Category: Beauty Note

THE TRUTH ABOUT KYLIE SKIN!

Published on by Lee2 Comments

So as soon as Kylie mentioned she was moving into skincare, the beauty world held its breath in anticipation and penciled the release date in their calendars – we needn’t remind you that Kylie cosmetics typically sell out in 24 hours! Like I said in my Kylie Skin Review, since its’ launch, many people including beauty gurus have been praising the line as well as critiquing it.

The main concerns from the public are about the two ingredients used in her product line – squalane and hydroxyacetophenone. The issues seem to be around the sourcing of these ingredients, which I don’t find to be a problem (read on). Instead, my only issue is the use of vitamin C and sodium benzoate in the Kylie Skin cleanser.

Kylie Skin — Squalane and Hydroxyacetophenone Controversy

After reviewing multiple critiques about the issue, I want to take defense for Kylie Skin about these two ingredients. The official website and Kylie herself stated that all Kylie Skin products are vegan and cruelty-free. However, according to the widespread critiques, in Kylie Skin products’ ingredient list, squalane, which is found in both the Kylie Skin Vanilla Milk Toner and Kylie Skin Walnut Face Scrub, is derived from sharks; Hydroxyacetophenone, used in Foaming face wash and Vanilla Milk Toner, is derived from beavers. If this were true, that would make the ingredients the products decidedly un-“cruelty-free” since these are taken from animals.

However, it’s important to know that there are alternative ways to obtain these ingredients, and such alternatives can make Kylie’s products compatible with being vegan and cruelty-free. For instance, chemists used to derive solely squalane from shark liver oils, but they’ve now found ways to derive squalane from olives and sugarcane.

I actually just wrote a comprehensive blog post that explains the difference between these two types of squalane, and we found that both sugarcane-derived squalane and olive-derived squalane are high-quality and actually more economical to source than shark livers, especially sugarcane in the latter regard. In fact, most skincare products nowadays have already stopped using the shark-derived squalane, instead using plant-derived squalane. Think about it this way, if you can get the same quality of squalane from olives or sugarcane, why do you want to take it from sharks that are very costly and may make your brand nefarious to ever-increasing numbers of people who want cruelty-free ingredients? Besides, as Kylie clarified later, her squalane is from olives.

Another controversial ingredient was hydroxyacetophenone, which is used in the Kylie Skin Foaming Face Wash and Kylie Skin Vanilla Milk Toner. There are three types of hydroxyacetophenone: 2-Hydroxyacetophenone, 3-Hydroxyacetophenone, and 4-Hydroxyacetophenone. Of these, only the 3-Hydroxyacetophenone is from mature beavers and it can’t even be used as an ingredient in personal care products. According to Chemicalbook.com, 3-Hydroxyacetophenone is a hazardous chemical compound which may cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory irritation. It’s even recommended for lab researchers to wear protective clothing and wash hands thoroughly after handling this material due to its harm to skin. And unlike many ingredients that are warned about in only very high concentrations, small amounts of 3-hydroxyacetophenone can be a problem. As you can see, it’s quite obvious that this is not the type of Hydroxyacetophenone used in the Kylie Skin ingredients.

However, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone is the one that was used in Kylie Skin products — a completely different compound. 4-Hydroxyacetophenone is an ingredient that can be commonly used in pharmaceutical drugs, and it’s found in needles and mycorrhizal roots of Norway spruces, which makes it compatible with being vegan. It works with preservatives to boost its efficacy and prevent skincare products from corrosions.

My Actual Concern: Kylie Skin Foaming Face Wash

Rather than these two ingredients, I have more concerns about the formula used in Foaming Face Wash. The official websites describes this cleanser as “infused with ultra-nourishing kiwi seed oil, packed with Vitamin C and E to help maintain moisture and improve elasticity.”

However, in the ingredient list I’ve found a debating combination: Vitamin C and sodium benzoate. These two ingredients are known to create benzene together in the presence of light and air. Kylie Skin foaming face wash’ transparent package is apparently not enough to protect the contents from light, and may leave the product vulnerable to outside light, so I wouldn’t want to use it. Further, it’s a known fact that skin care products contain Vitamin C should be stored in opaque and airless containers. Kylie Skin did a great job on airless packaging as none of its product is stored in jars, but the transparent packages of face wash again can make the beneficial ingredients inside like vitamin C lose its potency due to the exposure to light.

Last but not least, walnut scrub is one product that receives a lot of critiques about its main ingredient: walnut shell powder. It’s scientifically shown to be impossible to make walnut shell particles smooth, and therefore may cause microscopic scrapes on skin during the usage. It does sound frightening, but it works pretty much the same way as all physical exfoliators do. Typically, physical exfoliators are more harsh, and more difficult to handle since some of them may bring irritation and sensitivities to skin. That’s why the majority of dermatologists recommend using chemical exfoliators instead, since chemical exfoliators are proven to work more effective and more gentle on skin. My recommendation for using the walnut face scrub is to use carefully and gently, use it less often than you did with other exfoliators, most importantly, pay attention to how your skin react and adjust your way of using it based on your skin conditions.

Bottom Line

I like the Kylie Skin line overall, and do find it to be cruelty-free, despite the controversy you might read online elsewhere. But I would avoid the Kylie Skin Foaming Face Wash, if for no other reason than its combination of vitamin C and sodium benzoate, which I do not like.

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Disclaimer:

The purpose of this blog is for skin care and beauty-related reviews and tips only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Information posted should not be construed as personal medical advice. Posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

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CBD and Essential Oils: A Few Mixes You Can Try

Published on by Lee4 Comments

With more and more research coming out that shines a light on the reported health benefits of CBD and essential oils, people are starting to experiment with combining the two and achieving some surprising results.

While there are many potential benefits, it’s important to combine your CBD oil and essential oils carefully to avoid unwanted effects.

Before jumping in and mixing up your own CBD and essential oil blend, it’s important that you educate yourself on these beneficial compounds and their potential uses. Continue on for an explanation of how essential oils and CBD act on your body separately, as well as how certain combinations of the two could provide maximum relief from certain conditions.

What Are Essential Oils and How Do They Work?

Essential oil is a generalized term that describes a concentrated oil derived from plant material. These highly concentrated oils and are usually made by cold-pressing the plant parts, or through a steam-distillation process. Essentials oils can be made from the seeds, leaves, stems, roots, and even the fruits of plants.

Many essential oils are reported to have a variety of health benefits when used properly. Reportedly, by way of stimulating the limbic system, many of these essential oils are able to elicit positive physiological and psychoactive effects.

Some potential use cases for essential oils include:

  • Alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Aiding digestion
  • Pain relief
  • Skincare
  • Sleep aid

Essential oils derived from lavender and sandalwood may provide calming effects from their smell alone. Others, such as peppermint oil, may calm your digestive system when taken orally in small amounts.

Terpenes in CBD Oil and Essential Oils

While CBD oil and essential oils are talked about quite a bit, terpenes have flown under the radar until very recently. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that give plants their distinct aromas, flavors, and colors. Unsurprisingly, terpenes are found in essential oils and certain types of CBD oils.

The cannabis plant produces over 100 different terpenes and researchers have found many to offer various potential health benefits. Pinene, for example, is found both in pine trees and cannabis plants and has shown potential as an effective anxiety reducer.

To access the benefits of terpenes in your CBD oil, you’ll likely need to find a product that’s broad- or full-spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD oils are made from the whole hemp plant, so they keep the other compounds, like THC and terpenes, intact; broad-spectrum CBD products include everything a full-spectrum CBD oil does except THC. Alternatively, some items made with CBD isolate will include terpenes that have been added to the finished product.

Whether producing a refreshing scent, enhancing your mood, or exerting benefits on your physical body, terpenes are crucial components of essential oils and CBD oil alike. Through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, terpenes work with the other natural compounds in CBD oil to produce amplified benefits. For this reason, adding more terpenes to the mix via essential oils could boost the positive effects you receive from your CBD oil.

CBD and Essential Oil Potential Uses

CBD and essential oils have many claimed uses and benefits, many of which have overlap in their methods of application and action.

Many essential oils elicit effects when simply breathed in, while others need to be applied topically. Oral ingestion is also an option, though it’s important you educate yourself on the individual oil you are interested in, as some essential oils, such as birch, cedar wood, or eucalyptus are dangerous when eaten or drank.

CBD oil is available in many forms, and can easily be combined with a lot of the more popular essential oils. Edibles, vaporizers, capsules, topicals, and drops are available which make combining CBD with essential oils easy.

Here’s a closer look at some of the ways essential oils can be combined with CBD oil to increase their potential benefits.

Bergamot Essential Oil and CBD Oil to Calm Anxiety

Bergamot oil is an essential oil derived from the bergamot orange and has a citrus scent. Researchers have found that inhaling bergamot oil improves mood and even relieve symptoms of anxiety.

Quite a few studies have also looked into CBD oil’s potential anti-anxiety effects. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that during animal studies, CBD had the potential to reduce stress and decreased signs of anxiety in test subjects.

Furthermore, a study conducted on test subjects with social anxiety disorder found those who were given 600 mg of CBD before a public speaking test showed significantly fewer signs of anxiety and discomfort than those given a placebo.

To enjoy and capitalize on the anti-anxiety effects of both bergamot and CBD oil, add a few drops of bergamot oil to a cloth, or apply it to your pulse points (wrists, neck, temples) for easy inhalation throughout the day. Combine this with a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue or a CBD edible for added long-lasting relief. If you need additional, on-the-spot anxiety relief, a CBD vape coupled with a few sniffs of bergamot oil should do the trick.

Chamomile Essential Oil and CBD Oil for Depression

Chamomile oil is derived from the chamomile plant and has a variety of uses. Aside from its calming and digestion-aiding properties, chamomile may also provide relief from the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Researchers from Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review conducted a study examining the effect of ingested chamomile extract on patients with depression, anxiety, or a combination of the two. The results were meaningful, and the study concluded, “Chamomile may provide clinically meaningful antidepressant activity that occurs in addition to its previously observed anxiolytic [anti-anxiety] activity.”

CBD oil has been shown to have antidepressant qualities too, through its activation of the 5-HT1A receptor. By acting on this neural pathway, CBD is able to make more serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of wellbeing, available in the brain. Traditional antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective by similar mechanisms.

If you’re thinking about combining chamomile oil with CBD oil, there are a few different ways to do so. Chamomile oil is safe for consumption, so you can try adding it, along with a few drops of CBD oil, to a cup of tea, coffee, or water. You can also keep a bottle of chamomile oil handy for inhalation throughout the day, and take a CBD edible or capsule in the morning for longer-lasting relief from depressive symptoms.

Lavender Oil and CBD Oil for Better Sleep

Derived from the lavender plant, lavender oil is widely accepted as a natural sleep aid.

A 2005 study examining 31 young men and women who were “healthy sleepers” found lavender to produce mild sedative effects and promote slow-wave and deep-wave sleep. All participants reported feeling more vigorous and better rested the next morning.

Sleep is essential for cognitive function as well as muscle repair and relaxation. Like lavender oil, CBD oil has also shown promise as a sleep aid.

CBD has been found to decrease cortisol levels, reducing stress in the body. Cortisol is produced as a response to stress, keeping the body alert and prepared to react to external stressors or stimuli. Today, stress—and high cortisol levels—have become a part of daily life, which can take a toll on your mental and physical body. CBD regulates these cortisol levels, ultimately reducing stress and allowing your mind and body to relax and recover. When you’re at ease, you can more easily fall asleep and stay asleep.

CBD has also been found to reduce the involuntary muscle movements involved with REM behavior disorder (RBD). RBD often occurs in people with conditions like Parkinson’s disease and it can lead to self-injury and sleep disturbances.

Lavender oil and CBD oil can easily be used in combination. There are products available on the market, like tinctures and lotions, that already combine the two. But if you didn’t want to spring for yet another product, you can work with what you already have.

Add lavender oil to a diffuser, warm bath, or your pulse points for its aromatherapy benefits. Then, take your nightly CBD oil dose and it won’t be long before you feel the calming, stress-relieving benefits that help you to drift off for a peaceful, restorative sleep. Adding a few drops of CBD oil to a lavender tea is another way to reap the benefits of this combination.

Peppermint Oil and CBD Oil for Digestive Relief

Peppermint essential oil comes from the peppermint plant and has been identified as a potential remedy for indigestion.

In a review of 14 clinical trials done on nearly 200 children, peppermint showed potential to reduce the length, severity, and frequency or abdominal pain.

In another study with 200 participants who were receiving chemotherapy treatments for cancer, capsules containing peppermint oil appeared to reduce the occurrence and intensity of vomiting and nausea, compared to those given a placebo.

Like peppermint oil, CBD oil may provide relief from digestive upset. Researchers used several different methods to tests its effectiveness in reducing the inflammation associated with colitis. CBD was found to provide potential relief from gastrointestinal inflammation, and if taken prior to its onset, could potentially even prevent it.

One way to combine peppermint oil and CBD oil for relief of digestion problems is in the form of a tea. Adding a few drops of CBD oil to a freshly brewed cup of peppermint tea may be a great way to enjoy relief from indigestion and general stomach upset. If you’d prefer not to drink or taste the CBD oil, taking a CBD capsule with your tea is an easy alternative.

There is a great deal of potential for finding amplified relief and benefits when combining essential oils with CBD oil. As both are naturally occurring and typically gentle on the body, you should be able to safely experiment with different mixtures of your favorite essential oils and CBD products. However, if you experience adverse effects, talk to your doctor immediately.

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5 Hacks for Scoring the Best Beauty Products at Walmart

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

Breeze in and out with your best haul ever.

Walmart has undergone some pretty major upgrades recently—think: locally grown produce, helpful customer hosts, free two-day shipping (more on that below), and seamless in-store pick-up, just to name a few.

And when it comes to beauty, it can truly be your one-stop shop. The retailer isn’t just for steals—though there are tons of them—they also have some pretty cool prestige beauty brands (we’re talking Nars, Guerlain, Marc Jacobs fragrance…), plus on-trend, beauty-editor approved K-beauty products from Innisfree, Sulwhasoo, Tony Moly, Cosrx, and more. If you know how to navigate these (often huge) stores, you can score serious deals, find products you’d never expect, and get beauty advice you can’t find anywhere else.

Wanna shop like a pro during your next visit? Here are five hacks to incorporate into your browsing routine ASAP.

1. Download the App

You need the Walmart app. It has Walmart Pay (a PIN-code linked to your credit, debit, or gift card), which easily allows you to reorder staples like soap, toothpaste, and even mascara. It also allows you to coordinate in-store pick-ups, create lists of your essentials, and so much more.

2. Go for the in-House Brand

Stock up on staples and save some extra cash by trying out Walmart’s own Equate Beauty line. The chicly packaged products save you money but don’t skimp on quality. You see, the best thing about “generic” beauty brands like this is that they can replicate some of your favorite products…often for half the cost. You can shop everything from body lotion to oil-free makeup remover, priced mostly under $10.

3. Shop Online and Skip the Line

Consider the app and website your personal shopping concierge. Want what you ordered right now? No problem. (Hey, beauty emergencies happen!) Just place your order on the app and you’ll get a message as soon as it’s ready for pick-up at a location near you. Then, simply dash in, grab your loot, and go.

Can you wait a few days? If you order over $35 worth of merchandise, you’ll get free two-day shipping on an insane amount of eligible items.

4. Go Super Early

Walmart traditionally restocks their shelves overnight, which means the early bird truly does get the worm. Head in any time before 9am for the best finds, but note: Pro shoppers recommend showing up as early as 5am if you’re about that life! Check your local stores hours online, but many locations are open 24/7.

5. Read Your “Weekly Ad” Online

It’s like a newsletter-meets-coupon-circular. Search by your zip code to find your nearest location to get started. Don’t sleep on their “Ideas” section, which contains a mix of lifestyle and wellness content, makeup tips, and gift guides.

A Few of Our Favorites from the Walmart Beauty Aisles

5 Amazing Beauty Hacks This Free Tool Is THE BEST For

Published on by Lee3 Comments

If there’s one tool that every beauty lover should have in their glam room, it’s a spoolie. I know it may not look like much, but it’s an MUA’s secret weapon as it has SO many different uses: from taming brows and flyaways to plumping your lips and fixing your lashes. If you’re not familiar, a spoolie is the small mascara wand that you can find on most beauty counters, or they’re often included in brow kits, but that definitely doesn’t mean you should limit them to your brows. Here’s I use my fav beauty tool for a whole range of hacks….

To tame flyaways

There’s nothing worse than when your glossy blow-dry gets caught in the rain – or exposed to the desert heat. To combat frizz when you’re-on-the-go and keep flyaways at bay, make sure you have a spoolie in your purse at all times – I swear, it works wonders! As the brush is so fine it’ll smooth down any baby hairs and leave your hair looking silky smooth. For maximum impact, spray your spoolie with hairspray before combing it through your hair to get ultimate hold and shine – do this almost every morning!

For brows

There’s arguably no better brow tool for taming your brows than a spoolie! For ultimate hold, coat your spoolie with a little hairspray, and for thicker looking brows, brush your brows upwards up until you reach the arch and then brush the brows toward your hairline.

Extra hack: For longer lashes and brows, dip your spoolie in castor oil and then brush it through your hair. Castor oil is bursting with protein and fatty acids that can strengthen hair, making it the ideal remedy for extending the length of your lashes and brows.

For false lashes

One of my all-time fav hacks transforms a $2 pair of lashes into super luxurious, natural looking lashes. Just grab a spoolie and any drugstore lashes, and brush the lashes outwards, in horizontal back and forth motions. This will separate the lashes, making the lash strip appear fuller. Even, if you’re not a fan of falsies and you’re a die-hard mascara fan, if you run a clean spoolie through your mascara-coated lashes, you’ll separate each lash, getting rid of any clumps and again, making your eyes look more dramatic.

For your lips

This hacks only takes 30 seconds, and it’ll give you THE softest lips: just apply your fave lip balm or oil ( like to use coconut oil as it’s super hydrating and tastes delicious too!), then, using small circular motions, brush your lips gently with your spoolie.

For your nails

Using a spoolie to remove stubborn nail polish is basically a two-in-one nail treatment, as it gets rid of any stubborn polish while also gently buffing your nails. Just dip your spoolie in nail polish and buff away – the fine bristles are ideal as they’re able to access the cracks and crevices of your nails.

Let me know if you guys have any other amazing hacks you do with your spoolie in the comments.