fave products // milk + honey exfoliating cleanser & toner

There’s something about finding the perfect balance between products that are gentle yet still exfoliate and thoroughly cleanse the skin. Ya know what I mean? I’ve been a fan of milk + honey products for a while now- I love that their formulas are totally clean without any harsh or irritating ingredients, but are also super effective. I’ve been incorporating their Exfoliating Cleanser & Exfoliating Toner into my routine lately, and I love how quickly I’m noticing a difference in my skin. The cleanser works to revitalize dull & tired skin, and improve the appearance of pores, leaving you with soft, glowing, healthier-looking skin, while the toner uses a blend of powerful clarifying ingredients to gently resurface the skin. Mandelic acid, a gentle type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) made from bitter almonds, helps with hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, while black willow bark extract, which contains a natural form of salicylic acid (BHA), helps to promote cellular turnover. Plus, tea tree essential oil helps to reduce inflammation to support clearer, smoother skin. While you may worry that all these clarifying ingredients can cause dryness- fear not. Aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid help to nourish and hydrate the skin, making this duo quite the one-two punch! If you’re looking to switch up your cleanser and toner, I definitely suggest checking out milk + honey products.

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

britt’s picks // dermstore anniversary sale

Dermstore is one of my fave one-stop shops for all things skincare and beauty. They’re currently having an epic Anniversary Sale, and I wanted to share some of my top picks with you guys. Shop now until August 17th to get up to 25% off (use code CELEBRATE) participating brands, and members even get 3x loyalty points on others! From an effective at-home LED therapy mask to a makeup artist fave cleansing water to one of my holy grail anti-aging and anti-acne products, you're sure to find some great deals. Get to shopping- and saving- on serums, cleansers, toners, sunscreen, exfoliants & more! And please be sure to share any great finds of yours as well :)

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

This serum is always a staple in my routine. A lactic acid exfoliating treatment that smoothes the skin, and leaves it bright and gloomy? Yes please.

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

This is a super hydrating, fragrance-free serum that replenishes your skin’s hyaluronic acid, and guarantees eight hours of continuous moisture.

iS Clinical Active Serum

This is one of my holy grail products with amazing anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. Say goodbye to dull complexions and hello to radiant skin.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

This sunscreen is made with zinc oxide and niacinamide, making it great for those with sensitive skin! It also won’t break you out, which sunscreens are known to do.

Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

This at-home LED mask with red and blue lights helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne. It’s a splurge, but worth it when you compare to the cost of multiple laser treatments and facials.

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

This nourishing, alcohol-free toner refreshes and rejuvenates the skin thanks to chamomile & cucumber extracts, hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O

This makeup artist fave cleansing water and makeup remover does the job with ease, and doesn’t irritate your skin in the least.

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara

This mascara really delivers plump, full, and non-clumpy lashes. Bonus points for a totally clean formula with no nasty ingredients.

HUM Nutrition Skin Heroes Pre + Probiotic

This combo of pre & probiotics works its magic to promote both gut and skin health on a cellular level.

GoldfadenMD Pure Start Detoxifying Facial Cleanser

This gentle cleanser purifies the skin by getting rid of makeup, impurities, and dead skin cells, and leaves you with fresh, hydrated skin.

Slip Silk Sleep Mask

This eye mask is gentle on delicate facial skin, comes in tons of colors, and is so soft and comfy to sleep in!

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This classic product has a cult following for a reason. The original BHA toner works to unclog pores and even skin tone without being too harsh.

 

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // babor calming rx microsilver concentrate & soothing cream

As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always on the lookout for gentle, yet effective skincare products that have soothing, calming effects. Germany’s leading professional skincare brand Babor’s Calming RX range, designed for dehydrated, irritated and reactive skin types, checks all those boxes and more! I have to say, I’ve been really pleased with the results I’ve gotten after incorporating some of the products into my routine. First up, the Babor Calming RX Microsilver Concentrate is a facial serum (housed in small glass ampoules!) that provides relief and soothing hydrating to sensitive skin. Microsilver powers this intensive formula, which also helps reduce redness and irritation, leaving you with a more calm and balanced complexion. I like to keep a couple ampoules with me in my handbag for whenever my skin needs a little extra love (aka an influx of hydration!). After allowing the serum to be absorbed into the skin, I follow it up with the Babor Calming RX Soothing Cream (or Soothing Cream Rich!). This nourishing moisturizer is enriched with ingredients like plant-based Neuroxyl, antimicrobial Microsilver and fatty acid-packed Evening Primrose Oil that deeply hydrate your skin. It also helps keep your skin’s natural moisture barrier in tact, which is so important for overall skin health! My skin feels velvety smooth and supple after applying, but not greasy in the least. No surprise that Babor products are free from fragrances, synthetic colourants and preservatives, and are cruelty-free as well. Thinking I should add the Babor Calming RX Soothing Cleanser to my routine as well?? I bet I’ll love it as much as I loved the other Babor cleansers I’ve tried!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // omorovicza acid fix & balancing moisturizer

I was initially drawn to Omorovicza after I came across the Hungarian skincare company’s profile on Instagram. The luxury skincare brand captures the curative magic of Budapest’s thermal healing waters throughout all its products. Working with a Hungarian Nobel Prize-winning laboratory, Omorovicza developed and patented the Healing Concentrate™ to deliver all the potent minerals occurring naturally in the Omorovicza healing waters into skin. So interesting! Even better, all their products are vegan, gluten-free, and contain no sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances! Woot woot!

Acid Fix is a multi-purpose AHA/BHA treatment containing glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids that work their magic to give you radiant, younger-looking skin. I’ve found it to be the perfect serum for dullness, uneven skin tone, and even blemishes. Say buh-bye to damage caused by sunlight, pollution, and acne, and look forward to brighter, visibly plumped skin. I can attest to that after just a few weeks of use!

If you have oily or combination skin, the Balancing Moisturizer should definitely be in your routine. This cooling gel-cream moisturizer works to keep your skin adequately hydrated while also reducing shine. I love how refreshing it feels when applied, and how it supports the skin’s natural oil balance. Large pores? No more! The complex also works to brighten dullness and blur the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.

I’ve been carrying around the Queen of Hungary Mist in my bag as well, and I must say it makes for the perfect refreshing spritz whenever your skin needs a bit of a pick me up. It also works well as a post-cleansing toner. The neroli and rose scent is just to die for! If you’re on the hunt fo more supple and youthful skin (I mean, who isn’t?!), I highly suggest you try out some Omorovicza products.

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // lord jones acid mantle repair cbd moisturizer

It’s fair to say that CBD is having a moment lately, don’t you think? Call it what you want- a trendy fad or the new staple ingredient- but regardless, I have to say I’m a fan. Lord Jones produces quite the collection of hemp-derived CBD products including skincare, confections, and daily supplements. They were also the first CBD brand to launch at Sephora! I’ve been trying out their Acid Mantle Repair Moisturizer with 250mg CBD & Ceramides, and I’m really loving the results. You may be saying- acid mantle? What even is that?! Truth be told, I was in the same boat at first, but I’ve since gotten much more familiar with the essential, delicate component of the skin. Few people are aware of the acid mantle and we all have one. It’s actually a delicate film that acts as a barrier against bacteria and other environmental contaminants, making it a super important factor in achieving healthy skin.

Lord Jones Whole Plant Formula Acid Mantle Repair CBD Moisturizer is a soothing pH balanced CBD moisturizer formulated to help maintain the acid mantle, support the skin's moisture barrier and rebalance the appearance of stressed skin.  It features a 5-ceramide complex that works in harmony with full spectrum hemp-derived CBD oil and sunflower seed oil to rebalance skin. Ceramides are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and retain skin moisture, which keep the acid mantle healthy. Plus, hyaluronic acid and sustainably sourced squalane replenish skin barrier moisture for smooth, supple skin. Like I said, everything working in harmony! Each jar contains 250mg of full spectrum hemp-derived CBD oil and is equipped with a weighted golden spoon. PS- the spoon can also be used to massage the ultra-creamy formula into your skin and pressure points. For another bonus tip, I suggest storing your spoon in the freezer before using on those days when your skin needs a little extra TLC. Trust me on that one. And, if you’re looking for an extra boost of CBD, may I suggest applying the Lord Jones Royal Oil (1000mg pure CBD oil!) on top of the Acid Mantle Repair CBD Moisturizer for an ultra-soothing treat. To top it all off, the High CBD Formula Bath Salts are calling my name- I think a relaxing, sudsy bath is on the agenda in the very near future!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

Hello, World!

sephora spring savings event 2020- my picks!

A couple times a year, Sephora gifts us with savings events that are basically a beauty junkie’s Christmas! If you hadn’t heard, their Spring Savings Event is happening right now and ends officially on Friday, May 1. It’s an amazing event and the perfect opportunity to stock up on not only your favorite skincare essentials, but consider pulling the trigger on products you’ve been eyeing for a while. After all, with this quarantine lasting until who-knows-when, we have all the time in the world to play with products at home!

In case you aren’t exactly sure how the Sephora sale works, here’s my breakdown. 

There are three tiers for Sephora members: Rouge, VIB, and Beauty Insider. 

  • Rouge members have spent over $1,000 with Sephora and had first access to the sale starting Friday, April 17 and receive 20% off their order.

  • VIB members have spent over $350 and began shopping Tuesday, April 21 for 15% off their order.

  • Beauty Insiders were granted access Thursday, April 23 and receive 10% off their order. There is no dollar amount you have to spend to get Beauty Insider membership! Sign up is free and fast, and you can immediately start shopping. 

Most importantly, you’ll need the promo code no matter which tier you belong to: SPRINGSAVE

With all that in mind, I wanted to share the 9 products that I’ve re-stocked since the Sephora sale began. From skincare to haircare, these are the brands and products I love and trust most when it comes to taking care of myself no matter the season.

TATA HARPER

Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil With Vitamin A

I love a Retinol. Truth be told, not being able to use this Retinoic Face Oil from Tata Harper during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is hard (to read more about anti-aging products to avoid during pregnancy, read this). I love this particular face oil because, although it’s retinol-powered, the oil and added vitamin A keep it hydrating and extra gentle on your skin. So many retinols can be drying or cause irritation, and this doesn’t. Looking forward to getting it back in the rotation!

 BIOSSANCE

Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil

Biossance has a cult following for a reason. Its main ingredient in most of its products, Squalane, is a 100% natural, plant-derived moisturizer that is gentle on all skin types. This particular oil is both clarifying and balancing for the skin. I’ve noticed it helps me most with breakouts and redness and is great when it’s that time of the month and your skin is getting a little too hormonal!

SUNDAY RILEY

C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil

Another cult classic in terms of face oil is the C.E.O Glow Face Oil from Sunday Riley. Vitamin C is a hero when it comes to anti-aging and that, mixed with the calming effects of Turmeric make this product one of my all-time favorites. This oil does it all: brightens, hydrates, and leaves skin with an unmistakable glow, which we could all use more of nowadays.

DRUNK ELEPHANT

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask

I love my spa visits as much as the next girl, but there’s no telling when we’ll be able to go back to relying on an expert to pamper us. The importance of at-home self care has become even more vital to me over the last month or so to feel some sense of normalcy and calm. I love Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial for this reason. It truly is as close to a facial in a bottle as you can get! Apply it once a week for 20 min and watch in awe as your skin is suddenly glowing again. It has almost 5 stars and over 2.1K reviews on Sephora for a reason!

 SUPERGOOP!

PLAY 100% Mineral Broad Spectrum Lotion SPF 50

Speaking of treating your skin, just because you’re not taking a beach vacation anytime soon doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be protecting your skin via SPF daily. I swear by this Supergoop! 100% mineral, broad spectrum SPF lotion. Because it’s mineral based, it’s much less irritating making it ideal for sensitive skin. You can use it all over—on both your face and body—and you should! Have I mentioned how important SPF is?

ILIA

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

Speaking of SPF, ILIA is quickly becoming a new favorite in clean beauty for me. I wrote about the brand back in January, and I’ve since added another product to my arsenal: the Super Serum Skin Tint Foundation with SPF 40. This is the perfect option for springtime into the summer months. When it’s warm outside, the last thing you want to do is apply a heavy foundation to your face. This ILIA Skin Tint is lightweight and gives you a dewy finish thanks in part to its serum and hyaluronic acid! Plus, the SPF is perfect for every day, but especially pool or beach days.

MILK MAKEUP

KUSH High Volume Mascara

Another essential for spring and summer days when minimal makeup is what you’re going for is a great mascara. I love the KUSH High Volume Mascara from Milk Makeup. It’s volumizing without looking clumpy (huge plus) and is 100% vegan! Plus, the hemp-derived cannabis seed oil simultaneously conditions your lashes while thickening them. Just a few coats of this is all it takes to look and feel glam with minimal effort.

OLAPLEX

Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

If you haven’t seen or heard of Olaplex, you must not be active anywhere on social media because this line of products is everywhere and for good reason. With a team of legitimate scientists and industry experts behind Olaplex, their hair care product delivers serious results. I love the Hair Perfector No. 3 the most. It isn’t a leave-in conditioner; the No. 3 is a concentrated hair treatment that reinforces and strengthens all types of hair. Personally, I’ve found it’s great for color-treated blondes. By applying it for at least 10 min once a week (or more for severely damaged hair), it works to repair breakage and general hair damage.

SLIP

Silk Sleepmask

Lastly, to really round out the list of ultimate treat yourself Sephora skincare, I love this silk sleepmask by Slip. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase has proven to do wonders for haircare, and this sleepmask promises the same for your skin. Friction from tossing and turning can cause you to wake up with those oh-so-attractive “sleep lines,” but treating yourself to this mask made from the highest grade mulberry silk will prevent that and so much more. It’s one-size-fits-all and available in 8 different colors and patterns to fit your exact sleeping beauty personality, not to mention it’s hypoallergenic. It’s the small luxuries like this mask that are carrying me through quarantine, so I hope you’ll treat yourself to one, too!

Bonus Splurge!

DR. BARBARA STURM

Super Anti-Aging Serum

I somehow (?!) didn’t know Dr. Barbara Sturm products were carried at Sephora until now, but boy am I glad I do! With a background in anti-inflammatory medicine, Dr. Sturm focuses on non-aggressive natural extracts and scientifically-proven ingredients to treat the skin from within. Her super anti-aging serum is packed with antioxidants like purslane and skullcap to promote skin rejuvenation, leaving you with a firm, youthful complexion. Yes please!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support!