I don't know about you, but come summer time, I find myself reaching for a refreshing facial mist on a pretty regular basis. I love a good mist anytime of year, but if it's hot and humid out, literally nothing feels better on my skin! Whenever mine needs a bit of a pick-me-up, a spritz of this True Botanicals Nutrient Mist does just the trick. This one is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, including green & white tea, algae extract, and kombucha, which help to hydrate, nourish, and repair the skin. Even better, these ingredients help fight free radical damage, keep your skin nicely plump, and leaves you perfectly dewy and glowing! For something a bit more affordable, and also more basic, I really enjoy Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray as well. I always keep a mist or spray in my purse for that extra boost when I'm on-the-go, and it's especially refreshing at the beach on a hot summer day!
fave products // glossier stretch concealer
Since my skin gets a pretty regular application of makeup for work, I tend to go more minimal when I'm not shooting. I like giving my skin a chance to breathe, if that makes sense. That being said, there are times when I will do my own makeup, and for those occasions, I have a handful of tried and true products in my arsenal. Glossier has become a favorite brand of mine over the last couple of years- they make affordable skincare and makeup products that keep you coming back again and again. I'm a huge fan of both Haloscope and Boy Brow, so I had high expectations for their Stretch Concealer.
There's nothing worse than concealer that looks and feels caked onto your skin. On the contrary, I'm always searching for one that let's my skin look like actual skin! For a while now I've been using (and super pleased with!) RMS Beauty "Un" Cover Up, but after finishing my last tub, I was curious to try the Glossier version. Since it's made with elastic micro waxes, I've found that this concealer never actually gets dry or flaky, but rather moves with my skin throughout the day. The buildable formula is made with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils, which leave my skin perfectly dewy and glowing as well! Not to mention, it's totally easy to apply with just your fingertips- so toss it in your bag and go!
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.
brand love // bioderma
I was first introduced to Bioderma years ago by several makeup artists on set. Seemingly everyone uses their makeup remover, Bioderma Sensibio H2O, and for good reason. It removes almost any and every product used on your skin, easily and without causing irritation. I love that it simply feels like water on your skin, but it cleans the makeup off your face with no problems, and leaves no oily residue behind! I figured it was time I tried a few more of their products, and am happy to report the positive results! First off and most similar were the Sensibio H2O wipes. These are great for on-the-go, and so easy to travel with, which is perfect for my busy schedule! So many makeup-removing wipes are harsh and leave my skin red and blotchy post-use, but these are gentle and made of the same micellar solution as the liquid remover. Also from the Sensibio collection is the eye contour gel. This one contains hyaluronic acid and helps to reduce puffiness around the eyes and aids in hydration. I love that the Sensibio products are geared towards sensitive skin like mine, and do not cause any breakouts or irritation with unnecessary, weird ingredients.
If you're looking for a light but intensely hydrating moisturizer for every day use, I suggest the Hydrabio gel cream. It'll leave you with a beautifully radiant glow, but without making your skin look greasy! I like to toss the Atoderm lip stick and hand cream in my purse for whenever my lips or hands feel dry. These help nourish and soothe damaged skin, and a little goes a long way! Now, if you've ever struggled with the appearance of pores, the Sebium pore refiner could be helpful for you. This corrective care product helps tighten pores and improves your skin's texture, making it a great base for underneath your makeup! What's super impressive to me about this crazy popular French brand is that their products are not only effective, but they're actually affordable too! No wonder all my friends stock up at the local French pharmacies whenever they go to Paris!
fave products // true botanicals hydrating cleanser
I've been a True Botanicals fan for a while now- from the renewal serum & vitamin C booster to the polishing grains, these products truly work. And with ingredients that are both potent yet gentle, you can actually feel good about what you're putting on your skin. The hydrating cleanser is a jack of all trades that removes makeup and dead skin cells, unclogs pores, hydrates, heals scarring, and stimulates cell turnover. The cleanser from the clear collection also helps to fight infection, by destroying acne-inducing bacteria and balancing your skin (all the while being careful not to damage it). I love that it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed, rather than dry and tight, like so many harsh cleansers seem to do. Every so often I'll add a shake of the polishing grains to the mix to get that extra bit of exfoliation!
True Botanicals uses green and white teas (as opposed to just water) for the base of this cleanser, which allows you to reap the antioxidant and polyphenol benefits of these impressive ingredients. Think toning, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, just to name a few! Black willow bark extract joins the party as a non-irritating, but highly effective, version of the traditional salicylic acid you're used to, and helichrysum is a total anti-powerhouse (anti-bacterial, fungal & inflammatory). Talk about an added bonus!
fave products // tata harper resurfacing mask
I love a good mask, homemade or not. Whenever I feel like my complexion needs a pick-me-up, a gentle yet effective mask is key. Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask is great radiance booster, lending a helping hand with dullness, uneven skin tone & texture, and the appearance of pores. This potent beta-hydroxy treatment is formulated using 11 natural, non-toxic ingredients, including pomegranate enzymes, pink clay & beet extract, which work to leave your skin super smooth and glowing. I apply a thick layer over my clean face and neck (with my fingers or a brush), and leave it on for about 20 minutes. As it dries, you'll feel the mask tighten across your skin as it works its resurfacing magic. After washing it off with warm water and a washcloth, I apply a hydrating oil all over, and am left with bright and luminous skin! Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask is the perfect product to achieve that instant glow we all crave.