Tag Archives: Boscia

10.02.2013
The Best Gel Moisturizers

the best gel moisturizers

 

Gel moisturizers.  Ahhh, yes.  I know it’s getting cooler outside, but I just can’t get enough of the cool feeling on my face.  Putting gel moisturizer on after a hot shower is THE BEST, and here are my favorites:

1. Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream: This version is wallet-friendly, yet still really hydrating and soothing.

2. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel: This gel is enriched with vitamin B5, which is known to help with tissue repair.  I love that it also contains hyalruonic acid (the body’s natural hydrator).

3. Koh Gen Do Moisture Spa Gel: I haven’t tried many products from this line, but anything I have tried has been awesome.  This gel, formulated with mineral-rich hot spring water and botanicals, there’s also emollient capsules that instantly melt into the skin. Yes, please.

4. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream: Kiehl’s is my world, obviously.  This oil-free version helps to reduce excess oil on the skin’s surface and also re-balances the skin’s barrier for a smoother appearance.

5. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel Creme: This lightweight, oil-free formula gives an instant boost of moisture that lasts for 24 hours. It immediately cools and refreshes the skin, leaving it feeling softer, smoother.

6. Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel:  This black gel (yes, it is really black) contains a range of powerful ingredients. Artichoke leaf extract improves elasticity to help tighten pore walls. Charcoal absorbs excess oil and impurities as it detoxifies. Glycolic acid helps clarify skin and smooth rough texture. Vitamin C helps brighten skintone and minimize fine lines as it defends from free radical damage.  It’s basically a jar full of goodness.

09.09.2013
What to do when you stay in

a night in 1

Lately I haven’t been feeling very social, which sometimes DOES happen to me.  Don’t get me wrong, I probably still go out more than your average 30-year-old woman but I’ve noticed that there are definitely some nights (even weekends) when I’m just like “eh…I think I’ll stay in with a bottle of wine.”  And yes, I did say BOTTLE, instead of glass; this sometimes gets me into trouble.  And yeah, my friends make fun of me when I complain about a slight hangover and they ask “what did you do last night?” to which I reply, “nothing..I stayed in and drank by myself.”  WHATEVER, I say to their side eyed-glances.  I think that if, at 30, you can’t sit alone in your apartment and drink some wine, then you really have some issues.  It’s OK to be alone.  In fact, you should ENJOY it.  The old saying goes that you can’t expect anyone else to love you, if you can’t love yourself, right?  Well the best way to get to know “thyself” is to spend that quality time with…THYSELF.  Regardless, I recently came across this Refinery29 article about exactly what I’m talking about: what to do when you stay in, and it got me thinking…do I have regular habits when I stay home (aside from the wine, of course)?  Well here are my expert recommendations of what I think everyone should try.  What do you guys do when you stay in?

Chick Flick

Wine

Stretchy Pants

Reality TV

Gossip Mags

Decadent candle

Face Mask

07.30.2013
Reader Question: do I really need toner?

Do I really need toner

 Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner| Biore Blemish Treating Astringent | Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner | Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion | Boscia Balancing Facial Tonic

Question:

Hey Jamie!

I have a question…what is the purpose of toner? Is it necessary? AND, after I take off my makeup (using Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis-approved Neutrogena makeup removing wipes) and wash my face, when I put the toner on should there be dirt or some kind of grey to brown on the cotton ball or does that mean that my face wash isn’t working well enough?

xo,

“E”

Answer:

Hey “E”!

That’s a great (and really common) question.  My first experience with toner was when I did PR for Sea Breeze back in the day…that stuff was hard core, let me tell you, but it had a cult-like following.  Here’s the story: toners are greatly misunderstood.

What are they? Toners are traditionally used to balance the skin’s pH and remove anything that your cleanser missed (hence why you see color on your cotton ball after you use it).  Newer toners actually can be really hydrating and have added benefits with good-for-you ingredients, depending on the product.

Should I use one?  Since there are so many different kinds, you just have to do some research to see which toner is best for your skin (my favorites are above).  Some contain alcohol, which removes excess oil and helps prevent breakouts but can also dry out skin.  However, most derms say that anyone with eczema or rosacea (ahem, me!) should avoid them due to sensitivity.

  • If you have oily skin, look for toners with salicylic acid, sulfur, or tea tree oil
  • If you have dry skin, grab ones with panthenol, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin


Good luck!

Jamie

 

07.22.2013
4 Things I love right now

4 things i love right now

Laundry by Shelli Segel Lace Sheath Dress: Sometimes it can be hard to find a good (and yet, still comfortable) cocktail dress.  I was recently sent this gorgeous dress and now I’m actually hoping I get invited to something fancy this week so I can wear it.  The color is amazing and the fabric feels soft and has some stretch to it, which I love.

Viewfinder app: It’s basically your camera roll re-imagined. So instead of just picking one or a few photos to share with your whole social network via Instagram, Viewfinder takes it up a notch by displaying and organizing all of your memories.  It’s a personal assistant of sorts for your photos which, personally, I REALLY need.

Frederick’s Knit Romper: I’ve never been a fancy pajama person but I actually really enjoy wearing this romper around my apartment…though, I definitely DO cover up when the UPS guy comes knocking.

Boscia Cool Blue Calming Mask: I’ve been loving this cool, calming mask for my sensitive skin!  It’s also great for summer, since it’s so hot out, and of course it’s also fun to peel off the blue colored mask.