Serums, Lotions & Creams — What’s Best for Your Skin?

There’s a lot of confusion about the differences between facial serums, lotions and creams. Is one better for your skin than the others? Do you need all three?

First of all, no — one is not better than the others. They just serve different purposes. Deciding whether you should use all three depends on your skin’s needs.

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the three primary differences between serums, lotions and creams:

1. Consistency/texture: Serums are water-based/liquids. They are lightweight and absorb quickly and easily into skin. Lotions are a bit denser and creams as the name suggests, are thick in consistency. Some creams are oil based and feel heavy or gooey on the skin.

The difference in consistency is not just superficial — it actually affects the delivery of functional ingredients. Since serums are thinner, they penetrate deep into the skin and are very effective in delivering actives. For this reason, serums are usually highly concentrated and extremely potent.

2. How and when you apply them: This is pretty simple — always go from thinnest to thickest. In other words, serum first, then lotions, and finally creams. Apply in layers. Wait until each product absorbs (dries) so that you don’t wipe away the functional ingredients, then apply the next product.

3. What they do: Serums usually have specific functions; for example, reducing the appearance of skin redness, discoloration or sagging skin. They help to repair skin damage, especially pigmentation issues and wrinkles due to aging and sun exposure.

Lotions are often focused on prevention, such as exfoliating acne lotions.

Creams work excellently to moisturize skin and lock in functional ingredients — both in the cream itself as well as the actives from serums and lotions you’ve applied earlier in your skincare regimen.

New Year Resolution: Focus on my career

5 simple style tips for the black working woman

If one of your New Years Resolution is to get ahead in your job.  Then it is time to evaluate the question that vexes millions of women every morning "What should I wear?". Here are some tips to help you dress with less stress.

#1. Focus on style, not fashion

Fashion is trendy, and trends come and go. Style is about your individual expression, not about what you saw in a magazine. So don’t worry yourself trying to fit someone else’s mold of how you should dress. Dress for yourself first, and you can’t go wrong.

#2. Don’t go too casual

Your co-workers might wear torn jeans and baseball caps to the office, but that doesn’t mean you have to fall into the same rut. Your clothes say a lot about your character. You want to look like you’re ready to make things happen, not like you’re ready to watch TV.

#3. Avoid a color clash

You don’t want the “noise” from too many loud colors drown out the sound of your voice at the office. Color helps you stand out, but too many bright colors, bold patterns or animal prints may cause people to focus more on how you’re dressed than what you have to say. Keep it cute and feminine, but also polished and professional.

#4. Make the most of your shape.

Are you a pear, apple, brick, hour glass or inverted triangle? Learn how to play down your flaws and make the most of your assets.

#5. Tone down the sex factor

We’re not saying you can’t have any fun when dressing for the office, but would you rather have your colleagues and clients staring at your cleavage or listening to your ideas?

Top 3 short hair styles for the New Year

 

Is there anything more chic than a short ‘do? While it’s true that It takes a bold woman to rock a short hair style, short cuts are perfect for the texture of African American hair. And celebrities like Amber Rose, Halle Berry and Tia Mowry are living proof that mini tresses are just as feminine as cascading locks.

When you’re ready to go short, here are three great styles for black women.

1. Buzz Cut
While women of other ethnicities might have a hard time pulling off a buzz cut, the stronger and denser texture of African American hair makes this a can-do ‘do for women of color. A buzz cut calls attention to striking facial features.

This style, sported by celebs like Solange Knowles and Amber Rose, is ultra-low-maintenance, with no need for straightening or shaping.

2. Pixie Cut
Like a buzz cut, pixies highlight facial features, but they also add volume and height to the hair due to asymmetrical layers. There is some prep-work needed to keep this style, but it’s relatively low-fuss. Just apply gel or wax to create flip tips like Halle Berry and Malinda Williams.

3. Razor Cuts with Long Bangs
Razor cuts, done curly or sleek-straight, are top styles for this season. The key to pull off a razor cut is to choose the most flattering length. Tiny corkscrews tend to become shorter when trimmed, so let your stylist know the length you want before she starts cutting.