Product Recommendations

Top 10 ingredients in cosmetic products you should know about

September 30, 2024 No Comments

Do you ever read the labels on your skincare and cosmetic products?

Have you ever wondered what goes into them and why they have a certain texture, smell and feel? If you continue buying cosmetic products that don’t give you the desired results, you might think that there’s something wrong with the products.

Well, guess what? In most situations, there is nothing wrong with the cosmetic products but they might just not be right for your skin type.

The formulations of those cosmetic products may not give you the results you are looking for. And, that’s why it’s important to study the ingredients carefully and read every label. I have spent a good amount of time studying the various ingredients that brands today put in their products and the results they have.

I know you’re going to say “So what”? We don’t have to read the label to understand whether a product will work for us or not. If you have dry skin, I am sure you can figure out over time when a product doesn’t give you enough hydration. And if you have oily skin, then you know well which cosmetic products make your skin greasier and provide more than needed hydration. But there are two main reasons why you should start reading labels on your cosmetic products,

To understand what you’re putting on your skin
To layer different cosmetic products effectively on top of each other and optimize their results

That is why makeup is an art. Because we don’t just blindly layer cosmetic products on top of each other. We need to really know what kind of primer goes well with what kind of foundation, concealer and so on. If you really want smooth and long lasting results, then it’s important to know your product’s ingredients and how they will work.

Usually, we only need to look at the first 4-5 ingredients to understand the formulation of our skincare and cosmetic products. In most situations, those are the key ingredients in defining the composition of the products. So, I have curated a list of the top 10 most commonly found ingredients in our skincare and makeup products, and their properties.

1. Water

This is usually the first ingredient in most cosmetic products like foundations. It can also be listed as Aqua or Hydra. It’s usually used as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients and give the cosmetic products a liquid consistency so that they can easily spread on the skin. If you have an oily skin, then a water-based moisturizer or serum would work best for you as part of your skincare routine because all water-based cosmetic products provide light hydration and don’t make the skin oily or greasy.

2. Glycerin and Glycol

These are humectants, meaning they provide great hydration and lock in moisture. They generally are the key ingredients in hydrating skincare cosmetic products so they’re great for those with dry skin. They also help slow down the evaporation of water from the skin, which can help keep the skin moist and hydrated for a longer duration. So they’re best to use in winters.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, or even combination skin with dry areas, then a skincare product with Glycerin or Glycol as one of the first 3-4 ingredients would be a great source of moisturization.

3. Hyaluronic acid

This also provides good hydration and is found in many moisturizers, serums and primers. It’s also great to improve skin elasticity and make the skin flexible. It doesn’t have a greasy texture like glycerin but provides a lighter hydration, where Glycerin provides a heavier hydration. So, for all those with oily skin, this ingredient would work great.

4. Paraffinum Liquidum and Cera Alba

This ingredient is wax based and is derived from petroleum. Since it is derived from a mineral based oil, it provides heavy hydration. It makes the skin smooth and soft, but it doesn’t get absorbed in the skin. It protects the skin from dehydration. So, if you come across any product with this ingredient in the first 4-5 on the list, then you should know that the product will provide intense hydration and will work best on dry skin.

Cera Alba is also a wax based ingredient but it is derived from beeswax. This ingredient is also intensely hydrating, just like Paraffinum Liquidum. So any product with this as the key ingredient will also work best on dry skin. Another benefit of this ingredient in skincare cosmetic products is that it forms a protective barrier against all external elements so it essentially protects the skin from dirt, pollution etc.

5. PEG/PPG

This ingredient is an emulsifier, meaning it is mainly used to mix different types of ingredients together. Some ingredients like Silicone are hydrophobic so they don’t mix with water. But with the help of an emulsifier, such hydrophobic ingredients can be effectively mixed with water. So, in our silicone based foundations you will likely find this ingredient that is working to mix silicone with water. That is the only function of this ingredient.

6. Polymers

This is one of the most important ingredients and it’s mainly used as a film-former. That means it creates a plastic layer wherever it is applied and prevents the product from moving too much. It is widely used in hair sprays. Most common polymers are Copolymer and PVP. Because of their film forming ability, they are very good to provide a long lasting and transfer-proof finish. They are widely found in makeup fixing sprays. So, if your makeup fixing spray has this ingredient as one of the top 5 then you should know that the spray will provide excellent transfer-proof and long lasting results.

7. Isododecane

This ingredient is usually found in foundation mixers like Inglot Duraline to make the makeup long lasting and waterproof. That is why this ingredient is mainly used in waterproof mascaras or long lasting liquid lipsticks. It is also used in some makeup setting sprays to fix the makeup and make it stay in place. So, if you see this ingredient listed among the top 4-5 in the list, you should know that the product will provide longevity to your makeup. So, when you’re looking for a longer lasting makeup product, you should find one with this as one of the key ingredients.

8. Talc

This ingredient is derived from sand and is used to absorb excess oil on the skin, prevent caking, and give a blurry effect. That is why this ingredient is mainly used in makeup setting powders.

9. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

This ingredient has the same function as Mica, i.e. to increase sparkle or shine of the finished cosmetics. You will mainly find this ingredient in blushes, eyeshadows and highlighters. So if any of your product has this as one of the ingredients, then know that the product will provide a more shiny, dewy effect versus matte.

10. Silicones

There are multiple functions that Silicones serve in our cosmetic products. One of their main functions is to absorb excess oil to leave a matte finish. Also, it sits on the skin and doesn’t get absorbed so it creates a barrier on the skin and prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin. That is why many primers today have silicone because it’s best to prep the skin and absorb excess moisture before layering cosmetic products

Another function of silicones is to smoothen the surface, which is what creates a blurry effect on the skin. There are mainly two types of silicones found in most cosmetic products – Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane. So, if your cosmetic products have any one of these as the key ingredient, then you should know that it is a silicone based product and will serve all the functions mentioned above.

There are many more ingredients that cosmetic products today contain but these 10 are the most used ones. I hope this can be a helpful guide for you in understanding the top ingredients of our favorite cosmetic products. Leave in your comments if you have more insights to share! 🙂

If you’re interested in learning more about skincare and makeup, you can find more blogs here.

Beauty, Product Recommendations

Best skin prep products that you should have in your vanity!

August 4, 2024 No Comments

If you’re a makeup enthusiast like myself, I am sure you know that there’s nothing more satisfying than a flawless and long lasting makeup base. Many a time, we struggle with our makeup coming off, looking patchy or flaky and we think that’s because our technique went wrong somewhere in the process. I have tried changing my makeup application and swapped my beauty blenders for brushes. But, that didn’t always fix the problem. Incorporating the best skin prep products in your makeup regime can definitely address most of the issues we face with makeup today.

Preparing your skin well before starting with your makeup is the most important part to achieving a flawless look. So, never underestimate skin prep and in fact, spend more time on it. If your skin prep is done right, not only will your makeup glide smoothly, but it will also save you from applying extra layers. Because in today’s world, where “less is more” is the trend, who needs three layers of foundation when you can do with just one?

So, this blog is my attempt to share some of the best skin prep products that I have tried and found to be the best so far. Some of these were recommended to me by some professional makeup artists and some were based on my own research. I have tried all of these and I can swear by them.

So, let’s jump right in!

1. Cleansing

The first step, as we all know, is to start with a clean and clear skin. I usually start with a gentle cleanser that is soft and doesn’t irritate my skin. For this, I recommend the cult favorite that’s been recommended by many of the industry’s top artists. It’s the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. Although I have a combination skin, I can safely say that this balm works well for all skin types. It melts down impurities and makeup, and really leaves the skin feeling clean and soft.

Another used and cult favorite cleanser is Garnier’s Micellar Water. I have used this for the longest time and I still haven’t found a better alternative. This can be used as a makeup remover when you want to take off your makeup or can be used as part of skin prep to give yourself a clean canvas to start your makeup with. So, if you don’t have the time or patience to do the full cleansing ritual, you can just start from this step. This also works well on every skin type. Just be sure to use an oil-free version of this product.

As a general rule of thumb in makeup, all steps before moisturizing should include only oil-free products. Using an oil-based product in cleansing or toning can further clog your pores and interfere with your makeup application.

2. Toning

One toner that I have used since forever and has worked really well for me is Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion. It’s a very light weight toner that works really well to prepare your skin to absorb all the serums and moisturizers that you will be layering on in the following steps.

Another great toner that was recommended to me by my dermatologist and has worked well for me so far is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This works very well in the long term in unclogging pores and reducing unevenness. This toner has a bit of a thicker texture so if you have a really oily skin then use it sparingly.

3. Moisturizing

They say that a good moisturizer can make or break your makeup. And I completely agree with that. It’s very important to know your skin type and needs, and accordingly choose the right moisturizer. If you have a combination skin, it’s very important to apply the right moisturizer to the right target areas. For example, my t-zone is oily so I usually apply a very light weight water-based moisturizer on my t-zone. However, my forehead and rest of the face are normal so I sometimes can go in with a heavier moisturizer depending on the coverage I want.

One of my favorite serums to begin with is Tatcha’s Essence. This product is very light weight so it’s not enough on its own as it does not provide enough hydration to the skin. But it lays a good groundwork for your moisturizer to go on smoothly.

I also really like using facial sprays that provide a light hydration and prepare the skin for moisturizer. One of my favorite facial sprays is Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Aloe vera and rosewater are both humectants so they attract and bind water, and help retain moisture.

When it comes to moisturizers under makeup, I have two favorites. For oily or normal skin, I recommend Tatcha’s Water Cream. This cream leaves such a soft and plump texture and also provides a subtle glow. That makes it very easy to apply base products.

Another favorite that I would recommend for people with normal to dry skin is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. I have used this cream on the majority of my clients and the results have been flawless. This moisturizer works well on most of the skin types and it really provides a very long lasting finish. It has beeswax, aloe vera and shea butter. All of these are extremely hydrating ingredients so it’s perfect for dry skin or someone that needs extra hydration for a long lasting and heavy coverage.

4. Lip prep

One of my most favorite lip oils that I have been using religiously since the last few months as part of skin prep is Lyst’s Glossy Lip Treatment Oil. I got my hands on this oil when I was attending a makeup show and it was recommended to me by a makeup artist. I have been using it since then and I just love the moisturization it provides. It has a thick texture so it really plumps the lips and also provides a soft glow.

5. Eye prep

Another favorite skin prep product is Good Molecules Wake Up Eye Gel. It makes for a great eye primer and works well to reduce puffiness, fine lines and smoothen the under eye area. I have been using it on my clients and it has worked really well so far.

6. Priming

I have some favorites when it comes to primers, depending on the look I am going for.

If you have normal to oily skin, and you used a water-based moisturizer, then one of the best water-based primers you can use is Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. Since this is a water-based primer, make sure to only use it over water-based moisturizers. Do not try to layer it over oil-based or wax-based moisturizers as it will crack. Its main function is to provide a strong grip to your foundation, as the name suggests. So when you want a long lasting and dewy finish, this is one of the best to use. It’s also very light weight so it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and provides a very smooth base for the foundation to glide on.

If you want more of a dewy look, my recommendation is Denessa Myricks Glow Serum Primer. This product went viral on social media when it was launched. And the buzz was worth it because this primer really provides great hydration and glow. It is infused with skincare so it’s not just sitting on your skin but it’s actually going deeper into the skin layers and providing an inner glow and nourishment. It works really well with Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover and provides a flawless look.

My final recommendation when it comes to primers is B3 Astraea Facial Oil. Even though it’s a facial oil, it doesn’t have a very greasy texture so it is suitable for all skin types. So, if after moisturization, your skin still feels thirsty and you feel like you need more hydration, this oil is a great option. It has very nourishing ingredients so it can be used as part of skincare regularly as well. However, the best way I have found to use it is to mix it with my concealers and foundations. That way I can make sure that I lock in the moisture when I layer in my base products. I use it mainly with wax-based makeup like the Graftobian Foundation Palette and it works flawlessly.

And that’s a wrap as far as the best skin prep products go. As we all know, there’s no rulebook when it comes to skincare or makeup and it’s a very personal choice. But with the right products, tools and methods, we can definitely achieve that flawless makeup look that we all strive for.

Hope you liked reading my post. Feel free to leave your comments or thoughts in the comments section below!

For my recommendations on the best makeup products, follow this link.

Beauty, Product Recommendations, Product Reviews

Top 10 makeup products that are worth having!

June 13, 2023 1 Comment

I am going to be honest and tell you that my relationship with makeup isn’t too old. That’s partly because I got introduced to it a little later in life and partly because my focus has been more heavily towards skin care. I believe that a healthy looking skin doesn’t need too much makeup application and thats what I have been aiming for. Not to say that you need makeup to hide your skin flaws. That, absolutely, should not be the purpose of it. Makeup, in my opinion, is a very personal choice and a great reflection of your personality. It makes you look and feel confident.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve received a lot of good and bad feedback on my makeup. Some of it made sense but some didn’t because I don’t really think there’s a rule book to follow. Of course, there’s a set of steps and some important things to keep in mind. But, it should be a personal choice and should be open to experimentation. And experimentation is what I have been doing over the last couple of years. Not just with makeup products, but also with the different styles of makeup. And, I have realized that a no-makeup or soft glam look is what works best for me. Because, I really like to keep it pretty natural looking.

And my experimentation with makeup products has helped me find just the right kinds of products that help me achieve this natural looking or minimalistic look. Here’s 10 of my favorites that I’d like to share with you.

1. The FaceShop Pomegranate and Collagen Volume Lifting Cream || $33.25 on Amazon

I came across this cream on Instagram and it was recommended by one of the makeup influencers I follow. This cream has an amazing texture and it has such a dewy effect on the skin. It works great as a primer and two layers of this cream will not only give you a very glass looking finish but also bind your makeup so well that you can easily go without a touch up for straight 12 hours. Believe me, because I have done that!

2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer || $36 on Sephora

I have been loving Fenty Beauty products ever since I’ve started using them. I have tried concealers, bronzers and primers by this brand and I just love all the products I have tried so far. Their Pro Filt’r hydrating primer is my recent favorite. Because I have an oily skin, I don’t like creams and primers with a very heavy texture. This primer has a very light creamy texture and as soon as you apply it, your skin will feel very hydrated. It also has a great soft glow that looks perfect under makeup. This primer also works well to keep the makeup in place. Its a great hydrating primer for oily skin in my opinion.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter || $49 on Ulta

This product is a bit on the expensive side but if you like an illuminating effect then this one is for you. I recently bought this in the mini size and have used it at least 3 times and I am just loving it. This product can be applied as a base before your foundation or over your foundation. I use it before my foundation and after my primer, only on the high points of my face. And once I top it off with foundation, I can really see a perfect glow on my cheekbones and nose. You don’t need a lot of it so a little goes a long way but if you’ve been wanting to get a glowy makeup look, you can give this product a try. I got this in the shade 3 Fair.

4. L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer || $5.49 on Ulta

This concealer has a great coverage and longevity. It feels very natural upon application and certainly gives a brightening effect. I don’t use any other concealer when I am using this product. My shade is Pure Beige.

5. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation | $6.94 on Amazon

Perhaps one of my best drugstore buys. I’ve always loved Maybelline as a brand so I wanted to give this foundation a try. I had been looking for a more soft coverage and light weight foundation that I could use every day. This one just fit the bill because its not only soft and light, it also gives such a natural yet flawless look. Whats even better is that it works perfectly on oily skin like mine! Below is what it looks like, after being mixed the Farsali serum. I use the shade Nude Beige.

6. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation | $49 on Sephora

If you’re looking for a more medium to full coverage, then Estée Lauder has one of the best foundations. It comes in a variety of shades and gives an amazing coverage in just one layer. I use this mostly when I am going out and need a perfect coverage. I use the shade 3W1 Tawny.

7. Huda Beauty Setting Powder | $38 on Sephora

I don’t always use a baking powder but if I am doing heavy makeup or applying multiple layers, I think its necessary to bake it well so that it stays in place. And for setting powder, the one brand I trust the most is Huda Beauty. Their baking powders are light weight and come with a cute little sponge to make the application easy. The powder holds the makeup perfectly for hours. I use it in the shade Banana Bread.

8. Huda Beauty Empowered Eye Shadow Palette | $69 on Sephora

I am a sucker for a good eye shadow palette. Eye shadows are always part of my look because no matter how natural looking makeup you do, a nice eye shadow will always accentuate your look without making it look too over the top. My constant favorite has been the Empowered Palette from Huda Beauty. What I like the most about this palette is that it has a variety of gorgeous colors, some of which are cream based so they blend and settle well on the lids. This is one of my favorite makeup products.

9. Fenty Beauty Bronzer | $35 on Sephora

I recently started using this one and I absolutely love this bronzer. I really like the texture and how well it settles on my skin. I use it in the shade Caramel Cutie.

10. Anastasia Glow Kit | $40 at Sephora

This highlighter kit is absolutely stunning. With four different shades, it can be also used as a bronzer with the dark shades. Can also be used as an eye shadow so its really a multipurpose palette. I have used the Moonstone shade in the below picture.

I can’t wait to share some of my favorite lipsticks as well with you all but that’s for another day. Leaving you with some pictures of my finished makeup look!

Don’t forget to check out my quick and easy makeup tutorial on Instagram. Feel free to comment below on what your favorite makeup products are.

Beauty, Product Recommendations

My morning skincare routine for a healthy and dewy skin

May 1, 2023 1 Comment

Sadly, a skincare routine was never a part of my life growing up. I realized much later in life that I should’ve followed a good skin care routine to reap the benefits such as a glowing and healthy looking skin. I know you won’t believe me if I tell you that I actually realized the importance of skin care on my wedding day. Funny, right?

Nonetheless, since that day five years ago, I have been very particular about my skincare routine and I try to follow it religiously every day. I also try to keep it simple and do it in fewer steps so that it doesn’t take too much effort. Fortunately, I have never had acne problems and my skin has been good for the most part but because I have oily skin, it comes with its own challenges. Once in a while, I get milia which basically is a common condition for those with oily skin because it is formed due to clogging of pores when there’s dust, sweat or makeup residues on the face. So, it’s very important for me to follow a good skincare routine as much as I can.

After a lot of continued research and trials, I am finally in a good place with my skin care products and I have been able to see some very good results after using these for many years consistently. That being said, I also keep trying new products from well known brands because I am always curious of whats out there in the market. So, right here I am going to share my morning skin care routine along with the list of products that I use every day. Some of these products are new additions to my routine and I have used them for a couple of weeks now but have really seen significant results so I will share those as well.

Important Note– I have an oily skin so most of the products I’ve listed in this blog are more suited for the oily skin type. I also have a fairly light skincare routine as I don’t like building too much up on my skin. So, keep that in mind as you read through.

Step 1 – Cleansing

I have been using the Clinique Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser for 4 years now and it just keeps getting better. This cleanser is ideal for oily skin and it’s perfect to remove makeup as well. I use it twice a day – once in the morning as part of my morning routine and once in the evening to remove dirt and sweat gathered throughout the day. It’s a cream based cleanser but doesn’t have a thick consistency so its easy to rinse off without leaving any residues on the face. This cleanser works like magic on my skin so I would highly recommend it if your goal is to get a clean and clear skin.

You can buy this cleanser here || $24 for 5 oz

Cleansing is an important step in the skincare routine and this cleanser is one of the best on the market

Step 2 – Toning

I use the Clinique Clarifying lotion 3 toner to remove any excess oil, dirt or makeup residues from my face. This toner is super light and doesn’t leave any stickiness. I use the toner as part of my morning and evening routine so I use it twice a day, specially after a makeup day.

You can buy this toner here || $21 for 6.7 oz

Step 3 – Vitamin C Serum

Because I have hyperpigmentation, I have incorporated Vitamin C serum as part of my routine over the last couple of years. Ever since I have started using it, I have seen noticeable differences in my skin texture and there are days when it actually glows. Yay!

I started my journey with the Clinique Fresh pressed daily booster and saw significant results. However, the bottle is expensive because it only lasts 7 days so you have to keep refilling it every week.

So, recently I found a great alternative in Sunday Riley’s CEO serum and I am addicted to this product. It has 15% Vitamin C, which is a perfect concentration for someone like me who is looking to even out the skin tone and also get a dewy finish. The bottle is as expensive as Clinique but it lasts much longer. A little goes a long way with this serum so you only need 1-2 pumps a day and you will be impressed with the effect it has on your skin. I instantly feel a glow on my skin because of this serum’s dewy texture and it also makes my skin feel soft.

You can buy the Clinique serum here ($86 for a set of 4) and the Sunday Riley CEO serum here ($85 for 1 oz).

One of the best vitamin C serums I have tried so make it a part of your morning skincare routine

Step 4 – Moisturizer

A very important step in the skin care process is moisturizing. I have tried many moisturizers over the last few years and when I say many, I mean MANY! After many trials and errors, my two constant favorites are,

Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum – I started using this serum a few weeks ago. I am really impressed with the effect it has on my skin. The serum has a cream like consistency so if you have oily skin like me, you only need 1-2 pumps as part of your morning routine. It really leaves a bit of a dewy texture and is great for evening out skin tone over time. On days when I use this serum, I skip moisturizer after it because like I said, I don’t like building up too much on my skin. You can buy this serum here ($85 for 1 oz).
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion – As the name suggests, it is dramatically different and leaves a very light and soft texture on your skin. My skin feels so hydrated and moisturized after using this lotion. Since this cream has a very light texture, I sometimes use it over the serum but its usually an optional step for me. You can buy this lotion here ($32.50 for 125ml).

Step 5 – Sunscreen Lotion

I have tried many over the past but my constant favorite here is Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream. If you’re looking for a tinted sunscreen that you can wear under makeup or just by itself, then another great option is Clinique Superdefense City Block Face Sunscreen SPF 50.

You can buy the Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream here ($32 for 1.7 oz) and the Clinique Superdefense City Block Face Sunscreen SPF 50 here ($34 for 1.4 oz).

Step 6 – Eye cream

This is not a mandatory step if you have healthy looking eyes and no dark circles, lines or wrinkles around your eyes but its always good to start taking care of your eyes early on. Although, I have heard a lot that dark circles and lines don’t start showing until about late 30s but I think that’s changing these days and a lot depends on your genes, your screen time, sun exposure etc. So, I have started including eye cream as part of my daily skincare routine because healthy eyes means less concealer to hide the dark circles and thats what I am aiming for.

After giving a few eye creams a shot such as Estee Lauder, Lancome, Clinique and Loreal, I have finally found the one that works best for me. I have been using Estee Lauder’s DayWear Eye GelCreme and have been loving the effect it has on my eyes. It is so soothing and moisturizing. And the best part is that you can store it in the refrigerator before and after every use and that way you get a more refreshing and cooling feeling around your eye area. I am telling you, this cream is a keeper!

You can buy it here ($46 for 0.5 oz).

Additional step for deep cleansing

1-2 times a week, I also use the Ayurvedic Face Scrub with herbal ingredients for deep cleansing and unclogging pores. This scrub also helps with tan removal. I use it right after cleansing and before toning.

You can buy it here.

Additional step for evening out skin tone

Once every 2-3 days, I apply Multani Mitti right after cleansing and toning, because it has some great soothing properties. As I mentioned, I have oily skin and that can sometimes lead to pore clogging due to residues on the face. Multani Mitti has some amazing properties that can help unclog pores, soak in all the excess oil and even out skin tone. I have been using this religiously since the last 6-7 years and there has not been a week when I have missed this step.

Additional step for dark circles

I have been using these Aloe Vera and Collagen eye masks on a daily basis for my under eye area. These eye pads are super hydrating and Aloe Vera is great for brightening.

That’s all about my skincare routine and I really hope this was helpful! If you enjoy makeup, then read my blog here on some of my favorite makeup products to try.

Leaving you with an unfiltered video of me. I would love to know more about you skin care routine so feel free to share in the comments below!