New SPF Discoveries

Being as pale as I am, a daily SPF is a necessity. I rarely if ever leave the house without one on my face, and in the warmer weather that extends to chest, limbs and body. Because it is such a vital part of my daily skincare routine, I love to discover SPFs with different textures, application methods and varying levels of UV protection. I found a few great ones last year (read that post here), and was excited to find a few more that worked for me. Here is a list of my new SPF discoveries:

1. Zelens Daily Defence Sunscreen - I am new to the Zelens line, but absolutely love the makeup range (this foundation is everything) and swear by these facial pads. The sunscreen proved to be another love from the line, especially because of it's ability to act both as my moisturizer and sunscreen. And being that it's from a strong skincare line, it has ingredients in the formula to help prevent sun damage as well as tackle any premature aging concerns. It has a nice rich texture, though not too rich that I feel it sitting on top of my skin. (ugh, I hate that feeling) This absorbed quickly and left the skin feeling fresh as if I wasn't even wearing sunscreen. It gives me a natural finish so I was able to layer on my foundation without any issues of my skin looking too shiny. I do prefer a stronger SPF for beach days or times when I plan to spend a majority of my time in the sun, so this will be perfect for my every day work week life, under makeup, running errands, grabbing brunch, etc.

2. Clarins UV Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - Clarins makes some of my favorite sunscreen products for the body (adore this oil), so I was excited to try this for the face. It was very thin and watery to the touch, but in my experience similar formulas end up being too shiny for my face. Thankfully this was not the case. It absorbed very quickly and dried down to a natural finish. Initially when I first applied it to my face, there was a slight white finish but it disappeared quickly and I did not experience an ashy finish to the formula. My makeup applied smooth and evenly on top, and while I did get a tad shiny mid-day, it overall wore very nicely as an under-makeup sunscreen. Because of the high SPF, this will also double for me as a beach day/outdoors option.

3. Goldfaden MD Sun Visor SPF 30 -This sunscreen was a bit different from the other 3 because it is a liquid formula that you spray on the face. I always give a side eye to spray nozzle applicators because if not dispensed correctly, it can ruin a product. Rather than spraying it directly on my face, I figured I would spray in my hand first to make sure I was not going to be doused with sunscreen. I was shocked to see the most delicate and fine mist come out making it a cinch to control. Before I even tested it on the face, I was loving it because it had passed my spray nozzle test. The formula is oil-free, fragrance-free and very lightweight. I did notice however, that once I applied it to the face it had a slightly tacky finish. It was a tad off-putting initially and I was afraid that it would affect anything I applied on top. But I am never one to back down from a beauty challenge, so I gave it a minute or so to set and instantly loved the natural and slightly matte finish it gave my skin. I then applied my makeup and loved it even more! I read that because the mist is so fine, you can apply over makeup during the day if you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun. I wanted to test this out so I brought it with me to work, lightly spritzed myself mid-day and did not disrupt my makeup in the slightest! I made sure to hold it far enough away so as not to apply too much but still close enough that I could cover my entire face. I've talked about Goldfaden MD a ton on this blog and I can definitely add this to my list of product loves from them.

4. Sisley Age Minimizer Sun Cream SPF 50 - Whereas the Zelens sunscreen has a great moisturizer feel but with a lower SPF, this sun cream from Sisley gives me that extra SPF coverage for both daily use and extended sun frolicking. (Is there anything better than sun frolicking?!! No, there is not.) The texture is absolutely beautiful and strikes the perfect balance between rich in texture yet weightless on the skin. There was a slight white cast when first applied that I was concerned would stick around, but thankfully it disappeared almost immediately when I rubbed it in. This is another option for when I want to skip moisturizer and have my SPF handle both jobs. With a specific UVA/UVB filtering complex, this sun cream is designed to block those harmful rays while also fighting free radical damage. I love a product that multi-tasks.

*pr samples included

Swimsuit - here | Sunglasses - here | Coverup - here

 

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My Face Oil Picks

It wasn't until recently that I looked into my skincare collection and realized that I clearly have a thing for face oils. Face oils (in fact, oils in general) are having a moment now which pleases me greatly. Nothing is better for my oily skin (yes, I said OILY skin) than face oils, cleansing oils, body oils....the more oil I put on my body, the less my body has to produce. Which in essence has me end up with a more normalized complexion. *throws confetti* So after reading my good friend, Danielle's post on her face oil collection, I was inspired to write my own and share my thoughts on each. Many have similar textures and address similar concerns, but I still thought I would add my two cents in about each one.

1. Goldfaden MD Fleuressence Botanical Cell Oil - I love when I am introduced to a brand and before I know it, the line is taking over my collection. Each product I've tried from Goldfaden MD has been fantastic and currently I am using this eye cream and this cream in my morning skincare routine (and swear by this scrub), so when I heard they launched a new face oil, I had to try it! The formula is comprised of 100% pure active botanicals and feels wonderful on the skin. It has almost a watery-like oil texture that absorbs right into the skin leaving only a natural glow to the skin.

2. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil - Sunday Riley is the queen of face oils - launching three popular ones in the past few years (Artemis, Juno and Isis). So when word got out that she was coming out with a new one....the anticipation began. Luna Sleeping Night Oil is a bit more of a workhouse than typical face oils since it has trans-retinol ester which provides strong anti-aging benefits. This oil is strong in its effectiveness, and I began seeing results with my appearance of pore size and overall tone within just a few nights. Over time, it targets fine lines, discoloration and damaged skin. I anticipate this will become a cult classic, if it isn't already.

3. Colbert MD Illumino Face Oil - This is the first product that I've tried from the Colbert MD line and I've heard great things about this face oil. It contains both Retinol and Vitamin C ester which makes this an anti-aging powerhouse. Wrinkles and uneven skin tone are hit hard with this oil, but what I really love about it is the glow I get the morning after. I feel so radiant. It is definitely lighter in texture than many face oils I've tried, which really appeals to me and sinks in immediately upon application. 

4. Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil - This is one of the first face oils I ever used and fell in love with, so it will always have a special place in my heart. I find this to be the driest of all my oils which is lovely in the warmer weather when I need the hydration but not the richness. And while many other face oils require only the smallest drop so as not to sit on top of my skin, I can use a bit more with this and not have any worry that it will be too much for my oily skin.

5. Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex - One of the biggest selling points of Tata Harper's products are her great ingredients. It's a natural beauty line that still manages to be extremely effective. This oil has a thicker texture and more of a natural/essential oil scent which can be a turn-off for some, but not for me. Strong scents don't bother me as long as the product works. Another feature of this oil that immediately caught my eye was the roller ball application which I didn't think I would like, but surprisingly I did! It makes it easy to apply and I find that it helps me target certain areas that I want to treat more. I definitely prefer this formula in the colder weather, and find it really helps to soothe any irritated or sensitive skin that I have.

6. Sunday Riley Artemis Face Oil - Along with the Boscia Tsubaki Oil, Sunday Riley's Artemis Oil was one of the first face oils that I used. What makes this one so unique especially for me was it's ability to help clarify, purify and soothe the skin. I find this one is the most helpful in dealing with acne, congested skin and breakouts - and when my skin is extra oily due to hormonal changes, this oil really helps to balance it out. The scent has a strong herbaceous quality to it which could bother some people, but as I've said before, scent rarely bothers me. While many face oils don't work well for me during the day, this is one of the few that I can use under makeup.

7. Kate Somerville Dilo Oil - There is almost no Kate Somerville product that I've tried and haven't fallen instantly in love with after using. (I swear by this exfoliator, this peel, this moisturizer and this body cream) This Dilo Oil was no exception. The scent is pleasant and relaxing, and the oil does a wonderful job of helping replenish and restore my skin when it's acting up or feeling a bit overly sensitive.

8. Sisley Black Rose Face Oil - This Sisley Black Rose Face Oil is truly the epitome of luxury. From the scent (floral but pleasant), to the texture (like liquid silk), to the feel on the skin (soft and nourishing) - this face oil is all around one of the best oils in my collection. While it has anti-aging benefits to help target fine lines and wrinkles, it also revitalizes the skin in a way that makes my skin look like its had a facial. The morning after using this oil I find that my skin looks rested, nourished, plump, radiant, renewed - I mean, I could go on and on but you get my drift. When my skin is at it's worst (sunburned, flaky, dry, irritated), I reach for this first. After my recent trip to Costa Rica, I even went so far as to put a few drops on my sunburned shoulders to help replenish the moisture. I didn't peel, nor flake and my skin healed so incredibly well. Now of course I don't recommend taking a product this expensive and drenching it all over your body (you can but make sure you have a large credit limit - yowza), but it definitely showed me the true magic of this oil. Yes, I said magic. I have a flair for the dramatic, what can I say?

*pr samples included

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Video: My Updated Morning Skincare Routine

It's been a while since I did a full morning skincare routine post, and I felt it was time for an updated one. If you want to read my previous one, see that post here. All the products I mention in the video are listed below. Enjoy!

The products mentioned in my video:

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

La Prairie Cellular Refining Lotion

Sisleya Essential Skin Care Lotion

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Goldfaden MD Vital Boost

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield

Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30

An Eye Cream Update

It's been quite a few months since my last eye cream post (read here) so I felt it was time to do an update on what I have been using. Because my biggest skincare concerns are not typically with my eye area, I tend to stick with products I enjoy rather than constantly testing out new ones like I do with masks and cleansers. However, the one thing I do know from the testing I have done over the years is that I enjoy layering eye creams - using both a serum and cream together. Currently, I am using the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum and the Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes together for both morning and night. Occasionally I will still bring out this eye cream from Tatcha, which I love and this one from Perricone MD, but the Estee Lauder and Goldfaden MD have been in regular rotation for quite a while.

1. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum - Since I have never tried the original Advanced Night Repair for the face (I know, I am so ashamed), I was not sure what to expect from the eye serum. However, as soon as I began using it, I was instantly in love with how it felt on the eyes and the results it gave me. It's designed to basically target all the concerns possible - fine lines, crow's feet, dark circles, puffiness and dryness. The texture is lightweight and layers beautifully under any eye cream I use as well as under makeup. I find that it helps my eyes stay looking great - and targets any and every concern I have which is mainly preventing fine lines and occasional puffiness.

2. Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes - While the Estee Lauder serum helps to address a lot of my anti-aging concerns, the Goldfaden Bright Eyes is a great complement to it by giving me the hydration, nourishment and brightness that I need. The formula is a bit thicker, as you can see from the above picture, and really helps to deliver intense hydration while at the same time leaving the eye area looking luminous and bright. I can feel a slight instant firming effect when it's first applied (it's very minimal but it's there), and now that the temperatures in NYC have gotten frightfully cold, the rich texture is a welcome relief each morning and night. When used with the EL serum, the combination really helps to give my eye area the full royal treatment.

*pr samples included

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3 Skincare Products That Are Great For Achieving Brighter Skin

I struggle with dull skin because I am so fair. My skin can often become drab and lackluster at times, which can be made worse by any hyper pigmentation issues that may have popped up unexpectedly (old sun spots, healing blemishes, etc). I always keep products in my skincare collection to help give me that boost of brightness and fight those bouts of unevenness that I deal with from time to time. The key I have found to successfully managing this (and eradicating it at times) is by regularly exfoliating whether by a scrub or mask or even a cleanser.  Here is a look at 3 products I've recently tried that were really great at helping me achieve that brightness I'm always in search of for my skin. #thestruggle

1. Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub Advanced - This scrub is not for the faint of heart or those with particularly sensitive skin because a SERIOUS exfoliation happens with this product. That being said, it is by far the closest thing to microdermabrasion I've ever used. It is that effective. One pinch of these pure ruby crystals massaged in and left on for 60 seconds and it will leave me with skin that is no short of baby soft. No, I mean put me up next to a baby and you will not be able to tell the difference in our skin. Frankly, I need a new word for smooth after using this. But for those who may find this one a bit too harsh (that would not be me - I go hard on my exfoliating LOL), there is the regular Doctor's Scrub which is much less intense yet still quite effective.

2. NUDE Skincare Miracle Mask - I began by slowly sipping the NUDE skincare Kool-aid, trying out product after product and loving each one more than the next. So now I'm at the point where I am simply chugging that Kool-aid and head over heels in love with the whole line. This Miracle Mask is nothing short of a miracle with its natural exfoliators that help to brighten, smooth and clarify the skin. The great thing about this mask which makes it a bit different from my other exfoliating masks is that I am able to use it during a breakout without irritating my skin or worsening the problem. That truly helps set it apart in my skincare routine and make it a staple. Again, there goes that Kool-aid talking.

3. Sisley Phyto-Blanc Buff and Wash Facial Gel -So I already raved about the Sisley Foaming Cleanser (read my review here), and this Facial Gel is great to add in once or twice a week as an added cleanser step. It has ingredients that are designed to help lighten the skin (meaning dark spots or uneven pigmentation) and help exfoliate all the dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. I began using this after a particularly bad breakout I was suffering from in order to test out it's ability to help brighten and lighten the skin and I was happy to see that it lived up to it's claims. The spots didn't disappear overnight but I saw a marked change in their intensity versus using my regular cleansers. And after the trauma of a bad breakout (we've all been there), it's always good to find something to restore the faith in your skin.

*pr samples included

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