fave products // cosmedix simply brilliant & bakuchiol complete serums

I love a powerhouse serum. One that boasts many anti-aging benefits and works its magic all the while nourishing your skin at the same time is a big winner for me. A couple that have been at the top of my list lately are the Cosmedix Simply Brilliant and Bakuchiol Complete Serums. On their own, and used back to back, they’ve been showing me some impressive results, so I wanted to share them with you!

Simply Brilliant is a 24/7 brightening serum that works to restore radiance to dull, discolored skin. A key factor at play here are the antioxidants, which help protect your skin from environmental stressors like free radicals (a major cause of hyperpigmentation and discoloration!). Plus, lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin to help promote a more even skin tone. I’ve noticed the my skin gets its nice, dewy glow back when I add Simply Brilliant to my routine consistently- a much healthier-looking complexion overall. Use it post cleansing and toning, and then follow it up with Bakuchiol Complete or your fave moisturizer (& SPF for daytime)!

Bakuchiol Complete is an uber hydrating serum that utilizes the plant-based alternative to retinol called (you guessed it) bakuchiol. This ingredient has become popular in the last few years as a more gentle alternative to retinol, and one that is safe for those with sensitive skin, or who may be pregnant or nursing. It’s known for its ability to reduce the apperance of fine lines & wrinkles, as well as promote an overall brighter, more even complexion. Yes please! Because of its oilier consistency (thanks to squalane, jojoba seed & moringa seed oils), I’ve actually been using Bakuchiol Complete as more of a moisturizer, applying it after another serum like Simply Brilliant to really lock in moisture. It goes on super smooth, and leaves my skin feeling oh so hydrated and supple. I’ve definitely noticed an overall more radiant complexion with continued use of both these products. More Cosmedix winners (like the Elite line I’ve also been loving) now added into my regular skincare rotation!

 * 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 // ilia beauty super serum skin tint spf 40

I’m pretty minimal when it comes to my makeup routine. I tend to focus more on skincare, so makeup sometimes gets the short end of the stick. Not to mention there’s not always time, with a busy toddler pulling at you in every direction. That’s why multipurpose products and crossover skincare/makeup hybrids are so appealing to me- two birds with one stone? Sign me up!

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is just that- a clean, light-coverage, tinted mineral SPF 40 serum that boosts skincare benefits. Give it a good shake before using (nature separation can occur due to the super clean ingredients list), and then apply like you would a typical serum. It looks great on clean skin, but I really love it on top of my ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum. And not to worry- although it may look a bit light at first, it’ll adjust to its true color within a minute! I love that the weightless serum leaves my skin looking like actual skin, because there’s nothing worse than a caked-on foundation look, am I right?

Hyaluronic acids, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide work their magic to help even tone, soften fine lines and imperfections, leaving you with glowing, dewy skin. For a little bonus, Skin Tint also creates a natural barrier for your skincare by sealing in hydration, plumping skin, and boosting any antioxidant effectiveness by 200%. Impressive!

A huge part of why I love ILIA products is because they are free of silicones, fragrances, and many other irritating ingredients, making them great for sensitive skin. No pore clogging nasties here. Plus they’re totally vegan and cruelty-free as well. It’s no wonder Skin Tint has won numerous beauty awards, including the famed Allure Best of Beauty Award! I highly recommend trying it out for yourself- it’s worth the hype.

 * 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!

fave products // fleur & bee serum and creams

Y’all know me- I love a good line of natural, non-toxic products that won’t irritate my skin, but are actually effective. Not surprisingly, this has been even more true throughout my pregnancy over the last several months. That’s why I was stoked to find a new, local brand called Fleur & Bee, which specializes in 100% vegan skincare! So far this minimal line includes just the essentials (think serum, face & eye creams, toner), but is made with quality, cruelty-free ingredients, and none of that toxic crap! Plus, it’s all super affordable, so you don’t feel like you have to skimp on it each time you apply. Maybe the best thing about the company, however, is that they donate 1% of sales to help distribute menstrual hygiene products to girls in need. How amazing is that?

By now I’m sure you’ve heard me applaud the many benefits of a vitamin C serum. I recently added their Nectar of the C Rejuvenating Vitamin C Serum to my routine, and I have to say I’ve been pleased with the results. This baby helps soften the appearance of fine lines and leaves me with glowing skin, which just goes to show that natural can still be powerful! It even stands up to serums that cost 2-3x as much! I’ve also been testing out Fleur & Bee’s creams, and they’ve been equally as impressive. The Crème de la Cream Moisturizing Face Cream is gentle and lightweight, but packed with potent botanicals and vitamins like Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe vera and pomegranate to keep your skin sufficiently hydrated. Plentiful antioxidants help fight wrinkles and even skin tone as well! The Eyes Eyes Baby Anti-Aging Eye Cream helps combat tired, puffy eyes and dark circles thanks to ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, caffeine, and green tea! It definitely helps me to awaken looking more well-rested in the morning (even if that’s not necessarily the case lately thanks to the wonder that is pregnancy). So smooth and hydrating! I definitely recommend checking out Fleur & Bee if you’re on the hunt for some new non-toxic, cruelty-free skincare that won’t break the bank!

 * 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!