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:

6 Skincare Products My Mom Is Loving Right Now

It's been awhile since my mom's last post on here, but I challenged her with the task of writing about any products that might be new to her routine that she is enjoying. She immediately came back to me without hesitation raving about these 6! Here's her review of each:

1. Tatcha Luminous Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate - I have used the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist for years and was thrilled to find this overnight concentrate helped give me that serious boost of hydration like the mist. The serum is a fun texture - a bit wobbly and bouncy, but absorbs into my skin immediately after applying. I prefer to use it in the evening, and apply a night cream over top or on some nights will make this my final step. By morning I find that my skin feels firmer and any makeup I apply glides on much smoother.

2. Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask - I love exfoliating, and I love masks so putting the two into one is perfect for me! While many exfoliating masks make my skin feel softer, they can also leave it feeling tight and dry afterwards. This Tula mask manages to give me glowing and radiant skin while still making it feel hydrated and comfortable.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow Cleanser - I use this as a second cleanse, removing any final traces of makeup. I like to massage it in for 60-90 seconds and find that it makes my skin feel so supple afterward. In the colder months, I leave it on for 5-10 minutes as a treatment mask and then remove with a warm cloth. After I rinse it off, I can't stop touching my skin because it feels so soft!

4. Sisley L'Integral Anti-Age Cream - This cream is decadent and rich so I only need a small amount in the evening, but I love how my skin has reacted to this. I only began using it about 4-6 weeks ago, and can already see a difference in how supple and even toned my skin looks. I prefer to use it in the evening as my final step, warming the product up in my hands and then pressing into the skin. This layered over the Tatcha Memory Serum Concentrate has been my favorite combination right now.

5. Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift with Retinol - Maree told me this was a unique product and she was definitely right! It comes out as a cool foam and then breaks down to a liquid. I wasn't sure I would like it at first, but Maree was raving about it for herself so I was intrigued to try it as well. I began using it in the morning under my moisturizer (currently loving this one), and it made my skin look so smooth and my pores appeared minimized after only a week of using. Because I loved the results so much, I began adding it into my nighttime routine as well and that's when I noticed that a few dark spots I had were beginning to fade. Since it is a booster, I can use this before my serum and moisturizer and it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. Though I was skeptical at first, this product turned out to be one of my favorites recently!

6. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum - Applying this serum with the cooling applicator gives me such a wonderful wake-up in the morning. I had developed milia under my eyes from another eye cream, and after using this serum twice a day for a few weeks - the milia had disappeared!

*pr samples included

An Eye Cream Update

It's been quite a while since I reviewed any eye creams on my blog, so I decided to round up 4 that I have been using frequently over the past 6 months (some the past 2-3 months). While I love skincare, I try not to frivolously review products like eye creams and serums without giving them a full 6-8 weeks if not a few months to really decide a). if I like it  and b). if it does what it claims to do. As I have said before, cleansers and masks deliver results much quicker so I review them more often. Eye cream and serum reviews will always be few and far between but nonetheless when I find ones I enjoy, I want to share my experience with all of you.

1. Kat Burki Complete B Eye Creme Complex - Though I don't necessarily need a rich and thick eye cream every day, I like to have one in my routine if my eyes need extra TLC. I wake up often with dry eyes and if my skin is acting particularly sensitive, I like a rich and comforting eye cream. This one from Kat Burki is one of the richest eye creams I have tried in a long time, yet I didn't find it to be heavy or greasy. While not only nourishing the area, it is designed to help address any hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone around the eye. I don't have significant crow's feet, but on certain days they are more apparent. #rude Typically when that is the case, I break out this eye cream and begin using regularly to help smooth that area.

2. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum - While the Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream has been one of my favorites for a long time (at least 3 years), it can occasionally give me milia. I find that richer eye creams normally do this to me so I will switch back to a serum or very lightweight gel for a few weeks or month and the milia begins to go away. I found that my milia slowly began disappearing after using this Tatcha Deep Hydration Eye Serum for a few weeks (there is still some there but it has reduced significantly). Stay tuned for my mom's upcoming skincare post, because she had a similar experience using this serum! You can layer this under another eye cream, but I like to use it alone. The applicator is amazing for massaging around the eye and I notice that my puffiness disappears after 30-60 seconds of using this. The formula is intensely hydrating and brightening (there is 23-karat gold powder mixed in #fancy) and feels virtually weightless on the skin. If I don't drink enough water during the day, the first place I notice it is around my eyes. They begin to look crepey and my fine lines are more pronounced. However, when using this Tatcha serum day and night, the hydration under my eyes lasts much longer so even if I am dehydrated, my under eye area still looks fresh and smooth!

3. Mila Moursi Triple Action Eye Contour Cream - I do love the Tatcha applicator, but the Mila Moursi has the added benefit of feeling much cooler on the skin as soon as applied. Though it is labeled as a cream, it is more of a gel texture and absorbs a few seconds after it's on the skin. I prefer to use this in the morning because I find that my puffiness goes away quickly, the area looks smoother and my makeup applies perfectly on top. If you are new to the Mila Moursi line, I highly recommend trying the eye contour cream, this toner, this lotion and this cleanser (it's one of the few foaming cleansers I enjoy).

From top to bottom: Roc, Mila Moursi and Tatcha

4. Roc Retinol Correxion Eye Cream - I LOVE retinol in my face products, but do not use many eye creams that contain retinol. Though my skin is not easily irritated, I was worried whether having such a strong active ingredient close to my eye would be the exception. However, I was up for the challenge when Roc sent this over for me to try. The texture falls in between a rich cream and a thin gel, which appealed to me instantly. Thankfully after using it for many weeks, I had no averse reaction nor any irritation. In fact, I noticed a fading of a few dark spots near my eye and my eye area always looked firm and taut after applying. For those of you that react easily to retinol, there is a sensitive skin version that may be better suited for you. 

*pr samples included

Shop some of the skincare products that I currently have with me on my trip:

6 Products To Help Hydrate the Skin

I can use all the heavy duty anti-aging products that I want, but if my skin is still dehydrated I will not get the results that I want. I have found that when my skin is adequately hydrated, it looks younger, plumper and more radiant. Of course there are other factors that can contribute to keeping skin hydrated such as reducing stress, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and even taking proper supplements, but from a skincare perspective I keep a majority of my morning and evening routines focused on hydration. Here are some products that I have been testing over the winter that I really enjoyed for helping maintain the moisture levels in my skin:

1. Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk - I love a good oil or balm cleanser to remove my makeup, but for a second cleanse I often reach for a cleansing milk as a great way to nourish the skin and ensure the cleansing process isn't stripping the skin. This Darphin cleanser is incredibly creamy yet gentle and leaves my skin feeling calm and soothed. In addition to using it as a traditional cleanser, I like to apply it generously and leave it on for a few minutes as a hydrating treatment.

2. Darphin Hydraskin Essential Emulsion - Typically hydrating or moisturizing products are seen as heavy or rich in texture, but I find that some of the most lightweight creams can enrich my skin the most. This Darphin moisturizer has a texture that combines both a cream and a gel and would be great for either winter or summer. It has the richness needed to nourish the skin in the winter, yet is still light enough to feel comfortable on the skin during the warmer months. I love this as a daytime moisturizer and find that it wears beautifully under makeup because it keeps my skin hydrated without increasing shine throughout the day.

3. First Aid Beauty Hydrating Serum - This. Serum. From just the look of it, you can already guess that it is like a shot of water for the skin. It's deceptively thicker than it looks on camera and only one small pump is good to cover the entire face. I find that if I use too much, it can feel too heavy or tacky on the skin. That being said, my skin has been loving this serum since the first day I used it. My skin feels better (less tight, soothed) and looks better (more balanced) while using. Because of it's tendency to be a bit tacky, I prefer to use this at night or on the weekends if I am not wearing makeup. However, the results of this serum far outweigh any texture issues - I would recommend this for anyone looking to add in a moisturizing serum to their routine.

4. Tatcha Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate - Sadly the picture above does not do this texture justice. I posted a video to my Instagram showing how unique it is - watch that here. See? It's hard to look away from, isn't it? LOL. Many people asked me if it was similar to The Body Shop Bouncy Sleeping Mask and in theory it is, but I found this concentrate to be much thinner in texture with a more gel-like consistency when you break it up on the skin. Additionally I felt that the Tatcha concentrate gave me a stronger boost of hydration, whereas The Body Shop mask delivered more on firmness. I have enjoyed using this alone after I have cleansed and toned. If I wanted to address any other concerns, I could layer a serum under this but this concentrate did a fantastic job of acting as both a serum and moisturizer.  

5. Sisley Express Flower Gel Mask - It's no wonder Sisley is known worldwide for their masks - they are truly some of the best around. I have been using this one for the past few years and it's one of my favorite masks to help nourish and calm my skin. It's decadence in a tube. And this one is just as luxurious. There are very few products that can hydrate my skin to a visible difference nearly instantaneously (this sheet mask is another one of those instant miracle products), but this mask manages to do the impossible. I think they should rename this Sisley Express Flower Gel Infusion rather than mask because that's exactly what it feels like it's doing - infusing my skin with moisture. Truly splurge-worthy.

6. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Mist - I'm a total mist gal. I love using them in my skincare routine, I love using them throughout the day - I exercise my right to mist anywhere and everywhere. This Thermal Spring Water mist is delicate in application (no sudden heavy bursts of water from the nozzle #rude) and delicate in feel. I particularly like using this if my skin is feeling irritated or sensitive as it is calming to the skin. This may sound a bit silly but I find it to be calming to my energy as well when I spray myself with it. I close my eyes and mist away giving myself a mini 5 second break from the day. Cupcakes can also do that but there is less guilt afterwards with a mist.

*pr samples included

Shop more of my hydrating favorites:

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

Tatcha Skincare Giveaway!

In honor of my blog turning 3, I wanted to do a giveaway to say thank you! I appreciate all the support and encouragement (and beauty obsession) that you all share with me. And since Tatcha is one of my favorite brands, I felt it was only necessary to do a giveaway with three of their most popular products! I am giving away a Cleansing Oil, Classic Rice Enzyme Powder and Lip Balm to one lucky reader!  Enter using the rafflecopter widget below and good luck!!

Items featured have been graciously provided by the brand. Giveaway open to US residents only, and the winner will be selected at random.  Lost, damaged or stolen prize items cannot be replaced. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

My Lip Balm Collection

Lip balms are like the perfect hybrid of skincare and makeup. Many have properties to help nourish and soothe my lips, while I still feel I can get away with just wearing them alone with a full face of makeup. Here is a look at all of the lip balms I am currently using:

1. NUXE Reve de Miel - This one has to be the most unique because it is a matte finish. I know, almost hard to believe but it's true. It's quite a thick texture but feels absolutely luxurious on the lips. And it's one of my favorite lip balms to wear under a full coverage lipstick.

2. Omorovicza Perfecting Lip Balm - From the moment I received this, I haven't stopped using it. I prefer to use it at night before I go to bed because it is so thick and nourishing. It has a bit of a tingle to it when I apply it which I love, and by the next morning my lips are soft and feel almost as if they have been exfoliated. 

3. By Terry Baume de Rose - This is a cult classic and for very good reason. Between the beautiful rose scent and emollient texture, I would have to rate this my favorite out of all my lip balms. I love it at night, in the morning before my makeup, during the day when my lips need a bit of moisture - it is perfect anytime of the day. And though it has a bit of a slip to it when applied, lipstick and gloss wears beautifully over top.

4. Tatcha Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm - This is a rather unique texture and feels like an oil when applied to the lips.You can see when compared to the other balms, it is a bit more solid in texture. It can be too slippery for applying lipstick on top, but it is actually my preferred balm before I apply gloss. It seems to work well with a gloss texture layered over.

5. EOS Lip Balm - The appeal with using these spherical balms is truly the application. I love the dome shape because it easily fits onto my lips, my fingers don't have to get messy and it smells like strawberry. Affordable, easy to carry around and smells like candy - what's not to love?

6. Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer- I love when I have no preconceived notions of a product and it subsequently blows my mind. I received this balm in a Barneys beauty bag and could not believe my lips when I put this on them. I know I said the By Terry was my favorite, but this is a close second if not a tie for first place. The texture is incredibly softening and I reach for this when my lips are irritated because it soothes them immediately. And truth be told, this is my favorite balm to apply when I am doing lip swatches for the blog. 

* pr samples included 

What are some of your favorite lip balms?

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The Serums I've Recently Added To My Skincare Routine

I'm forever switching up masks, cleansers and toners. But serums are a whole different story for me because they often require more time and patience to see results. Nonetheless, I love skincare and can't help but want to try everything that comes across my path. I've been testing out a few different serums over the past 4-5 months and these are the two that have made it into regular rotation. The Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum and the m-61 JetGlow Serum both address different concerns so they fill separate needs to help round out my skincare routine.

1. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Serum* - Already a fan of Tatcha products (this is one of favorite exfoliators of all time from them), I had a feeling I would love this serum. Fast forward a few months......and it's confirmed. I do. I don't drink nearly enough water and walking around NYC everyday does nothing to help the moisture levels in my skin so I face dehydration a lot, even though I am oily. I also believe that one of the best anti-aging remedies is hydration so I constantly seek out products to help me replenish the water in my skin. There is a bit of shimmer to this serum so I was unsure how it would read on my skin, but I only use one pump for my entire face and it gives a nice lit-from-within glow rather than a disco-ball effect. Now that my husband and I have been heading to the beach more frequently this summer, I tend to use this serum on the nights following my 'fun in the sun' day. It helps to replenish all the moisture lost and balance out my skin which ultimately helps minimize breakouts and blemishes. I am finally convinced that Tatcha can do no wrong in my eyes - each product seems to be better than the previous one. And this hydration serum is no exception.

2. m-61 JetGlow Serum* - The first thing to reel me in with this serum was the name - JetGlow. Hello?? Give me all the radiance enhancing and glow inducing products possible. And of course after my experience with their power peel pads (read my review here), I knew I had to try this. A little goes a long way with this serum, and if I apply too much  it can feel a bit tacky, so one or two small drops is all I need. I didn't know what to expect when I first began using it, but I slowly began to notice how great my skin looked each morning after I woke up. Coincidence? I think not. I always awoke with calm, even-toned and rested looking skin, and the glycolic acid helped to make my skin smoother to the touch which resulted in a more flawless makeup application that day. It's all so cyclical with makeup and skincare - one is always affecting the other. If my skincare is off, my makeup suffers. And if my makeup is irritating my skin, my skincare can't perform as well. Sheesh, can't we all just get along?

* press samples

Shop more serum choices:

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Summer Skin Prep

Though my skin turns into nothing short of alligator hide during the winter season, I don't take as many steps necessary to keep it hydrated as I do during the spring/summer. Probably because my arms and legs are hidden under 15,000 layers in the colder months, which can make me lazy. But all bets are off in the warmer months since limbs are exposed every day and a sundress with scaly legs or ashy elbows is never a cute look. My summer skin prep has already begun and I have a few new products I am using this year mixed with a classic staple that never leaves my shower.

1. Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash - Probably one of the longest relationships I've ever had is with this body wash. I actually can't remember a time when I have not used it - it's that good. Many different body washes have tried to infiltrate my shower, but none have lasted. That's because this one is gentle yet effective, unscented and incredibly nourishing on the skin. Oddly enough, this was recommended to me by my gynecologist because it was safe enough to be used anywhere on the body (even on one's lady parts - yes, I said lady parts), and would not irritate. I am not consistent with most skincare and makeup that I use because I love to try new things, but this is one product that I will never stray from. We are in it for the long haul.

2. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub* - "It's a body scrub, and it exfoliates. The end." - is what I thought I would say after using this scrub. Boy was I in for a surprise. I actually said "Wow" after my first use, and consider it one of the best scrubs I have ever used. The texture is incredibly thick, almost like honey which makes it a bit more of a challenge to rub in, but as the product is massaged in, it warms up and begins to turn into a liquid. Sugar is more healing than salt so my skin always feels nourished and soothed after. Oh, and it smells like creme brulee. YUM, now I want a cupcake. 

3. REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Oil - If the immediate absorption doesn't lure you in, then the scent will. I find that when using this I rarely need perfume, and the delicate rose scent is pleasant without being overpowering. I use this in the morning because it dries quickly and allows me to get dressed almost immediately. No residue is left and my skin feels incredible. 

4. Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Body Butter - While the REN body oil is perfect for day time, I tend to like something a bit more rich at night. I have seen this Tatcha body cream all over Instagram and I just had to try for myself. And now I know why everyone is loving it - it is pure decadence, yet extremely effective. Designed for all skin types, especially sensitive and those with eczema, rosacea or dermatitis, this helps to immediately soothe my skin, and any skin irritation is immediately calmed. This will definitely stay with me into the winter season.

5. Lancer The Method: Body Nourish* - I had a chance recently to attend a fall launch preview at Bergdorf Goodman and this one from Dr. Lancer was quite unique. It is a body cream containing glycolic acid which helps to exfoliate the skin. I use this once or twice a week in conjunction with my Laura Mercier body scrub and find that the combination of the two have helped keep my skin smoother than it has ever been. An added benefit that I found once I began using this body cream was how even toned my skin began to look especially on my arms, chest and back. While I have always loved using glycolic acid on my face, I never truly made the connection that I would have the same results if used on the rest of my body. Duh, clearly not my brightest moment. Keep your eyes peeled for fall when this launches - it is worth a try!

* press sample

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Hydration Is The Name Of The Winter Skin Game

Sound the alarm and dispatch the emergency personnel because this winter is not playing around with my skin. The main culprit for me though is dehydration.  I still get shiny in my t-zone no matter how cold or hot it is outside but I can often tell my skin is dehydrated just by how it feels and looks - dull and lackluster.  Lack of moisture is not just for those with dry skin - if I had to guess I would say that most people are quite dehydrated just from how we live our lives.  Adding hydrating products into my routine is always my first priority, even over anti-aging products.  Mainly because I find that keeping my skin full of moisture and water is the best anti-aging remedy out there (in my opinion of course, but it's my blog so my word goes. *stomps feet, pouts lips*)  I have quite a strong arsenal of products helping me fight the dehydration battle, from masks, to serums, to sprays, to cleansers and beyond.  Click on each product for more information.

1. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - Not a first time appearance on the blog, this Tatcha mist is a must have at home, on the go, or anywhere you may need a burst of hydration.  My favorite part of this is how evenly it sprays, leaving the skin subtly hydrated rather than drenched. It has a milky texture, so the soothing sensation it leaves is quite addictive.  As I have said before, it is a bit of a splurge, but I feel so worth it.

2. Murad Refreshing Cleanser (c/o) - While I leave it up to my cleansing oils to remove most of my heavy duty makeup, I have been following it with this Murad cleanser.  If you read my recent "How I Take Care Of My Skin" post, you know that I typically cleanse twice each night.  I fell instantly in love with this cleanser because it is both a foaming cleanser with a rich milky texture - AKA the best of both worlds.  I find it leaves me feeling clean, refreshed and nourished without any dryness or tightening which can be a feat in and of itself for a cleanser. 

3. Dermalogica Active Moist (c/o) - If there is a skin issue, Dermalogica has a product designed to address it.  I find that while some lines are great for helping me treat certain issues, Dermalogica literally has a product for every ailment my skin may face.  I discovered this product on a whim when it was sent over with a few other products, and sadly I placed in the back of my beauty shelf only to forget about it for a few weeks.  When I dug back there one day and discovered it again, I slapped it on and was promptly speechless.  It is oil-free so it doesn't feel heavy on the skin, but it is like a drink of water for my face.  Hydration is immediate and whether I wear day or night, my skin never gets oily after.  Dermalogica wins again - hydration success!

4. Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum - Again, another product not new to my blog but one that needs to be mentioned over and over and over - and especially now that we are talking hydration.  Upon first feeling the texture of this serum, I was hesitant because of it's slightly honey-like feel rather than a typical water-like serum.  Then I applied it.  Welp, I was hooked.  It is the number one product I reach for when my skin is irritated, sensitive, worn out, been dragged through the mud, etc - because it helps to soothe absolutely any problem I have and balance my skin again.  

5. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Intense Hydration (c/o) - With a name like that, it's as if it was written for this post, yes?  Kiehl's has been a brand that I have used for years because of their simple but efficacious formulations, and as a long time user and lover of the Ultra Facial line, this new addition couldn't have come at a better time this winter.  While so many products help me to keep hydrated, I still suffer occasionally from those stubborn dry patches that come because mother nature is hell bent on making me suffer for not recycling enough or something.  I use it on those specific patches and have found it to be a miracle worker - stubborn dryness no more.

6. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque (c/o) - I mask nightly as we learned from this post.  So in addition to the new Ultra Facial Cream Intense, I am using this Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight hydrating mask once a week.  I often fear overnight masks due to the high mess potential, but since only a very thin layer is needed I find that I can manage it quite well.  It still gets on my pillow case slightly, but barely enough to notice and certainly not enough to persuade me not to keep using!  However, what is noticeable and extremely persuasive is my face the next morning - hello soft, supple, moisturized and calm skin.  Another winner in my book and again the reason why Kiehl's products will forever be in my routine. 

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How I Take Care Of My Skin

This one is going to be a long one folks so grab a snack and take a seat.  My skincare routine is probably the most asked about question I receive regularly on my blog and different social platforms.  It's no secret, I have quite the multi step regimen but after much trial and error, I have found some underlying principles and rules that keep my skin looking its best.  Now I preface this post by saying that I am not an expert, doctor, or esthetician - I am simply one girl (with oily skin) staring in the mirror asking her skin to be as good as it can be.  And while you can search my blog for tons of great specific product recommendations, this post will be an overall conceptual explanation for how I approach taking care of my skin.  My extensive routine may not be for everyone, but this is what works for me, so remember that you can adapt some of my experience to what works for you.  The kicker with my skincare system however, is my skin is constantly changing and will continue to change for the rest of my life.  So the trick is trying to treat what my skin needs now, rather than trying to find the perfect recipe that will last me forever.  This is a major reason why I don't use the exact same routine every single night.  If I am testing out a new product, I will usually add to my routine 4 nights/week, maybe 5 for at least 4 weeks to see effectiveness.  But my skin is never (ever) the same from day to day due to external factors (stress, weather, NYC, life in general), so using the exact same line up every night does not work for me.  I do however, try to balance out ingredients each night, trying not to overload my skin with too much of the same thing all at once.  For example when using an acid based cleanser and toner, I may finish up my routine with a soothing mask and hydrating moisturizer. Remember however, this is what works for me - and many of you may have differing opinions for your own skin.  That's cool.  Diverse skincare routines is what makes the world go round, baby.  I have now rambled way too long, so let's get into the good stuff.  Here is a look at some of my best practices for taking care of my skin, and after each category, I will list a few of my favorite products.  Click on each product link for more information. 

1. Cleanse - I cannot cleanse enough.  And surprisingly I find that my skin does not dry out from my cleansing routine mainly because it's geared towards properly removing my makeup so not a single bit of residue remains.  I always begin with a face wipe of some kind to initially help me remove the first bit of my makeup.  Naturally it never gets everything off (eye makeup especially) so I always follow with a cleansing oil.  Cleansing oils are my holy grail products - and a huge key to how my skin stays looking so great.  Nothing breaks up makeup, dirt, grime and oil (eek, my face is disgusting, right?) like an oil based cleanser - and any amount of eye makeup I may be wearing comes off effortlessly.  Finally I finish with a third type of cleanser depending on what my skin needs that evening - perhaps an acne/glycolic wash or a gentle milk rinse to make my skin feel great but never stripped.  

• Wipes I love: Ole Henriksen, Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse
• Cleansing Oils I love: Shu Uemura (holy grail), Nude, Shiseido
• Cleansers: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, REN Foaming Cleanser, Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

2. Tone - Why? What? Who? How? This is exactly how I felt about toning when I began my skincare journey.  And then I just dove in, did some research and tried out different types.  Voila - I am now in love with toners.  Typically, they are designed to remove any remaining traces of dirt/makeup, balance the pH of the skin and prepare the skin to receive the following treatments/serums/creams that will follow.  Since I have oily skin that is acne prone, I tend to gravitate towards ones to help me remove bacteria so I can prevent future breakouts.  But if my skin is particularly dry/irritated/sensitive that day due to who-knows-what, then I treat it accordingly.  

• Acne specific toners: Mario  Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion (holy grail)
• Hydrating Toners: Murad Hydrating Toner, Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

3. Exfoliate - This step by far has made the most difference in my skin over the past two years - helping me achieve radiant and even-toned skin. I do love getting rid of those dead skin cells, but I read a great article a few months ago which mentioned too much exfoliation can have a negative effect.  Eureka! That was me - I was exfoliating in some form almost every night - and multiple times over.  It was a miracle I had any skin left.  So I began to really look at what was in the products I was using each night, and to make sure I was not overloading my skin with peels, scrubs and then acidic based ingredients in my products.  The two main types of traditional exfoliation I do regularly are chemical (peels) and manual (scrubs) - and I use each once a week, normally on Wednesday and Sunday nights.  The rest of the week I may have cleansers, toners, serums, creams with exfoliating properties, but traditional peels/scrubs I save for once each a week.  

• Peels: Perricone MD Blue Plasma (I swear by this stuff), Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel
• Scrubs: Tatcha Deep Rice Enzyme Powder, Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Kate Somerville Exfolikate

4. Mask - This step for me truly embodies the notion of treating what the skin needs when it needs it.  If my skin is dry that day - a hydrating mask.  If I have a breakout, a pore refining mask.  If my skin is dull, an exfoliating/refining mask.  And a great tip that I learned from a close beauty blogging friend is that you only have to mask the part of your face that needs it.  For example, the t-zone may need that clarifying clay mask, but the cheeks and forehead may be dry and need a hydrating mask.  Mix it up.  Don't layer the masks - just use them on the parts of the face that will benefit the most.  

• Pore Clarifying - Boscia Luminizing Black Mask, Mario Badescu Drying Mask, Mario Badescu Silver Powder (not really a mask but amazing blackhead treatment)
• Hydrating - NARS Luiminous Aqua Gel, Dermalogica Multi Vitamin Power Recovery Masque, Tatcha Luminous Sheet Mask
• Exfoliating Mask - Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, Ole Henriksen Blue/Blackberry Enzyme Mask
• Calming Mask - Mario Badescu Calma Mask

5. Eye cream - Many people feel that using their face cream around the eyes is a suitable treatment for this area.  Like I said before, I am no expert, but I do prefer to use a product designed for the eye area as I feel it may be more sensitive to the needs of that particular skin.  I liken it to using shampoo for your hair and shower gel for your body - while you can probably use one product for everything, you may not necessarily get the same results.  

• Hydrating - Tatcha Ageless Eye Cream
• Exfoliating - Perricone MD Blue Plasma Orbital
• Depuffing/cooling - Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel

6. Serum - Often packed with a higher concentration of active ingredients, serums pack a serious punch when delivering results.  They are usually more potent than your typical face moisturizer and are best used under a day or night cream.  I have the least amount of serums in my arsenal mainly because they are the priciest of all skincare items, so I like to choose only a few that are effective for treating different conditions.  Hydration is a major concern for my skin, because while its oily, it can also be dehydrated - so a moisturizing serum is always in rotation.  I also love an exfoliating/retexturizing serum which really aids in brightening the skin and making it look refreshed.  Lastly,  I always need to have an acne treatment because I still break out after all these years - stupid hormones, ugh. 

• Hydrating - Mario Badescu Hydrating Serum (amazing stuff)
• Brightening - Sunday Riley Good Genes
• Acne treatments - Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion, Mario Badescu Drying Cream

7. Moisturizer - My goodness - where to begin with this final category. This is probably the category I am the least loyal to because I am always trying something new.  With that being said, I again take the "treat what you need" approach to moisturizers.  If I am dry, irritated, red, broken out, dull, or feeling like I need a whole new face (kidding, but there are those days), I will reach for the cream to address the concern.  Yes I have a few favorites that I can't live without, but for me, this category is forever just trial and error.  You win some moisturizers, you lose some moisturizers.  

• SPF day options: Mario Badescu Oil Free SPF 30, Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30, Perricone Photo Plasma SPF 30
• Hydrating/Soothing: Tatcha Rich Moisture Silk Cream, Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Concentrate, Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer
• Anti-aging: Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer

So there you have it folks - a more thoughtful approach as to the "whys" behind how I take care of my skin.  I feel that understanding this concept is more empowering than the products themselves.  Now that I know how to give my skin what it needs when it needs it, I feel more comfortable navigating all the trials and tribulations that my skin will go through over the years.  Let my future wrinkles be warned. 

  
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Beauty Bits: Rich Face Creams

This. Weather.  For those of you outside of the US Northeast, we are experiencing a blizzard/snow storm here in NYC.  And to be honest, this entire winter has been quite rude to say the least.  Coldest days on record, inches and inches of snow and then bam!  A mild day mixed in there.  My skin seems to be all over the map, but the comforting texture of richer creams are quite welcome during this time.  Even though I am oily, a gal needs her moisture and my skin can suffer from dry patches and irritation especially in the colder months.  Here is a look at some  of the creams I have been trying out and using the past few months and my thoughts on each:

1. Tatcha Moisture Rich Silk Cream (c/o) - Surprisingly the name of this cream sounds a tad frightening to someone with oily skin, but this has become a great staple for me this winter.  The texture feels like a gel but moisturizes like a cream, and unlike other ones leaves my skin matte which I simply love.  Though I typically use in the evening, I have begun using for day when my skin is particularly dry and makeup wears beautifully over it.

2. L'Occitane Creme Divine - Richness personified.  A delightful scent and buttery like texture makes this pleasurable to use, though I only need a small amount for my entire face.  It does tend to make me a tad oily the next morning when I wake up, so I often need to balance it with a oil minimizing toner.  For those with much drier skin, I think this would be an exceptional cream for the evening.

3. Lierac Hydro Chrono - Again, it is always a gamble when I try a product with "balm" in the description because it can be delightfully nourishing or way too heavy.  This is an extremely unique texture that resembles both a gel and balm.  For me, I found this worked wonders on those pesky dry patches I often got after trying to treat a blemish.  Using acne products can be great at getting rid of my blemishes but can leave my skin dry and flaky occasionally, and a few dabs of this on those spots immediately banished any of that irritation.  

4. Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer (c/o) - I have three words to describe this moisturizer - Ah. May. Zing.  I had high hopes for this one as the reviews were stellar to say the least, and I was relieved when the results matched my expectations.  Moisturizing yet not too thick, rich yet not too heavy, it is just perfect.  I prefer to use it at night but have found that my skin looks so smooth and supple the following morning - allowing for flawless makeup application.  My only concern now is how many jars can I begin to stock pile?

5. Tammy Fender Antioxidant Creme Neroli and Orange - I began using this early last year and at first was quite impressed.  The ingredients are designed to help soothe and nourish the skin, while also helping to balance overactive sebum glands.  The soothing aspect was a definite plus and I continued to use when my skin was feeling exceptionally irritated or chafed from the cold weather, but sadly I did not see any reduction in oil production.  In fact, I found that I was quite oily the following day unfortunately.  From reviews that I have read, it may be more of a fit for drier skin types and those who prefer a more natural skincare range and ingredient composition. 

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Beauty Bits: Cleansing Oils And Balms And Why I Love Them

  If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you are familiar with my undying love appreciation for cleansing oils.  I find them to be one of the most effective ways to remove my makeup, deep cleanse and keep my skin looking the best it can.  Surprisingly however, I have never mentioned cleansing balms on my blog and how wonderful they can be for any and all skin types.  So I felt it was time to join forces in a post and feature both cleansing oils and cleansing balms and rave about them both.  Being super (super) oily, I initially feared both of these mediums for the obvious reasons - oil and balm on my face? Are you crazy? But that fear quickly turned into adoration after using them and seeing first hand how great my skin began to look.  With both cleansing oils and balms, they cut through makeup effortlessly and leave my skin less oily afterwards then other cleansers.  Why is that?  The reason I have found is because when oil is removed/stripped from the face, it stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil thus creating a vicious cycle.  Here is a look at some great cleansing oil and balm options:

1. Boscia Makeup/Breakup Cleansing Oil - Still new to the Boscia brand, I have tried a few of their products and they continuously amaze me each time.  This cleansing oil is both affordable and is a pleasure to use as I barely have to do any work when removing my makeup.  It's cuts right throw all my makeup layers in a second and even waterproof mascara doesn't stand a chance with this oil.

2. Tatcha Cleansing Oil (c/o) - Good ol' Tatcha - still one of my favorite brands of all time.  Their enzyme powder is my holy grail and I became a fan of their cleansing oil upon first use.  Especially when my skin is feeling a bit irritated or sensitive, I find this cleanser to give me a deep, thorough cleanse while still treating my skin with kid gloves, and leaving it soothed and soft.

3. REN Purity Cleansing Balm (c/o) - A product that both cleanses and conditions the skin in one? Yes please.  This cleansing balm easily removes makeup, especially when used with the muslin cloth included.  This is one that I often travel with because when I am away from home my skin needs something to help cleanse but keep it balanced and this always does the trick.

4. Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm (c/o)- I am quickly becoming a fan of this UK organic brand, and I can add this cult classic to my list of favorites from NYR.  Saying this product is multi-purpose is an understatement since it can be used as a cleanser, exfoliant or rich moisturizer, and is incredibly gentle.  Dry, chapped, winter skin has met it's match in this product. 

5. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm - As still one of the strongest skincare brands in the market, Clinique will always be great for basic, effective skincare staples.  And this cleansing balm is no exception.  What applies as a thick balm, quickly dissolves into a silky, rich oil that removes makeup in a pinch, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft.  Makeup residue need not apply.

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