1. Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum: I’ve been using this serum on my chest area, an area that has a TON of sun spots (ugh), for a few weeks now and I totally see a difference. And, since I’m usually skeptical about lightening creams, this is big news.
2. Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream: Kiehl’s has done it once again; I’m into this new anti-aging moisturizer. It helps to correct the most visible signs of aging (e.g. eye wrinkles!) and also lifts, firms and sculpts face contours…what more can you ask of a daily moisturizer?
3. Dr. Jessica Wu Active Enzyme Micro-Polish Exfoliator: With my skin being so sensitive, I have to be careful about what kind of exfoliators I use…but when I found out that Dr. Wu came up with this version, I knew I was in capable hands. This innovative dual-action facial treatment exfoliates in two ways: finely ground Ivory Palm Seed physically scrubs and sweeps away dead skin cells, while the time-released encapsulated Enzyme Complex gently exfoliates, using Papaya and Pineapple Enzymes, to reveal glowing, healthier looking skin without irritation.
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:
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.
Mesh Shower Caddy: Shower caddys coming in all shapes and sizes but, please, take my advice on this one…get a plastic version that has HOLES for drainage. There’s nothing more disgusting than seeing mold at the bottom of your caddy, which WILL happen if you don’t get one with proper filtration.
Body Pouf: A classic. You might want to buy a few at a time since you do need to replace these every few months.
Gillette Venus Breeze Razor: I’ve been a loyal Gillette Venus user since high school so why mess with perfection?
Revlon Pumice Stone: I’ve tried lots of foot scrubbing tools and this is honestly one of the best. You want to keep your feet freshly scrubbed while running around campus.
Orlando Pita Argan Haircare Collection: Guys, this trio is only $25! I mean, that’s a serious steal. You get a shampoo, conditioner and a hair treatment oil, all formulated by the fab Orlando Pita. If this existed while I was actually in college, I would be obsessed.
Skintimate Shave Gel in “Raspberry Rain”: I’ve always loved the scent of berries and this shaving gel is really moisturizing and easy to use in a small space (e.g. dorm shower stall).
Kiehl’s Washable Cleansing Milk: Truth be told, I didn’t even wash my face unti after college (my skin was THAT perfect), but I’m a big believer of splurging in a quality cleanser, which this one is.
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
One of the most common reader questions that I get is on the topic of simplifying your skincare regimen. What do you REALLY need to use? How often? In what order? When? These are all completely valid questions, especially given the fact that beauty brands come out with dozens of new products every year. And, here’s a secret, a lot of the “new” products are really just the same formula with a new name and new product packaging! It’s true. So here, I break down exactly what you need: a simple skincare regimen with the fewest products possible. Of course, you can always add treatments (based on your specific concerns) into your regimen but this list is the bare necessities, and a few product recommendations. I’ve included high-end brands and drugstore brands, so you can decide where you want to splurge.
MORNING (in order of use):
Cleanse: If you have dry/sensitive skin you don’t necessarily HAVE to wash your face in the morning, but it is an option. I usually just splash some water on my face/take off last night’s eyeliner before applying my moisturizer since I have sensitive skin and don’t like to over-cleanse. Products I like:
Moisturize/Treat: Here’s the thing, you don’t have to use a product that actually says “moisturizer” on it. In fact, I recommend that you use something that has other benefits, aside from just moisturizing your skin. For example, plenty of serums and treatment lotions contain antioxidants, peptides, hyaluronic acid, etc. that gives you an extra boost. Products I like:
Protect: It’s ideal that your moisturizer/treatment (and even makeup!) will have some SPF in it, but they usually only have a small amount, such as SPF 15, which is NOT enough. If your moisturizer doesn’t have at least SPF 30, you should use a broad-spectrum, sunscreen that is at least SPF 30. Products I like:
Cleanse: Washing my face at night is probably one of the best feelings. It’s important to get off all your makeup and grime from the day so, even when you’re tired or drunk, try not to skip this step! Oh, and you can use the same cleanser that you use in the morning (if you do wash in the morning) OR you can use makeup removing/cleansing cloths, when you’re too tired for the full routine. Cleansing wipes I like:
Exfoliate: Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you shouldn’t do this EVERY night- try it out and see how your skin reacts. Personally, I exfoliate once or twice a week. The point is to basically get rid of excess and dead skin cells and unclog pores. Make sure to use a product that contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is one of the best ingredients to help reveal your fresh skin. Products I like:
Moisturize/Treat: Here’s where it gets a little tricky. You CAN use your morning moisturizer/treatment OR you can use a product that’s specifically designed for night time, your choice. Make sure to also add in a serum or lotion that contains Retinol, which is a key ingredient that will keep your skin looking young, AND an eye cream. Products I like:
Best physical–SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50: Physical sunblock is one of the best options for sun protection and I really love this version from SkinCeuticals. With SPF 50 and a little color-infused technology, the water-resistant block uses titanium and zinc oxide to protect you. It’s good stuff, trust me.
Best for the beach–Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70: I feel like so many of my friends hate putting on sunscreen once we’re already at the beach, so this is the PERFECT option for those picky few. The spray form prevents sticky sand hands and the technology provides salt and water-resistant sun protection that’s also broad-spectrum.
Best for hydration–L’OREAL Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 50+: At first glance, I thought this was tanning oil, the most insane product in existence. But at second glance, I realized that L’OREAL had the foresight to create a sunscreen oil (e.g. NOT for tanning), which is actually quite genius. You get all of the benefits of oil (the moisture, vitamins, etc.) but are also protected with SPF 50. If only this existed when I was in high school…Also, for every Sublime Sun product sold in the U.S. (through the end of this year), L’OREAL will donate $1 to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) for the L’OREAL Paris-MRA Team Science Award. Over the next three years, they will donate over $750K to the MRA.
Best for the face–Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30: So this isn’t the traditional sunscreen, per say, but going with the fact that you should be wearing SPF every day (especially on your face), I really recommend this version from Kiehl’s. It’s a powerful, skin fortifying anti-wrinkle cream that goes on nicely and doesn’t feel greasy.
Best natural–Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30: Perfect for anyone who likes to do the natural skin care thing (OR has sensitive skin). This mineral-based formula provides SPF and also contains soothing ingredients like aloe and cooling cucumber…plus you can use it on your face and body and won’t have any breakouts.
It’s time for May Favorites! Truthfully, I still have a LOT to learn about making YouTube videos, but I genuinely do enjoy making my monthly favorites videos. Ha, my manager would be so proud! It’s not that I’m uncomfortable in front of the camera (quite the opposite, actually), but I have absolutely no eye for editing and/or filming. So there’s that. I’d much rather be in my pajamas, hair in pony tail, zit cream on face, writing a blog post. Truth. With that said, I digress, and present to you…my favorite things for May!
