Women Shaking Up the Beauty Industry in 2021

March 10, 2021 by 6 Comments

Image courtesy of shutterstock.com

This month it’s all about celebrating women.  Women are strong, women are powerful, and when faced with a problem … women are resourceful and creative!

When noticing a beauty issue, these entrepreneurial female founders took charge and developed a solution to help others.  These independent beauty brands bring unique solutions to some of our oldest beauty conundrums.

Fashion Reverie spoke with some innovative women who are changing the beauty game one styling product and lipstick at a time.

Image courtesy of treStique

trèStiQue

A brand focused on simplifying your makeup routine. 

Clean, cruelty-free makeup in easy to apply crayons are the perfect way to get you ready in just 5 minutes.  Ideal for looking great before heading out the door or sprucing up before a last-minute Zoom call.  In fact, this case of cosmetics looks a bit like a pencil holder and is great to keep on the corner of your desk.

Jenn Kapahi spent years in the beauty industry.  Starting with a summer job as a makeup artist at Saks Fifth Avenue in Southampton, her love of beauty bloomed into a career.  Kapahi has worked with top brands including L’Oreal, MAC, Anastasia, Estee Lauder, Revlon, and more.  However, when it came to her own beauty routine, she dreaded it.

Recognizing the need for an easier makeup solution, she realized she wasn’t the only one struggling with overflowing makeup bags full of products that were overly complicated and took forever to apply.  She decided to build a brand that would fit into her own busy life and the lives of makeup lovers everywhere.  She decided to build a brand around 8 mainstay products and connected with Jack Bensason, who has 10 years of experience in cosmetic supply chain and development, to make it happen.  Bensason helped develop Kapahi’s vision, with his idea of the jumbo twist crayon design, into the trèStiQue brand.

The best part feature of this collection is that they are all double-sided, with an attached beauty tool or enhancer right on the other end.  Highlighter crayons with blending sponges, mascara wands with eyelash curlers, eyebrow pencils with eyebrow filler, and eyeshadow crayons with mini brushes just to name a few of the types of two-in-one products trèStiQue is known for.  

Plus, to get started, just snap a selfie and the trèStiQue experts will recommend your top shades to help you build your own customized essential 8.

Looking for a few simple products to replace your makeup bag? Check out trestique.com.

Image courtesy of Lunata Beauty

Lunata Beauty

Hair tools without the messy cords.

If you’ve ever flattened your hair on an ironing board because tools marketed for hair weren’t hot enough. you’re probably aware of how far flat irons and hair tools in general have come.  Not only were the old ways—before having solid hair tools at our disposal— dangerous, but it was so easy to fry your hair.  Over the years, hair tools have evolved, but one thing really hasn’t, the way they’re powered.

For many people, it’s easy to just plug in your favorite straightener or curling iron and style your strands in your bathroom mirror, but if you’ve ever travelled internationally this seemingly easy task can become a real problem. Not only can foreign electricity kill your favorite tools, and possibly wreck your hair, but the lack of outlets next to mirrors tends to a be a huge problem.

Stacey Boguslavskaya and Monica Abramov knew this problem all too well.  After countless trips facing these types of issues, they founded Lunata Beauty and the Cordless Styler Plus +.  A flat iron made up of titanium plates—for “snag-free” styling—that reaches up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.  The flat iron can be used on 2 rechargeable batteries and lasts up to 45 minutes or can be plugged in and used while charging.  Oh, and it’s dual voltage, so it’s great overseas!

Imagine the freedom, if your phone in the next room rings while you’re doing your hair, you can grab it without missing a beat.  You can step away to answer a question when your kids or partner calls mid-styling.  In fact, rather than being stuck in the bathroom, you can now do your hair in front of that gorgeous mirror in your bedroom—you know the one with great lighting. You can even sit down!  Seriously, the future is cord-free.

Now if you have thick or super curly hair, I wouldn’t throw away your regular straightener, just yet.  It may take longer to tame your tresses on this wireless straightener than some of the more traditional wired alternatives on the market. However, even those with the thickest of locks will appreciate having one of these in your desk drawer or gym bag for touchups on the go! As any frizz-prone person knows, no matter how great your hair looks when you walk out the door, all it takes is a few drops of rain or a little humidity and your polished look is no more.

It’s also great for touch-ups! Hello next-day hair!

For cord free straighteners and curling irons for trips, touchups, and just to free you of cords visit: lunatabeauty.com.

Image courtesy of CAPTIV8

CAPTIV8

A way to keep your products organized while on the go.

Tacky sheets placed in vegan leather portfolio and roll-up cases are ideal for staying organized while traveling is what CAPTIV8 is all about.  Designed to keep everything in place, each case also features a zippered pocket for other loose small items like brushes or pencils.

When Jessica Kriesel was young, she’d watch her father invent solutions to solve some serious problems—like cooling down the interior of race cars!)   After college, Jessica was quickly recruited by her father to work alongside him selling tackleboxes with a layer of a tacky substance for organization.

Faced with lots of trips to trade shows and other events, Kriesel found that packing her beauty products, jewelry, and accessories was a pain.  She began to pack her products in the tackle boxes and that’s when the idea hit her to incorporate a similar technology into a range of bags for beauty accessories.

After lots of trial and error, Kriesel and her father developed Tak Technology, their signature solution which firmly holds products in place without leaving a sticky residue.  Made from soybeans, these tacky sheets can be used again and again, without losing anything.  All you do is press down on your product into the solution and you’re ready to go. 

Able to withstand heat and freezing temperatures from 240 degrees to below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, Tak Technology can be cleaned with a damp cloth or makeup wipe without becoming any less effective.  In fact, you can even clean it in the dishwasher.

To learn more about these amazing travel cases visit: captiv8.shop

Image courtesy of GaBBY Bows

GaBBy Bows

Hair clips designed to stay in place.

We couldn’t write an article on female entrepreneurs without featuring this younger innovator making waves. 

Gabrielle “GaBBY” Goodwin, last year when she was only 12 had her collection of barrettes, bows and natural hair products featured in Target.

As any young, or not so young, hair clip wearer knows, clips seem to go missing like crazy.  It doesn’t matter how many you buy or how you weave them into your hair, they all disappear into some deep unknown void. (If we had to guess, they’re probably living happily with all those left socks that went missing from the dryer!)

Tired of the constant loss of her favorite clips, at only 7 years of age, Godwin, with the help of her mom, created the first patented double-face, double-snap barrette.  With their newly designed clips that stay in place, the mother-daughter duo went out to market them.  Before landing their big Target deal and working with other small retailers, they were turned away a lot.

Together, they’ve turned hair bows into big business and are inspiring other kids to do the same with their Mommy and Me Entrepreneurship Academy. Godwin explains that she’s heard NO a lot. But remember, NO is just an abbreviation for Next Opportunity!

Godwin and her mom are so confident that their bows will stay in place that they have a guarantee right on their website offering to replace a bow that might slip out of a child’s hair with two bows!

Check out Gabbybows.com to learn more about her clips and natural plant-based styling products.

—Janine Silver

 

 

 

 

Beauty Pick: Solvasa – A Pioneer in the “Higher Order Beauty” Integrative Beauty Space

February 17, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Dr. Chris Gaines

Fashion Reverie spoke with Dr. Chris Caires, the recently appointed President of Solvasa, a player in Integrative Beauty, to learn more about this growing movement. Dr. Caires was previously the chief scientist and innovation officer at Perricone MD.  At Solvasa, his focus is on creating a new range of beauty products and getting the word out about how an Integrative Beauty lifestyle promotes overall wellness, reduces inflammation, and the signs of aging. He is a firm believer that an inflammatory lifestyle, “higher order beauty,” has lifelong benefits, regardless of one’s age. Dr. Caries also breaks-down the key products we need to help us feel our very best.

Fashion Reverie: What does the name Solvasa mean?

Dr. Caires: The “Sol” is sun and “Vasa” is light.  Put together, Solvasa means “vessel of light.”

FR:  What is “Integrative Beauty” and what piqued your interest in it?

Dr. Caires: To achieve maximum beauty, you cannot just look at it through a one-dimensional lens. It’s not just the one product that does everything, that is a very American way of looking at it (beauty). There are no beautiful sick people. When you are very healthy, you naturally look good. Fitness trainer and pregnant women have that glow. A jar can support it for sure, but you need to combine your practices and exercise, too.

FR: Who is the Solvasa customer?

Dr. Caires: People who are looking for a more personal relationship with their beauty regimen, who want to be part of a community. They are fatigued by the rat race of the beauty question that is not answered by simply using a new jar of cream.  We’re for people who are curious. We offer them tools: mindfulness content, how to journal and build in little routines without being preachy.

FR: What’s the secret formula?

Dr. Caires: You must be well, eat well, decrease stress in your life, sleep well, and consume products that help your body. This wellness formula makes sense to me. The challenges and the opportunities are, “how do we present it as a package?” At Solvasa, we strive to put this all together and teach people how to implement it.

FR:  Why is this the right time for a brand like Solvasa?

Dr. Caires: People want more and more. Solvasa is for someone who recognizes that beauty is part of their lifestyle and is looking for a one-stop shop. Lots of women are moving to online to get their beauty products. Many of them have the kids home and there’s a different stress. People are appreciating the community; that’s a big part of direct selling. We have a community of different groups.  There’s a Thursday night that I speak at, Saturday meetings, and monthly podcasts that are speaker sessions.

FR: What Solvasa regimen can we incorporate to feel great?

Dr. Caires: Massage and lymphatic drainage are key to beautiful skin. The vibration of the Crystal Energy Wand and the pressure it puts on the skin agitate the lymph nodes to get things loose and sweep it out. The wand is rounded but it doesn’t roll, so you need a serum to provide lubrication. Our Destressance serum+ glide provides the needed lubrication and is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients. It contains Western peptides and Ashwagandha, an Eastern medicine.

There’s scientific evidence to show these things fight inflammation, which causes a lot of wear and tear on the body. The serum is focused on helping the skin be more resilient to the stress coming from the outside and inside. The lymphatic drainage is a pleasurable experience regardless of age. Pair this with incorporating a mindful moment practice into your day and drinking our Golden Moment Tumeric Elixir beverage, which also helps address inflammation from the inside.

All images courtesy of Solvasa

FR: What products can we look forward to later this year?

Dr. Caires: We’re coming out for a proper sunscreen very soon that’s mineral based. It has great protection and is non-whitening. I’m a big fan of mineral sunscreens, they’re infinitely safer that chemical sunscreens.

Solvasa products are available at www.solvasabeauty.com.

—Vivian Kelly

 

Valentine’s Day Beauty for Any Type of Date Night

February 3, 2021 by 4 Comments

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

With some restaurants opening at ¼ capacity and many closed for good, Valentine’s Day might be looking a little different for many this year.  Just because you might not be able to enjoy a fine meal or your other favorite date night activity with your partner, doesn’t mean it can’t still be a great date night!

No matter if you’re preparing to snuggle up on the sofa with takeout, cook a nice dinner at home or manage to score a hard to get reservation, Fashion Reverie has got you covered with some of our favorite beauty routines for any romantic night.

Libido Boosting Fragrances

Scent is a very personal thing, and we all have different opinions when it comes to fragrances.  The most powerful thing about scent is how it links directly into memories—whether that be something innocent like your grandmother’s house or sparks desire reminding you of a current (or former) lover. However, several scents have been traditionally linked to arousal. 

Jasmine, one of the foundations of the perfume industry, has long been touted in Hindu and Muslim traditions as a natural aphrodisiac.  With its delicate and sweet floral scent, it’s no surprise that women have been using Jasmine to catch the attention of a potential suitor for ages.

Many perfumers use Jasmine because of its wide appeal and according to studies done in 2015, proven libido boosting power.

Image courtesy of their respective owners

Le Labo Jasmin 17 Eau de Parfum ($192.00)

Byredo Flowerhead Eau de Parfum ($180.00)

Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum ($170.00)

Images courtesy of their respective brands

Ambrette, a botanical musk native to Asia and Australia has a very complex scent profile often described as sweet, nutty, musky with hints of cognac.  Ambrette for a time was many perfumers’ top plant alternative for replicating animal musk and has long been used for its arousing qualities. 

Matiere Premiere Parisian Musc ($224.00)

Zadig & Voltaire Tome 2 La Légèreté ($88.00)

Looking for some other sexy fragrance profiles?  Citrus (such as burnt orange), saffron, ginger, and sandalwood all will help add a little spice to your night!

Image courtesy of L’Occitane

Touchable Skincare

If you live in a colder climate, you’ve probably noticed that as the weather gets colder your skin craves more and more moisture.  Keep your skin nice and hydrated with shea butter.

Thanks to its high concentrations of fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, shea butter is highly praised for keeping skin soft and supple.  Shea butter has multiple benefits and is also praised for plumping the skin, fading scars and age spots, soothing skin allergies, reducing wrinkles, stimulating collagen production, preventing stretch marks and many more.  Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning shea butter won’t clog your pores.

Shea butter is ideal for getting ready for Valentine’s Day, so you have soft touchable skin. Be aware that Shea butter is made from the shea nut so those with tree nut allergies might want to consult a healthcare professional before adding it into their skincare routine.

L’Occitane en Provence recently launched their Limited-edition Invigorating Shea Butter collection.  This collection boasts the same softening and skin healing properties of their best-selling Shea Butter range, but with a new scent to help “fight the winter blues and boost your mood.”  With a subtle, tantalizing citrusy scent, their entire line will lift your spirits and as the name says, invigorate you. 

Invigorating Scent Ultra-Light Body Cream ($44.00 for 4.5oz) feels light and airy and goes on smoothly.  Composed of 5% Shea Butter, apply this cream as soon as you get out of the shower for soft skin just asking to be touch.

For very dry skin, try the Invigorating Scent Ultra Rich Body Cream ($29.00 for 3.4 oz) which provides long lasting hydration (up to 72 hours).  Containing ¼ Shea Butter, these body cream strengthens the hydrolipidic barrier and nourishes the skin—but still absorbs quickly without a film.

Image courtesy of SUGAR Advanced Therapy

Kissable Lips

Forgetting about the flaky, cracked appearance; dry, chapped lips are downright uncomfortable.  For a kissable sexy pout, don’t just swipe on some lipstick as that only emphasizes it.  Instead, you need to treat the issue first.

There are hundreds of lip balms on the market, Fashion Reverie recommends Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm.  One of the most popular lip enhancing products, thanks to sugar, orange extract, and sea fennel, Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm smooths the look of wrinkles while hydrating for 24 hours, meaning you won’t need to constantly reapply every 10 seconds. 

We recommend applying it overnight to wake up to more supple, hydrated, less cracked and flaky lips that are ready to seduce, no matter if you swipe on a pink or red hue or leave them completely naked!

—Janine Silver

Fashion Reverie’s Sustainable Beauty Products Roundup

January 17, 2021 by 15 Comments

Image courtesy of qianma.com

Sustainability is taking the spotlight as more and more people are beginning to realize how important preserving our planet is.  From bans on drinking straws and paper bags to finding ways to produce goods using less energy, brands are getting creative.  However, the beauty industry for years has been a key problem sector—but that’s all about to change.

Presented at this year’s virtual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which ran from January 11th – January 14th, beauty mammoth L’Oréal presented their Water Saver technology developed with Swiss start-up, Gjosa.  First unveiled in 2018, L’Oréal presented their final version at CES, which will begin in France before being adapted globally.  This innovative technology flows L’Oréal Professionnel and Kérastase products directly into the stream of water.

(The concept is to help consumers reduce water consumption, by a whopping 80% while washing their hair.) 

Image courtesy of L’Oreal

According to their research, people on average use eight liters of water per minute while washing their hair and this technology would limit that to two liters per minute.  This technology helps preserve water and also enhances the condition of your hair.  While this technology is first being presented to salons, an at-home version is in the works for the future.

Excited by all the sustainably focused technology presented at the conference, Fashion Reverie has rounded up the best brands you can try now to reduce plastic waste and help the planet.  Not only will these products have you looking and feeling amazing, they are also ALL refillable, cutting down significantly on excess containers and packaging.

Image courtesy of b-glowing.com

Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation

One of the pioneers in refillable makeup, founder Kristen Kjaer Weis created the line with the intention of reducing waste over 10 years ago.  The signature KW compacts were designed to easily be refilled to cut down on excess packaging.

The Cream Foundation, made from organic coconut, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oil, not only covers and conceals with its medium to full coverage, but also soothes, tightens, and protects your skin.  For the best results, Kjaer Weis recommends applying this foundation to a well-moisturized face, as it’s formulated without any synthetics.

The foundation comes in multiple compact options such as the Red Editor or Iconic Edition. No matter which one you choose, this multitasking product will not disappoint.

Image courtesy of L’Occitane

L’OCCITANE en Provence Almond Milk Concentrate

This cult favorite smooths skin and moisturizes with 48 hours of hydration.  Made from almonds grown in the South of France, the creamy texture melts right into your skin.

With a light, refreshing scent and amazing feel, it’s easy to see why so many people love this product.  L’OCCITANE en Provence is committed to sustainability—pledging that by 2025 100% of its bottles will be made of recycled plastic and all their stores will offer a recycling service. Currently, many of their products, including the Almond Milk Concentrate, are also sold with refillable pouches to cut down on excess plastic waste.

Image courtesy of Surrat

Surratt Auto-Graphique Eyeliner

This artist approved liquid eyeliner is expensive at $42, but it’s Japanese calligraphy- inspired brush is uniquely ideal for creating precise, long-lasting graphic looks.  The opaque formula goes on strong and dispenses smoothly so you’re able to get the perfect stroke or flick of liner every time—no need to keep going back and filling in.

Plus, while this may feel like a large investment for eyeliner, the pen is refillable and each cartridge will set you back less than $20, which for Surratt lovers is a steal.

Image courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2

For kissably soft lips in the most flattering shades, you cannot go wrong with Charlotte Tilbury.  Hot Lips 2 is a collection of gorgeous lipstick shades that will give you fuller looking lips while moisturizing them at the same time.  Inspired by Hollywood elite, Tilbury’s clientele, these lipsticks will have you feeling like you’ve walked off a movie set.

As a bonus, when you’ve used up the tube of lipstick, simply swap it out with another one or be daring and try a different shade.

Image courtesy of Tata Harper

Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer

Sourced from the founder’s own family farm, the botanical ingredients in Tata Harper’s Water-Lock Moisturizer primes and nourishes without any harsh chemicals.  Your complexion will never look better, thanks to the lightweight formula combined with Macro Hyaluronic Acid, Orange Peptides, and Pomegranate.  Water-Lock Moisturizer transforms rough, uneven or dry skin, making it a favorite among editors.

Tata Harper has created refillable pods, which can be placed into your jar to help reduce extra waste.

 

Image courtesy of Tropic

Tropic Colour Palettes

Customizable palettes offer you the opportunity to create a beauty look and take it with you without all the bulk.  With over 70 products to choose from including concealer, bronzer, setting powder, lipstick, cream contour, eyeshadow, and wax liner, and many others, you can ensure you’re only taking with you the things you need.

Ideal to stash in your purse, gym bag or suitcase for a full face in one little compact, the best part is of course that you can replace the pans to change up your look as often as you’d like without the need for buying another palette.

Looking for more brands that offer refillable products?  Thankfully this year, we’ve seen a major push towards sustainability that’s expanded outside of your favorite indy brands to include prominent, established brands as well, so, you don’t have to look very far to find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Additional brands that are adapting refillable practices include: Dior, Ouai, Chanel, Molton Brown, Diptyque, Faith in Nature, Hourglass, and La Mer to name a few.

— Janine Silver

Beauty Alert: MyChelle Dermaceuticals, the Ultimate Skincare Brand in These Uncertain Times

October 22, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

OK, we are living with a global health pandemic, as well as a global economic recession. And there are no definite signs when things will get better. Still, that is no reason to let your skin become sallow and listless.  Happy days could be just around the corner and wouldn’t it be great to celebrate good times looking bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Don’t wait for the days of celebration. Start working on skin right now. Time is of the essence. Happy days could be here again in just under two weeks.

Fashion Reverie has found the perfect skincare solutions that can elevate your skin game and keep your eyes and your complexion sparkling. From great moisturizers to facial cleansers, exfoliators and masks to eye care and mists, MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals has the perfect products for all your skincare needs.

Founded in 2000 in Colorado, MyCHELLE is the original innovator of clean skincare. Since day one, we have worked to be positive and active agents of change in the world by making highly effective products that are inspired by nature. We continue to lead in creating effective, eco-friendly products that are science-driven and help to get real results for all skin types.

We are committed to full transparency around our ingredients. We promise powerful, effective products that make you look good, created by a mission-driven company that you can feel good about supporting. Because we care about you, our furry friends, and our planet, we do our best to go above and beyond. We are proud to be a founding member of the Environmental Working Group’s “Verified for Your Health” program, a PETA certified cruelty-free company and certified by Leaping Bunny. And, YES, we’ve been making reef-safe sun care for over a decade!

Proudly all MyCHELLE products are vegetarian, cruelty-free, and free of phthalates, parabens, petroleum, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances and colors. And the skincare products smell fantastic and feel good on your skin, leaving your skin feel soft, luxurious and renewed.

MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals images courtesy of Light Years Ahead PR

Fashion Reverie’s favorites is MyCHELLE’s facial cleanser and moisturizing renew cream. The brand’s Clear Skin Cranberry Cleanser is ultra-refreshing, natural exfoliating, and pore-clearing cleanser brings skin into healthy balance. Deeply cleans pore-clogging impurities, oil, and irritants. The Pumpkin Renew Cream is lightweight daily moisturizer with antioxidant-rich cloudberry extract and pumpkin seed oil to protect and nourish skin. Astaxanthin, shea butter, and Vitamin E replenish and balance skin’s moisture levels to prevent dehydration.

In these uncertain times, MyCHELLE’s Dermaceuticals will not only keep your skin in a celebratory state, but also keep your skin primed to fight free radicals and manage sun damage. Who could ask for anything better?

—William S. Gooch

Banishing Seasonal Dry Skin

October 14, 2020 by 5 Comments

Image courtesy of botanicabazaar.com

For some reason it seems that no matter how much we moisturize throughout the year, with the colder weather comes dry skin.  After years of constantly finding dry patches, you’d think we’d be prepared. But every autumn these skin woes seem to creep up on us.

To keep our skin as healthy as possible, especially as the temperature starts to drop, Fashion Reverie spoke with medical and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Joyce Davis.

According to Dr. Davis, seasonal dry skin comes from a decrease in humidity in the atmosphere.  “Typically, we notice this at the end of summer, because summer is a humid time …” explains Davis.  “In the autumn the humidity drops abruptly, and our skin reacts to that and reflects it.”

Image courtesy of pexels.com

Since we can’t change the weather, we need to change our skincare regime. “Ensure you apply lotion after a bath,” stresses Davis. “If you have been using a lotion, you may want to advance to something thicker like a cream or an oil which will be heavier and hold the moisture in, forming a barrier for your skin.”  When determining what type of moisturizer to use, you need to look for ingredients that hold the water in the skin, such as petrolatum, which is a popular option.  “Hyaluronic acid and lactic acid binds water and keeps it in the skin. Along with shea butter and other oils too, especially on dry areas like around ankles and the heels of the foot.”

You may notice when on your quest for the perfect lotion and serum that there are to be dozens designed specifically for one part of the body … foot creams, hand creams, face creams, and even booty creams.  Dr. Davis explains that while you need something a bit heavier this time of year, that there are different degrees of heaviness. Your face, for example, needs something a bit lighter than the rest of your body, like a serum, while your feet and bum might react better to a heavier lotion.

Now is also the time to really avoid drying products “… such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid or any glycerin cleansers, which are the clear soaps.  These are more summertime products.”  Davis also suggests avoiding acne products, as they also can be very drying.

Image courtesy of amazon.com

Taking a supplement can also help keep your skin in tip-top shape.  Davis recommends Vitafusion’s “Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails” gummies that include Vitamin E, as well as adding more oils to your diet.  However, for faster results, Dr. Davis recommends more topical treatments to directly moisturize the skin.

Out of lotions and finding dry, itchy skin unbearable?  Davis says pretty much any cooking oil will help, so she recommends coconut oil as one of the best options to apply to your skin.

Image courtesy of pexels.com

While dry skin might always be an annoying problem, these quick switches to your routine can keep it at bay.  So there’s no need to stress over that crisp air; you can keep glowing and feeling comfortable in the skin you are in.

—Janine Silver

Beauty Alert: Eyetitude Keeps Your Eyes Bright

September 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of allaboutvision.com

If you live in an area where the temperatures are beginning to dip and the leaves are falling off the trees, you may be suffering from fall allergies. And though there are prescription medications and a ton of over-the-counter remedies for red, puffy, itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies, most of them only work on one or two of signs of seasonal allergies. And these products do nothing for fine lines and wrinkles.

As some of the COVID-19 restrictions start to relax in some states, who wants to be seen with tired, puffy, red eyes. You not only want to appear bright-eyed and bushy-tailed; you also want to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines—which may have increased due to the stress of self-sequestering.

Image courtesy of Eyetitude

Eyetitude has an array of product that not only reduce some of the redness and swelling but can also minimize wrinkles and fine line. Think “eyes” and “attitude,” meaning windows to soul, as a reflection to what going on with us on the inside.

Founder Tricia Morris has created a brand that contains smart formulas that a pH balanced for maximum absorbability, while feeding the fragile eye are hydration and restorative ingredients. The three products that Fashion Reverie likes best—and yes, we tried them all out, is NoCrowZ Retinol Eye Cream, EyeZ-luronic Serum, and FixZer Instant Eye Repair.

Image courtesy of Eyetitude

NoCrowZ Retinol Eye Cream – Don’t let the creamy texture fool you. Behind this advanced strength pro formula there’s cutting-edge technology that allows delivery of retinol and other supportive ingredients deep into the skin targeting fine lines and wrinkles. 

Image courtesy of Eyetitude

EyeZ-luronic Serum – This formula containing key ingredients Hyaluronic Acid and Japanese tea extracts is perfect not only for your eyes, but for the anti-aging concerns of your face, neck and decollete. As the serum generates cell turnover for stronger firmer skin, you feel silky smooth. 

Image courtesy of Eyetitude

FixZer Instant Eye Repair – If you only have time for one product, this is it. This must-have instant (let me say that again), INSTANT eye repair will reduce inflammation and puffiness, minimize dark circles and fine lines while delivering a brighter, lifted appearance.

—Staff

 

 

 

New Autumn Fragrances for the Ladies

September 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of huffpostuk.com

“Each time we inhale or smell a Perfume, we are all going on our own very personal perfume journey” —Huib Maat

Recently personal care giant Unilever has reported that sales of shampoo and deodorant have taken a deep dive. Being stuck at home means certain folk aren’t concerned about how they smell. So why wear fragrances?

Since our world has become so small, taking little pleasures is truly important. Scent is tied strongly to memory and mood. Indulging in a new perfume can really be uplifting.  Fashion Reverie has reviewed several new perfumes and compiled a list of great fragrances for the fall 2020 season.

Image courtesy of Ulta

Perfect – Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs has a vast library of perfumes to choose from, and his latest creation isn’t just perfect—that’s its name, Perfect!  It is a sophisticated blend of fruity florals that dries down to a creamy powdery scent in an elegant yet whimsical bottle. Jacobs has the word “perfect” tattooed on his wrist to remind himself that no one and nothing can ever be truly perfect, but we must continue reaching.

Image courtey of Spy

Smyth by Henry Rose

Michelle Pfeiffer founded Henry Rose when she was unable to find perfumes with clean, healthy ingredients. The most recent addition to the collection is Smyth, a unisex fragrance that’s a sparkling blend of Granny Smith apple and melon notes combined with a deep musk making it ideal for fall 2020.

Image courtesy of perfume.com

Pleasures – Estee Lauder

Pleasures is a solid budget-friendly option from a respected brand. Capturing the romantic aroma of taking a walk in a garden after a summer shower, Pleasures is a clean, floral scent that contains notes of white lily, violet leaves, and green leaves.  It’s a light airy perfume that is a perfect for everyday and can easily be layered with other scents.

Image of MCV Magazine

California Dream – Louis Vuitton

Not quite ready to let go of summer? Well this fragrance has your back. With mandarin, vanilla, and amber, this is a luxurious scent that feels soothing and familiar.  The sleek gorgeous Instagram-worthy bottle captures the relaxing aroma of beach sunset.

Image courtesy of bloomingdale.com

Les Epures de Parfum Discovery Set – Cartier

A wonderful sampling of three striking and vibrant scents comes in a red box that is so beautiful and elegant that you won’t be able to throw it out.

THREE-PIECE SET INCLUDES

  • Pur Muguet Eau de Toilette
  • Pur Kinkan Eau de Toilette
  • Pur Magnolia Eau de Toilette

Image courtesy of thecut.com

Idole -Lancome

This new fragrance from Lancôme was created by three uniquely talented female perfumers in France and is represented by brand ambassador singer/actress Zendeya.  This is a perfume for women by women. The musky rose blend of sophisticated fruity florals comes in a crystal-shaped bottle designed to lay flat on a vanity. To top it off, the bottle is refillable! Female empowerment never smelled so good.

Image courtesy of makeupandbeautyblog.com

Byredo – Gypsy Water

As the weather turns cooler and air gets crisp, this perfume will take you on a walk in the woods.  A woody and aromatic fragrance that opens with notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper, and juniper berries, Byredo will transport you to a cabin by a lake in October.

Image courtesy of amazon.com

Classic Rain Perfume – Clean Reserve

With its notes of water lily and violet leaves, everyone who smells this perfume describes it as dewy flower petals after a summer rain. Since it’s so clean and aquatic, this scent is suited for layering with other fragrances. 

Clean Reserve just isn’t the company name, it’s also a motto. Clean Reserve cares about the health of the planet. Working with vendors who use green manufacturing processes and minimizing the amount of waste produced by the packaging is of paramount importance. The glass bottle is recyclable, and the carton is made from FSC certified paper printed with non-toxic soy and water-based inks. 

—Cameron Grey Rose

 

 

Beauty Alert: Let Honey Help Combat your COVID-19 “Maskne” Challenges

August 24, 2020 by 12 Comments

Image courtesy of pexels.com

With its sticky texture, honey is usually thought of for sweetening a cup of tea or smoothie, not something you’d put on your face—but it’s actually a wonder ingredient,  noted for it’s exceptionally large range of benefits from helping prevent the common cold to clearing up acne. 

But not all honey is created equal. When looking for the medicinal properties and skin calming affects you need Manuka honey, a type of honey produced in New Zealand.  (So that bear shaped bottle in the back of your cupboard probably isn’t going to cut it.)

According to an article on healthline.com,  some varieties have a stronger antibacterial potency, so when picking the right type of honey look for the word “active” on the label and check the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) and OMA (Organic Manuka Active) which should be 15 or more with an MGO (methylglyoxal) rating of at least 250.

Image courtesy of pexels.com

You can find many articles online on how to transform Manuka honey and a few other ingredients into a facemask, how to dilute it into a cleanser or even apply it as an acne spot treatment, but for a less sticky—and more effective results—Fashion Reverie recommend trying out some of our favorite new products.

Not only do these products encompass the magical effects of this pricey ingredient, they also combine other top skin-loving ingredients to keep your complexion calm and clear.

Here are the main properties that make this honey so beneficial for you:

Antibacterial and Anti-microbial:

Thanks to the active ingredients methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide and a low pH, Manuka honey helps protect against bacteria and microorganisms.  While more conclusive research needs to be done, it may help against E.coli and MRSA as well as help with the treatment of dermatological issues.

Anti-viral: 

With its compounds and enzymes, Manuka boosts your immunity to protect you against viruses.

Anti-inflammatory:

At the right concentration, Manuka honey and Manuka oil (taken from the leaves) reduces redness while blocking substances in the body that may cause inflammation, making it extremely useful in combating skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Antioxidant:

When the free radicals and antioxidants in our body are not balanced it leads to oxidative stress.  Manuka honey helps balance our bodies both when ingested orally or applied topically, which makes it a beneficial ingredient for its anti-aging properties.

Humectant: 

With a high sugar component, Manuka honey helps draw moisture to your skin (and helps you retain it) making it a great natural moisturizer.

 

Image courtesy of forthebiome.com

For the Biome’s Restore Essence Spray from

This mattifying mist acts a toner, blocking excess oil production and helps create an even-toned appearance. Packed with not only Manuka honey, but also Swiss black bee honey, and Probiotic 6-Plex, For the Biome’s Restore Essence Spray encourages cell renewal, protects against pollution, and protects your skin against blemish-causing impurities.

Borne from the idea of “awakening the skin-microbiome connection” and giving back (3% of every purchase supports climate justice, sustainable housing, and empowering women), all of the For The Biome products are made from natural 100% active ingredients, no preservatives, fillers or toxins.

Key benefits:

Protects

Hydrates

Tones

Balances

Mattifies

Microbiome-friendly

Pros:  The cooling spray feels refreshing on your face, not sticky.  While it does take two weeks to neutralize any skin impurities, it does feel hydrating right away.  Plus, filled with two honeys, 8 probiotic strains and two botanicals, this skin-strengthening formula is all natural. So, you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.

Cons: The scent isn’t all together one you’d associate with beauty products—more like fermented food—but the good news is that if you find it unpleasant, it does dissipate almost immediately.

Image courtesy of aunaturalskinfood.com

Aú Natural Skinfood’s On the Spot Treatment Kit

Eliminating some 168 known toxins that are commonly found in commercial skincare, the Aú Natural Skinfood line of products focuses on “super foods” for their skin healing benefits.  Made in New Zealand and focusing on local ingredients, it’s no surprise that Manuka honey is the starring ingredient found throughout the entire line.

This acne calming kit cultivates the powerful “antibacterial activity” from Manuka and Kanuka honey to help decrease inflammation—reducing redness and pimples.  But that’s not all, according to Aú Natural, the hydrogen peroxide found in the Kanuka leaf oil treats p. acnes (a bacteria that causes acne).

Key benefits:

Deep cleansing

Reduces redness

Anti-inflammatory

Controls bacteria (associated with conditions such as acne)

Softens skin

Environmentally friendly

Pros: The company focuses on sustainability with their “Refill, not landfill” motto, and all the containers are made from reusable aluminum or plant-based refillable pouches that are recyclable and compostable (in designated states).

Image courtesy of lifecellskinfans.com

It can be hard to take care of your skin especially when the face mask you use to protect yourself feels likes it turning against you.  But with a little of this sweet nectar, you’ll be feeling better than your old self in no time!

Cons: Their Spot Gel treatment doesn’t come out of the container too easily.  However, if you open it up and stir it a bit, we found that the pump will work—just takes a little finessing as the formula is pretty thick.

The moisturizer does feel ever so slightly sticky on your skin.  While you won’t notice it after about 10 minutes (and even so, it’s very, very light) if you’re more sensitive to this (or in a rush to wash your face and put on your makeup) you should be aware that this product does take a bit of time to absorb into your skin.  (Their instructions say to wait 10-minutes before applying anything on top of the moisturizer.)

* Please note if you have an allergy to bees or any other ingredient listed in these products, it’s recommended you consult a doctor before starting a new Manuka honey beauty routine.  A full list of ingredients can be found on each of their websites.

—Janine Silver

Fall 2020 Beauty: Un-Masked

August 19, 2020 by 11 Comments

Image courtesy of Pexels

In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything in all facets of our daily lives, and beauty is no exception.  Not even talking about the virus itself—which in addition to the well-publicized symptoms ranging in severity is also causing hair loss for many infected individuals—the preventative measures we’re taking are doing a number on our skin.

That said; this unusual fall 2020 season, Fashion Reverie is going back to the basics and focusing on skin!

So, leave your favorite lipstick at home—your mask is covering it up anyway—swipe on some mascara to play up those eyes and let’s talk about how to prevent the dreaded skin irritation and acne caused by friction from wearing a mask, now dubbed: “Maskne.”

Image courtesy of woodtv.com

According to Elizabeth Mullins, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist at Uptown Dermatology in Houston, TX, the prevention of “Maskne” and skin irritation caused by our newest everyday accessory, the face mask, starts with properly caring for you mask.  “Masks should be washed every day in hot water with laundry detergent and white vinegar (because of its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties) and dried on higher heat settings in the dryer,” explains Mullins.

 “Detergents with fragrances can leave residue in the fabric, which can also cause a rash in people with sensitive skin,” shares Mullins.  “Since repeated washing and drying may cause fabric masks to deteriorate faster, and because some people are sensitive to fragrance, I recommend using a mild, fragrance-free detergent such as Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free and Clear.”

Images courtesy of Pexels

Mullins also suggests keeping products that can build up on your skin to a minimum recommending avoiding heavy moisturizers and makeup, particularly in areas covered by your face mask. “Only use noncomedogenic products. Try to keep your makeup to the bare minimum to allow your skin to breathe …,” explains Mullins.  In fact, Mullins advises a lightweight tinted moisturizer instead of your typical face makeup if you really need something.

Images courtesy of Cetapheil and CeraVe

But what if you’re already suffering the effects on your face from months of wearing your mask?  What can you do to clear it up?  Mullins advices, “Wash face twice a day, before and after wearing the mask. Acne prone individuals may benefit from cleansers that contain salicylic acid.”  Mullins recommends a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil or CeraVe for clear skin.  You can also, “spot treat pimples with a salicylic acid, sulfur, zinc, or 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel.” 

As always, fall beauty starts with healthy skin.  With so many things “attacking” our complexions normally everyday—pollution, ultraviolet rays, and toxins keeping healthy and clear can always feel like a challenge.  However, with half our faces covered to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it can feel even more challenging this year than ever before.  So, while you may need to make a few tweaks to your beauty routine, clear, calm skin while wearing a mask day in and day out is possible.

—Janine Silver

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