fave products // omorovicza even tone serum

Uneven skin tone. Never a fun thing to deal with, but a condition that is all too common when it comes to skincare. There are many ways to treat it, from using specific ingredients in your everyday products to more intensive treatments like peels and lasers. While lasers may be more effective, they are also more expensive and need to be done regularly to really see results. I think a good first approach is to add a highly effective product to your daily routine and see if you get the results you’re looking for. Even Tone from Omorovicza is is a daily serum for uneven skin tone that targets all the causes of unevenness, working to improve the homogeneity of your skin. If you’re suffering from any hyperpigmentation (think age spots or sun damage), applying this serum regularly can help correct that, as well as smooth the overall texture of the skin.

A key ingredient at play here is amber microalgae, which works its magic to target areas of excess melanin only, preserving the skin tone. Plus gentle exfoliating acids like mandelic and gluconic help stimulate cellular turnover, resurfacing skin texture to smooth the complexion. I’m a big fan of niacinamide as well, and always seem to be impressed by products that contain it. Its ability to help reduce post-blemish discoloration and redness, while also balancing sebum production and clearing the complexion is super clutch. Paired with Omorovicza’s patented Healing Concentrate, which is a mineral elixir containing Budapest’s thermal waters that help boost collagen and elasticity, you’ve got yourself a really impressive serum to add to your routine! What’s great is that while Even Tone is super potent and effective, it’s also gentle enough even for those with sensitive skin. It’s formulated for both light and dark skin tones, and can be safely used in your morning and evening routines. A more even skin tone and refreshed complexion is in your 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! 

fave products // alpha H-liquid gold glycolic acid exfoliant & serum

By now I’m sure you’ve heard about the benefits of exfoliating. Whether physical (with a scrub) or chemical (with acids), gentle exfoliating is a wonderful way to keep your skin fresh and healthy. Back in the day a certain apricot-scented physical exfoliant was super popular, but it’s become apparent that maybe that wasn’t the most safe, gentle, or effective approach we should be taking. I tend to stick to mostly chemical exfoliants these days, and I’m happy to report that Alpha-H Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid truly delivers results. Liquid Gold combines 5% Glycolic Acid with a unique low-pH delivery system to stimulate action at a deeper layer of the skin. Basically, this lower pH (2.8 - 3.0) temporarily compromises the skin barrier, which then enables deeper penetration of active ingredients. Sounds scary, but it’s a good thing- I promise!

Glycolic acid is a super popular exfoliant for good reason- it works to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, promote cellular turnover, diminish the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, and even help reduce hyperpigmentation! Talk about a powerhouse ingredient. Acids can be a bit irritating at first for newbies, so I recommend applying once every few days at first, and then working your way up to daily use. I’ve also been trying out the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum at night, and let’s just say I think you should stock up on both of these products ASAP. This serum combines two of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients in the game- glycolic acid and granactive retinoid- which work to resurface and renew prematurely aging skin. Throw in tripeptide-5 which promotes collagen production, and ferulic acid to fight free radical damage, and you’ve got yourself a real winner. I’ve definitely noticed a more vibrant, youthful glow to my skin lately, and it’s all thanks to Alpha-H Liquid Gold. As a little added bonus, Alpha-H products are cruelty-free, made with a clean formula, and are made with locally sourced botanicals in Australia. Trust me, this is a line you’ll be happy you added to your routine.

 * 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 // glossier cloud paint blush

For most of my makeup-wearing life, I've tended to use powder blush. I think just because it was the most easily accessible type of blush on the market, but nowadays, it seems the options are endless! Enter Glossier Cloud Paint. This cream blush is literally one of the easiest products to apply- just dab it on with your fingers! I like to use a combination of two (Haze & Beam), and blend them together a bit. You could even choose a darker color for more of a contour, while using a lighter color as a highlighter. Cloud Paint's sheer and buildable gel-cream formula is inspired by gradient pink New York City sunsets, so there are several beautiful shades that work for all sorts of skin tones. I love that it gives me a healthy, subtle hue (which can be more-so if you desire!), and creates that perfect flushed glow on my cheeks! Plus it has collagen to help plump the skin, which is just an extra fun bonus. A little goes a long way, so each little tube should last you a while. I think now I need to add the other two shades (Haze & Puff) to my collection, and play around with all four :) Glossier is one of my fave go-to makeup brands- read my other posts about them here and here! Perhaps I need to try out some of their skincare products as well? Off to research!

fave products // rejuvenated h3o hydration & night repair

With all the traveling I do for work, it's important to give my skin plenty of extra hydration to keep it looking radiant and fresh. On a recent shoot in South Africa, my skin was looking a bit haggard, but luckily the makeup artist saved the day with these Rejuvenated H3O Hydration sachets that are super easy to pop into a glass of water. These provide your skin with key minerals and ions that are super important for maintaining its health, while also enhancing its water absorption. Rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, H3O aids in cell division, reduces the look of fatigued skin, and protects cells from oxidative stress. Hyaluronic acid is the secret weapon here, providing hypotonic hydration and ensuring better days for your skin sooner than later!

Similarly, Rejuvenated H3O Night Repair works its magic while you sleep. Potent herbs and antioxidants join a slew of vitamins and minerals to provide your skin with serious hydration overnight. Pine bark, grape seed extract, and astaxanthin (powerful antioxidant from the sea!) come together to make sure you wake up refreshed and renewed! A huge bonus in my book is that both of these products are perfect for travel too- just pop them in your bag and go! I definitely recommend trying these out along with their Collagen Shots as well for beautiful skin from within.

fave products // paula's choice skin perfecting BHA liquid

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Throughout my skincare foray into various brands, Paula's Choice is a name that kept popping up again and again. Admittedly, I didn't know much about them, but after hearing the word "cult following" affiliated with this product, I figured I'd better check it out. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid works kind of like a toner, but one that is also great for sensitive skin, which I love. I hate when products feel like they're burning off your skin, am I right?? Not the case here! This liquid works to give you radiant, even-toned skin by simultaneously reducing redness and building collagen, which smooths fine lines and wrinkles. The 2% BHA (beta hydroxy acid) content helps to unclog and diminish any enlarged pores you may have as well, making this one seriously potent yet totally gentle exfoliant! It's even clinically proven to be non-irritating, and is fragrance free! I like to use this every other night or so (I rotate with my Cane + Austin retexture pads), and apply with a cotton round after cleansing. With this impressive list of benefits, it's easy to imagine Paula's Choice products to be crazy expensive, but the opposite is actually true! I highly recommend trying it out for yourself soon. 

* 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 // cane + austin glycolic acid retexture pads

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I feel like we're hearing more and more about acids with regards to skincare these days, but I'll admit that they can seem a bit scary at first. An acid on my face? Seems intense. While many people shell out big bucks to get fancy peels and treatments at their dermatologist's office, Cane + Austin, a company started by Dermatologist Craig Austin, uses glycolic acid to give you those professional-grade results at home! Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from cane sugar (hence the name), is both highly transformative and super gentle on your skin at the same time, making it great for regular use.

Cane + Austin's Retexture Pads are made for both your face and body, and come in various levels of glycolic acid (as well as salicylic acid for an extra acne-fighting boost). Depending on your skin type and comfortability, or if you're new to acids, I recommend starting low and working your way up. The one-step pads really couldn't be easier to use, and I love that I can toss them in my suitcase for on-the-go travel as well! This mini facial treatment really packs a punch- it exfoliates, helps even skin tone, boosts collagen, and even helps reduce the appearance of age spots. The pads are also free of fragrances and parabens, making them equally great for sensitive skin like mine as well.