brand love // true botanicals

Have you ever come across a line of products that not only impresses you with its stellar ingredient lists, but also is totally transformative for your skin? Products that make you think- Why didn't I know about these sooner? I recently had such an experience with True Botanicals. Super concentrated, bio-active ingredients come together to yield unparalleled results, all while causing zero harm to your skin. In fact, the entire line of products is MADE SAFE certified, critically analyzed and evaluated by third party scientists to ensure no harmful ingredients are involved in any way. Rest easy- you can use these products without any hesitation and feel great about doing such wonderful things for your skin along the way. I've already raved about their renewal serum and vitamin C serum, but be sure to keep an eye out for reviews of some of their other products soon as well. I can say for certain that I am a True Botanicals convert. 


fave products // sunday riley martian & u.f.o.

 

By now y'all know that Sunday Riley is one of my go-to brands for safe, yet effective skincare. From the cleansing balm to the night oil, I'm a huge fan. Sunday Riley's newest products, U.F.O Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil and Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner (love the space-themed names!), are geared towards those with oily to acne-prone skin. I strive to take good care of my skin, and am also lucky that for the most part, it's clear and blemish-free. Occasionally, however, I'll have a breakout due to hormones, stress, weather, etc., and when that time comes, I reach for these two products. Martian starts as a cooling gel, then transforms to a water toner, which clarifies, removes oil, and tightens pores for visibly clearer skin. Bentonite clay helps mattify the skin and reduce pore size, while green tea and marshmallow help to soothe and reduce redness. Several extracts work their magic here: cucumber and witch hazel extracts tighten and tone the skin, while Manuka, black cumin and magnolia bark extracts boast antibacterial and healing properties. Once the toner is absorbed, my skin is prepped for U.F.O. application. This medicated dry oil absorbs super quickly, helping to clear congested pores, treat and prevent acne, as well as smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Salicylic acid is at work here, along with tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil, to help clear potentially pore-clogging debris and promote clear skin. Milk thistle and cucumber seed oil add hydration, and prevent any dryness potentially caused by the salicylic acid, while licorice helps to brighten and even the skin tone. Talk about a killer 1-2 punch! These two are also great to throw in your gym bag, as these potent ingredients work wonders to prevent post-workout breakouts! And as with all Sunday Riley products, you won't find parabens, sulfates, or phthalates in Martian or U.F.O, making them an all-around excellent choice for healthier, clearer skin!

 

fave products // lano 101 ointment multipurpose superbalm

 
 

I'm all about a good lip ointment, and when I find one that really does its job, I get super excited (nerd, I know)! Lano Lips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm is thick, hydrating, and long-lasting. Since it's made from lanolin, it closely resembles and mimics our own skin oils, allowing it to penetrate deep under the skin to seal in moisture. I use it regularly on my lips, but it works equally as well on dry cuticles, minor burns, and even eczema and psoriasis! I also have friends who have raved about its healing abilities for nursing moms and babies too! Lano recently released exclusive 101 Ointment Fruities (in strawberry & peach), and they are great for whenever you want the same nourishing qualities of the original, but with an extra pop of flavor from natural fruit extract. One of Lano's best qualities in my opinion is that its products are free of parabens, sulfates, and fragrance, making them great for sensitive skin like mine.

fave products // bumble & bumble hairdresser's invisible oil & primer

 
 

Two of my must-have hair products for the colder months are Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil and Primer. My hair tends to dry out pretty easily this time of year, becoming more fragile and delicate, so I find that it's super important to take the extra steps necessary for added nourishment and protection. The primer is a great multitasking pre-styler, so use this first if you have plans to style with other products and tools. Both the oil and primer contain six super lightweight oils (grapeseed, safflower seed, sweet almond, macadamia nut, argan, and coconut) that work to soften & smooth, detangle and de-frizz, and protect against breakage from heat & UV damage. By putting the primer in a spray bottle, Bumble & Bumble allows for a light application that will not weigh your hair down. In fact, sometimes I'll spritz it into my damp hair as a leave-in conditioner, and be on my way! With the oil, on the other hand, a little goes a long way, so careful not to over apply! It's my go-to in evenings (post-shower), so that my hair can soak up the oils overnight while I sleep, and look fresh and healthy come morning!

fave products // true botanicals renewal serum & vitamin c booster

While I like to think I take pretty good care of my skin, one product I hadn't fully incorporated into my routine until recently is serum. That all changed when I discovered the luxury, anti-aging products from True Botanicals. All their products are made from super concentrated, bio-active ingredients, allowing them to deliver clinically proven results without compromising your health. The Cellular Repair Serum strengthens the barrier function and moisture retention of the skin. It helps to restore suppleness and leaves you with smooth and glowing skin! Hyaluronic acid, which assists aging cells in retaining water, and True Botanicals bioferment, which boosts collagen production and encourages cell growth, are both key players here. I use the "clear" serum, which also contains ingredients to help prevent blemishes, like black willow bark extract and olive leaf extract, but there are "calm" and "renew" serums available as well. I like to apply my serum with a shake or two the Vitamin C Booster. Did you know many products (like beauty creams) that contain vitamin C lose their potency over time due to oxidation, making them less effective? I didn't! This is vitamin C in its purest form: it retains its maximum potency until right when it's mixed with a serum, so you can be sure that what you're applying to your skin is highly transformative and effective. You may already know that vitamin C helps to brighten aging skin and fight wrinkles, but it also stimulates collagen production and evens the skin tone! Ferulic acid is also added for that extra anti-oxidant boost. I totally recommend using the Vitamin C Booster right along with the Cellular Repair Serum, ensuring a potent, nourishing, and free-radical fighting transformation. Talk about a one- two punch!


fave products // sunday riley blue moon cleansing balm

 

I'm all about a multipurpose product. A gentle yet effective cleansing balm that doubles as a mask? Sign me up! The Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm from Sunday Riley is a balm-to-milk cleanser with highly moisturizing ingredients like cocoa butter and mimosa flower wax. Its sugar-based cleansers work to remove makeup and other impurities, while soothing essential oils like blue tansy and German chamomile calm irritation. This product comes in extra handy during the fall and winter, when my skin feels extra dry and can really benefit from a heavier cleansing balm. Alternatively, I've found Blue Moon functions just as well as a calming and moisturizing face mask! I apply a thin layer of balm over clean skin, and allow it to set for about 20 minutes. The vanilla and sweet orange essential oils help to create a zen spa-like experience as an added bonus while you wait. After rinsing with a warm washcloth, my skin literally feels soft as a baby's bottom and oh, so hydrated! As with all of Sunday Riley's products, this balm is free of parabens and sulfates, is fragrance-free, and would make a great addition to your daily or weekly skincare regimen.