June 2, 2017

The products you need before and during any beach day, a sustainable way to remove makeup, my latest sample reviews and a good-looking toothbrush that makes oral care fun.

Hitting the beach this weekend? Don't leave home without these.

Memorial Day is (finally!) here, and fun in the sun is on your agenda this weekend, there are two things you absolutely, positively can’t leave home without: SPF and a natural-looking faux tan. Fortunately, there’s a new all-natural and organic line that has both of these holiday weekend musts for you—and it’s called Miami Gorgeous! 

Founded by two health-conscious beauty buffs, Miami Gorgeous offers products that really work—without potentially harmful chemicals like parabens and sulfates (and they happen to be gluten-free, too). First up is the LaPlaya Glow Self Tanning Mousse, which glides on like a dream. It’s tinted so you can see exactly where you’re applying it, and the unscented foam is also packed with good-for-your-skin argan, coconut and jojoba oils; vitamins A, C and D; and elderflower extract. I tried it a few nights ago before bed and loved the color I woke up to the next morning (with no tell-tale smell).

Once you get your tan on, you still need to protect your skin from the sun—and that’s where the LaPlaya Zinc Sun Stick SPF 30 comes in. This 100% physical zinc-based stick has already taken up residence in my beach bag because it’s perfect for touch-ups throughout the day (and my son doesn’t give me a hard time when it’s time to apply). In addition to UVA and UVB protection, you also get loads of hydration thanks to organic avocado and coconut oils. Trust me, you’ll want to have one on hand for spots like the nose, lips and ears that somehow always manage to burn.

Are you ready for Memorial Day weekend and the summer ahead? With this dynamic duo from Miami Gorgeous, at least your skin is!

Thoroughly remove your makeup with little to no effort

If you triple-cleanse (like me), it’s safe to assume you’ve removed just about all of your makeup by the time you’re ready to move on to your serums lotions and potions. But if you don’t, odds are there’s some foundation or mascara lingering around. The good news is, you don’t have to spend 10 minutes washing your face to get makeup-free… Get the Face Halo instead!

Ideal for those who like using wipes, this plush cloth disc is made with special fibers that are 100 times finer than a human hair. They grab onto makeup, dirt and anything else that comes in its way so it can be swept completely away. Simply wet the Face Halo and wipe—no cleanser required. From there, you can toss the pad into the laundry (each Face Halo can stand up to about 200 washings), which is why they come in convenient packs of three.

So not only is the Face Halo more effective than regular makeup-remover wipes, you get squeaky-clean skin (in a good way) with zero waste and minimal effort. Now you really have no excuse for going to bed with makeup on.

IBB sample reviews: May edition

I read A LOT of magazines, which means I get A LOT of samples each month—and this is in addition to the random products I pick up every time I make a trip to the mall. Sure, I save the shampoo and conditioner packets for travel, but I diligently try the serums, masks and other treatments not long after I tear them out of the latest Allure, Bazaar or Vogue. Here’s a little round-up of the latest ones I really loved…

Aveeno Positively Radiant 60 Second In-Shower Facial
Sometimes it can be hard to find the time to give yourself a DIY facial, but with this one-step product, you have no more excuses. A pretty close drugstore dupe for my beloved Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish, this hydrating exfoliating treatment goes to work on dullness, uneven skin tone, less-than-stellar texture, clogged pores and more—in less time than it takes to shave your legs. It’s a winner.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Wipes
Quite possibly the cleanser recommended most by dermatologists, Cetaphil has become a skincare staple—and now it’s available in a wipe for when you’re on the go, or just feeling lazy. Ideal for all skin types, including the most sensitive, it’s a good idea to have these on hand especially when your face feels sweaty and sticky after a day at the beach this summer.

Tarte Brighter Days Highlighting Moisturizer
I tend to be a purist when it comes to moisturizer, and I was a bit hesitant to try this one—especially when I saw how sparkly it was when I opened the packet. But alas, I was pleasantly surprised when the sparkle made my skin insanely radiant—with a hefty dose of hydration to boot. This is a great moisturizer option for summer when you don’t want to wear a lot of makeup but you still want to get your glow on.

I am way behind on my magazines, and the stack keeps growing… Stay tuned for more sample reviews once I have a chance to get through all the May and June issues!

Are you due for a new toothbrush?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t change your toothbrush every three months like you’re supposed to. Not only do the bristles lose their plaque-removing ability as they get flat and worn down, let’s just say the sanitary situation can get a little dicey as well. I’ve been a fan of Foreo’s Issa toothbrush for quite some time because its silicone bristles cut down the head-replacement time to just once a year, and it’s super-gentle on the gums while being super-effective at the same time.

If this sounds appealing to you—but you just don’t want to deal with replacement heads at all—check out the new Issa Play. Featuring silicone bristles to protect your gums plus PBT polymer bristles to get rid of every last bit of pesky plaque on your teeth, this sonic toothbrush is designed to deliver 800 uses before you have to change the battery. (The original Issa is rechargeable.) And at a mere $49—which is significantly less than other electric toothbrushes out there—this advanced Swedish technology (and modern design) give you a lot to smile about.