Beauty by the B

Summer means sunscreen!

There’s more important than protecting your skin from the sun during the summer months. Sunscreen provides us with Broad Spectrum Protection (Protects against UVA and UVB rays), which can not only age us, but are responsible for causing skin cancer. 

Use a minimum of SPF 15 and  reapply every hour or two. 

For example: SPF 20 x 10 = 200 minutes of sun protection. 

Neostrata OIL FREE ANTI-AGING SUNSCREEN LOTION

Provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Ideal protection lotion to use on cleansed skin as the first step of your daily skin regimen.

Ideal for:

• All skin types
• Face, neck and décolleté
• All ages

Results:

• Helps reverse signs of aging
• Offers protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays
• EUK-134 is an antioxidant that fights the signs of aging.
• The encapsulated sunscreen (octinoxate) may help to reduce the irritation associated with the use of sunscreen products.
• SPF 30 protects against UVA and UVB rays

Clarins Sunscreen Cream High Protection SPF 30

This product is high protection for sun-sensitive skin. 

Ideal for:

• Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
• For face and body, this sun protection product was formulated to protect skin that is very sensitive to sun exposure. The rich, fine texture helps promote an even tan. Water and perspiration-resistant, it also protects against the drying effects of salt water. 
• Ensures reinforced sun protection (heat-resistant UVB-UVA and Infra-red filters) adapted to sensitive skin.
• Promotes more rapid tanning thanks to a melanin precursor.
• Phyto-Sunactyl® provides reinforced Multi-Cellular Protection, anti-free radical.
• Nourishes, softens and revitalizes skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

This sunscreen is ultra-light, fast absorbing, and has matte finish for the face.

Breakthrough Technology: 

• New ANTHELIOS 60 Ultra-light sunscreen fluid for face with Cell-OX Shield XL™, a new optimized combination of UVA/UVB filters with a powerful antioxidant complex for advanced protection with fewer ingredients.
• Anthelios 60 ultra-light sunscreen fluid with multi-patented Cell-OX Shield XL filtering system provides a dual breakthrough innovation.
• An optimized combination of UVA/UVB filters chosen for its more synergistic effect to deliver broad-spectrum protection.
• A formula with a reduced number of ingredients in a fragrance-free, paraben-free texture adapted for even sensitive skin

Recommended For:

• For normal to combination skin
• Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection (SPF 60) + Antioxidants
• New optimized formula with synergistic UVA/UVB protection and less ingredients
• Sheer blendable ultra-light texture

Clinically proven safe and effective:

• Tested on sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free
• Paraben-free
• Water resistant (80 min)

Bioderma

BIODERMA has seven product ranges for hygiene and care, adapted to each type of skin problem, including sensitive skin, dehydrated skin, dry/oily, damaged skin, and even baby skin. 

We decided to have a closer look and try the Atoderm line, which deals with dry skin issues. These products aim to soothe your skin and help it regain its optimum level of hydration. 

Hydrabio Serum

Moisturizing concentrate for Very Dehydrated and Sensitive Skin

• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic

Hydrabio Serum intensely hydrates the skin and regains comfort, suppleness and radiance, and makes for an excellent base for makeup.

Hypoallergenic Hydrabio Serum has been formulated to minimize the risk of allergies, and its formula is non-comedogenic. You can use this product morning and/or evening on the face and neck after cleansing and can be  used alone or before a cream. 

Beauty by the B:

We love this gel serum that instantly absorbs into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy heavy feel on the skin. It’s great for underneath a moisturizer or after cleansing, before makeup application, and preps the skin beautifully so flawless application of foundation can be achieved. 

Atoderm Nutritive 

Nutritive Cream for Dry to Very Dry/Sensitive Skin

• Nourishes and Soothes
• Fragrance-free formula
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic

This highly nourishing skin care combines two natural active ingredients (shea butter and avocado extracts), and is renowned for its nourishing and repairing properties, and two hydrating active ingredients (vaseline & glycerine).

Highly concentrated in a non-oily “rich cream” texture, these active ingredients help to restore the skin’s water and lipid balance, so it quickly regains its original comfort and suppleness.

The patented natural D.A.F.* complex increases the skin’s tolerance threshold. It’s also fragrance-free and ensures excellent tolerance.

Hypoallergenic, Atoderm Nutritive has been formulated to minimise the risks of allergies and is also a great product for morning and/or evening all over the face and neck after cleansing. 

Beauty By the B:

Great for instant hydration, this product absorbs beautifully into the skin without feeling heavy. Considering it’s a cream, the texture is light but still very nourishing

Atoderm Crème

Nourishing Cream for Dry to very Dry sensitive skin 

• Moisturises, nourishes, and protects
• Fragrance-free formula
• 500 ml pump bottle
• Face & body
• Adults, children, babies

Thanks to its ultra-rich, restructuring active ingredients, Atoderm Cream consolidates the structure of the cutaneous barrier, thus curbing the penetration of irritant elements. 

Enriched with moistening, anti-dehydrating agents, Atoderm Cream holds the water in the upper layers of the epidermis and prevents it from evaporating. The skin is well moisturised, with greater resistance and renewed softness and suppleness. 

Atoderm Cream’s moisturising effect is optimised if you apply it on slightly damp skin (after the bath, a shower or a water spray), and can be used once or twice a day to cleansed skin. 

Beauty by the B:

This cream has a nice and light milky texture that absorbs beautifully into the skin and gives instant hydration, leaving your skin feeling moisturized all day long.

We love it because it’s great for sensitive skin, and you won’t feel any irritation at all!

Atoderm Baume Levres

The daily care, feeding and soothing chapped lips, dry and damaged

• Fragrance-free formula
• Hypoallergenic

Atoderm lip balm restores cracked and parched lips, and instantly smoothes and repairs damaged lips. 

The patented natural complex DAF * increases the tolerance of the skin, and the  rich texture balm provides extreme comfort and leaves lips soft and supple.

Beauty by the B:

We recommended this wonderful product in last week’s post for a reason…and that’s because, well, it’s wonderful. Your lips feel hydrated and silky, and for YYC’s dry climate in particular, this product is a must-have! 

Hair Tools Galore

There are many hair tools out there, so here is a little break down so that you can decide exactly what you need to make your locks the best that they can be. You ready? 

Top 5 Products under $20

There are many amazing products on the market, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to treat yourself and get in on this action. We share some of our most recent favourite products under $20! 

Lise Watier Waterproof Lip Crayon 

This lip liner has the smoothest texture and glides on beautifully making it  easy to apply and use. Achieve precise definition without any fuss. These pencils are waterproof and truly last a long time on the lip, making reapplication very minimal.

Lush The Olive Branch Shower Gel 

Mandarin shower gel with skin-softening olive oil is loaded with vital antioxidants, with an infusion of vine leaves, sea salt and fresh mandarin juice. A gentle, Mediterranean inspired gel with skin softening olive oil for dry skin.

It’s uplifting and refreshing, with the citrus scents of mandarin and lemon with a hint of orange groves, while it will lighten the mood and freshen up dull skin. 

Not only do we love the scent of this shower gel, but most of all we love the feeling of the skin after you use it, as it leaves you feeling soft and silky. The scent lasts a while on your skin, which is definitely an added bonus!

MAC Fluidline

Ultra-smooth, Fluidline’s gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on “foolproof” with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action, it’s long-wearing and smudge-proof. 

We think this is one of the best gel liners out there! It has a very creamy and smooth texture making it easy to apply, gliding across your lash line, and best of all, it’s very long wearing. 

Bioderma Atoderm Levres Restorative Lip Balm 

Bioderma has seven product ranges for hygiene and care, and they are all adapted to each skin type and problem, ranging from sensitive skin, to irritated and damaged skin. 

When not wearing lipstick, Beauty by the B sure love to try a variety of lip balms, and Bioderma’s is certainly a favourite for many reasons. This product cures dry, chapped and damaged lips, and helps to make your pucker look and feel like silk. 

Finesse Self Adjusting Firm Hold Hairspray

Summer Hair

Skin care during the summer isn’t the only important issue at hand, as the sun and summer elements also impact our hair. When dealing with swimming, sand, and sun, keep these following products and treatments in mind to keep your locks looking shiny and amazing, no matter what! 

Redken Color Extend Sun After- Sun Mask

This lovely product instantly detangles and revitalizes sundamaged hair with intense moisture replenishment and repair.

HYDRA-SHIELD COMPLEX
Soplexyl^TM - Prevents UV Damage
Mango Oil - Replenishes Moisture and Vibrancy
Ceramide - Repairs and resurfaces

Redken’s exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and advanced Hydra-Shield Complex with Soplexyl™, a patented UV filter, provide powerful protection while restoring lost moisture and luminous shine. If that weren’t enough, the product also…

• Detangles and protects
• Provides intense moisture replenishment and repair
• Restores vibrancy
• Protects and defends against environmental aggressors

Leave it in for 5-15 minutes depending on the condition of your hair and wait for the magic to happen! 

Sally Hershberger Wave Spray

This spray creates soft definition and manageability, while adding moisture, suppleness and shine. It also boosts body and the dimension of your waves. 

KEY INGREDIENTS:

• Jojoba Oil, which adds moisture and shine
• Natural Minerals that support and help hold waves

DIRECTIONS:

Shake well to mix the natural minerals with the emollients, spray on damp hair and either let it dry naturally or use a diffuser. Use your fingers to pull through to a perfectly pieced shape.

Nioxin Clarifying Cleanser

This clarifying cleanser gently neutralizes hard water mineral deposits, chlorine and environmental and styling product build-up. Bam! 

KMS CALIFORNIA Hair Play sea salt spray

The KMS Hair Play helps you create a tousled, just-out-of-the-ocean texture with a matte finish. This is beachy, summer hair, at its best! 

DIRECTIONS: 

Mist into towel-dried hair. Air dry for tousled style or blow dry for fullness.

John Freida Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution Lightweight Frizz Control

Lightweight frizz solution for fine to medium textured hair. Shake to activate the DUAL FORMULA—part lightweight serum, part smoothing elixir—to fight frizz from the outside while hydrating hair from the inside. Leaves hair light, manageable and frizz-free.

To maximize frizz elimination, first use Frizz-Ease® Smooth Start® Shampoo and Conditioner. Shake the DUAL FORMULA until mixed. Then shake 10 drops into palm, rub hands together and smooth through damp hair. Use more or less product depending on the length and texture of hair. DO NOT RINSE OUT. Style as usual.

Summer Makeup Must-Haves

There are a few products that we feel are a must-have for the summer season, as they will help your summer face feel and look so much better. From an amazing primer, to an eyeliner that is sure to stay put, check out the below list for some other fantastic summery suggestions. 

Primer

Using a primer on your eyelid before applying eyeshadow will ensure long wear of any product you put on your eyes, whether it’s an eyeshadow or liner. Apply a thin layer of the primer potion all over the lid and onto the brow bone.

Beauty by the B Recommends: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Apply before your eyeshadow for more vibrant CREASE-FREE color that lasts for 24 hours. 

Comes in 4 different shades:

Eden- Nude Matte Finish

Greed- Shimmering Yellow Gold

Original- Nude dries invisibly

Sin- Champagne Shimmer

Eyeliner 

Use a waterproof eyeliner to prevent the product from moving and shifting. The stila eyeliner is great for staying put and not smudging throughout the day

Beauty by the B recommends: Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

This highly pigmented, waterproof eye liner glides on to deliver intense, vibrant color with staying power. 

These easy-to-apply eye liners have it all, as they are long lasting, waterproof, are are easy to apply.

The Stila Smudge Stick has several shimmer-intense shades to make eyes stand out, with vibrant colours and a propel pencil. 

Shades Available:

Stargazer - Black with Gold and Silver Pearl

Lionfish - Brown with Shimmer

Blue Ribbon - Navy Grey

Stingray - Black

Bluefin - Navy Blue with Cobalt Shimmer

Peacock - Cobalt Blue

Damsel - Matte Brown

Triggerfish - Gunmetal with Multipearl

Moray - Golden Olive Shimmer

Purple Tang - Purple with Shimmer

Tetra - Deep Purple with Plum Shimmer

Mascara

This summer play up your lashes, especially if you want to keep your eye makeup more neutral. Use a waterproof mascara to ensure it lasts all day long, doesn’t smudge or flake. If you’re heading out for vacation and want to wear mascara while swimming, a waterproof mascara is a must have!

Beauty by the B Recommends: Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara 

Very buildable 

Tons of volume

• Patented Spoon Brush fans out lashes from corner-to-corner, while the Pro-Keratin formula instantly builds volume without clumping. 

• Unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of 300% more visible, fuller lashes. 

• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested. 

Foundation

As the weather gets warmer and seasons change this is a great time to switch up your foundation. Whether it’s the colour or texture we tend to want to wear something a little bit lighter and not super heavy once summer comes around.

A tinted moisturizer or BB Cream is a great choice for summer time as it will even out your skin tone, add a luminous glow, and most of all, feels weightless on your skin.

Beauty by the B Recommends: Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream SPF 25

Comes in 2 shades:

1 Light

3 Dark/Warm

A product that is quick and easy to use for immediate beauty results.

After application, this smooth 3-in-1 complexion cream is naturally absorbed to produce a perfect result without appearing made up: imperfections disappear and dull, tired skin is revitalized, while providing protection for the face!

Organic kiwi extract is used for vitality and radiance, while an exclusive combination of katafray and hyaluronic acid helps to restore skin’s water reserves for additional softness and comfort.

Setting Spray

Urban Decay has a great selection of setting sprays that are perfect for summer time. This setting spray will ensure that your makeup will stay put for up to 16 hours. Not only will it set your makeup, there will be no melting, fading or settling into fine lines.

Beauty By the B Recommends: Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

Fragrance me crazy

There are many new products hitting the market every day, and here are some new fragrances that are worth checking out, from a little Acqua by Roberto Cavalli, to Vera Wang’s Be Jeweled! 

5 Beauty Serums

We decided that a little comparison was in order, so we’ve picked 5 amazing serums and have broken down the products, their key ingredients, the benefits and whom each product is meant for.

So ladies, get ready to read, try and get ready to rock amazing skin!

NEOSTRATA ANTI-AGING SERUM FRUIT & PEPTIDE STEM CELLS

PROMISE

The Anti-Aging Serum Fruit & Peptide Stem Cells is formulated with two new cutting-edge technologies with the regenerative power to enable skin stem cells to thrive and flourish

KEY INGREDIENTS

PhytoCellTec^TM and Survixyl IS^TM are based on the latest stem cell research to help prevent the signs of aging and rejuvenate the look of skin. 

Matrixyl^TM3000 is a combination of two peptides with clinically proven anti-wrinkle efficacy. 

BENEFITS 

Helps delay visible signs of aging. 

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Increases skin hydration. 

Restores healthy, younger-looking skin. 

WHO IT’S FOR 

All skin types. 

Multiple signs of aging. 

Age 35+

STRIVECTIN POWER SERUM FOR WRINKLES

PROMISE

Clinically proven to change the anatomy of a wrinkle.

KEY INGREDIENTS

10% of  patented wrinkle complex.

Plant Stem Cells and Peptide Actives. 

BENEFITS 

Reduce wrinkles, diminish the look of pores and boost luminosity and clarity for radiant, ageless skin. 

WHO IT’S FOR 

Women 35+ who are looking for faster wrinkle fighting results. 

BIOTHERM BLUE THERAPY SERUM

PROMISE

Repair visible signs of aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and firmness. 

KEY INGREDIENTS

A. FLOA AQUAE

From Klamath Lake, Oregon, known for its firming action.

L. OCHROLEUCA

A macro-algae from North Brittany waters in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its reparative action. 

PURE THERMAL PLANKTON

Regeneration and soothing action.

BENEFITS 

80% of the signs of aging can be visibly reduced. 

Wrinkles appear smoother, contours feel tighter as though uplifted and dark spots appear reduced for a visible transformation.

WHO IT’S FOR 

For all skin types. 

CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM

PROMISE

Intensive anti-ageing treatment rich in 20 plant extracts that boosts the skin’s vital functions.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Katafray bark extract, hyaluronic acid : moisturizing.
Organic perilla and macadamia oils: nourish the skin.
Organic quinoa and green tea extract: protective action.
Maritime pine extract, organic rosehip oil: oxygenize the skin
Organic green banana extract, thyme and bocoa: regenerating action.

BENEFITS 

Skin is firmer, while wrinkles are smoother.
Complexion is even and regains its glow, while pores are less visible. 

WHO IT’S FOR 

Age 25+

ELIZABETH ARDEN PREVAGE ANTI-AGING DAILY SERUM

PROMISE

PREVAGE® Anti-aging Daily Serum protects and corrects the look of skin, helping shield it from environmental assaults and intercepting future aging signs to dramatically improve the look of sun-damaged skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Idebenone Ester: The single most powerful antioxidant. 

Thiotaine: An antioxidant that helps protect surface skin cells from free radical damage. 

Green Tea Blend (Green Tea, Yellow Tea and White Tea): Combination of teas provides antioxidant activity and anti-irritant properties. 

BENEFITS 

-80% improvement in radiance and brightness.
- 70% improvement in skin tone.
- 69% improvement in the look of photo-damaged skin.
- 69% improvement in skin’s overall appearance.

WHO IT’S FOR 

Age 25+