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Eight Beauty Brands founded by Black Women Makeup Artists

Hair Care

Admin

November 21, 2025

Eight Beauty Brands founded by Black Women Makeup Artists

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.

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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

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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 .

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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

Personal Stylist

Admin

November 21, 2025

These Skincare Steps Are Hurting Your Face – The Wardrobe Stylist

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.

Online survey, get money to fill it out

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.

Zaful

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.

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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.

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

Organic Beauty

Admin

November 21, 2025

Prevent Premature Ageing Naturally with Skincare Routine

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

Nails

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November 21, 2025
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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

Skin Care Makeup

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November 21, 2025
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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/

Mixing Vitamin C Serum With SPF Creams

Skin Care Blog

Admin
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November 21, 2025
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Incorporating vitamin C and SPF into your skincare routine can significantly enhance your skin’s health and protect it from environmental damage.

However, the idea of mixing these products together may raise questions about efficacy and safety.

Therefore, in this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about mixing vitamin C serums and SPF creams and how to do it correctly for maximum benefits and no adverse effects.

NB: I can show you how to never have acne again. If you have acne and want it goneread this message.

Can You Mix Vitamin C Serum with SPF Creams?

Yes! You can mix a vitamin C serum with SPF creams.

According to recent studies, vitamin C can enhance the sunscreen’s effectiveness due to its antioxidant properties.

The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help neutralize free radicals and further protect the skin from photodamage caused by UV rays.

On the other hand, SPF creams protect against UV rays, which can degrade and destabilize vitamin C, allowing it to work more effectively and for a longer period.

Therefore, using both together can provide optimal protection for your skin.

However, it’s crucial to consider the pH levels and formulation of the vitamin C serum to avoid destabilizing the chemical composition of SPF creams, which can lead to reduced effectiveness or increased skin sensitivity.

How Do Vitamin C Serums Work?

Vitamin C, scientifically called ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that plays an essential role in skin health.

In skincare products, it is formulated in various forms, with L-ascorbic acid being the most bioavailable and effective.

This potent compound is usually stabilized in serums with a specific pH level to ensure penetration into the skin without causing irritation while remaining stable and not being degraded by oxygen and other environmental factors.

Once applied to the skin, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, which are unstable molecules found in the environment (for example, air pollution and UV rays) that latch onto our cells to become stable but damage our skin cells in the process.

By neutralizing these free radicals, vitamin C protects our skin from the cellular damage they cause, which prevents unwanted long-term effects, such as premature skin aging, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, a dull complexion, and dark spots caused mainly by UV damage.

The Benefits of Vitamin C Serum for Skin

A vitamin C serum can truly be a miracle worker in skincare routines, with benefits ranging from enhancing skin radiance to reducing signs of aging:

Brightens complexion: Vitamin C neutralizes free radical damage, which reduces the appearance of dullness, imparting a youthful glow to the skin.

Fades hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C directly inhibits the overproduction of melanin, helping to fade dark spots and even out skin tone..

Promotes collagen production: By stimulating collagen synthesis, vitamin C strengthens the skin’s structure, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Protects from environmental damage: Its antioxidant properties shield the skin from the harmful effects of pollution and ultraviolet radiation.

Improves hydration: Vitamin C can also increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture, enhancing hydration and plumpness.

Best Practices for Applying Vitamin C

To get the most out of your vitamin C serum, it is important to apply it correctly. Here are some best practices to follow:

Cleanse your skin: Start with a clean face to ensure the serum can penetrate deeply and work effectively.

Use a small amount: A pea-sized amount is enough for your entire face, as vitamin C serums are highly concentrated.

Apply to damp skin: Vitamin C serums work best when applied to slightly damp skin, so use after toning or misting your face.

Follow up with moisturizer: To lock in the hydration and nourishing benefits of the serum, follow up with a moisturizer.

Apply daily: For best results, use your vitamin C serum every day, ideally in the morning, to protect your skin from environmental damage throughout the day.

The Role of SPF Creams in Skincare

SPF creams, or Sun Protection Factor creams, are critical in safeguarding the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

These creams contain active ingredients that work by either absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight, thus preventing it from penetrating the skin and damaging the cells responsible for keeping our skin healthy, clear, and young.

There are two types of UV rays that affect the skin – UVA and UVB.

UVA rays are primarily responsible for aging the skin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, whereas UVB rays are what cause sunburn.

SPF rating on a cream indicates the level of protection it offers against UVB rays; for example, SPF 30 means it would take 30 times longer for the skin to burn than it would without protection.

On the other hand, broad-spectrum SPF creams are designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering comprehensive sun protection to maintain skin health and prevent premature aging.

However, it’s important to note that no sunscreen offers 100% protection, but higher SPF values provide greater defense against sunburn and skin damage.

Importance of SPF for Skin Protection

SPF is not just a summer necessity; it’s a crucial shield for your skin against a myriad of harmful effects brought on by sun exposure.

Here are key reasons why SPF is vital for skin protection:

Prevents skin cancer: Regular use of SPF can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancers, especially melanoma, which can be life-threatening.

Combats premature aging: SPF prevents premature signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots caused by UV damage.

Reduces risk of sunburn: SPF shields the skin from the UVB rays responsible for sunburn, helping to maintain skin integrity.

Protects against hyperpigmentation: By minimizing sun exposure, SPF helps prevent dark spots and areas of uneven skin tone..

Maintains overall skin health: SPF helps protect essential skin proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin, which are crucial for maintaining the skin’s smoothness and elasticity.

The Types of SPF Creams

There are two types of SPF creams, known as mineral and chemical, which are differentiated by their active ingredients and how they protect the skin from UV rays:

Mineral (Physical) SPF Creams

Properties and Effects: Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, sit on the skin’s surface and physically block the UV rays by reflecting them like a mirror. They usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and are effective immediately upon application.

Drawbacks: Mineral sunscreens can be thicker and often leave a white cast, making them less desirable for deeper skin tones or everyday wear under makeup. They are also harder to wash off and can sometimes contribute to pore clogging and acne.

Best for: Sensitive, irritated, and dry skin.

Chemical SPF Creams

Properties and Effects: Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and release them from the skin. They often contain organic (carbon-based) compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. These sunscreens tend to be lighter and easier to apply without leaving a white residue, making them preferable for daily use under makeup.

Drawbacks: Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the chemical ingredients. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of certain compounds, particularly oxybenzone’s effects on coral reefs.

Best for: Oily, acne-prone, or darker skin tones that might look ashy with physical sunscreen.

Best Practices for Application

Similarly, to get the most out of your SPF cream and ensure maximum skin protection, it’s important to apply it correctly.

Here are some best practices to follow:

Apply to Dry Skin: Ensure your skin is dry and that any previous skincare products have fully absorbed before applying SPF.

Use Adequate Amount: For the face and neck, a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen is recommended to ensure full coverage.

Even Application: Spread the sunscreen evenly over all exposed areas, paying special attention to the face, neck, ears, and the back of your hands.

Wait Before Makeup: Wait for about 5-10 minutes to allow the sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin. This step is crucial to prevent the sunscreen from being moved around when applying makeup, ensuring even coverage and maximum protection.

Reapply Routinely: Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming, even if the product is water-resistant.

Don’t Forget Overcast Days: UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so it’s essential to apply SPF even on cloudy or overcast days.

How to Correctly Mix Vitamin C Serum with SPF Creams?

To achieve the best results and maximize the effectiveness of both your vitamin C serum and SPF cream, follow this step-by-step guide focusing on the correct application order and necessary waiting periods between applications:

Cleanse Your Skin: Begin with a gentle cleanser to prepare your skin, removing impurities and excess oils for better absorption of skincare products.

Apply Vitamin C Serum: After pat drying your skin, apply your vitamin C serum evenly across your face and neck.

Wait for Absorption: Allow the vitamin C serum to fully absorb into your skin. This usually takes about 2-5 minutes. Waiting ensures the serum’s active ingredients penetrate the skin without interference.

Apply SPF: Once the vitamin C serum has fully absorbed, apply your SPF cream generously to all exposed areas.

By following this routine, you can ensure both the vitamin C serum and SPF cream work effectively to protect and enhance your skin’s health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mixing Vitamin C Serum with SPF Creams

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when mixing vitamin C with SPF and ensure maximum benefits:

Not waiting for absorption: As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to wait for each product to fully absorb into the skin before applying the next one. Not doing so can cause a mix of products and reduce their effectiveness.

Choosing incompatible formulations: Some vitamin C serums have a low pH level, which can destabilize SPF creams if applied immediately after. Make sure to research and choose formulations that are compatible with each other.

Using too little product: For both vitamin C serum and SPF cream, using too little product can result in inadequate protection or skincare benefits. Make sure to use the recommended amounts for optimal results.

Using too much product: On the flip side, using excessive amounts of vitamin C can cause pilling or a greasy and heavy feel on the skin, as well as increase the risk of irritation.

Not reapplying SPF: It’s important to reapply SPF cream every two hours, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or participating in water activities. Reapplication helps maintain consistent protection against UV rays.

My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.

The Acne Solution: Your Ultimate Guide To Flawless Complexion

An extensive, no-nonsense course showing you how to never have acne againfrom a licensed Esthetician specializing in oily/acne-prone skin.

Why You Never Wear That Item You Swore You Loved — Inside Out Style

Personal Stylist

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November 21, 2025
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You brought it home with excitement, pictured all the ways you’d wear it, and then… it sat there. Untouched. We’ve all done it. That unworn piece hanging in your wardrobe isn’t proof you lack style discipline – it’s proof of a deeper disconnect. Understanding why you never wear that item you loved is the first step to making smarter, truer choices that suit your real life, not your imagined one.

If your wardrobe contains a few pieces that still have the tags attached, you’re not alone. In fact, according to recent research, women wear only about half the clothes they buy. Style psychology tells us that every “mistake” item is actually a clue – a mirror reflecting what you value, believe, and project. Once you know what’s behind the disconnect, you can stop buying pieces that look perfect on paper but never make it into real life.

Let’s decode what’s really going on – and how to fix it.

You Bought for Aspiration, Not Application

Many wardrobe orphans come from the fantasy life we think we’ll live one day. Maybe it’s the heels for glamorous dinners that rarely happen (or that you know you’re going to have to walk a ways, and those heels are just too uncomfortable), or the blazer that suits a version of you who always feels “on.” Buying aspirational pieces isn’t wrong if they work for your current lifestyle, but when they are for an imagined, inspirational life, it’s simply disconnected from your daily reality, and so you’ll never wear them.

Ask yourself: Did I buy this for my lifestyle, or for a more glamorous or outrageous person I kind of think I’d like to be?

I remember shopping with a client, early in my image consulting career, with a young mother, who lived in a dusty mining town, who was keen to purchase a white silk formal dress, even though she had nowhere to wear it and it just didn’t fit with her casual and practical needs lifestyle. I can’t imagine she got to wear that dress!

If it doesn’t align with your routines, social life, or comfort level, that mismatch will keep it hanging on the rail.

You Confused Style Inspiration with Compatibility

It’s easy to be seduced by inspiration. You see a look online or on someone else and think, “That’s me.” But admiration doesn’t always mean alignment. What suits their proportions, personality, or lifestyle might not feel natural on you.

Before you buy, run a quick mental check. Do I like it on me, or do I just like it on them?

Do I have the same body shape and proportions? How about my colouring? Is it a great reflection of my style, or am I just admiring it on them?

A mirror and a pause can save both your money and your confidence.

You Fell for Colour or Shape but Not for Context

Colour and silhouette are powerful emotional triggers. You might fall in love with a shade that feels fresh or a shape that flatters you in isolation. Yet if that item doesn’t integrate with what you already own, it becomes an outfit orphan.

Next time you’re tempted, imagine the piece in three outfits, using at least four existing garments from your current wardrobe. If you can’t instantly name what it works with, it’s not a good buy.

You Ignored Comfort and Confidence

The body knows before the brain does. Maybe the fabric feels stiff, the neckline dips too low, or you’re forever tugging at the hem. That subtle discomfort creates hesitation, and hesitation is why you never wear that item you loved.

Before you buy, shut your eyes and notice how the garment feels on your body. Run your hands over the fabric. Do you like how it feels? Twist and bend, does it move with you or make you feel constricted? Too often we buy on “look” alone without noticing the feel and comfort. Yet we don’t wear garments that aren’t comfortable.

If you have to talk yourself into wearing it, it doesn’t belong in your regular rotation. Comfort isn’t compromise – it’s confidence in motion.

The Truth Test: How to Stop Making the Same Mistake

Here’s a simple step-by-step truth test you can apply before your next purchase.

Reality Check: Where will I actually wear this? Can I name three real situations in my week or month? Will I dry clean or handwash this if that’s the kind of care it needs?

Pairing Power: What do I already own that works with it? (If the answer is “nothing,” you’re buying a project, not a garment.)

Ease Factor: Will I reach for it when I’m short on time, or will it require effort every single wear?

Feeling Test: When I try it on, do I feel like myself, or like I’m performing someone else’s role?

Repeat Value: Would I still love it if it weren’t new right now?

If an item fails two or more of these, it’s likely to end up unworn.

Reframe Regret into Insight

Instead of labelling those unworn purchases as mistakes, treat them as feedback. Each tells you something valuable: your actual comfort threshold, your genuine aesthetic preferences, or the lifestyle you actually lead.

Pull a few of those “never wear” items out and ask, What pattern am I seeing? Are they all high-maintenance fabrics, too structured, or too bold? Once you recognise your pattern, you can shop with precision instead of impulse.

I paired this chambray shirt with the denim skirt featured in the second outfit on this page. The shoes were also repeated from the third outfit. Notice how the same garments and accessories can be used in multiple outfits – that’s where you get the greatest benefit from making choices that align with your personal style.

Align Purchases with Your Real Style Identity

When you understand your personal style foundation, buying becomes effortless. You stop guessing and start editing with intention.

My 7 Steps to Style program is designed to help you uncover the connection between your personality, lifestyle, and clothing choices. It takes the mystery out of shopping so your wardrobe reflects you – not your past impulses or Pinterest boards.

Every unworn item tells a story about hope, identity, and honesty. By pausing to apply the truth test, you’ll stop repeating the cycle and start curating a wardrobe that genuinely serves you. The pieces you love most should also be the ones you wear most – that’s when your style and your life finally align.

Further Reading

Behind the Dressing Room Curtain: Let’s Talk About Personality and Shopping for Clothes

Wardrobe Manipulation: My Closet Tried to Manipulate Me—and I Let It

What’s Your Style Overwhelm Type?

9 Easily Actionable Ways of Decluttering Your Wardrobe

The Psychology of Colours

Glow Up 2025: My Vegan Beauty Routine on KATU’s Afternoon Live! – Vegan Beauty Review | Vegan and Cruelty-Free Beauty, Fashion, Food, and Lifestyle : Vegan Beauty Review

Organic Beauty

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November 20, 2025
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I recently appeared on KATU’s Afternoon Live to share my Glow Up 2025 Vegan Beauty Routine! 🌿✨ This year is all about nourishing my skin, hair, and body with clean, plant-based products that enhance natural radiance from the inside out.

In the segment, I broke down my favorite skincare rituals, must-have vegan products that help me feel my best, and a DIY recipe. Whether it’s a hydrating face mask, a glow-boosting elixir, or simple lifestyle shifts, my goal is to make self-care effortless, fun, and completely cruelty-free.

If you missed it, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Check out the full segment below! 💚

About Sunny (Sunny’s Profile)

Longtime vegan, hardcore compassionate beauty junkie, serious cake aficionado, and lover of all things floofy and sparkly! If there’s something in particular you’d like me to review, drop me a line at Sunny@VeganBeautyReview.com.
You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, TwitterYouTube, and Google +.

Filed in: vegan skin care
Tags: 2025 glow up • cruelty-free skincare • vegan beauty routine • vegan skincare

5 Products I Fully Recommend

Male Beauty

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November 20, 2025
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At the risk of sounding like a snob and a half, The Ordinary continues to be the epitome of a mixed bag for me. I love the clinical aesthetic and fully support the concept, but only every fifth product I have tried has left a lasting and positive impression. Do I sound jaded? Possibly. But there is context.

Over the years, I have run through countless serums from the brand and learned that their retinoids or anything labeled “in suspension” simply are not my thing. They take ages to absorb and almost never layer well. And if you build your entire identity around single-ingredient formulas, the least you can do is make sure they play nicely with others.

The cleansers are also not my favorite. They all feel a little meh. And I strongly disagree with the idea that just because a formula features the same key ingredient as something pricier, it automatically performs at the same level. Lay’s potato chips and Balthazar fries both contain potatoes and oil, but one is clearly not the other.

Now that we have set the scene, here are the five products from The Ordinary my skin actually loves. Maybe yours will, too.

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

A basic done incredibly well. This slightly viscous liquid is gentle, effective, and reliable. Powered by everyone’s favorite alpha hydroxy acid, the formula also includes antioxidants and amino acids to help calm and hydrate. Use it in the PM to avoid added photosensitivity. I either pat it directly onto my skin or sweep it on with a cotton pad. Both work beautifully. Because my skin gets temperamental when I travel, I keep the smaller 100 ml bottle in rotation (for on-the-go convenience). $8.70 (100ml or $14 (240ml)

Multi-Active Delivery Essence

I hated everything about the Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner but I was not ready to give up on The Ordinary liquid steps. And I am glad I did not. This essence foams slightly on contact (is “saponification” the right word?) but disappears into the skin within seconds. It noticeably boosts absorption of whatever comes next, which is where it shines. It is not a treatment essence since it includes no ferments or antioxidants, but it hydrates instantly and elevates the Niacinamide and Zinc serum to another level of performance. $12 (100ml)

Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum

This brought back memories of how much I liked the original Buffet when the brand first launched. Packed with peptides, antioxidants, and hydrators, it is a radiance-driven formula that performs. If traditional l-ascorbic acid serums overwhelm your skin, this is an excellent alternative. My tip is to stick to a few drops to avoid pilling. Applied sparingly, it layers perfectly under sunscreen. I am genuinely thrilled with this launch. $14 (30ml)

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

A bona fide classic. While technically formulated for blemish-prone skin, I use it for its brightening and soothing benefits. It is juicy yet lightweight, hydrates well, keeps congestion in check, and leaves my complexion balanced. Results are not overnight but give it a couple of months and you will notice a gradual brightening. Consistency pays off here. $6 (30ml)

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

My skin loves Mandelic Acid like nobody’s business, so I was hopeful and this exceeded expectations. The texture feels slightly slippery at first, but you can buffer it with a water-based serum for easier absorption and less irritation. I love what this particular AHA does for my skin. My tone is more even and, surprisingly, it helps with enlarged pores better than some BHA formulas designed for that very issue. It is potent, so skip it if your skin is sensitive. Everyone else should absolutely try it. $7.80 (30ml)

Check out theordinary.com for the full lineup. Take advantage of the Slowvember 23 percent off sale while it lasts.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links here are affiliate. If you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Love Island’s Amaya Espinal Shares Her Post-Villa Hair Routine

Beauty

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November 20, 2025
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Hair Full of Secrets

Our hair care routines are deeply personal. From our first salon experience to the first product we fell in love with, every moment is a part of our hair story. At Byrdie, we’re fascinated by the entire journey—the styling triumphs and the lessons we’ve learned from wash day disasters. With Hair Full of Secretswe’re bringing you the tried-and-true products, rituals, and recommendations your favorite celebrities, founders, and influencers swear by.

For five blissfully chaotic weeks, the world was united in the name of love—Love Island USA to be exact. Season 7, the most-watched Peacock original to date, had us screaming, laughing, and sometimes crying. And while we didn’t always agree on every coupling or dumping, one thing was clear: we were watching a lesson in what it means to be unapologetically human—with winner Amaya Espinal delivering a masterclass on the subject each episode.

Amid unsuccessful connections and wacky challenges, Amaya Papaya remained true to herself, proving that self-love is the best love. She spoke from her heart, wasn’t above apologizing, and always made space for her fellow Islanders to lean on her. Espinal didn’t let others’ opinions shake her, wearing confidence like armor. It showed up in the way she carried herself and in her fashion choices—whether in a studded bikini with strappy sandals or that cozy muumuu with wedges that won America over.

And that same sense of self spilled over into her beauty routine. Because, like many women of color, her relationship to confidence has always been closely tied to her hair—something we saw play out inside the villa. Some days she wore a sleek bun, other days a messy braid-out. Some days she rocked voluminous curls, others a bone-straight middle part. Each look felt like a reflection of where she was in the moment, and who doesn’t love that kind of “I’m just a girl” realness?

Now that she’s out of the villa, settling into real life again, and “slowly” exploring a new connection, it only makes sense that Espinal’s first major beauty campaign is with Herbal Essences in support of their new hair fragrances. Ahead, we talk about her mane, touching on her routine, her hair highs and lows, and the one product she can’t live without.

About Her Hair

“I feel we all go through a phase or phases where we try to figure out what works, what our hair needs, and I’ve gone through that. Right now, I’m in my playing-around era. I just love trying different types of hairstyles, but the priority is always hair that looks good and is healthy.”

How She Cared for Her Hair in the Villa

“Girl! First of all, when I first went into the villa, I had a sew-in, and after jumping into that pool as many times as I did, it started feeling heavy. So Chelley and Olandria were the ones who took it down for me. Shoutout to them. We had to do it off camera, and they got it done in three hours. Beyond that, I just tried not to overdo it with the wash days because it was so hot and sometimes dry out there. I think I washed my hair about two to three times a week.”

Her Core Herbal Essences Memory

“Whenever I went shopping with my mom, she always got Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner. It was such a big part of my growing up. I will never forget the smells, so this is such a full-circle moment. My mom started crying when she found out about the campaign. I had to pinch myself. I still can’t believe any of this is real. I’m just a New York girl, but I do hope people take this campaign as inspiration to prioritize self-care and self-prioritization. Walk around and be the baddest ever.”

Herbal Essences

Her Current Hair Routine

“Whenever it’s a wash day for me, I use the Herbal Essences Smooth Rose Hips Hair Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner, and it pairs nicely with the Rose Perfume Hair Spray. It smells too good; it makes me feel like I have a bouquet on my head. But when I’m in the mood to really treat my hair, I’ll make my own deep-conditioning mask at home. I mix coconut oil, avocado, and a little mayonnaise. I’ll coat my hair from root to end and let it sit for at least two hours. It makes my hair feel so soft. Overall, I try to stay away from heavy products that can weigh my hair down or make it feel coated. I like my hair to feel light but defined.”

Her Go-To Hairstyle

“Definitely a big blowout. I love volume!”

Herbal Essences

How Her Approach to Beauty Has Evolved Since Leaving the Villa

“I’m always going to do me, so that means doing whatever makes me feel good—especially when it comes to beauty. Sometimes I need a full beat, sometimes I don’t. It just depends on my mood and how I want to show up, but it’s always about what I want to do. I never want to change who I am. If anything, I feel even more like myself since leaving the villa. That’s how I look at everything—beauty, fashion, dating, whatever. I’m going to be me. Right now, I am seeing someone, and it’s going great. I’m really just paying attention to how I feel.”

Her Hair Pet Peeve

“When a guy doesn’t stay on top of his haircuts. There’s nothing worse than not having a fresh cut. It’s the least they can do—they don’t have to worry about all the hair things we deal with, so they can at least keep their cut together.”

The Best Hair Advice She’s Ever Received

“Bring edge control everywhere! My edges love to play with me, so I keep a little jar on me no matter where I go.”

Her Hair Regrets

“I went red once, and then after that I tried to go back blonde, after being blonde before. Listen, the hairstylist should have told me no because I ended up being this crazy strawberry color. It wasn’t cute.”

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