £44 sulphate-free shampoo alternative transform our hair?

Buy now from Beauty Bay

Olaplex Treatment No.3 Hair Perfector

£26 | Buy now from Cult Beauty

Olaplex

Olaplex is a little on the pricey side but it’s worth it. The entire hair repair treatment range is fantastic and really makes a difference to hair after just a single use.

It contains a patented active ingredient that works on a molecular level to seek out broken bonds in the hair before repairing them. The No.3 treatment is used as a pre-shampoo treatment.

FURTHER READING: Best hair dryer 2021: Get salon-worthy locks with these best dryers from GHD, Revlon, Remington and Panasonic

Buy now from Cult Beauty

The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask

£12 | Buy now from Body Shop

Body Shop

This hair mask is the Bargain Buy in our best hair mask list and it’s an absolute classic. Like the Camille Rose Moisture Milk, this sells out a *lot* because the Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask will instantly ramp up the gloss leaving your hair looking and feeling less frizzy while smelling amazing.

Priced at £12, this vegan-friendly mask is particularly great for anyone with dry, brittle, high porosity hair.

FURTHER READING: The best hair masks for dry, fine, curly and natural hair types

Buy now from Body Shop

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment

£19 | Buy now from Boots

Philip Kingsley

The entire Philip Kingsley Elasticizer range, but especially this Deep-Conditioning Treatment helps make the hair more elastic, strong and hydrated. This is a pre-shampoo treatment that reduces the likelihood of breakage. It leaves hair silky, shiny, and manageable without weighing hair down.

It can also be used as a styling cream on natural, coiled hair.

This can be worn overnight, to get an even deeper treatment. If you have fine, high porosity hair then make sure you double shampoo to remove any residue.

Buy now from Body Shop

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

The post This hair porosity test will reveal if you have high, medium or low porosity hair – and which products you need appeared first on mamabella.

What is hair lamination? We explain the latest trend set to take hair salons by storm in 2021

Phee Waterfield — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 12:11:04 +0000

Last year was all about eyebrow lamination. This year it’s all about hair lamination.

Back in January, Glamour published an article about a revolutionary new hair treatment that only took eight seconds to apply. Introduced to the magazine by Dubai-based Sisters Beauty Lounge, the magazine predicted UK and European salons would be offering hair lamination to customers as soon as they were able.

So what is hair lamination and should you book in to get it done once the salons are open again?

Hair lamination

“Hair lamination is an intense treatment that will make your hair smooth, sleek, and highly shiny,” Stephane Ferreira, operations manager of Live True London told mamabella. “The mask, containing oils and protein, must be applied on washed hair and left on so that the hair shaft is penetrated deeply.”

The mask is applied to the exterior of the hair, closing the cuticles and making it water repellent, continued Ferreira. She likens it to a keratin blow-dry, only taking less time to apply.

To work, hair laminated hair needs to be blowdried and styled with a straightening iron. This is why the treatment only takes eight seconds to work compared to treatments like a Keratin blowdry. Unlike the popular blowdry, hair lamination only lasts a couple of weeks, which makes us wonder whether the gloss is worth the potential hair damage.

Hair lamination is a great treatment for anyone looking to fix broken hair and rescuing split ends. According to Carley Jones, co-founder of Manchester-based creative hair and beauty studio Boombae, the mask itself contains ingredients that might not go down so well with vegans.

“Hair lamination… [is] usually completed in salons by professionals by covering your hair in a thin layer of laminate,” she says. “The laminate contains active ingredients such as keratin, gelatin, and oils.”

Pros and cons

Getty Images/iStockphoto

As with some hair treatments, there are downsides to hair lamination.

According to Mark McCarthy, owner of MARK DAVID Salon, this treatment relies on heat to speed up the process which can lead to hair damage. “At MARK DAVID, we have alternative methods that we prefer that do not require heat from a hairdryer to be used and are a lot less damaging on the hair,” he explained.

Renowned hairdresser Michael Van Clarke also has his hesitations about the treatment. “It’s not something we’ve had a chance to test whether it accelerates the thinning and aging of the hair shaft over time.

“It claims to form a barrier to moisture on the surface of the hair and is sealed in with heat. It may be a great occasional use treatment.” He goes onto to explain that it could be like silicone, which provides a barrier to moisture and give “short-term visual benefits.”

“But we now know that it interferes with osmosis — the natural ‘breathing’ of the hair, where hair can recover lost moisture from the atmosphere,” he adds. “Hence long term use of silicone-rich products leave the hair brittle, dry and wasted.”

However, Imogen Fox, YouTube hair stylist and founder of Foxy Locks, believes hair lamination is actually all about “hair nourishment.”

“We fully expect this to become one of the next biggest treatments in the hair world,” she said. “Creating sliky smooth hair in under 10 seconds, this revolutionary process is far less damaging than other techniques.”

The influencer explained that the treatment protects hair against environmental factors for up to three weeks: “The lamination helps bring life back to dull, dry, and damaged hair by locking in moisture and making hair appear up to 8x more hydrated and 5x glossier. The treatment not only helps prevent hair from tangling and reducing the appearance of split ends, but it also protects your colour and increases longevity. What more could you ask for!?”

Can you achieve hair laminated hair at home?

Unfortunately, hair lamination can only really be delivered in the hair salon but there are other treatments that deliver similar results.

“There are numerous products available on the market that mimic or say to do the same thing such as OWOW or a ‘hair botox’ type of product,” advised Jones, from Boombae.

Otherwise, other hair salons offer alternatives to hair lamination which some might prefer.

Dylan Brittain, owner of Rainbow Room International George Square, Schwarzkopf UK Ambassador, and the current Scottish Hairdresser of the Year explained his salon uses a “natural” alternative.

“To create natural, laminated hair in the salon we use Nano Keratin,” he said. “This is a complete smoothing service and is a safe in-salon treatment that will work to recuperate damaged hair, nourish hair and leave [it] looking and feeling soft and shiny.

“Services like Nano Keratin are a great choice to keep hair looking its best for up to three months,” he continued. “Keratin is made from proteins that naturally occur in your hair and nails, which means it’s much kinder to your hair than chemical straightening and is a great way to make your hair a lot more silky and manageable resembling that of a laminated hair look.”

Salon owner Mark David also uses different treatments: “[We use] Olaplex within hair colour and teaming this with a mask or multiple masks at the backwash to make hair the smoothest it has ever been. Professional haircare range, Davies, offers hair mask treatments called The Circle Chronicles that include masks such as The Quick Fix Circle to moisturise, untangle and leave hair silky soft in just a few minutes. Also, The Renaissance Circle, which is a great choice for those who love the laminated hair look.”

His salon also offers Kerastraight Smoothing Treatment, which he says lasts up to four months, can be tailored to each hair type, and provides hair free from frizz. However, it does take “a few hours in the salon.”

Michael Van Clarke also offers a silicone-free hair mask or leave-in conditioner styling products called Lifesaver and Lifesaver UV, which can be a good alternative.

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

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The science of red hair and how to look after it: The best shampoo, conditioner and treatments for ginger hair

Phee Waterfield — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:19:24 +0000

Redheads makeup up to 2% of the world’s population and despite their unique hair colour – created as the result of a mutated gene – us gingers have some interesting features ranging from making our own Vitamin D to being able to detect temperature changes and having a higher pain threshold.

But when it comes to hair care, does being a redhead mean using different products? Should we be avoiding ingredients that could damage our hair? When it comes to hair colouring, can ginger hair be dyed?

To get to the bottom of his hairy mystery, we’ve spoken to experts from within the industry and rounded up the best products for red hair.

The Science Behind Being A Redhead

Compared to blondes and brunettes, redheads are rare for a number of reasons.

“Both parents must be carriers of the MC1R gene variant to be able to produce children with red hair,” Dr. Ophelia Veraitch, consultant dermatologist at the Cranley Clinic in Harley Street told mamabella. “There is a 25% chance of this if they don’t have red hair themselves.”

Veraitch goes on to explain that red hair is distinctive from other hair colours because of the balance of pigment. There are two types of chemical pigment melanin — pheomelanin and eumelanin. These are what give hair its colouring.

“Cells called melanocytes create melanin in protein clusters called melanosomes,” continues Veraitch. “The melanin is transported to keratinocytes, which are barrier cells in the top layer of the skin — this gives skin its colour. At the base of hair follicles, melanosomes bond with the keratin cells that produce hair and this is what gives hair its colour.”

While eumelanin ranges from brown to black in colour, pheomelanin ranges from red to pink. Natural redheads have more pheomelanin in their bodies and this influences their hair colour as well as their skin colour — redheads often have lighter or paler skin tones, for instance.

Unlike other hair colours, being a redhead can come with complications that others might take for granted. “Red hair holds its pigment tighter than other hair colours, which means that in order to dye it, the colour needs to be stripped with bleach first – in order for a new colour to take,” explains Dr. Veraitch.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Red hair is also more easily influenced by external factors, such as sunlight. According to Schwarzkopf, pheomelanin pigments are light sensitive so the company advises ginger-haired sun lovers use UV protection hair products or wear a hat to protect both their hair and scalp.

Veraitch concurs: “People with red hair tend to have fairer skin and are more likely to develop skin cancer. In fact, studies suggest that redheads are approximately 2.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer than people with other hair colours.”

It’s not all doom and gloom for gingers though. Redheads have less hair than their blonde and brunette peers, but each strand of hair is thicker than the other shades. Red hair also doesn’t go grey — it just fades to rose gold and then to white.

For those who haven’t been blessed with an increase of pheomelanin but dream of having red locks, there is hope.

According to L’Oreal, there is a red tone to suit every skin type. However, the darker the hair, the more lightning or “lifting” the hair will need. Once the transition has happened, use colour-safe shampoos and conditioners to keep the red vibrant or it will fade with each wash.

FURTHER READING: What hair colour suits me? Hollywood stylist Paul Edmonds reveals the key rule you need to know

Best Hair Care For Redheads

Best Shampoo and Conditioner for red hair: Gingerful Henna and Rose Bundle – £17.95
Best UV Protection: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil – £23.50
Best Mask for red hair: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Mask – £32
Best For Scalp: Weleda Revitalising Hair Tonic – £13.50
Best Colour Intensifier for red hair: Superdrug Colour Effects Wash In Hair Dye Warm Copper Gold – £1.99
Best After Sun for hair: TIGI Bed Head Totally Beachin Mellow After-Sun Conditioner – £14.50

︎ Gingerful Henna and Rose Bundle

£17.95 | Buy now from Gingerful

Gingerful

Why we love it: It’s so difficult to find hair cleansing products specifically for red hair on the high street, so this bundle is the answer to our redheaded dreams. According to Gingerful, the shampoo and conditioner work “in complete harmony” with one another to bring out the multi-tonal low- and highlights found in red hair.

Known for its red dying properties, henna is an unusual ingredient to find in hair cleansers but it definitely brings out the vibrance of red hair. Then, armed with rose the smell of the bundle, it leaves our hair smelling divine.

Gingerful’s products are vegan, gluten-free, sulfate, silicone, and paraben-free, and cruelty-free. The bottle is also made from sustainable sugarcane.

How to use: Apply the shampoo to the roots and massage into the scalp and hair. Leave on for one minute and rinse. For the conditioner apply to the midsection through to the ends of the hair, combing through with your fingers. Leave on for five minutes and rinse.

FURTHER READING: Why sodium lauryl sulfate found in high-street shampoos is being shunned by experts

Buy now from Gingerful

︎ Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

£23.50 | Buy now from Aveda

Aveda

Why we love it: Did you know you needed UV protection for red hair? In fact, hair of any colour (not to mention the scalp) can benefit from being protected by SPF.

Don’t worry though — there’s no need to apply thick sunscreen to your hair and scalp. The Aveda hair mist is a lightweight, water-resistant defence against UV rays. It forms an invisible screen against sun exposure to minimise damage and dryness. For redheads, making sure that each strand of hair is protected is key as they have fewer hair strands than other hair colours.

The mist can be used alone or in combination with a three-part defence and recovery system from the brand. Ingredients include UVA and UVB filters derived from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils, known for protecting against the drying effects of the sun.

How to use: Using this mist is as simple as spraying evenly on dry or damp hair before and during sun exposure. Start with a small amount and layer as needed. Aveda says to not saturate hair, and make sure you reapply after swimming.

FURTHER READING: What is SPF and why is it so important?

Buy now from Aveda

︎ Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Mask

£32 | Buy now from Amazon

Bumble and Bumble

Why we love it: This product isn’t specifically for redheads but it certainly does the job for us. This weekly hair mask treatment is designed to nourish and moisturise hair strands for up to 72 hours, leaving it softer and reducing frizz.

Formulated with a blend of oils such as coconut, macadamia, sweet almond, argan and more, as well as plant extracts, this mask is suitable for all hair textures and densities — making it ideal for dry, damaged and colour and chemically treated hair.

How to use: This product should be used weekly as a pre-shampoo treatment. Apply to dry hair and leave on for five minutes, then rinse. If you have extra dry hair the mask can be left on for up to 20 minutes.

FURTHER READING: The best hair masks for dry, fine, curly and natural hair types

Buy now from Amazon

︎ Weleda Revitalising Hair Tonic

£13.50 | Buy now from Amazon

Weleda

Why we love it: A healthy scalp means a healthy set of hair and Weleda’s hair tonic definitely leaves our scalp feeling nourished.

The company behind products such as Skin Food has created this rosemary-infused tonic to be massaged into the scalp to strengthen hair and invigorate the scalp.

It doesn’t weigh down the roots, which can be a problem with some similar products we’ve used, and it soaks in quickly allowing you to get on with your day. It also smells amazing so there’s no need to worry about hair freshness.

How to use: Apply to your scalp morning and evening, massaging into the skin and roots. We also used this in combination with Philip Kingsley’s Flaky/Itchy Scalp Soothing Dry Shampoo in-between washes.

FURTHER READING: Best scalp tonics: Unlock the secret to longer, healthier hair with these scalp treatments

Buy now from Amazon

︎ Superdrug Colour Effects Wash In Hair Dye Warm Copper Gold

£1.99 | Buy now from Superdrug

Superdrug

Why we love it: Perfect for people wanting to experiment with red hair, or those looking to intensify their natural colour, the Superdrug Colour Effects Copper Gold conditioning colour adds warm red tones to light brown and mid-brown hair. According to Superdrug, it can also be used on natural hair for subtle tones as well as colour hair to boost colour and prevent fading.

This easy-to-use formula doesn’t damage your hair and leaves it in great condition. The price tag doesn’t’ hurt the bank either.

How to use: After shampooing, use it as a conditioner. The longer the conditioner is left in, the redder the final colour will be.

FURTHER READING: Best hair dye: Dye your hair at home and hide those lockdown roots safely and easily

Buy now from Superdrug

︎ TIGI Bed Head Totally Beachin Mellow After-Sun Conditioner

£14.50 | Buy now from Lookfantastic

Bed Head

Why we love it: Just like our skin, our hair needs to be nourished after sun exposure and the TIGI Bed Head after sun conditioner is exactly the solution we need for beautiful post-sun locks.

According to TIGI Bed Head, this colour-safe formula is designed to protect and care for hair, using a UV complex to help maintain colour vibrancy. It also has a dose of Aloe Vera, just like the After Sun you would have likely used on your skin, plus antioxidant Vitamin E to target signs of damage.

The smell is refreshing — locks smell of sweet mango and tangerine, reminding us of those tropical beaches and citrusy cocktails.

How to use: Work thoroughly into wet hair after shampooing and leave in for one-three minutes. Rinse.

FURTHER READING: Best hair dryer 2021: Get salon-worthy locks with these best dryers from GHD, Revlon, Remington and Panasonic

Buy now from Lookfantastic

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

The post The science of red hair and how to look after it: The best shampoo, conditioner and treatments for ginger hair appeared first on mamabella.

What skincare ingredients to avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding: Experts reveal what’s safe to use, and what to avoid

Phee Waterfield — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 16:14:03 +0000

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are special, unique times. But when you’re a first-time mum – or to be honest, any-time mum – it can be overwhelming being bombarded with information about what is safe to eat, drink, and wear, and more importantly, what isn’t.

This extends to skincare, and skincare ingredients. There are certain ingredients found in everyday products that might not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, including the current ingredient-de-jour, retinol.

So whether you’re new to being a parent or on your 10th cherub, we have spoken to the experts to get the latest on which skincare ingredients to avoid while pregnant, and while breastfeeding.

What skincare ingredients to avoid while pregnant

We’ve all heard how skin becomes glowy and silky smooth during the trimesters, but due to hormones there is a lot more going on than meets the eye, as Cydney Beasley, makeup artist and advanced skincare specialist explained to mamabella.

SKINCARE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID WHILE PREGNANT

In summary, these are the skincare ingredients to avoid while pregnant are:

Caffeine
Hydroquinone
Retinol
Salicylic acid
Dihydroxyacetone
Erythrulose

This is not an exhaustive list and you should always check the labels on your skincare and makeup.

“Pregnancy is a big time of change for your body and skin and everyone sees different changes,” she said. “All pregnancies are hormone-driven and this creates many changes to your skin, in more than 90% of women.

“Many women flush due to blood volume increases, up to 50%,” she continues. “This increase can cause cheeks to blush and the face can increase in redness, cause rosacea, or create a so-called ‘pregnancy mask.'”

Beasley also said that hyperpigmentation is not unusual during pregnancy, either, nor is oily skin and acne.

With so many changes going on within the body, many parents might become overwhelmed by having to research which ingredients they can now use, but Beasley explains that strict safety laws are in place to help.

In the UK, the cosmetics industry is regulated by a European law known as REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.

Considered one of the most complex regulations in Europe, chemical manufacturers have to meet specific criteria before taking products to market, including processes such as animal testing.

“All cosmetic products in the UK will have a label on the packaging if they are not suitable for use during pregnancy,” Beasley told us, giving us some tips on what to avoid when we’re growing a human.

“One type of product that I would avoid using is any anti-ageing creams and lightening creams as these can be very harmful due to their ingredients such as caffeine, hydroquinone and retinol.”

Beasley also advises that pregnant women should avoid essential oils in products, which can be toxic to the uterus — these include wintergreen and jasmine. “Most certainly, [you should avoid] any essential oils in the first trimester. If you like using essential oils you can get approved blends which are non toxic and less than 2%.”

Kate Kerr, clinical facialist and founder of Kate Kerr London Advanced Skin Therapy, also advises against pregnant and breastfeeding mothers using products containing salicylic acid.

This is due to it being a metabolite of aspirin, which has been linked to cases of Reye’s syndrome – a rare but serious disorder that causes liver and brain damage. “It’s a blanket ban [for children],” explains Kerr.

And if you like to top up their tan during the winter months, you may have to take a break.

Spray tans and tanning products typically contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose and there is contradicting scientific evidence about whether or not this harms the baby or not.

What skincare ingredients to avoid when breastfeeding

For breastfeeding, similar rules apply.

“When breastfeeding you have to be careful as all products are absorbed into the skin and they can also be directly absorbed into our bloodstream,” continued Beasley. “You need to check for retinoids, petroleum and paraben.

“Also, what many people might not know is that what you put on the skin can affect your milk production. Therefore I would recommend choosing organic and natural skincare products, and avoid fake tanning.”

So, what can you use? “Anything with lactic acid, glycolic acid (AHAs) and hyaluronic acid (HA), antioxidants, peptides, and shea butter can all be used safely.”

Kerr also recommends that pregnant women should cleanse with gel-based products, exfoliate with scrubs, and use plenty of SPF.

FURTHER READING: The truth about the acids lurking in your skincare and What SPF do I need?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe skincare and makeup

Disclaimer: Be sure to read all product labels before using them on your skin. Always consult a doctor or midwife if you have any concerns about the safety of a product or a particular ingredient.

︎ Little Butterfly London antioxidant serum

£49 | Buy now from Little Butterfly London

Little Butterfly London

Why we love it: This serum is organically certified, specifically formulated, and dermatologist-approved for sensitive, reactive, dry, or acne-prone skin. Beasley said: “It’s packed full of natural skin hydrators and antioxidants including; moss, seaweed, hibiscus flower, orchid, seaweed and bilberry extract.”

How to use: This serum should be used in the mornings and evenings. After cleansing and drying, apply a small amount and tap into the skin with your fingertips to help penetration.

FURTHER READING: The science of serums: What is serum and what does serum do?

Buy now from Little Butterfly London

︎ Biotherm Aquasource Daily Regenerating Gel

£54.53 | Buy now from Amazon

Biotherm

Why we love it: This cooling gel is enriched with medicinal Aura Leaf and Life Plankton, is paraben-free, and mineral oil-free.

If prefer your skin to feel fresh and creamy, this gel is perfect for you as it melts on the skin. It is also suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, and provides up to 48 hours of hydration for your skin.

How to use: You can apply this product in the morning and at night to the face and neck avoiding the eye area.

FURTHER READING: The truth about beauty supplements: Do they work and which ones should you take?

Buy now from Amazon

︎ Neal’s Yard Mother’s Balm Moisturiser

£20 | Buy now from Neal’s Yard

Neal's Yard

Why we love it: It’s organic. It’s fragrance-free. It’s great for sensitive skin. What isn’t to love about this moisturiser? This balm helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks, using ingredients such as nourishing oils and beeswax to replenish, soothe and boost the skin’s elasticity. It is also AllergyCertified so great for those who are prone to outbreaks due to skin allergies.

Of course, because it uses beeswax, it’s not suitable for vegans.

How to use: Warm a small amount of balm in your hands and gently massage into skin, avoiding the nipple area. This is because you don’t want the baby to ingest it during breastfeeding. This balm can be applied morning and evening during and after pregnancy. For best results apply twice daily.

FURTHER READING: Best stretch mark cream: From Bio Oil to Burt’s Bees Belly Butter, these are the best ways to prevent stretch marks

Buy now from Neal's Yard

︎ Dr. Hauschka Blackthorn Toning Body Oil

£21 | Buy now from Feelunique

Dr. Hauschka

Why we love it: The blackthorn blossom in this body oil tones the skin and keeps it supple, reducing the look of stretch marks. It also includes ingredients such as birch leaf extracts, which enhance skin elasticity, St. John’s wort, and jojoba oil, which support the skin’s natural processes of renewal and fortification. Dr. Hauschka products are PETA certified cruelty-free, too.

“Dr. Hauschka also does a lovely range of lead-free lipsticks made with rose and almond oils,” added Beasley.

How to use: The oil can be applied to the skin after bathing or showering when absorption is most effective. Apply evenly and massage into the skin — or get your partner to do so.

FURTHER READING: The best body firming creams, lotions and oils that *actually* work

Buy now from Feelunique

︎ REN Glow Daily Vitamin Cream Gel

£38 | Buy now from Cult Beauty

REN Skincare

Why we love it: We’re big fans of REN’s skincare range so we’re happy that we’re allowed to use it when pregnant.

Vitamin C is pregnancy safe and also helps combat any areas of hyperpigmentation. This light gel-cream moisturiser hydrates and illuminates the skin, using Tara Pod extract to help with your complexion. Magnesium, along with Vitamin C, helps smooth and re-energise the skin, giving it that perfect glow.

How to use: Massage into face and neck morning and evening after cleansing.

FURTHER READING: Skin serum, facial oil or moisturiser: What’s the difference and which one do you need?

Buy now from Cult Beauty

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more

The post What skincare ingredients to avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding: Experts reveal what’s safe to use, and what to avoid appeared first on mamabella.

Spotlight on Balance Me: The honest, natural skincare brand

Phee Waterfield — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 20:23:54 +0000

For some of us, our skincare routine is a necessity we dedicate five minutes to each day and think nothing more about it. For others, their skincare routine is like meditation — quality time to focus on self-care. And the latter is the idea behind the natural skincare brand, Balance Me.

In previous articles, we’ve looked at science-led skincare brands such as The Ordinary and Carbon Theory, which both have affordable, good quality products. So what makes Balance Me different, as well as worthy to feature in our Brand Spotlight series?

The company believes skincare can have a dramatic effect not only on the skin but also your daily wellbeing. The self-described champions of balance take this philosophy into account when selecting ingredients for its products, making sure fragrances are 100% natural and have mood-enhancing benefits.

A Brief History of Balance Me

Balance Me

Balance Me is relatively new compared to other skincare brands, but its disruptive mission distracts from this. Founded in 2005, sisters Rebecca and Clare found that long-term stresses and their fast-paced living had taken its toll on their health and skin. This realisation became the birth of Balance Me.

Dealing with their own skin reactions from sensitive skin, to hormonal breakouts, they turned to natural skincare, which they say wasn’t highly regarded by consumers or the beauty industry at the time. The sisters retrained in reflexology and aromatherapy, working with essential oils, and created an ethos to give people back the balance they needed.

Today, the brand focuses on providing their customers with clean formulas for every life stage and age — from the first signs of ageing, through early motherhood, teenage years, hormonal changes and more.

Why we love Balance Me

When we think about some of the biggest skincare brands on the market, natural ingredients are not the first thing that springs to mind. This is where Balance Me disrupts the industry and captures our hearts (and our pores).

To bring balance back to its customers, the company focus on three areas:

Sourcing the right ingredients to solve skin concerns
Blending the right fragrance from essential oils to uplift and relax
Creating textures and consistencies that bring joy on application

And boy, the company delivers. The products feel luxurious — all you need is a pea-sized amount on your finger so they last longer. They smell heavenly and address skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, redness, dryness and more. If you also have skin issues such as eczema and pigmentation, the brand has dedicated products for those very specific concerns.

All Balance Me products are 100% cruelty free, and the company is 100% open about the ingredients and formulations — so there are no nasty surprises. The brand itself is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, making its packaging recyclable. It’s also a British company that manufacturers within the UK.

The best Balance Me products

For glowing skin: Vitamin C Repair Serum — £32
For plump, smooth skin: Collagen Boost Moisturiser – £26
Reduce blemishes and shine: PHA Clarifying Mist — £18
Deep cleansing: Pure Skin Face Wash – £16
For fine lines and wrinkles: Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum — £32

1. Vitamin C Repair Serum

£32 | Buy now from Balance Me

Balance Me

Who’s it for? Anyone who has dehydrated and dull skin.

Why we love it: One pump of this smoothing serum brightens the skin. If you also have uneven skin tone and pigmentation, this serum is for you.

It contains hyaluronic acid, which instantly hydrates, Olive Squalane to boost cell regeneration, Boerhavia Diffusa to even out skin tone and reduce dark spots, and Vitamin C to help with anti-ageing and plump up the skin.

How to use it: Smooth one pump of serum onto a cleansed face, neck and decolletage, using gentle, upward strokes. Balance Me recommends using an SPF in the morning after use, though we also suggest using a moisturiser as part of a multiple-layer skin routine.

FURTHER READING: How to layer your skincare: Knowing the best skincare order will help make the most of your products

Buy now from Balance Me

2. Collagen Boost Moisturiser

£26 | Buy now from Balance Me

Balance Me

Who’s it for? Those with skin that is showing visible signs of ageing or anyone who needs to boost collagen production.

Why we love it: Some moisturisers feel like a face mask when you apply them to the skin, leaving a sticky sheen.

However, this product delivers smooth skin without overwhelming the skin. You only need one pump, so it lasts for a while. It also smells amazing!

We’ve paired this with the Vitamin C Repair Serum and they work well together — not surprising as they both contain hyaluronic acid.

It also includes Tri-Peptide, which tricks the body into producing more collagen; Blackberry Leaf, an antioxidant rich extract that boosts elastin in your skin; and Pea Peptide, which is described as a world first to restore skin cell strength. Two of those count as some of your five a day, right?

How to use it: Smooth an even layer of cream over a cleansed face, neck and décolletage, using gentle upward strokes.

FURTHER READING: What is hyaluronic acid and what does it do to your skin?

Buy now from Balance Me

3. PHA Clarifying Mist

£18 | Buy now from Balance Me

Balance Me

Who’s it for? Anyone who needs a gentle solution for blemishes.

Why we love it: This mist is one solution for multiple problems. A couple of sprays leaves your skin feeling clean and less congested, while reducing future breakouts.

The product contains Zinc, which addresses shine making this mist perfect for oily skin, Allantoin, known for reducing redness and inflammation, and Witch Hazel, which tightens the skin and also works to reduce redness.

It’s suitable for most skin types including teenage skin, sensitive skin, oily and combination skin and others.

How to use it: Spray onto cleansed skin and pat in until it’s fully absorbed. You can use it in the morning or at night as well as throughout the day as needed. Can be used on any area of breakouts including the face, shoulders and back.

FURTHER READING: How to master makeup for oily skin, according to the experts

Buy now from Balance Me

4. Pure Skin Face Wash

£16 | Buy now from Balance Me

Balance Me

Who’s it for? Those who like a gentle skin awakening in the morning and don’t like cleansing milks or balms.

Why we love it: Firstly, it smells out of this world — you can thank the Moringa and Frankincense oils for that.

The cleanser is gel-based, which means people who dislike using balms or milks can really do a deep cleanse in the morning.

It includes Rice Bran Oil, which has high levels of Vitamin E, Vitamin B as well as Omega-9 to boost hydration, reduce pigmentation and even out skin tone.

It also includes Frankincense, which helps protect skin cells and the appearance of large pores, acne and blemishes. Moringa oil is full of Omega-9 fatty acids that have antimicrobial properties.

How to use it: Gently massage all over a damp face to remove all makeup, keeping your eyes closed. Rinse with warm water, or use a damp cloth. If you prefer to use this in the evening, use a cleansing balm beforehand for a double cleanse.

Buy now from Balance Me

5. Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum

£32 | Buy now from Balance Me

Balance Me

Who’s it for? Anyone worried about their makeup getting ruined.

Why we love it: This product is a 100% natural plant-based retinol alternative, which makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin and are prone to redness. It also makes it safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It includes ingredients such as Bakuchiol, an alternative to Vitamin A, which stimulates the production of collagen and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and Terminalia Cherbula, which is a Ayurvedic antioxidant that maintains hydration and controls inflammation. It also has Cacay Oil, which comes from the Amazonian Cacy tree. This helps with smoothing, radiance and hydration.

How to use it: Smooth one pump of serum onto a cleansed face, neck and chest day or night. Follow with an SPF if you use it in the morning.

Buy now from Balance Me

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Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more