fave products // paula's choice calm exfoliant, serum & moisturizer

If anyone out there has skin that is sensitive to certain ingredients, chemicals, or fragrances like I do, calming skincare products are of the utmost importance. I’ve been a Paula’s Choice fan for a while now- their affordable, yet effective products are hard to beat- so I was excited to try some goodies from their Calm line. After using a gentle cleanser (you could use their Calm Nourishing Cleanser) to wash my face, I apply the Calm 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant to dry skin with my fingertips. It’s a slightly milder version of their cult fave Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid you may have heard about, but still seems to work its magic thanks to potent exfoliator salicylic acid. It feels smooth going on, and gently exfoliates to minimize pore size and smooth the skin. Next up, I followed with the Calm Repairing Serum, which is the perfect overall pick-me-up for sensitive skin. It’s lightweight, yet super hydrating, and is packed with antioxidants that help calm redness and fight signs of aging. I like to use it both morning and night, before applying moisturizer. In the mornings, I follow with the Calm Mineral Moisturizer with SPF 30 to keep my skin protected from UVA & UVB rays from the sun. I always prefer to use sunscreens that are mineral-based (zinc oxide & titanium dioxide) as they don’t irritate my skin like the others. Hyaluronic acid and apricot oil add a wonderful hydrating effect, and help protect the skin’s delicate moisture barrier. Plus, this one doesn’t leave that annoying white film on your skin, and goes on perfectly under makeup! I just discovered there’s a Calm Restoring Moisturizer with hydrating squalane and jojoba oil I think I’ll try next as an evening moisturizer too. Sign me up! I highly recommend checking out Paula’s Choice if you haven’t already!

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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 // avène mineral ultra-light sunscreen

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By now everyone knows the importance of wearing sunscreen. It helps protect your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays, which cause sunburns and can lead to wrinkles, and can even help prevent skin cancer down the line. Knowing that, you'd think everyone would be wearing it 24/7, however, that's not always the case. I'll admit that I could be more disciplined in this regard, but I'm trying to improve for the sake of my skin, both now and in the future! Eau Thermale Avène is a popular French pharmacy brand that I've come to rely on and enjoy thanks to its expert dermatological care for sensitive skin. Many sunscreens out there are made with harsh chemicals that my skin simply cannot handle, so I prefer to use those that are purely mineral-based (made from zinc oxide & titanium dioxide). Avène Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ (Face) is a 100% mineral facial sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 50 and UVA/UVB filters, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, goes on sheer without any white residue, and is totally free of fragrance, parabens, and other harsh irritants. As an added bonus, a photostable form of vitamin E provides powerful and effective antioxidant protection! Talk about the full package! I love how it feels, or rather how it doesn't feel, on my skin. It's so lightweight that you'd hardly even know it's there, which makes it great for layering over your other skincare products and under any makeup you may be using. I think it's safe to say this baby has earned a deserved and welcome spot in my daily skincare regimen.