Welcome to the Urban Elegance Blog

Here I will be posting the latest trends in skincare, beauty, and wellness. Our blog is your go-to resource for expert tips, advice, and insider knowledge on all things facial therapy and eyelash extensions.

 

 

Vitamin C Moisturisers/Serums 

  • All-in-One Radiance & Protection

Your daily dose of skin-brightening vitamin C and SPF 30 protection in one step.

 

  • Prevents Premature Ageing

Works to both prevent & smooth the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.

 

  • Firmer-Feeling Skin

Visibly softens, boosts radiance, and is proven to leave skin feeling firmer in just 7 days.*

*Proven via independent consumer study conducted over 4 weeks on 50 participants, across all skin types and tones.

 

  • All Day Hydration

Enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin for proven skin hydration - all day long.

 

  • Healthy Glow

Formulated with a highly-effective form of vitamin C that's proven to leave skin visibly radiant after just 1 use.*

https://www.medik8.com

 

 

 

Hyaluronic Acid

Revitalift Filler Renew Eye Cream contains the highest concentration of Hyaluronic Acid ever formulated in a L'Oréal Paris eye cream. Fills wrinkles and replumps the hollow tear area: With daily use eye bags appear reduced and contours look smoother, fuller. Innovative precision eye applicator with cooling effect; One curved side that perfectly follows the tear trough: the hollow of the under eye contour area. One flat side to massage and reduce the appearance of eye bags as the cooling applicator hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed.

  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
  • Featuring Hyaluronic Acid
  • Replumps the hollow tear area
  • Innovative precision eye applicator
  • Dermatologically tested


Hyaluronic acid has beneficial properties when used on your skin. It's especially useful for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and age lines.



Tatti Lashes

For those who just haven’t got the time for that two hour nap, because let’s face it, sometimes we don’t, especially if you have little ones.  These self application eyelashes are amazing! I use them continuously on myself.

I was sceptical at first but wow! These are the type of eyelashes I’m here for.

Don’t get me wrong, they need a steady hand, practice and patience but do exactly what it says on the box.

These take me 20 minutes to apply underneath my own eyelashes and last up to one week sometimes longer, they are also reusable. Perfect for anyone who wants quick application, no faff, no mess and just wants a set of lashes to last a week or two.

This eyelash kit comes with a set of eyelashes of your choice, lash applicator, bond, sealant, cleanser and remover.

I highly recommend these lashes, they get a 10/10 from me 🙌🏻

Please remember it is always advised to do a patch test 24 hours before application. 

https://tattilashes.com/collections/invisi-lash-kits

 

 

Retinoids & Retinols 

What are they? What’s the difference between Retinols and Retinoids? What’s their purpose? What strength of Retinols do I use and when do you I use them? Do they really work or are they just another skincare fad?

This piece on retinoids & retinols by Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist, explains it all!

The retinoid family consists of a group of compounds that are derived from vitamin A. These have been available in skincare since the 1970's and are the only topical agents that repeatedly demonstrate anti-ageing effects in scientific studies. Retinoids are able to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, slow the breakdown of collagen and fade pigmentation or age spots. They work by improving skin cell renewal and stimulating collagen product.

Retinoids are a firm favourite of both dermatologists and beauty editors alike. There are a large number available, all marketed for their anti-ageing properties, but the truth is that they are not all the same in their effects. Getting the right retinoid for your skin is a minefield, given the sheer number of options available on the market. So how do you know which one to buy? Are the prescription strength ones better than the ones you can buy over the counter? 

Start with looking at the individual ingredients. Retinyl esters, retinol, retinaldehyde, adapalene, retinoid, isotretinoin and tazarotene are all different types of retinoid. Lots of names but all are slightly different compounds. The key, however, is that your skin is only able to use a retinoid in the form of retinoic acid to get clinical benefit. While prescription tretinoin and isotretinoin are already retinoic acids, the conversion process of the other noted ingredients takes place in the skin. Retinyl esters are converted to retinol, then retinaldehyde, then retinoic acid. So a retinol-containing product is firstly converted into retinaldehyde and then retinoic acid. Products that require the fewest conversion steps tend to be more effective for anti-ageing purposes.

Over-the-counter retinoids

  • Retinyl esters
  • Retinol
  • Retinaldehyde
  • Adapalene


Prescription-only retinoids

  • Tretinoin
  • Isotretinoin
  • Tazarotene

Tretinoin was found to be twenty times more potent than retinol. However, even 1% retinol has been shown to be effective at twelve weeks in improving fine lines and wrinkles.

The more potent the retinoid, the higher the likelihood it will cause problems with skin irritation. 

So if you're looking for a suitable over-the-counter retinoid product, choose one that contains either retinol or retinaldehyde. These are likely to be more effective than retinol derivatives such as retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate and retinyl palmitate.

What should I buy?

Over-the-counter products containing retinol or retinaldehyde. If it is a retinol product check that it has a minimum concentration of 0.1%.

When should I start using these?

From your late twenties onwards.

Retinoids are best used at night after cleansing the skin, a small pea-sized amount should be adequate. It can take 3-6 months of regular use before any improvement in the skin will be seen. If the skin feels dry or tight, moisturiser can be applied 20-30 minutes later. 

Retinoids can initially cause redness and irritation so it's best to gradually build up use, from two to three times a week to every night if your skin will tolerate it. Skin treated with retinoid is sensitive to UV radiation and at risk of burning; sunlight also makes the product less effective. Night-time retinoid use should be combined with daily regular broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 during the day. 

It is strongly advised that you start by using minimal percentage retinol 0.1-0.3% and build from here.

I would also always encourage a patch test on your inner elbow at least 24-48 hours prior to using a Retinol. 

 

 

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