Here are some of my must have summer beauty items that keep me ready to Eat, Travel, and Rock out.... join me!!
First is the Essentials line from Rodan + Fields. I love ALL of their products, I also use the entire Redefine line for anti-aging. But this line is perfect for Summer because it all has SPF and keeps you protected. Plus it doesn't have that yucky sunscreen smell. The Foaming Sunless Tanner is incredible and doesn't streak or turn you orange... ain't nobody got time for that!! Plus the lip balm is my favorite lip balm of all time! Click here to check out the line from my personal R+F consultant, Amy Wolff.
I've had Keratosis Pilaris (red bumps on the back of my arms) since I was 20. I heard they were supposed to go away by the time I was 30, but that was NOT the case. I hate them and they drive me nuts, and since it doesn't look like they're going away on their own, I have to manage them. I exfoliate all the time, and I've recently found this product, Gold Bond Ulitmate for Rough and Bumpy Skin. It really works and helps my icky arm bumps almost disappear. This is mandatory for summer when you want your arms smooth and silky for tank tops and bikinis!!! Works for guys too ;)
I am OBSESSED with this new light and silky foundation from Dior called Dior Nude Air. It's more like a serum and is applied with that silver dropper. It soaks right into your skin and almost disappears. It is so lightweight and buildable. It's a bit pricey at $53.00 at Sephora but very worth it. It also has SPF 20. Love it for Summer as it's so light you don't even feel like you have foundation on.
This Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 is also amazing. I use this on days when I'm going to be outside all day and it's going to be hot. You don't usually want to have a full face of foundation on for those days and this is perfect because you can mix it with a light BB Cream or a light foundation and it gives you the perfect amount of shimmer and coverage. Once again, a bit pricey at $44.00 but worth it because a tiny bit goes a long way. SO great for all your festival looks!!
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!