April 9, 2021
A reminder why you need sunscreen 365 days a year, a new exfoliating experience and nail stickers that keep things interesting.
If you still refuse to wear sunscreen, even if you’re staying indoors…
I honestly don’t understand why some people simply can’t accept the fact that sunscreen is non-negotiable, even if you’re staying put for the day. (And although I actually enjoy Gwyneth very much, don’t get me started on her latest sunscreen-application advice.) Unless you live in a panic/padded room or jail cell with no windows, screens or devices, your skin is still exposed to UV rays—and more blue light than ever. (As you’re reading this, blue light is doing its deleterious work.)
Even if you do wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine, inside or out, you’re probably not reapplying it throughout the day. The same goes for your blue light protection, and most of us are literally sitting in front of a computer all day. Instead of continuing to lecture you, I’m going to give you a solution: ILIA Beauty’s new Blue Light Filter Face Mist.
Just a few light spritzes do a lot more than give your skin a much-needed pick-me-up. This weightless mist also forms an invisible barrier on your skin that protects against blue light and pollution (sorry, that’s everywhere too)—and it even helps keep your makeup in place. Featuring marine actives to help your skin feel firmer and hydrated, mastic to keep shine at bay and tara extract for extra antioxidant protection, this is a must-have for every desk, whether at home or in an actual office. (What’s that again?)
P.S. Make the most of the light lavender scent and treat yourself to a minute or two of self-care as you need it throughout the day. Just mist it on, take a few deep breaths and get back to it knowing your skin is protected against the never-ending stream of emails from your boss and text messages from your child.
Sometimes you just need to try a new exfoliator
I got my second Moderna shot on Tuesday and decided to take it easy as I waited (and waited) for the side effects to arrive—hence the radio silence since. Well, 12 hours after my shot (almost to the minute) I knew they had arrived when my body started to shake (kind of like a shiver, but different). After about 15 minutes, I started to experience waves of body aches, feeling hot and feeling cold (although I never had a fever—believe me, I took my temperature several times throughout the night). Since I didn’t sleep all that well, I spent most of yesterday in bed, but only managed to nap for about an hour. By the time dinner rolled around, I pretty much felt back to normal—although I was definitely still tired and went to bed around 9.
When I woke up this morning, I felt like a new person and figured it was the perfect time to start my almost-officially-vaccinated life by getting rid of some extra dead skin cells. (OK, this might be little bit of a stretch but you know I like to open even post with a personal anecdote.) I bought Clarins My Clarins RE-MOVE Radiance Exfoliating Powder a few weeks ago as a replacement for my beloved Odacité Green Ceremony Cleanser (which I use in the evening after my oil-based cleanser) and I’m happy to report it delivers amazingly gentle exfoliation.
I’ll be completely honest… This more of a utilitarian product than a luxurious experience, but if you’re looking for a little extra skin-smoothing without redness or irritation, it certainly gets the job done. I’m going to try adding a dash to my gel-based morning cleanser (since this is merely an exfoliant and is not meant to take the place of face wash) to help me put my best face forward for the day—but in the meantime, it fits perfectly into my nightly routine. And the wallet-friendly price-point doesn’t hurt…
Clear polish doesn't have to be boring
I’ve been all about clear nail polish throughout the pandemic, simply because my increased housekeeping duties make it hard for any color to last more than a day or two. I’ve actually come to prefer the clean aesthetic (and ease of application), but that doesn’t mean it can’t be jazzed up a bit. I’d love to add a French tip in gold or another bold color—after I bring a housekeeper back in for the first time on April 6. (I can’t wait!!!)
In the meantime, I found a super-fun fix: Inked by Dani’s Nail Art Tattoos. Sure, they’re basically the temporary tattoos our kids were obsessed with between pre-school and first or second grade—but I’m really into them for myself these days. (More than a year at home can change a person in ways they’d never imagine.)
I’m not the only one who’s regressed seven-or-so years. My 12-year-old nail-biting son doesn’t have enough surface area for one on his actual nail—but they’re safe for skin use, too. He asked for an alien on his middle finger, and promptly flicked me off as he walked out of the kitchen and upstairs to his “office” for history class. He thought that was really funny, and I’ll admit I did, too. At least we’re still laughing…
For the record, you can apply these over any nail polish for instant nail art that looks like you went to a professional. BRB, I think I need a yin-yang on my left pinkie.
