February 10, 2017

Your pre-Valentine's Day lip-prep essentials, R+Co's pre-shampoo mask, First Aid Beauty color-corrects everything in one step, a post-makeup skin-recovery spray and more.

Essie "Waltz"

Are your lips ready for Valentine’s Day?

February 14th is fast approaching, and if puckering up is on your agenda it’s time to start prepping! Getting a pillowy pout is easier than you think—especially with these new standout products that are designed to make the most of your mouth.

Aubio Hydrating Lip Therapy
I’m constantly trying new lips balms since I blow through a tube or pot in about a week, and it’s tough to meet my stringent standards (which include texture, flavor and longevity). I usually approach newcomers with skepticism, and it’s not every day that I experience love at first swipe—but that’s exactly what happened when I tried Aubio Hydrating Lip Therapy. Packaged in an unpretentionus Chapstick-like tube, this treatment delivers everything on my lip-balm checklist, including broad-spectrum SPF 30, a mega-dose of moisture, smooth application, long-lasting hydration and skincare ingredients that work to maximize the health and appearance of my lips. And the fact that you can pick it up when you make your next Target run is the icing on the cake.

M.A.C Lip Scrubtious
Exfoliation should be part of any lip-loving regimen, and this new offering from M.A.C is a sugar-based scrub that gently eliminates dry, flaky skin. Available in five flavors, it’s just what you need before you even think about applying matte lip color.

KNC Beauty All Natural Collagen Infused Lip Mask
Is it just me, or are masks getting more and more targeted with time? Made and shaped just for the lips (and exclusive to Violet Grey), this sheet mask is infused with collagen, hyaluronic acid and lots of hydration to help increase softeness, plumpness and all-around kissability.

JuvaLips
If that whole Kylie Jenner-inspired lip-plumping social media craze/fiasco wasn’t enough to preventing you from seeking the volume-enhancement of suction, then JuvaLips is for you. Designed to safely (read: no bruising) increase blood flow for a natural plumping effect, this easy-to-use handheld device delivers luscious lips in just one or two minutes a day.

LazerFuzion
Harnessing the power of LED light to boost collagen—and increase lip volume within four weeks—this is the first phototherapy device designed specifically for the lips. Completely pain-free and easy to use, this lipstick-sized laser comes with a lip scrub and lip primer that work together to optimize hydration and improve your pout.

So other than puckering up, what are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

Who says you have to save your hair mask for last?

There are some beauty “rules” we can’t seem to shake. Take cleansing oil, for example. There are many hold-outs who still believe that this incredibly effective (and good for your skin) means of removing dirt, makeup and excess oil will cause breakouts. (For the record: It won’t.) And remember how people basically freaked out when cleansing conditioners came onto the scene and implied that shampoo was suddenly obsolete? (I was not a fan the first co-wash products that came onto the scene, but I’ve since embraced the trend.)

This all brings me to the question, “Who says a hair mask has to be your last step?” Not R+Co. Their Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask is applied to dry hair and left on for 10 minutes before you shampoo it out. Its nourishing blend of oils, butters and botanical extracts hydrates, strengthens and adds a ton of shine—and works to promote a healthy scalp. This mask can technically be used after shampooing like a traditional deep conditioner, or used like a co-wash, but why not shake things up a bit by giving your hair dessert first?

Color-correct EVERYTHING in one simple step

If I’m busting out actual foundation (as opposed to a tinted moisturizer or BB/CC cream), the color-correctors are definitely unearthed as well. I’ve come to rely on peach for under my eyes and yellow for around my nose, and this combination really helps even things out. The thing with color-correcting, though, is that if you’re not a professional makeup artist or you don’t know what you’re doing, the results can be disastrous—but not if you have First Aid Beauty’s Hello FAB 3 in 1 Superfruit Color Correcting Cushion!

Quite possibly one of the best things to happen to my makeup drawer (and my face) so far this year, this foolproof, easy-to-use product combines green, pink and purple color-correctors in one compact. Simply pat it all over to neutralize redness, even tone and give your skin a major radiance boost. The formula is super-light (you can’t even see it or feel it after you use it) but you can build it as much as you need to create a smooth, even canvas for your foundation (or wear it alone, if you’re having a good skin day).

Beyond taking the guesswork out of a potentially tricky make-up technique, the fluid is packed with superfruit-derived antioxidants, skin-softening beeswax, nourishing niacinamide, hydrating squalene and other good-for-your-skin botanicals. Think of it as skincare and make-up prep in one convenient compact—and can we discuss how pretty it is to look at?

Never worry about post-makeup breakouts again

I keep my makeup pretty light most days, and if I try something new that doesn’t agree with my skin I know within a day or two (and it promptly gets returned or tossed in the trash). On the rare occasion that I need a full-on face (my wedding almost 10 years ago was probably the last time), I definitely worry about what’s going to happen a few days later—and if you wear heavy makeup regularly (whether for work, or just because you want to) this new product can help you chill out about the potential aftermath.

Rather than over-cleansing, scrubbing and stripping your skin of its natural oils, try Skindinavia’s new Post-Makeup Recovery Spray. It delivers a dose of zinc, which has been proven to minimize clogged pores and resulting blemishes by up to 50 percent. It also contains magnesium and willow bark, a naturally derived version of salicylic acid that has also been proven to keep pores in the clear.

Beyond pimple prevention, this mist can also be used to refresh your makeup throughout the day—and we can’t think of an easier way keep those blemishes at bay without the need for harsh anti-acne ingredients and the potential side effects like redness, dryness and flaking that often come along with them. What do you have to lose, other than a breakout-related freak-out?

A sure-fire way to get your teeth super-clean

I might be dating myself here, but who remembers those little pink pills you’d get from the dentist that would stain your mouth—and the plaque you missed while brushing? I’ve always been a little obsessed with oral care, so I loved using them, but it’s literally been decades since I’ve had the pleasure of calling out my plaque in a big way.

Well, my much-beloved brushing ritual is back thanks to Plaque HD. The difference that this is a toothpaste that you use as usual, but it stains plaque blue/green (with plant-based ingredients) so you really have to brush well to send all of the color (and all of the plaque) on its way. In a nutshell, this toothpaste basically forces you to brush for the full recommended two minutes, and there’s nothing bad about that!

I was lucky enough to receive both versions to test: The Professional Plaque Identifying Toothpaste in “Fresh Mint” (which can only be purchased through these dentists and orthodontists) and the regular Plaque-Identifying Anticavity Toothpaste in “Berry Bubble Gum." I obviously gave the latter to my son, Sawyer (who is really excited to be mentioned in this post), and it’s made it a heck of a lot easier to get him to brush effectively.

Yes, these toothpastes are pricier than the Crest or Colgate you may be currently using, but think how much money you can save in the long run by taking better care of your teeth!