fave products // cosmedix elite revive & renew boosting serum & alt-a rejuvenating moisturizer

I love clean skincare and usually gravitate towards those types of products since they jive well with sensitive skin. Not to mention they tend to be cruelty-free with no nasty ingredients. But I can’t lie and say that I sometimes don’t miss the effectiveness of medical grade skincare. Medical grade skincare tends to have a higher concentration of active ingredients in the products, and also has clinical research that backs up the claims of the reported benefits. It’s not always easy to find a brand that that is both clean and medical grade, which is why I’m thrilled to have discovered Cosmedix! All Cosmedix products exclude parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, PEGs, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, formaldehyde donors and artificial dyes & fragrances. Not to mention they’re cruelty free as well! In addition, Cosmedix was founded by skilled aestheticians and nurse practitioners using strict formulation standards, superior innovation, and skin-loving ingredients. The higher concentration of active ingredients in their formulas really work their magic, and are even better when paired with professional treatments from their spa partners. Best of both worlds!

Cosmedix recently launched a line of Elite products, which were previously only available in spas with certified aestheticians, so I was very excited to add these high performing formulas to my routine. The Cosmedix Elite Revive & Renew Renewal Boosting Serum is an anti-aging powerhouse that works to fight the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dull, lackluster skin. Three plant-derived growth factors (think age-defying botanicals like Japanese orchid stem cell extract) deeply condition the skin, helping to rejuvenate and hydrate, while leaving you with a glowing, radiant complexion. They also help protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution, which is so clutch as well. After incorporating this serum into my routine the last several weeks, I’ve noticed my complexion looking more firm, vibrant, and healthy. Love a refreshed look, especially as we head into summer!

I’ve been following up the serum with the Cosmedix Elite Alt-A Daily Rejuvenating Moisturizer. I was excited to learn that this super hydrating but gentle moisturizer is formulated with a plant-based retinol alternative called bakuchiol. Since I’ve essentially been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for the majority of the last five years, retinol has been out of the question, which is quite the bummer! Known for it’s highly effective anti-aging benefits, retinol is a popular skincare choice for many people my age. However, it can be quite irritating for some, and since it’s also a no-no while nursing, I’ve had to search for alternatives. Bakuchiol works just like retinol does to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and promote a more even skin tone & texture, but without the irritation and sensitivity. Talk about packing a gentle but powerful punch! I’ve been loving the velvety smooth texture of this moisturizer, and can definitely notice my skin looking brighter and feeling much softer and more hydrated with continued use.

The Elite products don’t come cheap, but I can truly say they are worth the money. Regardless, you should check out some of the other Cosmedix Bestsellers as well- so many great products to be had (hello Harmonize Microbiome Boosting Moisturizer!). Noticeable results are what I’m after- like all of us I imagine- and I can safely say that Cosmedix delivers!

 * 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 // glo skin beauty bio-renew EGF drops & cream

Hi y’all! I’m back after taking most of the summer off from blogging & posting- it was a busy one over here with work stuff, baby stuff, toddler stuff… You know the drill! Fear not, however, as I’ve been testing fun new products along the way regardless ;) Glo Skin Beauty is a new-to-me brand that comes highly recommended from dermatologists, and actually got its start in the treatment room 20+ years ago. They recently launched some innovative products that caught my eye, so I jumped at the chance to try them out. Formulated in partnership with leading NYC dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelmen, these products utilize EGF, an epidermal growth factor that promotes cellular repair and also happens to be 100% vegan! The Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Drops are formulated as a serum that work to restore, strengthen and rejuvenate the skin. Cell regeneration is accelerated, leaving you with overall smoother, glowier skin. Plus, the drops contain a multi-peptide complex that minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all while hyaluronic acid adds ample hydration! Sign me up! I’ve been using the product for a few weeks now, and I have to say I’m super pleased with the way my skin is reacting: my skin barrier feels (and looks!) rejuvenated and more hydrated. Feel free to start slowly incorporating this into your routine by mixing a few drops into your other moisturizers or serums for a boost of restorative benefits. Or you can choose to use it full strength as a solo reparative serum- your choice!

Following the EGF Drops, I’ve been finishing my skincare regimen with the Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Cream (a Dermstore exclusive!). This newly launched moisturizer is a next-generation, skin barrier repairing treatment that’s clinically proven to deliver stronger, brighter, smoother, and firmer skin in just one month (!). Along with the vegan epidermal growth factor, the cream contains a phyto-retinol complex, which is a plant-based retinol alternative that is safe for use while pregnant and breastfeeding. It has many of the same benefits of retinol, but without all those nasty side effects. During pregnancy, I’m all about a product that can work it’s retinol-magic without containing potentially harmful ingredients, so this was a big bonus for me. After a few weeks of using the EGF Cream, my skin looks more even-toned, less dull, and more glowy all around! Not to mention that smooth, baby’s bottom texture! I definitely recommend trying these out, pregnant or not! They’d make a stellar addition to any top shelf.

 * 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 // jan marini skincare bioclear & luminate face lotions

For whatever reason, anti-aging serums and facial oils seem to be abundant in my beauty cabinet, but lately I realized that I’d been lacking in the simple, but effective moisturizer category. As the weather starts to warm up, I began the hunt for some new facial moisturizers, and I’m happy to report that I’ve found a couple real winners by Jan Marini Skincare. If clear, radiant skin is your goal, I definitely recommend checking out the Jan Marini Bioclear Face Lotion. This moisturizer combines glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acid to provide countless benefits for dramatically smoother, clearer, more luminous looking skin. The multifunctional resurfacing lotion works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, redness, acne scarring, large pores and uneven texture. Yes please! I’ve found the combo of cleansing with the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser, followed by a generous layer of the Bioclear Face Lotion has really kept my skin glowing on another level.

If brighter skin is what you’re after, please do yourself a favor and try the Jan Marini Luminate Face Lotion. The highly concentrated solution uses turmeric, peptides, licorice, arbuten, retinol and more, all of which work their magic to reduce the appearance of discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, there’s no hydroquinone (an effective but irritating ingredient) in the formula, so it’s great even for those with more sensitive skin. If you suffer from melasma, post-blemish hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, you’re definitely going to want to incorporate the Luminate Face Lotion into your routine. For those who might be on the market for a whole skincare routine revamp, the Jan Marini Skincare Management System offers everything you need in one package- from cleanser to serum to moisturizer & face cream to SPF, it’s got you covered from all angles. It’s definitely an investment, but with the high quality level I’ve come to find with all Jan Marini products, I truly think you’ll be happy with your new 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 // clé de peau beauté the foundation

I don’t typically wear makeup on a daily basis. Or rather- I should say I don’t typically wear makeup in my non-working life. I like to give my skin a break, since it can get a pretty heavy dose of makeup when I’m on set. But every so often, you need a little sprucing, and a natural, lightweight base is a great place to start! I hate anything heavy or a product that looks or feels caked onto my face. No, thank you! My go-to products are usually a simple tinted SPF, but if I’m looking for a little more coverage, I’ve been grabbing Clé de Peau Beauté The Foundation. It still has SPF as well, which is clutch, but this baby is literally the smoothest, most velvety base coat my skin has ever felt! Now this stuff ain’t cheap, but a little goes a long way. I like that it’s totally buildable, so you can get a super light, sheer base, or create a bit more coverage. Pro tip- start with a layer of their Correcting Cream Veil to create a smooth, primed surface before applying foundation. I honestly can’t get over how luxurious this feels on my skin- think of your favorite cashmere knit all cuddled up soft. Totally luminous and radiant skin is calling your name! Now, y’all know I love good skincare, and so what makes The Foundation even better is the fact that it contains the Illuminating Complex EX. This added skincare perk helps moisturize, rejuvenate, retexturize, and visibly repair environmental damage. Love me a multitasker! Clé de Peau honestly makes so many great products- if you need a little extra coverage for redness, blemishes, or dark circles, I highly recommend their concealers as well. Truly the full package!

 * 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 // osmia organics naked body mousse & oil

If you have dry, sensitive skin, or even if you don’t, I cannot recommend Osmia organics naked collection enough. I’ve been using both the naked body oil and naked body mousse over the last few months, and my skin has felt smooth and hydrated all throughout the dry LA winter.

These Osmia products contain no harsh fragrances, even essential oils, since those can be irritating for those with sensitive skin. The only thing you’ll smell is the scent of the natural base oil blend, which is made of 11 incredibly nourishing oils (nine are certified organic!), including organic jojoba oil, velvety kukui oil, organic rosehip seed oil, and soothing organic hemp seed oil.

I recommend applying the oil on clean, wet skin just after you get out of the bath or shower- it absorbs better this way, and leaves you with silky, smooth skin! The mousse is rich, yet fluffy, and often times combine the two for ah extra dose of nourishing hydration.

Because these are free of irritants, the naked body oil and mousse are safe for use on excema, psoriasis, newborns, and nursing mothers! My toddler gets a nice slathering as I get him out of the bath or shower as well. Baby soft skin for everyone- 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! 


fave products // lord jones high cbd formula body lotion

CBD is everywhere these days, and I have to say, I am here for it. While it’s most commonly found in things like oil tinctures and gummy candies, which are great for their calming benefits, CBD can be very effective in other ways as well. If you suffer from dry, sensitive skin or redness, I highly recommend checking out Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Lotion. This cooling, restorative lotion is super calming thanks to the impressive 100mg CBD packed inside. I mean, hey, our skin gets stressed out just like we do (especially over the past year, am I right?), so it’s important to take extra special care of it when the need arises. I’ve also found it to be quite effective for body aches and sore muscles, be it from a tough workout class, chasing after a toddler, or even after wearing high heels! In addition to CBD, shea butter provides vitamins and fatty acids to help moisturize, while menthyl ethylamido oxalate produces a long-lasting cooling effect. So soothing!

It’s important to note that not all CBD is created equal. Some brands use CBD isolate—a cheaper and more heavily processed extract that is derived by stripping away all of the plant’s natural compounds and isolating only one. This full and broad-spectrum CBD oil retains the plant’s original terpenes and phytocannabinoids to boost efficacy and deliver a lotion powered by the whole plant. All the more reason to check out more Lord Jones products (I’m a big fan of their Acid Mantle Repair CBD Moisturizer and High CBD Formula Bath Salts as well)! Now go treat yoself, and enjoy :)

 * 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!