After an unusually wet winter, spring has arrived in Southern California. The air is filled with lovely fragrant Jasmine, which is in full bloom in my backyard, and people are thoroughly embracing outdoor activities. Given the the change in temperature, it is time to make some changes to our skincare routines, and therefore I have a few tips for your consideration.
1) Drink plenty of water. I know that this is obvious, but it is something that I often don't do nearly enough of-- particularly during the warm months.
2) Be diligent in your use of a high SPF sunscreen (at least an SPF 30). The key is to remember to reapply sunscreen frequently. I often find myself applying my sunscreen in the morning and then forgetting to do so again throughout the day. That first and only application offers us a false sense of sun protection, but it does not last from morning until night. I have forced myself to carry sunscreen with me to reapply it, but of course this means that I need to reapply some foundation, tinted moisturizer, blush, or whatever I am wearing on my face that day.While this isn't terribly convenient it is necessary, and definitely worth the trouble. It should be applied to all exposed areas, and remember that the harmful rays also penetrate your clothing. Vulnerable areas like the ears, back of the neck, the drivers side of your face and body, the back of the hands, and feet are most often neglected.
3) Wear a wide brim hat. I try to do this when I am sitting outside reading- even though I do so under an umbrella.
4) Exfoliate Skin once a week to remove dead skin and to ensure that your skincare is penetrating deeply enough. Of course this should be avoided if you have sunburned skin, but if your skin isn't traumatized by the elements and can handle a gentle exfoliation then this will go a long way to allowing your products to penetrate more deeply. If you see any weird looking moles that have been changing shape and size- then avoid this step and go to your doctor to have your skin thoroughly evaluated. I can't underscore the importance of this enough- it is very easy for them to identify precancerous and cancerous lesions that you want to deal with immediately.
5) Consider adding in an anti-aging face serum to help fight free radicals. Even if you are young and aren't seeing fine lines pop up yet, the benefits of anti-aging serums do wonders for scavenging free radicals.
6) Add a nourishing face oil into your rotation. They penetrate the skin deeply and moisturize the skin beautifully. They also give the skin a beautiful healthy glow. They can also be used in lieu of heavier skin creams when you want something lighter and faster absorbing. Fear not, they are made for all types of skin from oily to dry and everything in between.
7) Consider adding Hyaluronic-based serums, lotions or gels into your product rotation because HA radically helps to raise the moisture levels of the skin.
8) If you have a beloved medium to full coverage foundation that is a perfect match for you, but is too heavy for the season, then blend a small amount with your favorite facial lotion or cream, and you will have the perfect tinted moisturizer. Add a touch of primer and sunscreen, and then you have a BB Cream. When I do this I use the back of my hand to mix it- it's a fast and convenient method.
9) Use a good moisture mask or a sleeping mask at least once a week, or as needed. It will boost your hydration levels while you sleep, and you will wake up with dewy, luminous skin.
10) Use a lip balm with an SPF. Your pretty pout needs more moisture and protection during the warmer months. Apply a moisturizing lip balm with an SPF underneath your lip gloss or lipstick to keep them protected. Reapplication throughout the day is the key to remaining protected.
11) Don't forget your hair! Not onlycan the sun wreak havoc on your tresses, but the scalp is subject to sunburn as well. Use a deep conditioner on a weekly basis to keep your hair in good shape, and consider a good spray on SPF that is formulated for the hair.
12) A good pair of sunglasses won't just protect your eyes, but will also protect the vulnerable and delicate skin around the eye area.
What are your favorite tips to get your skin through the warmer months?
This is undoubtedly the time of year when we tend to spend more time outside, and as a result we often inadvertently overwork and under-protect our skin. Here are a few things that I have been trying to do to take better care of my skin this time of year:
1) Drink plenty of water. I know that this is painfully obvious, but it is something that I often don't do nearly enough of– particularly when I am on the go during the warmer months. Carrying around a good quality water bottle definitely helps remind you to drink water, and for me I either carry my 25 oz. S'well Water Bottle (Reviewed HERE) or my 16 oz. bkr Water Bottle (Reviewed HERE).
2) Be diligent in your use of a high SPF sunscreen (at least an SPF 30- though I use between an SPF 30-SPF 50 most of the time). The key is to remember to reapply sunscreen frequently. I often find myself applying my sunscreen in the morning and then forgetting to do so again throughout the day. That first and only application offers us a false sense of sun protection, but it does not last from morning until night. I have forced myself to carry sunscreen with me to reapply it, but of course this means that I need to reapply some foundation, tinted moisturizer, blush, or whatever I am wearing on my face that day.While this isn't terribly convenient it is necessary, and definitely worth the trouble. It should be applied to all exposed areas, and remember that the harmful rays also penetrate your clothing. Vulnerable areas like the ears, back of the neck, the drivers side of your face and body, the back of the hands, and feet are most often neglected. My all-time favorite sunscreens for my face, neck and décolleté are: TATCHA SILKEN Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 (Reviewed HERE)and Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30 (Reviewed HERE).
3) Wear a wide brim hat. I try to do this when I am sitting outside reading- even though I do so under an umbrella.
4) Exfoliate Skinonce a week to remove dead skin and to ensure that your skincare is penetrating deeply enough. Of course this should be avoided if you have sunburned skin, but if your skin isn't traumatized by the elements and can handle a gentle exfoliation then this will go a long way to allowing your products to penetrate more deeply. If you see any suspicious looking moles that have been changing shape and size- then avoid this step and go to your doctor to have it looked at. I can't underscore the importance of this enough- it is very easy for them to identify precancerous and cancerous lesions that you want to deal with immediately. I have had numerous suspicious looking things removed that could eventually become skin cancer.
5) Consider adding in an anti-aging face serum to help fight free radicals. Even if you are young and aren't seeing fine lines pop up yet, the benefits of anti-aging serums do wonders for scavenging free radicals.
6) Add a nourishing face oil into your rotation. They penetrate the skin more deeply and moisturize the skin. They also give the skin a beautiful healthy glow. They can also be used in lieu of heavier skin creams when you want something lighter and faster absorbing. Fear not, they are made for all types of skin from oily to dry and everything in between.
7) Consider adding Hyaluronic-based lotions or gels into your product rotation because it helps to raise the moisture level of the skin. 8) If you have a beloved medium to full coverage foundation that is a perfect match for you, but is too heavy for the season, then blend a small amount with your favorite facial lotion or cream, and you will have the perfect tinted moisturizer. Add a touch of primer and sunscreen, and then you have a BB Cream. When I do this I use the back of my hand to mix it- it's a fast and convenient method. I would still highly recommend using a separate sunscreen to make sure that you have sufficient coverage. Again, you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (approximately every 60-80 minutes).
9) Use a good moisture mask at least once a week, or as needed.
10) Don't forget about your lips!!Your pretty pout needs more moisture and protection during the summer. Apply a moisturizing lip balm with an SPF underneath your lip gloss or lipstick to keep them protected. Reapplication throughout the day is the key to remaining protected.
11) Don't forget your hair!Not onlycan the sun wreak havoc on your tresses, but the scalp is subject to sunburn as well. Use a deep conditioner on a weekly basis to keep your hair in good shape, and consider a good spray on SPF that is formulated for the hair.
12) A good pair of sunglasseswon't just protect your eyes, but will also protect the vulnerable under eye area. Repeated sun exposure offers an express invitation for a whole flock of crow's feet to take up permanent residence on your face– so un-invite them!
What are your favorite tips to get your skin through the summer months?
Springtime is a wonderful time for renewal, and the perfect time to revamp the beauty products that we use. I love discovering new products this time each year, and wanted to share some amazing recent discoveries that are perfect for the season.
As the weather warms up, it is definitely important to tend to the changing needs of our hair. Therefore, I increase the frequency of deep masking to keep my hair especially nourished and. hydrated
Goldwell Kerasilk Color Intensive Luster Mask ($50.38 for 6.7 oz. fromFresh Fragrances, Strawberry Net and Salons): This mask was formulated to nourish, deep condition and moisturize color-treated hair. It not only adds much needed moisture, but it also increases the longevity of color treatments, and it offers hair a gorgeous luster. It has a very pleasant fragrance that is a bit difficult to describe.
Features:
Contains Keratin & Tamanu Oil to actively interact with hair's structure.
Helps deeply condition & moisturize hair.
Provides long-lasting color depth & brilliance
Blended with color caring silk to protect color from fading out
Hair appears shinier & healthier looking
Directions: Apply to wet or towel dried hair. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Goldwell Kerasilk Reconstruct Restorative Balm ($29.99; Salons Nationwide): Formulated for stressed and damaged hair, this lightweight balm nourishes hair, improves its elasticity, and protects it from breakage and dryness. Simply apply it to towel-dried or dry hair, and leave in. The result is silky smooth hair, and a side benefit is that it tames my frizzies. There is a very faint, pleasant aroma that fades soon upon application.
According to Goldwell,
Formulated with Keratin, lightweight silk and the protective skincare ingredient Hyaloveil™, this nourishing, healing balm improves hair elasticity while also protecting it from breakage, dryness and other common forms of damage.
Directions: Apply to towel dried or dry hair. Leave in. Avoid contact with eyes.
Features:
• With Keratin and Hyaloveil™.
• For stressed and damaged hair.
• Improves hair elasticity and prevents dryness and hair breakage.
• Provides heat protection.
Burt's Bees Eye Makeup Remover Pads with Kiwi Extract ($6.00 for 35 pads from Burt's Bees, Target, Walgreens, Ulta, Amazon and Walmart): These makeup removing pads are one of my greatest recent discoveries, and I cannot sufficiently underscore the extent to which I love them! They effectively and effortlessly remove all of your makeup, they are very gentle on sensitive eyes. The pre-soaked pads, coupled with the textured surface of the pads themselves, facilitate easy, tug-free removal of everything including the most stubborn waterproof formulas.
According to Burt's Bees,
Stop tugging at stubborn eye-makeup, and start wiping away waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow the easy way. Burt's Bees Eye Makeup Remover Pads contain soothing Kiwi Extract and moisturizing actives perfect for delicate skin around the eyes, while easy-to use pads keep the mess to a minimum. Plus, it's non-irritating formula won't leave an oily residue. Thanks, nature.
Directions: Gently wipe pad over closed eyelids until all makeup is removed. No need to rinse. Use daily. Do not flush.
Features:
• Gently removes all traces of makeup, even waterproof mascara
• Kiwi Extract nourishes delicate skin around the eyes
• No oily residue
• No need to rinse
• 35 eye makeup remover pads
Molton Brown Comice Pear & Wild Honey Hand Cream ($15.00 for 1.4 oz. from Molton Brown, Blue Mercury, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods): Molton Brown is unquestionably one of my favorite luxury body care brands, and their hand creams have long ranked among my all-time favorites. Their limited edition Comice Pear & Wild Honey Hand Cream has an utterly delectable aroma of honeyed pears that is otherworldly, and perfect for the season. The nourishing formula deeply moisturizes, conditions and soothes dry skin– leaving it soft, smooth and supple.
The notes:
• Top note: gardenia.
• Heart note: pear.
• Base note: biscuit.
• Extract: honey.
According to Molton Brown,
A luxuriously moisturizing hand cream balancing aromas of honeyed comice pears with the fresh notes of gardenia and sweet biscuit. Blended with Gloucestershire wild honey and featuring the luscious scent of plump comice pears in a harmonious aroma, this soothing hand cream leaves skin nourished and deeply hydrated.
Le Couvent des Minimes Everyday Deodorant with Alum Stone ($13.50 for oz. from Le Couvent des Minimes, Amazon and Ulta): This lovely roll-on deodorant, which is alcohol-free and aluminum chlorohydrate-free, effectively and gently combats odors while remaining gentle on the skin. The essential oils of Blood Orange, Lemon and Mandarin have a wonderfully refreshing citrus aroma that helps eliminate odors.
Features:
• Alum Stone: natural deodorant that prevents bad odors
• Essential oils of Blood Orange, Lemon and Mandarin: refresh and curb perspiration odors
• Essential oil of Rosemary: purifies and cleanses
According to Le Couvent des Minimes, Stay joyful and fragrant all day with this refreshing, natural deodorant that neutralizes body odor. Containing Alum Stone, it will keep you smelling sweet without the use of parabens, harsh aluminum salts, drying alcohol or skin-restricting ingredients. Housed in a convenient roll-on bottle, the formula is easy for application on the go and is always safe and suitable for even the most delicate skin.
Senteurs d'Orient Tuberose Hammam Soap ($36.00 for 7.2 oz. from Senteurs d' Orient and Net-A-Porter): I have previously waxed poetic about the wonders of Senteurs d'Orient's truly amazing handcrafted luxury soaps (Reviewed HERE, HERE and HERE), and unsurprisingly feel equally effusive about their Tuberose Hammam Soap.
The Senteurs d' Orient Hammam soaps are is the most beautiful soaps imaginable. From the gorgeous design of the soap itself to the otherworldly aroma of the creamy, delectable Tuberose used to make this ultra-luxe bar– this is the perfect Tuberose soap in which to luxuriate. The rich and creamy lather gently cleanses the skin without stripping it, while the beautiful aroma delights the senses. This gorgeous soap is suspended on a rope– which allows it to effectively dry out between uses. This is the perfect Mother's Day gift, hostess gift, holiday gift or gift for yourself, and I assure you that the recipient will be thrilled by this gorgeous gem of a soap.
According to Senteurs d'Orient,
Our signature Hammam Soap on a rope captures the Orient's most treasured flowers and senses to transport your mind while softening and nourishing your skin. Turn your bathing ritual into a luxurious, holistic experience with our signature Hammam soap. Each pure vegetal soap is handcrafted by local artisans in Lebanon, air-dried for 10 days, and etched with Senteurs d'Orient's elegant filigree. A blend of precious essential oils, fine fragrance and moisturizing Olive oil, Vitamin E, Shea butter and Glycerin makes for beautiful, dewy skin and a relaxed spirit. Tuberose - also referred as the "Queen of the Night", a natural aphrodisiac, entices the warm sensuality of the Orient with its relaxing yet intense floral scent. Created with a blend of Ylang, Guaiac, Celery and Benzoin gum essential oils.
Made in our Beirut atelier from the finest natural ingredients, our luxurious products are lovingly handcrafted by artisans. Each of our fragrances captures the Orient’s most treasured flowers and senses to transport your mind and exalt your body.
SENTEURS D'ORIENT Hammam Soap Tuberose is formulated with Shea Butter, Olive Oil and Vitamin E to promote smooth skin. Also available in: Rose of Damascus Orange Blossom, Rose of Damascus and Amber.
SENTEURS D'ORIENT donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this soap toward the education of women in Lebanon.
Overall Assessment: I am absolutely smitten with these beauty finds, and cannot recommend them highly enough! Do you have any recent product finds that have been game-changers for you? Do tell!
The Spring really is a season for renewal, and it is the perfect time to switch skincare and makeup for lighter weight products and brighter colors. This is also the perfect time for a full reboot of what you have in your shower– from your shower head to all of the hair, skin and body products. In the spirit of fully embracing the season, I changed the shower head in our master bathroom and switched out most of our products. The following is my selection of refreshing, nourishing, and delectably scented products that now have pride of place in my shower.
Aroma Sense AS-Opus Vitamin C Shower Head is the best thing to have happened to my shower in years! This ultra-easy to install shower head is hefty, well-made and very high quality. It has a powerful and strong jet spray that makes showering feel like a spa treatment! The relaxing aromatherapeutic shower experience, with its citrus scent, is an utterly delightful and refreshing way to begin the day.
According to Aroma Sense,
Designed to fit any standard shower arm, the Aroma Sense AS-Opus Vitamin C Shower Head can replace any mounted shower head fixture. With over 300 spray plate holes, this shower head is sure to provide the best spa-inspired experience, enticing you with refreshing and relaxing aromatherapy in your own shower. Our Vitamin C filtration technology can effectively neutralize chlorine to support healthy skin and hair, while its microfiber filtration removes additional contaminants brought through your piping system. If you love spa jets, our laser cut spray plate that will boost weak water pressure to give you a therapeutic shower while using 25% less water than a branded shower faucet. Escape into paradise with this aromatherapy & vitamin c shower head to rejuvenate your mind and body!
Features:
Aromatherapy Effect: Natural aroma oils provides an uplifting scent to enhance relaxation and alleviate stress
Chlorine Removal: Neutralizes chlorine from unfiltered water (including trihalomethane and other contaminant residues)
Vitamin C Replenishment: Contains vitamin C concentrate to promote healthier hair and skin
High Water Pressure: Optimizes water pressure 1.5 times greater than well branded shower heads
Water Conservation: Innovative technology reduces water consumption by 25%
Rust removal: Microfiber filter traps any residual rust, dirt and contaminants collected through water piping systems
Negative Ionizer: Produces up to four times of negative ions–scientifically proven to aid in breathing, increase blood flow, and alleviate stress
Includes: 1 shower head, 2 microfiber filters and 1 Vitamin C shower cartridge
Key West Aloe
Key West Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoois a great choice if you seek a shampoo that is gentle enough for everyday use. The formula is gentle, non-stripping, and offers enough moisture without weighing hair down.
Restore your hair’s natural vitality with Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo that uses 10% Aloe Vera to add beautiful body and healthy shine to your locks.
Key West Aloe Aloethera Keratin Conditioner is a fantastic choice if you need a conditioner that combats frizz, detangles, and moisturizes without weighing down your hair. It leaves my hair soft, silky and ultra manageable.
Control frizz without adding weight with Aloethera Keratin Conditioner made with 10% Aloe Vera designed to hydrate, strengthen, protect, and smooth all hair types.
Strengthen and Protect Hair
Lightweight Detangler
Will Not Weigh Down Hair
Results are Soft & Smooth Hair
Great new "Signature" Scent
Directions: Use After Each Shampoo. Allow To Remain On The Hair For 30-60 Seconds Prior To Rinsing.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Panthenol, Apple (Pyrus Malus) Extract, Papaya (Carica Papaya) Fruit Extract, Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia) Fruit Extract, Chamomile (Chamomilla Recrutita) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Fragrance, Carpylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Blue No. 1.
($22.00 for 16 oz. and $16.00 for 8 oz. from Key West Aloe)
Key West Aloe Frangipani Bath & Shower Gel is a lathering shower gel that is hydrating and refreshing. The light floral fills the shower with its lovely essence, and it lifts the spirits as it gently cleanses the skin. It is also so gentle on the skin that it works beautifully for shaving.
Let the scent of island flowers bloom while you cleanse, hydrate, and soften your skin with 30% Aloe Vera in Frangipani Bath and Shower Gel.
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Body Scrub is a highly effective, all natural, body scrub that efficiently, and thoroughly, sweeps away dead skin cells. The high concentration of Aloe Vera leaves skin soft, supple and unbelievably hydrated. The tropical scent is intoxicatingly beautiful, and it definitely creates a lovely sensory experience.
Made with Amazonian Organic ingredients and 100% natural exfoliants from Coconut bark and organic Buriti, which remove dead cells and impurities. Amazonian White Clay* enhances the exfoliation power, and a high concentration of organic Aloe Vera juice provides intense hydration. Leaves the skin deliciously fragranced with the natural and tropical scent of coconut & mango with raspberry and vanilla.
Ingredients: Water, *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Kaolin (White Clay), Glycerin, **Sucrose Cocate, *Mauritia Flexuosa Pulp Powder, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Dehydroacetic Acid Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Fragrance, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Cocos Nucifera Shell Powder, Sodium Hydroxide. *A Brazilian beauty secret Amazonian White Clay is nature’s most perfect ingredient and a high performance skin conditioner. Improves skin clarity and texture
98.80% of the total ingredients are from natural origin
23.27% of the total ingredients are from organic farming
Free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrance. No GMO’s!
($37.59 for 10.14 fl.oz. / 300 ml from Surya Brasil)
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Shave Gel is my current holy grail shaving gel. It is ultra hydrating, it has a delectable tropical scent, and it gives me the closest shave imaginable. It is gentle and nourishing, and such an amazing addition to my shower product line-up.
The eco friendly Sapien Women Shave Gel protects your skin while shaving. Its a natural and vegan product made with exotic organic Amazonian ingredients like Cupuaçu butter, Pracaxi oil, Macadamia oil, Vitamin E to prevent drying and protect sensitive skin. Organic Aloe Vera juice and vegetable glycerin promote intense hydration.Contains a natural tropical scent of coconut & mango essential oils Zero GMO's! Free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrance. Promoting a smooth feeling to the skin, Pracaxi seed oil helps to hydrate and promote cellular renewal. As a powerful antiseptic it is often used in hospitals to cleanse skin after surgery and help in the prevention of stretch marks. In the Amazon region Pracaxi is the popular name of a tree, which grows wildly in wet tropical areas all around the northeastern part of South America into the Amazon forest. A natural cold press process of the seeds and flesh, using no solvent or any chemicals, obtains the oil.
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Body Moisturizer is a medium weight body cream that sinks in immediately– leaving skin exceedingly hydrated. It has a warm and earthy scent from which one detects chocolate, pineapple and something else that I can't quite identify. It smells good enough to eat, but after it sinks in the aroma begins to recede until it disappears altogether.
The eco-friendly Sapien Women Body Moisturizer is vegan, natural and rich in exotic organic Amazonian ingredients like Cupuaçu and Murumuru butters, Pracaxi and Açai oils, Amaranth protein, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. Coconut & Mango Essential Oils. The white pulp of Cupuaçu is uniquely fragrant (described as a mix of chocolate and pineapple), and it is frequently used in desserts, juices and sweets. The juice tastes primarily like a pear, with a hint of banana. Cupuaçu is touted as a possible superfruit flavor. Commercial production of cupuaçu includes food supplements, pills, drinks, smoothies and sweets. The pulp is also used in cosmetics products such as body lotions, as it is highly hydrating, similarly to cocoa butter.
Free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrance and No GMO’s!
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Facial Scrub is a gentle, all natural, exfoliator that effectively removes dead skin cells while nourishing the skin. Skin is left soft, smooth, hydrated, and without any irritation. The tropical scent is refreshing and utterly delightful.
Made with Amazonian Organic ingredients and 100% natural exfoliants from coconut bark and organic Buriti*, which removes dead cells and impurities. It leaves skin silky, smooth, soft and hydrated. No ethyl alcohol, sulfates or silicone. Ideal for all skin types. *Extracted from the fruit of a palm tree in the Brazilian Amazon, Buriti oil has the highest natural occurrence of pro-vitamin A available (carotenoids). The oil is also extremely rich in vitamin E (tocopherols); combined with antioxidants give it an incredible ability to moisturize and re-hydrate. The oil restores moisture lacking in sun-exposed skin and because of its color it possesses a naturally occurring SPF factor. The rich unsaturated fatty acids in buriti oil help rebuild and hydrate new skin cells.
No GMO's ever! Free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrance
