Spring is here!!! And that means that our faces and hair can start to peer out from beneath our scarves, beanies, and zipped up coats. I've found some great beauty products as of late, and I'd LOVE to share them with you.
First are these Sephora Masks. There are SEVERAL different kinds depending on what your skin type is or what your needs are. I've used about 3-4 of them already and I can't say that I notice a huge different between the types. But I LOVE what they do. They are so refreshing and moisturizing. They just make your skin feel great during and after the mask. It's a pre-moistened sheet that fits right over your face. You leave it on 15 min, throw it out and just let the leftover product soak into your skin. They're also great for traveling... even while on the plane. You can even freak people out, because look how adorable they are?! (I have no shame)
Time to get those lips soft and kissable for Spring, right?? This is the best lip product I've ever used to really slough off dead skin and rehydrate your lips. BITE Beauty 5 Night Fix for Lips is incredible and addictive. It comes in this cute little apothecary jar and includes 2 products. A lip scrubbing stick, and a thick agave mask. The 2 together really get the job done... you'll be kissing everyone in sight in just 5 days! (ummm if you're single ;) )
My hair sucks...there I said it. It's hard to manage, fried, and frizzy. (many years of having hair color ADD didn't help) It's hard for me to just wash-n-go. Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioner, at least makes me feel half-way presentable after just letting my hair air dry. It's SO lightweight it's crazy. It absorbs right into your hair and leaves no residue. It just helps it behave better, and makes it less frizzy and healthier looking. Plus it's incredibly affordable, see below.
The next 2 items are water related. We all know that water (and botox) is the most critical ingredient for younger and healthier looking skin. I HATE drinking plain water, so it's a chore to consume as much as I'm supposed to. So I have to trick myself. Mint water is the absolute best way to go. Mint water tastes delicious, it aids in digestion, soothes an upset tummy, and makes your breath oh-so-fresh. I LOVE Metromint . I've been drinking this stuff for almost 10 years now. It has zero calories, no sweeteners, or anything artificial. It's just purified water and refreshing mint extract/essence. There are a bunch of different flavors too, the Chocolate Mint is yummy. It can be hard to find, (they have it at Whole Foods, or you can click on pic below to buy from Amazon), so when you run out... you can use a bottle of Peppermint Spirits. You can carry it in your purse (like I do) and use the little eye dropper to plop some drops of the potent mint elixir into your water. You can also find this at Whole Foods, or in a health store (or click below). Voila! Now you can be a water drinking pro like I am!!
Why is Kelly writing a beauty blog you ask? Simple. A comprehensive skin care routine is a quintessential part of life and getting older. However, with my non-stop travel schedule coupled with being on-camera a lot, I've really had to step my game up. I've been fortunate enough to always look a few (several) years younger than my actual age, but now it's time to REALLY start taking care of my skin. So I wanted to share my go-to beauty and skin care routine... not only for every day, but for TRAVEL and for those who aren't camera-shy :)
First is the daily cleansing and moisturizing routine. About 9 months ago I was introduced to Rodan + Fields. They are the dermatologists who created Proactiv and based on the massive success of that line, they wanted to create a skin care line for maturing or problematic skin. Fortunately, I don't have acne prone, problematic, or sensitive skin, but I do want a great anti-aging skin care line. I've been using their REDEFINE line consistently for 9 months and I notice a huge difference in the quality of my skin. The products actually feel so nourishing and visibly reduce fine lines. I use the entire line religiously and have had nothing but great results. The line includes a creamy exfoliating cleanser, toner, and AM (with SPF) and PM moisturizers. In addition I have been using their Microdermabrasion Paste. This stuff is INSANE. It's, by far, the best exfoliant i've ever used. It can be pretty intense (you can adjust the strength) but it gets the job done. Every time I'm done using it my face literally feels like a baby's tushie...it scrubs away age and sun damage yet is still moisturizing. Da Bomb. I actually have my own personal consultant, Amy Wolff, who's an expert with all their products and lines (something for EVERY skin type). Here's the link to their "Solution Tool" that will help you find what's right for you.
MAC Cosmetics Fast Response Eye Cream. I've been using this for years, ever since my sister used to work for MAC as a makeup artist. She swore by this stuff and said it was the most "stolen" product by runway models before it became available to the public. It contains caffeine and will visibly reduce under eye puffiness. It also just feels SOOOO smooth and gives my eyes the extra help I need in the morning and before I apply makeup. It's also great as a touch-up makeup remover (for all your winged liner fails). Since it's tiny, it's also great for travel.
Finally a drug store option...Since I travel a ton I love products that are portable and save time and space. Pre-moistened (gross! I hate the word moist...) wipes are my go-to. I am obsessed with them as I don't need to bring my entire cleansing regime with me, especially since I hate dealing with the liquids in my carry-on (I rarely check a bag). My fave wipes lately are the L'Oreal Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Wet Towelettes. They are great at taking off makeup and have a built in anti-aging formula, so if you get lazy (as I occasionally do when I travel) you can use this all-in-one item and not feel guilty!
Another inexpensive item that is awesome while traveling, or for when you want to feel fresh and awake is the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater. It smells fantastic and gives you skin an invigorating boost whenever you want/need it. It can also set your makeup, so you can use it on a bare face, or after you've gotten ready.
Lastly, I've recently learned how important a make up primer is. My new can't-live-without item is The POREfessional by Benefit. It's a smooth satiny feeling balm that immediately and drastically reduces the appearance of pores as well as gives your makeup the perfect base. LOVE this stuff so much and it's so key for when you're on-camera as it helps to give you a flawless makeup application.
I'd love to know some of your favorite skin care routine too, so please share. Hope this list is helpful as I know I've personally noticed a huge difference in my skin from this regimen. Thanks all!