An SPF-loaded moisturizer makes your skincare and self-tanner apply more smoothly and makes for one less product to lug around in your fave toiletry bag. Allow us to introduce you to the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Moisturizer, an international fave for which we’re making space on our skincare shelf.

What is Bioré UV Aqua Rich?

It’s a sunscreen, it’s a moisturizer and it’s invisible! The Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 Moisturizing Sunscreen is designed to help protect your face from UV rays and moisturize, without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid — a skincare hero ingredient known to moisturize — and the brand’s micro-defense technology that forms an invisible waterproof shield against UV damage, the hybrid skincare product absorbs in an instant and disappears into all skin tones, leaving no white cast.

Expertly formulated to deliver sheer, breathable protection, this dermatologist-tested sunscreen is oil-free and formulated for sensitive skin. And truly, we’ve yet to see or hear of a breakout from this goes-on-clear formula.

The product is developed from Bioré Japan’s water-based sunscreens, which are known for their fresh textures and invisible clean protection. It’s no surprise the product has gained a cult-like following, quickly becoming a bestseller in Asia — now, the brand finally brought it to North America!

Features we love:

• Formulated for sensitive skin
• SPF 50 sun protection
• Leaves no white cast or greasy feeling
• Innovative technology
• Works well under makeup
• Travel-friendly and carry-on approved by TSA
• No-fuss packaging
• Oil-free and won’t clog pores
• Affordable price point
• Doubles as a makeup primer when you’re in a pinch
• Dermatologist-tested
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula

How to use Bioré UV Aqua Rich

Whether you suffer from dry skin or are working to combat oiliness, the Bioré UV Aqua Rich is a must-have for beauty lovers.

The SPF 50 moisturizer-sunscreen is lightweight, applies easily and absorbs instantly to hydrate and protect your skin from pesky UV rays — leaving no trace of a white cast.

Thanks to its smooth, lightweight texture and non-greasy feeling, this product is perfect for layering under makeup, without pilling or streaking. Does it get any better? It does — with easy-to-use packaging, plus eight hours of obvious moisture, the innovative hybrid product has received countless rave reviews online, and we get it.

Our commerce director, Bryce Gruber, notes how smooth and velvety it is to apply. “I put about two to three good-sized drops on my entire face and neck after my regular moisturizer each morning. It’s so perfectly smooth that it allows me to skip makeup primers most days. I love it — especially because it never clogs my pores.”

The best Biore Aqua Rich reviews

“I have oily skin and this moisturizer is so good. Light enough to not leave me greasy but moisturizing enough to leave me hydrated,” explains verified Amazon purchaser and five-star reviewer, Ani. “On days when I feel dryer, I’ll add two drops of face oil and my skin feels so good. [It] wears well under makeup too.”

“This is the most amazing moisturizer I’ve ever used — it feels like splashing water on my face. And I am super picky about moisturizers. Most [moisturizers] feel heavy and suffocating, not this one,” notes Z, a verified Amazon purchaser who is obsessed with the product.

“This one stands up to its ‘weightless’ name! Plus the SPF is a must-have for me. Well done, Bioré Aqua Rich. If you’re uncertain whether to purchase, buy it — you’ll be glad you did.”

“It feels like [a] serum when it’s applied on your skin,” says Miz. L, a verified purchaser on Amazon. “It has great protection and your skin stays moisturized but not greasy at all. I will definitely reorder again.”

Where to buy Biore UV Aqua Rich

The post You Need Bioré UV Aqua Rich in Your Makeup Bag — Here’s Why appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

What is ILIA Face Base Milk?

ILIA’s The Base Face Milk breaks away from ordinary skincare products, striking the perfect balance between a traditional moisturizer and a light essence. With each use, the hydrating face product provides a lightweight, potent and calming boost of moisture to instantly hydrate and reduce redness.

Smoother skin texture and a stronger skin barrier are among the top ILIA Face Base review call-outs.

The lightweight and versatile formula is designed to be flexible in your routine — after cleansing, use the face milk as your moisturizer to lock in hydration, or under a cream when your skin needs some extra love. Better yet, the product comes in a sleek glass bottle that looks oh-so-chic in your medicine cabinet.

With a powerful combination of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, prickly pear flower extract and plant-based squalane, this practical yet effective product simplifies our skincare routine — and we’re eternally grateful.

Features we love:

• Lightweight, versatile formula
• Suitable for all skin types
• Sleek packaging
• Reduces redness
• Soothes skin texture
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Fragrance-free
• Designed to layer below ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

How to use ILIA Face Base Milk

Lightweight and easy to layer, the Face Base Milk formula works for all skin types and molds to your daily skincare routine, here’s the breakdown:

• If you have oily skin, use it like a lightweight moisturizer as your final step
• Those with dry skin should layer it underneath a moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration
• If you have sensitive skin, apply it before your actives for extra skin barrier support

For the best application, give the bottle two to three shakes into your palms, rub them together and gently press into the skin.

The face milk is the perfect prep step before any ILIA complexion product, but works seamlessly with all brands of foundation and makeup as a first layer. Better yet, you can go makeup-free and show off your supple skin!

The best ILIA Face Base Milk reviews

“I really like the moisture level and dewy finish of this product,” says verified ILIA buyer Kristen. It is light, yet it absorbs quickly, leaving your face hydrated and glowing.

“Great ingredients and it smells super milky too. I love that it has Hyaluronic acid and a barrier renewal,” explains Gisele B., a verified buyer on ILIA. Her ILIA Face Base review left us more excited than ever.

“It is super moisturizing and great for my currently very dry and itchy skin because I’m on Accutane. I use it like a toner after washing my face and it’s soothed my face so well.”

“I have used this product for a few weeks. My skin texture is so smooth and my skin tone is much more even,” says verified ILIA buyer Kathy. “This is lightweight and goes on smoothly and absorbs well. A fantastic addition to my skincare routine.”

Where to buy ILIA Face Base Milk

Ready to hit purchase? To get started on your dewy skin journey, snag the ILIA Face Base Milk on the brand’s website and Sephora. Soft, supple skin is just a click away!

Shop Now

The post ILIA’s Face Base Milk Just Launched and We’re Obsessed appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

“When we were dreaming up the brand, [entrepreneur] Nicolas Vu and I wrote a sentence on a piece of paper; it said, ‘Works with your skin, not against it,’” explains Sue Nabi, CEO of Coty and co-founder of Orveda. “This became the foundation of the brand.” In 2014, Nabi and Vu founded the green biotech company with the goal of “reinventing what it means to be a high-end skincare brand,” Vu says. “Orveda delivers highly concentrated formulations of actives that work with skin because the brand is rooted in the world of science.”

Orveda’s mission is to deliver incredible skin health formulations without the typical downsides associated with efficacious skincare, such as irritation, sensitivity and redness. Rather than focusing on aggressive treatments and overuse of harsh procedures (which causes the skin to become highly sensitized over time, a phenomenon doctors call “over-processed skin”), Orveda considers the long-term health of skin and focuses on maintaining the integrity of the skin’s barrier, which is integral to skin’s overall health and function. To do this, Orveda harnesses the power of French biotech. 

Over the last 30 years, the brand’s visionary founders Nabi and Vu have worked with the world’s leading scientists and medical experts. It was through these experts that they developed a deep understanding of active ingredients and the latest skincare technologies. They also began to see the limitations of traditional skincare. Enter Orveda. Using biotechnology—a blend of natural ingredients and lab technology used to develop high-performance ingredients—Orveda products target specific skin needs effectively while maintaining the health and integrity of the skin.

As part of its mission to visibly extend the youthfulness of the skin, the clean, vegan and sustainable brand has launched the latest addition to its lineup: The Omnipotent Concentrate. The serum is the brand’s most potent formulation to date, addressing the visible signs of skin aging and signs of senescence (the state in which skin cells stop performing major functions, and a major driver of skin aging). Orveda’s Omnipotent Concentrate targets past damage caused by external stressors (such as sun damage) and aging, and simultaneously tackles present concerns by improving skin’s radiance and smoothness. It also helps to create a more resilient barrier, ensuring a healthier and better-protected complexion in the future. 

Continue reading to learn more about Orveda’s new Omnipotent Concentrate, and about more of the groundbreaking formulations that make up the brand, all developed with cutting-edge science by leading global skincare experts. 

Orveda The Omnipotent Concentrate

The latest addition to the Orveda lineup, The Omnipotent Concentrate is an ultra-potent serum made with 16 actives, concentrated at an impressive 24 per cent. Formulated with Orveda’s unique signature complex (biofermented marine enzymes, biotech prebiotics and biofermented kombucha), as well as biomimetic tripeptide to firm skin texture and biofermented adenosine to delay signs of aging. The Omnipotent Concentrate is “perhaps the most potent serum of all time,” says Nabi. 

Shop Now

Orveda The Bio-Tech Emulsion

The Bio-Tech Emulsion is loaded with prebiotics and delivers intense hydration with none of the heaviness typically associated with deeply moisturizing creams. It locks in moisture, slows down any natural loss of hydration throughout the day, and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration. 

Shop Now

Orveda The Vital Sap

The cult favourite essence-toner is the ideal first post-cleansing step in your skincare regimen. The do-it-all Vital Sap is not only brightening, clarifying and illuminating, it’s also formulated to ensure that each subsequent step of your routine works at optimum levels. 

Shop Now

Orveda Overnight Reviving Mask

A nighttime hero, Orveda’s Overnight Reviving Mask does just what it promises: it revives skin as you sleep, so you wake up with a softer, refreshed complexion. Deeply hydrating, it smoothens any visible signs of dehydration that occur at night, such as fine lines and dullness. Over time, it increases the skin’s ability to hold onto its natural moisture.

Shop Now

Orveda Eye Unveiler

This luxurious multi-tasking eye cream lifts, tightens and firms the delicate skin around the eyes and hydrates the entire surrounding area (think under-eyes, brows and even lashes). Formulated with botanical glycerin, two forms of hyaluronic acid and organic oat extract, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and minimizes puffiness. 

Shop Now

Click here to learn more about Orveda and its full product line. 

The post How This French Beauty Brand Is Revolutionizing the Skincare World With Biotech appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

“Hyperpigmentation is any deviation from your baseline,” says Dr. Renée A. Beach, founder of Toronto’s DermAtelier on Avenue. “Skin gets injured, and melanocytes — melanin-producing cells in the bottom layer of the epidermis — go into an overdrive response, where they produce more colour.” From a breakout to a bug bite, anything that causes inflammation or irritation can trigger the development of dark spots, which are notoriously hard to get rid of, especially for those with melanin-rich skin.

“Melanin is a factor in everyone’s complexion,” says Beach. “It determines the pigmentation on our face, around our nail beds, in our lips and in our hair.” But there are different pigmentation types and ratios found in lighter and darker skin tones. And that factor impacts the epidermis in a few ways, including how breakouts heal. My dark-spot-riddled complexion was a major blow to my self-esteem at a time when I was meant to be enjoying farewell visits with friends and family and snapping memories along the way. Today, my confidence has recovered but my skin hasn’t; the evidence of that trying time still lingers via post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

It’s an epidermal experience that Eadem co-founder Alice Lin Glover knows well. Before starting the brand with Marie Kouadio Amouzame (who was born in West Africa and raised in France and lives in Brooklyn), the California-based Taiwanese-American grappled with cystic acne and eczema — two skin conditions that can result in hyperpigmentation. She relied heavily on hydroquinone (an ingredient that inhibits melanin production) for treatment, until she discovered it was banned in several countries due to unwanted side effects. “The more I looked into the ingredients behind the beauty products I was using, the more I was convinced there was a need for safe, targeted products for melanin-rich skin,” she says.

When Eadem launched in 2021 with Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum, it introduced its Smart Melanin Beauty formulation philosophy to the world. “It fuses science-backed ingredients and heritage botanicals to care for melanated skin in a way that’s effective yet gentle,” says Amouzame. Beyond formulating all of their products from scratch, alongside a chemist and dermatologist — both of whom are also women of colour — Eadem’s co-founders are committed to diverse product trials. “We discovered that most of the skincare formulas on the market aren’t actually tested on every skin tone — especially not on darker tones,” says Amouzame.

Upon learning that darker skin is often not factored into skincare research, Cameroon-born, Normandy-raised Noelly Michoux set out to democratize skincare research and development. To do so, her topical brand, 4.5.6 Skin (which was co-founded by a dermatologist and scientist of colour and named one of the most innovative beauty companies of 2023 by Fast Company), built the world’s first Skin Tone Research Lab in France. The lab tests, develops and manufactures its products made for phototypes IV, V and VI on the Fitzpatrick scale. A long-standing dermatological tool with a problematic past — initially, it addressed only Caucasian skin — the scale was designed to assess phototherapy exposure for skin tones. It ranges from type I (a very fair skin tone that “always burns”) through type VI (a deep skin tone that “never burns”). Through a sweeping scope of research that includes genetics, metabolism and psychology, 4.5.6 Skin is unearthing the differences in skin tones and developing formulas that help fade dark spots, increase hydration and calm sensitive, melanated skin.

Bringing together research and diversity is also the goal at L.A.-based Sula Labs. After being faced with a lack of representation in the R&D stages of beauty product development and propelled by a research grant for a project that blended social justice and STEM, cosmetic chemist AJ Addae founded her Black-owned cosmetic formulation and testing company in 2021. Driven by a “for us, by us” promise, Sula Labs dedicates the majority of its portfolio to Black-owned brands. Collaborations with on-the-rise indie lines, such as Of Other Worlds and Range Beauty, are just a few of the lab’s success stories to date. Through her growing team of young, and predominantly Black, scientists, Addae offers a range of services, including product development and efficacy testing, that aim to involve people with darker skin tones in the formulation stage of a product rather than featuring only diverse skin tones in advertising campaigns once a product has already launched. After all, inclusivity is needed in every step of the process.

Whether it’s being driven by founders or formulators, this growing category is leading to significant change that better supports brown and Black complexions. Along with game-changing brands Eadem and 4.5.6 Skin, skincare lines Melyon (a Black-owned Swedish botanical brand) and Lion Pose (which boasts actor and producer Mindy Kaling as an investor and ambassador) now ship to Canada, providing more options and research-backed formulations for people of colour. Beach is optimistic about what this burgeoning beauty category can deliver: “I’m excited about the mission of these new product lines, which is to improve skin tones in a more diverse way.”

Below, four hero products that have been formulated with melanin-rich skin in mind.

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

This fragrance-free serum boasts a blend of niacinamide, licorice-root extract and encapsulated vitamin C that helps fade hyperpigmentation and minimize the look of pores.

Shop Now

4.5.6 Skin Green Bae Clarifying Cleansing Gel

Ideal for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, this purifying gel cleanser is made with salicylic acid to balance sebum plus hemp oil and orange-blossom water to decrease inflammation.

Shop Now

Melyon Day Cream

Made with vegan ingredients, such as baobab oil and aloe vera, this soothing cream is rich in vitamins B, C and E and hydrates skin while protecting it from free radicals and pollution.

Shop Now

Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum

Loaded with 15 per cent acids, such as azelaic, glycolic, lactic and tranexamic, this resurfacing treatment visibly reduces hyperpigmentation and was clinically tested on Fitzpatrick skin types II to VI.

Shop Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s Winter 2024 issue. Find out more here.

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

The post Meet the Skincare Pros Formulating Products for Melanin-Rich Skin appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

According to Dr. Sam Hanna, a Toronto-based dermatologist, it’s not unusual to see an improvement in your skin when you pass on the Prosecco. “Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose water,” he says. “This can leave you looking dehydrated, with a slight increase in fine lines, sunken eyes and dark circles.” On top of that, impaired judgment can lead to sloppy skincare behaviour, like face-planting into your pillow in full makeup (which puts you at risk for styes and breakouts) or forgetting to apply sunscreen while navigating a brutal hangover the next morning.

If you’re prone to existing conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne or spider veins, you can expect them to worsen under the influence, says Amanda Hlatky, founder of Glow Dermal Therapy and Strategy Skin in Vancouver. This is partly due to the increase in matrix metalloproteinases (also known as MMPs), which are enzymes linked to inflammation and photo-aging. “Within 30 minutes of your having a drink, the pH level of your skin is affected,” says Hlatky. This provides an opportunity for bacteria to grow and also causes inflammation, dysregulated sebum production and increased transepidermal water loss.

And the more you drink, the more severe your pre-mature signs of aging may be, a 2019 study from The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology concluded. The study looked at more than 3,000 women from Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States and found that those who were considered heavy drinkers — that is, having more than eight drinks per week — had increased severity of mid-face volume loss, increased upper-facial and lip lines and more noticeable undereye puffiness.

While other well-documented research has linked alcohol consumption and negative effects on internal organs, long-term drinkers can also be more susceptible to recurrent skin infections and even skin cancers, says Hanna. A 2017 study looked at three different cohorts of women with varying lifestyles and backgrounds and found an association between alcohol intake and invasive melanoma, particularly in areas of the body that are less exposed to UV rays, like the torso and the back.

Even the occasional tipple is losing steam. Many Canadians were shocked to learn about the updated recommendations from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction in January 2023, which stated that no amount of alcohol is safe and suggested limiting consumption to no more than two drinks per week. When buzzwords like “moderation” and “balance” are everywhere, the thought of cutting booze out entirely can feel impossible and — pun intended — like an absolute buzzkill. “For many people, alcohol signifies fun and acts as a social lubricant,” says Hlatky. “Some might fear that giving up alcohol would be giving up connection.” In the world of remote work and social media indulgence, true IRL connection is already on shaky ground, so it can feel especially hard to imagine giving up happy hour.

If quitting alcohol entirely isn’t in the cards for you (now or ever), consider a few things you can do to support better skin health. Drinking water while you’re drinking alcohol can reduce both dehydration and the volume of alcohol consumed, says Hanna. Making sure to cleanse before you face-plant is also crucial, says celebrity facialist and aesthetician Vee Mistry of SkinByVee. “Do not go to bed with that night’s enjoyment on your face,” she says. Also, limit any type of physical or chemical exfoliation. “Your skin is already traumatized; it cannot handle more trauma.”

Mistry recommends focusing any treatments on calming the vasodilation and puffiness by using cool water and deep facial massage. And keep the gentle nourishing train going by applying creamy masks you can sleep in so they work in tandem with your body’s natural state of rejuvenation. For in-office procedures, Hlatky loves oxygen treatments to restore hydration and ClearSilk and IPL lasers to reduce redness and boost collagen production.

Though the compliments about my skin continue to roll in, one year after my last drink, I’m still occasionally hypnotized by the beauty of a chilled glass of wine. But at my next bar hop, I’ll be motivated to order a mocktail, knowing that the dewy, condensation-covered glass has nothing on the glow of my complexion.

Ahead, skin boosters to neutralize the effects of an overindulgent night.

Rhode Glazing Milk

Rhode Glazing Milk is a ceramide-infused glow-giving essence that restores skin’s moisture barrier while teeing up for the next step.

Shop Now

Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Oil-to-Milk Cleanser

Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Oil-to-Milk Cleanser makes end-of-night makeup removal a comfy experience by maintaining moisture levels.

Shop Now

Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops

Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops combine 5 per cent niacinamide and diglucosyl gallic acid to boost radiance and light-reflecting pigments to revive dull skin the next morning.

Shop Now

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Hydrator Mist

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Hydrator Mist provides an instant dewy finish via Japanese kombu, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Shop Now

U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment

U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment is a plushy, hard-working gel that boosts cellular renewal and improves the moisture barrier while you snooze.

Shop Now

SkinByVee Gua Sha Cyro Sticks

SkinByVee Gua Sha Cyro Sticks reduce inflammation and puffiness while inducing an overall feeling of calm.

Shop Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s November 2023 issue. Find out more here.

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

The post Here’s What a Boozy Night Out Does to Your Skin appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

But did you know that as your clothes shift and evolve for the season, so, too, should your skincare routine? Take inspiration from your wardrobe and opt for thicker textures and multiple layers for extra protection. Intentional layering of hydrating elixirs like serums, creams and balms will lock in much-needed moisture, ensuring that it doesn’t escape from your skin barrier.

“In the winter, skin is more prone to dehydration, which can present as dryness, cracking and eczema,” explains Dr. Roni Munk, a Montreal-based dermatologist. “It’s important to change your skincare routine to better adapt to the climate. In colder weather, I recommend that people not only moisturize more frequently — to better tolerate harsh and dry conditions — but also use a thicker moisturizer. The thicker the emollient, the more hydrating it is.”

Reach for products that include ceramides or hyaluronic acid in the ingredients list, as they help replenish and strengthen the skin barrier, which inevitably takes a hit in extreme temperatures. “Hyaluronic acid, in particular, will actually help us maintain our own internal moisture levels, as opposed to just adding additional exterior moisture,” says Munk. And if your skin is sensitive to cold temperatures, he suggests reducing the concentration or frequency of use of the exfoliants in your routine, like retinol and acids such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic and mandelic.

As you prepare to embrace (or simply try to make the best of) the coldest time of the year, swaddle yourself in luxe sweaters and scarves, balms and creams.

Beautycounter Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream

Formulated with two forms of hyaluronic acid for intense hydration and an immediate plumping effect, and barrier-protecting ceramide for even more moisture, this weightless cream is a must this season.

Shop Now

Orveda Rich Brew Cream

Featuring both glycerin and hyaluronic acid, this luxe, intensely moisturizing cream is suitable for all skin types — even the most sensitive skin — and promises to firm and lift facial contours while improving the glow of your complexion.

Shop Now

Uriage H.A. Booster Serum

Skin in need of a little boost? Try incorporating Uriage’s new H.A. Booster Serum into your routine. Made with 1.5 per cent pure and natural hyaluronic acid, it instantly gets to work on signs of dryness. The result? Plumped, smoothed and hydrated skin.

Shop Now

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water

Inspired by the brand’s cult-favourite Magic Cream, the latest skincare innovation from Charlotte Tilbury is now available in a lightweight, bouncy gel texture, making it ideal for oily or combination skin that needs a burst of hydration during the winter.

Shop Now

Yves Rocher Intense Moisturizing Care Hydra-Végétal

This intensely hydrating moisturizer can also be used as an overnight mask, if your skin is feeling extra-parched. In fact, during a clinical study, 96 per cent of participants claimed that their skin felt hydrated in the morning.

Shop Now

Shiseido Waso Calmellia Multi Relief SOS Balm

Enriched with camellia oil from Japan, this multi-purpose balm can treat dry areas of the face, body or hair (yes, really!). In fact, you’ll see and feel results in just one day.

Shop Now

Dr. Hauschka Apricot Day Cream

Enriched with vitamins and fatty acids that revitalize your complexion and help your skin retain moisture and protect it from drying out, the latest from Dr. Hauschka is a wintertime must.

Shop Now

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

This do-it-all serum is designed to support skin barrier repair while soothing discomfort and reducing the look of redness — all crucial when the temperature starts to dip.

Shop Now

Omy Laboratoires Smoothing Body Cream

Don’t forget about the skin on your body! The newest launch from Canadian brand Omy Laboratoires is designed to relieve dryness and restore your moisture barrier, while also protecting against roughness through exfoliating and moisturizing properties. This can benefit skin prone to ingrown hairs, eczema, psoriasis and keratosis pilaris.

Shop Now

Miracle 10 Soothe

Ideal for post-treatment care, and those suffering from inflammatory skin conditions, which can ramp up in the winter, this probiotic-rich serum improves the look of irritated, inflamed skin.

Shop Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s November 2023 issue. Find out more here.

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

The post How to Winterize Your Skincare Routine appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Oh, the bliss of at-home skincare rituals. To our beloved sheet masks, under eye patches and facial rollers: You’ve been a delight, but this year we’re due for an upgrade. Do-it-yourself skincare devices are calling and we must answer for the betterment of our self-care regimens — and faces.

Though we still love getting facials, the evolution of at-home skincare technology — think LED masks and microcurrent devices — is showing no sign of slowing down. These at-home and user-friendly devices give us the freedom to DIY many of the treatments traditionally reserved for trained professionals, allowing red and blue-lit LED face masks to target acne or hand-held tools charged by microcurrent to sculpt away at the hollows of our cheeks.

RELATED: This Luxe New Serum Marries Skincare and Psychology

At this intersection of beauty and technology, there are passionate advocates for these take-home tools like JJ Walsh, founder of Vancouver’s Formula Fig, the lush green-tiled beauty bar new to Toronto and Los Angeles. Walsh tells FASHION that Formula Fig’s skincare educators and experts encourage the use of these devices to expedite the healing of treatments carried out in the salon such as laser or nano-needling. And like many other beauty trends, says Walsh, the growth in take-home skincare tech is a byproduct of the pandemic.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Formula Fig (@formulafig)

Walsh has labeled this at-home skincare tool phenomenon the “mimic clinic effect” — a recreation of treatments typically carried out in professional settings being used within the comfort of your own bathroom instead. Where self-care is concerned, comfort and convenience are major factors, so the ease of skincare devices that deliver impressive results at home make them worthy of becoming routine regulars. “Pairing these devices with highly active skincare [such as firming creams or lifting serums] in turn offers incredible results, quickly,” says Toronto-based facialist Vee Mistry. “With visible results, customers are more likely to remain dedicated to these tools.”

But the DIY skincare devices on the market are ever-changing, making it difficult to determine exactly what each one does, how it does it, and whether or not it works. The pros agree that the most popular and worthwhile tools on the market are those that use LED lights, microcurrent and cryotherapy. Read on we as unpack the science behind this trendy trio of DIY treatments and their skincare benefits.

LED light therapy

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Omnilux (@omniluxled)

LED light therapy uses varying wavelengths of light, including red and blue light frequencies, to combat skin concerns including acne and inflammation. Red light treats the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin), which absorbs said light and begins to stimulate collagen proteins. The more active collagen is in the skin, the more plump and smooth it appears, which means wrinkles and fine lines will be less visible. Blue light is aimed at the sebaceous glands (oil glands) located beneath the hair follicles which, when overactive, can cause oilier skin and acne. To remedy breakouts, blue light seeps into the skin and slows these overactive glands. Plus, it can also destroy acne-causing bacteria. “It improves skin tone and texture, reduces breakouts and flare-ups, and helps to overall firm and brighten,” says Walsh of LED light therapy, which she adds can also be used to stimulate healing after procedures such as laser.

Microcurrent

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NuFACE (@mynuface)

As for tech fuelled by microcurrent, what you’ll experience during use is a painless, repeated delivery of low-grade electrical currents that mimic the natural ionic flow of the body and awaken the facial muscles. Think of it as an at-home facelift of sorts, minus the whole surgical aspect. “By using a facial ‘workout’ device frequently and consistently, it stimulates facial muscles to help tone and lift, plus allows the products you apply afterward to work harder,” explains Walsh.

Cryotherapy

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SKINBYVEE (@_skinbyvee_)

Cryotherapy is a soothing technique that constricts blood flow to calm the skin while regulating circulation and tightening pores. The anti-inflammatory at-home alternative to clinical cryo facials (where liquid nitrogen is involved) often requires the storing of your tools in a freezer. Freezing temperatures cause blood vessels to contract, so once your skin returns to its normal temperature these vessels dilate swiftly and increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the face. This rush promotes the appearance of brighter, tighter, glowing skin that is also less swollen. So, freezing your cryo tools is absolutely essential if you want to achieve the look of a true “frotox.”

Many of the devices available for at-home use target multiple skin concerns at once (which can limit your spending on several devices), like Mistry’s two-in-one facial tool that combines the benefits of cryotherapy with a gua sha. “Our own SkinByVee Gua Sha Cryo Sticks support in sculpting, lifting, cooling and soothing inflammation, leaving the skin more balanced and controlled, and [stimulate increased] collagen and elastin production.”

As you experiment with high-tech at-home skincare devices, remember we’re talking real technology here. That means there can be consequences for misuse, which is why Mistry recommends having a pro set up your tools and demonstrate how to best use them for optimal results. Not to mention, your skincare devices should be kept clean to avoid causing breakouts and introducing bacteria — especially if your tool exfoliates, abrades, or punctures the skin (think: microneedling derma rollers), Walsh warns. Consult with your aesthetician for advice about any devices that may conflict with health concerns or other procedures you’ve had. For example, if you’ve used Botox recently, Walsh advises waiting two weeks before picking up a microcurrent device.

Finally, experts warn against putting too much pressure on these tools to perform. “I always remind my clients that beauty tools and skincare are only one part of the jigsaw puzzle,” Mistry shares. “To get your best skin, you must focus on the organ as an entire entity — that means we must look at overall health, sleep, nutrition, using the correct skin care prescription and lastly, commitment. These are the important pieces for lasting results!”

Whether you’re using these tools to maintain clinical skin treatments or for a high-tech facial pick-me-up, shop our curated list of the best at-home skincare devices below, complete with recommendations straight from the pros.

1/6

NuFace

Trinity Starter Kit

($535, NuFace)

This NuFace kit includes the cult fave microcurrent device that’s used for facial toning and contouring.

Buy Now

2/6

Omnilux

Omnilux Clear

($475, Omnilux)

Omnilux’s red and blue light therapy mask targets active acne, redness, and inflammation while also working to fade acne scarring and clear breakouts quickly.

And if you’re looking specifically to target the skin on your neck, the brand also sells a mask designed for use over the neck and upper chest, targeting fine lines and wrinkles with light therapy.

Buy Now

3/6

Lyma

Lyma Laser Starter Kit

($2,695, Lyma)

This Lyma laser combats several skincare concerns from wrinkles and skin elasticity to skin texture in just 30 minutes of use a day.

Buy Now

4/6

Skinbyvee

Skinbyvee Gua Sha Cryo Sticks

($175, Skinbyvee)

These freezer-stored custom cryo sticks cool, lift, and sculpt the face through cryotherapy and traditional gua sha motions.

Buy Now

5/6

Radford

Light: The LED Mask

($375, Radford)

Aesthetically pleasing and effective, this LED mask by Radford is clinically proven to treat acne and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Buy Now

6/6

SolaWave

Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy

($206, SolaWave)

This SolaWave wand uses four powerful treatments, including microcurrent and LED, to de-puff and energize the skin in only three sessions per week.

Buy Now

Products contained in this article have been selected by our editorial team. However, we may receive a commission when you click on the product link or purchase it.

The post High-Tech Skincare Devices Are Taking Over — Here’s Why appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Dior Debuts a Dreamy Spa at Hôtel Du Cap-Eden-Roc + More Beauty News

The breakthrough formula is a massive undertaking, not only because it’s the brand’s first serum that’s able to address all three visible dimensions of skin aging (volume loss, texture changes and discoloration) but because it’s backed by research conducted by Dior’s Reverse Aging board, which includes experts in the fields of dermatology, life sciences and even psychology. In a recent 5,000-person study about age perception, Dior Science found that 80 per cent of men and women aged 18 to 80 fully accept their age. Better yet, 95 per cent of participants said they feel younger than they are. “This speaks to the progress that science and medicine have made,” says Ogilvie.

Even so, 97 per cent of participants revealed that if given the opportunity, they would choose to be — not just look — younger. Ogilvie says this is due to a growing discrepancy between chronological age (how old you are) and biological age (how old your cells are), especially for women. “As a dermatologist, I meet women every day who feel younger than the generations before them did at their age,” she says. These patients have enjoyed great accomplishments and excelled in their careers but tell Ogilvie that they don’t necessarily see this vitality being reflected in their appearance. “Reverse aging, from my perspective, means closing the gap between how we feel and how we look,” says Ogilvie. “Bringing these two elements closer together is empowering.”

Le Nectar Premier is able to stop senescence before it happens, reverting skin to a past version of itself.

Of course, there are two main ways to target — and reverse — signs of aging: injectables and skincare products. In the latter category, Le Nectar Premier specifically targets senescent cells, a relatively recent discovery of cells that are not quite young (that is, dividing and constantly creating new cells) or old (and thus discarded by the body). They exist in a problematic in-between state that speeds up skin’s aging process. “Cellular senescence is an irreversible state in which cells stop performing major functions,” says Dr. Laure Crabbe-Vert, a scientific coordinator at LVMH Recherche. The stressor at the root of senescence is glyoxal, which can be found in food, drinks, pollution and textiles. “It triggers skin cells to release certain molecules, forming an age signal network,” says Crabbe-Vert. “This molecular pathway spreads the message of aging to surrounding cells and amplifies the impact of senescence.”

Le Nectar Premier is able to stop senescence before it happens, reverting skin to a past version of itself. “After a month of use, it’s like the fine lines of the past seven years never existed,” says Virginie Couturaud, Dior’s scientific communications director.

So, what’s the difference between an anti-aging product and a reverse-aging product? “I’ve never liked the term ‘anti-aging,’” says Ogilvie. “It’s a resistance to something that’s inevitable. And it doesn’t fully encompass the opportunities that science provides us with today. By reprogramming the aging process of cells, we can actually make them behave younger. Reverse aging helps people live the period of their life in which they felt the best, for longer.”

It is true, after all, that the skincare industry would cease to exist — let alone grow and expand at its current astonishing rate — if its results were merely skin deep. “When we improve the surface, it goes way beyond the surface,” says Ogilvie. “It has a deep psychological impact.”

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post This Luxe New Serum Marries Skincare and Psychology appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Established in 1996, this beloved brand is certified cruelty free by Cruelty Free International and is known for its gentle, top-notch products that cater to diverse skin types. Naturally, it takes the same approach with its new daily-use philosophy dose of wisdom serum—your new favourite addition to your skincare routine. Think of this serum like a cup of coffee for your skin. It wakes up your complexion from the inside out through deep hydration while also tackling pesky concerns like fine lines, radiance, tone, texture and firmness. But here’s the real magic: once applied, it amplifies the potency of skin-strengthening actives (more on that later), and it always delivers textures that actually feel good—because sticky, oily and greasy consistencies simply just aren’t worth wearing. Packed with active ingredients working individually and together, the serum instantly plumps while also improving your skin’s natural structure over time. Just apply on a clean, dry face, morning and night, follow it up with the rest of your skin routine, and let the winning ingredients do the rest. Intrigued? Below, we break down how those ingredients actually work and why they’re the key to getting the bouncy skin of your dreams.

Molecule-Grafted Vitamin C

We’ve said it once, we’ve said it a hundred times: vitamin C is a skincare superhero. Not only does this soothing nutrient create an extra barrier to help protect the skin, but it boosts collagen production. Known in the regimen world as the key to a healthy-looking complexion, collagen causes that natural bounce in our skin. And though we’re born with plenty of it, collagen begins to taper off as young as age 25. That’s why, with molecule-grafted vitamin C as a key ingredient, the philosophy dose of wisdom serum enhances collagen through a potent yet non-irritating delivery for the return of a silky, fresh, plumped face.

Molecule-Grafted Hyaluronic Acid

Just like you should drink water (8 glasses a day!), it’s also important to regularly nourish the skin with hydrating topicals. Enter: hyaluronic acid, the glow-boosting ingredient that helps maintain the stretch and flex of the skin. As a naturally occurring sugar molecule, hyaluronic acid already exists in your body, but we lose some of it daily due to factors like the weather, the environment, and, yes, the natural effects of aging. Using molecule-grafted hyaluronic acid, the philosophy dose of wisdom serum reinforces the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid while providing in-depth, long-lasting hydration. And because it’s expertly delivered through Philosophy’s formulation principle, it’s compatible with all skin types—even those with sensitivities.

Patented Vitality Booster

True to its name, this unique active has been crafted to restore the skin’s vibrancy. Loaded with oxygen, it helps increase cell turnover, which boosts collagen production and reduces blemishes. Thanks to squalane, it hydrates without risk of inflammation. And using reishi mushroom extract, a low-key skincare powerhouse, it deeply hydrates with antioxidant properties that reduce signs of aging and fatigue (farewell, dark spots). Together, these ingredients help the skin function at its peak to remain energized, and of course, bouncy.

Case in point: In a study with 102 participants, 92 per cent said their skin felt plumped, revived and better rested after 8 weeks of using the philosophy dose of wisdom serum. Above all else, though, the return to bouncy skin leads to a fresh, healthy-feeling complexion. And in the heat of summer, there’s nothing more satisfying than that.

Click here to learn more and to purchase a bottle of the philosophy dose of wisdom bouncy skin reactivating serum today.

The post How To Achieve Bouncy Skin This Summer appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Are Women Not Allowed to Age?

On TikTok, the “Aging” filter — which has over 10 billion views on the app — uses artificial intelligence to predict what you might look like in the future, showing users with sagged cheeks, thinned lips, fine lines and even yellowed teeth. And over the past week, the effect has become an agent of digital chaos.

At first, the filter set off something of a collective existential crisis. It has inspired panic-induced applications of sunscreen, intensified emphases on skincare regimens, and advice on procedures to “age as gracefully as possible.” It’s even prompted therapists to weigh in with advice on mitigating aging anxiety. This shock factor was most likely intended. Age-related filters reportedly do consistently well on TikTok, and it’s easy to see why.

Earlier this year, the “Teenage Look” filter went viral on the app. Unlike “Aging,” the effect smooths fine lines, softens complexions and shows people a simulated version of their high school selves. But even that trend sparked similar dread, with users pointing out how the filter’s nostalgia made them more aware of their own mortality. Both filters — while seemingly opposites of one another — exemplify our fear-fuelled obsession with marking our age, whether we’re looking back or looking ahead. The impacts reach beyond the internet, as plastic surgeons have reported a rise in patients asking to look like filtered selfies.

No matter what artificially enhanced version of yourself is reflected back at you, TikTok filters are always a bit jarring. So when we engage with them, it’s usually helpful to remember that they’re not real. But the “Aging” filter — which has been dermatologist-approved for its accuracy — presents a new kind of challenge, because it’s not so far-fetched.

Unsurprisingly, the TikTok aging filter has exposed a horror-filled knee-jerk reaction, with users like Kylie Jenner expressing their distaste for a look at their face with considerably less collagen. (She later wrote “she’s cute” in the comments.)

At the same time, a sense of appreciation has emerged. Hailey Bieber and Mia Khalifa noted similarities to their grandmothers. A smiling Amy Poehler got in on the trend with the short but impactful caption reading, “May I be so lucky.” Users are lovingly remarking on how they look like the older women in their lives. There have been makeup tutorials with the filter on. Some have even positioned it as a version of themselves to aspire to, with one user writing, “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Over the past few days, my feed has shifted to people embracing their elderly digital selves. Peppered between posts of fashion micro-trends or videos about the Barbie press tour are visual odes to aging, with the buzzy filter as a prompt. In some ways, the very image of growing old has become its own kind of trend.

More and more, it seems we’re in a time of aging dichotomy, where growing older is embraced at a performative level, but not always a genuine one. Julia Fox can declare that “aging is fully in,” while Kim Kardashian unapologetically says she’d “eat poop” to look young. We praise Martha Stewart for her youthful glow in a swimsuit photoshoot while ridiculing Madonna for her obvious cosmetic procedures. Women over the age of 45 are being increasingly recognized in Hollywood, while the stars of And Just Like That… continue to face endless flack over their appearances.

In 2023, the discourse on anti-aging hasn’t disappeared; it’s just reinvented itself in sneakier ways. Take the idea of ageing gracefully. “What makes ‘aging gracefully’ a particularly nefarious euphemism for anti-aging is that it implies anti-aging should appear to be effortless,” argues beauty writer Jessica DeFino in her newsletter The Unpublishable. “‘Aging gracefully’ is not effortless, though — it demands an incredible amount of effort and then demands even more effort to disappear the evidence of said effort.” The mainstream idea is still that there’s a right way to age. But the virality of the Aging filter, with its emphasis on so-called imperfections, inadvertently challenges that.

If nothing else, it’s offering algorithmic visibility to growing older. (I, for one, have never seen so many celebrities age at once.) Ageist beauty standards are probably not going anywhere anytime soon. But maybe the TikTok aging filter, with its baked-in inevitably of how we’ll look years down the line, can be a start. And even if our acknowledgement of aging is happening through a filter, it feels pretty radical.

The post Could TikTok Be Responsible For a <em>Positive</em> Shift in How We View Aging? appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: The Best New Face Sunscreens To Add to Your Summer Skin Routine

We already love self-tanners for their bronzing capabilities, but we can get more use out of self-tanners than you might think. On TikTok, the #selftan hashtag has amassed more than one billion views across an infinite amount of videos — many of which include self-tanner tricks you didn’t even know you needed to try. From faking freckles to facial contouring, turns out self-tanners are indeed a multi-use product. Below, we unpack four self-tanner beauty tricks from TikTok and how to test drive them at home.

Chisel your cheeks

Who knew self-tanner could be a secret contour weapon? Content creators on TikTok are using this bronzing trick to sculpt cheekbones and achieve a natural-looking facial contour. To get the look, you’ll want to apply a pump of your self-tanner to a tanning mitt that’ll act as a makeup palette and allow you to have more control over how much product you use. Then, using a makeup sponge, begin applying self-tanner to your cheeks, forehead, nose, and jawline as you would typically apply your bronzer or contour products. “My best advice would be to blend it out as much as you would blend out your contour because it’s going to be on our face, right? It’s going to be staying there for a few days,” says TikToker Abby Baffoe in a viral video sharing her self-tanner contour routine. Once the product has been evenly blended to your liking, allow it to sit for a few hours before you wash your face and reveal your new contour. You’ll be looking snatched for days.

Fake your freckles

If you love adding faux freckles to your makeup routine, a self-tanner can make it easier to achieve a more natural, semi-permanent freckled look. Depending on your desired end result, there are several techniques that you may want to test out. For all-over-the-face freckles, you can add your fake tanning product of choice to a spray bottle and do a couple of spritzes as you would with a setting spray — but don’t get too carried away. Once set and dry, dab your face with a towel to unveil a natural-looking layer of faux freckles. For a more localized look — say, a smattering of freckles over the nose — you’ll find that everyday beauty tools like tweezers, spoolies and toothbrushes can be used to flick or dab your self-tanner across the desired area and atop your makeup (or on a bare face if you’re going makeup-free). No matter your preference, each of these methods will give an abstract finish that looks much more authentic than hand drawing each freckle.

Line your lips

From overlining to using plumping glosses, there always seems to be a new way to hack our lips into looking larger and fuller. Well, here’s another one — lip contouring with self-tanner. This temporary trick allows you to define your lipline while leaving behind a naturally lined look with no filler needed. Using a small makeup brush, you’ll want to dip into your fake tan and trace the outline of your lips as you would with a lip liner pencil. (Hot tip: Extending the line ever so slightly beneath your lip will give an even more contoured effect.) After the tan has settled, your lips will be left with a darker outline, which will give the illusion of a fuller, naturally contoured pout.

Tint your brows

Love a bold brow? Allow a self-tanner brow tint job to be your next TikTok-inspired beauty venture. In one video on the app with over nine million views, TikTok user @tiktokteenagers documents her process while trying this hack — and in the second part of her video, she reveals successfully tinted brows that appear thicker and more thoroughly filled out. To recreate the look, grab a self-tanner in a shade that is most similar to your natural brow colour. Then, use an angled makeup brush to fill in your brows, emphasizing any areas that look particularly sparse. After you’ve cleaned up the edges with a Q-tip, use a spoolie to evenly disperse the product throughout the brow. After one hour, you may want to wipe away some of the product around the perimeter of your brow to avoid any harsh lines that may dry down too dark. Finally, after an additional two hours, wipe your brows with micellar water and observe your freshly tinted new look.

The post Try These TikTok-Approved Self-Tanner Beauty Tricks appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

It all comes down to the ingredients. The derm-recommended brand has long been known for harnessing the nourishing and moisturizing benefits of colloidal oatmeal. Along with this versatile topical ingredient, Aveeno®’s Tone + Texture collection is packed with skin-conditioning components, including niacinamide—a form of vitamin B3 that brightens while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also on the list are polyhydroxy acids (PHA) which are gentle chemical exfoliants that even skin tone and texture. This trifecta is the basis of Aveeno®’s new collection, comprising the Tone + Texture Daily Renewing Lotion, the Tone + Texture Renewing Night Cream, and the Tone + Texture Renewing Body Scrub. When used in tandem, the trio tackles three non-negotiables for healthy-looking summer skin: tone, texture, and moisture. Here’s how it works:

Improved skin tone

From discolouration and visible pores to fine lines and an uneven complexion, dull skin is a downer—especially when trying to achieve a summer glow. Enter: Aveeno®’s Tone + Texture Daily Renewing Lotion. Formulated with four per cent natural PHA, the lotion, nourishes the skin while gently exfoliating, resulting in a more even skin tone in just one week. To continue the tone-correcting goodness at night, the Renewing Night Cream is formulated with six per cent natural PHA to improve skin tone while you sleep.

Smoothened texture

Rough, bumpy, or scaly skin is all the more evident (and annoying!) in the summer. Often the result of dryness or a buildup of dead skin cells, skin texture issues can lead to keratosis pilaris, a common condition resulting in tiny pimple-like skin-coloured bumps. And while regular exfoliation sloughs off the top layer of dead skin to tackle texture and reveal a brighter glow, it can also be harsh. That’s why Aveeno®’s Tone + Texture collection employs non-abrasive ingredients to gently remove build-up for refreshed skin while being suitable for sensitive skin.

Long-lasting moisture

Dry skin is simply not conducive to high-season dewiness. Moisturization always matters, but with the humidity, it’s all the more important that our summertime regimens aren’t heavy or greasy, as this causes breakouts. Thankfully, Aveeno®’s Tone + Texture collection is non-comedogenic—meaning it won’t clog your pores—and is specifically designed for sensitive skin. The Daily Renewing Lotion gives all-day comfortable hydration amid rising summer temps, while the Renewing Night Cream intensely nourishes skin all through the late hours. Free of fragrance, parabens, and dyes, both instantly soften skin without it feeling oily.

The bottom line

You don’t need a 10-step routine filled with expensive oils and elaborate toners to achieve effortless-looking summertime radiance. You just need some reliable favourites (don’t forget your SPF!). Whether you’re a skincare maven or a product-curious newbie, Aveeno® is always approachable and affordable, thanks to a unique blend of nature and science that only gets better over time. Case in point: The Tone + Texture collection is sustainably-minded from formula to packaging, using bottles made with 30 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic—so you can feel good about what you put on your skin from start to finish. This season, refreshing your complexion has never been so easy.

Click here to learn more about Aveeno and scroll below to shop their new Tone + Texture collection. 

1/3

Tone + Texture Renewing Lotion

This daily lotion gently exfoliates and hydrates skin for an instantly smoother finish in one use.

Buy Now

2/3

Tone + Texture Gentle Renewing Night Cream

Nourish your skin as you sleep with this skin-conditioning night cream, which helps to improve bumpy, uneven skin.

Buy Now

3/3

Tone + Texture Renewing Body Scrub

Formulated with a natural PHA exfoliant, the body scrub for sensitive skin helps remove dull surface layers and smooths bumpy, rough skin.

Buy Now

The post Unlock Smooth Summer Skin: Dive Into the New Collection From this Seasoned Skincare Brand appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: The Products You Need for the Ultimate “Everything Shower”

As the lighter, more breathable, less sticky cousin of body lotion, it’s no wonder why body oils are having a moment in the spotlight as temperatures soar. Not only are they a great way to hydrate your limbs and keep your skin from looking dry and cracked, but they leave behind such an irresistible sheen and glow that we have no choice but to stan. Bonus: Many body oils are infused with scents you know and love, making them perfect for layering underneath your favourite perfumes, or even wearing on their own.

Browse our 13 favourite body oils below and get ready for a serious (and literal) glow-up this summer.

1/13

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Oil Mist

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Oil Mist

($12, Amazon)

Buy Now

2/13

Cardea Auset Golden Hour Body Oil

Cardea Auset Golden Hour Body Oil

($72, Holt Renfrew)

Buy Now

3/13

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil

($78, Dermalogica)

Buy Now

4/13

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Body Oil

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Body Oil

($132, Saks Fifth Avenue)

Buy Now

5/13

Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil

Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil

($34, Amazon)

Buy Now

6/13

Olverum The Dry Body Oil

Olverum The Dry Body Oil

($66, The Detox Market)

Buy Now

7/13

SelfMade Self Disclosure Intimacy Serum

SelfMade Self Disclosure Intimacy Serum

($43, Mayple)

Buy Now

8/13

Ellis Brooklyn SUN FRUIT Glistening Golden Body Oil

Ellis Brooklyn SUN FRUIT Glistening Golden Body Oil

($93, Sephora)

Buy Now

9/13

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Firmeza Firming & Debloating Body Oil

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Firmeza Firming & Debloating Body Oil

($67, Sephora)

Buy Now

10/13

OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

($69, Revolve)

Buy Now

11/13

Dior Solar The Sublimating Oil

Dior Solar The Sublimating Oil

($85, Dior)

Buy Now

12/13

SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Oil

SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Oil

($13, Amazon)

Buy Now

13/13

RMS Beauty Body Oil

RMS Beauty Body Oil

($86, Shoppers Drug Mart)

Buy Now

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

The post 13 Body Oils to Shop This Summer for Glowy, Hydrated Skin appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: The Products You Need for the Ultimate “Everything Shower”

We can all benefit from the protective properties that sunscreen offers, like helping to prevent sunburns, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. The SPF of our beloved sunscreens is an indicator of how well a sunscreen can protect against UVA and UVB rays, and we should be aiming to use products with a minimum SPF of 30.

Here’s the thing: We love sunscreen and all that it does for us, but finding one that blends well with our makeup and doesn’t leave behind a white cast or a greasy finish is no easy feat. It’s true that you should be applying sunscreen daily and all year round, but if you’ve neglected this step during the winter months or haven’t found a sunscreen that works for you, allow us to introduce 14 new SPF-packed products we think you’ll love. From multifunctional creams to dewy serums, there’s a face sunscreen here for everyone.

1/14

Juice Beauty

SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen

($27, Juice Beauty)

Attention athletes, this one’s for you! Tackle any summer sport or water activity with a protective layer of this water resistant sunscreen by Juice Beauty — and soak up the hydrating benefits of rich jojoba and coconut oils in the process.

Buy Now

2/14

Sun Bum

SPF 30 Glow Sunscreen Face Lotion

($24, Sun Bum)

Sun Bum’s newly launched sunscreen is all about the glow and we’re here for it! Drawing from its antioxidant-rich Kakadu plum ingredient, this sunscreen boosts our skin’s natural radiance while keeping it protected.

Buy Now

3/14

Dr. Jart+

Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 40

($57, Dr. Jart+)

This multipurpose beauty balm by Dr. Jart+ is formulated with niacinimide, glycerin, and SPF 40 to hydrate and protect skin while offering a light layer of coverage.

Buy Now

4/14

Cay Skin

Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45

($45, Cay Skin)

This Cay Skin face lotion comes from Canada’s very own top model, Winnie Harlow. Just launched in Sephora Canada, it packs a moisturizing punch. Plus, it’s infused with an illuminating pearl blend for an extra glow.

Buy Now

5/14

Burt’s Bees

Renewal Firming SPF 30 Day Lotion

($32.99, Burt's Bees)

Reap the benefits of UV protection and achieve firmer skin with this new launch by Burt’s Bees from their first ever anti-aging Renewal line.

Buy Now

6/14

Coola

Dew Good Illuminating Serum Face SPF 30

($70, Coola)

Dewy skin? Check. Sun protection? Check. This SPF 30 serum from Coola is ticking all our boxes. And with its BlueScreen Digital De-Stress technology, we’re also getting much needed blue light protection from our digital screens and other environmental stressors.

Buy Now

7/14

Belif

Aqua Bomb Broad Spectrum SPF 50

($50, Belif)

K-beauty brand Belif launched this dual-purpose sunscreen and moisturizer earlier this year, taking inspiration from the brand’s popular Aqua bomb moisturizer. No white cast or oily residue here.

Buy Now

8/14

Shiseido

Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

($48, Shiseido)

TikTok loves Shiseido’s sunscreens, and the latest addition to their popular Urban Environment sun care collection is this vitamin C-infused, invisible and waterproof Vita-Clear sunscreen with SPF 42.

Buy Now

9/14

Clé de Peau Beauté

Protective UV Cream SPF 50+

($170, Clé de Peau Beauté)

This creamy sunscreen by Clé de Peau is formulated with skin-supporting Moroccan thyme extract, and uses Adaptable Innershield Technology to boost our skin’s innately protective abilities.

Buy Now

10/14

Dermalogica

Porescreen SPF 40

($77, Dermalogica)

Just this week, Dermalogica launched this multifunctional SPF 40 product that offers UVA and UVB protection while minimizing the appearance of pores. It’s a total win-win.

Buy Now

11/14

Dr. Dennis Gross

All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

(Coming Soon, Dr. Dennis Gross)

This Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Mineral Sunscreen by Dr. Dennis Gross is already available to shop in the US, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it in Canada come April 25. Daily sun and wrinkle protection? Yes, please!

Buy Now

12/14

Lotus Aroma Body & Face SPF 50

Body & Face SPF 50

($42, Lotus Aroma)

The new water-resistant and reef-safe offering from Lotus Aroma can be used on both your face and body for broad spectrum protection. Formulated with avocado and coconut oils,
it provides both hydration and sun protection.

Buy Now

13/14

Keys Soulcare

Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum

($51, Keys Soulcare)

Keys Soulcare (the Alicia Keys-founded beauty brand) just unveiled an SPF 30 sunscreen in Canada that harnesses the powers of squalene and niacinamide to help moisturize, brighten, and protect the skin from summer sun rays. Plus, it layers beautifully beneath makeup and skincare.

Buy Now

14/14

Vivier

Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted

($58, Vivier)

Let’s face it — no one wants to wear layer after layer of product on their face in the summer. SPF, illuminator, concealer and foundation? Not a chance. Vivier’s Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Sunscreen gives you a radiant, glowy finish plus a touch of skin tone-evening colour, and of course, UVA and UVB protection.

Buy Now

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

The post The Best New Face Sunscreens To Add to Your Summer Skin Routine appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Feeling Existential Dread Because of Climate Change? Here’s What You Can Do

As clouds of smoke descended onto areas like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal — and past the border into Washington and New York — even those living far from the fires got a hefty dose of their hazardous effects. Deemed some of Canada’s most severe ever, the wildfires caused air quality alerts to be issued to millions and set off a general sense of foreboding. This, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to be coming to an end. As temps heat up and summer kicks off, experts are forecasting that the 2023 wildfire season could be worse than years past. While it’s hard not to feel anxious about what has been exhaustively referred to as apocalyptic circumstances, it’s increasingly important to know how to care for your body. Presenting: Your guide to navigating a smog-filled summer.

Avoid the effects of smog on the skin

“All this haze and soot and particulate matter damages the skin,” says Dr. Monica Li, a Vancouver-based dermatologist. Excess debris in the air clogs pores, leading to irritation which causes dryness, itchiness, redness, and breakouts. It can also inflame pre-existing conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. In the long run, smoke can accelerate premature signs of aging. But beyond that, it carries polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and Dr. Li notes that endured exposure to these components has been linked to skin cancer.

As such, part of protecting yourself means having a consistent skincare routine. Dr. Li recommends implementing an antioxidant into your regimen, like vitamin C serum, which can be applied after cleansing and helps reduce the oxidative stress on the skin caused by environmental aggressors. “You can apply it to the face, neck, chest and the back of the hands where you get the most direct exposure to smoke and poor air quality.” Next, she suggests gently exfoliating twice a week before bed to slough off any build-up. On an everyday basis, both your cleanser and moisturizer should be gentle and ideally fragrance-free, so as to not further irritate the skin. Look for a good moisturizer — with ingredients like lipids and ceramides — that will not only create a barrier but help strengthen the skin’s natural structure. And don’t forget the sunscreen. “People might think that when the smoke is so thick and hazy, UV rays don’t get through. But that’s not true,” says Dr. Li. Irrespective of the fog-shrouded atmosphere, be sure to wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and marked “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Take extra care of your eyes and hair

Our eyes are extremely delicate, and smoke in the air can damage their mucous membranes, causing a burning sensation, dryness, and even blurry vision. So on days when the quality is bad, don’t neglect them. Dr. Li recommends wraparound sunglasses to give you panoramic protection or simply wearing your prescription specs outside to shield the eyes.

Soot can also settle in your hair, which might cause it to lose its smooth feel and shiny appearance. When particulates coat your scalp, they can cause the skin to be inflamed — for instance, prompting those prone to dandruff to experience worsened reactions. Not to mention, the pollutants that get stuck in your hair can transfer onto your skin, causing breakouts. To prevent this, try wearing a hat and tucking your hair into a bun on hazy days to minimize exposure. And when the air quality is particularly poor, wash your hair before bed, Dr. Li advises. Otherwise, it could rub off on your pillowcase while you sleep and transfer onto the skin.

Consider protection when you get dressed

Last week, experts were recommending masks to people in areas with air pollution warnings, like Toronto. Not only do they offer lung protection — which is particularly important for people with underlying conditions like asthma and heart disease — but they also shield the face. This mindset can be applied to getting dressed.

If you’ve been out during a poor air quality day, Dr. Li advises changing once you come inside. “[Maybe have] a set of outdoor clothes and a set of indoor clothes, so you don’t transfer the debris and dirt back into the house onto sofas, linens, pillowcases, and your own skin,” she says. If you can, she suggests looking into an air purifier to clean up any excess debris in your home. When it comes to outfit selection, it’s also good to opt for fabrics that retain less particulates. Clothes made from natural fibres like cotton and wool are more likely to absorb smoke particles, so, if possible, try steering clear of those when the 2023 wildfire smog is heavy. If the weather permits, protection via long sleeves and pants is ideal. For comfortable coverage during hot summer months, lightweight clothing, like loose-fitting linen, can provide a preventative layer while allowing your skin to breathe.

Moral of the story? “Think of [creating] physical barriers,” says Dr. Li. Whether it’s wearing a hat, sporting sunglasses, using a mask, or moisturizing your skin, these coatings can prevent damage from exposure. “The air quality index can be helpful to guide decisions,” Dr. Li notes, and when the pollution is visibly thick, it’s best to avoid going outside altogether, if you can. Of course, some of these precautions aren’t always possible. The important thing is that we’re aware of them, as we brace for the continued effects of the 2023 wildfire season.

The post How to Protect Yourself This Wildfire Season appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

But as I grew up and after spending a year in the skincare metropolis of South Korea, my interest in the industry developed. When it comes to treatments, there aren’t many I won’t try at least once. I’ll peel, exfoliate, serum and sheet mask my way as close as I can to that perfect, youthful, lit-from-within glowing skin that everyone is talking about and only celebrities seem to attain. Lucky for us skincare fanatics, spa procedures are becoming more DIY-friendly, and there’s a buzzy one in particular that I’d had yet to try: dermaplaning.

What is dermaplaning?

As a chronic TikTok scroller, I’d seen people dermaplaning all over the internet but was too afraid to try it myself. I heard rumours about it making hair grow back thicker and longer and that it hurt and could scar the face. But slowly, more and more of my friends were trying it and buying the tool at their local drugstore and my curiosity began to grow. Plus: Once I learned that it was easy, safe, and dermatologist approved, my fears subsided. It sounded simple enough; gently gliding a scalpel or razor across the skin to remove peach fuzz and exfoliate. Could I call myself a beauty lover if I didn’t try my hand at it, too? No way. I recently simplified my skincare routine and was seriously missing the days of experimenting with new products. It was the perfect opportunity to try a non-chemical treatment that wouldn’t interfere with the rest of my regimen.

How do you do it?

So, I went for the Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand—a thin, curved and unintimidating razor with a super-smooth edge and metal handle with non-slip silicone for extra control. Following instructions included in the box, as well as from the myriad of Youtube videos I watched in preparation, I made sure my skin was clean and dry, held my skin taut at a 45 degree angle, and glided the razor down, starting by my temple and gradually moving in towards my nose with short feathery strokes. Seeing the peach fuzz (that I didn’t even realize I had) get swept off my face with ease was the most satisfying experience I’ve had in years.

I continued with the same technique across both cheeks, underneath my nose, and gently down my forehead, being mindful to take it slow and not to hit my precious eyebrows. I also made sure to clean the hairs off my blade with a cloth every few strokes. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable, easy, and quick the entire procedure was—no pulling, no scratching, just a baby-soft, smooth face left over. Even the parts of my face that have minimal hair benefitted from the gentle exfoliation.

Once my entire face was finished, I rinsed with water and applied some moisturizer and my typical nightly facial oil. Through cleaning my face alone, I could tell the texture had wildly improved. I looked at myself in the mirror and quite honestly saw a near-different face—this one looked brighter, cleaner, and visibly smoother. Trust me when I say: You won’t want to stop touching your new, soft skin.

What were my results?

From day one, dermaplaning has become a staple in my routine that I do every three to four weeks to prevent dead skin cells from accumulating on my face. Aside from cleanser, oil, and moisturizer, I don’t feel like I need a chemical exfoliant anymore. The only time I skip out on this is if I have an acne breakout or eczema flare-up, and it’s not recommended for those with rosacea. But most importantly, nothing about my normal hair growth has changed, given that this tool cuts the hair at skin level, which doesn’t affect the number of follicles or the speed at which they grow back.

The really incredible part about all of this is how dermaplaning has impacted other parts of my routines. I feel like my skincare products absorb better and quicker, and my makeup—when I wear it—applies so much smoother. I actually wear less of it. I’ve had multiple people comment on my glow through Zoom calls. It’s truly the perfect addition to any healthy skincare regimen. With summer coming up, you’ll want to get on this glow ASAP. But remember: Don’t forget your sunscreen.

Click here to try it out for yourself and to learn more about the Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand

The post DIY Dermaplaning 101: My First Experience and Must-Know Tips for Smooth Results appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

We all want skincare products that deliver the results we’re after and leave us looking and feeling our best. We want to see a decreased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increased radiance, and an overall smoother, more even complexion. We also want to know what the ingredients we’re putting on our skin are, and really understand how they work. Oh and better yet, we’d like to achieve those results using local, good-for-you Canadian ingredients. Is that too much to ask?

The newly reformulated Watier Age Control Supreme Sublime Advanced product range, including a day cream and light day cream, checks every single one of those boxes. Now formulated with superstar local Canadian ingredients and featuring more protection via antioxidants, you’ll see the anti-aging, brightening results you’re after in less time than ever. Their recent clinical study resulted in a significant anti-wrinkle and smoothing effect after only 14-28 days.

This range was re-formulated with Canadian women in mind. Our harsh Canadian climate, along with other daily stressors, impact our skin more than we realize. This is why their formulators decided to add extra levels of protection and antioxidants in these new and improved products.

“The global anti-aging benefit is still present (wrinkles, prevention, uniformity and radiance of the complexion, hydration, plumping effect). However, we wanted to make the antioxidant protection shield even more powerful and complete,” they said. “We also wanted to promote local Canadian key ingredients. Using our distinctive Canadian ingredients goes one step further than simply claiming to be a local brand.”

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for Mom, or shopping for yourself so you can feel strong and confident in your skin, Watier’s newly reformulated Age Control Supreme Sublime Advanced line has what you need. Continue reading for the ultimate decoder about the hero ingredients in this collection and how they can help you achieve stronger and healthier skin.

@fashionmagazineHave you heard the news? Watier has reformulated its coveted Age Control Supreme Sublime Advanced products. They’re now made with superstar local Canadian ingredients and feature more protection via antioxidants, so you’ll see the anti-aging and brightening results you’re after in only 14 days. Take a close-up look at their new and improved products, and hop onto our website for more deets on their new formula! 🧖🏼‍♀️✨♬ original sound – FASHION

Labrador Tea +

Extracted from the Labrador Tea plant, the hero ingredient in Watier’s Age Control Supreme Sublime Advanced product range is known for its age-defying properties and incredible ability to keep skin looking youthful and healthy. The recently reformulated products now feature Labrador Tea in encapsulated form, so the ingredient can better penetrate and diffuse into the skin. It also ensures its potency is preserved. A powerful antioxidant, Labrador Tea + helps the skin maintain its elasticity and firmness, helping it effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Thanks to this new encapsulated formula, when you apply their day cream (also available in a light formula), the concentration of Labrador Tea + can better penetrate, allowing for even better and faster results.

Cranberry Biopeptides

Peptides derived from cranberries are featured in all two formulations of their Age Control Supreme Sublime Advanced line. From soothing and moisturizing skin to revitalizing dullness, cranberry biopeptides can really do it all. In fact, they also have serious anti-aging properties, working faster than retinol (yes, really) to address issues like wrinkles and dullness without any irritation. They don’t call cranberries superfruits for nothing.

Boreal Chaga Mushroom

It’s no secret that a strong skin barrier is crucial for healthy skin, which is why Boreal Chaga mushroom is a key component of Watier’s Age Control Supreme Sublime Advanced line. The extract is rich in polyphenols, which help rejuvenate skin. Boreal Chaga mushroom, which is a more potent antioxidant than vitamin C, strengthens the barrier function of the outermost layer of skin. Better yet, the Boreal Chaga mushroom used in Watier’s formulations is responsibly and sustainably harvested in Canadian forests.

Boreal White Pine

Thanks to Boreal White Pine’s unique antioxidant composition, it targets three major areas of skin issues: pigmentation, inflammation and translucency. When you use Boreal white pine, you will see a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, discolouration and uneven skin tone. It also brightens the complexion and leaves you with luminous, glowing skin.

Click here or scroll below to shop the collection today.

1/2

Age Control Supreme Sublime Advanced Day Cream

($120, Watier)

This deeply nourishing and replenishing day cream is suitable for all skin types and will leave you feeling smooth, even, plump and protected.

Buy Now

2/2

Age Control Supreme Sublime Advanced Light Day Cream

($120, Watier)

Perfect for those with normal to combination skin, this lightweight and comfortable formula restores balance to your complexion, while also leaving your skin smoother, plumper and brighter. 

Buy Now

The post 4 Canadian Skincare Ingredients You Need To Know About appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Making more eco-conscious choices when shopping for new products and establishing your beauty routine is easier than ever. While positively impacting the environment may feel like a hopeless feat for a single person, every little bit helps. Here are five tips to get you started.

Shop from environmentally conscious brands

Make sure you buy products from companies committed to shrinking their carbon footprint, like Aveeno^®. The brand is making a number of changes to its packaging to be more sustainable, including their popular Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which is now packaged in 30 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic. Committed to being an environmentally conscious brand, more than 70 per cent of all Aveeno^® packaging is recyclable. They’re also working towards expanding their line of existing refillable packaging, along with plant-based, home-compostable wipes with recyclable packaging. By 2025, they aim to be 100 per cent recyclable and reusable and run their manufacturing sites solely with electricity. As a consumer, try your best to be educated on the brands you invest in. 

Recycle your jars and packaging

Find different uses for your jars and packaging to avoid them getting tossed in a landfill. Hot tip: clean out empty makeup bottles and use them as travel-friendly containers for your go-to skincare products or reuse glass jars to keep your beauty drawer organized—they’re perfect for holding bobby pins and hair elastics. 

Pay more attention to ingredients

Simplify your routine using cleaner products, like the Aveeno^® Daily Moisturizing Lotion. It’s formulated with prebiotic oat and rich emollients and has been proven to protect and balance your skin’s natural moisture barrier and keeps your skin hydrated for 24 hours. Plus, it’s free of fragrance, parabens and dyes. In addition, the brand uses a patented system called the “Global Aquatic Ingredient Assessment” tool to protect aquatic life and neighbouring ecosystems. Choosing clean beauty ingredients that are derived from natural sources and are non-toxic can help protect the ocean. All this said, look deeper into ingredients that are good for you and the planet. 

Reduce your consumption habits

Be mindful of overconsumption. It can be tempting to hop onto new beauty trends. Ask yourself: do I want to use this product or do I want to buy this product? A less-is-more approach is better both for your skin and your wallet. Stick to refilling products you know and love when necessary. Plus: makeup and skincare products expire faster than you think. If you hoard more than you can handle, it can lead to unnecessary waste. Try embracing a minimalist, “less is more” routine.  

Use reusable beauty tools

Reduce, reuse and recycle—that’s the name of the eco-conscious game and also applies to your choice of beauty tools. It’s time to get rid of those single-use products once and for all and invest in reusable cotton pads, makeup remover pads, cotton swabs (yes, those exist), and face and eye masks. Try opting for the Aveeno^® Refillable Moisture Pouch or the Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser Refill Pouch to kick-start your new reusable packaging routine. Minimizing your ecological footprint all comes down to these simple green swaps; you’ll be amazed by how easily you can adopt a more eco-friendly beauty regimen. 

Click here to learn more about Aveeno^® and how they care for the environment.

1/4

Aveeno® Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser Refill Pouch

($18.02, Aveeno^®)

In a convenient refill pouch, the Aveeno^®Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser is a gel cleanser ideal for sensitive skin. It cleanses, hydrates, preserves, and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it healthy-looking and hydrated.

Buy Now

2/4

Aveeno^® Daily Moisturizing Body Wash Refill Pouch

($19.99-$22.99, Aveeno^®)

It’s your favourite daily moisturizer now in an eco-friendly package. The Aveeno^® Refillable Daily Moisture Pouch helps lock in and keep your skin feeling smooth and nourished all day long. Formulated with oat and rich emollients, you’ll notice healthier-looking skin in no time.

Buy Now

3/4

Aveeno^® Daily Moisturizing Lotion

($9.27-$16.99, Aveeno^®)

Proven to relieve dry skin, this Daily Moisturizing Lotion works to revitalize your skin—with significant improvements visible after just two weeks. Specially formulated with colloidal oatmeal and rich emollients, it leaves your skin soft, smooth and healthy-looking all day long.

Buy Now

4/4

Aveeno^® Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

($7.49-$8.99, Aveeno^®)

Healthy skin is beautiful skin. Boost your natural radiance with Aveeno^® Daily Moisturizing Body Wash. Specially formulated with soothing colloidal oatmeal and rich emollients, this body wash cleanses and leaves skin feeling moisturized and looking healthy.

Buy Now

The post How To Make Your Skincare Routine More Sustainable appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

“Our sales of tanner have gone up 300%, with people feeling like they want a lift,” James Read (who has bronzed Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga) of his eponymous line, told us back in 2020. “Everyone’s doing FaceTime and lots of Instagram videos so, things have really picked up.”

Squeezing in a self-tanning session can also save you time on the daily, delivering an evened-out complexion that won’t wash off like foundation does. “I’m seeing a trend where people aren’t necessarily using makeup and are letting their skin breathe, but still want a hit of coverage,” says Jules Von Hep, founder of Isle of Paradise and trusted tanner to Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. The safest way to get that bit of colour is by using a product with DHA (that’s short for dihydroxyacetone, an ingredient derived from sugar cane and beets) rather than trying to catch some rays. No matter the weather, you still need sunscreen every time you go outside—and even inside—to protect your skin from cancer-causing and aging rays.

Scared of a streaky fake-bake nightmare? We called on the pros to walk you through every step of the way, and rounded up our go-to self-tanners that won’t leave you looking orange—swear!

Can people of all skin tones use self-tanner?

You bet; though self-tanning products are often marketed as a bronze boost for light skin tones, dark complexions can also benefit. “We see a removal of any grey or ash undertones when self-tan is applied on dark skin tones,” says Von Hep (as such, his brand Isle of Paradise offers a more inclusive approach to tanning). “It’s not about a colour change but a more uniform and even finish on the surface of the skin.”

That’s why his line of self-tanners borrows from the same colour-correcting principles you often see in makeup: “We use a violet pigment within our dark range to counteract any sallow undertones, green pigment in our medium to hide redness, and peach in our light range to add brightness.”

Which formula should I pick?

In the past decade, the self-tan section seems to have exploded, with more and more brands emerging and each offering its own gamut of lotions, mousses, mists and more. So how do you know which is best for you? “Pick your formula based on your skin type and your lifestyle,” says St. Tropez skin-finishing expert and runway glow-pro Sophie Evans.

First, the basics: If you have dry skin, a lotion or gel will lend much-needed hydration, while a quick-drying mousse is better suited to oily types. (Body mists are great here too but can be a bit trickier to apply without making a mess of your bathroom.) From there, you can also consider other factors. For example, pick an express formula that only needs to stay on for an hour if you have a workout planned or tend to get sweaty easily. Or, if you’re a skincare fanatic, self-tanning drops that can be mixed into your serum, moisturizer or body lotion might be right up your alley. (Bonus: Drops made for face will often incorporate hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid or skin-brightening vitamin C.)

The other main consideration is whether you want to go with a clear formula or something that leaves behind an instant bronze while you wait for the DHA to kick in. “If you’re new to self-tan, it’s easier to use something with a guide colour,” says Evans, adding that it helps you make sure you don’t miss a spot. Sound like too much too fast? If you’re a total newbie and are feeling intimidated by the whole thing, try a gradual tanner, which builds the colour up slowly over several applications.

What do I have to do *before* I start?

“The better condition your skin is in, the better your tan will last,” says Evans. “Think of your skin as a canvas and the self-tanner as paint.” To start, you’ll want that canvas completely clean, because deodorant and perfume can sometimes react with self-tanner and leave behind a bluish or greenish hue. Hard pass. It also helps if you use a body scrub the day before to whisk away dead skill cells and get you set for a more even and long-lasting tan.

Next, hit your elbows, knees, hands and feet with oil-free moisturizer. (Oils can break down self-tanner, so make sure to check the ingredients.) These dry areas can come out a lot darker than the rest of your body, so the lotion will act as a barrier to limit how much self-tanner gets absorbed there.

A little more moisturizing can help on your face too, says Read. “I like to do a face mask the same day to give skin that extra hydration.” If, on the other hand, you’re prone to breakouts, Read has a trick for that too: “Rub an ice cube over the face first to seal your pores, then pat dry with a tissue before putting tanner on.”

What if I want to shave or wax?

Get it done 24 hours in advance. “When you shave or, particularly, wax, hair follicles open up,” explains Evans. “If you put tanner on top, it can develop into a spotty look.” You’ll also want to hold off on shaving and waxing right after your application, as both will shorten your tan’s lifespan. To get around this, Read suggests using an electric shaver. “It just takes off the top layer of hair, whereas, if you wet shave, it strips dead skin as well so you’re effectively exfoliating.”

It’s go time—what’s the best way to apply self-tanner?

No matter which formula you choose, you’ll want a tanning mitt to help spread the self-tanner evenly and keep your palms protected. You can start on any part of your body that you like, but it helps to follow a system. “Map your body out in stages so you don’t miss bits,” says Read, who likes to start with his face. “It’s the first thing you see, so it’s the first thing you should concentrate on to make sure the colour is perfect.”

For a natural look, apply just one layer on your face and two on the rest of your body. Evans recommends being generous with the self-tanner: “You get streaks from lack of product.” It should be easy to glide on, she says, and you want to overlap the areas so that you don’t miss a spot. Don’t worry, it won’t come out darker where you double up, adds Evans. “As long as the skin’s covered, you can’t go wrong.”

The only areas where you don’t want to load up on product? Your hands and feet, which you will have already moisturized during your prep. “Stop at your ankles and wrists,” says Evans. “Then use the excess on your mitt to fade down and between your toes and fingers.” (You’ll then want to follow up with even more moisturizer; more on that in a minute!)

Any tips for acing the application on my face?

While you technically can use the same formula on your face as your body, a drying mousse could leave the delicate skin on your face feeling parched. Plus, you’ll be missing out on all the skincare-inspired ingredients that are packed in for-face formulas.

To build your tan up slowly, add tanning drops to your go-to moisturizer a few times a week. If you want to get glowing ASAP, try a spray-on self-tanner. “Hands down, the easiest way to do your face is with a mist because it hits every area,” says Evans. She recommends spraying it down the middle of your face and neck, then going over each side of your profile—no need to rub it in.

After you’re done spraying, Von Hep has a few tips to finish if off: “Take a clean kabuki brush and buff along your hairline, then use the residue you’ve picked up and go over your ears and eyelids.” He also recommends going over your brows with a spoolie brush to make sure the self-tanner doesn’t gather in the hairs, and if you’re tanning before bed, don’t forget to brush your teeth before you get started.

How on earth do I cover my back?

No worries if you don’t have someone to lend you a helping hand. “Turn your mitt around so that the foam sits on the back of your knuckles—it will reach further,” says Von Hep. “If you still can’t reach every spot, tape the mitt to a wooden spoon.”

Will I overdo it if I leave the self-tanner on for too long?

Even if you wait a whole day to shower, your skin will stop getting darker after the first eight to 12 hours, depending on the formula (or, for an express tanner, that limit might be as short as a couple hours). “Skin can only absorb so much DHA,” says Evans. For the same reason, applying an extra thick layer won’t make a difference either.

What’s the secret to making it look real?

“The hands are the first thing that give away your tan,” says Read, who recommends you pay them extra care after you finish applying your self-tanner. “Naturally, when you tan, you don’t tan the sides of your hands or wrists; it fades naturally. So, I always put a little moisturizer on the wrists and then buff into the self-tan so you don’t get a tan line.”

Go over knuckles, ankles, the backs of your heels and between fingers and toes with moisturizer too. “Get in the habit of using a wet wipe on nails and cuticles,” adds Evans. “If tan goes into your nails and cuticles, it doesn’t wash out, so you’ll have to wait for it to grow out.” (Use wipes instead of washing under the faucet to avoid splashing the water up onto your forearms.)

Oops! How can I fix mistakes?

“The real trick with tanning is to not get yourself in that state in the first place,” says Von Hep. “Really be meticulous with how you prep and apply—and the buffing right after really does make a difference.”

Still, should you find yourself in need of a speedy removal, most self-tanning brands now sell removal products that you leave on a skin for about five minutes, then hop in the shower and scrub with an exfoliating mitt to make your colour disappear. In a pinch, Evans suggests cutting up lemon and mixing it with baking soda for a DIY tan eraser.

How do I make this faux glow last as long as possible?

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. You’ll want to use an oil-free lotion or cream daily to stretch out your tan’s lifespan, which should be about five to 10 days. “A good trick is to use an after-sun lotion after three or four days and mix in some tanning drops,” says Read. “You’ve only added enough drops to pop your colour, not to tan you, and the after-sun works to help the tan last longer.”

Ready to get your tan on? Here are the best self-tanners

Best Self-Tanner for a Customized Glow

James Read Click & Glow Tan Drops

Mix two to three drops of this gradual tanner with your facial moisturizer to build your bronze over time and get an extra hit of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. The carry on-friendly size makes is a great way to revive your colour mid-vacay, too (for whenever we do that whole thing again).

$45, jamesreadtan.ca

Best Self-Tanner for When You’re in a Rush

Bondi Sands Aero 1 Hour Express Aerated Self Tanning Foam

This Australian-made brand just landed in Canada, delivering that Down-Under glow in easy-to-use mousses. This coconut-scented formula only needs an hour to develop—perfect to get you glowing for a last-minute Zoom happy hour.

$40, beauty.shopperdrugmart.ca

Best Self-Tanner for Dark Skin

Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self-Tanning Mousse in Dark

After years of using colour-correcting makeup as a follow-up to self-tanner on his celeb clients, Jules Von Hep rolled up his sleeves to launch his own colour-correcting self-tanning line, Isle of Paradise. (P.S. they also make the prettiest mitt in the game!) This formula includes violet pigments to combat sallowness in dark skin tones.

$60, Amazon

Best Self-Tanning Mist for Face

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

This lightweight antioxidant-loaded spray makes it easy to cover your face, with no rubbing or blending needed. It goes on clear (with a slight sheen that lets you see where you’ve applied) and then develops over four to eight hours. Bonus: the mist works over top of makeup too.

$42, sephora.ca

Best Gradual Self-Tanner

Jergens Natural Glow + Nourish Daily Moisturizer

An oldie but a goodie, this lotion can be applied daily to get your tan going slow and steady (expect to see results in about a week), making it a great pick for the tan-shy. Its glycerin and vitamin E leave your bod feeling super soft, and also help the subtle colour stick around longer.

$15, beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca

The post How to Get a Convincing Self-Tan at Home appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Canadian temperatures can be unpredictable and confusing at best (from beach weather to parka weather in a week is the norm, tbh), but we all know that whether we’re indoors or outdoors, it’s pouring rain or the sun is shining, SPF is a must, day in and day out. But the unfortunate truth is that most people are still not wearing sunscreen. According to a 2017 Statistics Canada report, only “30% to 40% of adults use sunscreen or seek shade.” The reasoning behind these stats is varied and complex, of course, but the role that misinformation plays cannot be discounted. Harmful and inaccurate tanning myths, originating long before we had the information and knowledge we do today, still exist in the public consciousness. That’s why we spoke to two pros to help us set the record straight on these tanning myths, once and for all. Read on to learn how to properly and effectively protect your skin from the sun.

RELATED: The Best New Face Sunscreens To Add to Your Summer Skin Routine

True or False: Getting a ‘base tan’ from a tanning bed prevents burning later on

False. This is one of the most popular tanning myths out there. But “there’s little evidence to support the idea that a base tan protects you against sunburn,” says dermatologist and founder of New York-based clinic Fifth Avenue Aesthetics, Dr. Marie Hayag. In fact, if it does offer any protection at all, it’s only the equivalent of wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 3 to 4. While this is better than nothing, no credible expert would ever recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 4. (An SPF of at least 30 is what’s recommended by most dermatologists for daily use!)

This myth is especially problematic when you consider that most people go the ‘base tan’ route before heading on vacation, where they’re laying on the beach and exposed to the sun for even longer than usual. “The risks of long-term tanning outweigh the unproven benefits of a base tan,” says Dr. Hayag. “Most tanning beds expose people to UVA radiation, and UVA rays are longer and reach deep into the skin. Any tanning damages the skin and can increase the risk of skin cancer, especially if it is frequent or prolonged.”

True or False: Sunscreen will prevent the body from absorbing vitamin D and lead to a deficiency

False. “Studies have never found that everyday sunscreen use leads to vitamin D insufficiency,” says Dr. Hayag. In fact, when studied, people who use sunscreen daily were found to be totally capable of maintaining their vitamin D levels. “One of the explanations for this may be that no matter how much sunscreen you use or how high the SPF, some of the sun’s UV rays do reach your skin. An SPF 15 sunscreen filters out 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 keeps out 97% and SPF 50 filters out 98%. This leaves anywhere from 2% to 7% of solar UVB reaching your skin, even with high SPF sunscreens—and that’s if you use them perfectly.”

And the truth is that it’s much easier to get a sufficient amount of vitamin D than most people realize—or than conspiracy theorists claim. “Humans can meet the daily requirement for vitamin D through diet or vitamin supplements,” explains Dr. Hayag. “Some food products naturally contain vitamin D, while others are fortified with it, so if you’re worried about getting enough to maintain your health, have a look at your diet first. It is an easy solution and a lot healthier than sitting out in the sun.”

Dr. Hayag suggests “fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna, which are especially good sources. Small amounts of vitamin D are also present in egg yolks, beef liver and cheese. Many common items, such as milk and orange juice, are fortified with vitamin D.” We could go on and on. The bottom line is that with a combination of eating the right foods and getting some protected sun exposure, your body will get all the vitamin D it needs (really!), so there’s no need to subject yourself to the many risks of unprotected sun exposure.

True or False: Tanning beds are safer than being exposed to the sun’s UV rays

False. Like, extremely false. When it comes to tanning myths, this could be one of the most dangerous. “Exposure to UV radiation [via UVA and UVB rays], regardless of its source, is linked to skin cancer and premature photoaging of the skin,” explains Dr. Hayag. “The fluorescent bulbs used in tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB, but the UVA is estimated to be about three times that of natural sunlight. And because these rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB, there is a stronger link between UVA exposure and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.”

At the end of the day, “UVA and UVB rays cause damage to the DNA in our skin cells. This damage is cumulative and can, over time, lead to mutations in our DNA, and these mutations are what scientists believe to be the precursor to most types of cancer,” says Dr. Hayag. So whether you’re prone to burning or tanning, in the sun or in a tanning bed, “any colour change that occurs on your skin as a result of UV exposure is a sign of DNA damage.”

True or False: Self-tanner can *also* be damaging to skin

True—but only if used incorrectly. “DHA [dihydroxyacetone, which is the active ingredient, a colour additive, used in most self-tanners], when used on its own and in very high quantities, can dehydrate the skin, which of course can lead to premature aging,” says Sophie Evans, St. Tropez’s Celebrity Skin Finishing Expert. This 2008 study found that DHA in self-tanning products introduces free radicals in the skin, a leading cause of premature aging. That being said, the study looked at DHA at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20%, and it’s important to note that most commercial self-tanners contain 3% to 6% DHA. And the light, gradual self-tanners usually only contain 1% to 2% DHA. (“However, spray salon tanners can be up to 15% to 20%,” says Dr. Hayag.)

So while more studies are needed to better understand the effects of DHA, as long as you’re following usage directions, there’s really no need to freak out about your use of self-tanners. But there are precautions you can take to make sure you’re taking care of your skin. “I would limit UV exposure when wearing a self-tanner,” says Dr. Hayag, “because it really doesn’t provide any UV protection. So you must still wear a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily.” She also recommends using antioxidants, like vitamin C, as part of your skincare routine and finding a self-tanner that’s also formulated with antioxidants, to combat the effects of free radicals.

And there’s another reason to pay attention to ingredients: Evans says they also have an impact on getting streak-free results. “St.Tropez tanning products are formulated using other tanning agents alongside DHA . [This includes] Gransolve DMI, a natural ingredient to help the absorption of DHA so the colour develops quicker, and plant-based melanin pigments for zero chance of developing orange hues,” says Evans. “Formulas that work solely [based on] DHA percentage are more likely to streak and are also harder to achieve a natural colour with.” Choosing a self-tanner that simultaneously hydrates, plumps and treats skin is the key to achieving a healthy (and streak-free!) glow, while ensuring your skin is still protected. (For everything you need to know about applying self-tanner at home, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide here.)

True or False: Darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen

False. Everyone should wear sunscreen because everyone is prone to sun damage, albeit to varying degrees. That being said, we’d be remiss to not address the glaring race issues that exist within the field of dermatology and unfairly oversimplify a complex and ongoing problem.

Much of the research that’s been conducted in the field of dermatology has been, and still is, focused on white skin. In a recent analysis of dermatology textbooks, dark skin tones were found to only make up between 4% and 18% of the images in those textbooks. This sets dermatologists-to-be up for failure when it comes to being able to properly diagnose, treat and understand skin issues—including skin cancer—in dark-skinned patients, and contributes to the ongoing problem of misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of skin conditions.

This bias is what led Malone Mukwende, a medical student at St. George’s University of London, to launch Mind the Gap, a handbook that visually presents skin conditions on darker skin. Take, for instance, melanoma, the most deadly and aggressive form of skin cancer. We know that the earlier melanoma is caught and treated, the higher a patient’s survival rate. For white patients, that survival rate is 94%, while for Black patients, it drops down to 70%, largely because it is diagnosed at a later, and often more aggressive, stage.

This brings us back to wearing sunscreen. While it is certainly true that skin cancer is possible and has been recorded in all skin tones, just how susceptible darker skin tones are to sun damage is an area that requires more research. For now, what scientists have found is that those with darker skin tones have more productive melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin), contributing to an absorption rate of UV rays that’s roughly 30% to 50% of the absorption rate of UV rays found in white skin. (Oh and, while we’re debunking myths, we should also note that while dark skin does naturally have some SPF, it’s only around SPF 13—i.e. still not the SPF 30 that dermatologists recommend wearing daily for proper sun protection).

So, are you less likely to get skin cancer if you have Black or Brown skin? Yes, it appears so (though more research is needed). But if a Black or Brown person does develop skin cancer, are they less likely to have it caught early, thus making it more dangerous and likely to spread? Also yes. So should everyone, including those with darker skin, wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays, especially since the system that’s currently in place to protect the health and well-being of its citizens often fails them due to dangerous and deep-rooted biases that are rampant in both the healthcare and education systems? Yup.

The post 5 Tanning (and Self-Tanning) Myths You Need To Stop Believing appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: There’s A Lot Going On in Dior’s Latest J’adore Spritz — In the Best Way

Since 1986, Dior’s Capture Totale line has been defined by its avant-garde advancements in targeting signs of aging, like skin texture and dullness. From spearheading the use of liposomes in cosmetics to developing innovative floral sciences, Dior has spent decades making unprecedented progress in the skincare sphere. In 2023, Le Sérum is the 10th edition of this popular formula, with ingredients sourced from lush pockets of the globe, including the depths of the Madagascan rainforest and Dior’s iris garden in Tuscany.

In January, I spent a day at New York’s picturesque Salon 94 with Dior Beauty, and it was there that I learned more about Le Sérum and the innovative platform used to bring forth the most inclusive iteration of the Capture Totale serum yet.

Housed in a sleek newly designed bottle, Madagascan longoza flower extract is Le Sérum’s star ingredient. Dior maximizes the power of this “phoenix flower” (which the brand has cultivated for 30 years) through multi-fermentation, while 85 molecules found within the flower fuel skin-regenerative properties and assist a process called anchoring — which Dior science believes may be the key to unlocking firmer skin.

“Every three weeks you have new cells in your epidermis, but with ageing, we know that we have a decrease of the cellular renewal,” Virginie Couturaud, Dior’s skincare director of scientific communication, tells FASHION. Our skin’s texture can be revived through re-anchoring by strengthening mother cells in our skin’s dermo-epidermal junction (the network that supports our outermost layer of skin) to increase firmness.

Two new ingredients are also introduced to the formula: Tuscan iris, which helps maintain skin’s radiance by forming a surface shield against damaging UVA rays, preserving the ecosystem where our mother cells live; and an active called hyaluronic poly-filler, which combines two hydrating hyaluronic acids with emulsifying polyglycerols for an immediate and lasting skin-plumping effect.

To test Le Sérum’s efficacy, Dior pushed the boundaries of inclusivity beyond the outdated Fitzpatrick scale, launching their internal T.O.T.A.L (Tones, Omnigender, Types, Ages and Location) testing platform to ensure the most inclusive results for all. By testing on individuals of over 100 skin Pantones across Asia, Europe and the United States from ages 18 to 70, Dior studies how each of these factors affect our skin and the ways we all age differently. The result is a product that is truly universal.

In my own routine, Le Sérum has become a one-product solution to a lengthy skincare regimen that follows nightly cleansing. In the weeks I’ve spent testing it, I’ve looked forward to the luxe experience that is applying Le Sérum, and the skin-plumping after-effects that endure. When I had the pleasure of chatting with Dior U.S. skincare expert Sean Garrette — whose skin is just as glass-like in person as his followers may imagine — I was assured that this serum could grow with me. Le Sérum is appropriate for all ages, with mature skin reaping its anti-aging benefits while users in, say, their mid-20s (like myself) soak up skin barrier support.

After I absorbed all of Garrette’s skincare expertise, he walked me through his path to Dior Beauty. While the skincare guru faced racial and gender discrimination in his search for work as an aesthetician early in his career, he was simultaneously growing his social media presence by sharing his knowledge of how to treat skin of colour. Last year, Dior appointed Garrette as the brand’s U.S. skincare expert.

“When I came to Dior, obviously, I jumped at the opportunity because it’s exciting, but I never want to be a token in a company or brand. And I never felt like that,” he expressed. “My Blackness was never put on display or felt like it was being sold to fulfill a quota.”

In perhaps what should have been a shocking statement but wasn’t, Garrette revealed that one of his most asked questions as an aesthetician is whether or not high-end beauty products “work” for skin of colour. As a woman of colour myself, I understood this sentiment. It is not uncommon for us to be excluded from having a seat at luxury beauty’s proverbial table, or to be an afterthought.

“When I started talking about Dior products [with clients], I would hear ‘Oh, that’s not for Black people!’ And I was like, ‘Well, it is,”’ he said.

As I sat across from him, I imagined the trail he would continue to blaze for diversity in the cosmetic industry. And I had one proud response: “It is now.”

The post Dior’s Capture Totale Le Sérum Is Better (and More Inclusive) Than Ever appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Winter and dry skin just go together. The pairing may be unpleasant, but it’s perennial. Kind of like Tom and Shiv on Succession or Fitz and Olivia on Scandal. As the enfant terrible of the skincare world, chilly weather tends to unearth issues that otherwise get literally glossed over by summer’s dew. By the time the first snow falls, there’s often a new emergence of cracked lips and skin so dry that it can be likened to a chalkboard. Winter is a universal adversary against hydration, but it’s particularly pressing for darker skin tones, on whom these skincare issues can be more pronounced.

We all feel winter’s ashy wrath, but you’re more likely to actually see it on deeper hues. “In melanin-rich skin there can be increased water loss from the epidermis along with a faster rate of shedding these layers of skin,” explains NYC-based dermatologist and 4.5.6 Melanin Skincare founder Dr. Carlos Charles. “When taken all together, these factors contribute to what is often colloquially termed ‘ashy skin,’ which will typically get worse in the frigid winter months.”

There obviously isn’t a one-size skincare solution for all people of colour, but to build our winter skincare cheat sheet for darker skin tones, we tapped Dr. Charles and esthetician Orica Smart, owner of Ajax-based skin clinic The O Spot, to answer our top-of-mind q’s.

Are some ingredients more winter-friendly than others?

Knowing which ingredients to look out for comes down to understanding what our skin is lacking in the winter. “Black skin and Asian skin doesn’t naturally produce a lot of ceramides, which are natural fats that protect our outer layer of skin.” Smart explains. This ceramide deficit is what’s to blame for the dryness that tends to rear its head from December onward.

To make up for this loss of protection, Smart recommends not only reaching for products rich in ceramides, but also hyaluronic acid, squalene and glycerin. Steer clear of lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids, as these blemish-destroyers can be too drying for daily winter use.

“Exfoliation can still play a role in your winter skincare routine, however you should keep it to a minimum as it can lead to dry, irritated and inflamed skin,” says Smart. It’s all about smart doses of gentle exfoliants when it comes to BHAs and AHAs. These, paired with mild enzymatic exfoliators, can buff away dead skin without disturbing your skin’s equilibrium or leaving you vulnerable to the elements.

Do I need to swap out my usual cleanser?

“Ditch the over-drying, water-based gel cleansers,” Dr. Charles says. I know — over-drying and water-based don’t sound like qualities that belong in the same sentence. Here’s the thing: water-based cleansers draw out water-based impurities like sweat and sebum, but they don’t replace what they remove. Instead, Dr. Charles recommends opting for something lighter with more lipids and less water. “A gentle, creamy cleanser will help to restore and maintain the skin barrier,” he says. If you have oily skin that’s prone to breakouts, look for ingredients such as cucumber extract and tea tree oil, which will keep sebum overproduction at bay without leaving your skin feeling stripped.

How can I step up my moisture game?

“The biggest concern as we enter the winter months is moisture retention,” Dr. Charles says. “As melanin-rich skin becomes dry, it also can become inflamed and sensitive. This is a perfect storm for darker skin tones as the inflammation can result in hyperpigmentation.” No, thank you. Since dry skin triggers this domino effect, sealing in hydration is key. Providing a barrier for your skin during the winter months is the best practice for deeper complexions because, as Dr. Charles puts it, “melanin-rich skin is more prone to trans-epidermal water loss, which is when we lose water through the outermost layer of our skin.”

For POC, childhood memories of being slathered in Vaseline or shea butter may no longer be a thing of the past (we’ve been serving glazed donut skin before glazed donut skin was ever a thing.) “Those are legitimate protectants and they’re great for winter, especially if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside,” says Smart. “They protect our skin barrier, so they work to bounce dust and pollution off your face. While they won’t actually nourish the skin, they do seal in moisture.”

The post How to Care for Your Melanin-Rich Skin This Winter appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Step into 2023 with a new addition to your skincare ritual — this Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum offering from Keys Soulcare. Clinically proven to provide hydration all-day long and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, this serum is formulated with skin-nourishing polypeptide complex, marine bamboo and multi-weight hyaluronic acid ingredients. “This is my skin’s soulmate — it plumps, it hydrates, and you can see changes right away. I super, super love it,” reveals Alicia Keys, creator of the brand. So, this product is the secret to emulating the star’s enviably smooth skin? *Adds to cart*

Travel to Provence with Maison Margiela Replica’s rosy new fragrance

Picture this: it’s an end-of-summer evening and you’re soaking in a vineyard view with your dreamy date at sunset in Provence. The swirling scents of blackcurrant liquor accord, romantic rose, bergamot and patchouli fill the air around you. OK, back to reality — the latest fragrance in the beloved Maison Margiela Replica family has found a way to bottle up that feeling and those notes. This newly released On a Date perfume follows the “memory in a fragrance” mantra of this fragrance brand as it whisks you away with one sweet spritz.

Fresh’s latest anti-aging cream is coming to Sephora stores IRL

If you’ve been eyeing Fresh’s Black Tea Advanced Renewal Cream online, we’ve got good news. Come December 30, the anti-aging cream will be available to test in-person at Sephora stores. Approved for all skin types, this cream is a lightweight blend of advanced skincare ingredients like plant-derived squalene, ceramide NP and BT Matrix™, a naturally derived retinol alternative that delivers the same skin-firming results without harsh side effects. After eight weeks of sampling this product, consumers reported smoother wrinkles, visibly firmer skin, and more radiance. What’s not to love?

Up your cleansing game with Glow Recipe’s newest release

Mark your calendars, Glow Recipe’s Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser is set to arrive at Sephora on December 27. Packed with ceramides, prebiotics and postbiotics to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, this gentle lotion-to-foam cleanser sounds like a total winter skincare staple to us. Plus, colloidal oatmeal and avocado collaborate in this cruelty-free product to deeply nourish the skin while hydrating and soothing redness caused by dehydration.

The post Alicia Keys Unveils a New Serum + More Beauty News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Yes, we know Rihanna isn’t the most consistent artist out there when it comes to music releases — but she’s been making up for it with back-to-back Fenty Beauty drops. Speaking of which, a covetable new collection for us fans has just arrived. Aptly named “The Navy Collection,” this limited-edition set is RiRi’s way of celebrating her loyal fans who call themselves RiRi’s “Navy.” And what would a navy collection be without corresponding navy blue products and packaging? Inside the keepsake makeup bag designed by L.A. artist Obi Arisukwu, find a matching mirror, a classic red Fenty Icon Lipstick packaged in a brand-new blue tube and a set-exclusive Wish You Wood Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in the shade “My Navy.” We thank you endlessly, Rihanna.

Discover Pat McGrath’s new Star Wars-themed collection

From a galaxy far, far away and into the hands of makeup lovers worldwide comes the second Pat McGrath Labs Star Wars-inspired makeup collection. In celebration of the film’s classic original trilogy, this limited-edition assortment boasts luxe packaging decorated with imagery of some of your favourite Star Wars characters, from Darth Vader to C-3PO. “Our second collaboration with celebrates characters representing the light side and the dark side, finding that electrifying equilibrium between two opposing forces,” shares Dame Pat McGrath. Also inspired by the film’s intergalactic landscapes, this collector-quality collection of otherworldly-coloured eyeshadows (including the return of the iconic Mothership VI: Midnight Sun Eye Palette) and metallic lip finishes is no doubt a Star Wars-meets-makeup enthusiast’s fantasy.

Sephora’s Fragrance for All sale is happening now

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sephora (@sephora)

Listen up, fragrance fanatics! Sephora’s Fragrance for All event is officially underway and you’re going to want to take advantage of it. Here are the deets: From now until Christmas Eve, all Beauty Insider members (regardless of tier) will receive 15 per cent off of fragrance purchases after spending $50 or more in store or online when using code FRAGRANCE15. Also worth nothing: Beauty Insider members are now eligible for free same-day delivery while the promo is active with code FREESAMEDAY. Oh, and the fragrance deal is only eligible for a one-time use, so be sure you’ve got all your fragrance gifts (and perhaps something for yourself) in one cart before checking out.

Ole Henriksen dropped an overnight cream

The latest product to join Ole Henriksen’s five star Dewtopia franchise is this glow-inducing Dewtopia 5% Acid Firming Night Crème, now available on both the Ole Henriksen and Sephora Canada websites. Inspired by the beloved Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment, this product is made with chemically exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, firming Scandinavian-inspired Edelweiss plant stem cell and nourishing shea butter. If you weren’t sold yet, this transformative crème promises to deliver your dream skin while you snooze, as it provides all-night hydration, plus improved skin elasticity and 30 per cent firmer skin in just one week of use. A product that does all the work while you sleep? Yes, please.

Jennifer Aniston’s best-selling detangler has been supersized

LolaVie’s Glossing Detangler is back in a big way since it kicked off the launch of Jennifer Aniston’s haircare brand — it just got a 12oz upgrade. In addition to the full and travel bottles, this supersized packaging relieves the stress of running out of the multitasking spray that tackles tangles, acts as a heat protectant and adds a smooth, glossy finish to the hair with the aid of vegetable ceramides and a superfruit complex. Free of silicones, sulfates or parabens, and formulated with 99 per cent naturally derived ingredients, it’s no wonder why you’ll never want to be without it.

The post Rihanna Releases a Makeup Set for Fenty Beauty Stans + More Beauty News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Come winter and its frigid, drying temperatures, our skin is exposed to an abundance of unwelcome yet unavoidable threats. Which means there is much to be done in order to nurture and protect it — cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing. Maybe the occasional massage. Well, this is your sign to make room for dry brushing in your regimen, because this practice is the extra step that delivers revitalized winter-proof skin.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Miranda (@mirandakerr)

This sensory act of self-care is co-signed by celebrities with stakes in the wellness space like Goop mogul Gwyneth Paltrow and supermodel Miranda Kerr, not to mention aesthetician to the stars Joanna Vargas, whose clientele includes Vanessa Hudgens and Tessa Thompson. “Dry brushing is my favourite method of body exfoliation because it’s multitasking: it’s actually incredible as a cellulite treatment, it increases blood flow and it dramatically increases elasticity, so it’s great for lifting and toning a problem area,” Vargas told New Beauty earlier this year.

For the lowdown on how to buff your way to smoother skin one stroke at a time and why you should start dry brushing, read on.

What is dry brushing?

Simply put, dry body brushing is an energizing and detoxifying skincare ritual with cultural roots that date back to ancient Ayurvedic history. A common practice in Ayurveda, the natural system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago, dry brushing is also known as garshana, which translates from ancient Sanskrit to “friction by rubbing.” It involves using a body brush in firm strokes and circular motions on dry skin, upwards from your feet to your neck.

@sruthi.jayadevan Have you tried dry brushing? #ayurveda #morningroutine #wellnesstok #healthyliving ♬ original sound – sruthijayadevan

What does dry brushing do? 

This act of dry brushing one’s skin is beneficial for several convincing reasons, from increasing blood circulation to encouraging lymphatic flow. Working also as an exfoliant, dry brushing improves skin texture and can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Most of all, it’s a near-therapeutic experience that feels good for both the body and the mind. Taking five to ten minutes of me time to participate in invigorating body brushing provides necessary time to reset and detox.

@oseamalibu Dry Brushing 101 ✨ #oseamalibu #drybrushing #drybrushingroutine #drybrushingtechnique #drybrushingforcellulite #undariaalgaebodyoil #undariaalgaeoil ♬ wash – favsoundds

How do I use a dry brush? 

To embark on your exploration into dry brushing, you’ll want to shop for a natural fibre body brush — like this long-handled one, this viral plant-based handheld brush from OSEA, or this dry brush from The Detox Market that can be used handheld or with the long removable handle attached. To reap the best circulation benefits, you want to brush dry, bare skin, starting at your feet, and brush in upward motions towards the heart. Around your joints, work in circular motions and brush in a clockwise direction around the stomach, as per Goop’s guide. You can work this step into your self-care routine, either before you step into the shower or afterwards if you’d like to use a few drops of body oil along with your brush. Keep in mind that this is a refreshing and energizing practice, which could mean you’ll opt to start your mornings with this technique instead of brushing before bed. When you’ve completed these steps, follow up with your favourite moisturizer to lock in all your skincare efforts.

What should I not to do when dry brushing? 

Our skin is delicate and in this case it’s also dry, so you’ll need to exercise caution when brushing. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, and remember that this should be a relaxing and beneficial supplemental step in your skincare routine — not working against you to cause micro-tears or irritation. Brush firmly but gently, and steer clear of any brushes that may be too hard or stiff. Lastly, be wary of over-brushing. Depending on your skin type and its sensitivities, you may want to engage in this wellness exercise daily (following Vargas and Kerr’s footsteps) or simply one to two times a week, if your skin is more sensitive.

With your new dry brush in hand and five minutes to spare, we hope you take a little time to connect with your mind and body as you uncover a plump new layer of skin, and a new you.

The post Are You Dry Brushing Yet? Here’s Why You Should appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

For a long time, I used to think they were just random skin tags that always seemed to first present themselves as flesh-toned before becoming hyperpigmented over time. It wasn’t until earlier this year, when, at the age of 33, I decided to book an appointment with Dr. Geeta Yadav, a dermatologist and the founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, that I discovered what these spots actually are.

The motivation for finally seeing a dermatologist was my skin journey during and after pregnancy. While I was pregnant with my daughter, more spots erupted — everywhere this time, it seemed. Along with several more on my face, dots appeared on my neck, an armpit, a breast and even my belly button. And when my daughter was born last year, she became obsessed with touching my face, a fascination that led her to fixate on my spots and pick at them while I sat quietly in discomfort. Don’t get me wrong: I absolutely loved this bonding time with her, but, ouch, it could hurt! Then one day she scratched one right off. “That’s it — these babies have to go,” I said to myself.

During my consultation with Dr. Yadav, she told me that these bumps are called dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN for short), a benign skin condition common in dark-skinned people that is often hereditary and becomes more frequent with age. “They grow on the surface of the skin and are a variant of something called seborrheic keratosis,” she said. “People commonly refer to them as age spots, wisdom spots or liver spots even though they have nothing to do with the liver.” Other variants, especially those found on lighter skin, look similar to warts and can even appear barnacle-like. “The DPN variant found in brown and Black populations more commonly appears as these skin-tag-like papules,” she continued. She also went on to note that one of the most famous people with DPN is legendary actor Morgan Freeman. (Just think of the iconic raised growths along his cheeks and around his eyes.)

It felt really good to finally get a name for the spots that were gradually appearing all over my face and on other areas of my body, and I was thrilled to learn that the condition is harmless. As for my DPN’s unexpected ramp-up during pregnancy? “Everything tends to grow when you’re pregnant — like your hair, for example,” explained Dr. Yadav. “Your whole body is in this growth phase; you’re very vascular.” Then she laid out my treatment plan.

The procedure

To remove my facial DPN, Dr. Yadav prescribed electrocautery, which involves the use of a current-based fine-needle-tipped device to burn off spots. For larger DPN markings that really stuck out, snip excisions using surgical scissors would be done. And to ease any pain during the procedure, a topical numbing cream would be applied first. Afterwards, she explained, “those lesions will crust as they heal and fall off on their own, revealing new and healing skin underneath.” She mentioned that laser therapy can sometimes be an option for removing dark spots like these, but it can be tricky on darker skin tones since the laser can have trouble distinguishing between dark skin and the spots, which can lead to scarring.

For several weeks before my electrocautery procedure, I had to apply a custom-blended prescription cream made of hydroquinone, a mild steroid and vitamin A and C daily to prep my face. “Any time you treat something on brown or Black skin, there’s always a risk that the treatment itself leaves behind a mark; this cream helps reduce the risk of discoloration by targeting your melanocytes so that they don’t activate as much,” Dr. Yadav explained, referring to the cells responsible for the skin’s colour. “It acts like a primer to help your skin not overreact in terms of pigmentation from the treatment itself.”

My treatment didn’t take long, and I was shocked when I saw just how many DPN spots I actually had. (The electrical current caused a crust to immediately form, which allowed me to see what I had mistakenly thought were freckles and moles all these years.) And just like Dr. Yadav indicated, the scabs healed in a week’s time with the help of Vaseline, which I would slather on after gently cleansing my skin morning and night. “You can’t put bandages on all of these spots, but you can use Vaseline to create a barrier,” she said. (Let’s just say it was a week of camera-off Zoom meetings and limited outings.) I also had to be extra diligent about applying sunscreen, and once I was scab-free, I continued using my prescription cream for a couple more weeks to keep any discoloration at bay.

One thing to note

Cauterizing is a temporary solution. “You’re still aging, and you have a predisposition for making DPN spots, so they will come back over time but not necessarily in the same locations,” Dr. Yadav shared. It’s now seven months post-treatment, and she was right: I currently have four new DPN spots.

As for getting a second treatment, I’m holding off. Sure, it was incredibly nice having an even-toned complexion for a while (and no spots for my daughter to pick at), but as someone who has been working on adopting a positive mentality about growing older — especially after entering motherhood — despite our youth-obsessed culture, I want to learn to embrace my DPN. Now that I know what my spots actually are, I like to think of these “wisdom” markings as the story of my life.

Pigmentary skin conditions beyond DPN

Facet Dermatology’s Dr. Geeta Yadav notes that in addition to DPN, there are other pigmentary dermatological conditions that occur more often and present differently in people of colour, including melasma and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation after skin inflammation or injury, like acne. If you’re looking to be proactive, she recommends maximizing your skincare routine by incorporating a serum targeted at fading existing dark spots and preventing new ones from occurring. More importantly, use an SPF 30 or higher on the daily. “People of colour often think they don’t need sun protection, but it should be number one,” she states.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s Winter issue. Find out more here.

The post <em>FASHION</em>’s Beauty Director On Her DPN Skin Journey appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The good news? A complete overhaul of your skincare routine isn’t necessary. “Regardless of the season, you should stick to the same basic steps,” says Dr. Nazli Ghiasi, a dermatologist and the owner of MapleDerm in Vaughan, Ont. Gentle cleansing, hydration and sun protection are essential but can be expanded to include antioxidants, exfoliants and retinoids depending on your needs. While the blueprint of your daily routine might remain relatively the same, there are a few simple measures you can take to prevent dryness, irritation and redness before they rear their ugly, flaky heads.

Choose the right cleanser

As previously mentioned, maintaining the health of your moisture barrier is a must. “The most important component of having healthy skin, regardless of its condition, is to ensure that the skin barrier is intact,” Ghiasi states. Because winter weather conditions are slowly chipping away at your skin (a.k.a. zapping its moisture), lathering up with the right cleanser can help to maintain those all-important hydration levels. Ghiasi recommends swapping out any gel-based washes for a gentler alternative like a cream or foam as it will remove daily dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Hydration is key

The thickness of your moisturizer is another key factor to consider if you want to take your winter skincare routine to the next level. “Choose moisturizers that provide more protection from the cold,” says Guo. “For the most part, thicker products such as balms and ointments are more protective than lotions and gels.” Lightweight creams are typically formulated with a high water content; this might sound good for your skin, but most of that water ends up evaporating. “Keeping the skin moisturized is more about retaining your natural water by enhancing your skin barrier than by externally applying water-based products,” he explains. Balms, ointments and oils often contain little to no water and have thicker textures and ingredient-rich formulas that act as protectants. If using a heavier product in your morning routine doesn’t feel right, try applying your go-to moisturizer and then layering a lightweight oil or balm over it to soften the skin and act as a seal.

Look for these winter skincare ingredients

Stacking your beauty routine with the right ingredients will ensure that your skin gets the nourishment it needs to make it through the winter unscathed. While it feels like there’s a buzzy new skincare ingredient trending on TikTok every week, there are a few tried-and-tested ones that both derms swear by. At the top of that list is ceramides. Naturally found in the outer layer of the skin, ceramides are fats and lipids that work to hold the skin’s cells together and keep the barrier intact. Using a moisturizer that contains this heavy-hitting ingredient is the number one thing you can do to set your skin up for success and help stave off an eczema flare-up. In addition to trusty ceramides, Guo mentions squalane as another barrier repair agent to look for, along with emollients like lanolin and petroleum jelly. He also recommends adding a hyaluronic acid serum into the mix as it acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.

Exfoliate with caution

Because skin is more likely to become compromised in the winter, if you notice any dryness, redness or irritation, dial back your use of actives (retinoids and exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids). “How frequently you exfoliate should depend on how your skin reacts,” says Guo. Using ingredients that can irritate the skin when you have existing dryness can be a recipe for disaster, especially if you’re new to using actives like salicylic acid and retinol. The best mantra? Slowly introduce them to your skin, and select products that have low percentages of active ingredients. Choosing a lower-dose retinol — say a 0.1 or 0.3 per cent instead of a 1 per cent — allows you to continue using the popular wrinkle reducer while minimizing the chance of irritation.

Say yes to SPF

While wearing sunscreen daily is a must, many skip this essential step once the summer sun fades. “One of the most common misconceptions is that there’s no ultraviolet radiation during the wintertime,” says Guo. While it’s true that UVB, the rays that are responsible for burning the skin, are less intense during the colder months, UVA is present year-round and contributes heavily to premature aging. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher that also contains moisture-replenishing ingredients like squalane and shea butter.

Here are FASHION’s top-recommended products for winter skin salvation:

1/6

U Beauty

The Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash

($78, U Beauty)

Inspired by the practice of hair co-washing, this rich, balmlike formula gently cleanses and conditions without disrupting the skin barrier. Containing a blend of hyaluronic acid and chamomile, this one-step cleanser makes quick work of waterproof makeup, SPF and excess oil.

Buy Now

2/6

Summer Fridays

ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

($47, Summer Fridays)

Step up your sun-protection game with this lightweight mineral sunscreen. With its serum-like texture, this SPF shields skin from both UVA and UVB rays while delivering hydrating ingredients like squalane and vitamin E.

Buy Now

3/6

Kiehl’s

Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum

($98, Kiehl’s)

This night serum ensures that your skin receives a fresh dose of the formula’s 0.3 per cent pure retinol by isolating the active ingredient in a separate pouch that’s added to the bottle upon first application.

Buy Now

4/6

8 Faces

Boundless Solid Oil

($108, 8 Faces)

Containing a cocktail of powerful antioxidants, minerals and essential fatty acids like amla berry and kokum seed oil, this multi-purpose cocoa butter-based balm can be used on the face and body and in the hair for a hit of hydration.

Buy Now

5/6

Drunk Elephant

Ceramighty AF Eye Balm

($79, Drunk Elephant)

Packed with a 3 per cent ceramide blend and omega-rich plant oils and butters, this replenishing balm supports the delicate skin around the eye area while delivering much-needed hydration.

Buy Now

6/6

Garnier

Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Replumping Super Serum

($20, Garnier)

This serum is like a tall glass of water for the skin. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, and when it’s combined with the humectant glycerine and soothing aloe vera, it has a plumping and hydrating effect on your skin.

Buy Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s Winter issue. Find out more here.

The post Expert Skincare Tips for Facing Cold Winter Weather appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

“Retinol and other Vitamin A-based products can help treat and prevent acne and acne scarring, reduce hyperpigmentation and blemishes, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the glow and texture of the skin,” says Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a Toronto dermatologist and Medical Director of Toronto Dermatology Centre.

One drawback to retinol? Its quickened cell turnover process can also lead to a fair amount of dryness, flakiness and irritation, which can turn people off of using this anti-ageing ingredient. With this in mind, Biossance produced a powerful, yet gentle, Squalane + Retinol Night Serum that is ideal for both novices and more experienced users. Alongside retinol and retinal (a more potent retinoid), its key ingredient is squalane, a soothing, plant-based emollient that is proven to effectively deliver the retinoids while simultaneously providing moisture and minimizing the dryness and irritation that can happen when you first try this powerful ingredient. Its blend of rosemary and saffron also provides antioxidant protection and help support overall skin health and aging.

While anti-ageing skincare products used to be viewed or even reserved solely for those in their 40s and up, taking care of your skin proactively, starting as early as your 20s, is becoming increasingly common and even recommended by dermatologists. Using products, such as Biossance’s Squalane + Retinol Night Serum, gives you the preventative power to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay for longer before they even appear. To sum it up: It’s never too early or too late to start using retinol and taking care of your skin.

We connected with Dr. Benjamin Barankin to get his best retinol tips for every age and stage.

If you’re in your 20s

First of all, kudos on being proactive and setting positive skincare habits early. Whether you’re trying to treat acne, pigmentation, texture or proactively get rid of any fine lines, Barankin recommends taking it lower and slower early on in the process. “Pick up the lowest concentration product and use it two nights per week, and increase the frequency by 1 night per week each month,” he says. “Once you can tolerate it nightly, increase the concentration of the retinol and repeat.”

Biossance’s Squalane + Retinol Night Serum is both a sensitive skin and beginner-friendly blend perfect for those who are dipping their toe into the world of retinol.

For those with sensitive skin or well-controlled rosacea or eczema, start even slower at once a week at a low dosage and work your way up. If you have oily skin, which is more common at a younger age, Barankin also recommends starting with a mid-level retinol (0.025% – 0.04) and working up to a higher strength (0.1%) over top of a moisturizer.

If you’re in your 30s

If you’ve just started your retinol journey, make sure to follow the beginner notes above. If you’ve already been using retinol for a few years, you’ve probably developed a good tolerance at this point in your skincare journey. If you feel your results have plateaued, try increasing your dosage or frequency as needed (don’t skimp out on the moisture and sunscreen). If you feel your skin is thriving, maintain the routine you currently have.

“The higher the concentration you can ultimately tolerate, the better the results you’ll have,” says Barankin. “For your 20s and 30s, it’s important to work your way up with a retinol as the plan is to use them for life.”

Looking for a mid-level retinol with extra skin benefits? Biossance’s Squalane + Retinol Night Serum is a blend of Vitamin E and sustainably-sourced saffron, rosemary, sunflower, and rice bran extracts that work together to not only minimize irritation from the retinol and retinal, but also minimize skin texture, age lines, and blemishes.

If you’re in your 40s

For both our retinol novices and pros in their 40s, hydration and sun protection are more important than ever. While dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen (another anti-ageing gold standard) every day and at every age, it becomes even more important at this stage because retinol will make you, even more, sun sensitive and vulnerable to burning. Plus: UV rays have a drying effect on the skin and may make you more prone to irritation.

“In your 40s onwards, we’re starting to get drier, and so applying a moisturizer first before the retinol will make more sense,” says Barankin. “If you get too dry or red or peeling or irritated from retinol, simply take a break for two to three nights, moisturize only, and then resume using it. Our skin will typically get used to the products over time.”

With irritation minimization in mind, Biossance’s Squalane + Retinol Night Serum is a special time-release formula that slowly dispenses product into the skin over the course of eight hours. The squalane also simultaneously hydrates and nourishes the skin.

If you’re in your 50s and beyond

If retinol’s been a part of your skincare routine since your 20s and 30s, you’re a superstar and we can all learn from you. According to Barankin, at this point, your skin has probably “retinized” and you’re already able to tolerate higher concentrations of retinol and are able to increase your potency (with a lot of moisturizer and sun protection, of course).

For those in their 50s or 60s and just starting their retinol journeys, it’s important to be extra gentle with your skin because, as you know, it is going to be a bit thinner, dryer and more sensitive than it was in your 20s or 30s. Make sure to always wear SPF and to start with the lowest potency of retinol paired with “more and/or thicker moisturizer, cream or balm.” From there, you can slowly work your way up as needed. For effective results minus the dryness and irritation, opt for a more gentle retinol-based product, such as Biossance’s Squalane + Retinol Night Serum.

Note: Your skin may be even dryer during the winter, so either double up on the moisture or take breaks when needed.

Click here to start your retinol journey and try Biossance’s Squalane + Retinol Night Serum today.

The post The Ultimate Age-by-Age Guide To Retinol appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

In the beginning, my acne started off slowly, but then it kept getting worse, to the point where I knew my spots were no longer just hormonal breakouts. I became really anxious about them; I wanted to make them go away — I tried so many different remedies — and when my acts of desperation didn’t work, I lost my confidence because now my skin was something I wasn’t in control of.

It became hard for me to be around other people because I felt like they were looking at my acne and not me. I thought they were disgusted and questioning what was on my face. I went through a long period of thinking that people were looking at me in a negative light, and I would cry on my way to class and not want to show my face in pictures. I even became insecure around my partner at the time because I felt like they were looking at me differently. You wouldn’t think that having acne would change how you view a relationship with somebody so close to you, but it did for me.

I already had a YouTube channel, and eventually I said to myself, “I can’t let acne stop me from doing what I love.” I love being in front of the camera. Even though it came out of nowhere, acne was now part of my story and therefore part of my content. So one day I just decided to talk about what was going on with my face in a video (I knew my audience was going to wonder about it) and things took off from there. That video ended up reaching a whole community of people.

I received responses like “I never felt seen until I saw your pictures” and “You give me the confidence to go outside with no makeup on.” Some people even told me that they never felt pretty or never felt like they had permission to be confident because of their acne. Of course, there were others who said negative things, like “She looks like a crunch bar” and “She needs to wash her face.” There was even a meme that went viral. It was a photo of my face zoomed into my acne and said, “Share this photo or you’ll have bad luck for a year.” I remember someone telling me afterwards that they would have felt so scared and embarrassed if that had happened to them, but, honestly, it was exciting for me. It was like winning the lottery because I knew going viral was going to turn into something great.

Peter DeVito, a photographer in New York, must have seen my content, and one day he invited me to his studio to be part of an [unretouched] series he was working on. I added my own little spin — some colourful winged eyeliner — and I don’t think either of us expected the portrait to blow up the way it did. People related to it so much and felt so recognized. I loved what it represented: making noise in the space of perfection.

Now, my skin isn’t as bad as it used to be. I only really get breakouts around my period or if I’ve been eating poorly. My goal was never to be known as a skin influencer — I still talk about my journey because it’s my story — so I’ve been transitioning my content into a broader umbrella of genres, including fashion and lifestyle. I didn’t become a content creator just to be known as the girl with acne.

Nazhaya Barcelona’s acne fix

It took visits to three dermatologists before one prescribed tretinoin (for my discoloration), clindamycin (for the bacteria) and Epiduo (for my active pimples). I always remember those three prescriptions because they actually transformed my skin — those three along with sunscreen. I swear up and down by sunscreen because while the other products were breaking down my acne and discoloration, the SPF was adding a protective shield. If you use those prescriptions without sunscreen, you will only damage your skin.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s November issue. Find out more here.

The post I Finally Realized That I Can’t Let Acne Stop Me appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Ghlee

Co-founder Varun Sharma recalls his mom telling him to “just put some ghee on” his dry lips during cold Canadian winters. “He started tinkering with our dad’s ghee recipe and other ingredients like vitamin E and coconut oil and five months later developed Ghlee,” sister and co-founder Arati Sharma shares. The family business extends beyond the brother-sister duo. “My sister Deepika works on content, our mom fills orders and our dad manages the ghee production,” she adds.

Ghee is just beginning to gain popularity in North America: Used for centuries by South and Southeast Asians as a staple in the kitchen, the powerful butter is now popping up in grocery stores and trendy diets. And though it’s rooted in cuisine, “Ayurvedic medicine designates ghee as a salve to soothe burns and as a potent moisturizer to heal dry skin and dry hair, being rich in healthy fatty acids like omegas 3 and 9 and vitamins A, D, E and K,” notes Arati.

Ownership is especially meaningful to Arati, who has become frustrated with how South Asian and other cultures are being appropriated in the wellness industry. “It’s important for South Asian founders to lead South Asian products so that stories are shared through our lens,” she says. And she is paying it forward to other BIPOC women: Arati is also an angel investor, providing funding for women and BIPOC founders, especially in the e-commerce space, who often get overlooked by traditional investors.

Whether they’re donating to food banks or supporting local women’s organizations with self-care packages, Varun and Arati have community at the forefront of their brand, acknowledging and appreciating that their first and most loyal customers are within the community. “Our goal is not to try to represent every single South Asian and Ayurvedic ritual — just the ones that we, as part of the diaspora, have adopted from our immigrant parents,” Arati says.

Hymnologie

It was a culmination of life events that led Dr. Jigyasa Sharma to found Hymnologie in 2020. She dealt with acne when she was a teen, learned about the adverse effects of synthetics and preservatives while studying dentistry and acquired a hyper-awareness of what harm the chemicals in her skincare could do during pregnancy. When she arrived in Canada with her husband and two children, she realized how heavily she’d been relying on the natural homemade skincare remedies of her native India, which made her decide to embark on the journey of becoming a beauty-brand creator.

Sharma pulled inspiration from her mother’s DIY skincare—organic complexion-boosting recipes that require minimal processing and are free of synthetics and parabens — to deliver skincare solutions that focus on the purity of their ingredients. “Bringing Ayurvedic skincare, like Hymnologie, to the Western world comes at a time when consumers’ knowledge of ingredients is intensified and the demand for all-natural, preservative-free products is high, especially after coming out of COVID,” she shares.

For Sharma, paying respect to the communities that have shaped who she is today is also key. Ingredients like chamomile, calendula and saffron are sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas, which are surrounded by the forest reserve — one of the world’s purest natural havens. She also wants to pay homage to the roots of this country. “Hymnologie donates 5 per cent of all profits to the Legacy of Hope Foundation, which endeavours to raise awareness about the history of the residential-school system as well as address racism and promote equality of rights for Canadian Indigenous peoples.”

Sharma believes that beauty is more than skin deep. “I see it in my children’s laughter, in my grandma’s hugs and in how we look after ourselves,” she expresses. “What you pay attention to becomes beautiful.” It is with this philosophy that she strives to create products that will not only evoke the senses but also offer a beautiful experience of self-love and self-care, creating a harmonious balance between mind, body and soul.

Sahajan

Sahajan comes from the word sahaja, which is Hindi for “intuitive.” Unexpectedly, it was mother’s intuition that compelled founder Lisa Mattam to launch the brand. “Sahajan started for me the day I told my daughter that she couldn’t play with my skincare because I was worried about what the chemicals would do to her beautiful young skin,” she says. In that moment, Mattam realized that the only products she trusted for her daughter were the oils and creams found in the tiny bottles her parents would bring back from their native Kerala, in Southern India. She came to understand that the homemade concoctions she grew up with, laden with ingredients like turmeric, triphala (a herbal remedy of dried fruits) and plant extracts ashwagandha and gotu kola, were more than family traditions — they were elixirs steeped in the science of Ayurveda.

“I studied deeper and realized that Ayurveda is the gateway to wellness and beauty,” shares Mattam. “I wanted to share the healing system with people in a meaningful way: leaning on the ancient texts, working with Ayurvedic doctors in India and marrying that with my previous background in pharmaceuticals to demonstrate clinically that Ayurveda delivers unparalleled results.”

Beyond her mission to give shoppers cleaner skincare, Mattam knew from its inception that Sahajan would involve giving back. In addition to the brand’s Lip Karmas, which were launched in conjunction with Plan International Canada’s Because I Am a Girl campaign, AccelerateHER by Sahajan was born this past spring. The initiative pairs businesses with volunteer mentors (all Canadian women entrepreneurs), the goal being to provide each cohort of women with an increased knowledge base to grow their businesses. And as Sahajan evolves with new innovations, so, too, does its success: Beginning this October, the brand will launch in-room at Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W and JW Marriott hotels.

Shop the brands’ must-try products

Photography Courtesy of Ghlee

Photography Courtesy of Hymnologie

Photography Courtesy of Sahajan

1/3

Ghlee

Ghee Lip Balm

($15, Ghlee)

This nourishing lip balm comes in four flavours: mint, rose, mango and chai. The latter has become a cult favourite, with customers raving about how good it tastes on their lips.

Buy Now

2/3

Hymnologie

Brilliance Repair Treatment Facial Mask

($87, Hymnologie)

Formulated with saffron, calendula, chamomile and vitamin E, this mask exfoliates dead skin cells and lifts impurities for a silky-smooth complexion.

Buy Now

3/3

Sahajan

Nourish Face Cream

($64, Sahajan)

This combination of triphala and gotu kola with a whisper of coconut oil visibly transforms the look of the skin.

Buy Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s October issue. Find out more here.

The post 3 Canada-Based South-Asian Beauty Brands on Harnessing the Power of Ayurveda appeared first on FASHION Magazine.