Tag: Review

The Right Way to Use a Jade Roller

Published on by Lee7 Comments

Guys, it’s officially time to get on board with this incredible way of reviving and renewing your skin. I’ll admit, I had my doubt in jade rolling at first. I thought ,“what could this really do for my skin?”, turns out, more than I thought possible. 

The Benefits of Jade Rolling

Here’s a little background information for all those new to the world of jade rolling. Jade has been used for centuries for it’s healing properties and its association with protecting against negative energy. As for your skin, daily jade rolling is said to promote increased blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and reduce the look of fine lines. On top of that, it helps products and serums to penetrate easily into the skin and soothes inflammation.

It is a facial massage with a tool that is basically a knife- and needle-free stand in for plastic surgery. I know it sounds extreme, but devoted rollers can’t get enough of the tool and as a convert myself, I can vouch for the jade roller’s effectiveness at decreasing puffiness, minimizing lines and making sure your daily serums are penetrating deeply into your skin. By using a jade roller every day (sometimes twice a day if you’re feeling saucy), you’re actually giving yourself a gentle facial massage. That massaging motion not only increases circulation (hello, plump, firm, glowing skin), it also works to break up any stagnation in the lymphatic system that may be causing puffiness or blemishes and gives your neglected facial muscles some much-needed TLC. (Tense muscles = wrinkles, FYI.)

The Right Way to Jade Roll

It’s a simple process that anyone can do in 10 minutes a day. After applying your morning skincare, roll your jade roller against your skin in an upward motion over your face and neck. The cooling effect of the stone instantly calms the skin and starts to de-puff and deflate any puffiness.

Convinced? Here’s how to use your jade roller.

Cleanse + Treat

You should only be using your jade roller on clean skin. Like I said earlier, the massaging motion will help any product on your skin sink in deeper and the same is true for old makeup and dirt. So before you even think about picking up the jade roller, wash your face.

If you’re going to roll in the morning to decrease any I-barely-slept-last-night puffiness, consider popping your jade facial roller in the fridge overnight. The cool jade will lower swelling by shrinking blood vessels. It also just feels really amazing on tired skin.

Rolling at night? Go through your standard cleansing routine to remove all traces of the day and apply any serums and/or oils you like before bed. After giving them a minute to sink in, roll your heart out. The jade face roller will help skin drink them up before they have time to evaporate or rub off on your pillow.

Get Rolling

Now comes the fun part. There’s no right or wrong area of the face to start, but do make sure you’re rolling from the center, out. I also like to visually split my face in half using my nose as the divider and work on one side at a time to make sure I’m not missing anything.

Start at your chest and using gently pressure, perform outward and upward strokes with the jade roller along your skin. Pass over the same patch of skin three to four times, always moving to the outer edge of your face. When you need to return the roller to the starting point, pick it up and place it back at the start (don’t roll backwards).

From your chest, move up: neck, chin/jawline, cheeks (roll from your nose out toward your ear), undereye and eyelid (use the small end of the roller here and very gently move from the inner corner of your eye out to the temple), eyebrow (switch back to the larger side and roll out and down, following the contour of your brow bone), forehead (start in the middle and roll out).

Switch Sides

Now do the exact same thing on the other side.

Finish with a soothing upward roll from between your eyebrows, up to the hairline.

The whole process should take two to four minutes, depending on how many passes you’re doing and how many areas of the face you’re hitting. As you’re working the jade face roller, you’ll see your skin start to flush — this is a good thing! It means circulation is increasing.

Clean That Roller

If you want to apply additional serum or moisturizer, go for it. If not, your final step should always always ALWAYS be cleaning the jade roller thoroughly with warm, soapy water. This thing is touching your face every single day: keep it clean.

Thinking of adding this to your skincare routine? If you have already, let me know how you’re liking it and if you’ve already seen results in the comments! Thanks for reading xo

Looking for a new serum to take your skincare to the next level? Check out my SERUMS 101 post for the perfect options next week!

Your jade roller is just the beginning. Check out my other favorite beauty tools here next week!

I Started Drinking Collagen And I’m Obsessed With How It’s Changed My Skin

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Hey my loves, so I wanted to tell you about something that I think is completely amazing… Collagen! I’ve been drinking collagen for about 2 months so far, and I’ve noticed a huge impact on my skin and my body; it’s pretty incredible. Collagen (or gelatin) is a naturally occurring protein in your body, but as you age your body produces less, which leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain – not ideal!

What is collagen:

Collagen is one of the building blocks of skin, so not only does it keep you looking young but it can heal your skin as well – seriously, it’s true! It helps to heal acne scars and scarring, as collagen mends and rebuilds the damage done to connective tissue, while it’ll also improve your bone strength and ligaments in the same way. The most noticeable difference I’ve seen from drinking collagen is the effect it has on wrinkles; because collagen strengthens blood vessels, it makes your skin softer, more elastic and prevents and fixes fine lines, (even pimples). Because collagen improves skin tissue strength and helps the body to replace dead skin cells, it promotes glossier hair, stronger fingernails, and firmer skin. And finally, and I have noticed this myself, it reduces the appearance of cellulite because it rebuilds the fibers that make cellulite more visible – insane!

Where collagen comes from:

So, if you’re wondering where collagen comes from, it’s basically derived from the bones and tissue of animals like cows, fish, chicken, and pigs. But not all collagen is created equal; you need to look into the source of collagen (which animal), as this can determine the effect it will have on your body and its potency – beef and fish are the best. The most effective type of collagen is marine collagen because it’s absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently into the body than any other type of collagen.

How to take collagen:

When I first heard about collagen, I started taking it in a pill form, and I noticed a small difference: my skin looked lifted, and my skin felt smoother. But when I started taking it as a powder, about 2 months ago, that’s when I noticed a significant difference in the texture of my skin. Even my scars have faded, and I swear my double chin has got tighter!

I’ll admit, in its powder form, collagen doesn’t taste great – it’s meant to be flavorless, but I feel like it has a kind of meaty taste to it. You can mix it with tea, smoothies, coffee or even add it to meals you’re prepping. I like to mix it with soup or hot chicken broth, which is a healthy way of having it and you don’t notice it at all. Depending on the formula you’re taking, different amounts are recommended. I use the Vital Proteins Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides, and it recommends one to two times per day. I usually only have it once a day.

Just adding a scoop of Collagen Peptides to food or beverages gives you the vitamin boost you need to support healthy hair, skin, nails, bone, joint health, digestion, muscle recovery, and more.

  • Stir into water, fruit juice, or other beverages
  • Add to smoothies as protein booster
  • Mix with oatmeal, soups, or sauces
  • Add into recipes for entrees or desserts
  • Easy to use! The Collagen Peptides mix well in hot or cold liquids, making them an easy addition to whatever your diet might be

KEY FEATURES & ATTRIBUTES

Collagen is one of the most nutrient-rich proteins in the human body. Supplementing with Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides offers:

  • 20 g collagen per serving – supports overall health and wellness
  • 3,719 mg natural glycine – promotes healthy immune and digestive systems**
  • 100% pure collagen protein – clean, tasteless, and dissolves & absorbs quickly
  • Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine to ensure a natural, high quality, and sustainable source of this nutrient 
  • Digested and absorbed by the body quickly for maximum benefits
  • Whole30 Approved & paleo friendly 
  • Gluten free
  • Dairy free
  • Preservative free
  • Non GMO
  • Hormone free

I’ve also tried more VITAL PROTEINS products that helps with collagen, which comes in different flavors and types that include some of the best-for-your-body vitamins and minerals. You can try collagen from aged 25 onwards when your body’s natural collagen supply begins to decrease. For me, I am only 22 and just wanted to give it a try but it might become a essential in my beauty daily routine – I’m obsessed!

Would you guys try collagen? Let me know in the comments below. X

Sheep’s Wool for Softer Lips?!

Published on by Lee2 Comments

As you know, I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of nature and all its beautifying goodness, so I couldn’t wait to try these all natural 101 Ointment Fruities by Lanolips. The brand has won more than 50 global awards for their products made from lanolin, a natural by-product that’s found on sheep’s wool.

So, let me explain: Lanolin is a wax secreted by sheep’s skin that keep their coats protected and dry – and because sheep’s fleece grows continuously and needs to be sheared every year, it’s completely cruelty-free. After, the wool fleeces are boiled and purified leaving behind the waxy lanolin, which as Lanolips puts it, is ‘Nature’s Wonder Moisturiser’.

What it is: A thick and glossy long-lasting 101 balm made only with Ultra Medical Grade Lanolin, Fruit Extract, and Vitamin E, that can be used for lips, dry skin patches, and more. It comes in three flavors: Green Apple, full of antioxidants and vitamins, Strawberry, that has alpha-hydroxy acids to regenerate new skin cells, and Peach, to revive skin with vitamins.

What it does: It gives incredible hydration! Lanolin’s molecular structure mimics our skin’s, so it’s super compatible and can hold 200% of its weight in moisture.

What I liked: It’s glossy and thick, and ever so slightly sticky, but much more comfortable than sticky – a bit like a thicker Vaseline. It didn’t budge either, even after I ate I didn’t have to reapply it, it lasted all day!  And I really like the fact it’s vegetarian and vegan, and even gentle enough for babies – so you know it won’t irritate sensitive skin. The packaging is super cute too, with a bit of a vintage vibe that’s so pretty and delicate. I love the fact it’s a 101 balm, and Lanolips suggest it can be used on a ton of things, from dry cuticles and paper cuts, to keeping eyebrows in place and insect bites.

What I didn’t like: The strawberry fragrance was light, but I found when I applied the peach, the scent got really intense over time and became quite overpowering. Although it’s a 101 balm, I would be cautious to use this everywhere because it actually felt a lot stickier on my skin than it did on my lips, and as it’s super glossy it looks a bit shiny too.

I never knew lanolin was such an incredible ingredient, but after using these 101 ointments I’ve fallen in love. I’d definitely recommend these pocket-sized balms, they’re unbelievably hydrating, and also perfect if you’re traveling, exposed to the sun or the cold, or if you just need some extra hydration.

Price: $13.50

Available: ulta.com

The One Skin Care Product You’re Not Using That You Must: Pond’s Cold Cream!

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Fashion and beauty experts often say, “What’s old is new again.” I see vintage looks from the 70’s, mixes of bold colors from the 80’s, and even bigger hair from the 90’s starting to return now.

In skin care, I’ve been reading a lot about the return of masques lately. But there is one sensational product I haven’t heard much about a revival, and that is cold cream.

While our grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and those at the turn of the 19th-20th century raved about cold cream can do magic for your skin. It is an all-in-one cleanser, makeup remover, and moisturizer.

What Defines a Cold Cream?

Traditionally, a cold cream must be comprised of a few simple ingredients: olive or almond oil, beeswax and water (Journal of Chemical Education, 1944). However, as time passed, the most hydrating cold creams were found to also include occlusive agents to lock moisture in, such as petrolatum or mineral oil. Various ingredients were also added by different manufacturers to infuse a scent or for additional benefits, like antioxidants.

In addition, a “cold cream” must be cooling to meet the definition in a traditional sense. “Cold” is simply a reference to the cooling sensation it causes after being applied, believed to be due to the water content of the cream evaporating off the skin.

Benefits of a Cold Cream

  • Dry skin relief. Those who suffer from dry, flaky patches on the skin will find some relief from regular use of a cold cream.
  • Climate change relief. When the weather changes, the alterations in temperature and humidity can cause variations in the amount of moisture your skin needs. The beauty of a cold cream is that your skin tends to absorb the level of moisture it needs after a few minutes of application, and then the rest is then rinsed away.
  • Excellent for use with a retinoid or AHA. Cold creams can provide an extra level of hydration to aid the irritation associated with strong anti-aging treatments.
  • Cleanser. The oils dissolve all oil-based debris, and the water-based ingredients absorb the water-based products still on your face.
  • Makeup removal.
  • Moisturization. If you leave cold cream on your face, it can penetrate the skin well, leaving it soft and hydrated. Note: If you have oily skin, you may wish to use another cleanser afterwards, as the cold cream may leave your skin feeling a bit oily.
  • Cost and preservation. A cold cream is quite affordable for most persons, and it lasts for a long time.

Who Should Not Use a Cold Cream?

  • Those with oily, very oily, or acne-prone skin
  • Those living in hot, humid climates
  • Those with allergic reactions to oils

Isn’t Mineral Oil Terrible for the Skin?

Cosmetic-grade mineral oil does not generally clog the pores, as many are lead to believe. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil usually warrant only a 1 or 2 rating on a scale from 1-5, with 1 being the least pore-clogging, and 5 being highly pore-clogging.

However, cold cream is not a leave-on product. So using mineral oil in a cleanser gets you all of the hydrating and moisture-locking potential of mineral oil, without the possibility of it trapping comedogenic ingredients against your skin when rinsed properly.

TOP PICK

Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser is by far my favorite at the drugstore. While many drugstore cold creams will give the “cooling” sensation with ingredients that can be irritating or drying like mint or citrus extracts, Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser is simple. It hydrates the skin deeply with mineral oil, water, beeswax, montan wax, and cetyl alcohol, and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth after its application.

Ingredients: Mineral oil, water, ceresin, beeswax, triethanolamine, ceteth-20, fragrance, behenic acid, montan wax, cetyl alcohol, carbomer, dmdm hydantoin, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.

Bottom Line

If you are someone with a dry, normal/dry, or normal skin type who is looking for a product to boost the performance of their skin care regimen, I highly recommend adding in a cold cream. Popular in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, I have a feeling cold creams are going to make a comeback soon, with sensational cleansing, makeup removing, and hydrating properties! I highly recommen Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser.

What are your thoughts on cold cream? Let me know in Comments!