Boar brush

This is one brush that every girl with fine, frizzy and limp hair needs to invest in. Made using real boar hair, this hairbrush boasts of a number of benefits. Since this brush has extremely soft and flexible bristles, it does not hurt your scalp, preventing any sort of damage. Additionally, brushing your hair with a boar brush helps seal the cuticles (the same thing that a cold water rinse does) and lends your hair incredible shine and movement.

Porcupine brush

Don’t let the name mislead you; porcupine brushes are not harsh on your scalp and won’t cause any sort of tearing or damage. This hairbrush is made with a combination of boar bristles and nylon bristles; the nylon bristles are slightly extended for better results. This kind of brush provides thin hair with a gentle, yet firm hold and adds some movement to flat hair.

Cushion brush

If you are looking for a styling hairbrush for fine and thin hair, then you should consider giving cushion brush a try. This brush typically features synthetic or natural bristles on a rubber base to eliminate static that arises from brushing the hair.

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This sensitive skin needs care too.

You may understand how the skin on your face and body can be dry, but do you ever find yourself looking in the mirror and asking, “Why are my eyelids dry?” If so, you may be wondering how your skincare routine might be able to help. After all, you can’t exactly layer a facial moisturizer over such a sensitive spot. Fortunately, there are products to help keep dry skin on your eyelids at bay. Read on to learn what can cause dry skin on your eyelids, as well as products and tips for how to treat dry eyelids.

WHY YOUR EYELIDS MAY BE DRY

As with dry skin on the rest of your body, dry eyelids can stem from external factors, some of which you may be familiar with, like the weather and hot water. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that the skin on your eyelids is the thinnest in your body, and can get irritated easily. If you’re noticing dry skin appearing on your eyelids, chances are you may need to keep them moisturized. Follow these tips and product recommendations to help alleviate this uncomfortable skincare concern.

TIP #1. PETROLEUM JELLY

If you notice you have dry eyelids, you may want to very carefully swipe a bit of petroleum jelly onto the skin (avoiding your eyes). Specifically, if your eyelids are dry and flaky, the AAD recommends applying a small amount of petroleum jelly for moisture and protection.

TIP #2. STOCK UP ON EYE CREAM

Of course, eye cream will be your best friend when it comes to caring for dry eyelids. Look for options that have ultra-hydrating formulas to give your parched skin the moisture it craves, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel. This eye cream with manuka honey and nurturing oils helps cushion mature, very dry skin with nourishing moisture. The hydrating, cooling formula works together with the de-puffing rollerball wand to care for the delicate eye area. As a result, puffy bags appear reduced, dark circles appear brighter, and eyes look more youthful.

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Incorporating a facial massage tool into your regular beauty routine might just be the fast track to flawless skin – and now, you don't need to be a professional to own one.

So, what exactly are the benefits of these strange-looking gadgets? Generally speaking, using a tool to massage your face can alleviate tension in overworked muscles, (jaw-clenchers, we're talking to you), which not only feels heavenly but can also tone and lift your complexion.

By kicking your lymph system into gear, a jade roller or gua sha stone (more on that later), can shift toxins and blockages, meaning those long-lost cheekbones will soon reappear, higher and sharper than ever. Alternatively, pick a tool enhanced with vibrational technology, and it'll aid absorption of all those lovingly applied serums and creams, ensuring you see optimal benefits from your products.

According to expert facialist Sarah Chapman, working frequent massage sessions into your skincare routine will deliver welcome cumulative results. 'Regular use brightens, tightens, drains toxins and reduces puffiness by boosting the supply of vital nutrients and oxygen to your skin, giving you that immediate, fresh glow,' she says.

If all that hasn't got you convinced, consider the soul-soothing benefits too. These little tools are packed with stress-busting power – and we all need a little of that right now. Try rolling one over just-cleansed skin after an anxious day, and you'll soon see what we mean.

From holistic heroes Herbivore to skin-tech innovators Foreo – and, of course, Chapman's own cult contraption – all manner of beauty brands are now jumping on board, crafting tools from jade and rose quartz or using sonic technology to bring salon-standard results to you, at home.

Here, we've rounded up the best face massage tools, jade rollers and vibrating wands to start practising with now, along with exactly how to use them, and the results you can expect.

The best facial massage tools for your Friday-night facial

1. Black Obsidian Facial Roller – 

This black obsidian face roller not only looks incredibly chic, but is believed to eliminate psychic smog too. Failing that, the mind-soothing rolling motion is sure to set your chakras straight. 

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Blackheads are the buildup of an over secretion of oil and sebum in the skin, and they essentially block our pores. Eventually, the buildup fills the pores and blackheads become more visible and prominent.

If you suffer with breakouts of blackheads, help is at hand!

DIY Face Masks to Beat Blackheads

1. Milk and Honey Mask

¼ cup milk 2 tablespoons honey Cotton balls or swabs

Mix milk and honey in a bowl. Dip a cotton ball or swab in the mixture and coat your face with it.

If you prefer, you can use thin cotton strips and soak them in the mixture before applying and leaving on your face.

Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse clean with warm water. Do this 1-2 times per week.

Milk contains lactic acid, which is a natural, mild exfoliator. It is easily absorbed into the skin, where it removes dead cells and helps unclog pores. Honey helps your skin to look bright and radiant.

2. Egg White and Lemon Juice

1 egg white 1 tablespoon lemon juice Facial brush

Mix the egg white and lime juice, and apply the mixture over your face with a facial brush, avoiding the eyes and eyebrows.

Leave on for around 10-15 minutes, and you will feel your skin tighten as the mask dries. Wash it off with cool water and follow up with a moisturizer. Do this once a week.

Egg white is a natural astringent, and works well as a toner. It shrinks your pores, and makes your skin look clear and blemish-free. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, and helps to brighten your skin.

3. Cinnamon and Honey

1 tablespoon cinnamon powder 3 tablespoons honey

Mix the cinnamon powder and honey in a bowl until a thick paste forms. Apply the paste to your face, focusing on specific problem areas.

Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash off with warm water. Do this every other day for two weeks and you will notice a change for the better in your skin.

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Makeup sponges have been a makeup artist favorite for years and the rest of the world is finally catching on. Using a sponge such as the Beauty Blender leaves a gorgeous, even finish that no other beauty tool can mimic. If you use it incorrectly, however, it can also leave your wallet a little thinner. Here's why you should always wet your makeup sponge before use: 

To Save Product (and Money!)

The number one reason to wet your sponge first is to save on product. In fact, Beauty Blender even put out a post stating that's how it's intended to be used!

If you don't wet your sponge first, it will soak up that expensive product like water. Doesn't that hurt just a little to think about?

Wetting your sponge thoroughly and letting it fully expand has to be your first step. Then, when you apply foundation or other product to it, it'll already be full of water and won't soak up so much product, saving you tons of product and money. 

For Better Performance

When your makeup sponge is damp, it makes product application way easier. It goes on more smoothly and ends up in an even, streak-free finish. 

This is an especially good method if your skin is dry, as there's no brush creating flakes across the surface. Your skin will love the extra moisture!

A word of caution, however: too much water can dilute the product and mess up the texture, so make sure to wring it out well after it's fully expanded. 

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Aloe vera has been used in medicine for thousands of years as it is believed to have potential health benefits for the skin and the body. The trendy succulent may seem innocuous to try but before you go rubbing the leaves all over your face, find out what dermatologists and physicians have to say about the best ways to use aloe vera. 

We spoke to Blanca Lizaola-Mayo, MD, Alicia Zalka, MD, Bita Nasseri, MD, and Kim Walls to get expert opinions on the different benefits aloe vera can provide. Keep reading to learn the eight best ways to use the ingredient.

Heal a Sunburn

Because aloe vera gel gives a cooling sensation and can relieve irritation, one of its top benefits is to help soothe sunburned skin. This is due to the gel's high water content, which spreads gently on the skin, and contains high concentrations of more than 75 active chemical constituents, including polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and more that work synergistically to provide relief to damaged skin. Zalka explains, “[The gel] provides a barrier to the skin protecting it from further irritation and inflammation. It acts as a moisturizer without being too heavy or greasy, replenishing needed water to the epidermis (aids in preventing transepidermal water loss TEWL).”

02 Substitute for Shaving Cream

Down to the last drop of shaving cream? Not to fear, Aloe vera gel makes for a great shaving cream replacement as it helps create a friction-free skin surface.  “Because shaving can result in skin nicks, deep exfoliation, and potentially skin irritation, fresh aloe vera gel is an excellent ingredient in shaving products to offset unintended damage,’ says Walls.

03 Lower Your Blood Sugar

Some studies have suggested that drinking Aloe vera juice can help those with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. “Aloe vera juice could have several possible benefits for people with diabetes to achieve better fasting blood glucose levels, as well as reduce body fat and weight. However, research is still very much needed to support Aloe vera’s effectiveness in regards to lowering blood sugar and glucose levels,” says Blanca.

04 Heal Dry Skin

Nasseri confirms that aloe vera can heal dry skin as well. Whether it be your face or feet, aloe vera consists of vitamin E and vitamin C that work together to strengthen the skin’s barrier. Slather on before bed and wake up to smooth supple skin.

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For every woman out there over age 50 who knows that beauty comes from within, but who also wants to look the best you can, this article is for you. And, for those of you curious about plastic surgery, Botox injections, and fillers, so we'll cover that as well. There aren't many miracle fixes in these 12 tips, but there is a lot of advice I swear by, a few decent recipes, and an attitude that the years after age 50 are full of even more wonder and beauty.

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

I know it's tedious to constantly hear about the importance of sunscreen, but if there is one beauty rule I'd tell my 15-year-old self it's to wear a decent sunscreen every day. Nothing damages your skin more than exposure to the sun. It's the number one cause of brown spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer.1

Here's the catch: not all sunscreens are equal. You should choose a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and you should choose one that blocks UVA and UVB rays.2

Three things to remember once you've found the right a sunscreen:

You should wear it rain or shine. UV rays break through cloud cover and it's important to make a habit of using sunscreen daily.2 And don't worry, it won't clog your pores as long as you cleanse your face at night.

Reapply throughout the day. The renowned dermatologist Patricia Wexler insists that all women (whatever their skin tone) reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

Slather some on top of your hands. Dermatologists say they can tell a woman's age by looking at her hands, in addition to her neck. 

Product recommendations: I prefer tinted sunscreen because it doesn't leave a white cast on my face and it evens out my skin tone. Neutrogena makes a good drugstore version, however, my favorite (recommended by my dermatologist) is the pricey but fabulous La Roche Posay tinted sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with a foam sponge for a more even application.

Make Sure You Have the Right Cleansers and Moisturizers

It's very important to choose cleansers, moisturizers, and a skin care routine formulated for your skin type.

If you have oily skin, consider yourself lucky. Oily skin tends to develop fewer wrinkles.3 If you have sensitive skin, you should test all of your products on your neck or arms before you use them. That product you loved a few years ago may (as you advance in age) now cause redness.

You may have also noticed the older you get, the drier your skin becomes.4 As we age, our skin suffers a slowdown in oil production and cell turnover, especially after menopause. I noticed my naturally oily skin turned as dry as the Sahara Desert at age 35.

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Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — your daily habits, in fact, have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. But depending on which product reviews you read or doctors you consult, there is a dizzying number of opinions on everything from how to moisturize to how to protect yourself from UV rays. Ultimately, caring for your skin is simply personal. Here’s what you should keep in mind to sort through all the noise.

Skin Care Tips Before You Start

Three Main Steps

Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps:

Cleansing — Washing your face. 

Toning — Balancing the skin.

Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.

The goal of any skin-care routine is to tune up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on. “Beauty routines are an opportunity to notice changes within yourself,” says the San Francisco skin-care specialist Kristina Holey. As your skin needs shifts with age, so will your products. Still, she adds, “it’s not about creating perfection.”   Allow these three steps to become your daily ritual that fortifies your skin and grounds your day.

Give it Time

The science behind skin-care products has come a long way but there’s still no such thing as an instant fix — you need time to reap the benefits, says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a Manhattan dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Results are only seen through consistent use,” she explains. Generally, aim to use a product over at least six weeks, once or twice daily, to notice a difference.  

Tip: With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For example, cleanser, toner (if you use it), serum, and then moisturizer.

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Struggling to find your shade? Us too! We know it can be tricky doing this online, and we're here to help! 

Step 1: Pick a spot to look at your skin filled with natural light 

Step 2: Identify your undertone by answering these 3 questions:  

1. Do the veins in your forearm appear more purple-blue, blue-green, or green? 

COOL - Veins will appear purple or dark blue 

NEUTRAL - Veins will appear blue-green 

OLIVE - Veins will appear blue-green 

WARM - Veins will appear green or olive

2. What jewelry are you drawn to, or naturally look best in? 

COOL - Look best in silver, platinum, or rose gold 

NEUTRAL - Look great in all jewelry 

OLIVE - Look best in gold

WARM - Look best in gold 

3. How does your skin react to sun exposure? 

COOL - Turns red or burns easily 

NEUTRAL – Skin tans, but can also become red 

OLIVE - Tans easily, but can also become red

WARM - Tans easily

Still unsure? ​ 

In natural light, take a picture of yourself wearing a pure white piece of clothing. What color in your skin is most apparent? ​ 

If your skin looks pink or rosy by comparison, you're cool toned. ​ 

If your face looks more yellow, your undertone is warm. If you feel you look better in off-white or creamy hues rather than stark white, that's another telltale sign of a warm undertone. ​ 

If you can wear both stark white and off-white without feeling like you look washed out, you probably have a neutral undertone. ​ 

Olive undertone will also look good in both colors but will see more green in their skin when wearing the stark white. ​ 

Step 3: Defining your overtone: 

Your overtone is where your skin sits on the spectrum of fair to deep. Here are some guidelines for how different skin undertones typically fall in this range: 

COOL - Typically light to fair skin tone 

NEUTRAL - Typically fair to deep skin tone 

OLIVE - Typically light to medium skin tone 

WARM - Typically light to deep skin tone 

EXPERT TIP: If you feel between two shades, it’s best to go with a shade that’s too warm rather than too light. 

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Toners aren’t what they used to be!

Gone are the days of astringent harsh toners that smell as harsh as they feel on your skin.

Today, they’re a staple in skincare routines and they’re not just for treating hormonal acne.

Finding the right toner that meshes with your skin type, goals, and other products can be overwhelming.

What is this stuff anyways?!

In this blog, we’re going to help you find the best toners to make your skin smooth, hydrated, and glowing, no matter what your skincare concern may be.

What is toner?

Like we mentioned above, toners used to be pretty harsh.

I remember using them in middle school and hoping that the burn was a sign that it was working.

What we learned (not surprisingly) is that you shouldn’t be in pain from applying your toner – these are far too harsh.

For a long time, toners had a bad rep!

Then, as k-beauty became more and more influential worldwide, people started to give it a second chance.

At first glance, toner just looks like water.

You can pour a little on a clean reusable rag or cotton round and apply it before you get into the thick of your skincare routine (literally).

Toners provide quick weightless hydration to the skin, clear out some of the dead skin cells on top, and provide a well-prepped base for some of your heavier products.

Toners weren’t made to replace your daily moisturizer, they were made to boost its efficacy by providing a clean, fresh base.

High-quality toners can contain acids, glycerin, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and more.

What does toner do for your face? Skin toner benefits

Whenever we recommend a start-to-finish skincare routine that includes a facial toner, we often get asked “How does toner help your skin?” It can seem unnecessary among the hard hitters like a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF, but it makes a big difference!

In addition to acting as a booster for your favorite skincare products, using toner daily can have noticeable effects on the clarity, hydration, and texture of your skin.

Ultimately, it depends on what ingredients are included in your toner but generally, the benefits of toner for skin include:

It cleanses skin:

Facial toners are a great sidekick to cleansers.

Traditionally, facial toners contain high amounts of alcohol to rid your skin of oil that can cause clogged pores and acne.

Today they are formulated to gently yet deeply cleanse the skin to remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and makeup.

Apply a toner after using a cleanser to finish the job and leave skin fresh and clean!

This is especially crucial for your anti-maskne routine to rid your skin of bacteria that might’ve been trapped in by your face mask.

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If you haven't jumped aboard the crystal bandwagon yet, we have to ask - have you been - excuse the pun - living under a rock? Celebrities swear by their powers, there's a plethora of skincare infused with the rocks and they're said to have incredibly healing powers.

But it's when crystals combine with proven skincare treatments that the real beauty happens. Take gua sha - the ancient practice from traditional Chinese medicine that uses crystals to massage the face and body to instant, impressive results.

"The gua sha is as convenient and relevant as any of the high tech gadgets and can be used alongside," says Katie Brindle, Chinese medicine practitioner and founder of The Hayo'u Method. "It give 400% increase in microcirculation and requires no batteries or charging. If you commit to 1 minute a day you will see a difference."

What is gua sha?

Used for thousands of years by the elite women of ancient dynasties, gua sha is the practice of scraping the skin with a tool, usually made from crystal (rose quartz or jade are popular choices) to aid circulation and lymphatic drainage.

What are the benefits of gua sha?

The tool hugs is designed to fit the curves of your face and neck and helps to reduce fluid retention, leaving a more refined, smoothed and contoured appearance, as well as stimulating a variety of acupressure points to reduce stress and improve relaxation.

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Body acne can be tough to treat, since only the double-jointed among us can easily apply a cream to their left shoulder blade. (And don't even get us started on the difficulties of treating butt acne without the formula rubbing off on clothes as you sit through yet another Zoom meeting.) The acne on your face seems like child's play in comparison—more visible, sure, but at least you can reach it.

Yet body acne can be impossible to avoid, especially in the summer. Heat and sweat converge to clog pores all over your body, though breakouts tend to appear most on your chest, back, and butt—basically, anywhere that a sweat stain might appear on your clothes. (Similar to maskne, but everywhere.) And while some of it can be blamed on sweat alone, there's more to it than that.

What causes body acne?

“The first step to treating body acne is to figure out the reason you are breaking out," says Marina Peredo, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. “These reasons could be hormonal, lifestyle, or just genetics.” Of these contributors, your lifestyle is the only one you can really control, so it's best to start there.

First, scope out your workout habits. “When you don’t shower right after working out or sweating, the sweat can cause bacteria to build up on your skin, leading to breakouts,” Peredo says. “You should make sure to wear cotton athleticwear, which won’t trap in sweat, shower after working out, and apply a topical cream to treat the acne.”

Your hair routine can also contribute—and in more ways than you might think. The most obvious culprit here are your hair products. “If you are using heavier leave-in products like conditioner, pomades, and oils, you may notice that you are breaking out along your hairline, upper back, and neck area,” says Peredo. These tend to be thicker and more occlusive, and thus more likely to plug up a pore. But not washing your hair isn't exactly a solution, either. “Washing your hair less can cause the scalp to produce more oil, which can also clog pores and cause breakouts,” she says.

However, if you already go straight from a post-run stretch to your shower and have eliminated your hair routine as a culprit, then genetics or hormones can be the cause (for the latter, hormonal breakouts on your face are a tip-off). Indeed, “oily skin is genetic and typically involves the entire body,” says New York dermatologist Michelle Henry, M.D. “If someone has very severe facial acne, then they are more likely to have body acne.”

In that case, “you may want to treat acne with an over-the-counter ointment,” says Peredo. “If that doesn’t help, you should see your dermatologist, who will be able to recommend a prescription topical or oral treatment.” She's also a fan of the Hydrafacial, which can be performed on your body—and even your scalp—as well as your face.

The best body acne treatments to get rid of breakouts

Not all body acne will clear up at the same pace—or respond to the same treatment. “The closer to your face, the easier the acne is to treat," says Peredo. “For example, the acne on your chest and upper back will be easier to get rid of than on your lower back and buttocks.” It's a matter of physiology. Because the lower half of the body has relatively slower circulation (plus larger surface areas), acne there is slower to heal.

Then there are a few primary ingredients to choose from. While benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the most common ingredients for fighting acne on your body and face alike, there are differences between the two. “If you have sensitive skin, salicylic acid is a better choice since it is better tolerated than benzoyl peroxide," Peredo says. “Benzoyl peroxide is best suited for people with normal and less sensitive skin.” However, salicylic acid is still an exfoliant, and may not be doable if your skin is really reactive or sensitive. If that's indeed the case, consider sodium hypochlorite, which is safe enough for all skin types, even those prone to eczema.

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