The Skincare I Brought With Me To the Beach

Last week Stan and I headed to the beach for a few days and it was a scorcher! I brought skincare products with me that were designed to replenish, soothe and HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE! I figured I would show you the products I brought and my thoughts on each. At the bottom of the post, I linked all the makeup products I brought with me and I'll be doing a video soon on my beach makeup look.

1. Shu Uemura Anti- Shine Fresh Cleansing Oil - I cannot believe this is the first time I am reviewing a Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil on the blog. These cleansing oils were the first ones to turn me on to oils in general, and they transformed my skin years ago. I brought it with me on this trip because it is the most effective oil at removing every last stitch of makeup, sunscreen, etc from my face and feels like liquid silk on the skin. It dissolves easier than almost any other oil I have in my collection and leaves my skin feeling so hydrated. It gives my skin such a great deep clean that if I wanted to skip a second cleanse, I could.

2. Omorovicza Cleansing Foam - I am pretty vocal about not loving a foaming cleanser, but there are those few exceptions (this being one of my favorites). Thankfully this Omorovicza falls into the exception category. It foams but not with tons of bubbles and still leaves my skin feeling soft and supple rather than tight and dry. I brought it with me because it worked wonders as a second cleanse and then also as a morning cleanse.

3. La Prairie Ice Crystal Serum - If you scroll down a few pictures, you can see that this serum has a bit of shimmer in it that helps to give the skin a gorgeous radiance. However, I prefer using this in the evening as a way to help calm, soothe and hydrate my skin. When at the beach, I needed products that were designed to help replenish after spending most of the day in the sun. This serum, while it has anti-aging benefits is also amazing at giving my skin back the moisture that it has lost, helping with any inflammation while instantly smoothing the skin. But not only does this serum work wonders, the entire Ice Crystal line is quite a transformative range. I swear by this for a sunscreen/foundation hybrid and my mother and I both love this oil as a decadent treatment especially during the winter months.

4. Darphin Stimulskin Plus Serumask - I knew I needed a mask to give me a strong boost of moisture at night after being in the sun all day, so I grabbed this Darphin serum/mask to bring with me. It's thick, rich and instantly cooling on the skin and I tissue it off leaving a thin layer to press on to the skin. My skin feels plump, firm and moisturized immediately after. It works instantly so I leave it on for 10 minutes, tissue off and press in the remaining product into my skin. For dinner, I just went ahead and applied my makeup right on top of this, but during my nighttime routine I like to finish with a serum and lightweight moisturizer.

5. Pestle & Mortar Hydrate Moisturizer - I love this moisturizer because it's lightweight, comfortable and easy. It's not designed to do much more than hydrate the skin, but that is what I love about it. The texture is perfect for the hot weather because it helps to add back in a bit of moisture, but doesn't make my skin feel like it's being suffocated.

From bottom to top: Omorovicza Cleansing Foam, La Prairie Ice Crystal Serum, FAB Eye Cream and Tatcha Water Gel

6. Tatcha Pore Perfecting Water Gel - During the day, I wanted something to moisturize my skin under my sunscreen but the heat and humidity were no joke so the texture of the product had to be bearable. This Tatcha Water Gel was absolutely PERFECT! It feels like a bit of nothing on the skin but instantly helps hydrate without making me additionally shiny or oily. The gel itself does have a bit of shimmer to it, but is undetectable on the skin. This has become a summer staple for me after using it these past few weeks.

7. First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream - To be honest, I saw this on my shelf and threw it in my bag having never tried it before. I didn't expect much (though I really do love FAB products - these pads are an acne fighting favorite, this is a moisturizer and hand cream staple), but as soon as I applied this under my eye - wow! The only word I can use to describe the texture and feeling was comfort. It felt rich yet not thick, and comforting yet not the least bit greasy. It worked wonders on my eyes each morning to help depuff and soothe them, and at night it was a welcome relief after being in the sun all day.

8. Kiehl's Cactus Flower Hydrating Mist - Mist, mist and more mist. That is my motto at the beach. I would use this refreshing mist during my skincare routine and then I threw it in my bag to bring with me during the day. Whether at the beach or grabbing something to eat, I would give my skin a quick spritz to help cool it down and replenish a bit of moisture. It smells fresh like a fruity cactus which made spraying it so much more pleasurable!

In addition to the products photographed above, I never travel without this cream which is in case I have a breakout and of course I needed to bring a sunscreen (this one for high SPF and this one for mattifying the skin).

*pr samples included

Here are a few of the makeup products I brought with me:

For When I Need A SPF Higher Than 30

There is not a day that goes by when I am not wearing SPF. Yes even in the winter, even when it's cloudy and even when I am in the car. Since I am so fair, it's a necessity, but when I began blogging and learning about the damage that the sun can cause I increased my use from once in a while to daily. I know the skin still needs its Vitamin D so if I am going out in the sun for 10-15 minutes only or for a nice walk around the block then I probably won't put it on. But most of the time I am out all day long so it's necessary to protect my skin.

I usually go for an SPF of 30 but increase it to 50 or even 60 when at the beach. The reason I never used to use a higher SPF during the day under my makeup was that most of the formulas years ago were so uncomfortable and greasy on the skin. I could tolerate it at the beach or pool, but on a daily basis - no way. Thankfully that is not the case anymore as brands have really stepped up their game when it comes to SPF formulations and now they feel more like moisturizers and less like an old school sunscreen. Typically I wear an SPF 30 during the winter months, but when the spring and summer come I like to step it up since I will be spending more time outside. And especially for a trip like we are currently on where we spend the majority of the day sightseeing, I reach for an SPF 50 or higher that I can wear under my makeup. I have recently come across three new formulas that were welcome additions to my routine.

1. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ - I am already a huge fan of this sunscreen from Shiseido and use it as a makeup primer because of its incredible mattifying properties. I will admit when I first felt this new one from Shiseido, my mind immediately went back to images of those old school runny, greasy sunscreens that I couldn't stand. And I actually put off trying this one until I had tested the other two. But knowing how well this one wore on my skin, I knew I should give it a shot. Thank goodness I did because it is gorgeous! It does have a more matte finish so I have been loving it under makeup, but it can have a slight whitish cast when first applied, though it disappears quickly once the product absorbs into the skin. What I love about this one is I can wear it for daily errands under makeup, but because of it's waterproof properties I can also bring it to the beach with me! The perfect versatile sunscreen.

2. Revive Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen - Immediately after swatching this on the back of my hand I knew I would love wearing this sunscreen. It has a creamy moisturizing feel to it that doesn't leave the skin feeling tacky. In fact, I wouldn't even know this was an SPF unless I saw the bottle - that is how wonderful the texture is on the skin. This gives a natural finish to the skin, though not as matte as the Shiseido. I don't find that it makes me shiny throughout the day so I enjoy wearing this in the warm weather, and will probably use it in the fall and winter as well because of its hydrating properties. In addition to the sun protection provided, it is formulated to help improve skin firmness and elasticity while still leaving the skin feeling well hydrated.

3. La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - As with the Revive SPF, this one from La Prairie blends both anti-aging properties with traditional sun protection. There is a slight tint to this one that doesn't provide any coverage on my skin, but I find that it helps to even out any areas of redness on my face. In fact, I have been using this sunscreen alone on the weekends when I want to run a quick errand because it gives me the SPF I need while helping to slightly even out my skin tone. It leaves my skin with a natural matte finish and wears beautifully under makeup.

*pr samples included

Shop more of my sunscreen recommendations:

Foundation Review Video: La Prairie, It Cosmetics and Eve Lom

Swatches from left to right: It Cosmetics Fair, La Prairie Tendor Ivory and Eve Lom Alabaster

I have been testing out three new foundations and wanted to make a video review of my thoughts on each. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!

The foundations mentioned in the video:

La Prairie Skin Caviar Foundation and Concealer

Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Oil Free Foundation

It Cosmetics Illumination CC Cream

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

Video: February 2015 Beauty Favorites

I skipped January but I'm back with my monthly beauty favorites for February. Hooray!!  It's a good mix of skincare, color, and other bits. Scroll down to watch the video and don't forget to subscribe!

Have you entered my Tatcha skincare giveaway?!!! Enter here.

Below are all the products mentioned in the video:

Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Moisturizing Hand Cream

La Prairie Cellular 3-minute peel

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

Diptyque Rosafolia

Tom Ford Cheek Brush

By Terry Velvet Rouge

Ilia Tinted Moisturizer

It Cosmetics Lipgloss in Naturally Pretty

Pixi Glow Tonic

The 3 Products I Am Adding To My Skincare Routine To Transition It To Fall

Even though I am constantly trying new skincare products for the blog, I do tend to have a few transitions that I make twice a year. I think if I lived in a warmer climate with year-round consistent temperatures, I would keep many of the same products. But living in NYC, our winters can be brutal and summers almost unbearable, so I do need to switch out/add in a few products to help my skin deal with those changes. For the winter that means adding in richer, more nourishing products that help to heal, hydrate and protect. Since the temperatures haven't plummeted just yet, I am easing into these slowly so my reviews for these are  going to be more from a first impression stand point, and  I will give more detailed updates as the months go on.

1. Chantecaille Rose de Mai Cream - I enjoy adding in a rich cream to my routine for the colder weather, but frankly I can only go so rich. Being that I have oily skin, some thicker moisturizers just sit on the surface and never absorb. Bleh. So when I received this Chantecaille cream, I hesitated for a second. Then when my skin was particularly irritated recently from a cold I was getting over, I threw this on last minute to help give my face some relief. Welp. That's all she wrote. It was magic on the skin. Super hydrating, incredibly rich but disappeared right in. Since it is infused with rose petals, I figured it would have some soothing and healing properties, but this took it to a whole other level. My skin felt so relieved after that I knew this would be my chosen winter face cream. And the fact that it's supposed to help stimulate the skin's natural immune system is just what I'm going to need when the winter's unrelenting weather kicks in. *shudders* 

2. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid - I know you are beginning to see a theme here with my picks - hydration, hydration, hydration. Even though my skin is incessantly oily, it can become dehydrated so quickly - especially in the winter. The Ceramidin Liquid is one of the thinnest serum textures I have ever tried, which surprised me immediately. Most serums have some slip to them or tackiness that can remain on the skin. Not this Ceramidin Liquid - it felt like I was applying water to my skin, it was that thin. Almost thin enough to be layered with another serum, which is great for those that love to layer. *raises hand* And for all you sensitive skin gals and guys, I've read this Ceramidin Liquid is a sensitive skin savior.

3. La Prairie Cellular Eye Essence Platinum Rare - Now that I've sufficiently covered the bases for my face, the final skincare addition is for the eyes. The fact that this is an essence that can be layered under any eye cream (currently I am going back to this for the winter) makes it more appealing to me because I know I can get stronger results. I frankly couldn't wait until winter to begin testing this so I have already added it into my routine, and first impressions are quite impressive. The texture is thin but rich and gives the eye a soothing effect while tightening at the same time. It's truly unique. After the first few nights of using this essence, I noticed a remarkable difference in the way my eyes looked when I woke up. Fine lines were barely noticeable, eyes were hydrated and a lot less puffy. Hallelujah! And then I began adding it into my morning routine as well and that's when I saw the strongest difference. My eye area was brighter (the essence itself has an iridescent finish), smoother and more hydrated which made it almost unnecessary to wear concealer. If this is how I feel after just a few weeks, I can only imagine what my eyes are in for this winter. For reference, this is a .3oz sample size they sent to me, and the full size is .5oz. It should also be noted that I barely use a full drop for both eyes so I can imagine a full size bottle would last me a very long time, which is an important point when deciding to invest in a pricey skincare item.

*pr samples included

Do you transition your skincare routine from season to season? Why or why not?

Out With The Old, In With The New: Cleanser Edition

I just recently finished a few cleansers in the past couple weeks so it was the perfect time to usher in new ones to my routine. This one by NUDE and this one by Liz Earle were the last ones I finished and enjoyed a lot, so I was hopeful these would fare just as well.

1. La Prairie Foam Cleanser - I am not here for foam cleansers. I like milk, balms and oils but rarely do I choose a foam. They make my skin feel tight, dry and I do not like it. *stomps feet* That is until I tried the La Prairie Foam Cleanser. Holy moly, it is amazing. I had a suspicion that if anyone could do a foam cleanser the right way, La Prairie could. I tend to use it after removing my makeup, but I will say it does a great job removing makeup alone. It leaves my skin refreshed, hydrated and feeling wonderful. I am still not excited about foam cleansers but this one will forever be the exception and have a place in my skincare routine.

2. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil - While I am not here for foaming cleansers, I am here for any and all cleansing oils. Occasionally I come across one here and there that don't measure up, but for the most part they are the most effective cleansers out there. Since I am already an avid user and fan of the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, I figured I would love this cleansing oil. And I do. It is lightweight and thin but does a stand up job of removing makeup and giving my skin a deep clean. I enjoy it so much that it has now reserved a place in my top 3 favorite cleansing oils. (this one and this one are my other faves)

3. Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser - Another slightly foam-y cleanser that surprised me. This does not foam as much as the La Prairie for me still gets some good suds going. Being that it is from Perricone MD, you can count on it having a ton of anti-aging benefits even for a cleanser. The most noticeable result I have found since using is how firm and taut my skin feels after washing, and not in a dry or tight way. I find that it does not completely remove my makeup, so I prefer to use it after an oil or balm. But for my morning routine, it has become quite a delight to wake up and use.

4. Eve Lom Cleanser - This is a cult classic and you either love it or hate it. And yes, I love it. I know the thick grainy texture can be off putting for some people but I adore it and find that it makes my skin unbelievably soft. Some cleansers are great at only cleansing the skin but fall short in the makeup removal area but this one does both and does it well. I went to the SpaceNK website and watched the video demonstrating the Eve Lom Facial Technique which uses a muslin cloth to remove the cleanser. I have adopted this method and find that the few seconds I leave the hot muslin cloth on my face makes all the difference. It is a bit of a splurge but I do think of this acts as an exfoliator and cleanser so to me it justifies the price a bit more. Either way, I highly recommend grabbing a sample if you can and giving it a try. I think your skin will thank me.

*pr samples included

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