Tag: Anese

Joanna Vargas Skincare Bible

Published on by Lee4 Comments

Hello Beauties, by now everyone knows how Lee and her other Editors are obsessed with skincare. If you didn’t know then you have either been living under a rock or new here; so ” Welcome To BeautyLeeBar ” aka your new favorite beauty go-to blog. Of course, we are still learning about our skin and learning about what oils, creams, and cleansers are the best for clear bright skin! But, when we find a product and a hack that works, we live by it religiously.

Today, I’m sharing a few tips and tricks I learned from Vargas’s book, Glow From Within. For even more tips and advice on skincare, nutrition, and self-care for glowing skin that shines from the inside, read the book. It includes juice recipes, DIY masks, and way more tips for good skin that would take me years to type out! 

JOANNA VARGAS

Glow from Within, $18.89

1. Your towel is a beauty tool

If you’re breaking out and can’t figure out why, it might be the towel you’re using on your face. For starters, Joanna explains that if you’re using a regular terrycloth towel while cleansing your face, it might be too abrasive. It also can easily harbor bacteria, fungus, mold, and mildew. Plus, dead skin cells and environmental debris can get into the fibers of the cloth from being used on your face. If you are going to use a towel to wash your face, Vargas recommends bamboo, muslin, or soft cotton towels. 

When it comes time to dry your face after washing, she says to use a different towel than what you used on your body, as this towel can have body wash, shampoos, and fragrances that you wouldn’t want on your face, as well as holding germs, mold, and the like. She also explains that you should hang the towel you use for your face outside of the bathroom to dry because of all the moisture that can build up in that room. Although not the environmentally-conscious choice, Vargas explains that those with acne-prone skin could try using paper towels instead of regular towels to dry their face, as to not spread bacteria. 

2. Focus on stress

If you’ve ever gotten a stress pimple, you’re aware of the cycle. Stressed out about work, friends, boyfriend, etc. → breaks out → stressed about breakout → breaks out more. According to Vargas, our body reacts to the fight-or-flight system we experience when we have chronic stress by producing cortisol and adrenaline, which do a lot of scientific things you don’t want me to attempt to explain—but they also signal our sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores, pimples, and blackheads. But stress can also cause dullness (lack of blood flow to the face because it’s reserved for your heart which is pounding out of your chest way too often), dry patches from a decrease in your body’s natural hyaluronic acid, and a breakdown of collagen. As you can see, stress is just not good for your skin. So, how does Joanna recommend stopping it? Well, she’s aware it’s easier said than done, but adding one or two stress-relieving activities to your schedule every day can decrease your body’s reaction to stress and reduce the likelihood of all that bad stuff happening. 

Vargas also goes into depth on why exercise, adequate sleep, and confidence play a part in the health of your skin. It’s no surprise that the way we treat our bodies (and minds) affects our appearance, but truly good skin can’t just rely on creams and cleansers.

Primp Tip

My all-time favorite brand to this day is AneseCo! Try Anese License to Chill The Stress Mask ( $33 ). Description: kick chronic and hormonal acne to the curb. Say byyye to clogged pores as a result of commuting, stressed-out skin from late nights, and tight deadlines. It can be used as a spot treatment or as a full mask. What Is It? License to Chill The Stress Mask, infused with relaxing eucalyptus oil, and made for the ultimate chill session. This product helps with Acne/blemishes, dullness, and softness. Feels clarifying and moisturizing. Skin is nice and soft afterward and is just a nice evening treat-myself ritual. I use it for about roughly twice a week.

  1. Texture: Clay, thick and creamy.
  2. Scent: naturally with eucalyptus oil.
  1. Cruelty-free
  2. Gluten-free
  3. Paraben-free
  4. Vegan

3. Follow a routine

Vargas detailed her foolproof 5-step skincare routine that anyone can do regardless of skin type. She goes into much more detail in the book, but her routine consists of: 

  1. Double-cleanse with a micellar water or oil/balm and foam cleanser
  2. Serum—her favorite ingredients are argan or jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, omega fatty acids and vitamin C
  3. Eye Cream– Lee new favorite eye cream
  4. Moisturize—ideally with a product that contains antioxidants, emollients, and products that replenish moisture and collagen levels
  5. Sunscreen during the day

Following a routine is about more than just the products you put on your skin; it’s about consistency and order. I’ve added products in to follow this routine, but I’ve done it slowly to make sure that I keep up with doing it every night, even when all I want to do it get to bed ASAP. 

4. Add in extras as needed

Along with her magic 5-step routine, Vargas recommends adding in those little extra indulgences. However, she says it’s good practice to get your routine down first before you add those in. This is where exfoliation (more on that later), masks, retinol, and toners come in. Once I got my routine down pat, I began adding these back in. It was helpful because I wasn’t relying on the extras to make my skin look good; that was the job of my daily routine. These just made my skin glow extra, helped with hyperpigmentation, and kept skin at bay. 

Primp Tip:

When it comes to dry skin, more is A+. Anese Can I Speak to your Manager? Facial Toner ( $24 ) gives your skin a healthy dose of I’m not going to settle for less. Packed with herbal extracts, antioxidants, and vitamins that cleanse, balance, and calm your skin. Don’t skip the toner, dirt is like a lingering ex-boyfriend. It’s time to take action and tone. This product helps with firming/plumping, Dryness, discoloration, and softness. This spray is amazing. It smells like I’m bathing in roses. If you don’t like the scent of roses, then I wouldn’t recommend. It feels so nice and refreshing to mist on after washing my face each night. The bottle is also much bigger than I expected, and the glass feels so thick and makes the bottle seem high-quality. 

Claims: Paraben free, sulfate free, not tested on animals, vegan, non-comodegenic, hypoallergenic.

What is it: A non-alcoholic toner made with over 5 botanical extracts that balances the pH level of your skin after using a harsh cleanser.

Texture: Clear, fine mist

Scent: Naturally and lightly scented

But wait, for more hydration, try Anese Pretty Sure I’m Gorgeous Clarifying Hydration Mask ($23 ). A clarifying and hydrating mask for when your skin and ego needs a boost. Tell acne-prone skin, large pores, and blemishes to chill. This mask is gentle and creamy. Say byyye to dirt, oil, and hello to hydration and tone. Apply a thick layer to cleansed skin, avoiding eye area. Rinse off after 10 minutes. Repeat twice a week. Use Anese Facial Toner Can I Speak To Your Manager afterward to seal the deal.

What is it: A clarifying charcoal creme mask for when your skin needs a boost. Perfect for acne prone and oily skin. Reduces the appearance of large pores and blemishes.

  • Texture: Creamy, gray natural color from activated charcoal.
  • Scent: Clean, fresh scent.

Ingredients that Stand Out: Activated charcoal, Organic Rooibios, Hyraluronic Acid, DMAE

Lee has struggled with terrible skin most of her life. She doesn’t have combination skin but did have to deal with blackheads and period/food acne. Since using Pretty Sure I’m Gorgeous Clarifying Hydration Mask, she has experience glowing skin and minimizes breakouts. Blackheads are gone and are highly impressed. 

5. Exfoliate with both methods

Vargas refers to exfoliation as “a facial in a jar,” explaining that a good exfoliation can go a long way in helping texture, acne, dullness, dehydration, and more. However, you can choose to exfoliate with an acid (such as AHAs/BHAs) or with a physical scrub (typically made of sugar or sand—avoid anything with microbeads as they’re terrible for the environment!). She says you can really choose to do either, but by doing both, you remove the dead skin cells with an acid and then physically remove them (along with dry patches!) with a scrub. Whatever you do, she explains to not exfoliate too often because you can irritate your skin or cause sensitivity. 

She also explains it is good practice to follow exfoliation with a good sheet mask or night cream, as they will nourish the skin after using a chemical or physical exfoliant. She also said she recommends clients use any kind of mask, especially clay masks, after exfoliating because it penetrates the skin and pores deeper.

Primp Tip:

Anese So over it Exfoliating enzyme mask ( $23 ) is perfect for those who have super over dry, flaky patches on their t-zone or if you desire that dewy look. So Over It is going to be your fresh face champion. 

What it is: A gentle enzymatic exfoliant made with papaya and pineapple enzymes.

  • Texture: Clear gel with hibuscus
  • Scent: Not scented
  • Claims: Vegan, paraben free, phthalates free, cruelty free

I have tried all of their masks now. I love them all for different reasons, but this is the favorite. I love how ridiculously smooth and soft it makes my face. It helps so much with the texture of my skin. It doesn’t overdry my skin though. Been a staple in my routine!

6. Hot date tomorrow? Try these tips

Vargas gives a few tips to prepare your skin when you have one day between you and a big day (such as a date, a party, a photoshoot, or just a regular old Tuesday). After going through your typical night routine, she says to sleep in a mask (or leave it on as long as you can). If you have any active breakouts, use a clay mask as a spot treatment and use a hydrating or soothing mask everywhere else. 

Then, she explains to do a facial massage the day of the event as you’re applying your skin prep before makeup to reduce puffiness and promote brighter skin. 

Primp Tip:

Anese Slay Skin Perfecting Serum ( $49 ) is the ultimate facial serum made from DMAE, Vitamin E and Green Algae. Tell dry skin and fine lines to chill the F out. Who doesn’t want an upgrade in skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration?

What it is: The ultimate facial serum. Use this on your face after cleansing to firm, moisturize and reduce fine lines.

Apply a layer of slay before your makeup or before bed, after cleansing. You can also apply a thicker than usual layer as an extreme hydrating mask.

  • Texture: Creamy, white.
  • Scent: No scent, no fragrance added.
  • Claims: Vegan, cruelty free.
  • Ingredients that Stand Out: DMAE, Vitamin E, Organic Blue Green Algae.

SHOP STORY:

What is the best beauty tip you’ve learned so far? Comment down below!

Healthy Habits: Why You Should Be Drinking Rose Water and How to Make It at Home

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Here at BeautyLeeBar.com, I believe that beauty begins from the inside out. I try to be mindful of what is going into my body to ensure that I stay strong and healthy, because, to me, that is beautiful. I’ve also never been the one to shy away from trying a new detox or testing out a buzz-worthy health trend. That brings me to today’s topic. You’ve seen me rave about the benefits of refreshing lemon water, lime water, cucumbers, cherries, honey and now I’m adding rose water to the list of infused sips on my radar.

While I’ve used rose petals on certain things in the past, putting them in water is my new favorite way to reap the benefits of the fragrant blooms. Trust me when I say that rose water is so much more than a flavorful way to stay hydrated. By applying rose water to your skin or drinking it the old-fashioned way, you are benefiting your complexion as well as ingesting essential vitamins. Since this all sounded too good to be true, I did a little research to see why I should be adding rose water to both my diets and beauty regimens, stat. Keep scrolling to see what I learned as well as a simple at-home recipe to make this concoction yourself…

Your skin’s new BFF.
By adding rose water to your daily skincare regimen, you are doing so much more than keeping your face hydrated (which is also a pretty big bonus!). Rose water can help your skin maintain its pH balance by controlling excess oil production while keeping it supple and moisturized. Rose water is also known for its soothing elements which reduce redness and irritation linked to skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and dermatitis. Rose water contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, allowing your skin to better heal scars and other wounds.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for natural remedies to improve my complexion. By applying rose water to your skin, you are cleansing, toning and even reducing fine lines and wrinkles. That sounds like a win-win to me! There are a few ways that you can incorporate rose water into your routine. Start your day by using rose water as a toner after washing your face by evenly distributing it with a cotton ball. You can even purchase a spray bottle and lightly mist your face throughout the day, with or without a full face of makeup. A little spritz here and there can be rejuvenating!

Why you should be drinking rose water.
In addition to adding this fragrant concoction into your beauty routine, consuming rose water also poses multiple benefits. Rose water contains vitamins A, C, E and B and contains anti-inflammatory qualities. It is also said that rose water can help reduce stress and moodiness (something we can all benefit from at some point or another, right?). If you’re looking for a fragrant and healthy way to stay hydrated, opt for a bottle of rose water the next time you’re at your local health food store. But like any health food fad, it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

How to make it at home.
If you are interested in making rose water right in the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck! Making your own batch of fresh rose water is simpler than you think and I have a recipe to prove it.

rose-water.jpg.653x0_q80_crop-smart

Here’s what you’ll need:
1. 5-7 stems of organic pink roses
2. water
3. large pot

Instructions:

1. Begin by plucking the rose petals off of each stem and rinsing them thoroughly under warm water. It is important to note that you use organic roses, rather than the kind that you can just pick up at any grocery store. It’s best to steer clear of any harmful pesticides and any other chemicals that could have been used on the stems.
2. Place the rose petals into a large pot and pour just enough water in to cover all of the petals.
3. Boil the water and rose petals over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, cover the combination and reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Let the petals simmer for 30 minutes or until they begin to lose their vibrant color.
5. Remove the petals from the water with a strainer.
6. You now have your very own homemade rose water! Be sure to refrigerate or store your rose water in a cool place. Your homemade batch should last between 1 and 4 weeks.

And there you have it! I’ve been intrigued by this trend and hope you all will try it too! And, now I’m convinced that my beauty regimen can’t live without it.

Have you ever tried using or drinking rose water?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

**FTC: This post is not sponsored. No monetary compensation was received for this post, however, products were sent to me. Opinions are 100% my own, of course.

8 Bad Skin Habits to Kick

Published on by Lee6 Comments 
When it comes to our skin, we’re all just out trying to do our best, right? We test out products, wash our faces regularly, moisturize... but it turns out that some of our most persistent habits can be very bad for our skin. The good news is that most of them have easy fixes—so you can turn bad habits into good ones.

1. You don’t clean your makeup brushes.
Besides being good for keeping your makeup looks #onfleek, cleaning your makeup brushes on a regular basis is also a fundamental aspect of a good skin care routine. “If not properly cleaned, makeup brushes can carry hordes of bacteria that can cause serious damage to the skin. “Not to mention the buildup that gathers on dirty makeup brushes causes them to deteriorate quicker, affecting your makeup application.”

Tragic all around. But the key to avoiding this travesty is simple: Clean your tools regularly. You should spritz your brushes once a week with a cleansing spray and deep clean them once a month with shampoo or gentle soap. This is the best way to prevent buildup from causing infection, as well as problems like acne and irritation.

2. Not Exfoliating
exfoliation. As you get older, your need for regular exfoliation increases. Plus, when you’re using potent anti-aging products, you want to make sure they are being well absorbed.

Of course, there is such a thing as too much exfoliation, so you need to find a balance. For most people, a couple times a week does the trick. As you age, this may be closer to 3 or 4 times a week.

Here are my two favorite body scrubs  that I have been using for a while:

Anese.co Coconut $26
Gloww Goddess $20

Hold my drink has a soft and fluffy texture and can be used as a daily exfoliator. Coconut oil and vitamin E seeps into your skin as you exfoliate and tease out ingrowns. Bonus, it literally smells like a coconut in a jar without any added artificial fragrance.

What It Does

-Moisturizing organic coconut oil melts into your skin.

– Natural sugar cane gently buffs away dead skin. Perfect for dry legs, arms and even your lips.

-Vitamin E is full of antioxidants and amazing at targeting fine lines and dryness.

Goddess Body Scrub is a gentle, salt-based body exfoliant that hydrates skin with organic coconut oil, scented with dry lavender buds and few drops of lavender essential oil. Goddess Body Scrub is highly moisturizing and gently exfoliating blend of organic coconut oil. It leaves the skin silky, soft, glowy, and hydrated with light scent of lavender.

These amazing scrubs exfoliates while providing nutritive minerals. It’s the perfect thing to use before putting on a moisturizing mask. If you have oily skin or otherwise sensitive skin, be careful not to exfoliate too vigorously. 

3. Leaving Your Makeup on Overnight
You’re tired. Your eyelids are closing against your will. You’re almost considering sleeping in your jeans. Stop! Wait! It’s time to wash off your makeup.

Naked skin is happy skin. Especially if you’re wearing chemical makeup brands, you want to give your skin a break over night.

In the same vein, make sure to wash your makeup off before working out. When you break a sweat and your pores open up, dirt, oil and, yep, makeup will get in there.

Also, unless you want to wash your pillow cases every day (Ouch! Said mother earth) you should do your best to keep them clean in between washes. Another reason that washing your face before bed is a must!

4. Overcleansing
Don’t consider this a free pass to skip washing off your makeup at night: If your skin is dry skin, lather up less often, since doing so strips away natural oils. Wash with a creamy or oil-based cleanser at night (they’re gentler on dry skin) and rinse with just water when you wake up. “It’s enough to clean your skin in the morning, and you’ll retain more of your own moisturizing oils,” says Ellen Marmur, a dermatologist in New York City. Try L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser and/or St.Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub. 

5. Not Sleeping Enough…
Getting less than seven hours of shut-eye can make your skin duller and fine lines (like the ones around your eyes) more obvious. Your skin can rebound from the occasional late night, especially when you’re young, but a few in a row will catch up with you. If you have trouble falling asleep, don’t start watching Black Lightning or The Good Doctor reruns: Bright screens suppress melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy and regulates our circadian rhythms. That second part is a biggie. When melatonin levels drop and your circadian rhythm gets thrown off, your skin cells can’t turn over as efficiently, causing even more wrinkles and dullness over time, says Phyllis C. Zee, the director of the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Hospital in Chicago. A warm shower or bath before bed is much better for inducing sleep, says Michael Breus, an author, a psychologist and sleep medicine expert.Image result for white pillow on white bed sheets blog post

 …And Not Sleeping Smartly
Your sleeping conditions matter. First things first: your pillowcase. “It collects oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess night creams. “As you toss and turn, all of that is deposited right into your pores. I recommend changing them at least once a week (twice is better). While you’re at it, swap out the regular cotton version for something smoother, like satin, silk, or Egyptian cotton, since rough pillowcases can actually cause wrinkles. And if I can convince you to make just one more change, plug in a humidifier. It counteracts the skin-drying effects of air conditioning and heat.

6. Overlooking Sunscreen in Certain Areas  Related image
Slathering SPF over your entire face (even in the winter) is a good start, but you can’t ignore the rest of your body—and certain areas are missed too often. “In my practice, I’m seeing an epidemic of skin cancer along the hairline, the jawline, and the ears,” says Dennis Gross, a dermatologist in New York City. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher all over your face and exposed skin from the neck down. And keep in mind that light cotton clothes won’t totally protect skin on their own in the summer. 

7. Forgetting Face Wipes
Washing your face before bed or after spin can be a pain. We get that. But letting makeup, dirt, and bacteria linger can cause breakouts, dullness, and even wrinkles over time. Which brings me to face-cleansing wipes: A single towelette removes a day’s worth of grime, and you won’t need to haul yourself to the sink. Try Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, AVEENO ULTRA-CALMING MAKEUP REMOVING WIPES, and AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT MAKEUP REMOVING WIPES. Keep them on your nightstand or in your purse so you actually remember to use them.

8. Smoking Image result for no more cigarette gifs
Please, I beg of you, just quit. On top of a long list of evils, smoking breaks down elastic fibers in the skin (which is why smokers’ complexions look yellow) and revs up the enzyme responsible for breaking down collagen (and that definitely leads to wrinkles), says Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City. Your skin can bounce back once you quit. “Within two weeks, you see improvements,” she says. “The texture improves; it’s a little smoother. Over time, the brightness comes back.

You can achieve the skin you want! By ditching some of your bad habits and adopting some good ones, you could find yourself waking up to younger, more radiant looking skin!

What skin habits do you want to break? Have you broken any of these already? Tell me in the comments below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does Your Skin Need a Serum?

Published on by Lee4 Comments 
I've been getting a lot of questions on serums since I did a review on Anese.co. People are confused about what they are, how to use them and how to incorporate them into their daily regimen. If this sounds like you, read on to see the answers to your most common questions!

What is serum?

A serum is a skin care product with a gel or light lotion consistency that contains a high concentration of performance ingredients. You should use a serum underneath a moisturizer or treatment mask. While using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer is still the foundation of a solid routine, serums are a great addition. It’s best to use them when your skin is in a rut and/or you’re seeking better results. Simply put, if you want to up your game, serums are the way to go. In fact, I always recommend that my clients add this simple step. Usually, once they do so regularly, they see big improvements.

What is the difference between a serum and a moisturizer?

Moisturizers create a protective barrier over the skin. This prevents the skin’s moisture from evaporating, and it keeps environmental irritants and debris out. Serums, although they do hydrate, should never be used alone. They do not contain the protective properties that creams do.

The biggest difference between a serum and a cream or lotion is what the formulation doesn’t include. Serum leave out occlusive, or airtight, moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating. They also contain fewer lubricating and thickening agents, like nut or seed oils.

Serums and moisturisers mostly differ in purpose and weight.
The purpose of a moisturiser is always to hydrate the skin. Serums CAN add hydration but may offer additional or different benefits to the skin.

Serums can treat everything from wrinkles and sagging to hyperpigmentation and scarring. While moisturisers can contain beneficial ingredients, creams and lotions can’t be as effective at correction and treatment as serums.

That’s because …
Serums are generally much lighter in weight than moisturisers are, meaning the formula can penetrate much deeper. Serums contain highly concentrated ingredients that are infinitely more effective at treating particular concerns.

Moisturisers the heavier of the two products, hydrate the epidermis, which is the top layer of the skin. Lotions and creams don’t make it much farther than that layer.

Why should I use a serum?

Serums are not mandatory in a regimen. If you have specific skin care concerns such as wrinkles or age spots that your regular moisturizer is not addressing, you may want to consider incorporating a serum into your regimen before your moisturizer. Customizing your skin care routine with a targeted treatment can help deliver results faster. Dry skin that’s blotchy and broken out would benefit from the pairing of a serum and a moisturiser after cleansing.

When should I avoid serums?

Those with chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea have weaker skin barriers. The liquid or gel-like texture of a serum can penetrate the skin too quickly, causing irritation. Speak with your dermatologist if you have serious skincare issues before incorporating a serum into your regimen.

Yes. Avoid SD alcohol 40, denatured alcohol or oils. These alcohol ingredients are very dehydrating and unfortunately encourage dry skin cell build up. In addition, I’ve lately seen many oils marketed as serums. I’m not on board with this, and here’s why. Serums are formulated with small molecular structures. Therefore, they deliver performance ingredients deep into the skin. By contrast, oils have the largest molecules (even more so than creams do). Therefore, it’s best to use them as a last step OVER moisturizer to prevent moisture evaporation. I highly suggest you don’t use an oil-based type of serum under a moisturizer. It just makes no sense.

OK but $$$$…

untitled Yes. Serums contain higher concentration of active ingredients, which are more expensive than thickeners. So the higher price of the serum is justified. Remember that bit about being super concentrated and potent? You are getting your bang for your buck here. The good news is you only need to use a few drops of a serum, so a 1 ounce container should last you months.  

How do I incorporate one into my skin care regimen?

Liftactiv-vitamin-c-serum-vichy-how-to-use-480X270-v1 (2)Different serums are meant to be used with different frequency and at different times of day. Read all instructions carefully to avoid overusing or combining active ingredients. To maximize the effect of your serum, after cleansing your face, apply a pea-sized amount of serum, patting it evenly over skin with your finger. Then apply your moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, wait 10 to 15 minutes after washing your face before using serum. Applying a water-based product to damp skin is more likely to lead to irritation.

***

Getting healthy glowing skin requires a holistic approach – living a healthy lifestyle, eating a healthy diet and using a consistent skincare regimen. Deciding what products to incorporate into your regimen can be confusing. This is why it is important to find out what kind of skin type you are.

Maybe you had breakouts in your teens and an oily T-zone, and ever since then you’ve stuck to products for “combination skin.” Well, after a decade of using the same routine with lackluster results, perhaps it’s time to visit a professional and find out exactly what your skin is like and what it needs the most. As we age, our skin changes significantly, and if you’re addressing its specific concerns, you’ll notice an instant difference. 

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Doesn’t serum expire really fast?

Certain potent ingredients often found in serum can become unstable once they come in contact with air. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), for instance, can oxidize and lose efficacy over time. But thanks to science, modified versions of the ingredient (that are water-soluble, etc.) last longer so they can do your skin more good. Best rule of thumb is to store your vial in a cool, dry place (obviously) and use it up within six months to a year.

Is serum a moisturizer?

Yes and no. Serums can be chock-full of moisturizing ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides) to help skin retain moisture. But, that doesn’t make them moisturizers in the traditional sense. Face lotions and creams are richer and create a barrier on top of the skin to keep all that good stuff in.

Have anymore concerns, comment down below !