I don’t need to extol the benefits of retinol (though I’m always happy to). Most of us already know the Vitamin A derivative is the ingredient most often name-dropped and recommended for getting the kind of skin that will make you feel better about going makeup-free. The only caveat for a significant number of us is that it be a literal pain to use. So it should come as no surprise that retinol alternative products are swooping in to save the day (and our face).

Personally, I’ve never had a negative reaction to a retinol product, but I won’t deny the amount of uncomfortable tingling that occurs if you apply more than a dime-sized amount to your face. And for anyone with sensitive skin, that probably happens even when you’re using the recommended amount and limiting it to just a couple nights a week. Truly, nothing embodies “beauty is pain” better than this. So it’s no wonder people are trading in the real thing for what appears to be an equally effective substitute.

As of late, bakuchiol is undoubtedly the most popular ingredient to replace retinol in skincare routines. For one, it’s plant-based, which automatically makes the decision to switch over feel like a responsible one. More specifically, it’s derived from the seeds and leaves of psoralea corylifolia, better known as the babchi plant, which is native to India and Sri Lanka. It’s long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for healing wounds but is only just being harnessed for its ability to also to smooth out wrinkles and even tone down hyperpigmentation.

ImaxTree.

Word of mouth is great and all, but I can’t help but wonder if a toned-down version of retinol is ultimately as effective as the real thing. According to Peach & Lily founder and licensed aesthetician Alicia Yoon, most signs point to yes.

“Retinol is so well-researched. It’s an ingredient that is one of the most researched. Having said that, there’s definitely a lot more clinical studies on retinol right now, so it’s hard to know,” she says. “In 10 years or so, those things (alternatives) will probably have a lot of funding and research behind it too.” In short, the amount of testing and clinical studies done so far probably aren’t accurate or complete enough to deliver a verdict.

Until then, whether we want to gamble with bakuchiol or another alternative will largely depend on the experiences of others. The upside according to Yoon is that the majority of people sharing their experiences are seeing great results and shouldn’t be overlooked. “I find for me personally, the anecdotal reviews from people who are really trying the product every day consistently and approaching it the right way are useful. That says volumes.” And whether you’re using retinol or bakuchiol, the same application rules apply to both.

ImaxTree.

“When it comes to retinol, proceed very thoughtfully and with a lot of caution because you don’t want to ever over-do it. It’s so important to ensure that you’re not mixing too many other acids and things like that,” says Yoon. “For some skin types, there’s definitely a phase that you have to get through before you start to see the real benefits. Bakuchiol or some of these other alternative ingredients—if you’re not wanting to go through that or even risk it—it could be a great thing to try out.” This is an especially smart decision if you’re a first-time retinol user and have an important event, like a wedding, on the horizon.

“Start at the lowest amount and see how your skin reacts. It is tempting because you want results like tomorrow, so you go for the extreme. Skincare takes consistency and over time, you see bigger results anyway because your skin doesn’t go through that stressed-out period that takes you a few steps back,” says Yoon. Should you want to start with something super gentle, here are the most popular retinol alternatives.

RELATED: The 5 Most Game-Changing Face Serums For Wrinkles—Each Under $35 on Amazon 

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. CLEARSTEM and Elemis are STYLECASTER sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. 

Courtesy of Elemis.

Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum

If your skin is sensitive to retinol, you’ve got to try out this renewal serum that works just as hard as retinol but is much more gentle. Its ingredients consist of Stevia extract, brown algae and red microalgae which each have similar benefits to retinol. These combine to reduce the appearance of fine lines, boost firmness, hydrate and protect your skin. Per a user trial, an impressive 97 percent of users say this serum provides “all the anti-aging benefits of retinol without over-drying or irritation.”

CLEARSTEM.

CLEARSTEM HYDRAGLOW Stem Cell Moisturizer

Enriched with bakuchiol, squalane and stem cells, this moisturizer trains your skin to boost collagen production overnight. It’ll leave your skin plump, healthy and youthful. Plus, the formula excludes any toxins that might damage skin or clog pores.

Sunday Riley.

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum

6.5 percent of this retinol serum is a mix of retinol esters and retinol alternative ingredients that foster gentler application.

The Inkey List.

The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer

If you’d rather cut the serums (and steps) from your nightly routine, try out this daily moisturizer that’s infused with bakuchiol and squalane.

Versed Skincare.

Versed Press Start Gentle Retinol Serum

This is another mix-and-match formula made up of encapsulated retinol and botanical alternatives to ease irritation without sacrificing visible results.

Herbivore Botanicals.

Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum

Herbivore’s skin-smoothing serum is another best-selling bakuchiol product, also enriched with Tremella Mushroom for moisture retention and polyhydroxy acids, the gentlest of all chemical acids, for exfoliation.

bareMinerals.

bareMinerals Ageless 10% Phyto-Retinol Night Concentrate

This lightweight lotion reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the plant-powered phyto-retinol included in the formula. The formula is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, ages and tones.

Alpyn Beauty.

Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer

Get yourself a multitasking hydrator like this one that moisturizes (ceramides and squalane), brightens (vitamin C) and diminishes fine lines (bakuchiol).

Biossance.

Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum

Try this lightweight, highly hydrating serum in between your cleanser and moisturizer for noticeable results minus irritation.

REN Clean Skincare.

REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Cream

In addition to bakuchiol, this moisturizer also includes a derivative of Brazilian Organic White Beggar’s Tick Flower, which also improves skin texture.

Ole Henriksen.

Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Bakuchiol Sleeping Crème

This night cream is made with bakuchiol to boost your skin’s natural repair process as you sleep.

Algenist.

Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum

Before slathering on your moisturizer, get into this oil-free serum, made with alguronic acid, a totally underrated and microalgae-based alternative to retinol.

Bybi Beauty.

Bakuchiol + Olive Squalane Oil Booster

This inexpensive booster—infused with bakuchiol and olive oil—should be mixed with your moisturizer and serum to improve the texture of your skin while you sleep.

Lancer.

Lancer Advanced Retinol Treatment

This unique formula includes an exclusive blend of actual retinol, bakuchiol and a soy complex that slowly releases into the skin.

Omorovicza.

Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil

If you prefer fighting oil with oil, this luxurious option will do just that, in addition to tackling fine lines.

Sutton Stracke’s White Butterfly Dress on Instagram

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 2022 Instagram Fashion

I do not remember seeing Sutton Stracke at Peaches and Little Craig’s wedding on Southern Charm last week, but according to her IG she was there! Along with that piece of info we also learned via IG that she owns the cutest white butterfly dress! And now we can’t wait for one just like it too flutter into our cocoon closet.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Agua by Agua Bendita Dress

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Photo Credit: @suttonstracke

Originally posted at: Sutton Stracke’s White Butterfly Dress

Margaret Josephs’ Black and White Printed Dress on Instagram

Real Housewives of New Jersey 2022 Instagram Fashion

I can speak for us all in saying we are screaming Si Si to Margaret Josephs’ super cute black and white printed dress. We do have to pay credit where credit is due because she gave us a little hint on where she got it. And now we can pay money where money is due and that’s on a Style Stealer of this dress, obvi.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Hemant and Nandita Dress

Photo + Info: @therealmargaretjosephs

Originally posted at: Margaret Josephs’ Black and White Printed Dress

Have you been told that you should cut your hair and wear it short now that you are over 60? It used to be that women automatically cut their long locks when they hit a certain age to look socially acceptable. Thankfully, times are changing, and women are keeping their long hair well into their 60s and beyond.

Here Is Our List of Longer Hairstyles for Older Women

1. Side-Parted Naturally Straight – Add volume to the top of straight hair.
2. Beachy Long Textured Hair – Perfect for you beach girls!
3. Long Hairstyle Updo – Perfect for those bad hair days.
4. Single-Length Salt & Pepper – Thicker-looking hair.
5. Bold Colored Long Hair – For you fabulous firecrackers out there!
6. Natural Gray Tie Back – Pull back a ponytail with only the top part of your hair.
7. Bouncy Shoulder Length – Sexy and vintage looking.
8. Curled Long Hairstyle – Add beautiful curls to your long hair for a flirty look.
9. Small Natural Dreads – Dreadlocks don’t have any age.
10. Accessorized Long Hairstyle – Add some interesting accessories.

Oftentimes, women cut their hair short when they stop coloring and start to let their natural gray grow in. There are ways to let the gray grow and blend in with your existing colored hair without having to chop it all off. Talk to your hairstylist about highlights and lowlights as you go through the process. The visible roots won’t create a line but rather a blended effect of different colors.

At any age, long hair needs to be well kept and cared for to look healthy. Regular conditioning and cuts will keep your long hair looking splendid.

Longer Hairstyles for Older Women

Side-Parted Naturally Straight

This natural beauty is rocking her long white-blonde hairstyle. When parted on the side, long hair can give a softer look and add a little volume at the top of the head. Use an anti-frizz serum to make sure to keep flyaways at bay.

Beachy Long Textured Hair

Still a beach girl at heart? When blessed with thick hair why chop it off? Add texture and dimension to your dark hair with highlights and use a hair-texturizing sea salt spray to give you that perfect beachy look.

Long Hairstyle Updo

Having long hair means having options for styling your hair differently every day if you wish. On those days when you can’t be bothered to style your hair, use a hair clip and pull your hair back into a messy bun look. Leave a few strands to fall around your face for a natural soft look.

Single-Length Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper hair naturally looks more textured and can even give the impression of having thicker hair. This beautiful woman is obviously blessed with thick hair, but you can create the look by adding dark lowlights into your white or gray hair and avoiding layers.

Bold Colored Long Hair

Do you have a bold personality and enjoy playing with fashion and trends? Why not dye your long hair a bright red or punchy purple to match your authentic self? Remember to condition colored hair and to keep the color fresh.

Natural Gray Tie Back

Tie the back half of your hair into a ponytail to add fullness and showcase your beautiful face. This everyday hairstyle looks put together and can even take you to an evening look by adding an accessory like a sparkly comb or a flower at the back.

Bouncy Shoulder Length

Blow out your long hair with a rounded brush to add volume and bounce. Use a thickening styling product and a quality brush to achieve the look. We can glimpse a touch of a vintage 1950s vibe in this hairstyle.

Curled Long Hairstyle

This naturally beautiful woman looks amazing with her long curled locks and side-swept curtain bangs. Use a large-barrel curling iron or hot rollers to achieve the look.

Small Natural Dreads

Dreadlocks look great at any age. Beautiful small dreads look elegant in natural gray/white hair. Make sure to keep your locks conditioned and looking fresh.

Accessorized Long Hairstyle

Be playful with your long hair. Add hairbands, hair clips, or barrettes to switch up your look every day. Remember to match your hair accessory to your outfit and jewelry.

Do you have long hair? Did you recently cut your long hair because you felt pressured and now regret it? Which is your favorite long hairstyle?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

There’s nothing quite like putting in the effort to style your hair, only to have it all go to waste as soon as you step outside. August may be flying by, but the humidity will no doubt hang on quite a bit longer—all the more reason to pick up an anti-frizz serum, like the GK Hair Argan Oil, to live out your best summer hair days while you still can. Bonus: It’s currently on sale for the cost of a latte. 

Keratin and argan oil join forces in this simple yet effective serum; it stimulates thicker hair growth, protects against heat damage and leaves your strands silky smooth. It instantly gives new life to varying hair types, from tight curls to thin locks, by adding a protective layer around each follicle to restore the hair to a more youthful state. Frizzy, brittle, and extremely dry strands feel incredibly hydrated post-application to the point of a “salon-like treatment,” per the brand, and are even protected against environmental aggressors, such as pollution and sun exposure. 

Amazon

Amazon reviewers have left behind thousands of glowing reviews and ratings for the multipurpose hair product. One person even called it “liquid gold” for its ability to soften their dry ends and style their hair faster, while others agree a little of the oil goes a long way.

“This product calms my frizz better than anything else, and leaves my hair feeling smoother, stronger, and so much healthier,” raved one. “Love it, and will keep buying it over and over again. Also, it smells WONDERFUL.”

“Absolutely love the smell of this product! It’s divine,” said another. “And it’s one of the only products I’ve found that removes frizz and keeps my very coarse hair smooth and shiny. Love it!”

RELATED: This Fast-Acting Serum Leaves ‘Clear and Ageless’ Skin in Its Wake—& It Rarely Goes on Sale

The weightless serum can be applied on clean, damp or dry hair; simply work it in from the ends up to midway across your locks to calm flyaways, smooth frizz and soften dry, split ends. You can even add a generous amount from your scalp to your ends for a quick hair treatment pre-shampoo. 

For just $6, you really can’t go wrong. Pick up a bottle of the GK Hair Argan Oil for an instant hair pick-me-up.