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Skincare Routines for Every Season!

August 4, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone! Anybody else ready for the weekend?

I have a special post today about seasonal skincare that was inspired by the people over at Dollar Shave Club. As a company that provides an economical and convenient way to deliver razors each month, they also recognize the importance of a good daily skincare routine. They reached out to me to share my tips for keeping skin healthy and glowing all year long so let’s get to it!

Spring

Spring brings with it the renewal and resurrection of nature but, unfortunately, for most of us it also brings one not so great feature-allergies! The watery eyes, itchy throat and nose, and constant sneezing coupled with allergy medication can leave your skin sensitized. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen as some medications can cause skin to become more sensitive with sun exposure and keep your skincare routine basic (cleanser, toner and moisturizer) until you’re in the clear.

Summer

Arguably the most favored season, summer signifies endless days at the beach and camping trips which can also bring about sunburns if you’re not careful. It’s imperative to not only wear sunscreen but to also remember to reapply it every two hours or as directed. In the event of a sunburn, ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile and yucca extract can help calm the burning and itchy sensation that often accompanies a sunburn. Dermalogica After Sun Repair is a personal fave!

It’s also good to include some type of exfoliation to help get rid of buildup that can clog pores. Skip skincare products that contain retinols and AHA’s and instead use scrubs that contain spherical jojoba beads for a more gentler form of exfoliation. Low foam cleansers remove oil and debris without stripping skin.

Fall

With summer over and temperatures dropping, now is a great time to step up your skincare routine and address any damage/sun spots that might have surfaced. Incorporating a vitamin C serum in the daytime under sunscreen can help brighten and fade spots over time. Using a retinol serum at night can smooth the appearance of skin and using AHA’s like lactic acid can help both exfoliate and hydrate the skin.

And, with the pumpkin craze that hits the market this time of year, why not add a professional pumpkin peel to your facial. Pumpkin peels are great for stimulating collagen and elastin production and reducing the sings of aging by softening fine lines and wrinkles. A perfect skin treat right before the holiday madness and they smell amazing!

Winter

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, celebrating the holidays with dear loved ones and hanging out in the snow filled mountains; however, cold harsh weather can wreak havoc on skin, making it feel dry. Add in all the indoor heating, and you’re left with skin that is tight and itchy. Combination to dry skin can benefit from a cream cleanser which is more hydrating and a richer moisturizer that contains ingredients like glycerin, squalane and shea butter. Oily and acne skin can still use a low foam cleanser but can implement a hyaluronic acid serum underneath their moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy.

If your skin is in good condition, you can schedule chemical peels to really resurface your skin and bring about a nice and healthy glow. Just remember that sunscreen is still a must this season and every season. Snow reflects about 80% of UV radiation so you want to make sure you’re protected.

I hope you find these tips helpful!

What are your tips for seasonal skincare?

Stephanie

Play! by Sephora Unboxing July 2016!

July 26, 2016

Happy Tuesday everyone! How was your weekend?

The July 2016 Play! by Sephora is in and I must say, I’ve really been loving these curated boxes and the cute bags they come in. The theme for this month is Effortless Summer and I think the featured brands were spot on. Here’s the breakdown of what was included.

First Aid Beauty Face Cleaner

This cleanser is rich in antioxidants and botanicals. This cleanser lathers creamy and is free of harsh chemicals, parabens, phtlates, alcohol, fragrances and artificial dyes. I’ve tried this cleanser before and it didn’t work for me. It kind of made my skin itch so while I liked that my face didn’t feel super dry afterwards, it wasn’t for me.

BeautyBlender blotterazzi

A cushion blotter that is designed to remove shine and absorb oil, you can wash and reuse this as you please and it’s great to smooth away cracks or cakey texture that makeup can form on your face. I really love the Beauty Blender so I was happy to see this one in the box. I used it once and it absorbed some of the shine but not as well as I thought. I need to use this a few more times-maybe I used it wrong?

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer

Based off of the popular Hoola Bronzer, this liquid version is lightweight and shimmer-free to create a warm radiant look. I’m a fan of the original bronzer so I’m uber happy that this one was included and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s subtle and blends out nicely that gives a very natural look.

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola swatch

Nest Fragrances Citrine

Describes as, “layers of fresh lotus flower and freesia mingle with bright citrus and a base of precious woods.” I like this fragrance but not my favorite and I wouldn’t go out of my way to purchase it as it’s not really my style.

Ouai Wave Spray

This weighless texture mist gives hair an effortless, undone look while adding volume and shine. I’m addicted to the smell of this as it leaves hair smelling soo good. Combined with other products, this does a nice job of keeping curls in place.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

An iconic primer for normal to dry skin that keeps helps keep makeup in place-a must for the summer! I’ve used this primer before and I like it but because I have combination skin with a tendency to be oilier in the summer, it doesn’t really provide a mattifying effect and I’m a shiny mess by the end of the day.

Overall, I’m happy with box. 🙂

What box did you get this month?

Stephanie

Skin Tip: Listen to What Your Skin is Trying to Say!

July 22, 2016

It’s finally Friday and time for another skin tip!

Our skin is a very unique organ and if you pay close attention, you’ll start to see what it’s trying to tell you. If you’re using a product that suddenly leaves your skin red, blotchy and itchy, chances are it’s too strong for you or you’re having an allergic reaction. Likewise, if your skin has a slight burning feeling every time you apply a product, something is causing it to behave that way. Don’t ignore these signs and try to figure out what the product it is by process of elimination or asking advice from your trusted esthetician/medical professional.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Stephanie

Skin Tip: Pre-Dip Tip!

July 15, 2016

Happy Friday everyone!

If you’re headed to the pool this weekend, make sure to rinse your skin with non-chlorinated water before you enter the pool as this can lessen the amount of irritation chlorine can cause the skin.

Have a safe weekend everyone and don’t forget to check out my article on sunburns here!

Stephanie

What You Need to Know About Sunburns!

July 14, 2016

Days spent at the beach or by the pool is one reason we love summer but sometimes this enjoyment renders one caveat: leaving us lobster hued. Sunburns can be painful and in some cases be accompanied by blisters. Note: If you have blisters and severe swelling, seek medical attention immediately.

But once your sunburn heals and the peeling has stopped, all is good right? Not really. Sunburns can double your chance of developing melanoma later in life but it may take several years for the damage to show up.

What is a Sunburn?

Simply put, your skin turning red is an indication that your skin has been severely damaged due to extreme UV exposure causing blood vessels to dilate. The skin starts to lose moisture and hydration causing a feeling of tightness. Although our body can cope with minimal amounts of sun damage, the danger happens when our DNA becomes damaged and its repair process is compromised, which can lead to skin cancer.

Tips for Sunburn Relief

Application

Application and reapplication of sunscreen is crucial. Ensure you are applying enough- a teaspoon for the face and one ounce shot-glass size for the body- and reapply about every two hours.

Hydration

Your body is overheated so it’s important to drink a lot of water.

Skim Milk Cold Compress

A cold compress or cloths soaked in skim milk can relieve pain-skim milk is the preferred choice because it does not have any fat content. The protein found in milk binds to the burned skin to soothe the pain.

OTC Remedies

Aspirin or ibuprofen can slow down the inflammatory reaction.

Application of a 1% hydrocortisone cream may help with sunburn pain and swelling.

Simple DIY Remedy

Plain cold yogurt can be used on sunburned areas. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse off.

Final Say

Until your skin heals, stay away from the sun, heat, friction and excessive exercise and do not pick at loose skin-it can scar! Avoid exfoliating and keep your skincare regimen simple. The key is to soothe and calm inflammation.

How do you treat a sunburn?

Stephanie

Disclaimer: The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.

Birthday Haul 2016!

July 7, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone! With the 3 day weekend, this week is zooming by fast. I have a post today on some of the items I got for my birthday as several of you expressed interest in seeing what I got/picked up. Ready? Let’s go!

Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm

First up is this cooling eye balm which was also included in my June favorites. It’s quickly becoming a staple in my daytime/nighttime routine.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Shine Sculpting Shine Lipstick in Fairest

I had originally purchased the Estee Lauder blush in Brazen Bronze but it turned out to be a very close dupe to the Becca Wild Honey blush. So, I returned it and got this lipstick shade. It’s a neutral-mauve shade with a hint of bronze that is just so pretty and perfect for any occasion.

BH Cosmetics Forever Aqua Gloss Nude in Honeysuckle and Scone

Browsing through the BH Cosmetics website, I decided to add these glosses into the cart. I’ve heard good things about them, they were on sale and you can’t have too many neutral lipsticks, right? Right! These are subtle, not too sticky and great for layering over lipstick.

Top to Bottom: BH Cosmetics Honeysuckle, Scone, and Estee Lauder Fairest.

BH Cosmetics Illuminate by Ashley Tisdale Cream Cheek and Lip Tint in Cabana

The main reason I was glancing at the BH Cosmetics website was this blush/lip collection. The shade Cabana looked so pretty and I thought it’d be a good addition to my collection. It doesn’t disappoint as it has great pigmentation-don’t let the pale pink color fool you-and stayed on pretty much all day.

MAC Powder Blush in Melba

MAC was having a 15% sale (yes, another sale item!) and I could not pass it up. I’ve never owned any of their blushes so this was the perfect excuse. I’ve heard about the cult-favorite shade Melba so I snatched up this matte, soft coral peach pan. The hype is real on this one as it’s not too strong of a shade nor is it too light.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

Initially I went to Sephora with the intent of picking up the Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face palette. After swatching it though, I decided it was too glittery for my taste and I couldn’t see myself using two of the blush shades. I decided that the next best thing was this eye brightener as I’ve seen the floating around on IG and blogs. Layered under my concealer, this corrector brings more light and life to my under eye area. A must-have when you’re tired but don’t want to look it.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne

I originally wanted Beach Walk from Maison Margiela and I did buy the roller ball version. However, I stopped by the Nordstrom counter and caught a whiff of this one and I fell in love. I left the counter with only the perfume spritz card and plans to come back for it later. Well, days later my mom surprised me with a bottle! Thank you mom! With notes of bergamot, ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage and driftwood accord, this scent is unique and works well when layered with the Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom cologne. It’s my new signature scent.

Of course, I love all of these-I can’t really choose a favorite. I also have a chocolate spa treatment day that my sisters gifted me which I still need to cash in so I’m hoping to do a blog post on it later. 🙂

Are any of these your favorites? Which products are you currently coveting for your birthday or otherwise?

Stephanie

June Favorites 2016!

July 5, 2016

Hi everyone! How was everyone’s weekend? We celebrated the Fourth of July at the Rose Bowl yesterday and I had fun. You can check out a clip of it on my Instagram page here. 🙂

Let’s dive straight into my favorites for the month of June!

Bath and Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Body Lotion

Few scents evoke summer like coconut and this travel sized lotion does a great job. With notes of coconut milk, plumeria, saltwater breeze, pink passionflower and Oahu Dragonfruit, a small application of this will make you dream of Hawaii and provide you a mini escapade throughout your day, whether you’re in Hawaii or at the office.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm

I picked this up on a whim during a trip to Sephora and I’m so glad I did. It’s supposed to reduce puffiness and soothes with goat’s milk and manuka honey. I love the fact that you can just glide it on and feel the cooling effects instantaneously. It does not feel heavy or sticky at all and for an extra cooling boost, I stick it in the fridge for a few minutes before applying.

Cool Classic Face Sport SPF 50 White Tea

One of the samples in my May Birchbox, I have used this up this month and I really liked it. It works well under makeup which is always a plus. You can read more on it here.

Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation

The main foundation I’ve used everyday this month, this, I love how fresh this makes my skin look and I’m constantly receiving compliments with this. Aside from a great skincare routine, this is one of my secret weapons to achieve a radiant complexion.

Lorac Alter Ego Lipgloss in CEO

I’ve circled around these liplosses for a while and after swatching CEO, I had to buy it. This lipgloss creates the illusion of fuller lips with a nice shine and it’s not sticky or heavy. The color to me is like a rosy mauve with a tinge of grey and I love it. Sophisticated with a slight edge, you’ll definitely feel like a CEO.

Laura Gellar New York Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey

A shimmery gold highlighter. Need I say more? Check it out here.

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

This industry favorite makeup brush cleaner cleanses, conditions, and deodorizes brushes in one easy step. I’ve had a few makeup gigs this past month and this is by far a must-have in my makeup kit as it also has a quick drying formula and leaves brushes smelling faintly of vanilla.

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes

One of my favorite items from my PopSugar this month, these deodorant wipes are so easy to use, you can take them on the go, and most importantly, they are effective.

Top-Bottom: Laura Gellar Gilded Honey and Lorac Alter Ego Lipgloss in CEO

Some swatches. Aren’t they pretty?

What were your favorites this month?

Stephanie

Skin Tip: 4th of July Edition!

July 1, 2016

Happy Friday everyone!

We have a long weekend ahead thanks to the 4th of July. Celebrate by adding some red, white and blue summer fruits packed with antioxidants that will keep you and your skin healthy and glowing!

Red: Strawberries are high in vitamin C and folate; watermelon (my fave) is high in vitamin A and C.

White: Lychee is a great source of vitamin C; jicama (aka yam bean) contains vitamin C and small levels of B-complex-tastes great with chile and lime!

Blue: Blueberries are an excellent source of fiber and high in vitamin C.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Stephanie

Play! By Sephora Unboxing June 2016!

June 28, 2016

Hi everyone! I’m excited to bring you a peek and review of the June Sephora subscription box. This curated box is $10 a month and you receive 6 deluxe size samples from prestige brands. There’s currently a wait list so if you’re interested, visit the Sephora website to add your name to the list.

The theme for this month is minimalism for a low-key summer look. Let’s take a look at what’s included.

Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It

This hair creme is said to add body and “enhance fine to medium hair textures for a laid-back, air-dried style.” I have curly hair and while this provided it some definition, on it’s own, it didn’t hold up. My hair frizzed up and I had to pair it with other styling products. I think it would work better on wavy or straight hair.

BareMinerals bareSkin Bronzer

A liquid bronzer that can be used by itself or customized with your foundation to give you a sun-kissed glow. I loved this product. I used it to softly contour my face and although it looks dark, it blends out nicely without looking orange.

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara

A bestselling mascara, this helps to lengthen and volumize the smallest of lashes with its specially designed brush. Personally, I am not a fan of this mascara at all. The formula burns my eyes and somehow I find that this tangles/clumps my lashes so much. I gifted this one away.

Becca Backlight Priming Filter

Easily the product I looked forward to most when my box arrived. It’s a shimmering makeup primer that helps to blur imperfections and create a luminous look. I loved how this paired underneath my foundation to create a nice glow and I found it worked nicely as a liquid highlighter. I made sure to use powder over my makeup to keep my skin from looking overly shiny as I have combination skin.

Tarte Taretguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

The esthetician in me is of course happy that a sunscreen was included in this box. An antioxidant- infused physical (non-chemical) sunscreen, this provides both broad-spectrum protection and moisturizing benefits. This sunscreen feels almost like a serum that absorbs quickly and is a bit on the oily side. So far, I haven’t experienced any breakouts from this though and it mixes well with foundations.

Tocca Beauty Florence

This romantic perfume, “conjures long-ago Paris with a sophisticate blend of bergamot, violet petals and blonde wood.” I didn’t care for this scent much. When I looked it up on the site, I noticed it also had notes of ivory gardenia and jasmine, both of which I really dislike. In order for me to like a perfume that contains jasmine or gardenia, these scents can’t be prominent and unfortunately that was the case with this one.

Swatches of the primer and bronzer.

Top-Bottom: Becca Backlight Priming Filter and BareMinerals bareSkin Bronzer

I was pretty happy with this box as it included some great brands that are perfect for a glowy summer look.

What did you think of this box?

Stephanie

Skin Tip: Smile Like You Mean It!

June 24, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! Hope everyone is doing well!

June is be comfortable in your own skin month and whatever skin condition or obstacle you’re battling, don’t forget to share a smile. You can spend thousands of dollars on skincare items and makeup but if you can’t also master the simple technique of smiling, then you’re missing the bigger picture.

Smiling can change our mood and alter a negative viewpoint into a positive one. It can also help alleviate stress, boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, make you look younger, seem more attractive, and best of all, it’s contagious. A smile will draw and bring happiness to you and those around you.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Stephanie