What is a makeup fridge? Do you really need one?
In the world of beauty, there are all sorts of products that I literally can’t live without, like mascara or cotton wipes for removing makeup. However, there are some products that I really can’t decide if they’re the answer to all my beauty prayers or just something that thousands of people use to make their Instagram posts cooler… literally. I’m talking about a makeup fridge. Yes, you heard me right, a small desktop fridge that’s designed to store beauty products.
Many of you may have rolled your eyes when you read that last part, perhaps with an accompanying “boo”. Crap, who on earth needs a mini fridge for skincare? On the other hand, some of you may be amazed at the sheer genius of this idea because you’re a true beauty lover. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, and there’s certainly no judgement here, I’m probably the worst addict out there!
These little (for some) wishlist items vary in price, ranging from £30 to over £100. You need to think about whether you’re still in bliss when you sit down in front of your dressing table in the morning and admire it lovingly every day. Or will you look at him with disgust after a while, just like how you felt when you saw a particular ex wasting too much of your time. That’s an answer only you can decide, I can’t be the little devil on your shoulder…
The question is, do you really need one of these fridges? The sensible adult in me says, “No, if you must, stay in the designated area of a regular fridge.” The true, shameless beauty fan in me screams, “Uh, sure!” Spending your paycheck on a nice pastel-hued table fridge, I thought I’d show you the products in your skincare routine that would rather cool down! If you’re wondering what to keep in your makeup fridge, keep reading.
Day Cream
Day cream isn’t a product that has to be in the fridge. However, some beauty pioneers say that using an iced daily moisturizer works wonders for tired, puffy faces. The cooling effect makes your skin feel tighter and softer, and minimizes the appearance of large pores.
Nail Polish
Yes, believe it or not, nail polish is a big fan of cooling down. The polish is formulated to maintain just the right consistency and won’t separate or become sticky due to too much heat.
Facial Sprays
The 2019 heatwave is now well and truly over, but the advice I’ve seen everywhere is to use a facial spray or keep one in the fridge for an extra hydrating effect. It’s just what you need to avoid a complete meltdown! This tip might be a bit useless now, but it’d be great to try if there’s a heatwave next year, or even on holiday.
Face Masks
As I’ve been known to say, I have a dedicated shelf in my fridge that I keep for face masks. There’s nothing better than applying a chilled face mask (especially when a Saturday night ‘one drink’ turns into a 3am taxi ride with a box of cheese slices). Similar to day creams, cold masks reduce swelling and also have a very calming effect on the skin. Our Instaclear Control Mask, once chilled, is the ultimate treat for your face! Don’t forget it also doubles as an eye mask for tired eyes!
Organic Skincare
Organic products and those that contain probiotics and are preservative-free are best stored in the fridge as they don’t have a particularly long shelf life. Since some products are considered ‘fresh’, refrigeration is essential for the product and its shelf life. Another way to look at it is: products with probiotics and active ingredients are the same as milk or yogurt, because let’s face it: nothing good can come of taking milk out of the fridge…
Believe it or not, despite these fridges being called makeup fridges, several professional makeup artists have pointed out that storing your makeup in these fridges will ruin it! Your lipstick will lose moisture and your foundation will become less soft.
In an age where tidying up is the latest, freeing habit and we are all busy tidying up every corner of our homes and finding a place for everything, even paper clips, it’s no wonder our dressers are going through a Marie Kondo moment and it just so happens that these trendy fridges inspire the “joy” we are all desperately seeking.
Could the tidying up craze be the reason for these fridges’ popularity? Or maybe our skincare routines are taking a cleaner route and the products we use right now need help.
I guess I’m trying to figure out in a rather lengthy way whether these makeup fridges are a bit of a gimmick or not. Probably…any sensible person would put their skincare products in the main fridge when needed. I admire that and plan to be like you when I grow up. However, for now I’m hoping to have my own makeup fridge one day.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
