Let’s talk about dragon’s blood. You know, the stuff you throw in your potions to cast spells on ex-boyfriends. Turns out it’s also great for your skin! Believe it or not, dragon’s blood isn’t the blood of a mythical creature; it’s the sap from Croton Lechleri, a tree found in South America that is commonly called Dragon Tree and gets its name from the deep red colour of the sap. The ingredient has been used in the East and in South America for ages, and it’s finally making its way to North America and is, rightfully so, becoming an It ingredient.
Needless to say, I was on board as soon as I heard the badass name (“You had me at hello dragon. And blood”) but after giving the products below a try, I’m officially obsessed for uh, better reasons. The ingredient’s claim to fame is the soothing, anti-inflammatory effect it has on skin, which means that it’s under eye bags’ worst nightmare. I went with Rodial‘s Dragon’s Blood line, which has earned itself a permanent spot in my medicine cabinet and is available at Murale and Nordstrom, but both Wei and Peter Thomas Roth also have great dragon’s blood products that are becoming cult favourites.
Browse the gallery below for 7 dragon’s blood products you need to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Dragon’s blood
Rodial Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel
One of the best things about dragon’s blood is how it forms a thin, second skin-like film on your face (don’t worry, it doesn’t feel sticky or aggravating) that protects you from environmental factors throughout the day.
Also, thanks to collagen-boosting ingredients like pomegranate extract, this gel will leave your skin looking plump and hydrated.
($98, murale.ca)
Dragon’s Blood
Peter Thomas Roth
Laser-Free Resurfacing Eye Serum
As far as serums go, this one is as intense and fast-working as they get. The sulfate and phthalates-free formula comes with 43 percent dragon’s blood eye complex and works to reduce puffiness and wrinkles.
Use this serum once in the morning and once at night, in between cleansing and moisturizing. Make sure to wait a couple of minutes before applying moisturizer on top, to allow the serum to really sink into skin.
($69, sephora.com)
Dragon’s blood
Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Masks
If I was stranded on a deserted island and could take only one eye mask with me, it would be this (well, these. I would be allowed to take the whole 8-pack, because I’m making the rules here).
The masks come in two small strips that are applied under each eye, are instantly cooling on your skin, and thanks to the Hyaluronic Acid in them, after leaving them on for about 20 minutes, under eye bags are instantly lessened and soothed. There is a subtle tingling sensation that comes with the masks, so don’t freak out. It’s refreshing, if anything.
($39, murale.ca)
Dragon’s Blood
Wei Dragon Blood Eye Lifting Pads
These eye pads do a similar job as the Rodial ones, but rather than two under eye strips, it’s a full mask (it looks like a flimsy sleeping mask) and hydrates under and around your eyes.
($72, sephora.com)
Dragon’s blood
Rodial Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream
Night cream is one of the most important parts of your skincare routine, and this one’s a great pick if you want serious anti-aging and moisturizing properties.
A key ingredient in this is retinol, which you should be using about three times a week, if you’re not already. It penetrates deep into the skin to help plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time, while Hyaluronic Acid reduces the look of wrinkles by the morning.
The combo of dragon’s blood and retinol is great because retinol can be pretty irritating and drying, so the soothing effects of dragon’s blood help to counteract that.
($72, murale.ca)
Dragon’s Blood
Peter Thomas Roth
Laser-Free Retexturizer Exfoliating Scrub
The idea of a dragon’s blood scrub seems kind of intense, but it’s also equipped with almond, apricot, and mango oils that soothe and moisturize after you exfoliate with Jojoba beads and papaya enzyme.
Leave the scrub on for about five minutes before rinsing off, and make sure to note that because of the alpha hydroxy acid in it, it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so load up on SPF even more than usual after using it.
($46, sephora.com)
Dragon’s blood
Rodial Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Mask
You can either use this mask for 10 minutes and rinse off, or apply it overnight for extra hydration.
The Hyaluronic Acid plumps your skin, reduces redness and provides antioxidant benefits, while Gransil smoothes out lines and wrinkles.
($48, sephora.com)
The post A beginner’s guide to dragon’s blood: 7 beauty products you need to put on your face right now appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
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