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 // 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 // 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 beautifying face oil

As the weather changes during the fall and winter months, and my skin feels like it needs an extra dose of hydration, I constantly find myself reaching for my Tata Harper Beautifying Face Oil. This oil really pumps up your glow factor- essentially improving skin’s radiance and revitalizing its appearance all at once. If your skin is starting to feel dry, dull, or has a somewhat uneven tone, Tata’s Beautifying Face Oil could really come in handy thanks to all the essential nutrients it packs into your skin. I love that although it’s somewhat of a powerhouse in terms of the numerous high performance botanical ingredients it boasts, it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on my skin. Rather, it absorbs quickly and gets to work delivering ample moisture and hydration. Vitamin B from camellia oil helps revive dull or fatigued skin, while several antioxidants help fight the effects of free radicals, leaving you with smooth, supple skin. Yes please! After adding it to both my morning and night routines lately, my skin definitely feels more glowy and luminous. Of course, as with all Tata Harper products, this oil is completely non-toxic and free from any harsh ingredients like synthetic chemicals or artificial fragrances, making it great even for those with sensitive skin. I highly suggest picking up a bottle of Beautifying Face Oil for yourself- the sooner, the better!

fave products // w3ll people bio brightener & bronzer creams

IMG_0268.JPG

I'm pretty minimal with my makeup looks. Curled lashes (with or without mascara), concealer where necessary, and a bit of highlighter on my cheek and brow bones makes me feel fresh and not too done. Highlighters come in powder and cream forms, so depending on your skin type and preference, there are several great options to choose from. W3ll People Bio Brightener Cream is an easy-to-use illuminizing cream stick, so no brushes or sponges are needed- just draw it on and blend out with your finger. It instantly gives you that hydrated, youthful glow, but without any heavy or greasy residue left behind. If you're looking for a little more of a sun-kissed color, then the W3ll People Bio Bronzer Cream is just the thing! I like applying this just below my cheekbones and up to my temples, creating that nicely bronzed, yet subtle tan complexion. These two products complement each other perfectly, so keep both in your bag to give you the ideal glow you crave, anytime!

* 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 expressionist mascara

Mascara is one of those products you really don't need to spend a lot of money on. Sure, those high-end brands make great ones, but there are equally great options at the drug store! While you won't find this particular mascara at your local Duane Reade, it is an easy Amazon order, and you can feel good about using a much better-for-you product! W3ll People Expressionist Mascara gives you those big, bold, and fluffy lashes you crave, without all the chemicals. Considering how close you are to your eye balls, I'd say this is a huge benefit! Even better, the synergistic botanical blend that W3ll People uses actually nourishes your eyelashes, as opposed to making them dried out and super frail. I'm loving the new high-tech brush design that doesn't leave me with goopy, clumpy lashes, but rather separates and lengthens each one. The wand is also great for great buildable coverage, whether you want a very light application or something more dramatic. In the above pics, for example, I didn't even curl my lashes- just applied a couple coats, and voila! For my go-to natural look, I'll throw on some of this as well as the W3ll People Bio-Tint Moisturizer and Narcissist stick (to conceal if necessary), some Glossier highlighter, and be good to go! Easy does it for that perfect "no-makeup" makeup look. 

 * 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!