A-Z OF BEAUTY

Ais for Ampoule

An ampoule is a more potent version of an essence or a serum, usually containing a high concentration of antioxidants. They’re very popular in Korean beauty routines and should be applied after essence, but before creams as a booster/ treatment product.

Bis for Baking

A technique that consists of layering powder, foundation and concealer to settle/bake into the skin that leaves you with a brighter complexion.

C is for CC

AKA Colour Correcting- a property commonly found in foundations, primers and concealers.

Dis for Dermatologically tested

Meaning a product has been tested on human skin before being available to buy.

E is for Exfoliating

Exfoliating is a part of your skincare regime that removes dead skin cells often using a granular substance.

F is for Ferulic Acid

Which is an antioxidant found in the cell walls of plants and the seeds of apples and oranges. It has an anti-ageing effect when applied topically.

G is for Glycolic Peel

A chemical peel that exfoliates the outer layer of dead skin cells. Good for boosting a radiant glow.

H is for Hyaluronic Acid

A water based ingredient that plumps and hydrates skin, often found in the best facial serums.

I is for Illuminating

A term used to describe skin that is nourished and naturally radiant. Or also used to describe the effect of strobing when using a highlighter.

J is for Jojoba

A plant extract high in vitamin E- often found in skincare and body moisturisers.

K is for Keratin

An ingredient commonly found in hair products to smooth, add shine and de-frizz. Keratin treatments can tame even the curliest of hair.

L is for Lactic Acid

A popular acid belonging to the AHAsAlpha Hydroxy Acids. It is most effective when treating acne prone skin in an exfoliant.

M is for Melanin

What gives our skin and hair pigment. If you have a light skin tone, an increase in melanin is what causes tanning and dark spots.

N is for Niacinamide

An active, water-soluble form of vitamin – aka a multi-taking skincare hero. Oily skin types, in particular, have found solace in niacinamide, as it works to regulate sebum, improve congestion and calm breakouts.

Ois for Olaplex

Olaplex is a system that permanently rebuilds the damaged disulphide bonds in your hair that are broken during the chemical process of dying your locks. If you’ve over-bleached over the years, Olaplex allows you to rebuild the strength of your hair.

P is for Paraben free

Products that state they are paraben free mean they are preservative- free aka no nasties in your soaps, deodorants or moisturisers.

Q is for Quercetin

Quercetin is an ingredient found in skincare that has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can fight and neutralise free radicals, which is the main cause of ageing, as well as limiting damage from sun-rays. Free of toxins: The best pollution proof skin products.

R is for Rosacea

Which is a common rash that is poorly understood. It can cause the skin to redden and form small and superficial dilated blood vessels. The elimination of highly perfumed products can often calm or cure the reaction.

S is for Sunscreen

Today’s sunscreens are brilliant. They’re lightweight, semi-matte, and non-chalky, and they look completely invisible under your foundation. And I know you already know this, but it wouldn’t be right not to say that even though we’re still feeling the cold, your skin deserves sun protection year-round.

T is for Topical

Refers to applying product to a certain area of the skin. For example to apply spot treatment or cream topically means you only apply ointment to the pimple.

U is for UV protection

UV stands for Ultra Violet, which radiates from the sun and is damaging to the skin and speeds up the ageing process. Many beauty products have UV protection in the form of SPF to limit this exposure to the harmful ray.

Vis for Vitamin

Vitamins are organic compounds and vital nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the body. Products are often infused with these to boost skin’s luminosity and over all radiance.

Wis for Waxing

Waxing is the process of hair removal from the root by using a covering of a sticky substance, such as wax, to adhere to body hair, and then removing this covering and pulling out the hair from the follicle.

X is for Xerosis

Abnormal dryness of body parts.

Y is for (Face) Yoga

A series of repetitive facial exercises and movements designed to improve tone and firmness.

Z is for Zinc Oxide

The sun’s UV rays, pollution, poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise can all damage skin on a daily basis. Fortunately, the skin has natural regenerative powers that it uses to repair minor wounds, injuries, free radical damage, and more, but these processes require zinc to operate optimally. Without it, skin repair can fall behind resulting in age.