fave products // fresh beauty peony brightening essence, toner & serum

If you’re someone who suffers from hyperpigmentation, whether from sun spots or acne scars, you could probably benefit from a brightening product. Fresh Beauty has got you covered, with their line of Peony Brightening Products. I’ve been testing these out over the last few months, and I’m happy to report they’ve definitely been helping with any uneven tone or discoloration I have. Three potent ingredients- peony root extract, vitamin C glucoside, and licorice root extract- help reduce the appearance of dark spots while promoting skin clarity, leaving you with bright, luminous skin. Hyaluronic acid adds an intensive moisture factor as well.

The Peony Brightening Moisturizing Facial Toner provides 24-hour moisture and keeps your skin baby soft. The silky formula absorbs quickly, priming the complexion for the rest of your skincare routine. The Peony Instant Brightening Face Serum is super smooth, and works to improve uneven skin tone and texture, while also illuminating the skin. I like to apply it to my entire face post-toner, right before moisturizing. The Peony Spot-Correcting Brightening Essence works quite similarly to the serum, but I just think of it as a more concentrated version. It’s perfect for those stubborn dark spots that just won’t seem to go away. I love that these products don’t use extremely harsh ingredients like hydroquinone, but rather stick to natural brightening powerhouses like peony and licorice roots. So much better for your skin, and not to mention your overall health!

 * 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 // babor cleansing hy-öl & phyto-active sensitive

Come wintertime, I like to take my skincare to the next level with a super gentle and hydrating oil cleanser. You may have heard about the popular “double cleansing” method by now. It originated in Korea, and typically involves an oil cleanser to help remove makeup, sunscreen, city pollution, and anything else your skin may have accumulated throughout the day. At first I was a bit hesitant to try it out- it seemed like it could dry out my skin and strip it of the good oils it needs! However, I needn’t have worried. Once I started researching, I came across Babor Cleansing Hy-Öl and Phyto-Active Sensitive Cleansers, which looked like the perfect mix of water, plant-based oils, and essential vitamins to nourish the skin rather than deplete it. You start with a few pumps of the Hy-Öl and massage it into dry skin. Then add a pump or two of the Phyto-Active, spreading it evenly across your face. Next wet your fingers a bit, and create a smooth lather of the two on your skin. Rinse and pat dry! I’ve been loving how my skin feels after using this cleansing system, super soft and refreshed. Babor even makes a few different Phyto-Active Cleansers, so you can choose the best fit for your skin type, whether that’s sensitive, dry, dull, or combination. If you’re looking to switch up your cleanser this winter, I definitely recommend checking out Babor products for calm and youthful, glowing skin!

* 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 nudist lip butter

{GIVEAWAY ALERT- READ ON!} On a day to day basis, I tend to wear pretty neutral lip colors. Of course, every once in a while or for a fun night out, I love a bright red lip, but for the most part, I keep it pretty simple. The most important factor for me when choosing a lipstick, gloss, or balm, is that it’s hydrating and nourishing. Something that keeps my lips from becoming dry and crackly is key in my book, and bonus points if it comes in pretty shades as well. W3ll People Nudist Lip Butter checks off all these boxes, and goes on super smooth. I love that they call it “the vegan love child of a lip stick and lip balm”, because honestly that description could not be more accurate. The organic omega oils and aloe help calm stressed lips, and leave them feeling soothed and supple! It’s my go-to lip choice when I mainly want some nourishing hydration, but wouldn’t mind a subtle pop of color as well. The nude shade is great for everyday, but I also love the cherry shade for something a little brighter. I find the lip butters to be a bit buildable, so adding a few extra coats can give you a more dramatic look. If you prefer no color at all, I suggest the natural shade for a simple, buttery finish. For added brilliance or to create a bit more of a statement look, top your lip butter with a swipe or two of the W3ll People Bio Extreme Lipgloss, and you’ll be set for a night out! As always with W3ll People products, everything is formulated without the potentially harmful artificial chemicals that are found in most conventional makeup products, so you can feel good about supporting this brand!

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

For all my readers, as a thank you for your support this year, I’m hosting a giveaway with W3ll People! Comment on my latest Instagram post for a chance to win a $150 W3ll People gift card! Perfect for stocking up on all your fave products, or some last minute holiday gifts! All you have to do is:

1) follow @b_maren on Instagram

2) follow @w3llpeople on Instagram

3) comment on my post with the product you most want to try!

Winner announced December 17th!

* 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 // huxley secret of sahara face masks

Masks come in many varieties, be it a sheet mask or, more commonly, as a liquid concoction applied to the skin and washed off after a short time. Masks can help treat various skin ailments, including dryness, breakouts, oiliness, dullness, wrinkles, etc. While it may be tempting to try out all the popular new products, it’s important to use a mask that truly caters to your skin’s specific needs. Huxley is a Korean skincare brand quickly gaining fans stateside thanks to a highly effective range of natural skincare. Sahara-sourced prickly pear is the key component in all Huxley’s products, and for good reason. The prickly pear oil extracted from this potent succulent is rich in vitamin E, an anti-inflammatory antioxidant found in many skincare products these days. Vitamin E is a powerhouse of an ingredient, working to help skin heal faster, reduce redness, and slow the breakdown of collagen! Huxley’s prickly pear seed oil is certified organic and maintains a high level of moisture in even the harshest of environments. Sign me up!

The Huxley mask trio is the perfect treat for your at-home spa day. The Scrub Mask Sweet Therapy exfoliates and polishes the skin using sucrose and walnut shell powder, revealing baby soft skin underneath. I like applying it in a circular motion with my hands, creating a thermal warming effect. This helps reduce swelling and draws out impurities from the pores. The Healing Mask Keep Calm soothes sensitive skin thanks to centella asiatica, while nourishing and hydrating with hyaluronic acid. I love the funky jelly-like texture (like grated cactus), which makes for a truly nature-inspired masking experience! The Sleep Mask Good Night helps lock in moisture and softens skin overnight! Plant based botanicals work their magic while you sleep, promoting skin regeneration and reinforcing the skin barrier, while also boosting radiance! Don’t worry- the refreshing gel texture quickly absorbs into your skin, so the mask won’t end up all over your pillowcase. Feel free to use all three for a DIY facial of sorts, or pick and choose depending on your skin’s needs! 

* 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 // iS clinical facial serums

Serum, oh serum. I’ve sung the praises of serum many a time on this blog. But that’s because there’s just so many ridiculously good ones! iS Clinical is a brand whose scientifically-advanced, botanically-based ingredients work to improve practically any major skin concern. Their multi-tasking formulas are great for all skin types and ages, and promote cellular regeneration, as well as a brighter, clearer complexion! Many skincare experts choose iS Clinical for their clients, and I now see why. This stuff is totally legit- I’ve already noticed some pretty dramatic results!

In the mornings, I’ve been reaching for the Pro-Heal Serum Advance. This one is a vitamin C-based serum, and great for that extra UV protection. Its healing and reparative properties come thanks to some powerful antioxidants, yet I’ve found this product to be gentle enough for sensitive or irritated skin! The Active Serum is their most popular product, and after seeing how quickly you get results, I totally understand why. It has many anti-aging, anti-blemish, and brightening benefits, and really works to smooth and soften your skin. I like to use this serum at night before bed, and I love the cool, tingling sensation it causes as applied. Whenever I feel like I need an extra boost of moisture, I go for the Hydra-Cool Serum. It works to rejuvenate and hydrate, and feels super refreshing on the skin. I love it post-flight when my skin feels super dehydrated from all that recycled air. You can even mix a bit with your foundation or tinted moisturizer to give you that perfect dewy glow! Safe to say I’m sold on iS Clinical products, and I highly recommend you check them out for yourself as well!

 * 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! 

britt's picks // dermatologist

A good dermatologist is crucial to any person's well being and overall skin health. I truly believe this. They aren't just there to treat annoying acne, but also check for cancerous moles and treat any problematic skin issues. So many people forget to protect their skin from the sun (I was one of them for longer than I'd like to admit), and although you may not notice the damage right away, this can cause some serious issues in the long term. I've been going to Wexler Dermatology in Manhattan for the last several months, and cannot recommend this practice enough. Whatever your skin concern may be, from rosacea to wrinkles to acne to filler, they've got you covered. I began a treatment with Dr. Eugene Wexler called Aerolase, which is a neo-laser treatment that helps with many issues including hyerpigmentation, tightening & rejuvenation, acne & scarring, collagen production, and redness/rosacea! The completely non-invasive treatment involves high-powered, short-pulse lasers, which are guided over your face and neck as they work their magic. I'll typically follow the short laser treatment with a few seconds of LED light therapy, which is great for fighting signs of aging as well. Aerolase generally needs 3-4 treatments every 3-4 weeks to be effective, and now that I've completed my 4th session, I can definitely tell a difference. My aesthetician also remarked how my skin is looking much brighter and more even overall. Success!

During my first appointment, Dr. Patricia Wexler suggested I start using the three products above (SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Treatment, SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator & Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46) immediately, and after several months of consistent use, I'm totally sold. I'd heard about the C E Ferulic before- it has a serious cult following- and this stuff is no joke. It's a lighteight serum containing l-ascorbic acid, alpha tocopherol and ferulic acid that works to prevent signs of aging. Basically, it's the vitamin C serum of your dreams that also helps fight the environmental effects of free radicals. Any signs of photodamage or hyperpigmentation been bugging you? This stuff helps lighten and brighten as well! The HA5 Hydrator contains an impressive five forms of hyaluronic acid, our body's natural hydrator that diminishes over time, and helps keep our skin super smooth and fully hydrated. It's also oil-free, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic, so you don't have to worry about it clogging your pores. Elta MD is known for being one of the best sunscreens out there and comes highly recommended by dermatologists alike. Their UV Clear SPF 46 uses zinc oxide to protect from the sun, and also calms sensitive skin types prone to breakouts, rosacea, or discoloration. High purity niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid promote overall healthy-looking skin. Speaking of, I need to stock up on another bottle of these, stat! Dr. Wexler also makes her own line of products, and I've been reaching for the overnight acne repair lotion whenever a pesky blemish arises. If you live in NYC, or even if you don't, and are looking for a reliable, intelligent, and helpful dermatologist, I highly recommend you seek out Wexler Dermatology! 

 * 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!