fave products // natura bissé stabilizing mask, essence & serum concentrate

Natura Bissé is a Barcelona-based skincare brand that creates some wonderful, high quality and effective products. Their stabilizing set is one I’d been eyeing for a while, as it seemed like the perfect combo of cleanser, toner/essence, and serum to help combat breakouts or problematic skin. After incorporating this trio into my routine for a while now, I’m definitely loving the results!

The Stabilizing Cleansing Mask can be used as either a daily cleanser as part of your normal routine, or a weekly clarifying mask for something a bit more thorough. Kaolin clay, menthol and zea mays work to gently remove makeup and debris, while salicylic acid helps unclog pores. I love its creamy texture, and thanks to aloe vera, it doesn’t leave your skin feeling stripped or dry.

The Stabilizing Resurfacing Essence is powered by a trio of exfoliating acids, including AHA, PHA & BHA, that work to gently remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This is great for those with oily or breakout-prone skin, and can be used daily post-cleansing. Whenever my skin is acting hormonal, I reach for this, and apply it with a reusable cotton round all over. I’ve definitely noticed a more even toned and balanced complexion!

Next up is the Stabilizing Anti-Aging Concentrate, which is essentially a firming, oil-control serum that produces “retinol-like” results. Yes please! Once again, three exfoliating acids work their magic to leave you with glowing, radiant skin. I’ve found an overall brighter complexion after incorporating it into my routine for a few weeks! Also important to note- all of these products are careful not to disrupt the skin’s natural pH levels, which can cause further irritation. So key! Definitely look into adding some Natura Bissé to your routine to boost your skin’s overall radiance and glow.

 * 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 // the ordinary niacinamide serum & azelaic acid cream

Skincare comes in many price ranges, and just because something is on the cheaper side, does NOT mean that it isn’t just as effective as some of the higher end products out there. Enter The Ordinary. Perhaps you’ve heard of this budget-friendly brand with a serious cult following by now. For whatever reason, I was late to the game in trying them out, but I’m so happy I finally did! I started with two products I’d heard rave reviews about: the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum and the Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream.

First up, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum is the perfect serum to reach for if you suffer from acne or blemishes. This high-strength vitamin-and-mineral blemish formula with 10 percent pure niacinamide and one percent zinc PCA is great for targeting pores and oiliness, and really helps keep breakouts at bay. Niacinamide (aka aka vitamin B3) works to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and signs of congestion, while also visibly brightening skin tone, and zinc PCA: Visibly helps regulate excess sebum activity. For only $6.50 per one fluid ounce bottle, it’s truly worth a try for those with problem skin!

The Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream is a multifunctional cream that targets numerous skincare concerns, from dullness to texture to acne. Azelaic acid works to brighten the skin tone, improve the evenness of skin texture, reduce the look of blemishes, and even offers impressive antioxidant support. If you suffer from any sort of hyperpigmentation or melasma, I definitely recommend adding this $10 product to your skincare routine! The Ordinary products are free of parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, oxybenzone, coal tar, and sulfates SLS & SLES. Plus, they’re also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free! I’d say all that plus their appealing price point makes them practically a must-try!

 * 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 // innersense hair products

I’ve talked a lot on here about natural, organic skincare products, which are obviously super important to me. But what about that same level of quality for the products that go in your hair?! Enter Innersense Organic Beauty, an organic haircare brand using clean, natural ingredients making products for all hair types. I’ve been testing out their Hydrating Cream Hairbath & Hydrating Cream Conditioner, as well as the Refresh Dry Shampoo, I Create Waves Salt Spray, and Harmonic Healing Oil, and so far I’m really loving everything! Sometimes with products that are “too natural” I feel like my hair doesn’t even get clean, or looks greasy soon after a wash. But with the Innersense shampoo, I get just the right amount of “suds”, with no leftover residue after rinsing. I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical of the dry shampoo before I tried it- a foam to powder formulation with a pump dispenser? I’m used to the more standard spray models. But I was pleasantly surprised that the tapioca starch and witch hazel help eliminate oil while giving my second (or third?) day hair that extra oomph it really needs. Now, whenever I want to fake that Cali beach babe hair, I’ve been grabbing the salt spray, and I love the subtle texture it creates without leaving my hair dry and crunchy. Just spritz, scrunge, and go! I love using the healing oil on my ends post-shower. It’s super hydrating thanks to a blend of emollient oils and flower essences (& smells great to boot!). It even makes for a soothing scalp and nail treatment as well. What’s better is that all Innersense products are formulated without any of those nasty ingredients (think phthalates, sulfates, silicones, parabens, artificial dyes & synthetic fragrances), and are all cruelty-free and non-GMO! No matter your hair type, there’s a product for you in this lineup, so I highly recommend you check them out 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 // sunday riley good genes lactic acid treatment

My love for Sunday Riley products is nothing new at this point. I've been continuously impressed by the high level of effectiveness of their oils, toners, and cleansers over the past year. One of their most popular products that I had yet to try, however, was their Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. This stuff has a cult following, so I figured it was time I give it a try to see what all the hype is about! The serum, which is packed with high-potency purified grade lactic acid, works to exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving you with fresh and bright skin. It's great to combat dullness and uneven texture, and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Even better, fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed and look visually plumped with consistent usage!

So far I'm really enjoying Good Genes. My skin appears younger and more radiant, and I feel that my complexion is overall more healthy and clarified. It's not something I use every day, as the lactic acid can be a bit intense for my sensitive skin. Every other day or every few days seems to work perfectly for me, and it's super important to remember to use SPF with any AHA product to prevent sun sensitivity. If you're looking for a great Sunday Riley starter kit, my top two favorite products are sold together in this Power Couple kit, which is the ideal transformative duo in my opinion.