March 24, 2017

Radiofrequency treatments at home, Tatcha's lip balm is as good as gold, dry shampoos that don't involve a spray, BeautyBlender cleansing tips and La Roche-Posay's new sunscreen for acne-prone skin.

Want to smooth, lift and tighten your skin at home?

There comes a point when skincare can only go so far… Yes, it’s important for keeping your complexion looking fresh and dewy, but at some point the skin begins to lose its elasticity, which leads to wrinkles and sagging—but it’s not your fault, you can thank the sun and Father Time. If you so desire, that’s when it’s time to step things up by paying a visit to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for injectables or energy-based treatments.

This makes a lot of women nervous (and rightfully so), and there are a bunch of devices you can try at home before you schedule a visit to the doctor’s office. One of the newest is (ironically) called Newa, and it uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen, smooth wrinkles and give your skin a lift. It’s safe for all skin types and tones, and the technology has been cleared by the FDA specifically for wrinkle reduction.

According to the company, 90% of users see visible wrinkle improvement in as little as four weeks, and a visible lift of the jawline after 12 weeks. And this is with only two painless 8-minute treatments per week. Even I’m impressed.

So if you’ve started thinking about doing a little something-something, but aren’t quite ready to pull the trigger, perhaps it’s worth giving Newa a try…

Tatcha's lip balm is as good as gold

Some people can’t fathom spending a lot of money on a lip balm, and I totally get it. No, there’s no NEED to drop a bundle of cash on something you (should) have multiples of, but in some cases a splurge is worth it—especially if it sparks joy every time you use it. Tatcha’s Camellia Gold Spun Lip Balm is the perfect example.

Just when your expectations are exceeded with the super-luxurious packaging, which is a lovely box with ribbon pull, you actually lay eyes on this gilded treasure. With pieces of gold leaf interspersed throughout the balm, it's a glittery treat—and it feels fantastic on your lips and has no taste or scent. It’s totally clear but leaves a slight glossy finish, making it perfect for wear on its own, or over lipstick. And this balm is more than eye candy... It contains super-hydrating camellia oil and squalane, along with a bunch of vitamins and antioxidants. 

My husband even took notice when he happened to be by my bathroom sink one evening, and it was a great chance for me to reiterate my love for anything gold (hint, hint). So if a new gilded bauble isn’t in the cards, treat yourself to this beautiful balm and you’ll enjoy a bit of sparkle every time you use it.

You've never seen dry shampoos like these...

What did I do before dry shampoo? Well, I washed my hair just about every day—or was a hot, greasy mess. This product seriously changed my life, and since it’s become a staple in my haircare regimen, I’ve tried too many to count—but there are a few that I keep going back to. I love Klorane’s original aerosol Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, but I can literally blow through a can in a week, which is why I typically use the more cost-effective non-aerosol version. I also have a travel-size can of Batiste in my bag at all times, just in case I need to touch up while I’m on the go. (There are 10 scents to choose from, but the Cherry is my favorite.)

Despite what seems like hundreds of dry shampoo options, we haven’t seen anything beyond sprays and powders—until recently. Now, there’s a new crop of formulations that extend your style, absorb oil, add texture and impart a pleasant scent (because you know things can get a little stinky after a few days), and I’m pretty excited about them.

Ouai’s Dry Shampoo Foam has made quite a splash in the month or so it’s been available, and this mousse-like product differs from other dry shampoos in that it leaves hair soft and shiny instead of stiff and matte. It smells incredible, does a great job at absorbing oil and leaves absolutely no powdery residue. For me, it’s perfect on Day 2 when I have a hint of greasiness but not enough to bust out the big guns. Creator of Ouai, celebrity stylist Jen Atkin, also recommends the foam if you’ve applied too much product (and don’t want to get back in the shower and start all over again).

After eyeing R+Co’s Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste for quite some time, I finally got my hands on it and I can’t believe I waited so long. This is absolutely the perfect product for my short hair because it gives you major texture (and oil-absorbing, of course). Sometimes I’ll use it on freshly-washed hair so it doesn’t look so clean and fluffy. I really enjoy the hold it provides so I can rake my hair back and off my face with my fingers (and have it stay there). You can also use a dab on damp hair before styling for extra texture. Just take heed: A little goes a long way.

I have a feeling that these are only the first of many more innovative dry shampoo formulas we’ll be seeing. Drybar will be releasing their foam version in May, and it will be interesting to see what else comes to market in the coming months.

If you’re as obsessed with dry shampoo as I am, what are your favorites?

BeautyBlender cleansing 101

It’s safe to say that most of us have a BeautyBlender makeup sponge (or something similar) in our makeup bags—and I think it’s also safe to say that most of us don’t clean it properly. I’m always one to give credit when credit is due, so a big shout-out to Byrdie for sharing these tips!

1.     Wash it right away. This will prevent your foundation from staining your sponge forever.

2.     You can use any facial cleanser, bar soap or even dish soap to clean your BeautyBlender, but don’t be shocked if some of the dye comes out as you’re washing it.

3.     Cut your BeautyBlender in half lengthwise to get a fresh surface (and double its lifespan).

4.     Remove stubborn stains by double-cleansing. Load it up with a cleansing oil to help dissolve makeup, then cleanse again with a foaming product.

5.     Let it air-dry completely out in the open (i.e. not in your makeup bag or a drawer).

And there you have it… If you have any BeautyBlender cleansing hacks of your own, please share them!

If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, meet your new favorite sunscreen

For those of us with oily or acne-prone skin, it makes sense to worry about a sunscreen making matters worse. We don’t need to the extra shine—or pore-clogging ingredients—and let’s face it, finding the right one that doesn’t mess with your complexion or your makeup is easier said than done. Well, now that Daylight Savings has officially screwed us all up (at least temporarily), and higher-SPF season is officially upon us, you might want to check out La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen.

This newcomer makes using SPF a pleasure. Featuring broad-spectrum SPF 60 in an oil-free formulation that leaves soft and matte, this sunscreen actually absorbs oil as well as it protects against UV rays. It’s also infused with antioxidants to stave off free-radical damage, making it ideal for beach days or every day for that matter. And if you don’t want to take my word for it, apparently Drew Barrymore is a fan, so maybe that makes a difference…