Category: Beauty & Perosnal Care

We have just hit 100,000 downloads on the Skin Rocks App. Unreal!
When we first spoke to our app tech agency about making an app, we were told to ‘manage our expectations’ and that 10,000 downloads within a month would be a huge success, so THANK YOU so much if you have already downloaded it.

If you haven’t yet downloaded, you can download the app here for Android and Apple.

The Skin Rocks App has over 15,000 products from almost 600 brands submitted individually, by hand, by my team. Every product page will tell you if you do or do not need this product, who it works for, how to use it and where you can buy it.

The Column has a plethora of articles including how to deal with your skin type, concern or condition, what ingredients actually do and a ‘new in’ section to read reviews of new skincare tried by qualified experts. The Founder Hub contains articles written by me where I give you advice, debunk common myths and share my current skincare routine with you.

If that wasn’t enough, you can fill in your skin profile (don’t worry, you can take a quiz if you’re not sure on your skin type or look through our catalogue to see what concerns look like on real people) and when you search for products, the first ones that come up saying ‘It’s a Match’ are suited to you based on your profile.

This is only the beginning, and we have a lot of exciting new features and content in the pipeline.

You can download the app here for Android and Apple.

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, 236ml – £12.50

What you need to know
Brilliant for use as a first, second or morning cleanse.
Fragrance-free.
Suitable for all skins and conditions, including puberty, menopause, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Key Ingredients
Ceramides.
Glycerin.
Hyaluronic Acid.

Who is it for?
Anyone can use this, but if you are oily you might prefer a gel formula as a second cleanse.

You need this if…
You want a good, daily cleanser at an incredible price point.

You don’t need this if…
You prefer a gel texture or have oily skin. Although you could use this as a first cleanse if you are oily.

Full INCI
AQUA/WATER, GLYCERIN, PEG-200 HYDROGENATED GLYCERYL PALMATE, COCO-BETAINE, DISODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, POLYSORBATE 20, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE, PPG-5-CETETH-20, PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, SQUALANE, CERAMIDENP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CHOLESTEROL, CITRIC ACID, CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, BENZOIC ACID. (Code F.I.L. C273796/1)

Available to buy at:
Boots
CeraVe
Amazon

Many people think about helping others and contributing to a greater good. It’s not always easy to come up with ideas for how to take action, but giving back doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. If you’re unsure about the skills you have to offer, we’ve collated a few ideas to provide you with some inspiration. 

1. Donate To Your Favorite Charity 

When you are thinking about making a charitable donation, consider donating to a cause that is close to your heart. You’re not required to specifically donte money — food, furniture, appliances, books, hygiene products, blankets and clothing are all great options too.

It’s important to research both the cause and the structure of the organization to see how effectively the organization uses your donation. You can get a sense of the organization by researching its activities such as upcoming programs or fundraises. Indicators of trustworthy organisations include transparency, a reliance on evidence, cost-effectiveness and a strong track record. 

According to Forbes.com, when choosing a charity, search for one that dedicates “less than 30% of its total costs to administration and fundraising expenses.” You can use websites such as Charity Navigator and Guidestar.org to locate this kind of information. That way you can be confident that your charity will maximize your donation.

2. Volunteer Your Time

If you’re concerned about not having any donations to give, you can also help by volunteering your time. Consider your skill set and decide which volunteer opportunities match with them. If you have a green thumb, you could volunteer at a community garden. Are you great with people? You could assist at a retirement home or a hospital. Or if you’re looking at improving your resume, in some industries, you can volunteer directly at an company that does the kind of work you’re interested in. 

Volunteering impacts the community and also allows you to form new relationships, grow your network and gain experience in a new field. You may discover a new sense of purpose or new talents you didn’t know you had. Here are some volunteering ideas to get you started:

• Work at a non-profit organization
• Serve meals at a food bank
• Join a mentorship program
• Working on a community garden
• Volunteer at a senior center
• Work at a food drive
• Give blood
• Help build a home

3. Give A Gift That Gives Back

Giving is brings so much joy, so why not give an item that gives back to the community? For example, is someone on your gift-giving list a lover of skin care? Through our Forests for the Future™ initiative, for every product sold we plant a tree in developing countries around the world. When you purchase any Eminence Organics product, you’re also helping global communities restore their environment, grow more food and build a sustainable future.

Interestingly, giving has its health benefits too. Recent studies have shown that giving can actually increase your health, happiness and overall well-being. Giving can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated and provide you with a sense of purpose. 

causes Close To Our Heart

At Eminence Organics, we contribute to several charities throughout the year such as our very own Eminence Kids Foundation. Our company president, Boldijarre Koronczay, is a survivor of a rare form of childhood leukemia. This experience left Boldijarre with the belief that nourishing the body both inside and out is an optimal way to achieve total health and wellness. As a result, the Eminence Kids Foundation delivers seasonal, organic fruits, juices and vegetables to long-term care facilities in the United States, Canada and Hungary, where it all began.

The Foundation strives to instill healthy choices in children at a young age so they can carry the knowledge to make smart, nutritional decisions throughout the rest of their lives. A portion of the proceeds from every product sold goes towards the Eminence Kids initiative and ultimately helps provide organic fruits, vegetables and foods to sick children around the world.

As mentioned earlier, the Forests for the Future™ program trains farmers in developing countries to build productive and sustainable forest gardens. The gardens empower local people to replenish their environment, grow their own crops and build a sustainable income and future for themselves, their families and their communities. A single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year, while also providing a habitat for biodiversity and helping combat climate change. Thanks to this program, Eminence Organics is the first and only skin care company to plant over 20 million trees!

Are you considering volunteering, donating or purchasing a gift for someone? Let us know in the comments below! You can also visit our Charities Page to learn more about our philanthropic programs and initiatives.

If you want to be savvy about your skin care, we have a buzzed-about ingredient that you’ll want to know about: alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs. These skin care saviors are a group of natural acids and chemical exfoliants which, when introduced to your regular skin care routine, give you that coveted, glowing complexion. AHAs not on your radar yet? Here’s how AHAs works and why chemical exfoliation will uncover your inner radiance.

What Are AHAs? | The Different Types Of AHAs | What Do AHAs Do? 

What Are AHAs?

AHAs are water-soluable molecules that work on the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). They are a type of chemical exfoliant that loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells in place. AHAs are ideal for treating issues that lie on the skin’s surface. They’re proven to be a better solution for more dry and mature skin types because they exfoliate while also providing moisture. Read on to find out about the different types of AHAs you can use in skin care. 

Different Types Of AHAs

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is a type of AHA naturally found in fruits and sugar cane. It is the most popular AHA — its small molecular size allows it to deeply penetrate into the skin, making it more effective than other acids. If you’re looking to minimize the visible signs of aging (such as fine lines and wrinkles), then glycolic acid is for you. Categorized as a humectant, glycolic acid not only exfoliates, but also attracts moisture to the skin to give you some extra hydration. 

Mandelic Acid

Derived from almonds, mandelic acid accelerates skin cell turnover and removes dead skin cells. This exfoliating action will leave the complexion looking far smoother than before. As Medical News Today states: “Mandelic skin eliminates damaged and older skin cells and replaces them with newer, firmer-looking skin cells.”

Malic Acid

Malic acid is one specific type of fruit-derived AHA that you can find in pears and apples. According to Byrdie, malic acid exfoliates the top superficial layer of the skin. As a result, you’ll notice a smoother-looking texture and clearer-looking pores. Malic acid is unique in that it acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to your skin. Secondly, it has a larger molecule size, reducing its penetration into the skin. This reduced size makes it a gentler than other AHAs and ideal for those with sensitive skin.

ferulic acid

Ferulic acid is a very powerful antioxidant that is naturally found in plants, including bran and certain fruit seeds. This acid is known for fighting against free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause damage to your skin cells. In terms of damage, picture premature aging and a loss of skin firmness. Free radicals are produced by environmental aggressors like pollution, smoking, the sun’s UV rays or a poor diet. Thankfully, ferulic acid will help neutralize free radicals if you use it in your skin care. 

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a gentle AHA exfoliant that removes surface build-up for a brighter, smoother-looking complexion. Typically derived from milk, it can also be derived from corn starch, beets, and other sugar-rich foods. Lactic acid is used to smooth, brighten and even-out skin texture and tone. It also reduces the appearance of dark spots and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. 

If you’re interested in using this ingredient, our lactic acid-powered Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer won the Allure 2021 Best of Beauty: Clean Beauty Product category for a reason! This non-comedogenic formula has a lightweight consistency to minimize the look of environmental stress, all while its lactic acid ingredient promotes a natural radiance and glow.

Tartaric Acid

Tartaric acid is sourced from grapes and tamarinds, as well as wine and cream of tartar. As it’s derived from antioxidant-rich fruits, tartaric acid is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help defend the skin from damage triggered by free radicals and environmental factors similar to what is listed above: UV rays, pollution, and more. 

What Do AHAs Do?

1. AHAs Gently Reveal New Skin Cells

AHAs exfoliate the uppermost layers of skin to encourage fresh, new skin cells to come to the surface. This process will reveal smoother and more youthful-looking skin as a result. By clearing away dead skin cells, new skin cells will come to the surface, making your skin appear more refreshed and youthful-looking. You’ll boost the wattage for your complexion and restore your luminosity.

Lactic acid is the most gentle of all the AHAs and safe for all skin types and skin concerns. This acid resurfaces the skin by breaking down the “glue” that binds together the dead layer and debris at the outermost layer of the skin. The acid dissolves away dead skin cells, promoting a more radiant-looking complexion. Our lactic acid ingredient is even perfect for people with sensitivity to animal products. Lactic acid is a key ingredient in our Mangosteen Collection, which features our proprietary Lactic Acid Complex. This complex is formulated to reveal your best, most luminous-looking skin. Although lactic acid is often derived from milk, the acid in our Mangosteen Collection is actually sourced from plant sugars, making every product in this collection vegan.

2. Brightens The Look Of The Skin

Exfoliation can visibly revive your skin, taking it from dull and tired to looking glowing and healthy. Experience a brighter-looking complexion using our Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10% at an authorized Eminence spa. This professional peel removes surface buildup with immediate results and no downtime, even for sensitive skin. Or, if you want to go for the glow at home, try our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate, another great product for gently resurfacing and refining pores. The mangosteen in this leave-on concentrate promotes radiance while the Lactic Acid Complex removes and prevents buildup, refreshing the skin’s natural appearance.With lactic acid sweeping away your dead skin cells, you’ll find your complexion looks visibly brighter and your skin tone appearing more even. 

3. Retains Hydration And Moisture

Some AHAs, such as glycolic acid, actually have the ability to help your skin retain moisture and add hydration. Glycolic acid has the ability to train the skin to become better at retaining its natural moisture. AHAs hydrate the skin in the short term, but dermatologists also believe that these acids enhance the skin’s moisture-retaining ability in the long-term so that the tissue maintains its soft, padded firmness.

You can soak up this extra hydration and moisture thanks to the lactic acid ingredient in our luxurious Mangosteen Replenishing Hand Cream. With each application, this silky formula gently resurfaces hands to reveal soft, youthful-looking skin and provides long-lasting hydration.

4. Reduces The Appearance Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Not only do AHAs improve radiance and moisture retention, they also reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. By resurfacing the complexion and evening out skin tone, your face will look revitalized and your skin texture refined.

You can learn more about reviving dull skin in this full guide and let us know your results in the comments or on social media.

This article was originally written in March 2018.

Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream from Allies of Skin has been around for a year now, and has featured in my skincare wardrobe since I first tried it. This is a go-to for me if I want to look more awake, which, let’s face it, is quite often these days.

The Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream instantly lifts and brightens, leaving you looking more awake. Over time, the formula stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve firmness, elasticity and dark circles. This eye cream literally does it all.

Key ingredients include:

4 Peptide blend that includes the award-winning Matrixyl® Morphomics™ and Neodermyl® actives – to firm the appearance of the eye area and improve the look of wrinkles.

Combination of periorbital (think Panda eyes) brighteners – to immediately brighten whilst working long-term to firm and reduce puffiness.

1% Bakuchiol – to improve skin elasticity and firmness

2% Squalane – to provide moisture and suppleness

Vitamin C – to target dullness and signs of fatigue

Omega-rich oils – to nourish and hydrate the eye area, leaving it soft and dewy.

This is brilliant for all skin types and slots easily into any routine. I can use this both AM and PM, as the instantly lifted look is something I need in the daytime, whilst the sophisticated formula works to reduce the signs of ageing overnight. Use 1-3 pumps, tap in (patting in circles) and follow with your moisturiser and SPF in the morning. Remember, eye cream is always before moisturiser, otherwise, as you know, it’s like putting your knickers on after your trousers, and we’re not Superman.

BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

Allies of Skin are running a giveaway when you sign up here. You could win  the entire  Allies of Skin assortment  or a mystery full-size product when you purchase Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream.

Beauty Pie are a brilliant members club, where you pay a yearly fee to get direct access to exclusive, lab-direct pricing. Beauty Pie have a whole host of skincare, haircare, bodycare and more. You will find more than what you’re looking for with the Pie!

I’ve pulled together my top favourites from the brand, creating my own edit including:

Japanfusion^TM Pure Transforming Cleanser
This is a brilliant gel-to-oil-to milk texture, that destroys makeup and SPF. It leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and comfortable.

Plantastic^TM Apricot Butter Cleansing Balm
A gorgeous cleansing balm that emulsifies into a milk, removing all traces of makeup and SPF, leaving you with hydrated, clean skin.

Dr Glycolic^TM Multi-Acid Micropeeling Pads
These will leave your skin looking brighter and smoother, with a summer glow. The combination of glycolic acid, niacinamide and AHAs helps to remove dead skin, reduce clogged pores and brighten the skin.

Triple Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This formula contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, pro-ceramides to nourish and peptides to plump the skin.

YOUTHBOMB^TM 360 Radiance Concentrate
This efficacious formula contains 15 actives, which help to visibly firm and lift the skin, act as an antioxidant and brighten and hydrate the skin. Each ingredient has been selected for its ability to help reflect light – leaving you with a mega glow.

Super Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
This formula contains retinol to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate. A winner.

Japanfusion^TM Light Urban Air Purifying Moisturiser
Fabulous for Summer, this is a lighter texture that hydrates, brightens and leaves you with a fresh face.

Super Healthy Skin^TM Amazing Sleep Oil
A nourishing yet lightweight oil, this absorbs beautifully. Rich in linoleic and essential fatty acids, omega 3s, evening primrose and borage oils, this moisturises your skin leaving skin firmer, supple and soothed.

Shine Up^TM Lip Colour Balm Stick
These hydrate your lips, leaving you with a glossy lip with some colour.

Super Healthy Skin ^TM Nourishing Body Polish
This smells unreal. An all-rounder that leaves your skin feeling nourished, soft and smooth.

Super Healthy Skin ^TM Deluxe Moisture Body Créme
This also smells incredible. This doesn’t leave your skin sticky but deeply hydrates for soft, smooth and hydrated skin.

Use CAROLINESENTME for £10 off for new members.