Skin Care | Beauty and Fashion Tech

Dec 14, 2012

Philosophy Hope In A Jar Review

December 14, 2012 By Carleenp 1 Comment

Today we have a reader/guest review of one of my personal favorites in moisturizers, Philosophy Hope in a Jar. Thanks Jenny for the review!

There are a dizzying array of anti-aging skin care creams on the department store shelves, but I have found one that truly works for my type of skin. I am in my mid forties with some sun damage to the my skin and still manage to suffer with some acne issues. Philosophy's Hope In a Jar is my all time favorite, for several reasons.
Philosophy has a great company mantra, creating skin care that works and is fun to use. Hope in Jar originally was formulated for use medically by dermatologists to treat aging skin. Now it's available for a reasonable price and compared to many other top skin creams it's rather affordable. It has won multiple awards in the beauty industry and has become their all time best seller.

One of the things I like best about Hope in a Jar is the texture of the cream. Because my skin is oily, heavy, thick creams do not work well for me and can aggravate my acne. Instead, the light fluffy texture of the cream does not add any oil to my skin, as it is 99.9% oil free. However, it also does well moisturizing the drier areas of my skin.
I also like the fact that they do not add ingredients such as sulfates or synthetic dyes or fragrances. While I appreciate that, the one thing I don't like as much is the smell of the product. Most likely due to it's early incarnation as a medical treatment, the smell does have a medicinal quality to it, although it's not enough to make me not want to use the product.

I appreciate it's wrinkle fighting capabilities as well. Hope in a Jar aids in the natural exfoliation of the surface skin, reducing the blotchy look I often get. It is packed with antioxidants that help to repair past sun damage, and an SPF to prevent new damage from occurring. When I apply the cream, my face feels instantly smoother, and after several days I notice a big difference in the texture and tone of my skin.

Shop for Hope in a Jar

Disclosures: Beauty and Fashion Tech at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

Filed Under: Moisturizer, Skin Care Tagged With: Moisturizer, Philosophy, Skin Care

Dec 13, 2012

The Evolving Beauty Routine

December 13, 2012 By Carleenp 1 Comment

Just the other day something amazing happened. I got carded, and they meant it, and I am 45! I can’t remember the last time that happened and it made my day! These days, I am unfortunately more aware than ever that aging is happening and my beauty routine is evolving with it. Here is a look at how my routine has evolved through the years.

Me at 45

The Teen Years

Oh to be a teen again with smooth and even skin. Well, wait, it wasn’t so sooth and even actually. I do remember teen acne. But I was pretty lucky back then. I could get by with a bit of basic acne treatment for breakouts. In hindsight though, I wish I had regularly worn sunscreen. Some of those aging signs that I see now could have been delayed! Back then all of the double duty products with sunscreen that you see now were not available. I don’t think regular makeup even had sunscreen in it at that time. Plus, I was rather naive about protecting my skin.

My 20’s

I had great skin in my 20’s. By my late 20’s, I also began to appreciate it by using makeup with sunscreen and wearing moisturizer at night. It was a good time, but changes were coming!

My 30’s

My 30s saw the first signs of sun damage. I developed melasma in spots and began a serious skin care routine in earnest. Sunscreen and products with antioxidants became part of my daily routine, and I sought out skin brightening and anti-aging products both to protect my skin and to treat discoloration. I learned a lot during that time, and came to seriously appreciate anything that would block UV rays.

My 40’s

I am now 45 and seeing a whole new host of issues. My melasma has faded quite a bit with years now of religious use of sunscreen, but fine lines and wrinkles are starting to show up and I am developing some redness that could be rosacea. My routine now includes more anti-aging products, and I look for items that can do double or triple duty by including treatment actives, a tint for a more even appearance, and sunscreen in one. The advent of BB creams, and now a CC cream, has been wonderful for that. Why buy multiple products when you can get them all in one?

I am also exploring technology for skin care more and more by looking into home laser and led light devices and by reading up on the latest products and ingredients. I love all of the innovations that are coming out in skin care! Hopefully, if I stick to a good routine, I can still fool a clerk into asking for identification a few more times!

As a leader in skincare with an eye for emerging trends, Olay is bringing the first-ever mass market CC line of products to the United States {Canada}beginning in October 2012. CC, or Color & Correct, Creams have started to emerge in Asia as a new category and are designed for women who love BB Creams for their ability to provide a quick, flawless finish but are seeking skincare solutions that deliver long-term benefits.

The Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting UV Moisturizers fight seven signs of aging, while also providing immediate color correction with tinted formulas that include UV protection and tone correction over time. The multiple, must-have instant and long-term benefits leave skin luminous and even-toned with the reduced appearance of discolorations, fine lines and wrinkles.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Olay via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Olay.

Filed Under: Beauty Tech, Skin Care, Sunscreens Tagged With: BB Cream, CC Cream, Olay, Skin Care, Sunscreen

Nov 27, 2012

Six Hot Holiday Beauty Items

November 27, 2012 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

Whether you need to look your best or you are shopping for the girl who has everything, new makeup for the holidays is a great stocking stuffer. This year's trendy options make it possible to have glowing skin and stand out in dreary weather. These are six hot items for 2012 holiday season.

1. Holidays offer time off from work and a chance to see the family. However, too much family time makes work seem appealing. Give yourself the confidence to face even the most annoying relatives with the Too Too Pretty perfume By Betsey Johnson. The festive bottle makes it easy to embrace the whimsical spirit of the holidays, and the scent mixes floral and forest notes that make it fitting for any occasion.

2. The first snowfall of the year is always magical, but the first time your skin starts cracking and flaking is not. Avoid creating your own version of a winter wonderland with the Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Essentials Set. The set moisturizes while eliminating wrinkles and leaves a fresh, youthful look. You will make Santa's nice list whether you use the kit for yourself or save it for someone with dry skin or aged skin.

3. Do not forget to add holiday cheer to your nails. The New Black Glimmer Twins set ensures multiple options and lets you stay current with trends. The crimson color matches the holiday theme, but you can make your nails unique with a glitter finish, stripes and more.

4. Office parties, family events and celebrations with friends can make anyone frazzled. You do not need to sacrifice your appearance during the busy holiday season. Stilla's Custom Color Bronze is a new necessity for the winter months. The bronzer creates a healthy glow, and makes looking flawless simple without being time consuming.

5. For a nice holiday scent, DKNY pureDKNY Verbena offers a soft scent that is tasteful and welcoming with an attractive bottle.

6. The Stila Snow Angel Palette is right for anyone who is busy fantasizing about sugar-plum fairies or the presents under the wrapping paper. The palette helps eyes remain trendy by offering 18 eye shadow and 12 blush shades for endless styling options. Fit in at casual affairs or romantic winter getaways with this holiday palette.

These items work for both trendsetters and those trying to keep up with styles. You will be the star of the holiday season with new items, great looks and thoughtful gifts. Makeup is the gift that keeps on giving because it is long lasting and will turn heads throughout the holiday season. Treat yourself or a loved one to one of these impressive products in 2012.

Buy the Items Listed at Sephora