Happy Monday, beauties! Today, I'm writing about my current beauty wish list comprised of things I've seen online (those Sephora Beauty Insider emails always get me) and read about in magazines (#septemberissues).
1. Origins' Clear Improvement Mask: I have heard such good things about this White China Clay and charcoal infused mask. I really liked the Glamglow Original mask, but I find it a little too intense sometimes (occasionally my whole face turns red and feels tight and dry after I wash it off). The Clear Improvement mask is simple and natural, and will fit in perfectly with my tri-weekly mini facial routine (see end of post)!
2. Perricone MD's No Foundation Foundation Serum: Of every product mentioned in this post, this serum sits at the top of my "to try" list. I have heard rave-reviews of this product and received multiple recommendations from friends and other bloggers to try this formula out. The sheer coverage allows it to flatter a range of skin tones, and mixing it with the line's bronzer or a little blush will allow me to create the perfect match any time of year. Plus, the natural finish in addition to the radiance boosting vitamins in the serum make actually wearing no make up for those with uneven skin tones a viable option in the future.
3. Bobbi Brown Lipgloss in Petal: I practically hoard lip glosses, but often do not wear them. Between the often sticky texture, overly glossy 90s-esque finish and glitter, I often feel like I'm playing dress up when I whip out a tube of gloss. However, I have recently found a few formulas (CHANEL, Stila, Smashbox and now Bobbi) that have really figured this whole natural-sheen- lipgloss thing out and I love it. I have a few Bobbi glosses already, but the colors are a little more dramatic and definitely more appropriate for fall and winter. I've seen Bobbi's Petal all over the internet—on beauty blogs to magazine websites— and it seems universally flattering.
4. The Original Beauty Blender Sponge: I have always been a bit sketched-out by the beauty sponge phenomenon. I think as a concept, reapplying make up with the same sponge every day is downright unsanitary. However, since I discovered the Beauty Blender sponge, and more importantly the brand's brush and sponge cleanser, I can't help but give the product a second thought. In my summer (or maybe year-round) quest to look like I am wearing no foundation (fooled you!), I am reconsidering purchasing one of these blush-and-bronzer-blending-bad-boys to minimize streaks and soften the edges of my make up.
5. Fresh Sugar Passion Lip Treatment: I am obsessed with the Sugar Lip Treatments and have used both the Unscented and a Rose formulas in the past. However, I recently finished two tubes of each. Now that I'm nearing the point of repurchasing, I am looking to try out this punchy-tinted and passion fruit flavored formula. Seems like a great end-of-summer buy!
6. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and DePuff: I sampled this once and absolutely loved the tingly, refreshing feeling I felt immediately upon application. I am finishing up my current tube of eye cream and want to change things up with a new formula. The tingly formula doesn't just feel good, it also visibly brightens and de-puffs my under eye area. Good bye sheet creases!!
7. Eve Lom Cleansing Balm: Hailed by Vogue as the best cleanser ever, Eve Lom's Cleansing Balm is a luxurious treat for those who are serious about cleansing their skin. I tried this in a deluxe sample (thank you Nordstrom Beauty Stop!!), and really loved the combination of cleansing balm and muslin cloth. I was concerned at first that the mineral oil in the formula would cause my very temperamental skin to break out, but I was thankfully wrong! Instead, the combination of the exfoliating cloth and creamy cleanser left my skin clear, soft and hydrated (not oily!) all day long.
8. CHANEL Le Blush Creme de Chanel: I am interested in the idea of natural-looking cream blush right now, but don't want anything that will make my skin appear oily. This cream to powder formula seems perfect as it allows for easy blending that transforms into a matte, powder finish. Additionally, the range of colors and pigments allows me to find the perfect match for my skin tone.
9. Verso Skincare Night Cream: Where did the minimalist, cool, cult brand Verso come from?! The range only has a few pricey products but boy do they seem potent! This night cream is definitely a splurge, but given that it a little bit is only used once per day it seems worth it. The formula claims to clear imperfections, reverse sun damage and promote overall smoother, plumper skin. This seems like a nice treat during the transition into fall when my skin tends to dry out!
10. Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum: This is a totally unnecessary, excessive product, however I love long, full eye lashes. I do not wear very much face make up, but I definitely use a lot of eyeliner and mascara to emphasize my big blue eyes. While reading the August issue of Allure magazine, I stumbled upon an article about how to achieve the perfect feminine doe-like eyelashes, and lash primer was a suggestion I have never tried before. It seems like a good way to add volume without creating those gross clumps of make up. Definitely something I would be interested in trying for a special event!
And... My tri-weely facials!
Lately my skin has been looking really great. The combination of the humidity, with increased fluid intake and decreased stress is really working wonders for my complexion (okay, I also use about 6 different skincare products per day but that's another story...). Three times a week or so, I treat myself to a DIY facial full of my favorite products. I usually do this in the shower, but occasionally I'll do it before bed and will just wash over the sink and then work on some homework or posts while my treatments sink in.
This facial "recipe" has taken my skin from pretty good to great in the past few weeks and I am looking forward to keeping it up!
1. Remove make up with an oil-based eye make up remover or a make up wipe. This is what I call a "pre-cleanse."
2. Wash face two times with normal cleanser. Once to remove the oil from the make up remover and a second time to deep clean. Rinse repeatedly with very warm water and continue to do this for 2-3 minutes even if all of the cleanser has been rinsed off to soften skin and pores.
3. Apply an enzyme peel with pumpkin extract (smells so yum) or lactic/AHA acid. I love Peter Thomas Roth's Pumpkin Enzyme Peel (sadly, it only comes in a set of three and I don't like the other two masks it comes with— email me or comment below with any suggestions! I'm desperate!!). Allow to work for 3-7 minutes (start slow, people!).
4. Rinse off the mask with warm water and continue to rinse face with water until skin is warm and soft.
5. Consider extracting any blocked pores. I wouldn't recommend touching any raised blemish, but the ones deep in the skin easily come out when exposed to warm water and exfoliator.
6. Rinse face and apply a clay-based mask to remove impurities from pores. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes.
7. Rinse off mask with water and then cleanser. This ensures that everything is off.
8. Apply an issue-specific serum (if you're unsure what to use, try something with Vitamin C for brightening and healing properties) and then apply eye cream.
9. Moisturize! Massage cream in for at least 3 or 4 minutes to boost collagen production and circulation.
10. Apply spot treatment to any blemishes. Ideally this spot treatment has sulfur, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Enjoy!
xoxo
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