Month: November 2021

Which Foundation Should You Use for Dry Skin? (Winter is Coming!)

dry skin winter foundation

Winter comes, and everything starts cracking. The ice cracks, the leaves crack beneath my feet, and my skin starts cracking against the onslaught of the dry cold weather. This is not to say I dislike winter. On the contrary, I adore the soups, cuddling under a warm blanket, and the immense beauty of fresh snow.

My skin is less enthused.

If you’re like me, contending with colder temperatures means rethinking my summer foundation and moisturizer. That being said, we also need to add more oils to our diet in order to hydrate our skin from within, keep our foundation looking creamy, and maintain a high functioning gut-system.

The basic questions are, what foundation should I use for my dry skin, and how can I combat the incessant dryness?

Skin Health Is Body Health

“Skin health, is body health,”says Ben Fuchs, compounding pharmacist, nutritionists, and chemist. Your skin is a direct reflection of your physical health. Dull, lifeless, and excessively dry skin is usually a sign that your body needs nutrients, oils, and maybe even lower stress.

What vitamins and supplements help with dry skin the most?

By far and above, the most effective nutrient is adding Omega 3-6-9 oils to your daily supplement list. As we age, good oils serve as a lubricant for our entire system as well as plumping and hydrating our skin. I take two tablespoons in the morning and two at night, and the improvement in my skin is evident.

Second only to oils is Vitamin C. I take about 4000mg per day, and notice it in my health and skin when I don’t. Vitamin, B, E, D (especially important right now with Covid-19), A, and E are of vital importance as well. If you’re not supplementing your diet with these listed items, I recommend you do and see the difference.

Skin health is 80% what you do internally, and 20% what you apply to your face. That being said, using great quality skin care has a noticeable impact and is worth the money. Buy a nutrient dense moisturizer like Truth Treatments Omega 6 Healing Cream, and, if you want to go for the gusto, buy Transdermal C Serum, the absolute best serum on the market in my opinion. Used in conjunction, your skin will reach new levels of softness, hydration, and glow.

What Type of Foundation Should You Buy?

Shopping for foundation reminds me of shopping for toilet paper. You have to have it, but the wall-to-wall products available are alarming and overwhelming. If you’re like me, you just buy the same old toilet paper each time to avoid having to choose anything else, even if the toilet paper is less than wonderful.

With that lovely toilet paper analogy in mind, here are some important parameters for your next foundation shopping expedition.

For starters, women over 50 should stick with sheer to medium coverage foundation. Many of you long for that Instagram I have no marks or lines on my face look that is so popular and mostly the result of the model being age 12 and camera filters.

Convinced it’s the foundation, you reach for the full coverage jar only to discover that when you use it, you look like Herman Munster. The trick here is to have great skin (sorry to be redundant), and to use concealer on the bits you want more coverage.

For example, you can layer your foundation in your undereye circles to avoid using too much concealer (a much heavier product), and then only apply concealer on marks, redness, and discoloration. This keeps your foundation looking natural, and the bothersome bits covered without over-layering the skin.

Second, look for foundations that include ingredients with descriptions like hydrating, hyaluronic acid, tinted moisturizer, and moisturizing. Only go for matte foundations if you have oily skin, no wrinkles, and are from Mars.

My Top 3 Foundations for Dry Skin

In the video, I show and tell my top three hydrating foundations that I use on myself, and on women I make-up. By Terry is a wonderful product that contains hyaluronic acid and is a sheer coverage great for mature skin. It comes in a wide array of shades, and holds up well throughout the day. Be still my heart.

Chantecaille Just Skin tinted moisturizer is my favorite tinted moisturizer on the market. Sheer, smooth, and long lasting, I adore it. Plus, the brand donates heavily to animal conservation efforts in Africa, something I value and want to contribute to.

Lastly, for a medium coverage, I deeply love Koh Gen Do’s Maifanshi Moisture Foundation. If you must have coverage above sheer, then use something as delicious as this. It hydrates, goes on like butter, and stays all day. When I want to look extra awesome, it is my go-to brand.

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean cracked and dry skin. It does mean you have to take extra care with your vitamins, hydration, and using foundations that work with your skin and don’t set in fine lines or look cakey. I hope these tips help you avoid the Herman Munster look and enjoy the snow, without cracking.

Do you use special skincare and makeup products for wintertime? What are they? What nutrients do you supplement with? What effect have you noticed on your skin with vs. without supplements?

Read More

The 10 Best Face Moisturizers For Avoiding Dry, Cracked Skin This Fall—According To Dermatologists

You’ve likely endured many spiels from your mom, bestie, and fav beauty YouTuber about the importance of moisturizing your face, especially during the colder seasons. Well, we’re here to tell you that they’re right and you should absolutely listen to them. But, there are a lot of different face hydrators out there, and it can be hard to figure out which one is the best for you. To make this important decision as easy as possible, we spoke with four (!!) different dermatologists to get all our facts straight, as well as get their best face moisturizer recommendations. 

Fall is here and it’s time to lather your face in all the creams, gels, and lotions you can get your chilly hands on. Colder weather makes skin more vulnerable to dryness, dullness, and irritation—and nobody likes flaky, itchy, red skin. To spare your skin, remember to moisturize every single day. If you think your face doesn’t need a moisturizer, think again. Everyone should use a face moisturizer—and we seriously mean everyone, even people with oily skin

“Moisturizers help keep skin hydrated and contribute to a healthy skin barrier,” says Dr. Marie Hayag, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics. A healthy skin barrier can prevent breakouts, wrinkles, and dry patches. 

RELATED: 5 Crème De La Mer Alternatives That Make Your Skin Look Younger & Cost A Fraction Of The Price 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you should know when searching for your next face hydrator. Keep reading for a crash course on the 10 best face moisturizers that come highly recommended by our four experts. These range in cost, so hopefully you’ll find something that’s ideal for your budget. 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

There isn’t a set blueprint of ingredients that you should definitely look out for when choosing a face moisturizer, because everyone’s skin varies. In essence, though, Dr. Hayag suggests formulas packed with antioxidants for protecting against damage and combatting signs of aging, humectants for moisturizing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier, and emollients for soothing and softening the skin.

We’re talking vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract, but also hyaluronic acid, glycerin, oleic acid, and shea butter. And, of course, don’t forget your SPF, regardless of the season or weather. Many face moisturizers contain sun protection, and Dr. Hayag recommends using one with at least SPF 30. 

Ingredients are key to nailing the ideal moisturizer for your specific skin, but so is the consistency. Lotion, cream, and gel moisturizers couldn’t be more different from each other in composition. Lotions have a lot less oil, are more liquidy, and might contain alcohol. They’re best for combination and normal skin types. Creams have an equal balance of water and oil, are much thicker, and might leave a greasy feel on your skin. They’re ideal for dry and mature skin types. Lastly, gels are water-based (a.k.a. oil-free) and less likely to clog pores, making them great for acne-prone and oily skin types. 

Thank you for tuning into our moisturizer lecture, but it’s now time to get to the good stuff. Here are the 10 face moisturizers that you should be adding to your cart this fall.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream Violet Grey

Courtesy of Violet Grey.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

As you may know, celebs can’t get enough of Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream. Dr. Hayag is on the same page with the A-listers, and suggests this moisturizer for targeting extra dry skin

“This is a fast absorbing formula that contains multiple moisturizing ingredients, including squalane (an emollient) and hyaluronic acid,” she says. “I love that it also includes antioxidants, vitamin E and green tea extract.”

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer

Courtesy of Ulta.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line is absolutely iconic, and you’ve definitely seen it lining the shelves in every drugstore. It has a huge cult following, which happens to include two of the dermatologists we turned to for this story. 

“It is a reliable, cooling gel that delivers hydration and is great for everyday use, especially in warmer weather,” according to Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. 

“It hydrates, is not oily, and is good for all skin types. It is also non-comedogenic,” adds Jeanine Downie, MD Director of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey and board-certified dermatologist. 

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Courtesy of Ulta.

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Household beauty name Clinique has garnered lots of fans for its Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator. The moisturizer gets its name from its ability to go 10 layers deep into the skin and provide lasting hydration for 100 hours, even after washing your face. 

“This is a great product to help plump and hydrate the skin. It is perfect for oily skin types,” says Dr. Michelle Henry, founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion

Courtesy of SkinStore.

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion

You’ll likely notice a hyaluronic acid trend in this roundup, and that’s because this skin savior can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water. This oil-free gel-cream incorporates the powerful ingredient. 

“The Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion has a unique texture that’s somewhere between a gel and a cream,” says Dr. Hartman. “It is soothing and cooling and chock-full of hyaluronic acid to deliver moisture without too much shine. It’s great for all skin types.”

EltaMD Moisturizer

Courtesy of Dermstore.

EltaMD Moisturizer

For all the sensitive skin folks out there, Dr. Hayag recommends the EltaMD Moisturizer. It’s ideal for those with dry, peeling, and flaking skin, and even those who need their skin to heal after laser treatments and chemical peels. The formula is so gentle that people with eczema and sunburns can reap the benefits of this moisturizer.

“It contains petrolatum, an occlusive, that sits on top of the skin to prevent water loss,” says Dr. Hayag. 

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Moisturizing Cream

Courtesy of SkinStore.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Moisturizing Cream

The Toleriane Ultra Moisturizing Cream is formulated to cater to people with super sensitive skin, since it excludes a laundry list of ingredients that could potentially irritate the skin. The main ingredients that help deliver moisture to your skin are neurosensine and La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water. 

Dr. Henry says, “This is a great, rich moisturizer that is suitable for all skin types.” 

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Courtesy of Ulta.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ticks off all the boxes. It’s oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, and it has sun protection. This moisturizer is one of Dr. Downie’s favorites

“It is clinically proven to improve skin tone and make the skin more radiant,” she says. “I like the SPF 30 in it, but I also recommend using an additional sunblock with any facial moisturizer.” 

Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster Serum and Moisturizer

Courtesy of Ulta.

Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster Serum and Moisturizer

For around-the-clock hydration, go for Vichy’s Mineral 89 serum and moisturizer. It has a lighter gel consistency that excludes both fragrance and oil from its formula. Dr. Hartman recommends this serum-moisturizer crossover for those with oily skin. 

“It’s like a cool drink of water for the skin,” he says. “Not only does it contain HA, but it also has 15 minerals found in Vichy’s proprietary volcanic water, which has been found to correct inflammation and dehydration caused by all of the external factors that we face every day.”

SkinMedica Replenish Hydrating Cream

Courtesy of SkinStore.

SkinMedica Replenish Hydrating Cream

SkinMedica’s cream addresses a ton of different skin concerns. It not only does the obvious—moisturizes your skin—but it also protects your skin from external damage and brightens your complexion.

“It is great for all skin types and does not make you greasy, clog your pores, or break you out,” says Dr. Downie. 

Sisley Paris Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream

Courtesy of Nordstrom.

Sisley Paris Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream

According to Dr. Hayag, this moisturizer from Sisley Paris is a great option for those with combination skin. It plumps and illuminates your skin so that it can get back that sought-after, youthful bounce. 

“This cream has a silky texture that absorbs fast into the skin and moisturizes without feeling too heavy,” she says. “It also has multiple moisturizing plant extracts and shea butter, which is a soothing emollient that’s also rich in antioxidants.” 

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

Read More

Julia McGuire’s Two Tone Fur Slippers

Julia McGuire’s Two Tone Fur Slippers on Winter House

Winter House Season 1 Episode 3 Fashion

Although she may be a reality TV newbie, Winter House’s Julia McGuire thankfully still seems super comfortable on camera. And especially so on this week’s ep with her cute two tone fur slippers (a great holiday gift btw!), which are totally in our comfort zone to shop at just $20.

 

Fashionably,

Faryn

 

Julia McGuire’s Two Tone Slipper

Click Here to Shop Her Slippers on Amazon

Click Here to Shop Her Batiste Dry Shampoo

 

Shop More Cute Colour Combos:

!function(d,s,id)
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id))
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);

if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’)
window.__stp.init();

(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);


Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Originally posted at: Julia McGuire’s Two Tone Fur Slippers

Read More

Why It’s Important to Prepare Elderly Loved Ones for Emergencies

planning for emergencies

Louisiana officials recently revoked the licenses of seven nursing homes that evacuated patients to a warehouse where seven of them died ahead of Hurricane Ida’s landfall.

Hurricane Katrina should have been the warning shot when it comes to emergency preparedness. Still, many “homes” skirt regulations and often cite small budgets as a reason they cannot fully implement recommended emergency procedures.

Choosing Care – Make Emergency Preparedness an Item on Your Checklist

Families have many things to consider when choosing care for a loved one. Certainly, in this new age, questions such as vaccination rates among staff and mandatory vaccinations are on the table. In light of the increased frequency of dangerous storms, it is important to consider emergency preparedness as an item to evaluate when choosing a place and further knowing your rights around these issues.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Does the facility have an emergency plan in writing that you can review?
  • Are staff and residents trained for the plan and how often is it updated?
  • Is the facility in a flood or fire zone?
  • How is the plan communicated to residents and families?
  • Ask to see state inspection reports for emergency preparedness.
  • What is their shelter-in-place plan? How do they handle power outages, temperature fluctuations, oxygen and life support systems, medication refrigeration?
  • What is their evacuation plan? Where will they go? How will they get there?

Evaluate Your Own Preparedness

During an emergency, a facility may ask you to come and get mom and dad. Are you nearby? Can you transport them safely? Is your home equipped for short-term living situations?

Create Your Own Disaster Plan and Supply Kit for a Loved One

One of the most vital aspects of preparing a plan is knowing how you will communicate with a loved one. What if the Wi-Fi and cellular is out? Consider emergency monitoring systems that incorporate Z-Wave or ZigBee.

Z-Wave is transmitted from smart devices directly to the system’s hubrather than using a modem; no Internet or router needed. Gather important phone numbers – family, friends, churches, shelters, aid organizations, care team members.

If mom or dad will be stuck in their room or evacuated, do they have the supplies they need? These include prescription medications, durable medical equipment, mobility aids, visual and hearing aids, and personal health and sanitation supplies. Legal, personal and health information such as advance directives, powers of attorney, etc. should be copied and included in any disaster kit too.

Have a Recovery Plan Too

Once the disaster is over, it can leave scars – mental and emotional, physical and financial. A loved one could suffer PTSD. Be aware and seek the appropriate help.

Consider renter’s insurance. Most senior living communities do not insure small possessions against loss because of natural disasters and similar circumstances. Purchasing your own insurance ensures that you are protected.

Beware of Opportunists and Scams

This is when scammers come out of the woodwork to prey on vulnerable people. The FCC offers this advice:

  • Scammers use phone, text, mail, email, and even go door-to-door to target residents. Officials with government disaster assistance agencies do not call or text asking for financial account information. Anyone claiming to be a federal official who asks for money is an imposter.
  • Phone scams often use spoofing techniques to deliberately falsify the information transmitted to your caller ID to make the call appear official. Of course, don’t give out any personal information or agree to any payment until you can independently verify that the call is legitimate.
  • Contractors and home improvement companies may also call claiming to be partners with your insurance provider.
  • Be aware of scammers posing as representatives of charities seeking donations for disaster relief. If you have doubts, you can check with Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving AllianceCharity NavigatorCharity Watch, or GuideStar.
  • To report suspected fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at 1-866-720-5721.

Half of the deaths from Katrina were older adults over 75. The majority of deaths in a heat wave are older adults and those 85+ are four times more likely to die in a wildfire.

With these disasters coming more frequently, it pays to plan.

What emergency plan have you set up for yourself in case of natural disasters? Have you set one up for older relatives/friends? Have you been through natural disasters? What was left in their aftermath?

Read More

The Anti-Aging Serum of The Moment Has Sold Out 5 Times In Just 2 Months & It’s Finally Back In Stock—For Now

A face serum is a must-have step in any skincare routine. Serums deliver all the beneficial ingredients your skin needs to stay healthy. While there are tons of different serum concoctions out there, there’s one serum that multitasks like no other. It also happens to be one of the most in-demand serums of the moment. 

Eighth Day’s Regenerative Serum has sold out five times in the past two months, so it truly is selling like hotcakes. 

Formulated with the help of skincare expert Dr. Antony Nakhla, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, Eighth Day truly seems like it does nothing but positive things for your complexion.

You might want to buckle up, because there are loads of ingredients and functions that make this serum such an MVP and fan-favorite. The formula is enriched with clinical strength ingredients that have high concentration levels—the stronger, the better applies to skincare, too. The scientific terms might not make sense at first, but keep reading and we’ll break down the various layers of this best-selling, all-in-one serum. Just make sure you don’t dillydally, because this skincare product is likely already on its way to going out of stock for its sixth time.

RELATED: TikTok’s Favorite Skincare Line Has An Anti-Aging Cream That’s Better Than La Mer 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Eighth Day Regenerative Serum Violet Grey

Courtesy of Violet Grey.

Here’s the low-down on the Regenerative Serum. First of all, the name is truly spot on in that the powerful formula is formulated to sink deep into your pores, right where your cells are, to energize and renew your skin cells. Additionally, the hero ingredient, a Peptide-Rich Plasma that includes 24 bioidentical synthetic peptides, growth factors, and amino acids, copies the unique molecules found in your skin cells to renew and restore.

That is some pretty advanced science going on, but a few other anti-aging ingredients you’ll definitely recognize include hydrating hyaluronic acid, exfoliating glycolic acid, and healing Manuka honey. This trio makes for some seriously soothing, lifting, and plumping effects that’ll have you questioning if you got Botox in your sleep. Top that all off with niacinamide, which reduces the appearance of pores, protects the skin barrier, repairs previous damage, and calms the skin, and you have yourself a serum you won’t want to waste a drop of. 

Once these beneficial skincare ingredients penetrate deep into your skin, then what? Well, you might notice some or all of the 10 most visible skin concerns starting to improve. Some of the main ones this serum targets are fine lines and wrinkles, dehydration, redness, dullness, and loss of firmness and elasticity, among others. Not to mention, it achieves all of this while remaining vegan and cruelty-free, as well as without any gluten, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, GMOs, PEGs, and fragrance.

Eighth Day’s Regenerative Serum is sold exclusively at Violet Grey, and because it can sell out with the snap of a finger, we suggest you place your order now. Though it may cost a pretty penny, the expertise, quality ingredients, and results are just too good to pass up.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

Read More