Category: skin-care

Bioderma’s Micellar Water H20

Micellar Water, once a hot new beauty product here in the States, is now almost ubiquitous with loads of brands having launched their own versions. But the original is still my favorite. The French Bioderma’s Micellar Water is such a classic. And, in my book, cannot be improved upon. One bottle is sold every two seconds around the world. Models, artists and celebrities swear about it.

I use it morning and night. In the AM, it plays more of a role of a toner. At night, I use it to remove makeup and as a second step of cleansing. I love the purity, lack of scent and the fact that it doesn’t irritate my skin. The formula works to restore balance and pH level.

Available at Beautylish and Amazon.

Sakara x Tata Harper Eat Pretty Week

Back in March, I got hooked on Sakara, a popular meal delivery service out of New York that happened to whip my diet in shape. I love the ultra-healthy meals and included Beauty Elixir, a drink designed for a healthy glow and gorgeous skin. I haven’t ordered a week of meals in a while, but tempted to pick up August 29th’s menu. One of my favorite skin care gurus, Tata Harper, had selected the meals that are specifically beautifying. And as a bonus, the package includes skin care product samples to use throughout the week.

Samples of the following products are included in this week’s Sakara meals: Hydrating Floral Essence, Repairative Moisturizer, Regenerating Cleanser, Rejuvenating Serum.

And here is a peek at the menu:

Botanical Bar: Strawberry-juniper filling with antioxidants and skin-rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory botanical herbs. Rolled oats with prebiotic fiber to nourish the microbiome (one of my favorites)
Earth Bowl: Hydrating heirloom greens with anti-inflammatory ginger-mustard-sesame dressing. Avocado for healthy fats to nourish the cell membrane and balance hormones to control breakouts. Quinoa and lentils for cleansing fiber
Toasted Coconut Granola w/ Green Goddess Mylk: Coconut for healthy fats and healing, antimicrobial lauric acid. Almond mylk with spirulina to lower inflammation and nourish skin with healthy fats and B vitamins
Summer Sun Salad: Zucchini noodles for healthy fats. Citrus for collagen-supporting, brightening Vit C. Dried cherries for anthocyanins (antioxidants)
Balancing Macro Plate: Broccoli, kale and cabbage (i.e. cruciferous vegetables) for sulfur, required for keratin and collagen production. Mineral-rich seaweed. Carrots for beta-carotene. Brown rice for cleansing fiber. Avocado dressing for healthy fats
Beauty Elixir: Hibiscus tea, camu camu, schizandra berry, MSM

Make sure to swing over to Sakara to check it out!

Kleenex Cotton Soft Pads

I really try to be very low maintainance and am generally great with rolling with the punches. But every once in a while I try something that sets the bar really high and there is just no going back. That’s kind of how I feel about regular ole cotton pads now that I have experienced the Kleenex Cotton Soft Pads.

These pads are made of a micro-fine fabric making them ultra-soft. There is far less lint then any other ball or pad I have tried. And the unique texture leaves absolutely nothing behind. They are about twice the size of cotton rounds, but the shape of a curved rectangle. It is almost decadent how big they are, making them perfect for washing or removing nail polish. I use them for toner and the size is so large, I can take two passes with one pad.

If you want to up your cotton game, check out the Kleenex Soft Pads at www.kleenex.com/facialcleansing for $4.99 for an 85-pack.

Mario Badescu The Icon, The Cult Favorite & The Hero’ Set at the Nordstrom Sale

I know practically every blog is talking about the Nordstrom sale right now – so I will spare you a round up of favorites since so many of my fellow bloggers have curated stellar picks. Just one thing I’d like to share on the beauty front since this is the perfect time to stock up on classics.

There is something so pure and timeless about Mario Badescu. Their packaging is chic and simple at the same time. For the sale, the brand is offering the The Icon, The Cult Favorite & The Hero’ Set – a trio of absolute “must haves”. Included is:

Drying Lotion – the only spot treatment I use on my acne. The calamine, salicylic acid and drying formula zaps stubborn spots overnight. Dip a cotton swab into pink sediment at the bottom of the bottom (don’t shake the bottle). Apply directly on the affected spot.
Botanical Exfoliating Scrub – a botanical scrub ideally used a couple times a week for a deep clean. Skin is left radiant and clear.
Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater – a favorite summertime product, this mist is fragrant and hydrating. The slightly herbal fragrance awakens the skin without disturbing makeup. Also great for by the pool.

All the products are made in the USA. Shop Nordstrom sale here.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 ‘Dermatologist Solutions™’ Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+

This weekend was full of pool time again. And naturally I bring down my sunscreens for everyone to use. I love keeping my friends safe in the sun and getting their thoughts on products. I snagged a new Keihl’s sunscreen that had been sitting on my counter for a couple weeks. When I cracked it open, I was completely blown away! I don’t think I’ll be able to use anything else on my face all summer.

I’ve used Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ religiously in the past. The newer Dermatologist Solutions™ Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is a twist on the original but with mineral sunscreen formula. The texture is super lightweight but still nourishes my drier skin. The mineral ingredients play nice with my sensitive skin. The shade is lightly tinted which works beautifully on my light-to-medium skin tone. I have heard reviews of a whitish cast but I in no way had this issue. I love using it under makeup as a primer, especially on these sun intense summer days. Lastly, the formula contains vitamin E which can fight against damage-causing free radicals.

Available at Kiehl’s and Nordstrom.

Paula’s Choice ‘Skin Perfecting’ 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant

My skin woes have been a little more intense this year. I used to singularly worry about pigmentation, but lately I have developed rosacea and some clogged pores on my forehead – not acne per se, but definitely less than clear skin. I read a round-up of best beauty items, and included this toner/exfoliant. I just had to give it a whirl – sounded like it was just the ticket for my issues.

And it really was! I use this in the AM after washing my face (my rosacea treatment is required at night). Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant has a lightweight lotion texture and is non-irritating. It works to exfoliate skin surface and inside the pores. BHA (beta hydroxy acid) increases collagen production and drastically smoothes the surface of the skin. It also has antibacterial properties that attack blemish-causing bacteria.

I apply on a cotton pad and then wait for a bit to apply a nourishing SPF (this is my current favorite). Made in the USA. Fragrance-free; colorant-free. Available at Nordstrom.