October 6, 2017

Avene antioxidants sensitive skin will love, a hot brush and flat iron in one and ColoreScience's new redness-reducing serum.

2 new antioxidant options to try

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You should be using an antioxidant product every morning. An integral part of the anti-aging puzzle, you need ingredients that neutralize the free radicals that are attacking your skin—right now. Yep, there are unstable electrons wreaking havoc on your cells’ DNA as you read this, and they will inevitably cause fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and potentially skin cancer if you don’t stop them. Now that you’re sufficiently scared of molecules that you can’t see, here are two new products from Avéne that will take them off your worry list.

Since serums are among the most concentrated skincare products, I prefer this formulation for my antioxidant protection—and Avéne’s new A-OXitive Antioxidant Defense Serum contains vitamins C and E to shield your skin from free radicals. As an added bonus, this serum also hydrates, blurs imperfections, plumps up fine lines, and maintains its effectiveness after it’s opened thanks to airless pump packaging. As with all Avéne products, this serum is ideal for skin types (and especially sensitive)—and at $44 you get effective environmental protection at a great price.

If you prefer to skip the serum straight and go straight to the moisturizer, you can get your hydration and antioxidant protection in one bottle with the A-OXitive Antioxidant Water Cream. This super-lightweight yet super-hydrating formula also features vitamins C and E plus mother of pearl for an instant radiance boost. It also delivers a steady stream of moisture for 24 hours, so it helps keep your skin juicy and comfortable from day until night (and beyond).

With fall officially upon us, now’s the time to update your product regimen—and prepare your skin for colder weather ahead. And with these two new options, you can rest easy that you’re protected against damaging free radicals and focus your energy elsewhere!

Is it a hot brush or is it a flat iron? Actually, it’s both!

After letting my hair grow for nearly a year-and-a-half, I’m happy to report that it’s actually long enough to make a teeny-tiny ponytail. It’s been ages since I’ve had any length, and as thrilling as this is, it also means I actually have to do something with my hair style-wise. I’m lucky that it’s easy to blow straight, and it just needs a few passes with a flat iron to smooth and fluff or frizz, but some days I can’t be bothered with these two simple (and rather speedy) steps.

Then I came across InStyler’s Glossie Ceramic Styling Brush with Precision Press. Like other hot brushes, the bristles are anchored in a heated ceramic plate so you can literally brush your way to smoother hair. But the main problem I’ve had with these styling tools is that it’s hard to get the tension necessary to reap the maximum straightening benefits, especially if your hair is on the shorter side. But that’s why this one stands out from the rest…

In addition to the heated brush component, you also get a clamp of sorts that presses your hair into the brush as you’re styling. This extra bit of tautness goes a long way, and the design of the tool lets you get right to the roots for optimal smoothness along the entire length of your hair. Since I’m always one for a great shortcut when it comes to styling my hair, regardless of length, this is on the list for my next Target run!

My new favorite daytime eyeshadow

I’ve been a Stila “Kitten” girl for as long as I can remember, but after buying it again after a lengthy hiatus, the color just isn’t the same. It seems whiter than it used to be, and it seems to pack a more sparkly punch. Maybe the formulation changed—or maybe it no longer suits me now that I’m in my 40s.

So needless to say, I was on the hunt for a new daytime go-to that would give me a light wash of shimmery champagne color. Then Dior’s new Metalizer launched for fall and it looked like just the product to take Kitten’s place—and wouldn’t you know, the “Platine Fusion” shade is perfection. The long-wear cream comes in a little tube, thus eliminating the need for a brush (which is a major plus in my book). One pass is super-sheer, but I can easily get more color payoff by patting a bit more on with my finger. Better yet, it also works well as a highlighter AND I can use it to give any matte lipstick (or eyeshadow) a slightly more metallic finish.

Let’s just say this was a great post-40 daytime eyeshadow update—but since it’s limited edition (figures) I should probably stock up on a few more!

This new serum gets the red out fast

There’s more to skin sensitivity than a flushed appearance. Whether due to a condition like rosacea, irritation from a product or a side effect of an in-office treatment, redness is often associated with heat and an overall uncomfortable sensation. As much as you’d like to lay down with a cool washcloth on your face until it subsides, this isn’t always practical, and this is when you need a product that will comfort your skin in a flash so you can be on your way. Makeup-based color-correction can help with the appearance of your skin if you have the skills, (but not the burning and stinging)—but Colorescience’s new All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50 has you covered on both fronts.

Offering immediate a long-term relief from redness and irritation, this advanced serum toes the line between skincare and makeup by improving the look and feel of flushed skin fast. Formulated with a proprietary soothing complex, a green tint that neutralizes redness and physical broad-spectrum to shield skin from further aggravation, it’s just what you need as the change in weather can make redness flare up. And be sure that you don’t go to your next chemical peel, laser treatment or microneedling appointment without it!