fave products // taïla face oil, eye balm & toning mist

I was recently introduced to Taïla, high performance all-natural skincare rooted in the plant powered science of Ayurveda, and I have to say I’ve been pleasantly surprised. A lot of skincare brands claim to be rooted in this or that, or act like a cure-all for any skin concern, but Taïla really does deliver. Each formula advances treasured beauty traditions of India to awaken your senses and bring skin into harmony. The entire collection is non-toxic, using only USDA organic and wildcrafted ingredients, which I love! I even feel comfortable using the oil on my baby boy, that is, if he gets so lucky… The products are formulated with a team of Ayurvedic Doctors in Kerala, India, and are all sustainable and eco-friendly as well.

The Prana Face Oil is one of the best I’ve tried- it’s a multi-targeted treatment serum that works to nourish your skin in several ways. From smoothing fine lines to diminishing dark spots to boosting collagen production, it really is a jack of all trades. I love the antioxidant-rich superfruit amla, which helps fight dullness and leaves you with a beautiful glow! The Vayu Illuminating Toning Mist is super lightweight, but ultra hydrating all at once. It’s a great way to prep the skin and boost the performance of any subsequent steps in your skincare regimen (like the Prana Oil!). I love giving myself a spritz throughout the day to refresh the skin, and it’s also a nice way to set your makeup. Plus, key ingredient tulsi (aka Holy Basil) helps draw out impurities and neutralize environmental stressors! Yes please. The Nayana Revitalizing Eye Balm works to revive, nourish, and revitalize the delicate skin around the eyes thanks to its concentrated blend of phytonutrients. Manjishta and ashwaghanda work to keep dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines at bay, while also promoting the production of collagen and elastin. I’ve found the balm to be the perfect way to hide any signs of fatigue (hello mom life!). Pro tip- add a layer to your lips at night for an intensive hydration treatment while you sleep!

Everything Taïla makes is free of parabens, GMOs, sulfates, artificial dyes, and synthetic fragrances, making them a wonderful option for those with sensitive skin. What’s more- Taïla is a woman-owned business made in NYC! It’s so important to support these types of small, local businesses, so I’m happy to do my part in spreading the good word! Next up on my must-try list: The Nava Jungol Detoxifying Detox Mask!

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 * 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 // r&co. haircare products

R+Co. haircare products // shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo & volume spray

I know a lot of people out there must be missing their hair colorists and hair stylists during the quarantine, am I right? To be honest, the break is likely a welcome one for my hair. It’s definitely enjoying the break from being constantly teased and curled and spritzed on set at photoshoots… But one thing’s for sure is my balayage highlights have definitely been growing out. Luckily, my colorist (Dana Ionato at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC!) is awesome, and when hand-painting the highlights on my hair, she intentionally leaves some darkness at the root, which creates a nice contract and gives the overall look some depth. It also helps it not to look so “omg I need my roots done ASAP” once the color starts to grow out.

To that end, I’ve found investing in some high quality hair products to be of the utmost important. Enter R+Co. I’ve had many of their products used on my hair during photoshoots over the years, and am always really pleased with the results. I used to wash my hair every. single. day. Crazy right? I thought I had to otherwise it would get oily, but to be frank, I was probably just fueling the fire. Now I only wash every few days, and lately I’ve been reaching for the R+Co Sunset Blvd Daily Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner. This particular set is great for color-treated blondes (especially when a certain pandemic is keeping you from your would-be touch-up appointment!)- it works to keep your blonde bright and helps prevent those yucky brassy tones. I also really love their Television Perfect Hair Shampoo & Conditioner, which is great for all hair types, and leaves you with clean, shiny, silky hair, and zero build-up!

In between washes, I’ve been spritzing with the R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist, and it definitely helps buy me that extra day (or two) without feeling like I need to cover up with a hat. The micellar-based formula thankfully doesn’t leave a powdery residue like many dry shampoos, and it even helps relieve itchiness! Whenever I want a lil va-va-voom in the hair department, I go for the R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray. It’s a great way to add texture, shine, and volume (duh) in a lightweight spray that won’t weigh down those locks. I’ll admit, I’m not the best hair stylist by any means, but the Balloon Dry Volume Spray helps me achieve that slightly messy, textured ‘do that I love! PS- many of their products come in travel size versions, making them great for tossing into your suitcase or gym bag! A big plus (in my book at least) is that R+Co products are vegan & cruelty-free, as well as free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and petroleum! No need for any of that on your scalp, so close to the brain, in my opinion…. If you’re looking to change it up in the hair category, I definitely recommend checking out R+Co!

 * 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 // tata harper hydrating floral essence

I love a good face mist as much as the next skincare junkie, but one that hydrates, refreshes, and boosts my skin's appearance? Even better! Tata Harper's Hydrating Floral Essence works as a moisture boosting toner by helping to increase your skin's elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Since the mist is said to improve the effectiveness of your serums and moisturizer, I sometimes add a spritz of it post-cleansing, before finishing the rest of my skincare regimen. As with all Tata Harper products, it's made from a completely natural and non-toxic formula, making it great for those with sensitive skin like me. I like to toss the travel size bottle in my purse for an easy pick-me-up whenever my skin is feeling a little blah. It's also a nice way to refresh your makeup after it's been sitting on your skin all day. A couple spritzes and I'm feeling refreshed and ready for what's next!

* 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 // true botanicals nutrient mist

I don't know about you, but come summer time, I find myself reaching for a refreshing facial mist on a pretty regular basis. I love a good mist anytime of year, but if it's hot and humid out, literally nothing feels better on my skin! Whenever mine needs a bit of a pick-me-up, a spritz of this True Botanicals Nutrient Mist does just the trick. This one is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, including green & white tea, algae extract, and kombucha, which help to hydrate, nourish, and repair the skin. Even better, these ingredients help fight free radical damage, keep your skin nicely plump, and leaves you perfectly dewy and glowing! For something a bit more affordable, and also more basic, I really enjoy Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray as well.  I always keep a mist or spray in my purse for that extra boost when I'm on-the-go, and it's especially refreshing at the beach on a hot summer day!

skincare // in the air

Taking care of your skin during air travel is super important. All that dry, recycled air can wreak havoc on your skin, not to mention all the germs floating around, so it's a good idea to take some preventative and healing measures along the way. I wanted to share a few of my go-to products and tips (all TSA approved!) to ensure fresh and hydrated skin upon landing. First and foremost, drink tons of water. I always bring a refillable water bottle, and fill it up before boarding (post-security), and then have the flight attendants refill it multiple times throughout the flight. This is key for staying hydrated from the inside, out. In terms of skin, I always try to fly makeup-free, with freshly cleansed and moisturized skin. This will help get you started on the right foot. I always keep some type of face mist in my carry-on, whether it's Caudalie Beauty Elixir or Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. A spritz or two is always a nice, refreshing pick-me-up when my skin starts to feel stale or parched. If you really want to take your face spritz to the next level, I suggest investing in The Pocket Spa by Kelley Quan. This compact, refillable personal humidifier hydrates and moisturizes your skin using only water, leaving you with youthful and dewy-fresh skin! It also prepares the skin for and increases the efficacy of all your other products to follow. Once the skin is prepped, I apply moisturizer: I'll either bring an oil like Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil, or a moisturizer like Osmia Organics Purely Simple Face Cream, both of which are great at locking in moisture. I also make sure to have a thick ointment, like Glossier balm dotcom or Lano Lips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, which can be used on your face & lips, hands & cuticles, or any other dry spots you may have. For longer flights, and maybe if I have a bit of privacy in business class, I'll bring a sheet mask like Hada Labo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask or SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. These may look silly while they're working their magic, but I promise your skin will thank you upon arriving. Maybe you're not willing to go this far in public, and that's alright- just apply one once you've reached your final destination. Lastly, I love this Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy. It's said to give an invigorating sensory lift when applied to your pulse points during times of stress or nausea. If nothing else, it leaves you smelling lovely with the aroma of lavender, macadamia nut, sweet almond, and ginger oils. By incorporating these tips and products into your travel routine on a regular basis, I hope you'll notice an improvement in your skin's overall look and feel just as I have.