Benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid. Sulfur. BHAs and AHAs and PHAs. We’re used to hearing all these ingredients when it comes to breakouts. But there’s one buzzy new acne treatment that has everyone talking: succinic acid. It’s on the newer side in the beauty industry but it’s been used medicinally in European countries for years. Now, brands such as The Inkey List are using the ingredient to help acne sufferers get their clearest skin yet.

First, let’s start with the good stuff. Succinic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation (great for those red cystic zits) and excess sebum, while also de-clogging pores. Unlike other acne treatments, it doesn’t dry out the skin which can sometimes make a breakout worse. It helps balance pH levels so dehydrated skin is a thing of the past. It can even help hydrate the skin. Know what that means? Not only does it help with breakouts and dark spots, but it can also plump pesky fine lines and wrinkles. Succinic acid is naturally found in amber or sugar cane and fermented for use.

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.

One of the first big brands to incorporate succinic acid into its products is The Inkey List. The Succinic Acid Treatment works so well, it keeps selling out. (It’s probably also thanks to the affordable price tag.) Not only did The Inkey List put 2 percent succinic acid in its spot treatment, but also 1 percent sulfur powder to help absorb oil and salicylic acid to exfoliate. The combination of these three ingredients makes this one powerhouse product.

Although this is a more gentle acne treatment that works overtime, you’ll still want to use a hydrating moisturizer and/or serum after application. It’s safe to use during the day and some fans even use it under makeup. A skin-clearing primer? Sign me up.

Because this best-seller keeps flying off the shelves you’ll want to check back here and see if it’s back in stock. Don’t worry—Sephora does keep restocking it. In the meantime, try some other favorites from the brand to keep your skin in tip-top shape.

Retinol Anti-Aging Serum

This non-irritating, line-smoothing formula uses 1 percent of what the brand calls “RetiStar stabilized retinol” as well as .5 percent Granactive retinoid to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as squalane for hydration.

Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser

Oily, acne-prone skin doesn’t stand a chance against 2 percent salicylic acid, anti-inflammatory zinc compound and soothing .5 percent Allantoin.

Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

This lightweight serum kicks shine, as well as reduces blemishes, redness, and hyperpigmentation, with 10 percent niacinamide.

Benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid. Sulfur. BHAs and AHAs and PHAs. We’re used to hearing all these ingredients when it comes to breakouts. But there’s one buzzy new acne treatment that has everyone talking: succinic acid. It’s on the newer side in the beauty industry but it’s been used medicinally in European countries for years. Now, brands such as The Inkey List are using the ingredient to help acne sufferers get their clearest skin yet.

First, let’s start with the good stuff. Succinic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation (great for those red cystic zits) and excess sebum, while also de-clogging pores. Unlike other acne treatments, it doesn’t dry out the skin which can sometimes make a breakout worse. It helps balance pH levels so dehydrated skin is a thing of the past. It can even help hydrate the skin. Know what that means? Not only does it help with breakouts and dark spots, but it can also plump pesky fine lines and wrinkles. Succinic acid is naturally found in amber or sugar cane and fermented for use.

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.

One of the first big brands to incorporate succinic acid into its products is The Inkey List. The Succinic Acid Treatment works so well, it keeps selling out. (It’s probably also thanks to the affordable price tag.) Not only did The Inkey List put 2 percent succinic acid in its spot treatment, but also 1 percent sulfur powder to help absorb oil and salicylic acid to exfoliate. The combination of these three ingredients makes this one powerhouse product.

Although this is a more gentle acne treatment that works overtime, you’ll still want to use a hydrating moisturizer and/or serum after application. It’s safe to use during the day and some fans even use it under makeup. A skin-clearing primer? Sign me up.

Because this best-seller keeps flying off the shelves you’ll want to check back here and see if it’s back in stock. Don’t worry—Sephora does keep restocking it. In the meantime, try some other favorites from the brand to keep your skin in tip-top shape.

Retinol Anti-Aging Serum

This non-irritating, line-smoothing formula uses 1 percent of what the brand calls “RetiStar stabilized retinol” as well as .5 percent Granactive retinoid to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as squalane for hydration.

Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser

Oily, acne-prone skin doesn’t stand a chance against 2 percent salicylic acid, anti-inflammatory zinc compound and soothing .5 percent Allantoin.

Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

This lightweight serum kicks shine, as well as reduces blemishes, redness, and hyperpigmentation, with 10 percent niacinamide.

Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s Gradient Flat Top Sunglasses on Instastories

Real Housewives of Orange County Instagram Fashion 2021

I think it’s safe to say we’re totally in love with Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s gradient flat top sunglasses (which were made by the popular brand in a collaboration with J.Lo) she recently showed off to us with her rocking bikini-bod on Instastories. And while love may not cost a thing, these babies are still super affordable at only $70…so you probably shouldn’t be waiting for tonight to click “add to cart.” 

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Quay Australia Sunglasses

Click Here to Shop a Similar Bikini Top

Photo: @BraunwynWindhamBurke

Originally posted at: Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s Gradient Flat Top Sunglasses

A variety of brushes and other makeup applicators can help us apply makeup with more precision and subtlety. They can have a considerable impact on the way we look and investing in a set of superior quality brushes is a wonderful idea. It’s also economical in the long run.

Brushes for Makeup After 50

It makes good sense to buy high-quality make-up tools. They will do a much better job than cheap and nasty tools and will save your face and ultimately your pocketbook. The brushes sold inside compacts are really pretty useless, especially the blush brushes.

Buy brushes with firm, soft bristles that won’t shed easily. Good brushes and better application create a more youthful look. There is a variety of brushes you can use.

A foundation brush has long bristles and is used to blend the foundation well into your skin to create the flawless look.

Concealer brushes are used to cover blemishes by blending the concealer into the skin.

There are a lot of eyeshadow brushes! Use them on the eyelid to add highlights under the brow and to blend the eyeshadow upwards at the outer corner of the eyes.

A blush brush has soft bristles, is very “full” and is used to add color to the cheeks in soft circular movements. Always add the color to the top of the apples of the cheeks and not along the cheekbone.

Use a lip pencil to outline the lips and then use a lip brush to apply the lipstick. The lip pencil should be the same color as the lipstick (not darker).

A lip brush provides a longer lasting application as it pushes the lipstick deep into the creases on the lips. You can use a layer of powder on the lipstick and then apply a second coat. Then, blot the lips with a tissue. The lipstick “stays” longer and is unlikely to run into the creases around your lips.

The bristles on a blender brush are usually cut at an angle, a shape that only works for blending. You cannot live without brushes that blend; buy several for different blending jobs!

Sponges and Pads

There are also many different types of sponges and pads which can be used for makeup application.

Silk sponges are excellent for applying a cream foundation. A flat, circular sea sponge (like a very small pancake) is good for removing makeup. You can also buy pads that are eye make-up or face makeup removers that contain a skin disinfectant or even moisturizer.

And instead of using reusable pads and sponges, you may choose to use disposable cotton balls or cotton pads and cotton buds.

Remember to Protect Your Brushes after Every Use

Clean your brushes at least once a month because they collect bacteria, dead cells and the like. If you don’t clean them properly, you may acquire some skin problems. Just wash the brushes in warm soapy water and let them dry naturally on a towel, or between two towels if you dry them outside.

And to finish, here are some of the most common mistakes that will make you look as though you’re wearing a mask.

The first mistake is not taking the foundation up to the hairline. Another is not blending foundation around the ears, neck, etc., as well as applying blush in a stripe along the bone.

Other mistakes include wearing too much foundation and blush or trying to conceal every freckle and line and imagined mark.

You also want to avoid removing all shine. Finally, avoid too much eyeliner and/or mascara, especially under the eyes or failing to apply concealer to dark shadows under the eyes.

How many different makeup brushes do you use? Do you wash them regularly? Which ones are your favorites? Do you have any special tips and tricks you would like to share with us? What makeup after 50 tips can you share? Please join the conversation.

For many of us, winter can feel like a season that just drags on and on and on. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and more precipitation are perfect for putting us in a constant state of misery. Mix that in with the post-holiday blues, and it’s no wonder this time of year can be tough.

Perhaps the power of science can give us the extra motivation we need to elevate our spirits and keep ourselves focused on our new year’s resolutions for our wellbeing.

The Effects of Seasonal Change on Our Minds (and Brains)

You might feel lazier and gloomier this time of year. Well, there’s a reason for that. The consensus among health scientists is that a lack of sunlight affects our brains.

Photosensitive receptors in our eyes detect changes in the light levels in our environment. These receptors contain a photopigment called melanopsin, which responds to blue light and signals to our brain that it is daytime.

The specialized melanopsin neurons in our eye are poorly stimulated in the winter due to a lack of sunlight, and this impacts our internal clock, or circadian rhythm. As we age, our circadian rhythm also becomes less consistent, making it harder for us to adjust to the winter.

The low melanopsin responses and altered circadian rhythm that we experience in the winter can make us prone, among other unhealthy things, to sleep disorders, carb cravings, depression, and anxiety. The good news is that there are ways to actively combat the winter doldrums.

Have a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Light is the most important driver in our circadian system because our natural sleep schedule relies on our exposure to daylight. Once it’s dark outside, specialized cells in our brain prepare us for sleep, making us tired.

The decrease in the number of daylight hours tells our body that we should be sleeping. While we could simply indulge in more rest, too much shuteye, just like too little, can negatively impact our health.

Moreover, as we age, sleep becomes more necessary, because it helps reduce our risk for age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. So, how can we cope with the seasonal change and prevent common sleep problems?

Create a regular sleep schedule and a light-exposure schedule. Train your body to sleep well by going to bed and getting up around the same time each day, even on weekends. Expose yourself to sunlight or bright light when you wake up and throughout the morning.

Bright light can help to regulate your circadian rhythm, decrease the time you need to fall asleep at night, and help you to stay asleep longer. Avoid spending time in front of a screen at least two hours before bed: the blue light from screens will keep you up at night, throwing off your sleep schedule.

A solid sleep schedule yields benefits beyond a good night’s rest. It will also make it easier to regulate your exercise and diet and manage your stressors during the winter.

Set a Goal to Exercise

It might be hard to get exercise in the winter. The external chill isn’t exactly motivating, and it can be tempting to just stay cozied up at home. Yet, just like sleep, exercise is important when it comes to regulating our circadian rhythm. So, it’s also important to set times for moving around and being active throughout the day.

If possible, exercise outdoors. Not only will the sunlight and physical activity boost your mood, they will also help to regulate your sleep. If you’re stuck indoors, try yoga or Tai chi. Both have been shown to reduce stress and promote a greater sense of ease by reducing physical stress responses to triggers in the environment.

Drink Green Tea

Winter is a season that dehydrates us, because the systems we use to heat our homes and workplaces dry the air around us. Dehydration can significantly impact our ability to concentrate. Adjusting your total fluid intake to your lifestyle and environment is an obvious solution to this problem.

If, in addition to drinking plenty of water, you make drinking herbal tea part of your daily routine, you’ll be treating your body to various mood-boosting substances. Green tea, in particular, can reduce anxiety, relieve tension and help you feel more relaxed, all thanks to a compound called L-theanine. So why not cozy up this season with a hot cup of green tea?

Avoid Loneliness

The chill and darkness of winter make it especially tempting to hunker down and avoid social interaction. However, don’t allow yourself to become lonely through isolation. Loneliness is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia.

Make an effort to contact friends and family, invest in a hobby or play some of your favourite tunes during the daytime!

Stay on Track This Winter

The winter season can be hard on all of us. Making an effort to get light exposure and shifting our routine to fit the season can improve our overall brain health.

Scheduling our light exposure, getting some exercise, drinking green tea, and engaging in fun activities are easy ways to avoid seasonal affective disorder, decrease our risk of cognitive decline, and feel relaxed. They’ll also keep us on track to achieve our new year’s resolutions.

It can be hard to stay motivated during this season. Sometimes, having someone holding you accountable can help you get through the winter doldrums.

The Synaptitude Brain Fitness Program can help you develop personalized strategies for optimizing your sleep, diet, exercise, stress, and memory and for tracking your progress. To learn more about the program, check out our Brain Health Assessment.

How is winter affecting your mood? Do you feel gloomy most of the time? How often do you catch yourself craving more light? What strategy are you using to keep yourself motivated and out of the doldrums? Please share in the comments below.