February 17, 2017

The Aquis towel that saves your strands, my It Cosmetics non-foundation foundation go-to and Pacific Shaving Company offers an entirely new way to shave.

Essie "B-aha Moment"

The least damaging way to dry your hair

After spending the past six months in post-platinum “rehab,” my hair is back—and thicker, healthier and stronger than ever. I know this because people have told me that they totally see the difference (and not just because I went brunette). The recovery process hasn’t been easy, and it’s involved lots of products, lots of air-drying, silk pillowcases and absolutely no coloring. In fact, this is the first time I’ve seen my natural color since I was 13 years old (and I’m kind of digging it).

A special towel to dry my hair after washing (to minimize breakage- and frizz-inducing friction) has been a mainstay as well, and I fully contribute at least part of my damage-repair progress to the Aquis Waffle Luxe Hair Turban. Made of a special super-gentle yet super-absorbent fabric, it’s amazing how much water it wicks away, which in turn majorly reduces the time it takes to blowdry (if you decide to heat-style). I have the Waffle Luxe Hair Towel as well (which I used when the turban is in the wash) but I definitely prefer the turban because it stays in place when I’m self-tanning, putting on makeup, or doing anything else for that matter.

Full disclosure: I LOVE a turban, and would totally leave the house wearing one if my husband didn’t threaten to commit me if I did. I have, however, donned my Aquis while hanging out around the pool with friends—with a deep conditioner underneath. Paired with a caftan (another one of my husband’s least favorites), the turban successfully merged function and fashion.

Even if you’re not worried about hair damage now, this is one of the best ways to keep your hair happy and healthy—and look retro-chic while you’re doing it.

My new go-to foundation is much more than foundation

Most days I’m rushing to get my son to school on time, but I always manage to find a few minutes to make myself look like I didn’t just roll out of bed. Since I’m at the age that doing something for my complexion is imperative, I’m all about compact-based products that require little to no effort (or hand-washing after application). Along with the coverage my skin so desperately needs, skincare ingredients that actually work to improve my skin as I sit at my desk working all day arte a major plus—which is why I’m pretty much obsessed with It Cosmetics’ new Confidence in a Compact.

You can call this makeup innovation foundation (if you must) but it’s way much more than a basic “base.” This first-of-its-kind solid serum is formulated with mineral-based SPF 50 plus all of the hydrating and anti-aging ingredients you find in It Cosmetics’ Confidence in a Cream (i.e. hyaluronic acid, collagen, squalene, antioxidants and ceramides)—and full coverage that looks totally natural.

The first time I tried it, I used the enclosed sponge to dab it on, and I couldn’t believe how lightweight the actual product was. It has a bit of a cooling effect when you put it on, and if you didn’t see the instant improvement in your skin’s tone and hydration, you wouldn’t even know it’s there. The next time I tried it I used the Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush to buff and blend it and loved the results even more.

So not only does this miracle worker help me look polished and put-together for school drop-off, pick-up and my UPS and FedEx delivery men, I’m fighting visible signs of aging and possibly getting younger-looking by the second!

Indulge yourself with these Valentine’s Day treats

Despite my love/obsession with all things beauty- and fashion-related, I still don’t consider myself a girly-girl. I’m not into lacy underpinnings, ruffles aren’t my jam and I can’t remember the last time I took a bath. So needless to say I was surprised at how excited I got about a delivery from Zoella Beauty a few weeks ago… Founded by U.K. YouTube sensation Zoe Sugg (to call her an influencer is an understatement), this line of super-feminine bath and body products screams estrogen in a good way—and adds a dash of whimsy to your bathroom and beyond.

I was instantly smitten with the Soap Pop, simply because I’ve never seen anything like it. Decidedly cuter than soap on a rope, this perfumed popsicle will elicit oohs and aahs from anyone who lays eyes on it. The standard-sized bar fits perfectly into any soap dish, and stick helps you keep your grip and avoid slippery situations.

I apply body lotion from head to toe each and every night, and the Creamy Madly Dreamy Body Lotion has amped up my nightstand’s femme factor. This rich hydrator has a delicate scent that my husband actually likes, and it leaves my skin super-soft (and never sticky).

The Blissful Mistful Solid Fragrance has become part of my bedtime ritual as well, because why not? (My mom never went to bed without putting perfume on.) Slightly citrus-y yet subtle, it’s a lovely way to end the day, and no complaints from the hubs on this one either.

Best of all, each of these products cost less than $7 so you have no excuse not to indulge—or treat another lady you love!

The derm-developed skincare brand you should know about

No one knows more about the skin—and how to care for it—than a dermatologist, so using products created by these specialists is a no-brainer. Unfortunately, this dermal expertise often comes at a price—as in a hefty price tag—but not MD Complete. Developed by Dr. Brian Zelickson, this range of anti-aging and anti-acne products delivers real results without breaking the bank.

I’ve incorporated three products into my regimen over the past few weeks, and I kicked my experience off with the Skin Clearing Non-Irritating Pro Peel. I figured this 5-day treatment was the perfect way to start with a clean slate, and it only takes one minute a day to see (and feel) smoother, brighter skin. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids and brightening botanicals, you slather on a thin layer and wash it off after 60 seconds, and somehow it manages to exfoliate, deep-clean pores and clear up blemishes in basically a blink of an eye.

After those five days, I started using the Dark Spot Corrector because, well, I just turned 40 so it’s time to pay a bit more attention to my skin tone. Featuring 2% hydroquinone to fade discoloration (this is actually my first time using this ingredient—which is considered by many derms to be the gold standard for improving unwanted pigment), I alternate between this and Differin retinoid gel every other evening. Although it takes at least eight weeks to see significant skin-brightening, I can say that I’ve experienced zero irritation or side effects so I’ll certainly stick with it.

And since daily sunscreen is non-negotiable (especially when using ingredients such as hydroquinone, retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids), I’m using the Youthful Skin Sun Shield SPF 50 as well. Combining chemical and physical UV filters for broad-spectrum protection, plus antioxidant vitamin C and essential fatty acids to strengthen the skin barrier, this sheer SPF also provides all the hydration my skin needs for the day.

You've never seen shaving cream like this

If you’re a pod-person—as in those plastic things filled with a single “serving” of dishwasher or laundry detergent—you’re going to be pretty psyched about the latest product from Pacific Shaving Company. Yup, the same packaging technology that’s become common in the kitchen and laundry room can now be used in your bathroom—and for your shaving cream in particular.

Although I usually just use the conditioner supplied by the hotel for shaving my legs when I travel, my husband (and I’m assuming most men) isn’t too keen on that, which makes these Single-Use Shaving Cream Minis perfect for guys and gals on the go (or anyone who has a tough time gauging how much shaving cream to actually use). They’re also TSA-friendly so you can toss a few in your carry-on, and they’re great for your gym bag if you like to shave when you shower after a workout. The best part: There’s absolutely no waste left behind. The film dissolves completely, and obviously you know the shaving cream goes down the drain. Oh, and you can stop worrying about your shaving-cream can leaving a rust ring in your shower. Brilliant!