No BS Bulletin 31

Thirty One

September 19, 2024

In partnership with

Welcome to Issue 31 of the No BS Beauty Bulletin!

This week’s newsletter is packed with everything you need to stay up-to-date in the world of skincare, from major beauty news to the latest products I couldn’t resist buying. We're diving into some serious skincare facts, trends, and product launches, plus a few fun highlights from the past week.

First up, in Juicy Beauty News, we take a look at some surprising findings about when most Americans start thinking about sun-related skincare. Turns out, many don’t take it seriously until age 26! We’re also covering tips from dermatologists on embracing how you look in photos, TerraCycle’s push for more sustainable SPF recycling, and some exciting new retinol product drops from big-name brands. Plus, if you're into astrology and nail art, don’t miss the best aura nail design for your zodiac sign!

As for my beauty buys this week, well, let’s just say I’ve more than made up for the past two weeks of no shopping. From SpaceNK’s Beauty Advent Calendar to serums and toners galore, I’m definitely stocking up on some exciting new skincare. As always, don’t tell Cameraman! And if you’re curious to see my full list of purchases, check them out below.

The dogs have been easing back into their routines after our vacation. Lincoln wasted no time returning to his digging adventures, while Ike is back to his usual routine of shadowing Cameraman, begging for treats at every turn. Gabby seems relieved to have the house to herself again, savoring the peace and quiet. You can catch all the details of their week in the "About the Dogs" section.

Lastly, congratulations to this week’s giveaway winner, Elaine B.! We’ve sent you an email with all the details to claim your prize. Keep an eye on your inbox for more chances to win!

Juicy Beauty News

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

Don’t tell Cameraman! I’m making up for no purchases in two weeks, fyi, I really hope Cameraman doesn’t see this!

About the Dogs

Since we’ve returned from vacation, the dogs have been easing back into their usual routines, each in their own way. Lincoln wasted no time getting back to his favorite activity—digging. The backyard once again looks like his personal excavation site as he happily digs around, as if he’s on a mission to unearth some grand treasure. It’s like he barely noticed we were gone; he’s just happy to be back at work, making his mark (quite literally) in the yard.

Ike, as expected, is back to being Cameraman’s shadow. Wherever Cameraman goes, Ike follows, always with those big eyes begging for just one more treat or a little extra food. It’s like he’s making up for lost time, ensuring Cameraman doesn’t forget who the real boss is around here. He’s also found his favorite lounging spots again, perfectly positioning himself in all the high-traffic areas where he’s guaranteed maximum attention.

Meanwhile, Gabby seems relieved to have the boys out of her personal space. She’s enjoying the peace and quiet after the chaos of having them invade her domain. You can almost see the contentment in her eyes as she lounges around the house, happy to have her routine back without the constant antics of Lincoln and Ike interrupting her nap time. All in all, they’re settling back in, and life is getting back to its usual rhythm.

Winner of the Week -
BBL&  HALO Laser Treatments

No Brazillian Butt Lift Photos Here, LOL!!

My Sister-in-Law recently had Broad Band Light and Halo Light Treatments (one session each) performed at an Esthetician’s office.  The two photos you see are before and 6 weeks after.  The results are impressive!  In the photos you can see the anti-aging and brightening results.  I was amazed by these pictures.  Most (if not all) topical products cannot compete with these treatments being performed by estheticians and dermatologists.  

Halo is a hybrid fractional laser that uses both ablative and nonablative lasers to stimulate collagen production. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin encouraging growth of new skin and triggering collagen production.  Non-ablative lasers instead heat the top layer of skin to encourage new collagen and elastin growth and are more gentle.  Halo Laser is used to treat skin resurfacing, aging, wrinkles, redness, facial blood vessels, acne scarring, pigmented lesions, and enlarged pores.

BBL Treatment uses broadband light, an advanced form of intense pulsed light (IPL), to target redness, dark spots, freckles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, pigmented lesions, and sun damage. BBL is considered a more gentle treatment with no downtime.  BBL does not remove the top layer of skin, so more treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results.  After seeing these photos I’m thinking it may be time for another visit to my esthetician! 

Loser of the Week - Timeless Skincare

Timeless Skincare is an Indie Brand that is best known for their Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Serum.  This initially went on the market in 2009 as an affordable alternative to Skinceuticals’ Vitamin C & E Serum, which sells for nearly $200.  The Timeless Vitamin C Serum comes in at a much more affordable price of about $28.  

Over the years Timeless has been hyped by bloggers, vloggers, and influencers as the go-to alternative to Skinceuticals. Throughout this hype Timeless has evolved and currently has over 20 different skincare products.  During this time the brand has also expanded to be sold at several different retailers such as Target, Amazon, and Yesstyle.  

As a product reviewer I have also used Timeless as an alternative to Skinceuticals.  I have tested some of their other products as well, but their Vitamin C Serum is still undoubtedly their biggest money maker.  

So, why are they the loser of the week, afterall, being an affordable alternative to an expensive luxury product is a good thing for consumers right? 

Recently I have gotten concerns from several people regarding quality control.  I have also been at the receiving end of quality control issues.  It appears as though Timeless is going through some growing pains.  They grew so fast it seems that quality control may have taken a back seat.  Anyone remember the leaky bottles from the 2018-2020 era?!?!  They continued to sell vitamin c that leaked everywhere.  That was frustrating, but not necessarily a huge issue.  

It has been brought to my attention that right now many people are receiving serums that are already oxidized.  Customer service hasn’t been exactly helpful with this issue, either.  It appears to me that the brand may have grown too fast and expanded too much for them to keep up with producing good quality products on a regular basis.  Ascorbic Acid is best known for its instability.  This makes trusting a brand to manufacture fresh products on a consistent basis the key.  Even luxe brands like Skinceuticals have had issues with this.  

If you are happy with Timeless and it works for you, keep going for it!  Nothing wrong with that!    If you would like a good alternative to Timeless I am still loving my Geek & Gorgeous C Glow Serum.  Ever since I tried my first bottle of C Glow I haven’t looked back at any other vitamin c serums.  It is manufactured fresh on a weekly basis, it is even more affordable than Timeless, and it is also cruelty free.  

Geek & Gorgeous C Glow Serum:
At G&G:  https://geekandgorgeous.com/products/c-glow 

In Case You Missed It

This weeks giveaway

The winner is Elaine B.

A big congratulations to this week's giveaway winner, Elaine B.! 🎉 We're so excited to have you as our lucky winner, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy your prize. Keep an eye on your inbox because we’ve sent you all the details on how to claim your beauty goodies!

And a quick note for our Newsletter 29 winner, Darcy P. – we apologize for the delay in reaching out! With our whirlwind vacation, a few things slipped through the cracks. But we’ve sent your email today, so check your inbox for all the details, and your prize will be on its way shortly. Thank you both for being part of our community!

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