Review : Biotherm Life Plankton Essence

Product Description
Discovered by Biotherm, Life Plankton has surprised over again with the scope of its regenerative, protective and soothing properties to become Biotherm’s life pulse, bringing striking affinity to almost all Biotherm’s formulas. For the first time, Life Plankton is infused at its highest concentration within Life Plankton Essence. In 8 days, see and feel a new-born skin: more radiant, more even, smoother, hydrated, with greater resilience and fine lines faded. Immediately, the skin is soothed and softened.

Life Plankton™ Essence is as actively concentrated as a serum, yet as lightweight as a cosmetic water for maximum absorption and deep-working effectiveness. Created to be the 1st step of every beauty routine, this breakthrough texture, that applies like a cosmetic water and transforms into the lightest of serums, works as a miracle essence.
In 8 days see and feel a new-born skin.*

While in the midst of preparing for my winter trip last December, Biotherm was my first choice for skin hydration. I turned to their moisturisers time and time again because it works for my skin type, despite the heavy fragrance which I dislike. While I used to be a big fan of their moisturisers, I have since cut down considerably on the usage, due to the inclusion of heavy fragrances. However, when the need arises, such as winter weather, I know that I can still rely on them.

There was a promotion on their latest essence - Biotherm Life Plankton Essence so I purchased both the essence and the moisturiser and pair up both of them, together with a complimentary serum sample and all work beautifully on my skin, without any flakiness during my 10D China trip.

Biotherm Life Plankton Essence is an essence meant to be used after the toner and before the serum. I usually skip the toner and use the essence directly after cleansing, because I don't like to layer too many products on my skin, if possible. So with cleanser, essence, serum and the moisturizer, I think it works fairly well enough for my skin type.

Said to improve the skin's condition in 8 days, in terms of hydration, texture, fine lines, radiance and resilience, it certainly sounds promising, however, I am usually only focused on hydration where Biotherm products are concerned, because that is what they do best. The rest of the so-called benefits are secondary to me.

Contained in a bulky glass bottle, it is definitely not travel and user-friendly. I was so afraid it broke, and I wrapped it with some papers and stuffed it between my clothes in the luggage, thankfully it didn't break. Sample sachets are more useful on trips but unfortunately I didn't have the time to visit their counters then ( due to my sprained ankle and falling sick prior to the trip ).

Heavily fragranced, the essence is pretty runny ( with a cloudy colour ) which I usually pour into my palms and pat all over my face. My skin feels sticky yet fresh and comfortable, under the harsh winter weather. The hydration lasts only as long as the product is used. The stickiness disappears after following up with the serum and moisturizer. Personally I felt that that the essence works more effectively, together with the serum and moisturizer. Skin feels and looks smoother, softer, supple and hydrated.
With the essence alone, the benefits aren't that spectacular and isn't enough to achieve the hydration level required for my skin type and under the winter weather.

You can redeem complimentary samples here and check out how it fares on your skin before investing in the full retail size.

Source : Biotherm

John Masters SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen

Product Description
This natural sunscreen combines titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide all-over skin protection.
• protects from harmful UVA and UVB rays
• does not contain nano-particles
• minerals are non-coated
• bio-degradable
• reef friendly
Extracts of green tea, shea butter and jojoba oil hydrate, moisturize and replenish the skin of vitamins and minerals. Provides SPF 30 protection. Made with 5 certified-organic ingredients. Gluten-free

Key Ingredients :

titanium dioxide - UV-resistant properties

zinc oxide - the broadest spectrum UVA and UVB absorber

shea butter - hydrating

green tea - anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties

jojoba - moisturizing; restores natural pH balance to the skin

Benefits :

broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection

great for sun and wind burn protection

contains hydrating and moisturizing properties

I bought the John Masters Organics Summer Protection Kit at $33.15 pounds from Lovelula last year and has been using the John Masters SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen as my daily face sunscreen every morning for the past couple of months.

I like that it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. And because the product also contains hydrating ingredients, it is not drying on my skin.

John Masters SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen is packaged in a brown opaque glass bottle to protect its contents from sun rays. The pump dispenser dispenses just the right amount of contents, without any messiness. A little goes a long way so the 60ml bottle can actually last for quite awhile but note that the recommended period is to use it within 6 months after opening.

The consistency of the mineral sunscreen is a creamy but lightweight lotion that spreads easily with a slight slippery feel but left a slight white cast after application. Just remember to blend it well to avoid the white cast on skin. It has an emollient feel to it, without any greasiness. My skin looks smoother and healthier-looking

John Masters SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen scores 3.5 from 22 users on Makeupalley.

Ingredients :
Titanium Dioxide 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 5.0%, aqua (water), aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice,* capric caprylic triglycerides, ethyl hexyl palmitate, glyceryl stearate, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, jojoba oil,* shea butter,* panthenol, tocopherol acetate, allantoin, sodium pca, green tea extract,* magnesium aluminum silicate, hyaluronic acid, calendula extract,* ethyl hexyl glycerin, benzyl alcohol
* Certified Organic

Shiseido Aquair Deep Moist Hair Treatment Lotion

Product Description
Convenient and ultra-moisturizing, Aquair Deep Moist Hair Treatment Lotion provides an immediate fix for dry and frizzy hair. Glycerin-enriched hair lotion deeply permeates hair strands to repair and nourish damaged cuticles resulting in soft and shiny hair. Delicate floral scent gently perfumes hair, removing the stench of cigarette smoke and pollution.

I purchased the Shiseido Aquair Deep Moist Hair Treatment Lotion from Japan some time back. Always love shopping for beauty products overseas, just to see what I have been missing out.

Heavily fragranced, this hair treatment lotion is conveniently packed in a spray bottle for easy dispensing all over my hair. I usually use it in the morning, before applying my curling lotion. It helps to keep my hair soft but healthy-looking.

Source : Skygreen

 

Review : Anatomicals Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer

Product Description
You know the blood curdling screams your hear in horror films when vampires sink their teeth into the white fleshed necks of virginal nieces of 18th century noblemen? Well, they’re the same blood curdling screams that can be heard when young ladies (as this is the 21st century, let’s skip the virginal bit) who have bitten off more than they can chew party wise, stare in the mirror at their pale, drawn complexions and baggy, tired eyes. if you’re one such young lady and have always wished there was a product to make you look less (un)dead, then these collagen eye patches are the Count’s (as in Dracula) cojones.

It is with hearts full of sadness that we announce that we are consciously uncoupling from the dark circles and tired looking eyes. There is another party involved – it is called ‘Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer – Wake-Up Under Eye Patches’. Lie down, apply the patches and chill out. Anatomicals Puffy the Eye Bag Slayer Under Eye Patches will help you look alive and refreshed.

The Anatomicals puffy eye patches are filled with vitamins and collagen to help reduce dark circles, reduce puffiness and is enriched with moisturising agents which help to prevent under eye aging. You may have had a late one, the night before a big interview but don’t let your eyes give you away!

I chanced upon Anatomicals Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer while shopping on ASOS and decided to get it. The name is so eye-catching and the packaging is bright in colour.

Approaching skincare with a tongue-in-cheek attitude, cult brand, Anatomicals, ‘only want you for your body’. Formulating effective products for the face and body, Anatomicals are known for their bright colours and cool packaging, not to mention the provocative attention-grabbing product names such as ‘The bender mender’ and ‘Snog me Senseless’.

Each pair of eye patches are kept securely in a tray. Made of a slippery clear jelly material, the eye patches are thin and soft but did not crumble when I pulled it out from the tray to layer on my undereye area. Each packet consists of 3 pairs of cresent-moon shaped eye treatment patches.

Despite its jelly-like material, the eye patches did not slip but adhere securely on my undereye area. It is moist but not wet. Cooling and refreshing. After the 30minutes treatment, the fine lines are slightly minimized albeit temporarily. 

Where To Purchase : ASOS 

Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Polvacrylate, Tartaricacid, Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinfera) Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocophbryl Acetate (Vitamin E), BHT, Methylparaben, Fragaben, Fragrance(Parfume), Phyto-collage, Aloe Vera, Green Tea Extract, Plum Extract

Mark's Hill MiracOILicious 2 Minute Intensive Treatment with Moroccan Argan Oil

Product Description
We all need a little TLC every now and again and your hair is no different. Overuse of heated appliances, colouring and styling can weaken, damage or even break your hair. This 2 minute miraculous revitalizing Argan oil hair treatment treatment quickly helps reconstruct hair in need of urgent repair. With its blend of pure essential oils and natural plant extracts including Moroccan Argan Oil, this superrich formula helps infuse protein back into weakened hair to leave it feeling Stronger, looking Healthier and Shinier than you ever thought possible!

Mark Hill is one of the defining influences on British hairdressing. Based in Yorkshire, Mark is still the only hairdresser outside London to have won the British Hairdresser of the Year twice, and is the only UK hairdresser to have ever won the prestigious International Hairdresser of the Year accolade twice in succession, firmly establishing his global status as the Master of Sexy, Wearable Hair. You can read more about him here.

I have been wanting to get some of Mark's Hill products since reading about Boots's presence in Singapore ( Mark's Hill products were recommended in magazines ) so when I was in Bangkok last year, I purchased Mark's Hill MiracOILicious 2 Minute Intensive Treatment with Moroccan Argan Oil, Ylang-Ylang and Palmarosa and MiracOILicious Moroccan Argan Oil.

Mark's Hill MiracOILicious Moroccan Argan Oil 2 Minute Intensive Treatment is made without parabens and contains an exotic blend of 14 essential oils and plant extracts to enrich extremely dry, damaged hair.

I have been into Argan Oil for some time, using them on the cuticles, hands, body and hair so it comes as no surprise that I will try Mark's Hill Intensive Treatment with Argan Oil. Since the colour care products isn't as moisturizing as what I hope, I added this intensive treatment into my hair care regime, using it every 2~3 days and skipping the daily conditioner.

The tub, with its white, thick and creamy contents has a strong woody scent, which is probably due to a mixture of the Moroccan Argan Oil, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Sage, Sandlewood, Spearmint, Castor, Palmarosa, Orange, Patchouli, Clove, Artemisia Pallens Flower and White Birch. It is strong but not offensive, with a subtle lingering scent after rinsing the hair.

I applied it like how I use a conditioner, at the last 1/4 of the hair length, left it for 2 minutes before washing it off. My hair looked and felt smoother and softer as well as being less frizzy.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Lactic Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Panthenol, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Vanillin, Cananga Odorata (Flower) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange Fruit) Extract, Tricedeth 12, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot Fruit) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Maltol, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Artemisia Pallens Flower Oil, Dimethylhydroxy Furanone, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Betula Alba Oil, Linalool, Limonene

Source : MarkHill, drugstore

Shikai Color Care Shampoo & Color Reflect Daily Moisture Conditioner

Shampoo Description
Each ShiKai shampoo is based on this special botanical extract obtained from the fruit on an East Asian acacia tree. It is this extract which provides rich, dense, gentle lather and leaves hair shiny and manageable.
Gently cleans color-treated or bleached hair without stripping or fading the color. Two special UV filters provide added all day protection while natural soap and detergent-free Shikai Extract provides gentle cleansing.

Conditioner Description
This light, natural conditioner gives hair its daily dose of moisture with glycerin, panthenol and shea butter. Weightless Body and Shine with Natural Color Protection. Hair Becomes Shinier, Easier to Manage and Full-Bodied. Made in USA, Shika haircare products were developed since 1970. Plant based, with low detergent, Shikai products are rich in organic ingredients and botanical ingredients.

I had coloured my hair then, and was searching for colour care products on Iherb. Shikai Color Care Shampoo has good reviews so I added them to the cart, despite never hearing of the brand before. It was by a leap of faith and I am glad that my efforts paid off. I picked up Shikai Color Reflect Daily Moisture Conditioner randomly since it is also meant for coloured hair.

The shampoo is housed in a flick-top cap container which has a nice fruity scent, foams very well and does an awesome job on coloured hair. However, it is slightly drying and a conditioner is definitely recommended to be used.

The conditioner is contained in a tube but dispenses easily from the gap. It conditions moderately well as a daily conditioner but not for intensive conditioning. The scent is very subtle but on EWG's Skin Deep, Color Reflect Daily Moisture Conditioner scores a 5, mainly due to the inclusion of fragrance which EWG is not able to discern the difference between natural or chemical fragrance.

Both products work well together to retain colour, keeping the colour in my hair without weighing it down and making my coloured hair look shiny and vibrant. My new hair colour lasts well for up to 1.5 months and thereafter even though my natural roots colour (black) is slowly growing out, the contrast between my new and original colour is not that obvious.

Some ingredients to take note of, in the shampoo, even though they may be low in dosage :
Benzophenone-4 - may result in allergic contact dermatitis
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate - as an organic UV filter but may result in hormone-mimicking effects
Fragrance - System toxicity
Overall, the shampoo has a moderate hazard of 6 on EWG.

Ingredients in conditioner, to take note of even though they may be low in dosage :
Octyl Methoxycinnamate - may result in estrogenic toxicity, system toxicity and promoting free radicals
Fragrance - System toxicity

Shikai Color Care Shampoo scores 4.8 from 8 users on Makeupalley while the Color Reflect Daily Moisture Conditioner scores 3.9 from 19 users on Makeupalley.

Check out the shampoo here and the conditioner here or use OKI787 to get up to US$10 off your first purchase on Iherb.

Alternatively, you can shop for the products on Amazon.
Shikai Color Care Shampoo 
Shikai Color Care Shampoo ( 3 bottles )
Shikai Color Reflect Daily Moisture Conditioner
Shikai Color Reflect Daily Moisture Conditioner ( 3 bottles )

Shampoo Ingredients :
Purified water, aloe vera gel*, olefin sulfonate, cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamide MEA, ShiKai Extract (acacia concinna†), coconut oil, glycerin (vegetable), amodimethicone, panthenol, salt, glycol distearate, benzophenone-4, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, diazolidinyl urea, natural fragrance.
*Full strength, certified organic
†Wildcrafted botanical, organically grown and sustainably harvested

Conditioner Ingredients :
Water, avocado (persia gratissima) oil, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, amodimethicone, behentrimonium chloride, panthenol, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii fruit), sunflower (helianthus annuus) extract, guar powder, behentrimonium methosulfate, diazolidinyl urea, octyl methoxycinnamate, natural fragrance

Source : Iherb, Iherb2

Review : Fresh Rose Face Mask

Product Description
Rose Face Mask hydrates and tones the complexion to restore radiance and suppleness to all skin types. The unique, cooling gel formula is infused with real rose petals that literally melt into the skin.

Key Ingredients :

Pure rosewater is notable for its soothing and toning properties.

Cucumber extract and aloe vera gel help soothe the skin and have an immediate cooling and calming effect.

Porphyridium cruentum, a "smart" algae, delivers optimum moisture.

Antioxidant-rich green tea helps to brighten and protect.

Fresh Rose Face Mask is one of the Fresh's popular products, touting to be a luxurious hydrating treatment that can help to transform dull lackluster complexion. It contains a unique formulation, which includes real rose petals that melt into skin to hydrate and protect as well as reducing redness and calms inflammation.

At 100ml, it costs a whopping $95 but with Sephora 20% storewide discount, it was an excellent excuse to get it at $76 then. It lasts me for quite awhile, probably due to its glooey gel but runny texture, where you just need to spread the contents over the skin.

Fresh Rose Face Mask comes in a tub, which can be pretty unhygienic but I usually just pour the contents into my palms and spread it all over my face.
It has a sweet fragrance and consists of rose petal flakes in the brown coloured contents. Once slathered on, the colour made your skin look brown, muddy and almost dirty, not exactly a pleasant sight.

The immediate reaction is, a cooling sensation - I felt as though my skin is immediately soothed and feels comfortably refreshing. It takes some effort to be washed off  but thereafter, my skin feels softened, nourished, soothed and supple. 

My skin appears to be less red and inflamed. It was especially useful during my eczema flare-up recently. The dehydrated rough patches and the red flushes were much minimized and my skin feels so much better after the mask treatment. However, it is just a temporary measure as the dehydrated patches returned the following morning.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon

Review : Innisfree Berry Hydro Gel Mask

Product Description
This hydro gel mask contains pure berry ingredients to transform puffy and dull skin into a clear and translucent complexion.

Requested a dear friend to get some mask sheets for me, where I purchased 3 sheets of the Innisfree Berry Hydro Gel Mask. The hydro-gel mask, made up of a slippery and glooey material is protectively covered with a plastic clear sheet that is equally slippery. The mask comes in 2 parts - one for the upper layer covering the eyes and nose and one for the lower area, covering the jaws and chin.

It can be a mess, trying to remove the hydro-gel mask from its protective sheets because of the slippery material. However, once you get the hang of it, just layer on the skin which provides a cooling and refreshing sensation on the face. The scent smells sweet but is rather artificial, seemingly with an added fragrance. 

The cutting of the hydro-gel mask still fits moderately well to my large face shape but with a larger nose flap that covers more than my nose with excess material hanging.
After a 20 minutes treatment, skin feels slightly softer and supple which hydrates my skin slightly better than not donning the mask. A surprise, considering that there is not much essence on the mask or in the packaging.The rough and dehydrated parts were better hydrated but doesn't last beyond the following morning.

Source : koreadepart

Review : Ioma Fresh Gel Eye Makeup Remover

Product Description
Immediate effect on the eyes due to its unique cool gel texture.

Gently dissolves and removes coloured make-up pigments.

Refreshes and soothes the eyes and the eye perimeter, for instantly rested eyes.

Lash effect, day after day due to its exclusive formula for even more beautiful lashes.​

During my last IOMA purchase, I received the Ioma Fresh Gel Eye Makeup Remover in a 15ml tube size. I was told that it was their latest product, one which can remove eye make-up as well as making lashes grow. It sounds unbelievable but is something that ladies want. I have long eye lashes, thanks to my genes but so lashes growth is least of my concerns. But to many, it is certainly a dream come true. The product is paraben-free.

I hardly use eye make-up removers nowadays since I started on Bioderma make-up remover as it can remove non waterproof eye make-up. I have an issue with removing waterproof eye make-up though and is still on the search for that eye make-up remover, so if you have recommendation on that, do share it with me.

Ioma Fresh Gel Eye Makeup Remover is a clear gel textured remover that removes non water-proof eye make-up but doesn't budge on waterproof eye make-up. With a gel texture, I tend to prefer to spread it out on the cotton pads before using it on my eyes so as to remove eye make-up more effectively.

Light and refreshing, it works effectively as what it should - remove eye make-up. No greasy after-feel or harsh ingredients that stings the eyes. However, in terms of improving the condition of the lashes, I can't see the efficacy yet but my eyelashes did come off. 2 eyelashes during my first use and 1 eyelash during my 2nd usage. That certainly doesn't sound like what a lash improving eye make-up remover does.

Source : Ioma

Review : Bee Naturals Honey Sugar Scrub

Product Description
A natural, gentle, exfoliation for arms and legs without the sting and drying associated with salt scrubs. Leaves skin velvety soft and smooth

A new brand which I picked up from Iherb for US$9.73, Honey Sugar Scrub is a relatively simple scrub with few ingredients but exfoliates well and smells yummy!
Packed in a tub form, the contents are a mixture of liquid ( most probably jojoba oil, sunflower oil and essential oil ) and sugar beads for the exfoliation.

Initially, it feels almost abrasive but if you scoop a good ratio of the liquid with the beads, it makes a good body scrub that give smooth and soft skin.

Ingredients :
White sugar, honey, glycerin, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, rosemary extract, and essential oils.

Source : Iherb

Review : Guerlain Metorites Travel Touch Voyage Powder Mythic

Product Description

All the know-how of Météorites concentrated in an evanescent and extremely light loose powder in an adorable powder case... With its soft mini powder puff, Météorites Travel Touch slips into any handbag and goes anywhere, while keeping the powder protected. Stardust that delights women on the go who love freedom and adventure.

The complexion is luminous and translucent, as if enwrapped in a silken veil. It glows with freshness, as if you just took a walk in a fabulous countryside. The one shade, Mythic, offers universal radiance and a naturally illuminated complexion.

I bought the Guerlain Meteorites Miniature Travel Touch $88 at DFS Changi Airport sometime back. Considered as a limited edition, it consists of 2x5g of Mythic 01 and Golden Shimmer 04.

I don't really splurge on high-end make-up as good skincare is my No. 1 concern so this is actually my very first Guerlain product and I really like how it looks on my skin.

A travel-ready compact, it is a silky-soft loose powder version of the iconic Météorites Pearls that provides a glowing, translucent finish. It helps erase shine, leaving a matte texture to the skin, while concealing imperfections. It is said that the 01 Mythic color blend offers correction and natural illumination for your complexion.

As shown in the picture above, the packaging comes as a loose powder container/jar, with a built-in sponge applicator. I feel that the applicator picks up a lot of the powder and it is recommended to tap it on the back of your hands before applying on the face. I prefer to use a kabuki brush to pick up some of the powder from its built-in sponge application and then brush it all over my face, as a finishing powder.

On its own as a loose powder, it doesn't conceal or provide any coverage because the powder is so sheer, so I prefer to use it as a last touch to give my face an all-over radiance. It blurs imperfections and provides that radiance with a diffused luminosity glow. It doesn't oxidise and seems to work better with time. In fact, my skin looks even better at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for its packaging. Considering the brand and the price as well as how infrequent I use it, I am dismayed that the sponge tore and crumbles making the jar looks like such a mess. When I pulled out the sponge applicator from the container/jar, I have to find something to cover the hole where the powder comes from. There isn't any replacement jar for it, so I just have to decant it to another jar.

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Tips For Aging Gracefully

80% of your diet should be raw produce

One of the first fundamental requirements is to ingest clean, whole, and highly nutritious fruits and vegetables. These foods are incredibly cleansing, contain a wide array of skin supporting nutrients, and are loaded with antioxidants, which helps slow down the oxidation process in your body (a key factor in ageing).
To start, consume at least a produce-filled smoothie and salad on a daily basis, and give it 30-60 days to show initial results.

Hydrate

Since we are approximately 70% water, it only makes sense that proper hydration will contribute to more supple and ageless skin. Not only does it keep our body “moist”, it is also key to cleansing toxins out of the body.
Not any old water will do, however. Stick with approved spring water or a reputable water filter, to ensure you at least eliminate the toxic chemicals typically present in the public water supply. Think one glass of water to every 20 lbs of body weight.

Sweat and exfoliate

A key part of healthy looking skin is to make sure the pores remain open and do not become clogged with oils, dirt, and petroleum based skin products. In addition to that, it is important to give your skin a good scrub to slough off dead skin cells and encourage new ones to generate. This way, any anti-ageing products you use can also be properly absorbed.
Some great ways to sweat include exercise, hot baths, and infrared saunas. To exfoliate, look at loofah’s, dry brushes, and natural exfoliating skin products.

Consume skin-promoting nutrients

Vitamin A, C, and E

Vitamin A promotes proper repair and maintenance of skin, and any deficiencies can result in a dry complexion. For good, whole food sources of vitamin A, look at fermented cod liver oil, carrots, apricots, kale, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and spinach.
Vitamin C is very effective at reducing free radical damage, such as excessive sun exposure and pollution. Free radicals consume collagen and elastin, fibers that support skin structure, and cause wrinkles and signs of premature ageing. Foods high in vitamin C include camu camu, acerola cherry, guava, kale, red and green peppers, and oranges.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the effects of excessive sun exposure on the skin. It also reduces the appearances of wrinkles. When applied topically, it can soothe rough or dry skin. Good sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, avocados, prunes, spinach, cabbage, asparagus, and astaxanthin.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility. Since the body can’t produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained from the diet. Quality sources of omega 3’s include hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and fish oils.

Zinc

Zinc is a very important component to healthy skin by controlling the production of oil in the skin and some of the hormones that can create things like acne. Foods rich in zinc include pumpkin seeds, oysters, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, and eggs.

Selenium

Selenium is an antioxidant mineral responsible for tissue elasticity, and it helps prevent cell damage from free radicals. Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, wheat germ, salmon, garlic, eggs, and brown rice.

Silica

Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body’s connective tissues, including those in our skin. A deficiency can result in reduced skin elasticity and a reduction in the body’s ability to heal wounds. Good food sources of silica include leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus, and rhubarb.

One also needs to keep in mind that reducing those things that can cause premature ageing of the skin is also important. Limit your sun exposure, eliminate toxic skin products, mitigate stress, and cut back or avoid processed foods, sugar, caffeine, dairy, gluten, alcohol, and conventional meat products.

Source : Informationng

Anti-Aging Secrets Stars Swear By

Felicity Huffman : Lets her skin breathe on the days she's not on set all day.

Queen Meryl : Swimming laps three times a week keeps her fit.

Christie Brinkley : Besides having a disciplined diet and exercise routine, Brinkley attributes her youthful look to her hair. We all know you can have less of it as we age, so Brinkley swears by clip-in hair extensions (she has her own line) to remedy thinning and to add a little volume. And that's not the only hair you should be paying attention to, she says. "Eyebrows can thin as we age. I use pencil and powder

Julianne Moore : Moore credits sun protection for keeping her skin wrinkle-free. Protecting herself from the sun, Moore has also been spotted on the beach, wearing floppy sun hats and says she also always makes sure to walk on the shady part of the sidewalk.

Kim Cattrall : Scrubs her entire body with exfoliating mitts every day to slough off dead skin cells and keep her skin glowing. "I immediately saw that my skin was starting to feel healthier and fresher."

Cindy Crawford : Mists whole milk on her face daily to keep it soft and supple. Dairy products contain lactic acid, which you'll often see as an ingredient in skincare products, which naturally exfoliates skin, getting rid of dryness and flakes, and leaving you with even, glowing tone.

Sandra Bullock : The actress uses Preparation H, you heard it right, under her eyes, to keep them looking well-rested. The hemorrhoid cream contains anti-inflammatory ingredients which could explain its efficacy. "Putting butt cream under my eyes is one of my best beauty secrets, and stops me from getting lines,"

Demi Moore : "I moisturize, moisturize, moisturize," Moore told Marie Claire."No matter how late it is, when I get home, I take the time to clean and moisturize my face. I'm a big believer in that if you focus on good skin care, you really won't need a lot of makeup."

Halle Berry : After exfoliating her face each morning, she uses pure vitamin C on her face before putting on moisturizer. The vitamin, found in abundance in fruits, has collagen-boosting benefits and also can help repair age spots.

Source : Huffingtonpost

Top 10 Beauty Detox Food To Look Younger & Beautiful

Nutritionist and New York Times best-selling author Kimberly Snyder shares what she says are the top beauty-detox foods that will help you look younger and more beautiful. These foods will detox your skin, blood and cells so your body can function at its best.
Incorporate these foods into your diet at least 3 times a week you may see brighter, glowing skin – and changes in your hair and body in as little as three days !

Start by eliminating foods from your diet that are major agers such as:

• Processed foods
• Refined sugars
• Dairy
• Artificial sweeteners
• Gluten

Now, you can begin to eat the right foods that will help tackle issues from wrinkles to hair loss.

Dulse

Dulse (dried seaweed) can be a great solution for tackling dark under eye circles that can age you and make you look tired. Dark and puffy circles can be the result of your body retaining too much water, or a sign that your kidneys are not functioning optimally. Your kidneys help balance fluids throughout your body, but when you consume too much salt this can cause water retention. Dulse is loaded with vitamin B and helps to balance electrolytes to keep your fluids and body in check.
It is low in sodium so you can also opt to use it as a replacement for salt in salads and other dishes.

Cabbage

Cabbage can help get rid of crow’s feet, which are a sign that you may have high cortisol levels. High cortisol can cause the skin to break down faster and wrinkles to appear.
The adrenal gland is responsible for making cortisol. By incorporating anti-inflammatory and vitamin A-, C- and E-rich food like cabbage into your diet, you can help to lower cortisol levels, diminish crow’s feet, and prevent lines from forming in the first place.
Try to choose purple cabbage because it has 6 to 8 times more vitamin C than green. In fact, one cup of purple cabbage is 80% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C you need. In order to get the most benefits, incorporate into your diet 3-5 times a week.

Watercress

Watercress is a beauty food that can tackle patchy and uneven skin tone, which is often a sign of poor circulation or not enough blood, oxygen and nutrients getting to the skin. Poor circulation is a big concern and can cause a number of health issues from hair loss to darkening of the skin.

Watercress has the ability to cleanse and oxygenate tissues for better blood flow and glowing skin. It has a high amount of iron, which helps your red blood cells carry more oxygen to the body and the skin. Additionally, it is rich in calcium and iodine, which can help prevent a dull complexion.

Beets

Beets can help brighten dull eyes and flush your lymphatic system. Flushing out your lymphatic system can help bring youthfulness back by clearing cloudiness and whitening the whites of your eyes. Beets are high in iron and contain the antioxidant betacyanin, which supports liver and lymphatic health.
Beets are a beauty food because they are a natural colon cleanser that can remove toxins and congestion from the body, including in the capillaries traveling to the eye. They can also increase oxygen-carrying ability in the blood by 400 percent!

Cilantro

Cilantro is a beauty food that helps to remove heavy metals from your system that enlarge fat cells. These toxins can increase the appearance of cellulite on your body.
Cilantro has cleansing properties and can be easily incorporated into your diet every morning – Snyder adds cilantro to her green smoothie for breakfast. 
If you really can’t stand the taste of cilantro, try incorporating parsley into your diet because it has some similar anti-cellulite effects.

Oat Groats

There are other foods that can fight the appearance of cellulite like oat groats. Oat groats, not to be confused with oatmeal, are whole grains that are the most natural and unprocessed form of oats. They are high in fiber, which is key in a long-term anti-cellulite program. Fiber helps move and clear out toxins that will be released from fat cells, so that they don’t re-circulate around the body and turn into cellulite.

Citrus Fruit

Another beauty food you can fight cellulite with is with citrus fruit. Citrus fruit provides a boost of vitamin C, which can help to repair skin collagen and prevent cellulite from being so visible. The best time to eat citrus fruit in order to get the best results is in the morning on an empty stomach.

Walnut Meat

Walnut meat is one “beauty fat” that can help to make your skin more supple and beautiful, while also lubricating your joints and strengthening your cell membranes against oxidative damage. It is filled with healthy omega-3s which can help to strengthen your skin and make it more resilient. Beauty fats, like walnut meat, can also tackle issues like age spots, sagging skin and thinning hair that can significantly add years to your appearance.

Walnut meat is chopped walnuts combined with spices, and it can be eaten in salads, tacos, and other dishes. Try it as a healthy ground meat substitute.

Sunflower Seed Butter

Sunflower seed butter is another beauty fat that helps to eliminate the free radicals that cause cellular damage, which can lead to age spots. Sunflower seeds are one of the richest sources of vitamin E, which can help to eliminate preexisting age spots and also prevent them from forming. Include sunflower seed butter in your diet at least 3 times week.

Tahini

Tahini is made up of sesame seeds, which are high in protein, olive oil, another beauty fat, and is loaded with zinc and calcium. Tahini is an easily absorbed form of protein that your body can utilize to nourish the hair follicle and prevent hair from thinning out. These proteins help keep your hair hydrated so it won’t dry up and cause hair loss.

Source : DocOz

Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen Cream

Product Description
Made for extreme sports, this simple, safe and moisturizing sport sunscreen is Badger's most water resistant sunscreen.

Key Benefits :

• One of our simplest sunscreens, just 5 ingredients and no added scent!
• Water and sweat resistant for at least 80 minutes of swimming or activity.
• Broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays using the safe mineral Zinc Oxide – No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemical active sunscreening agents.
• 100% Certified Natural and 94% Certified Organic.
• Unscented with an antioxidant-rich Sunflower Oil base.
• BPA and phthalate-free tube from #2 recyclable plastic.
• No animal testing.
• Biodegradable and safe for coral reefs and other ecosystems.

Safe, Effective and Responsible. This is the best sport sunscreen for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, running, biking, hiking, and swimming. Formulated to protect our hardworking, hard-playing, active Badger friends everywhere. This cream-based sport sunscreen is water resistant for at least 80 minutes, protecting you from sun, wind, cold, and water while moisturizing and nourishing your skin. And it stays where you put it – so you can focus on doing your best.

 

After reading on how highly rated and safe this Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen Cream is, on EWG website, I decided to get it from Iherb. You can quote OKI787 to get up to US$10 off your first purchase on Iherb.

However, the moment I slather it on my arms, I regretted my purchase almost immediately. Potent stuff? Perhaps. Since it doesn't budge. So yes, you can called it water resistant. Thick, creamy and doesn't slide off easily. And it stains my clothes. You just have to continue massage it to and fro, until the white cast disappears. I am aghast, since I will definitely not use it on my face, it looks pore-clogging.

Texture aside, this sunscreen is certainly impressive with its ingredients alone. Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen Cream contains only 5 ingredients in its list, and comprises of non-nano uncoated Zinc Oxide at 22.5%.

For the uninitiated, Zinc Oxide is made is a powdered mineral that sits on top of the skin, scattering and absorbing UVA and UVB rays. It is a mineral that does not dissolve into our sunscreens and does not absorb into your skin and is therefore considered significantly different than the synthetic sunscreen chemicals that only work by absorbing into your skin.

Upon application, zinc oxide particles sit on the outermost layer of your skin, the stratum corneum, where they scatter, absorb, and reflect ultraviolet radiation, protecting your living skin below. Zinc oxide is unique among sunscreen ingredients in that it is truly a broad-spectrum blocker, protecting from UVA, UVB, and even UVC. Titanium dioxide is another mineral active ingredient you may see in other brands' sunscreens. While it protects from UVB rays very well it does not protect from UVA as well as zinc oxide does. You can read more about it on the Badger website.

Note that I only use the Badger Sunscreen Cream all over my arms and hands so I can't comment if there will be breakouts on my face. I tend to prefer a lighter textured sunscreen for my face and currently, I am using John Masters SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen for that. 

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Iherb 

Badger Sport Sunscreen Cream  

Ingredients :

Active Sport Sunscreen Ingredient: Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide 22.5%
Other Sport Sunscreen Ingredients:
*Helianthus Annuus (Organic Sunflower) Oil, *Cera Alba (Organic Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E)

* = Certified Organic