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For most of us, the first makeup item we get our hands on in our lives is mascara. Our moms teach us how to not poke ourselves in the eye, how to curl our lashes, and how to not get mascara all over your face. We ignore her advice, getting mascara pretty much everywhere but our lashes. Mascara is one of the most nostalgic makeup items for that very reason, and it’s a staple in the beauty routine of pretty much anyone who wears makeup. 

If you’re asking me, mascara is an art. A look is almost never complete without mascara (unless it’s a no-mascara look which is also a whole statement on its own). It opens up your eyes in a way that other makeup products can’t do. Because of all of this, I’ve bought dozens of mascaras in my lifetime; it’s one of the cheapest makeup products, so every time I go through a tube, I pick up a new one at the drugstore or those aisles of Sephora that suck me in every single time. However, I go back to the same five as my holy grails. There’s nothing like trying a new beauty product–I’ll be the first to admit I buy way too much in the spirit of “trying it out”—but there’s also something to be said about going back to your favorite formulas again and again. 

After spending my hard-earned cash on too many mascaras in 2019, I’m here to help you to only buy what’s actually worth it. I’ve got my lash routine down to an exact science. Don’t feel like you need to wear or own five different mascaras to have perfect lashes—I guarantee at least one of these will blow your mind. 

 

 

Milk Makeup Kush Mascara

My best friend and I bought this mascara on the day it released in 2018—her for the novelty and me because I love Milk Makeup and the idea of CBD in cosmetics. It quickly became a staple for both of us. Every few months, she’ll text me that she has to go to Sephora to pick up a new Kush because she refuses to be without it. I love this mascara because it makes my lashes look huge and voluminous. I’ve never gotten more compliments on my lashes than I do when I wear this mascara. People constantly ask where I got my lash extensions done, and I point them right to this. The packaging is also very weighted, making it feel like such a luxury to put on in the morning (even though it’s not priced nearly as high as some other luxury mascaras). The wand is pretty large, but I don’t find that it’s hard to get the inner corners or my lower lashline. 

I use this mascara any time I want big, bold lashes. It makes your lashes look textured and multi-dimensional in the same way you’d get with false lashes. Special occasions, date nights, smokey eyes—you name it, and this mascara pulls through.

 

 

Covergirl Lashblast Volume Waterproof Mascara

This is the best waterproof mascara I’ve ever tried. It’s a tried-and-true product that I’ve been using for years. I buy it in the brown or black-brown shade to wear on beach days, vacations, or days in the summer where I don’t want to wear a lot of makeup but want to look put-together and feel confident. The black shade is also great, but I particularly love this product when I’m going for uber-natural lashes that don’t budge all day.

 

 

 

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara

If we’re calling Kush Mascara my favorite for special events, this is my favorite for every day. I like dramatic lashes all the time, and while Kush gives me a pretty bold look, Monsieur Big separates and lengthens, giving my lashes a semi-natural dramatic look. Imagine you’re wearing a pair of natural false eyelashes. My lashes don’t look crazy-intense, but it opens up my eyes in a way that other mascaras don’t. 

My other favorite aspect of this mascara is how it layers. You can put on coat after coat, and it never gets flaky, never smudges, and never gets clumpy. It’s the best touch-up mascara I’ve ever found because it revives your look without getting wonky. I refuse to ever be without this mascara. I keep a mini in my desk and in my makeup bag, and I’ve taken it out to bars with me to touch up after I start getting sweaty and gross.

 

 

 

MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara

When I’m going for a “no-makeup” makeup look, this is the mascara I use without fail. It doesn’t add a lot of volume, but it separates and lengthens my lashes like nothing else. It makes it look like I naturally have the longest lashes ever. I’ll wear this on work-from-home days when I’m just going to a coffee shop or on days I want another feature (say a red lip or an intense highlight) to stand out. 

Also, this mascara is a godsend if you have stubborn lower lashes. The wand is skinny and very small, so it makes getting in all those little crevices that a big wand can’t very easy. When I really want my eyes to look big and awake, I’ll put on one of the above mascaras and then go in with this to make sure the inner corners are coated in mascara too.

 

 

 

Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara

This is a recent mascara discovery, but it’s one I don’t think I could live without. If you’re going for bold lashes on a budget, this has a very similar look to the Kush Mascara. The wand is an hourglass shape that really grips onto every lash and coats them with the mascara. It gives mega-volume without clumping. My mom’s bottom lashes tend to smudge with practically every mascara she tries, and they held up all day with this mascara. I love using this to double up my mascara too. It pairs well with all the other mascaras on this list to give a very bold look without having to stress with putting on false eyelashes.

 

 

Honorable Mention

 

Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift, & Curl Mascara

I play by the rules, so I couldn’t include this in the above-recommended list because I did just try it. However, I can confidently say it might be the best mascara I’ve ever tried. I did a wear-test the first day I wore it (both for the people but also because I’m insane), and I was blown away with the performance. It stayed put all day long, and I never felt like I needed to re-curl my lashes. I’ve worn it every day since and am thrilled with the result every time. I’d say the length and volume is in-between what I get with the Kush and the Monsieur Big, so it’s great for every day but also for a more dramatic look. I couldn’t say enough good things about this formula; your lashes look fluffy, there are no flakes, nothing smudges—all good things from me.

 

What are your favorite mascaras? Tell us what I should try next in the comments!

The post I’ve Tried Over 20 Mascaras, But These 5 Are All I Use appeared first on The Everygirl.

We’re big fans of the YouTube Beauty Community here at The Everygirl. We’re constantly talking about our favorite creators, their best looks, and buying pretty much everything they recommend. The YouTube beauty world is honestly what we have to thank for some of the biggest trends in beauty — we’d never be baking our undereyes or curling our hair with straighteners or using men’s post-shave balm as a primer if it weren’t for the beauty YouTubers who taught us how. 

Alongside the various techniques YouTube has taught us, the phenomenon of the ever-so-popular “empties video” has truly taken over our subscription feeds. Every beauty YouTuber has made an empties video (if not five), and everyone who even knows just a glimpse of beauty YouTube has seen one. The concept is simple: show everyone what’s in your trash and talk about if you loved it, if you’ll buy it again, and how long it took you to use up. 

So being the beauty-lovers we are at TEG HQ, we decided to create our own empties series. Every month, all of our editors will share a few of our own empties — from skin, hair, and makeup products to candles and vitamins and home items — and give our unfiltered review on each of the products. Some of them we’ll love and need to repurchase ASAP … and some we’ll celebrate finally finishing them up. If you’ve ever wondered what our absolute favorites (and not-so-favorites) are, this is the right place to be. It’s finally time for our trash cans to shine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post January Empties: Honest Thoughts on The Products Our Team Finished This Month appeared first on The Everygirl.

I’ll buy pretty much any makeup product that intrigues me (read: pretty much everything until my bank account balance doesn’t allow it). I’ll gladly spend a Saturday afternoon perusing Neiman Marcus, swatching every makeup item that costs more than my monthly electricity bill. I go to Sephora about once a week, but I hop on the website close to once an hour. (I say this all the time, and I’m not exaggerating. I almost go on the Sephora website more than theeverygirl.com, the website I am literally writing for right now.) And I tack on a beauty product every single time I step into a drugstore (but let’s be honest: half the time I walk into a drugstore, it is to buy makeup, and I end up adding on a Sprite and Flaming Hot Cheetos). 

I love beauty no matter what, regardless of fancy brand names or what has the most hype. Truthfully, as a beauty writer, I almost prefer to try products no one’s talking about in the hope to find a hidden gem to tell the world about. So, I waltzed into Ulta a few months ago and tried a new primer on a whim to see what it was all about. Let me tell y’all: she’s life-changing, and her name is ELF’s Jelly Pop Dew Primer. 

I’ve loved ELF since I first started wearing makeup, when the brand wasn’t even sold in stores. I did double the chores one week so my mom would give me $20 to spend on the ELF website. So when they release a new product, I’m first in line at Target. This primer isn’t brand new, but you’ve probably passed over it at the drugstore. Here’s why you should snag it immediately:

 

It’s a dupe for a primer three times the price

One of my favorite beauty products I tried in 2019 was the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. I wore it proudly on my graduation day because it held onto my makeup all day long (seriously — my makeup looked bomb AF hours after I walked on the stage) without making me look dry and dehydrated like most long-wear foundation primers. I thought this primer was one-in-a-million in that regard. Then, I tried this ELF primer. 

The ELF primer’s texture is a little different from the Milk one; the ELF Jelly Pop is stickier and a little heavier, but don’t let that deter you. Once it’s on the skin, it sinks right in and feels exactly the same. If you’ve been intrigued by the Milk primer but don’t want to drop the cash, or you love the Milk but would love a cheaper alternative, I’d send you right to the ELF primer.

 

The ingredients

This primer is filled with ingredients that are good for your skin. In the last year, we’ve seen an uptick in makeup products that perform like skincare. From Glossier’s Futuredew to Milani’s new blue-light-blocking foundation to Ilia’s vitamin C concealer, skincare and makeup are definitely starting to blend together. This primer is no different, as it’s filled with hyaluronic acid to help plump and hydrate the skin (without making it greasy) and niacinamide, which has a whole slew of skincare benefits like retaining moisture, reducing redness, and getting rid of (and preventing) acne. While I’m not sure the product has enough of those ingredients to completely change your skin on its own, it’s nice to have makeup products that do double-duty in some way. 

I also love that this product isn’t filled with a ton of dimethicones, AKA the ingredient that gives the skin that slippery, pore-free look. While I love a good pore-filling primer, something with a ton of dimethicones tends to make me look dehydrated and dull.

I don’t particularly love scented makeup or skincare products because they can be irritating to the skin (and is just kind of weird to apply — I’d rather my face not smell like peaches or strawberries all day). While some of the watermelon scent of this product is coming from the watermelon extract, the second-to-last ingredient is fragrance, which I believe the product could totally do without. If you don’t mind scented products though, you’ll die for this scent — it smells like Sour Patch Watermelon, and it’s divine.

 

It works for all skin types

Because this primer isn’t mattifying or hydrating, it’s not specifically for one skin type or another. The grippy texture might feel like it’s better to mattify the skin and can hold back some of my oils for a little while, but it also keeps the skin looking smooth and hydrated without adding extra grease or oil to the skin. I have combination skin, and this kept my oily T-zone at bay while simultaneously keeping my cheeks hydrated. 

This primer won’t keep shine at bay or keep you looking radiant all day. If you’re looking to blur pores, disguise texture, or give you extra moisture, this won’t do it for you. On days I’ve noticed my pores looking extra large or where I need extra hydration, I’ll apply a separate primer first and then the ELF Jelly Pop. The ELF provides a smooth, sticky base for foundation to hold onto all day long. In this regard, it also doesn’t change the look of your foundation either. If you like a matte look or want to look highlighted to the Gods, this primer won’t affect the finish of your foundation or face products.

shop our other favorite drugstore products

 

The post No Joke, This $8 Primer Will Change Your Life appeared first on The Everygirl.

I’m not going to lie: when I set out to write an article on how long it takes to see results from different skincare products, I didn’t foresee it being such a struggle. I mean, just stroll down the aisles of any given drug store and you’ll see countless products touting fixes for everything from blackheads and breakouts to dryness and dark spots. I imagined compiling a list of the active ingredients in these products along with an estimated time frame for how long they take to work would be a relatively straightforward process that would result in a useful resource for other women like me.

It turned out to be a bit more complicated than I expected.

After quizzing experts on the topic, it became evident that there are so many variables involved in skincare that generating a one-size-fits-all, super-specific timeline might not be the most realistic idea. (Womp womp.) But despite the fact there may not be a universal skincare timeline that works for every woman, there are plenty of expert-approved tips to guide us through the process. Read on for everything you need to know about getting results from your skincare.

 

What works for one person won’t necessarily work for you

When you’re trying to combat a skincare issue, it’s easy to get caught up in hoping that whatever worked for a friend, beauty guru, or random Amazon reviewer will work the exact same way for you. Unfortunately, skincare doesn’t operate like that. How quickly skin responds to treatment varies from person to person according to Shani Darden, an LA-based esthetician and the founder of Shani Darden Skin Care. “One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to take the time to find the right products for your skin type.” 

Dermatologist and author of the Derm.Talk blog Dr. Jenny Liu agreed, noting in an email that age, skin color, type, and severity of condition, as well as which products and ingredients are used for treatment all work together to determine how soon you will see results.

 

Results take their sweet time

As much as it pains this impatient writer to tell you, patience really is a virtue when it comes to skincare. The good news is that, in this case, patience has a time frame — albeit a loose one. It generally takes from four to eight weeks to see measurable changes from a product, according to NYC-based dermatologic surgeon Dr. Dendy Engelman.

It’s also worth noting that certain skin conditions respond to treatment more efficiently than others. Treating dry skin may take a matter of weeks, while reducing wrinkles, fading dark spots, or tackling acne may take months — yes, that’s plural. 

On top of that, certain active ingredients work faster than others. Take Shani Darden Skin Care’s signature Retinol Reform, for example. The product contains both retinol and lactic acid; the latter exfoliates and brightens skin in just a few uses, while the former requires about 12 weeks of consistent use before its benefits are noticeable, according to Darden. In other words, visible results from the same product can come at different times depending on the types of ingredients it includes.

As painful as it can be to wait it out, consistency and patience really are integral when it comes to seeing results. “This process in itself can take a little time, but the glowing, clear skin that can result from using the right products is worth it,” Darden said. “It takes time for your skin to turn over; it doesn’t happen overnight. Sticking with a consistent routine and using the right products will yield great results, so don’t give up.”

‘Hmm’ you may be thinking, ‘But I swear I’ve used products that have left me with super soft, undeniably glowing skin right away!’ And yes, you probably have. But according to Dr. Liu, those immediate results are hardly ever permanent. In fact, that instant glow? It’s mostly just light reflecting off your freshly-hydrated skin. Mind. Blown.

Dr. Engelman seconds that disappointing truth, referencing the age-old adage that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. “Anything that claims instant results is likely over-promising.”

 

 

Different skincare goals require different products

By now, we’ve established that it can take quite a while to start seeing measurable results from a skincare product, even when it’s working perfectly. And although there is no way to fast-forward through the process, you can get a major head start by identifying which type of product best meets your needs. Thankfully, the experts I spoke with provided general recommendations for which over-the-counter ingredients work for different skin concerns. And while the following list is in no way comprehensive, it’s a good place to start if you’re still pretty new to the wide, wild world of skincare. 

• Acne: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), benzoyl peroxide, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), retinoid, salicylic acid, sulfur
• Dark spots/hyperpigmentation: AHAs, hydroquinone, kojic acid, L-ascorbic acid, phytic acid, retinoid, sunscreen
• Dryness: ceramide, hyaluronic acid, squalane
• Redness/blotchiness: aloe, ceramide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, oatmeal, peptides, rose oil
• Scarring: glycolic acid, salicylic acid
• Uneven texture: AHAs, BHAs, ceramide, hyaluronic acid
• Wrinkles/fine lines: retinol

Psst: Not sure whether to spring for the top-shelf product or go with a cheaper option? Dr. Engelman said that although more expensive products usually contain higher-quality or more highly-concentrated ingredients, what’s inside the bottle is more important than whatever brand is printed on the outside.

 

You can have the right products but the wrong routine 

Once you’ve determined what type of product to use, it’s equally important to consider your routine as a whole. Think of it this way: you could have found the most perfect product, but if the rest of your routine is lacking, you might be missing out on the best possible results. Likewise, certain ingredients don’t play well together. Even the order you apply your products makes a difference!

Dr. Engelman recommended applying products to a clean, damp face starting with the ones that have the thinnest consistency and allowing each layer to fully absorb before moving on to the next. This might look like starting with a toner, moving on to serums, applying topical treatments, using lotions and creams, and finishing up with sunscreen.

Oh, and while we’re on the topic of sunscreen, this is a good time to note that what you aren’t doing can also make a difference in whether or not you are seeing results. “It’s incredibly important to make sure you’re wearing sunscreen every day to not only treat pigmentation, but also to prevent it,” Dardin noted.

On the other end of the spectrum, it is possible to be doing too much. For example, when it comes to treating acne, taking a gentler approach prevents over-drying the skin and worsening a breakout. A gentler approach is helpful in treating other skin conditions as well. If you notice your skin is irritated after your routine, experiment with alternating the days you use harsher products, such as peels, to avoid overwhelming your skin.

 

 

Professional help can speed up the process

But what if you’ve done all of the above — you’ve assessed your skin type, ensured you’re using the correct products in the correct order, and waited and waited and waited — and still haven’t seen the results you were hoping for? It might be time to seek out professional help. Certain conditions — including melasma and hyperpigmentation — see improvement faster when at-home treatment is combined with in-office treatment such as laser and chemical peels, Dr. Liu noted. Other concerns can be treated with a prescription from your dermatologist. 

Of course, seeing a dermatologist doesn’t have to be a last resort. As a general rule, Dr. Liu recommended making a dermatology appointment for any skin condition that persists for more than a month. Another reason not to wait? According to Dr. Engelman, certain conditions like scarring respond better the earlier you begin treating them.

 

It will be worth the wait

If you’ve read this far, you have no doubt realized that skincare can be pretty complicated. It requires customization, trial and error, money, time, patience, knowledge … and the list goes on. But despite how frustrating the process can be, an investment in your skin is an investment in yourself. In the words of Dr. Liu, “You only get one skin for your entire life.” And that, my friends, makes the process worth every bit of effort. 

 

The post Not Seeing Results From Your Skincare? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on The Everygirl.

I paid someone to pop my pimples. For three months, I went to an esthetician who went to town squeezing every blackhead, pimple, and clogged pore on my face. It hurt like hell and I left with scabs all over, but it was the most effective acne treatment I’ve ever had. Welcome to the world of extractions. 

You probably have questions. I get it — doesn’t everyone always say not to pick your face or pop your pimples? I had questions too before getting extractions, so I did some research to answer the big ones.

 

First off, what are extractions?

Acne extraction is essentially professional pimple popping. In an interview with Everyday Health, dermatologist Dr. Amy J. Derick, MD, said, “Acne extraction is when blackheads or milia are extracted using a blade and an instrument, such as a comedone extractor. The extractor puts pressure on the contents of the blackhead to expel its contents.” Don’t you love that description? In pop culture terms, extractions are what made Dr. Pimple Popper famous (don’t act like you’ve never heard of her). They often accompany a facial and can be provided by estheticians or dermatologists.

 

 

Wait… Isn’t popping your pimples a bad thing?

Yes — when you do it yourself. If you squeeze your own skin, you run the risk of pushing some of what’s in your pimple even deeper, which can cause infection, inflammation, and acne scars. However, when a professional performs an extraction, they use sterilized instruments and precise methods to make sure that they clear all debris from your clogged pore. 

With these two questions out of the way, let’s get into my experience with extractions and the results I have seen from my own personal Dr. Pimple Popper.

At the beginning of May, I was fed up. I had been on a prescription acne cream for six months and hadn’t seen the slightest improvement in my skin. Actually, it was getting worse. This cream was one of the many proposed solutions to my ongoing acne that has been around since I was 16. I felt like the Goldilocks of skincare — nothing was quite right for me. However, when my best friend started getting extractions, I was intrigued. And when I saw the results of her treatment, I was sold. I booked an appointment with an esthetician and was ready to have my face poked and prodded. 

 

 

My first experience getting extractions was… weird. I was uncomfortable the entire time. It’s a no-brainer: someone stabbing your face with a (very small) blade and then pinching is going to hurt. It’s even worse if, like me, you have deep acne that has been sitting for a while. My appointment lasted for about an hour, and we only got to one side of my face. The esthetician told me that pretty much every pore on my forehead was clogged (so fun to hear!) and that I would require another appointment in three weeks to take care of the rest of the extractions. She put a drying face mask over the fresh extractions to help them scab and instructed me to clean my scabs with rubbing alcohol twice a day. I drove home with the face mask on (praying I didn’t pass anyone I know) and took it off an hour later. I was honestly terrified at my own face once I took off the mask. I looked like the “before” on a Proactiv commercial — covered in red dots.

 

 

To speed my recovery, I used an ice roller and continued to clean my tiny wounds with rubbing alcohol. After about a week, the scabs started to fall off on their own, revealing mostly healed, clear skin underneath. I had a little bit of pinkness and bruising that stuck around after the scabs had cleared, but I saw an immediate improvement texture-wise. I got excited to go back and just hoped my pain tolerance would get better. 

 

 

I went back every three weeks for three months. With each appointment, the look of my skin improved and I had to get fewer extractions. All of my stubborn under-the-skin bumps on my forehead were gone and so were the whiteheads on my jawline. I continued my regiment of rubbing alcohol and ice rolling after each treatment. At my most recent appointment, my esthetician told me that I’m “not quite there yet” in the sweetest way possible. However, this is the best my skin has looked in forever, and that’s good enough for me!

 

 

As with any skin treatment, there are upsides and downsides. Acne is a deceptive jerk that doesn’t like to be told what to do. On the plus side, extractions have proven to be a pretty quick fix for acne. They would be perfect to get two weeks in advance of a big event like a wedding or photoshoot. Once the scabs fall off, your skin is good to go! Makeup really can’t cover the texture of acne, only the color, so extractions take care of the bumpiness. I also stopped picking at my own face, which I’m sure my skin is thanking me for. The downside is that there’s no guarantee that your acne won’t return. Sneaky pimples can come back after disappearing for a while, even with extractions. After being out of town and not getting treated for a few months, my pores are starting to get clogged again. However, if you can supplement extractions with a super bomb skincare routine, they might be your answer to constant clear skin. Time and cost can also be downsides to getting extractions. I paid $25 for each of my hour-long appointments. This can add up quickly, especially if you live in an area where skin treatments are more expensive. All in all, it’s worth a shot to try extractions. Just learn from my mistakes and don’t schedule a coffee date immediately after!

 

The post I Got Extractions for 3 Months—Here’s How My Skin Looks Now appeared first on The Everygirl.

Each year seems to boast a fleet of new buzzworthy beauty ingredients, as we’ve already seen CBD and bakuchiol take center stage in the skincare space. And now, expect polyglutamic acid to join the pack of 2019’s hottest ingredients, as this ultra-hydrating ingredient has been utilized in everything from serums to essences. 

However, if you are a bit curious (and who wouldn’t be?) as to what the heck polyglutamic acid is, and exactly what it can do for your skin, we tapped three board-certified dermatologists to break down all the pros, cons, and need-to-have products that utilize this moisturizing ingredient. 

Read on below to gain a better understanding about polyglutamic acid, and why it may just be the secret ingredient in achieving flawless, winter-ready skin. 

 

What is Polyglutamic Acid?

While polyglutamic acid may sound like a mouthful to pronounce, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zain Husain, FAAD, suggested that the benefits associated with this trendy ingredient are pretty straightforward. 

“Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a water-soluble peptide that is derived from fermented soybeans,” Husain told The Everygirl. “As a versatile ingredient, PGA can serve many purposes due to the fact that it is edible, water-soluble, non-toxic, and biodegradable.” 

Polyglutamic acid bears many similarities to hyaluronic acid (HA), another buzzy skincare ingredient. According to a 2018 review published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, HA-based formulations (gels, creams, lotions, and serums) contain impressive anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, and face rejuvenating properties. In addition, the review suggested that these formulations may also improve collagen and elastin stimulation, and face volume restoration. 

However, Husain argued that the moisturizing content of PGA is a lot higher than that of hyaluronic acid, making it an ingredient to not overlook once the temperatures drop. 

“PGA is comparable to hyaluronic acid, which serves a similar biological function on the skin,” he explained. “However, PGA can retain five times (or more!) the moisture than hyaluronic acid.”  

A 2014 study published by the Microbiology Society (a membership charity for scientists interested in microbiology studies) supports Husain’s arguments, as it suggested that PGA actually may enhance the skin more than ingredients such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. 

 

How can Polyglutamic Acid revolutionize your daily regimen?

Polyglutamic acid also boasts impressive anti-aging properties, board-certified dermatologist DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD, suggested that PGA helps slow down the aging process.

“Part of the aging process involves the loss of hyaluronic acid in the skin, which is broken down by an enzyme called hyaluronidase,” Davis told The Everygirl. “Moisturizers that have polyglutamic acid help to inhibit the action of hyaluronidase, resulting in patients retaining more hyaluronic acid in the skin, and giving an overall moisturized, rejuvenated, and hydrated appearance to the skin.”

With this in mind, Davis explained that it is a great idea to combine PGA products with other skincare essentials you use in your daily regimen, especially your hyaluronic acid products. 

However, it’s important to layer PGA products carefully. She recommended cleansing your face first, and then following with a hyaluronic acid product of your choice. Next, she suggested applying your antioxidant or anti-aging serum, and then following up with your PGA product. And to seal in the benefits from all your products above, she advised finishing with a moisturizer and daily sunscreen products. 

 

Should you try Polyglutamic Acid?

Since PGA helps boost hydration and skin elasticity, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, said this is one winter-ready ingredient that functions as a good humectant, making it something to look for when you’re constantly bouncing between the frigid winter air and heated environments.  

“Polyglutamic acid is a really good humectant,” Jaliman told The Everygirl. “PGA helps seal the moisture in your skin, and enhances the skin’s elasticity.” 

Similarly, Davis added that it may be able to be used as a preventative product (and as a skincare booster!) to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. 

“PGA increases elasticity so that when you smile or squint, the creases that are made around your eyes and mouth spring back into normal place,” she explained. “It can also help to improve the absorption and quality of other skincare products used in your daily routine.” 

However, the disadvantage associated with PGA is cost, as Husain explained that some skincare products containing the ingredient can be expensive. 

That’s not to say that cost should discourage you from using these skincare darlings, especially since he advised thinking of it as a good investment for the colder winter months.

 

Which products use Polyglutamic Acid?

Husain noted that there are an assortment of products that contain PGA. 

“This ranges from food additives, potential usage in biodegradable plastics, flocculants for water treatment, and biological adhesive,” he explained. 

However, since research has proven that PGA produces an ultra-hydrating effect on the skin, there’s no real surprise that it’s suddenly becoming a skincare superstar.  

 

 

With the winter season approaching fast, polyglutamic acid may be the hydrating skincare ingredient you’ve been looking for, as it is known to have a higher moisturizer content than other collagen and hyaluronic acid. And when used injunction with other skincare products tucked away in your medicine cabinet, you can expect your skin to stay supple and hydrated whether you’re outside in the cold, or inside dry, heated environments. 

Additionally, the Environmental Working Group also suggested that PGA also is a low-hazard ingredient, making it an ingredient to look for should you be on the prowl for nontoxic skincare beauty products. If you have any questions about if PGA is right for you, chatting with a dermatologist might be a good way to go, but with colder days settling in, it could be a game-changer.

The post What Is Polyglutamic Acid, And Why Is It Taking Over Your Instagram Feed appeared first on The Everygirl.

Blame it on Chicago winters or unfortunate DNA, but it’s a current fact of my life that my skin often feels dry beyond repair.

Because of this, I’ll try any lotion or potion to give me even the slightest illusion that my skin produces even a hint of oil (it doesn’t). Overnight masks, serums, extra-strength moisturizers – you name it, I’ve tried it. And when something new pops up on the Sephora home page, you bet that I’m willing to give it a shot.

When I first saw the familiar packaging of Babyfacial pop up on my Instagram feed, but with a baby blue cap instead of pink, my intrigue couldn’t have piqued more. Babyfacial has been a staple in my skincare routine for over a year now — it’s the one product I really love for exfoliation — and quite frankly, Drunk Elephant does no wrong for me; all of their products that I’ve tried have been winners. So them dropping an overnight hydrating mask? Sign me up.

 

What is F-Balm?

Enter: F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, an overnight mask and the newest member of Drunk Elephant’s family — and their second-ever mask. The product’s description claims to replenish the skin’s barrier overnight with the use of antioxidants, squalane, and ceramides, amongst other ultra-hydrating ingredients.

In a flurry of post-holiday gift cards, I literally ordered F-Balm hours after it dropped on January 1 with my Flash two-day shipping, I’ve been slathering my face in it every night since the second day of the year. Here are my unfiltered thoughts:

One of my biggest issues with overnight masks is that they can feel super messy to actually sleep in. Thicker formulas that don’t sink into the skin straightaway can get all over your pillow; and on the other end of the spectrum, ones that are too lightweight can feel like they aren’t doing anything at all.

F-Balm is right in the middle of the road. It feels more gel-like in consistency, and while it doesn’t dry down into your skin straight-away (it leaves a sheen on your face), it’s completely non-greasy (dare I say that it’s ideal). When I wake up in the morning and wash my face, I can still tell it was there.

 

The Verdict

The morning after trying a new skincare product is always scary — will I have 20 new pimples or will my skin miraculously look better than it ever has? Luckily with F-Balm, it was closer to the latter.

I have super easily irritated skin (not with breakouts, but with a form of rosacea,) so it’s extra scary to see if a product decided to freak my skin out beyond repair — but F-Balm did not. I get dry, flaky skin in patches all over my face, and after one (one!) night using it, I looked in the mirror and audibly gasped. All flakiness was gone, and my skin just looked hydrated. Not greasy or artificially-oily in a way that would wash off when I cleansed my face, but actually plump and healthy to its core.

Since then F-Balm has become a staple in my nightly routine, as I’ve found it’s gentle enough to use nightly, and I notice a big difference when I use it (and an unfortunate one when I don’t). I apply all of my other products, then put a few pumps on my face. I’m usually weary to claim that a product is life-changing, but this one just might be. It feels like it’s actually working, not just putting a bandaid on the concerns I’m trying to fix.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin or are looking to give your skincare routine a boost (is there anyone who can’t benefit from a little added moisture?), F-Balm is your answer. (It’s only a matter of time before it gets Babyfacial-like cult status).

The post Is It Worth It: Drunk Elephant F-Balm Review appeared first on The Everygirl.

Since the latter half of 2019, I’ve vowed to view my nails in the same way I do with the other parts of my beauty routine: extra. I’ve loved following trends and trying new things with my nails in the same way I would with my hair styles or eye makeup. While there is a certain elegance to the classic beige or light pink nail colors, it’s fun to spice it up and try something new every now and then. Trying a new shade might encourage you to change it up for good (or remind you just how much you really do love your Essie “Ballet Slippers” after all). 

 

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Preach Who else is branching out this year?! ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #OPI #Nails #NailSwag #Funny #NailMeme #Meme #NailPolish⁠ #NailTech #Relatable #KimKardashian #NailsOfInstagram #ColorIsTheAnswer #KeepingUpWithTheKardashians

A post shared by OPI (@opi) on Jan 11, 2020 at 3:35pm PST

 

Whether you’re on team #boycottboringnails in 2020 or just want to broaden your horizons a little from your usual, there’s something here for everyone. We found the top nail colors to stray away from the classics that won’t make you feel like a stranger every time you look down at your nails.

 

If you’re hesitant to try something new…

 

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It doesn’t get much more chic than this Change up your style with ‘So Nude’ – Tap to shop. #SENDINGNUDES

A post shared by Nails.INC (@nailsinc) on May 11, 2019 at 2:14pm PDT

 

Grey

 

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this fall, be your authentic #homegrown self in this golden peach shade with a pearl finish. #essiefall2019

A post shared by essie (@essie) on Sep 5, 2019 at 7:19am PDT

 

Peach

If you’re open to something different…

 

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Navy, but make it neutral @julie.leah⁠ ⁠ ⁠Shade: #RussianNavy⁠ ⁠ #OPIObsessed #ColorIsTheAnswer #NOTD #NailSwag #NailsOfInstagram #NailsOnFleek #NailPolish #Nails #OPI

A post shared by OPI (@opi) on Dec 13, 2019 at 10:55am PST

 

Navy Blue

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Glow With the Flow is one shade fits all ✨ . . . #SallyMade #Instanails #nails #nailart #nailsofinstagram #manicure #summernails #nailsonfleek #naildesign #nailswag #nailpolish #notd #instabeauty #beautybasics

A post shared by Sally Hansen (@sally_hansen) on Aug 31, 2019 at 4:30pm PDT

 

Rose Gold

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We’re whipping out Bohème as our favorite Autumn nude. Available in #CNDVinylux

A post shared by CND (@cndworld) on Nov 7, 2019 at 6:00am PST

 

Dark Brown

 

If you’re trying out a trend…

 

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Yellow nails >>>>>> || color is custom mixed + hard gel!

A post shared by Jamie Paige (@jamiepaigebeauty) on May 2, 2018 at 12:45pm PDT

 

Pastels

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Double the fun: Gold studs atop barely-there dots.✔️✔️

A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails) on Jul 18, 2019 at 8:35pm PDT

 

Sunset Shades

think bright fuschia, orange, and coral

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felt cute, might change our nails again later. #expressie (photo: @sophrecio

A post shared by essie (@essie) on Jan 12, 2020 at 10:59am PST

 

Rainbow

The post Nail Colors to Try if You’re Bored With Neutrals appeared first on The Everygirl.