All sorts of good things are coming out from Moroccanoil these days. Remember this post featuring new goodies for fine hair? I remember first hearing the buzz that they were also launching body care items and I knew instantly it would be a hit. Body care and Argan oil have always been a match made in heaven. And Moroccanoil’s formulations are spot on in texture, scent and absorption.
Indie Lee went through a terrifying experience to inspire her all-natural and sophisticated skin care line. Suffering from headaches and change in vision, she underwent an MRI and discovered a life-threatening brain tumor. The tumor was successfully removed, but they discovered it was caused by enviromental toxins.
Motivated by the impact of what we put into our bodies, Indie developed natural alternatives to combat our main skin care concerns. Relaunched in April of this year, her products and packaging are sophisticated, sleek and modern. Plus, full of all that good stuff so you can feel guilt-free about slathering it on.
While I haven’t tried the skin care – hope to soon! – I have tried their body oil. You know I am a sucker for any body oil. This goes above and beyond, also suited for face and hair. The formula isn’t greasy so I can see all skin types loving it. The vanilla and sweet orange scent is very subtle, but pleasant. I love that it won’t interfere with my favorite fall fragrance.
The oil is made from four simple ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (vanilla), Citrus Aurantium Sinensis (sweet orange). Just a very small amount goes a long way. Apply 2 to 4 drops of oil to hands and rub palms together to warm. Massage gently over face or body until skin feels hydrated. For best results, apply to damp skin after bathing to seal in moisture.
Available at IndieLee.com, Urban Outfitters, and Dermstore.com.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I’ve found a new favorite face SPF in COOLA’s new mineral collection. They are formulated with my beloved physical sunblockers, yet have the most transparent application and beautiful finish! These three formulas are all slightly different, each suited for preferences and skin type. And I love that it is a feel-good product; all formulas are vegan friendly, cruelty-free and organic.
First up is the Mineral SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish which has a light and natural cucumber scent. The lotion is white but applies transparent. The finish is silky, matte and works well under makeup. It is also made with organic Rose Hip Oil, rich in free radical fighting Vitamin C. Shea Butter smooths and hydrates skin. This is my pick for those who have oilier skin or those who need a gluten-free formula.
COOLA’s Mineral SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint has the same abundant organic ingredients as the Cucumber Matte Finish, but has a very slight tint. Also well suited for oilier skin, this could be worn on its own for very very light coverage. And if you are sensitive to or prefer no scent, this is right up your alley! This one is also gluten-free.
Mineral SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint is my personal favorite. Most like a true CC Cream, this formula provides a little bit of coverage and much needed hydration. Rose, usually not my favorite scent, is very light and actually pleasant – likely because of its organic nature. This one is also zinc-free for those who are sensitive to that ingredient. Organic Acai Oil contains vitamins and Omaga-3s, providing defense against aging. Organic Sunflower Seed Extract and Linseed Oil help with elasticity and redness. And Cucumber Extract helps calm my easily irritated skin.
From transparent to tinted, unscented to roses, you can’t go wrong with these from COOLA. Take your pick at coolasuncare.com.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
If you aren’t already getting your mug nice and protected every morning, now is the time to start. SPF is crucial and (along with retinoids) the only thing proven to prevent aging. Here are my current top five for both under makeup and for a day at the pool:
Hampton Sun SPF15 Super Hydrating Face Cream manages to be lightweight and super nourishing. The Calendula soothes my redness-prone skin while Canadian Willow Bark calms. I love how it quickly absorbs and is powered with gentle zinc oxide. Fragrance and oil free.
CeraVe SPF Sunscreen Stick is relatively new to the market, but you should be able to find this in your drugstore. Perfect for on the go, this stick is also powered with the gentle physical-only sunscreens. The formula finishes dry with no greasy residue.
Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Anti-Aging Sunscreen has long been a favorite (initially reviewed here). It is the trifecta, offering hydration, UV protection and anti-aging benefits. The unique formula keeps the sunscreen in a “reservoir” on the skin, maximizing effectiveness.
Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid-Lotion Sunblock SPF 55 gives you superior sun protection without clogging pores. The water-light texture is weightless, letting skin breathe. At the same time, it is water-resistant, oil-free and fragrance-free. Not only does it look great under makeup, but also works for those days when outdoor activites call for a feather-weight SPF.
ZO Skin Health ‘Oclipse’ Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 is the ultimate sunscreen for under a full face of makeup. This stuff has a silky texture with nude coloring. It has no coverage but avoids that nasty white cast. Not only does it have broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection but it blocks natural melanin – BONUS!
Anti-aging products tend to cater more towards dry skin that isn’t prone to breakouts. Somehow, the nourishing, oil-based feel has a corner on wrinkle-fighting serums. But I know plenty of people who desire anti-wrinkle and hydration serum but don’t want the nasty oil. Kate Somerville to the rescue. Two of her newest serums are oil-free, but still satisfy the needed moisture and anti-aging needs of those with acne-prone or oily skin.
Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum is one of my all time favorite products. It gives a glow and makes my skin feel rejuvenated. Now it comes in a lightweight, water-based, shine-free formula that’s perfect for oily skin. Kate Somerville Quench Oil Free Hydrating Face Serum locks in hydration using Plumeria Flower Extract and Dynamic Moisture Complex™. Matrixyl 6, a peptide, fight against expression lines and wrinkles. Collagen builds firmness. And you get an immediate tightening effect.
Kate Somerville CytoCell P299 Anti-Wrinkle Serum uses P299™, a scientifically advanced stem technology polypeptide, to diminish the look of wrinkles and help fight the signs of aging by activating the natural renewal process that strengthens skin. This serum also helps with hydration by using hyaluronic acid and marine algae extracts, all while being oil-free.
These both can be used morning and night. I love the way Quench Oil-free looks under makeup. And CytoCell P299 is a powerhouse anti-aging fighter. I’ve been working this into my nighttime routine. Don’t forget to use this on your neck too!
Shop my Kate Somerville Favorites:
I’ve always been a fan of using oil after a shower for hydrated and soft skin. I’ve used everything from good ole baby oil to almond oil from Whole Foods. But I was recently introduced to Lavish™ | multi-use therapeutic dry oil from SIRCUIT® Skin that took everything to a whole new level.
First, a little about SIRCUIT® Skin if you aren’t familiar. They are a decade old company based out of Los Angeles, committed to being green, fresh and using only the best ingredients. Their products are paraben, sulfate and cruelty free always. And they never use fillers, artificial colors, artificial preservatives or artificial fragrances. Everything is produced in small batches and this boutique approach translates into exceptional customer care.
I’ve been hooked on their cleanser and lip treatment for about a year so I’m not surprised another one of their products made it into my regular lineup. Unlike the baby oil and almond oil I have used before, Lavish™ | multi-use therapeutic dry oil is incredibly lightweight and absorbs quickly into my skin. I’m not left greasy, but glowing. Nine oils help heal my skin, improving the appearance of scars.
I’ve been slathering it on my legs and arms but you can also use this on your face and hair and even add it to a bath.
And here’s the good news! Belle Belle and SIRCUIT® Skin are giving away one full size Lavish™ | multi-use therapeutic dry oil to a lucky reader. Just use the widget below to enter to win! You can earn up to seven entries until 12:01AM on Monday May 7th. The winner will be announced on Monday May 7th.
