fave products // milk + honey blue tansy balm & bakuchiol treatment

I first became a fan of milk + honey products after trying their Pink Clay Masque, which works wonders to clear your pores and balance the skin. I highly recommend it if you feel your skin needs a little detox situation. I love that all milk + honey products are hyperclean, effective, and safe. All super important in my book! When I heard they were launching a Blue Tansy Balm and Bakuchiol Treatment, I was totally down to give them a try. I’m all about a multi-use skin salve, and that’s essentially what the Blue Tansy Balm is. Blue tansy, blue chamomile, and blue yarrow work together to promote calm, balanced, healthy-looking skin, wherever you need it! It works equally as well to neutralize redness & dryness as it does to treat burns, rashes or scrapes! I personally love applying a thin layer to my face as an overnight mask that provides intense hydration while I sleep. Not to mention its clutch use as as a cuticle treatment as well. During the summer, if you find yourself with irritated bug bites or sunburns, a smear of this balm lends instant relief! Everyone in my family has gotten to reap the benefits so far, and I can only imagine I’ll find more uses for it over time. Talk about a do-it-all product!

The Bakuchiol Treatment is a wonderful alternative to the typical retinol products you find these days. This serum-moisturizer hybrid uses bakuchiol, a plant based alternative to retinol, to deliver retinol-like results without the skin irritation and photosensitivity side effects that can be all too common for some. The Bakuchiol Treatment works to reduce the appearance of fine lines & hyperpigmentation, while supporting collagen production to even your skin tone. Antioxidant rich botanicals like black willow bark extract & edelweiss stem cell extract work their magic to leave you with brighter, softer skin! PS- If your skin is a bit more dry and/or sensitive, I suggest adding this to your moisturizer or facial oil, and applying it that way. Otherwise, feel free to use solo as a leave-on serum treatment. Regardless, just don’t forget the SPF!

milk + honey also makes some luxurious sounding bath products (Eucalyptus, Arnica, Rosemary, Sweet Marjoram Sore Muscle Soak, anyone??) that I’m dying to get my hands on. I can just picture myself relaxing in the bath with a glass of wine and their Lemon, Vanilla Milk Bath. Yes, please. Now, get to pampering!

 * 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 // lord jones acid mantle repair cbd moisturizer

It’s fair to say that CBD is having a moment lately, don’t you think? Call it what you want- a trendy fad or the new staple ingredient- but regardless, I have to say I’m a fan. Lord Jones produces quite the collection of hemp-derived CBD products including skincare, confections, and daily supplements. They were also the first CBD brand to launch at Sephora! I’ve been trying out their Acid Mantle Repair Moisturizer with 250mg CBD & Ceramides, and I’m really loving the results. You may be saying- acid mantle? What even is that?! Truth be told, I was in the same boat at first, but I’ve since gotten much more familiar with the essential, delicate component of the skin. Few people are aware of the acid mantle and we all have one. It’s actually a delicate film that acts as a barrier against bacteria and other environmental contaminants, making it a super important factor in achieving healthy skin.

Lord Jones Whole Plant Formula Acid Mantle Repair CBD Moisturizer is a soothing pH balanced CBD moisturizer formulated to help maintain the acid mantle, support the skin's moisture barrier and rebalance the appearance of stressed skin.  It features a 5-ceramide complex that works in harmony with full spectrum hemp-derived CBD oil and sunflower seed oil to rebalance skin. Ceramides are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and retain skin moisture, which keep the acid mantle healthy. Plus, hyaluronic acid and sustainably sourced squalane replenish skin barrier moisture for smooth, supple skin. Like I said, everything working in harmony! Each jar contains 250mg of full spectrum hemp-derived CBD oil and is equipped with a weighted golden spoon. PS- the spoon can also be used to massage the ultra-creamy formula into your skin and pressure points. For another bonus tip, I suggest storing your spoon in the freezer before using on those days when your skin needs a little extra TLC. Trust me on that one. And, if you’re looking for an extra boost of CBD, may I suggest applying the Lord Jones Royal Oil (1000mg pure CBD oil!) on top of the Acid Mantle Repair CBD Moisturizer for an ultra-soothing treat. To top it all off, the High CBD Formula Bath Salts are calling my name- I think a relaxing, sudsy bath is on the agenda in the very near future!

 * 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! 

Hello, World!

fave products // taïla face oil, eye balm & toning mist

I was recently introduced to Taïla, high performance all-natural skincare rooted in the plant powered science of Ayurveda, and I have to say I’ve been pleasantly surprised. A lot of skincare brands claim to be rooted in this or that, or act like a cure-all for any skin concern, but Taïla really does deliver. Each formula advances treasured beauty traditions of India to awaken your senses and bring skin into harmony. The entire collection is non-toxic, using only USDA organic and wildcrafted ingredients, which I love! I even feel comfortable using the oil on my baby boy, that is, if he gets so lucky… The products are formulated with a team of Ayurvedic Doctors in Kerala, India, and are all sustainable and eco-friendly as well.

The Prana Face Oil is one of the best I’ve tried- it’s a multi-targeted treatment serum that works to nourish your skin in several ways. From smoothing fine lines to diminishing dark spots to boosting collagen production, it really is a jack of all trades. I love the antioxidant-rich superfruit amla, which helps fight dullness and leaves you with a beautiful glow! The Vayu Illuminating Toning Mist is super lightweight, but ultra hydrating all at once. It’s a great way to prep the skin and boost the performance of any subsequent steps in your skincare regimen (like the Prana Oil!). I love giving myself a spritz throughout the day to refresh the skin, and it’s also a nice way to set your makeup. Plus, key ingredient tulsi (aka Holy Basil) helps draw out impurities and neutralize environmental stressors! Yes please. The Nayana Revitalizing Eye Balm works to revive, nourish, and revitalize the delicate skin around the eyes thanks to its concentrated blend of phytonutrients. Manjishta and ashwaghanda work to keep dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines at bay, while also promoting the production of collagen and elastin. I’ve found the balm to be the perfect way to hide any signs of fatigue (hello mom life!). Pro tip- add a layer to your lips at night for an intensive hydration treatment while you sleep!

Everything Taïla makes is free of parabens, GMOs, sulfates, artificial dyes, and synthetic fragrances, making them a wonderful option for those with sensitive skin. What’s more- Taïla is a woman-owned business made in NYC! It’s so important to support these types of small, local businesses, so I’m happy to do my part in spreading the good word! Next up on my must-try list: The Nava Jungol Detoxifying Detox Mask!

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 * 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 // timeless skincare anti-aging facial serums

I love a good facial serum, but they typically cost a pretty penny, am I right? While some are definitely worth the investment, it’s reassuring to know there are high quality serums out there that don’t break the bank! I discovered Timeless Skincare at a brunch hosted for fellow mommy influencers, and got the opportunity to try out a wide range of their facial serums. Their expertly crafted serums work to combat a wide variety of skin concerns, including fine lines & wrinkles, loss of firmness and volume, dullness, uneven skin tone, and blemishes. Since adequate hydration is so important for healthy skin, hyaluronic acid makes up the base of each serum in the Timeless lineup. In case you didn’t know, hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a key ingredient in any anti-aging routine! This super hydrating base is then infused with high concentrations of proven anti-aging and skin repairing ingredients like Matrixyl 3000™, Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, CoEnzyme Q10, Matrixyl Synthe 6, and yes- even more Hyaluronic Acid!

I’ve been a fan of a similar, highly acclaimed vitamin C serum for a while now, but it ain’t cheap. I’m happy to report the 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Serum is a fraction of the price, and still yields amazing results! Known as The Brightener, this baby helps even out dull skintone, builds collagen, and leaves you with bright, glowing skin. It’s been great for pesky hyperpigmentation issues I sometimes deal with, and it also fights free radicals from environmental pollutants! Yes please! Another Timeless Skincare serum I find myself reaching for on repeat is the Matrixyl Synthe 6 Serum, aka The Restorer. This powerful polypeptide is an anti-aging workhorse that works to plump fine lines & wrinkles, improve skin’s elasticity, and heal damaged skin, revealing firmer, younger looking skin. Who doesn’t want that?! I also like to use this on my neck and chest- figured it can’t hurt, right?

Whatever you may be looking for in a skincare product- The Defender, The Calmer, The Essential, The Builder- there’s truly something for everyone. Timeless also offers a Pure Line that boasts no harsh chemicals, no added preservatives, and is free of parabens, fragrances and dyes. So if you’re looking for straight up Hyaluronic Acid or Squalane Oil, definitely check those out as well. Which skincare concerns are you looking to target? I’m thinking the B5 Serum is the next product to incorporate into my routine. Happy (anti-) aging!

 * 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! 

sephora spring savings event 2020- my picks!

A couple times a year, Sephora gifts us with savings events that are basically a beauty junkie’s Christmas! If you hadn’t heard, their Spring Savings Event is happening right now and ends officially on Friday, May 1. It’s an amazing event and the perfect opportunity to stock up on not only your favorite skincare essentials, but consider pulling the trigger on products you’ve been eyeing for a while. After all, with this quarantine lasting until who-knows-when, we have all the time in the world to play with products at home!

In case you aren’t exactly sure how the Sephora sale works, here’s my breakdown. 

There are three tiers for Sephora members: Rouge, VIB, and Beauty Insider. 

  • Rouge members have spent over $1,000 with Sephora and had first access to the sale starting Friday, April 17 and receive 20% off their order.

  • VIB members have spent over $350 and began shopping Tuesday, April 21 for 15% off their order.

  • Beauty Insiders were granted access Thursday, April 23 and receive 10% off their order. There is no dollar amount you have to spend to get Beauty Insider membership! Sign up is free and fast, and you can immediately start shopping. 

Most importantly, you’ll need the promo code no matter which tier you belong to: SPRINGSAVE

With all that in mind, I wanted to share the 9 products that I’ve re-stocked since the Sephora sale began. From skincare to haircare, these are the brands and products I love and trust most when it comes to taking care of myself no matter the season.

TATA HARPER

Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil With Vitamin A

I love a Retinol. Truth be told, not being able to use this Retinoic Face Oil from Tata Harper during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is hard (to read more about anti-aging products to avoid during pregnancy, read this). I love this particular face oil because, although it’s retinol-powered, the oil and added vitamin A keep it hydrating and extra gentle on your skin. So many retinols can be drying or cause irritation, and this doesn’t. Looking forward to getting it back in the rotation!

 BIOSSANCE

Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil

Biossance has a cult following for a reason. Its main ingredient in most of its products, Squalane, is a 100% natural, plant-derived moisturizer that is gentle on all skin types. This particular oil is both clarifying and balancing for the skin. I’ve noticed it helps me most with breakouts and redness and is great when it’s that time of the month and your skin is getting a little too hormonal!

SUNDAY RILEY

C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil

Another cult classic in terms of face oil is the C.E.O Glow Face Oil from Sunday Riley. Vitamin C is a hero when it comes to anti-aging and that, mixed with the calming effects of Turmeric make this product one of my all-time favorites. This oil does it all: brightens, hydrates, and leaves skin with an unmistakable glow, which we could all use more of nowadays.

DRUNK ELEPHANT

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask

I love my spa visits as much as the next girl, but there’s no telling when we’ll be able to go back to relying on an expert to pamper us. The importance of at-home self care has become even more vital to me over the last month or so to feel some sense of normalcy and calm. I love Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial for this reason. It truly is as close to a facial in a bottle as you can get! Apply it once a week for 20 min and watch in awe as your skin is suddenly glowing again. It has almost 5 stars and over 2.1K reviews on Sephora for a reason!

 SUPERGOOP!

PLAY 100% Mineral Broad Spectrum Lotion SPF 50

Speaking of treating your skin, just because you’re not taking a beach vacation anytime soon doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be protecting your skin via SPF daily. I swear by this Supergoop! 100% mineral, broad spectrum SPF lotion. Because it’s mineral based, it’s much less irritating making it ideal for sensitive skin. You can use it all over—on both your face and body—and you should! Have I mentioned how important SPF is?

ILIA

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

Speaking of SPF, ILIA is quickly becoming a new favorite in clean beauty for me. I wrote about the brand back in January, and I’ve since added another product to my arsenal: the Super Serum Skin Tint Foundation with SPF 40. This is the perfect option for springtime into the summer months. When it’s warm outside, the last thing you want to do is apply a heavy foundation to your face. This ILIA Skin Tint is lightweight and gives you a dewy finish thanks in part to its serum and hyaluronic acid! Plus, the SPF is perfect for every day, but especially pool or beach days.

MILK MAKEUP

KUSH High Volume Mascara

Another essential for spring and summer days when minimal makeup is what you’re going for is a great mascara. I love the KUSH High Volume Mascara from Milk Makeup. It’s volumizing without looking clumpy (huge plus) and is 100% vegan! Plus, the hemp-derived cannabis seed oil simultaneously conditions your lashes while thickening them. Just a few coats of this is all it takes to look and feel glam with minimal effort.

OLAPLEX

Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

If you haven’t seen or heard of Olaplex, you must not be active anywhere on social media because this line of products is everywhere and for good reason. With a team of legitimate scientists and industry experts behind Olaplex, their hair care product delivers serious results. I love the Hair Perfector No. 3 the most. It isn’t a leave-in conditioner; the No. 3 is a concentrated hair treatment that reinforces and strengthens all types of hair. Personally, I’ve found it’s great for color-treated blondes. By applying it for at least 10 min once a week (or more for severely damaged hair), it works to repair breakage and general hair damage.

SLIP

Silk Sleepmask

Lastly, to really round out the list of ultimate treat yourself Sephora skincare, I love this silk sleepmask by Slip. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase has proven to do wonders for haircare, and this sleepmask promises the same for your skin. Friction from tossing and turning can cause you to wake up with those oh-so-attractive “sleep lines,” but treating yourself to this mask made from the highest grade mulberry silk will prevent that and so much more. It’s one-size-fits-all and available in 8 different colors and patterns to fit your exact sleeping beauty personality, not to mention it’s hypoallergenic. It’s the small luxuries like this mask that are carrying me through quarantine, so I hope you’ll treat yourself to one, too!

Bonus Splurge!

DR. BARBARA STURM

Super Anti-Aging Serum

I somehow (?!) didn’t know Dr. Barbara Sturm products were carried at Sephora until now, but boy am I glad I do! With a background in anti-inflammatory medicine, Dr. Sturm focuses on non-aggressive natural extracts and scientifically-proven ingredients to treat the skin from within. Her super anti-aging serum is packed with antioxidants like purslane and skullcap to promote skin rejuvenation, leaving you with a firm, youthful complexion. 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!