Mushrooms aren’t exactly something we’d discuss in beauty, but there’s more to these edible fungi than meets the eye.
It dates back to the imperial Tang Dynasty, where concubine Yang Guifei, one of China’s famed four great beauties, is said to have cited Tremella mushroom in maintaining her youthful appearance. A major benefit this mushroom has is that it draws moisture to the skin, just like hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so finding an all-natural match for that much hydration is major news in the green beauty industry.
Certain types of mushrooms are loaded with antioxidants too, so they’re able to fend off free radicals, thereby strengthening the skin’s barrier and making it less likely to disintegrate. That is what makes this ingredient incredibly beneficial, especially if your complexion reacts to environmental stressors easily. Mushrooms are also known for their anti-inflammatory abilities, which is why they’re able to reduce wrinkles (not that most of you need to just yet) and overall puffiness fast.
A smart skincare company that’s jumped on board the mushroom train is Origins. Their Mega-Mushroom line is one you’ve surely gotten acquainted with, but there are other skincare and even makeup products out there that feature magic mushrooms as their key ingredient as well. It’s time you got familiar with them.
Blithe Pressed Serum Tundra Chaga
Of course, the Koreans have it all figured out. This anti-pollution serum and moisturiser hybrid gives the skin lasting hydration and nourishment, all without the heaviness. Combined with a blend of oils including argan and olive, its formula is packed with 60% tundra chaga mushroom extract. It’s even cold-processed to ensure its optimal nutrients are preserved, so you’re definitely getting the best.
$64, available from Sephora.
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Pore Minimizing Makeup
It’s not a foundation, and it’s not a tinted moisturiser either… This weightless formulation is actually long-wearing makeup that hides your skin imperfections without clogging up your pores. And since it’s made with mushroom extract, it minimises the appearance of pores and controls sebum production for up to 8 hours. Thankfully there’s a built-in pore-blurring sponge too, so you can whip it out for a quick midday touchup.
$53, available from Sephora.
Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++
If you’re looking for Glossier’s Invisible Shield dupes, then consider this 3-in-1 product by Murad. It’s an SPF, primer and treatment that helps to smooth out your skin texture, giving you a velvety canvas to work with. It harnesses the power of mushroom peptides to diminish the appearance of fine lines and blur out any epidermal imperfections too. It does all of that while combating the signs of aging.
$139, available at Murad counters and Sephora.
Antipodes Immortal SPF15 Face & Body Moisturiser
Don’t be put off by its name – there’s a reason it’s called that. This fragrance-free daily moisturiser contains Reishi mushroom, an ingredient that’s known as an elixir of immortality in traditional Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years. It’ll stimulate healthy cell renewal to give your complexion a boost in glow. Pair that with a natural SPF of 15, and your skin’s well-protected against the sun, bacteria, environmental flare-ups, and city pollutants.
$58, available from budcosmetics.com.
Jurlique Nutri-Define Superior Retexturising Facial Serum
Now, this one is for skin that’s in need of serious rejuvenation. The Nutri-Define Superior Retexturising Facial Serum contains a potent blend of rosemary leaf extract, glycogen, peppermint leaf and horseradish, infusing the skin with an instant cooling effect, while its unique Biosome5 technology helps to smooth out the skin texture. There’s also licorice, ginseng, and mulberry root extracts in there that promises to replenish the skin by feeding it with nutrients. With that hefty price tag though, it better perform some kind of miracle.
$210, available from Jurlique stores and counters.
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