To get really clean, sometimes you have to get a little dirty. Enter Dirty Detox, our 5-star face mask made with charcoal and four different mineral-rich clays.
First things first: why use a charcoal mask?
Trending beauty products can range from winners to just plain wacky, and this the charcoal mask falls into the first category for sure. We make ours with Japanese white charcoal, which absorbs impurities to help purify and balance the skin, and combine it with a mix of clays to create one skin glowing and refining super mask.
Why we think our mud and charcoal mask is THE best
Let’s start with the unanimous 5-star reviews on our site, because nothing makes us happier than you loving our products. What’s better than hearing that this mask has helped clear up acne-prone skin?!
But before we even released it, we knew this mask would be a winner. Traditional mud masks were great for absorbing oil… to the point of totally drying out your skin. So we started with one proven favorite clay, then sourced additional clays from around the world that promote skin clarity and balance, instead of overly drying your skin and making it produce even more oil… you know the routine.
Here’s our detox mud mask mix:
Moroccan Rhassoul Clay: Long used in beauty treatments to help detoxify and improve skin’s clarity.
French Green Clay: Rich with minerals and nutrients that help detoxify, balance and improve skin’s clarity.
Brazilian Green Clay: Helps absorb excess oil and pore-clogging impurities.
Spanish Coastal Clay: Helps improve skin’s clarity.
What else is in there?
For extra purifying power, we added papaya enzyme, a natural exfoliant (if that sounds familiar, it’s also a key ingredient in our best selling BAREPRO Liquid Performance Wear Foundation). And as a little treat, since you do leave this stuff on for a while, we added the naturally-derived fragrance of eucalyptus and bergamot for a fuller, more indulgent detox experience.
It’s detox time: How to use a mud mask
-Start with a clean, dry face.
-Apply a thin layer of the face mask with clean hands, or our Mask Smoothing Brush, which is curved to match the contours of your face (and will keep mud from getting under your nails).
-Leave for 10-15 minutes. Dance around, take a bath, do the dishes—or maybe all three if you’re quick.
-Wipe off the clay with warm water and a dark cloth (the natural clays will stain a white towel).
-Admire your new glow!
So there you have it: smearing mud and charcoal on your face isn’t just good for your glow—it’s also as fun as it sounds.
If you’ve noticed a correlation between trending foods and skincare products, you’re an astute observer. Coconut Oil is a prime example of this, as are Avocado, Matcha and Turmeric. Kombucha, and fermented ingredients in general, are making their way into beauty, and bareMinerals is proud to embrace this trend with our new and much-buzzed-about DEW MIST Setting Spray. Today we’re outlining the ways in which fermented ingredients — and Kombucha, specifically — can benefit your skin, and which skin types ought to use it.
The Lowdown on Fermented Ingredients
When an ingredient is fermented,
it simply means that bacteria, yeast, and/or microbes have been added in order
to alter the chemical structure. This process usually requires a period of
sitting and aging, and the flavor and texture changes dramatically over that
time.
Though we typically associate
fermented foods with a distinct sour taste — such as sauerkraut and kimchi
— there are lots of fermented items that don’t have this tangy quality.
Beer and wine are prime examples, and others include cheese, bread, yogurt, miso,
and even chocolate.
Why Fermented Ingredients Are Good for Your Skin
In the early days, fermenting
was a way to help preserve foods for longer. Today, fermentation serves the
same purpose, but we’ve also learned that it has other health benefits. When
ingested, fermented ingredients can help regulate and improve our digestive
process. Fermented ingredients have also been linked to bolstering cognitive
function, boosting our immunity and generally improving our overall health.
That long list of benefits extends when fermented ingredients, such as Kombucha, are applied topically via a well-formulated skincare product. “Fermented ingredients containing probiotics can help to improve inflammatory skin conditions and reduce premature signs of aging,” explains Inna Knyazenvch, the lead esthetician and co-owner of New York City’s In-Glo Med Spa. “Recent scientific studies in Japan and Korea showed that lactobacillus, [which is always found in Kombucha], helped improve common skin concerns like wrinkles and dryness as well as acne lesions.”
In addition to helping with signs of aging, fermented ingredients such as Kombucha can also bolster our barrier function and overall skin health. Inna explains that our skin’s delicate microbiome is pretty sensitive and therefore easily disrupted by things like over-cleansing or scrubbing, exposure to the elements, antibiotics, and certain medications and cosmetics. She says, “Adding probiotics to our skincare regimen will help to [create] a healthier skin microbiome and boost its immunity to fight environmental toxins and bacteria.”
When the skin’s microbiome is well-balanced that makes for a healthy, vibrant, and luminous complexion. Kombucha balances the microbiome well, says Inna. She also notes that because Kombucha is particularly gentle and has a pH of 3, it’s an excellent option for those with dry or sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and rosacea.
Try Kombucha Skincare for Yourself
If you’re curious to see how a fermented ingredient, such as Kombucha, might impact your own skin, we just launched a multi-purpose spray that gives skin a serious glow boost via Kombucha ferment. DEW MIST Setting Spray creates a glowing complexion and helps lock makeup in place all day long. You can even use it mid-day for a dewy refresh on a hot summer day. “Although, we don’t always associate bacteria with beauty, the latest trend of fermented ingredients [in skincare] is here to stay,” says Inna. “It’s proven its ability to promote a healthy and youthful complexion.”
The
skincare world can feel like an overwhelming place. There are countless
bottles, tubes and tubs, each with unique formulations and uses for specific
skin types. Adding “morning versus evening” into the mix may just make your
head spin, but we’re here to tell you to not stress it — skincare should be
effective, but also part of a relaxing ritual you use to bookend your day. And
once you break down the basics, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Below
we’ve equipped you with essential knowledge of how to build a skincare routine,
plus examples of when to use some of our most beloved skincare formulas.
Is It Really That Important to
Divide Your Skincare into AM and PM?
The
first question from any minimalist is whether you really, truly need to split
your morning and evening routines. The short answer is yes (as you probably
guessed), but you don’t have to alter that
much.
“The important differences between your morning and night routines will be the sun protection needed in the morning versus the overnight treatment and repair you obtain while sleeping,” says Blass Laner, who oversees global education here at bareMinerals. “During the day, your skin is in its defense mode, protecting itself from pollution, stress, aggressors and the environment.” Conversely, evening is prime time for your skin to repair itself both naturally and via product application. Yep, while you’re catching all those zzzs, your skin is actually working overtime — something that’s called chronobiology. According to Lee Etheridge, our Executive Director of Global Education & Consumer Experience, this is the scientific theory that your skin is better able to repair itself in the evening, and it’s defined by a few certain biological functions: “To begin, skin temperature goes up half a degree, creating a spa-like environment for your skin at night. Also, cellular renewal occurs twice as frequently while sleeping than while awake and your lymphatic drainage system turns on at night, which purges toxins and waste from your skin,” she notes. “Given all this, research shows that skin is more receptive to repair treatments in the evening.”
What Your Best Morning Skincare Routine
Should Look Like
Your
morning routine ought to begin with a gentle facial cleanser to remove
overnight sweat, excess sebum, lingering product and dead skin cells.
“Because your skin has been working overnight,
you’ll want to be gentle in the morning,” says Blass. “Choose a lighter
formula, steering clear from exfoliators or anything harsh.”
After toning to rebalance the pH levels of your skin, apply
moisturizing products, including both serums and creams. Go for something that contains
antioxidants, which protect your skin from free radical damage caused by
environmental pollutants and the sun.
Our picks: SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Infusion Serum is formulated with antioxidant-rich California Poppy and can be applied on any skin type before the SPF moisturizer of your choice. SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Eye Gel Cream also contains antioxidants, and is a lightweight boost of hydration designed specifically for the dry, delicate eye area.
The most important morning skincare product you should apply is a broad-spectrum SPF. This protects your skin from burning, sun-related damage (such as spots, wrinkles, and sagging), and, most importantly, skin cancer. About a dime-sized amount for your face is recommended, and it should go on underneath any cosmetics. (You still need to apply a separate SPF even if your makeup contains SPF. The amount of makeup you apply is simply too small for adequate coverage).
What Your Best Evening Skincare
Routine Should Include
This
evening regimen is a bit more involved, but your skin will thank you for going
the extra mile. Besides, what’s better than decompressing with a few minutes of
skincare TLC and alone time?
At
night, we recommend starting with a pre-cleansing product that removes grime,
sebum and makeup.
After
cleansing and following up with a toner, you can address specific skin concerns
with any treatments, applying pre-serum because this will allow the product to
be as close to your skin as possible, which means it can better penetrate and
work its magic. A dermatologist favorite is retinol, which not only helps
clarify the skin, but has been scientifically shown to reduce and prevent signs
of aging when used consistently. You can find over-the-counter retinol
products, or your dermatologist can prescribe a retinoic acid if you want
something stronger. Another example of a treatment is a chemical exfoliator, which
is typically formulated with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Of note: you should
never apply retinol and another active treatment on the same night; alternating
evenings is essential.
Following
your treatment, apply your non-active serum of choice for added radiance.
Our picks: That morning SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Infusion Serum is great for all around skin TLC.
“Eye cream
is next, as you want to build up products from lightest consistency to heaviest,”
notes Blass.
Our picks: Minimalists, go for that morning SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Eye Gel Cream. For something a bit richer, BRILLIANT FUTURE Age Defense & Renew Eye Cream will help combat puffiness and dark circles while you sleep.
Like the
morning, you’ll want to follow up with an all-over facial moisture. Blass says
“You can use something with more substance at night” — remember, it’s all about
overnight restoration here.
It’s a climate regulator and a monumental source of oxygen. It has provided us with medicinal ingredients, food sources and highly effective skincare ingredients. Yes, we’re talking about none other than our (invaluable) oceans.
From the sea
salt we use in body scrubs to nourishing muds, from luxe caviar to various
forms of algae, we’d be remiss if we didn’t take a second to thank the ocean
for everything it has provided the skincare community. One of our favorite
marine secrets? Red Algae. Today, with help from a board-certified
dermatologist, we’re focusing how it’s sourced and why this brilliant skincare
ingredient is the secret hydration hero behind a makeup product you may already
love.
What is Red Algae, Exactly?
The first thing
you might notice about Red Algae is that it’s, well, red. This is in contrast
to the green color we typically associate with algae, and there’s a very
distinct reason why it’s this hue.
“Red Algae gets its color from the pigments phycoerythrin
and phycocyanin. These pigments mask the other pigments, such as chlorophyll,
which would make the algae green,”
explains Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Red Algae can live in much deeper, warmer water than other algae,
which need to live near the surface of the water in order to absorb more light.”
There are around 7,000 different species of Red Algae, which
are particularly common in coral reefs. When sourced for skincare, they are
typically dried and then distilled in order to preserve the numerous beneficial
properties.
The Skincare Benefits of Red Algae
Red Algae are known to produce amino acid derivatives that are exceptionally good at blocking UVA rays from the sun. In other words, Red Algae is said to act as mild, all-natural SPF. And Dr. Jaliman says there’s even more good news. “Red Algae are rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants, and are used in skincare to help clarify and clean the skin,” she notes. “[The ingredient also] has outstanding moisture-retaining properties and promotes a healthier skin barrier and helps replenish the skin’s natural hydration.” According to Dr. Jaliman, pretty much all skin types benefit from Red Algae, but dry, sensitive, or mature skin types can particularly reap the rewards of this marine gem.
How We Use Red Algae
Red Algae is a star ingredient in our new COMPLEXION RESCUE Hydrating Stick Foundation. Surprised? Yes, we’ve been talking about skincare, but this water-based stick foundation is a true hybrid of coverage and care. And it should come as no surprise that it’s super hydrating — thanks to a certain marine skincare superhero.
Love learning about beauty ingredients? Check out our ingredient spotlights on Chamomile, Coconut Alkanes and Peony, and stay tuned for more.
What do you wear to the party of the year when the theme is camp, that wild celebration of everything over-the-top? For Hailey Bieber, our Clean Beauty Ambassador, the answer was a head-turning custom pink-sequin gown by Alexander Wang, paired with a beauty look that was “vintage Barbie meets sleek and sexy,” according to makeup artist Denika Bedrossian, who dreamed up the look with Hailey and brought it to life with her favorite clean makeup formulas, all from bareMinerals. Here, Denika shares how to get the look, step-by-step.
“We wanted to go with something sexy and mysterious to go with her stunning Alexander Wang gown,” Denika explains. “The vibrant color and shine of the fabric inspired us to go with a modern take on the classic Barbie … we were all happy and excited to work on such an epic look.”
Denika started with COMPLEXION RESCUE Hydrating Foundation Stick for a dewy-skin look. “I lightly buffed it in with the Smoothing Face Brush. I added highlight and natural glow by adding the BAREPRO GLOW Liquid Highlighter in Whimsy. I stippled it in with my ring finger, creating a natural finish. Adding a dusting of ENDLESS GLOW Highlighting Powder in Whimsy gave that extra pop of iridescent pink. I also dusted it on the eyelids for an additional highlight.”
Creating the right definition for the (very) pink carpet was next: “I warmed up the skin and added a slight contour by using ENDLESS SUMMER Bronzer in Warmth,” she says. “I dusted the apples of her cheeks with the Loose Powder Blush in Hint.”
A rich black eyeliner was essential to pull of the entire look. “For Hailey’s sultry eyes, I used LASH DOMINATION Liquid Eyeliner in black to create a dramatic and bold cat eye. I layered it to get an extremely bold pigment. I brought down the liner to the bottom lash line using ROUND THE CLOCK Intense Cream-Glide Eyeliner in the waterline and below the lashes. After layers of mascara on top and bottom, I added a corner lash for drama.”
Denika finished with Hailey’s signature natural lip. “For the perfect pout, I mixed together [shades] Smooch and Infamous in GEN NUDE Matte Liquid Lipstick. This gave a perfect little nude lip to pair with the most stunning dress and such a sexy eye.”
