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Dry & Flaky Scalp: Ginger Scalp Serum By The Body Shop Review

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Navigating the world of scalp care with a sensitive and reaction-prone scalp can be tricky, especially when you’re dealing with the aftermath of eczema medication like I am. That’s why I was intrigued by The Body Shop’s Ginger Scalp Serum being a fan of their Ginger Shampoo and Conditioner – in fact all of The Body Shop’s hair care range for decades has been consistently good. Promising relief for dry, sensitive scalps, it seemed like just what I needed. But does it really do the trick? Does it work not just for dryness but reactivity and sensitivity? Let’s find out.

What is The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Serum?

This serum is part of The Body Shop’s wider Ginger range, tailored to soothe dry and flaky scalps. It’s designed to be a fix that works between washes, absorbing fast without leaving your hair greasy. The main claims are:

  • Soothes Dry Scalp: Aims to calm down scalp dryness.
  • Reduces Flakes: Helps to lessen the appearance of dandruff.
  • Lightweight Formula: Non-oily and absorbs quickly.
  • Natural Ingredients: Made with 96% ingredients of natural origin.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Certified by The Vegan Society.
  • Dermatologically Tested: Suitable for sensitive skin.

The Ginger Range: A Brief Overview

The Body Shop’s Ginger range includes a variety of products like a scalp scrub, anti-dandruff shampoo, and conditioner. They’re designed to work together, helping to repair and soothe the scalp. The range is particularly known for its use of ginger, renowned for its soothing properties.

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My Experience with the Ginger Scalp Serum

As someone with an ultra-sensitive scalp post-eczema treatment, finding the right care products can be a minefield. I used this serum on evenings, applying it to towel-dried hair. It can be air-dried or gently blow-dried with cool heat. To my relief, the serum did calm my scalp and seemed to hydrate without causing congestion. Its lightweight, clear consistency and the dropper applicator made it easy to use. The scent is of pure, spicy and aromatic ginger, it’s really gorgeous but doesn’t stick around so you can sleep without smelling like a biscuit.

Dissecting The Ingredients of The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Serum

When it comes to scalp care, ingredients are key. Let’s break down the contents of The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Serum to understand what works in its favor and what might be a concern.

The Good

  • Ginger Root Oil (Zingiber Officinale Root Oil): The star ingredient, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for calming irritated scalps.
  • Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba Bark Extract): Acts as a natural exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce flakiness.
  • Soy and Wheat Germ Extracts (Glycine Soja and Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract): These ingredients are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, nourishing the scalp and hair.
  • Panthenol: A form of Vitamin B5 that helps to moisturize and improve hair strength.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate: Helps to hydrate the scalp, retaining moisture effectively.
  • Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the hair, keeping the scalp hydrated.
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Potential Ingredient Concerns

The below, whilst could be better, are really not out of the ordinary for a product like this from any brand, particularly at an £18 price point where the’ve weighted it towards the effective ingredients listed above – to say, the shortcuts are not unacceptable.

  • Phenoxyethanol: A common preservative that can cause irritation for some individuals with sensitive skin.
  • Fragrance (Parfum): While it contributes to the product’s pleasant scent, artificial fragrances can be irritants for sensitive scalps.
  • Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol: These are fragrance components that, while natural, can be potential allergens.
  • Sodium Hydroxide: Commonly used to adjust pH, but in high concentrations, it can be irritating. Its presence in a rinse-off product is typically at a safe level.
  • Polysorbate 20: A surfactant that can sometimes be derived from petroleum. While generally considered safe, some might prefer to avoid petroleum-derived ingredients.

Conclusion: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

In a market flooded with scalp care products that overpromise and underdeliver, The Body Shop’s Ginger Scalp Serum stands out. It’s a simple, effective solution for anyone struggling with scalp sensitivity or dryness.

I was honestly surprised by the effectiveness of this serum. The Body Shop’s products often tend to focus more on strong scents and the overall experience, but this serum is a different story. It’s a standout in terms of actual performance, proving to be more than just a pleasantly scented product.

The serum delivers on its promise of soothing and hydrating the scalp without any heaviness or greasy residue. If you’re tired of navigating the tricky waters of scalp care, this product might just be the beacon you’ve been looking for!

Chapped Lips Treatments | Prevention and Home Remedies

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Cheilitis is one of the most annoying, obsessive-compulsion inducing conditions ever… it’s also known as chapped lips.

Google’s overview tool estimates that there are over 3 million cases of chapped lips in the United States every year.

Winter weather and wind can make even the most moisturized lips become dry, cracked, and painful.

Sometimes though, chapped lips seem to come out of nowhere overnight, causing you to keep licking and biting at peeling lips all day.

So what causes this little annoyance?

You’d be surprised to know it can come from many different things.

Symptoms of chapped lips

What Causes the Lips to Chap?

The lips are an especially delicate area of the skin.

Whereas the skin on our bodies has up to 16 stratum corneum layers (the outermost skin layer) our lips only have 3-5 layers.

This is what makes the lips so soft (and so vulnerable)!

Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips do not have oil glands, so they have no way of rehydrating themselves.

They also don’t have melanin!

This means that they need a little bit more help in healing and protecting them from the elements.

There are about 9 different types of cheilitis, each varying in severity.

Cheilitis simplex is a more severe affliction of chapped lips, usually characterized by tears at the mouth’s corner.

Chapped lips can vary from an annoyance, to pain that plagues you throughout the day.

Bad weather and exposure to the elements can cause lips to dry and crack, but your diet and medications also play a part in your overall lip and skin health.

Licking Your Lips

This is one of the most common causes of dry lips.

When your lips start cracking, it’s almost impossible to resist the urge to lick them, but this only makes it worse.

When the saliva evaporates from your lips, any moisture that was in your lips will evaporate with it.

The enzymes in your saliva that help to break down your food also take action on your lips.

If you can, resist the urge to lick or bite your lips and reach for chapstick instead!

Sunburn

It might sound strange, but your lips can be sunburnt!

Just like the rest of your skin, they need a little extra protection from the sun.

Although it’s rare.

Actinic Cheilitis is a type of skin cancer you can get on the lips.

Going out with lip gloss and chapsticks that don’t contain SPF does even more damage and acts as a tanning oil on your lips.

Autoimmune diseases are usually accompanied by sensitivity to heat and the sun, so make sure not to leave your skin out of your sunscreen routine.

Make sure to look for chapsticks with SPF to moisturize and protect from damage.

Dehydration

By now, you’ve probably heard of the importance of hydration for your skin’s health and vibrancy and the same goes for your lips.

Dehydration also compounds any dryness caused by sunburn.

It’s important to first hydrate from the inside to keep lips firm, plump, and healthy.

Medications

Certain prescription meds such as accutane, propranolol, prochlorperazine, retinoids, and chemotherapy medications can cause your lips to dry out.

If you continue taking these medications and notice your lips are constantly dry, it’s best to keep chapstick handy throughout the day.

Your Diet

A diet high in citrus and vitamin A can also have unfortunate effects on your lips.

The maximum consumption recommendation of vitamin A is 25,000 IU per day so if you’re taking a supplement or eating lots of foods high in Vitamin A (like liver, cheese, and some types of fish), cutting back should restore moisture back to your lips.

Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B can also cause dryness, so make sure you’re getting plenty of vitamins in your daily diet.

Eczema & Other Medical Conditions

Eczema can also cause extremely chapped lips, called lip dermatitis.

Lip dermatitis differs from your everyday chapped lips in its severity.

Lip dermatitis is usually characterized by scaly, flaky, inflamed patches of skin on and around the mouth and prolonged dryness.

Unlike typical eczema, lip dermatitis is contagious and should be treated by a doctor if it doesn’t improve within a few days.

Thyroid diseases, psoriasis, and diabetes can also cause chapping and discomfort, but it can be managed by using one or a combination of the remedies below.

Treatments and home remedies for chapped lips

11 Ways to Treat Stubborn Chapped Lips & Prevent them from Happening

Chapped lips can vary in severity and pain but there are plenty of over the counter and at-home remedies to help provide relief for even the most rugged lips.

There are so many natural moisturizing ingredients right in your kitchen.

Any of these mixtures can be used in combination with your TLC face masks or overnight to lock in moisture as you sleep.

If you notice that your lips haven’t improved over the course of a few days with treatment or have gotten worse, contact your doctor as they should be able to better identify what is causing your lips to chap and help you find a more tailored treatment option.

1. Don’t lick your lips!

We know it’s hard, but it’ll only prolong the dryness.

Try drawing a small symbol on your hand so that you’ll remind yourself not to lick or bite your lips every time you happen to see it.

2. Forget artificially scented and flavored lip balms.

If you don’t have chapped lips, scented lip balms can make your day a little sweeter but if your lips are already irritated, head for the simple ingredient chapsticks that will provide moisture without any irritating artificial scents.

3. Breathe through your nose.

Have you ever woken up after a night with a cold and noticed your lips are dry?

Frequently breathing through the mouth can dry the entire mouth out, including the lips.

If a stuffy nose is holding you back, no worries, but apply one of the topical treatments below!

4. Drop tobacco.

As if we needed another reason not to use tobacco, smoking and chewing tobacco dries the mouth and lips and can cause mouth cancer and sores.

5. DIY Sugar Scrubs

Sugar scrubs do wonders for getting that dry, peeling skin off of your lips while nourishing and moisturizing the skin underneath.

Just mix 2 teaspoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of honey, coconut oilcastor oil, or olive oil and massage into the lips until the loose skin comes up.

Then, just rinse and repeat the next day!

We love this solution because it is so easy to do with ingredients you probably already have at home and it tastes sweet too!

6. Overnight Lip Masks

Similar to face masks, there are sheet masks explicitly made to nourish your lips!

Check out our blogfor a full rundown of how lip masks work and how to shop for the right ones or DIY them yourself!

7. Petroleum and Honey

Simple enough, but powerful!

Honey has been proven to improve the skin’s moisture and adjust the acidity of the skin.

Petroleum has been proven to help heal wounds even after surgery.

It can be used on cracked heels, lips, and even a dry nose.

You can use a 1:1 ratio of these two household items and apply them throughout the day instead of chapstick.

8. Cucumber Treatment

That’s it!

If you have an extra couple slices of cucumbers, all you have to do is cut them in thin slices and rub on the lips to give your lips an extra moisture kick.

9. Use a humidifier

Harsh dry air can dry out your lips even indoors.

Humidifiers (especially with essential oils) can help you to relax and get a little extra TLC for your skin and lips.

10. Drink lots of Water

Hydrate from the inside out!

If you have trouble drinking water throughout the day, try adding lemon juice or other flavorings to make it more of a treat and less of a chore. Your entire body will thank you.

11. Don’t Skimp on the Sun Screen

There’s no point in letting your lips get exposed to harmful UV rays and get dried out.

Protect your pout!

Do go heavy on the SPF.

Dermalogica nightly lip treatment moisturizes lips

Shop for It

The Luscious Lip Kit

This two-step lip kit is perfect for reversing serious damage and providing instant relief for aching, dry lips.

The first step, the Lip Repair Balm, is infused with peppermint essential oil to cool and soothe lips.

It also uses beeswax for extra-plumping power.

The second step, Moisturizing Lip Gloss, provides more healing power with a slight skin tint to help keep lips looking fresh and done up.

Baci Baci Moisturizing Lip Sheer

Originally formulated with a lip treatment and later infused with color, it nourishes the lips for a revitalized complexion.

Sodium hyaluronate infuses the lips with lasting moisture and enhances the skin’s natural moisture barriers to lock in in for lasting benefits.

At the same time, it showers the skin with valuable nutrients and antioxidants to revive the skin and protect it from future aging.

Anti-Aging Tea Tree Lip Balm Pot

This lip balm has it all.

Formulated with a blend of tea tree oil, collagen protein, coconut extract and pomegranate sterols, this balm is exceptionally hydrating and offers anti-aging ingredients to keep skin looking fresh and young.

It also has SPF 15 to protect the moisture and youthfulness of your lips!

Illuminating Eye and Lip Treatment

Two for one?

Yes please!

This treatment restores moisture to the eyes and the lips.

It restores the skin’s natural barriers to lock in moisture while packing in tons of antioxidants to fight aging free-radicals.

Nightly Lip Treatment

Using a product overnight will help lock in moisture while you sleep, leaving you with fresh, plump, and moisturized lips first thing in the morning.

When you use a nightly treatment, you don’t need to worry about the other stuff like licking the lips, accidentally ingesting the product, or wearing away as you talk.

This leaves plenty of time for this nightly treatment to get to work!

This treatment can also be applied to laugh lines and wrinkles around the mouth to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles!

Lip Repair Balm

This 100% organic lip repair balm is in the classic twist-up tube we’re all used to but eliminates the need to reapply again and again throughout the day.

It uses naturally derived peppermint oil to give you that refreshing feel and taste without artificial ingredients or fragrances.

Forget lip smackers, keep it natural!

The Skincare Step You’re Skipping (That Could Be Hurting Your Skin!) – Merindah Botanicals

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The Skincare Step You’re Probably Skipping (That Could Be Hurting Your Skin!)

Are you doing everything right in your skincare routine, but still feel like your skin isn’t at its best? Chances are, you’re skipping this one essential step!

This step takes less than 10 secondsbut makes a huge difference in how well your skin absorbs moisture, stays hydrated, and looks radiant.

The Secret Step Most People Skip? Toner.

Toner is the missing link in many skincare routines. It’s not just a “filler” step—it preps your skin to absorb hydration better and improves your overall routine.

Why You Should Use Toner

✔️ Restores pH balance – Cleansing can throw off your skin’s pH; toner brings it back.
✔️ Preps skin for serums & moisturisers – Hydrated skin absorbs products better!
✔️ Calms irritation & reduces redness – Great for sensitive skin.

How to Use Toner Correctly

✔️ Apply to a cotton pad and wipe over your face and neck right after cleansing while skin is still damp.
✔️ Use a hydrating toner, not an alcohol-based one that strips moisture.
✔️ Follow up immediately with serum or moisturiser to lock in hydration.

If you’ve been skipping toner, now’s the time to add it in! It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how your skincare products work.

👉 Try our Calming Toner to see the difference in your hydration levels!

Can You Mix Argireline and Retinol?

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Argireline and retinol can work together to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and complement each other’s actions in improving skin tone and appearance.

Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the benefits of using both Argireline and retinol in your skincare routine, as well as some of the potential side effects that might occur and how to avoid them while using these anti-aging ingredients.

What is Argireline?

Explanation of argireline, a peptide used in skincare products for its potential to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by targeting facial muscles to promote a smoother and more youthful complexion.

Argireline, scientifically known as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, is a peptide compound often referred to as “Botox in a jar” because it aims to mimic the effects of Botulinum toxin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Argireline works by inhibiting the neurotransmitters that trigger muscle contractions.

This action relaxes facial muscles, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles from repetitive facial expressions.

Unlike Botox, which directly halts muscle contractions through injections, Argireline provides a non-invasive solution that can be applied topically through creams and serums.

While the primary benefit of Argireline is its potential to reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles, regular use can lead to smoother skin texture, improved skin elasticity, and refined pores.

What is Retinol?

Explanation of retinol, a potent skincare ingredient known for its anti-aging and skin-renewing properties, shedding light on its uses and benefits in skincare routines.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that increases cellular turnover and boosts collagen production to improve skin texture and reduce the signs of aging.

It’s also a potent antioxidant that reverses skin damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays and free radicals from polluted air and prevents future damage, which helps maintain the skin’s health and appearance.

Once applied to the skin, retinol binds to retinoid receptors located throughout the epidermal layers.

This binding stimulates various changes that have to do with the growth and differentiation of cells involved with pigmentation, collagen synthesis, and other skin functions.

Once retinol starts to “teach” these cells to behave differently, this will lead to visible skin changes, including smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.

Additionally, retinol also has a profound effect on acne-prone skin, as it helps unclog blocked pores and clear out the cellular debris responsible for inflammation and acne.

Can You Mix Argireline and Retinol?

Yes, Argireline and retinol can be used together to target different aspects of skin aging and complement each other’s actions for better results.

For example, while Argireline relaxes facial muscles to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, retinol promotes cellular turnover and boosts collagen production to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of more prominent wrinkles.

On the other hand, while research on the direct interaction between Argireline and retinol is limited, some studies suggest that both ingredients can coexist in a skincare regimen without compromising their integrity or effectiveness.

Therefore, as long as your skin tolerates both ingredients, you can mix Argireline with retinol to address multiple skin aging concerns simultaneously and boost your skin’s health and appearance.

The Benefits of Mixing Argireline and Retinol

The benefits of mixing Argireline and retinol are, surprisingly, quite a few, and include the following skin improvements:

Enhanced Anti-Aging Effects: Combining Argireline and retinol offers a dual approach to reducing the signs of aging, targeting dynamic wrinkles, and improving collagen production for a more youthful appearance.

Improved Skin Elasticity: Retinol’s ability to stimulate collagen production complements the muscle-relaxing effects of Argireline, leading to enhanced skin elasticity and firmness.

Refined Skin Texture: The combination of Argireline and retinol can help refine skin texture by promoting cellular turnover, smoothing out rough areas, and refining the appearance of enlarged pores.

Increased Skin Hydration: Argireline can also help maintain skin hydration levels, which when combined with the regenerative properties of retinol, results in plumper, more hydrated skin.

Antioxidant Protection: Retinol acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental damage, which can be compounded by the regular use of Argireline, contributing to overall skin health.

Reduced Acne: Using Argireline and retinol together can help address both wrinkles and acne concerns, as retinol helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation associated with breakouts, while Argireline can help with hydration and strengthening the skin’s barrier.

The Side Effects of Mixing Argireline and Retinol

While Argireline is generally a well-tolerated ingredient, combining it with retinol can lead to some side effects, including:

  • Peeling and Flaking: Due to the accelerated cellular turnover caused by retinol, some users may experience peeling or flakiness.
  • Dryness: Similarly, the increased cellular turnover can lead to initial dryness until the younger cells on the skin’s surface increase their moisture-holding capacity.
  • Sensitivity and Irritation: Retinol can increase sensitivity and irritation, especially when used in high concentrations or combined with other active ingredients like Argireline.
  • Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some users might experience allergic reactions to either ingredient, characterized by itchiness, swelling, or severe skin irritation.
  • Purging: The skin may require time to adjust to the combination of Argireline and retinol, during which minor breakouts or changes in skin texture, known as purging, can occur.

How to Safely Mix Argireline and Retinol?

Providing insights on correctly combining argireline and retinol in skincare routines to achieve optimal results in minimizing signs of aging, improving skin texture, and enhancing skin health.

To safely incorporate both Argireline and Retinol into your skincare routine, consider the following tips:

Start Slow

When introducing both Argireline and retinol into your skincare routine, it’s crucial to start slow and with the ingredient that’s less likely to cause irritation.

For example, if your skin is more sensitive, start with a lower concentration of Argireline and gradually introduce retinol up to 2-3 times a week to avoid overwhelming your skin.

Once your skin starts tolerating both actives better, you can consider increasing the frequency or concentration of either ingredient.

Use at Night

Applying Argireline and retinol at night allows them to work their magic while the skin is in its repair and regeneration mode, which maximizes their effectiveness.

Additionally, this practice also reduces the risk of sun sensitivity and product degradation, as retinol can make the skin more prone to sun damage and can also be destabilized by exposure to sunlight, which will make it less effective.

Apply From Thin to Thick

When layering Argireline and retinol, always apply the thinnest consistency first and then build up to thicker formulas.

This approach ensures that each product penetrates the skin effectively without creating a barrier for other products.

Follow Up With a Nourishing Moisturizer

After applying retinol and Argireline, it’s important to lock in moisture to prevent dryness and peeling.

Opt for a rich, nourishing moisturizer that suits your skin type to help soothe and hydrate the skin, enhancing the benefits of both active ingredients.

Look for moisturizers containing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and emollients to help replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and soothe any potential irritation.

Apply Sunscreen in the Morning

Sun protection is imperative when using retinol since this component can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Each morning, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect against UV damage and prevent collagen breakdown, ensuring the longevity of retinol and Argireline’s anti-aging effects.

Listen to Your Skin

Lastly, it’s important to listen to your skin and make adjustments as needed.

If you experience any discomfort or adverse reactions, reduce the frequency of use or discontinue one or both products until your skin calms down.

Once your skin has recovered, you can gradually reintroduce the products one at a time into your routine.

Always start with the least likely to irritate your skin, which, in this case, would be Argireline, and slowly build up to using both ingredients together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Everyone Use Argireline and Retinol Together?

Most people can safely use both Argireline and retinol together, but those with very sensitive skin should proceed with caution when it comes to mixing active ingredients.

How Quickly Can I Expect to See Results?

Results from Argireline and retinol may vary; however, depending on your skin type, skin concern, and skincare routine, you should expect to see improvements in your skin’s appearance within 6-8 weeks of regular use.

What Comes First: Retinol or Argireline?

When layering skincare products, it’s generally recommended to apply the thinnest consistency first and then build up to thicker formulas.

Therefore, if you are using Argireline in the form of a lightweight, watery serum, you should apply it before retinol.

The post Can You Mix Argireline and Retinol? first appeared on The Skin Care Culture.

Where To Stream Wicked This Weekend

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The second film is expected to be a huge hit following the box office success of Wicked: Part Iwhich was nominated for 10 Academy Awards at the 2025 Oscars, as well as taking home the Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

Where to stream Wicked at home

As we mentioned, you’ll have to head to your local cinema to see the new film, but if you fancy rewatching Wicked: Part I to remind you of where Glinda and Elphaba left off, you can stream the film from the comfort of your very own home.

The adaptation of one of the West End’s longest-running musicals follows the first act of the theatrical production where Galinda — who eventually becomes Glinda the Good — recounts her time in Oz at Shiz University with her friend Elphaba, who would of course go on to become the Wicked Witch of the West.

Universal Pictures

The film features iconic songs from the musical, including Popular, Dancing Through Lifeand Defying Gravity.

The film is available via Amazon Prime Video in the UK for all paid subscribers, so you’ll be able to watch for free as part of your subscription.

If you don’t have an Amazon subscription, you can purchase or rent Wicked on Prime Video in UHD, HD, or SD, with prices starting at £7.99. Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started.

The film is also available as part of the subscription services for NOW TV, Apple TV and Sky.


Eight  Beauty Brands founded by Black Women Makeup Artists

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By: Tamara Omaya

Why wouldn’t they create a quality beauty product line ? That is the question. It’s a no brainer, If you ask me!

Also, why wouldn’t  the everyday consumer  purchase from a person with  decades of beauty expertise ?

Each woman with her own individual story behind their brand, and what makes it unique, and creating solutions for customers in their hunt for great quality products that last all day.

Most of the Brand founders have been in  the business  for  1, 2 or 3 decades.

– ADVERTISEMENT –

Expertly, applying makeup to clients in the beauty space  as a service provider. It should be noted, some founders  have acquired the title as beauty educator with  many years of experience, and insight in the cosmetics  industry. Creating seamless beautiful looks for everyday women, business executives, and high profile clientele.

Lets Start with:

1.Ashuntasheriff Beauty

Photo Credit: IG @Ashuntasheriff

Founder Ashunta Sheriff- Kendricks has great color eyeliners, and lipsticks for the artsy, creative, and zany girlies. Also,people who just feel like wearing electric blue eyeliner today .The ladies who love a great statement on the eyes.The Ashuntasheriff Water fix it spray is a reusable spray bottle with a durable quality top nozzle, that you can spray as you please. It evenly distributes across the face.  You can spritz while you’re on the plane, since Airplane cabins dry out skin. Pop the travel size in your carry on.

Ashunta’s Products have been worn by celebrities including Legendary  Lauryn Hill, and Keri Hilson.

IG: Ashuntasheriffbeauty

2.Glamazon Beauty

– ADVERTISEMENT –

Close-up portrait of a woman with long, sleek hair and light makeup, wearing a black sheer top, smiling while resting her hand on her shoulder.
Photo Credit: IG: Glamazonbeautycosmetics

Founder Kim Baker who’s pressed powders are Talc free, and have a second to none skin- like finish .The pressed powders are all black sleek compact with mirror, and gold accents . The compact involves minimal cleaning of exterior, just a wipe down.Then, throw it in the bag. Kim’s products have been worn by Actors i.e  Tiffany Haddish, and Lawrence Fishburn

IG: Glamazonbeautycosmetics

3.Mimik Beauty

A woman with long, wavy hair posed thoughtfully while wearing a sequined light gray blouse and layered pearl jewelry. She has a glossy lip and her makeup is elegantly applied.
Photo Credit: IG

Founder Mimi Kamara has great  nude  glosses. It serves as a multi dimensional gloss for any complexion, with the perfect finish . Serves as a lip gloss, and lip topper. Products applied on Lisa Ling and Bevy Smith.

IG: Mimik.beauty

4.Yani’s Aesthetic

A woman wearing a stylish black outfit with a deep V-neck, posing confidently against a green foliage backdrop.
Photo Credit: @IG: Yanis_aesthetic

FounderYaneek Proctor Professional makeup brushes , and Brush holders. The Brush holders have a professional feel to it. It has a polyester holder. It  holds up to 30 brushes, and it’s water resistant .

– ADVERTISEMENT –

IG: Yanis_aesthetic

5.LYS Beauty

Portrait of a woman with long hair, posing with geometric pink frames, wearing a pink top and a natural makeup look.
Photo Credit: IG @Lysbeautyofficial

Founder Tisha Thompson

Founder Tisha Thompson Clean beauty brand. LYS has an array of different products with triangle shaped  marketing and packaging .The triangle represents  the delta symbol.The bronzers, and finishing powders need to be a special  addition to your makeup collection. It’ll add an extra umph to your daily makeup routine.Tisha Thompson’s products enhances  your   confidence and comfort..  Celebrities  talking about Lys beauty include Kelly Rowland , Tina Knowles, and Tia Mowry

IG: Lysbeautyofficial

6. Coco Guerra Beauty

A close-up portrait of a woman wearing a black headscarf, showcasing a natural makeup look with glossy lips and defined eyes, set against a brown background.
Photo Credit: IG@koko_guerra

Founder Koko Guerra has  lip pencils,  which are creamy, smudge proof, and long wear. Her products have been worn by Yandy Smith, and Faith Evans.

– ADVERTISEMENT –

IG: Kokoguerrabeauty

7.KhiliaChantelBrushes

A woman with long hair stands behind a table displaying beauty products, smiling confidently. She is wearing a black t-shirt and is surrounded by boxes and makeup brushes, with a decorative 'K' in front of her.
Photo Credit: @Rhodesphotollc

Founder Khilia Chantal has amazing  brushes for everyday use. Synthetic brushes  made to complete your best makeup application yet.

IGG:–

8. Lamik Beauty

Smiling woman with curly hair holding various beauty products in front of a pink background.

Founder Kim Roxie created an inclusive  vegan makeup line with natural and organic  ingredients . One of the bestsellers is called Revelation Brow Duo . It has different shades  depending on your brow color. It’s a Brow powder, brow sculpting Creme, and compact case with a travel size mirror.  The Duchess Megan Markle has worn her products .

IG: Lamikbeauty

These Skincare Steps Are Hurting Your Face – The Wardrobe Stylist

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We all have skin concerns that we want to remediate when setting up skincare steps. Beauty routines range from the systematically meticulous to borderline nonexistent. But the truth of the matter is, wherever you lie in the skincare spectrum, you could be making mistakes that cause your skin to age simply by washing your face incorrectly.

These Skincare Steps Are Hurting Your Face_Pin
Source

Skin Types

Depending on your skin type, you may need different treatment but there are basics you can follow to maintain healthy skin. These are skincare steps you can follow for the most common skin problems.

Sensitivities

Sensitivities may be caused by the weather, can depend on your health and products you apply. Some skin reactions are regular or sporadic, while others it’s all year-long. Hydrate, keep the skincare products or makeup light, avoid over-abundance to remedy sensitivities. Every night, wash products off your face. Gradually include new products before inducting them into your skincare steps. Test it on your hand to see if you react before applying it to your face.

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Girls with sensitive skin
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Acne

If you’re prone to acne beware of the products you are using on your face. Various factors can cause acne, such as your health condition, stress, lack of sleep, genetics, and hormones. Small things can help diminish the production of acne such as:

  • sanitizing your phone;
  • cleaning makeup brushes;
  • avoid putting on makeup when working out;
  • taking lukewarm showers;
  • not touching your face; and
  • washing your face without overdoing it.

Dryness

Hydration internally is essential for dry skin to keep it nourished. Incorporate a moisturizer, hydrating serum, quick and lukewarm showers to give your skin the moisture it needs. Cleansing your face at night helps the skin hydrated while you sleep. Face masks can boost hydration as well.

Skincare Steps to Avoid

While skin treatments, injectables, and surgery can help maintain the visual appearance, your basic skincare goes a long way toward preventing premature aging. This is also important to keep in mind if you have dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin. Below are ways you could be incorrectly washing.

Too Much Toner

Facial toners are an essential but using too much toner can dry out the skin and may even lead to more sebum production as your glands attempt to overcompensate. If you find your skin feeling tight or irritated after applying toner, you may be using too much. This is especially true if you have sensitive or combination skin. Some toners come in a spray bottle, which is great for applying a light layer over the skin after cleansing. If not, simply pour a few drops of toner on a cotton pad and gently glide it across the face.

Avoid toners that have alcohol-based ingredients, such as denatured alcohol. They will dry the skin completely and remove natural oils needed to keep the skin moist and healthy.

Harsh Products

As consumers become more sophisticated, they enquire about ingredients such as retinol. They know it is super hydrating and great for the skin. What they don’t understand is that skincare needs to be sustainable, so they ask for the strongest, most active form of prescription retinoid. Retinol in less active forms will have similar effects without irritating the skin as much. This will be helpful to you as you continue using it on your skin over time.

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Girl using products
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Scrubbing Too Hard

Instead of rubbing and scrubbing your face to try to get it squeaky clean, your motions with your cleanser should be as gentle as possible. Your hands should not be doing all the work. Scrubbing the skin too harshly or with materials that add exfoliation can cause micro-tears in the skin as well as excessive elimination of essential oils which leave the skin dry.

Over Exfoliating

While gently exfoliating a few nights a week can do wonders for the skin, it’s easy to go overboard. What keeps your skin looking fresh, young, and hydrated is preserving the outer layers glow by lightly helping it shed old skin cells and moisturizing to help cell turnover. The danger is not considering your loofah or washcloth as an exfoliation tool. Even if you are only using an exfoliant a few days a week if you scrub with a harsher material daily, you’re exfoliating more than you intend. That can cause dryness, red patches, dehydration, and hyperpigmentation.

Zaful

Girl exfoliating face
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Washing With Hot Water

Though it might feel good, using hot water to cleanse your face can actually dehydrate it. Hot water can be abrasive, stripping the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and flaky. This can also lead to acne flare, breakouts, and skin irritation. For best results, rinse your face with lukewarm or cool water, not cold either, to help constrict blood vessels. Hot water enlarges your pores, and this can affect the oil production of the skin as well as the texture of it.

Washing More Than Twice a Day

You may be thinking, the cleaner, the better, right?! Over-washing your face can actually damage the skin’s natural protective system. It can affect how easily the environment irritates your skin, how efficiently you retain moisture, and over time, cause you to show early signs of aging such as fine lines and dry patches. If you have an activity like working out or an outdoor sport in the middle of the day, try to use a bland soap or cleanser to wash away dirt and sweat without further irritating the skin.

Girl washing face
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Forgetting The Moisturizer

The best time to apply moisturizer is after the shower or after applying toner. This will help prevent excessive dryness, and it will help to skin retain moisture. Moisturizers also come with a combination of vitamins and lipids that help the skin heal irritations, strengthen its protective functions, and look smoother and healthier.

Washing With Any Soap

People think that soap is soap and a clean face is just a clean face, but you could be damaging your skin and aging yourself by washing the face with any available hand soap. Soaps with fragrances can be especially irritating to the skin. Overall, these soaps are not made for the face, and while this may be a minimalist skincare routine, it borders on detrimental as hand soaps are dehydrating and lack many of the ingredients that optimize your skin’s complexion.

The Gist of it

You could be implementing everything you can for your skincare steps topically. However, that there are other factors that can impact skin. In the meantime, correcting your skincare steps and not overdoing it with harsh products, over-exfoliating or scrubbing too hard, washing your face more than twice, using any soap or hot water, will help ensure you keep your skin nourished. If you need additional skincare, check out what the best beauty parlor in Hyderabad has.

What skincare steps do you follow to keep your skin healthy?

P.S. If you enjoyed this post, sign up to my newsletter to get the latest advice, tips, and giveaways right into your inbox!

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Prevent Premature Ageing Naturally with Skincare Routine

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Understanding Premature Ageing: Why Early Prevention Matters

When it comes to ageing skin, there is no magic youth potion. However, there are many ways we can slow the signs of ageing by taking preventative steps in our everyday lives to maintain healthy skin that glows at every age! We all age—it’s a natural part of life and a privilege that we should be thankful for. Premature ageing is more than just a marketing term used by skincare companies, it’s a sign that we’re not taking care of our health and while you can’t slow down time, it is possible to slow down the effects that ageing has on your body and skin.

What Is Premature Ageing?

Premature ageing refers to the early onset of physical or biological changes that may be associated with older age. When it comes to our skin his can include:

These changes are normal for people in their mid 30’s onwards, however if you are starting to notice wrinkles, uneven skin and a dry or textured complexion in your 20’s or early 30’s this may be considered as signs of premature ageing that could have possibly been avoided through better lifestyle and skin care choices.

Premature Skin Vs Ageing Skin – What is the Difference?

Premature Ageing refers to signs of ageing in our skin and body that appear earlier than expected for a person’s age. This may be triggered by lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive drinking, too much sun exposure and stress.

Ageing refers to the natural and gradual changes that we often notice in our skin and body that occur naturally over time as a result of genetics and age. As we age, we have a natural decline in collagen and elastin production along with slower cell cycles and menopause that lead to the wrinkles and lines that we expect to see from our late 30’s onwards.

What Causes Premature Ageing?

Everyone has different genetics and skin types that contribute to our skin’s appearance and how it shows signs of ageing. However, there are some common environmental and lifestyle factors that often contribute to premature ageing. This can include:

Sun Exposure

If you ask any dermatologist the number one cause of ageing skin, they will all tell you it’s thanks to the sun. Prolonged, unprotected sun exposure will damage collagen and elastin along with causing pigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Smoking

Smoking also takes first place when it comes to accelerating signs of ageing. Cigarettes restrict blood flow and break down collagen, leading to wrinkles and dull, sagging skin. In addition to skin health, they are also terrible for your body – significantly increasing your risk of various cancers (particularly lung).

Poor Diet

We all know that a poor diet makes us feel terrible in general. From poor gut health to lack of energy, what we eat plays a huge roll in our overall health and the same goes for our skin. Diets high in sugar and processed foods can cause inflammation that often shows through our skin.

Stress

We all have periods of time in our life where stress gets the better of us. However, living with long-term stress increases cortisol levels, which can accelerate cellular ageing and impact our skin health.

Sleep Deprivation

We all know how moody and foggy we can feel after a poor night’s sleep, but you may not have thought about the impact that can have on your skin. While you sleep, your body and skin has a chance to heal and regenerate and if you’re not getting enough it can lead to dull skin, dark circles and over time premature fine lines and wrinkles. There’s a reason why it’s called beauty sleep!

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol causes immediate dehydration within the body and skin, and drinking excessively can cause significant damage to gut health, kidney and liver function.

A Healthy Skincare Routine to Prevent and Improve Signs of Premature Ageing

In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, a consistent skincare routine will ensure your skin has the care it deserves from the inside out to maintain a healthy glow at any age! Below are some must have skincare steps and products that will treat and protect your skin as you age.

Double Cleansing

Regardless of your skin type and whether you wear makeup or not, double cleansing is the most important skincare step before you hit the pillow every night. The first cleanse will break down SPF, excess oil and makeup, allowing the second cleanse to actually clean and lightly exfoliate the skin. Your cleanser of choice will depend on your skin type and concerns, however starting your double cleanse with an oil cleanser such as LAMAV’s Award Winning Marula Oil Cleanser will ensure you remove makeup and dissolve SPF without irritating the skin.

Moisturising

The basic 2 step routine of cleansing and moisturising is the foundation of healthy skin when done consistently every day. Keeping skin clean and hydrated should form the base of a daily skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. Applying a daily moisturiser to suit your skin type will not only hydrate the skin, it also assists with protecting the skin’s barrier – your first line of defence against environmental stress. If you have oily or acne prone skin and think you don’t need a moisturiser – think again!

Depriving the skin of hydration can lead to excess oil production as your skin attempts to rebalance sebum levels. If you’re looking for something lightweight that won’t leave a greasy residue, reach for LAMAV’s Skin Balancing Fluid or Rumex Day Cream.

Exfoliating

Exfoliating 2-3 times per week is another essential step to prevent premature ageing and can be implemented from late teens onwards. Whilst our skin has a natural shedding process, it sometimes needs a little help to remove dry and dull skin cells. Exfoliation also encourages collagen production and is particularly important as we age and our natural shedding cycle begins to slow down.

Choosing the right exfoliant is also important to ensure you don’t irritate or damage the skin. Avoid exfoliants that contain harsh particles as these can scratch the skin. If you have oily or acne prone skin LAMAV’s Award Winning AHA Face Exfoliant offers 2 in 1 exfoliation to stimulate cell turnover, deeply cleanse and encourage collagen production. If you’re looking for an exfoliant that supports sensitive skin, try LAMAV’S Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub – a creamy exfoliant formulated with soft-melting jojoba beads and AHA’s to gently encourage cellular turnover without causing irritation.

Treatment

While not always necessary, there are treatments such as serums, oils and masks that may help to treat and prevent skin concerns when used regularly. Layering a nourishing serum or oil under your moisturiser (particularly at night) will give your skin an extra hit of antioxidants or hydration to support your overall skin health.

Key Skincare Ingredients to Prevent Premature Ageing

Look for the below active ingredients in your cleansers, serums and moisturisers to support collagen production, hydration and brightening.

Natural Retinol (Vitamin A) alternatives such as Bakuchiol can encourage cellular turnover to support collagen production. Try LAMAV’s Bakuchiol 4% Natural Retinol Alternative.

Vitamin C serums and oils will assist with antioxidant protection while brightening the skin and potentially reducing signs of pigmentation. LAMAV’s Daily Vitamin C Serum is a must have morning serum.

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant with the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water! Binding to water in our cells, it helps to boost hydration and replenish moisture in the skin. And we all know that hydration is key when it comes to the health of our body and skin! Apply LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture Cream every morning to ensure skin is hydrated and protected before you leave the house.

Lifestyle Tips for Youthful Skin

Whilst we can’t change the inevitable, it is possible to control some of the environmental and lifestyle factors that lead to premature ageing. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to implement the below in your everyday routine.

Apply Sunscreen Every Mornin

Even if you will be indoors, dermatologists recommend we all apply SPF 30-50 every morning to prevent sun damage. Cloudy days and exposure through driving and windows can still cause sun damage.

Eat an Antioxidant-Rich Diet

We all enjoy an occasional treat, however a consistent daily diet with a focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats will all contribute to health skin.

Increase Water Intake

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day will support hydration from the inside out, contributing to skin elasticity maintenance, removing toxins from the body and an overall healthy appearance.

Sleep

Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night to reap the benefits of “beauty sleep”. It can be difficult with our busy, technology driven lives, so implement good sleep hygiene habits in the hours leading up to bedtime to give yourself the best chance of quality sleep. Don’t eat too close to bedtime and switch off screens 1-2 hours before sleep to give your mind and body time to wind down.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise boosts circulation, reduces stress, and supports healthy ageing overall. From yoga at home to a walk on the beach, even small efforts of exercise can contribute to skin health.

When to Start an Age-Defence Skincare Routine

It’s never too early to start an age-defence skincare routine. Even children who are regularly applying sunscreen and washing their face every night are on the path to good skin health and preventing unnecessary signs of premature ageing. Tweens and Teens can begin to implement a more consistent cleansing and moisturising routine and implementing skin treatments such as serums can be introduced from late teens and early twenties onwards.

Premature ageing isn’t just about how your skin looks, it’s a sign that your body may be under unnecessary steps and it’s time to evaluate your lifestyle choices. With some small, consistent changes it is possible to bring your skin back to life while improving overall health.

The Best Time to Eat Dinner In Winter

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It’s common to feel a little off right now, given that it’s getting darker earlier and your sleep schedule might be out of whack. Doctors say that the colder months are a good time to rethink your evening routine, including when you go to sleep—and what time you eat dinner.

If you feel like you’re doing just fine or can’t handle any more change in your life right now, that’s fair. But if you can’t shake the feeling that you’re driving the struggle bus, tweaking the timing of your last meal of the day is worth considering. While it won’t magically turn things around, there are a few reasons to think about adjusting that dinnertime. Here’s what doctors shared about the best time to eat dinner.

Why should you reconsider your dinnertime in the winter?

It’s important to get this out of the way upfront: There are no studies that clearly spell out that you should adjust your dinnertime in the winter. “But there is a lot of indirect evidence that points in this direction,” Ashkan Farhadi, MD, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, tells SELF.

A lot of this comes down to your circadian rhythm, Dr. Farhadi says. This is your body’s internal 24-hour clock, and it influences a lot of different elements of your health, Christopher Winter, MD, a sleep medicine specialist, neurologist, and author of The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How to Fix Ittells SELF. “Your circadian rhythm and circadian factors influence when you fall asleep and wake up, and also have massive implications for your overall health,” he says.

As part of your circadian rhythm, your body begins to produce melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep, when it starts to get dark out, Dr. Winter explains. (This is part of the reason why you may feel sleepier earlier in the winter months.)

If you’ve leaned into that and are going to bed earlier than you were before, Dr. Winter says it’s a good idea to bump up your dinnertime to make sure you’re still working with your circadian rhythm. “Everything we do—particularly body movement, exposure to light, and eating—are all little cues that our body uses to understand where we are in time,” he says. “When you have dinner is a cue.”

When Cheap Skincare Comes at a Cost – What You Need to Know – Merindah Botanicals

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The recent news of a teen being hospitalised after using Kmart-branded skincare has raised serious concerns about the quality and safety of budget beauty products. While affordability is important, should we really trust what’s inside these ultra-cheap formulas?

The Hidden Risks of Cheap Skincare

Big-box retailers like Kmart, supermarkets, and fast-fashion stores are not skincare brands—yet they continue to push out low-cost beauty products that lack the same testing, formulation expertise, and ingredient quality as dedicated skincare brands.

Here’s what often gets overlooked:

🚨 Harsh, Low-Quality Ingredients – Many budget-friendly skincare products rely on cheap fillers, synthetic fragrances, and harsh preservatives that can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even long-term skin damage.

🚨 Lack of Transparency – Unlike trusted skincare brands that invest in research, dermatological testing, and quality sourcingmass-produced skincare often prioritises price over performance.

🚨 One-Size-Fits-All Formulas – Everyone’s skin is different. Products that are not carefully formulated for sensitive or reactive skin types can cause severe reactions—as seen in this recent case.

Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Safe

Just because something is affordable doesn’t mean it’s worth the risk. When choosing skincare, it’s essential to look beyond the price tag and consider the formulation, the brand’s expertise, and the ingredients used.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ—what you put on it matters.

👉 Looking for skincare that’s gentle, effective, and tested for sensitive skin? Discover our Naturopath-Approved Skincare for real results without the risk.

Source: https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/retail/teen-hospitalised-after-using-kmart-skincare-investigation-underway/