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 // beautycounter counter+ all bright c serum

Who doesn’t want brighter, my glowy skin? Vitamin C serums are a dime a dozen these days, but not all are created equal. I personally look for a serum that is lightweight & absorbs easily, made of ultra-stable forms of vitamin C, while also lending a quick boost of radiance to my skin. I’m always impressed by vitamin C’s ability to promote an overall more even skin tone, and I’m happy to say a new find from Beautycounter really delivers.

The Counter + All Bright C Serum boasts an impressive and ultra potent 10% blend of two different forms of vitamin C. They work hand in hand to brighten skin tone and diminish the appearance of dark spots, while antioxidant super heroes turmeric and camu camu help prevent the appearance of new ones as well. I’ve been using the All Bright C Serum for several weeks now, and my skin just looks brighter, and even some of my hyperpigmentation spots are less visible! For an extra boost of radiance, I’ve been using the Beautycounter Glow First Priming Serum, which is goes on smooth and glowy, and combines the best of both skincare and makeup!

An added bonus is that Beautycounter products are vegan, cruelty-free, and EWG-verified, so you can feel good about applying them to your skin. A more youthful, glowing complexion is yours to be had- now, what are you waiting for?!

 * 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 CEO vitamin c brightening serum & face oil

I’ve been a Sunday Riley fan for as long as I can remember. Their Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment and Luna Sleeping Night Oil are cult faves, and repeat buys for me, for good reason. Plus, I love that Sunday Riley is Houston-based! Yay for amazing products coming out of my hometown in Texas! Since vitamin C products are such a crucial step in any skincare routine (in my opinion), I was excited to try out their C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum and C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil.

If dullness or discoloration have been getting you down lately, the C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is going to be your new BFF. This lightweight serum absorbs quickly into the skin, and works hard to combat visible signs of aging (think wrinkles, loss of firmness, dark spots, etc). It also helps with any redness and sensitivity, which I struggle with a lot this time of year. I’ve found it to be super supportive to my skin’s moisture barrier, leaving me with youthful, glowing skin! Plus, it’s important to note that this serum uses an extremely stable, oil soluble form of vitamin C, so you know you’re getting the best quality available.

After applying the Brightening Serum, I follow it up with C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil. Like the serum, this is lightweight and absorbs instantly, which I love. Nothing worse than a face oil that just sits on top of the skin and leaves you feeling greasy! Of course, the same ultra-stable form of vitamin C (THD ascorbate) is at work here fighting fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, discoloration, redness, loss of firmness, and more. Plus, antioxidant-rich turmeric acts as an effective calming and soothing agent. Red raspberry and evening primrose oils join the party, giving your skin the ultimate luminous glow! Perhaps I need to try C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream next?! As always with Sunday Riley, these products are free of sulfates and parabens, and are cruelty-free as well! Such a win in my book- and your skin will thank you later :)

 * 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! 

owl venice bone broth & mylkshake reset

I’ll admit, I’m not a big fan of juice cleanses. I believe, for the most part, that the body is self-cleansing, and find that subsiding solely on juice can be really depleting (not to mention make me hangry as all get out!). I also like to think I take pretty good care of my body overall, so any extreme cleansing is unnecessary. On the flip side, a nutrient-dense reset can be a healthy way to get you back on track if you’re feeling sluggish, overly-tired, or find those sugar cravings getting more and more intense. Over the holidays, for example, when there’s even more sweets and alcohol seemingly everywhere, having healthy options to grab can make all the difference, and help ensure you still flood your body with the nutrients it needs to flourish.

I recently got to try the OWL Reset, an organic “cleanse” of sorts from the lovely team at OWL Venice, that helps with bad digestion, bloating, sugar cravings, and fatigue. It’s designed to heal and seal your gut using the principles of Ayurveda and Chronobiology to nourish your body, and consists of three bone broths and three hemp mylkshakes daily. There’s even a vegan mineral broth if you do not consume animal products. The shakes include matcha, turmeric, ginger, and beets, along with homemade hemp mylk, and are super tasty to boot! I like the idea of having a few of these around to supplement my daily foods even when not on the cleanse.

The OWL Reset is packed with ingredients that restore and repair the gut wall, increase digestive fire, reduce inflammation, and draw toxins and heavy metals from the body. Full disclosure, since I’m breastfeeding and definitely did not want to affect my supply, I supplemented with foods. OWL suggests cooked greens, boiled chicken, steamed squash, and avocado, which left me full of energy, and caused no dip in my milk supply. My digestion was regular and comfortable, and I never felt bloated. Even the sugar cravings subsided (a bit… I am still me, after all!). I also love that the broths and shakes come in reusable 32oz. glass jars instead of disposable plastic. Post-cleanse, I store mine in our kitchen cabinet and use them for drinking filtered water or smoothies at home! If you’re looking for a bit of healthy reset, or even just some tasty broths and shakes to supplement your daily food intake, I highly recommend checking out the OWL Reset. Don’t forget- they ship nationwide too!

 * 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 // w3ll people bio booster facial serum

 
 

I'm back again with more natural skincare goodness care of W3ll People! Their Bio Booster Facial Serum is a seven-in-one formula that does practically everything, from hydrating and repairing to brightening and calming. Thanks to its impressive list of organic botanicals like turmeric, broccoli seed, black cumin, and algae complex, this serum works to rejuvenate my skin and even helps prevent breakouts.

While I sometimes use this as an actual serum followed by a different face oil, I also frequently use it as an oil all on its own (because let's be real- the fewer steps the better). To me, it offers the best of both worlds and is much more hydrating than your typical serum. I also like adding a couple drops to the Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer for a truly flawless application. As always with W3ll People products, you won't find any of the yucky stuff (like parabens or synthetic fragrances) in this serum, which is a huge bonus when you have sensitive skin like mine. 

* 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! 

glow facial mask

While I have a daily skincare regimen that I like to follow, I also have some "once-a-week" or "once-a-month" rituals that are just as important. Face masks can be a great way to hydrate & rejuvenate your skin, and these days you can find them in several versions- think sheet, gel, or clay. One of my favorite ways to mask is by creating my own in the comfort of my own kitchen! That way, I know exactly what's going into it, as well as the benefits each ingredient offers my skin. Think about it this way- you cook your own food to control what you put into your body, and to nourish it from the inside out. Creating your own face mask allows you to take the same approach, and nourish your body from the outside, in! While it may look like baby food, I'd happily eat this mask any day (it's that delicious)! My glow facial mask will help take your skin from dry & dull to healthy & glowing! It boasts many impressive qualities to help your skin look & feel its best- Greek yogurt acts as an anti-inflammatory & can calm the skin; avocado works as a soothing moisturizer; oats are used to exfoliate & remove dead skin; apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties & helps reduce redness; lemon juice acts as an astringent to brighten & tighten skin; honey fights off bacteria & hydrates, leaving your skin soft & supple; turmeric reduces inflammation & pigmentation, and is high in antioxidants. So as you can see, this is a nutritional powerhouse for your skin. Glowing & radiant skin awaits, so get to masking!

Glow Mask:

  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, plain & unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup avocado, mashed
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, making sure everything is incorporated evenly. Set bowl in refrigerator or freezer for 15-20 minutes to chill, which allows ingredients to come together & adds a bonus cooling effect bonus for your skin. Massage evenly onto skin, and leave it to set for 15-20 minutes. Scrub off thoroughly with warm water. Pat skin dry. Spritz face with rosewater & moisturize. Makes enough for two masks. Can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

*Because turmeric can stain your skin if left on for a long time, you may want to wear gloves when applying this mask. Also be sure to fully remove it when rinsing (a wash cloth helps)!

**If you prefer a smooth mask, you may choose to blend before chilling. Pulse until no chunks remain, and the oats are pulverized.