10.24.2012
My Current Skincare Regimen

I try not to play product favorites but I have to admit, my skin has been in pretttty good shape lately. And this means: only minor breakouts, no dry patches, not a ton of redness and hyperpigmentation…so I, naturally, had to share what I’ve been religiously using. I’ve already blogged about most of these products but hey, here’s a roundup, in one place, so you can see everything that I’m currently using and loving:

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42: SPF, SPF, SPF. Wear it every day, all day. I’m a big Shiseido SPF girl because their sunblock formulas tend to be on the lighter side and don’t make you feel greasy and gross.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood: I told Darphin’s PR rep that I had dry, sensitive skin and she reassured me that I would LOVE this cleansing balm. In fact, I believe she may have used the phrase “heaven on your face,” and yes, she was correct. If you don’t like skincare that has fragrance, this might not be for you but I love how luxurious this cleanser feels and it doesn’t dry out my skin.

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Advanced Wrinkle Treatment: I’ve had my fair share of Kate Somerville treatments so any time they say they’ve captured a portion of one of their amazing (and costly) treatments in a bottle, I’m sold. I’m into the cool burst of moisture and I like that I feel very high-tech when spraying it on my face (3 lines on each cheek and one on the forehead). YES, ma’am.

Freeze 24/7 Ice Cream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Aside from the fact that this product has “ice cream” in its name, it really is a fantastic anti-aging moisturizer…and, believe me, I’m picky about my moisturizers.

Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Eye Cream: I’m clearly a big Rosa Arctica advocate but the eye cream is also pretty fantastic. They say moisture is pretty much the most important thing to prevent wrinkles and fine lines and this eye cream has it.

Kate Somerville Neck Tissue Repair Cream with Peptide K8: I’ve blogged before on my fear of my impending turkey neck and, because of this, I’ve been AVID about using neck products. It’s a little too early to say that I’ve seen “improvements” (since I’m only 29) but I have good faith that this product will work because it’s Kate-endorsed.

05.25.2012
Destination: Palm Springs

A friend and I are heading out to the desert tomorrow morning at, gasp, 9AM. There are very few things that could actually get me to wake up before 11 on a Saturday but hey, Memorial Day in Palm Springs is calling me.

J. Crew bikini top and bottom: I love a red bikini or, really, a red anything. This one is simple and the strings make this particular style look good on almost every body type.

Dorothy Perkins Black Aztec Crossover Dress: First off, I love the pattern. Second, this dress is the perfect minimalist vacay dress (and can also serve as a cover up!) that can take you right from daytime to night.

Forever21 Classic Straw Fedora: A hat is a MUST when I’m outside in the sun for a long period of time. Not only does it keep me cool but it also prevents sun damage on my face and scalp.

House of Harlow 1960 Robyn Sunglasses: I love pretty much everything HOH1960 but these frames are just really f-u-n and chic.

Sam Edel man Gigi Sandals: I have these in neon too. They’re super comfy, simple and look good with almost everything.

Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 PA+++: Lips are often neglected but if you’ve ever had sunburn on your lip, you know to always apply lip balm with SPF. I can speak from experience, guys.

Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12: Blonde hair can fade and oxidize fast when in the sun for too long so it’s VIP that I apply a spray with SPF protection and, as a bonus, the SPF also protects your scalp.

Kate Somerville SPF 55 Serum Tinted Sunscreen: It’s very inaprop to wear a full face of foundation at the pool or beach but yeah, with my rosacea and hyperpigmentation, I never go full on bare faced. This face serum is the perfect solution to my problem since it not only has SPF 55 but it’s a serum (e.g. lightweight) and it’s tinted so it actually hides most of my imperfections.

05.22.2012
In My Desk:

Crest 3D White: This is my new jam…you never know when you’ll need a quick brush up and, as of late, I’ve been brushing THREE times a day. My dentist is so proud.

Tide to Go Stick: I spill EVERYTHING on myself so these little sticks are strategically stored all over my apartment and office.

MAC Clear Lipglass: I’ve been using this lipgloss since college. It’s clear but it’s just so sexy and chic.

Girl Scouts for Lip Smackers in Thin Mint: My favorite cookie was turned into a chapstick…naturally, I was elated. This is the perfect pick-me-up when my lips get dry as a result of the gross office air.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: I’m eyeliner-obsessed so I like to reapply right before happy hour or a big meeting.

MAC Duo Image Compact Mirror: No explanation necessary here. Sometimes you need a quick teeth check or eyeliner smudge alert.

Cle de Peau Concealer: Concealer is never a bad thing to keep around, right? My hot spots- last minute breakouts and redness around my nostrils.

Deborah Lippmann Clear Nail Polish: Perfect for a run in my tights OR a polished, two minute mani.

Purrell Hand Sanitizer: Again, no explanation necessary. Sometimes I can literally feel the gross on my hands after touching door knobs and other office germ spreaders.

Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion SPF 15: Your hands are the first body part that actually tell how old you are so it’s very important to use SPF protection on them. I love this lightweight lotion and it smells amazing.

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self-Tanning Gel: Putting self tanner on your legs while sitting in your cube? Not office appropriate. Do I do it anyway? Absolutely.

Crest 3D White: This is my new jam…you never know when you’ll need a quick brush up and, as of late, I’ve been brushing THREE times a day. My dentist is so proud.

Tide to Go Stick: I spill EVERYTHING on myself so these little sticks are strategically stored all over my apartment and office.

MAC Clear Lipglass: I’ve been using this lipgloss since college. It’s clear but it’s just so sexy and chic.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: I’m eyeliner-obsessed so I like to reapply right before happy hour or a big meeting.

MAC Duo Image Compact Mirror: No explanation necessary here. Sometimes you need a quick teeth check or eyeliner smudge alert.

Cle de Peau Concealer: Concealer is never a bad thing to keep around, right? My hot spots- last minute breakouts and redness around my nostrils.

Deborah Lippmann Clear Nail Polish: Perfect for a run in my tights OR a polished, two minute mani.

Purrell Hand Sanitizer: Again, no explanation necessary. Sometimes I can literally feel the gross on my hands after touching door knobs and other office germ spreaders.

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self-Tanning Gel: Putting self tanner on your legs while sitting in your cube? Not office appropriate. Do I do it anyway? Absolutely.

04.16.2012
The Monday Rundown

Jonathan Adler Uncle Sam Hand: Expensive, yes, but also amazingly awesome. I want this for my coffee table like yesterday.

(Almost) Sugar-Free Ice Cream Sandwhiches: Thank you Pinterest for alerting me to even more food that I want. Hint, you can follow my “Yum” board HERE.

Gemma Redux Caroline Necklace: I just crave this. Though I can’t really rationalize spending $382 on this right now, this necklace is 100% on my “to do” list.

Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protector SPF 42 PA+++: As a big fan of Shiseido’s SPF products (see HERE), this new version also takes the cake. It goes on silky smooth like lotion and you actually want to re-apply because it’s just that good.

07.08.2011
July 4th Pool and Beach Essentials

This past weekend was America’s number one holiday, the fourth of July. In all honesty, I usually dread July 4th after having several bad experiences during college and even getting sun poisening one year after college as a result of using expired sunblock. Oh yeah, that was fun.

This year I decided to turn the tables and decide that I wasn’t going to set any high expectations for the weekend but instead, just relax and pretend that it’s a normal (though slightly longer) weekend. Success it was. I relaxed by the pool, went to a party at a Malibu beach house right on the PCH and finalized the celebration with a house party in Brentwood with a perfect firework view. I even debuted my new favorite towel, hoping my friend Sydne would feature it on her blog. Alas, she didn’t deem it “blog worthy” but she did tweet the pic above!

Here’s what got me through the weekend…

Redken Color Extend Solar Sunscreen SPF 12: There’s a ton of hair products that claim to protect your color from fading but very few of them have actual SPF included. This product is fab because it not only protects your color but it also protects your scalp from the sun.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 60 for Face and Body: I’ve been a fan of Shiseido’s SPF products since last summer when I discovered the line. If you’re the person who hates sunblock because you get all greased up while applying it, this product is for you. It’s basically a luxurious lotion and it smells amazing- no sticky residue, no white streaks.

Avene Thermal Spring Water: I’ve never really done well being in the sun for too long, especially when it’s also humid out. This refreshing water-based mist is a great refresher at the beach (or even on an airplane).

Ray-Ban Cockpit Aviator Sunglasses: Anyone else with blue eyes? Yeah, I can’t get through the day with out my sunglasses. I finally convinced my parents that no, they can’t buy their sunglasses at Rite Aid and expect decent eye protection. My Ray-Ban’s have great UV protection and this shape is pretty universally flattering.

09.07.2010
Labor Day, LA style…

So this Labor Day weekend was my first (well, my first with actual plans) in sunny Los Angeles. In fact, it’s now officially been ONE YEAR since I moved to the gold coast and believe me, I’m still in shock. It’s funny to think back to a year ago and remember that terrified feeling I had about being in a completely new environment knowing only a few people with no real certainty of what would happen. And now, well…I guess crazy and fate are two words that come to mind.

After a crazy Friday at Raging Waters, Sydne had friends over for a Saturday pool party where the hit of the party was undoubtedly Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 38 PA++ for Face and Body. I had been sent this sunblock awhile back and decided to give it a try…and omg, I’m obsessed. We all sat around the pool sipping sangria and I couldn’t shut up about how good the sunblock smelled and how soft and silky it was when I applied it. It got to the point where everyone was like “ok, well we have to try this stuff too if it’s so amazing.” The verdict? Even the BOYS were impressed. One particularly impressed guy at the party, Andy, said how he liked that it was smooth like a lotion but almost had the consistency of an oil. Not kidding. He actually said that and I think he’s been secretly moonlighting as a beauty editor.

Friends aside, the product is, as its name says, “extra smooth” and is formulated with rose apple leaf extract, which delivers an excellent boost of antioxidants…plus it’s sand-proof, sweat-proof and water-resistant.

me (with my Shiseido on)

Back to the top