June 9, 2017

It Cosmetics' travel-sized products serve so many purposes, blot the frizz away with these innovative sheets, more sunscreens to add to your list and Pixi Beauty's affordable skin tint for everyday.

Good (beauty) things come in small packages

Confession: I always check a bag, even if I’m just going away for a weekend. Why? Because of my beauty products, of course. It’s really all the TSA’s fault, because that 3-ounce rule just doesn’t do it for me, and I’m not willing to leave my favorites at home. It’s a good thing I’m a huge fan of It Cosmetics, because their best-sellers come in travel-friendly sizes that you can toss into your carry-on (or gym bag or purse) so you look gorgeous no matter where you’re headed.

The photo above shows all the brand’s perfectly-portable products, but I made a list of my favorites:

Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+ Travel Size

Travel Size Bye Bye Under Eye™ Anti-Aging Concealer 

P.S. This travel-sized tube will last you FOREVER.

Brow Power™ Universal Eyebrow Pencil Mini 

No-Tug™ Waterproof Anti-Aging Gel Eyeliner

Confidence in a Cream™ Travel Size  

Je Ne Sais Quoi™ Lip Treatment in Rose 

28 days until I'll be on a beach in St. Maarten—and I’ll have lots of extra room in my bag (to bring back French beauty booty from St. Barth's) thanks to all of the above!

A new weapon in the fight against frizz

Come summer (or year-round here in South Florida), frizz is a fact of life for just about all of us. From pre-styling serums and post-styling potions to in-salon treatments, we’ve tried it all in an effort to shield our hair from the effects of humidity. That’s why it’s a good day when I come across a totally different way to tame fuzziness and flyaways without weighing my hair down.

Meet Nunzio Saviano’s Anti-Frizz Sheets, which let you touch-up and calm down your hair anytime and anywhere. These individually-wrapped cloths are infused with a conditioning blend of coconut oil and non-sticky frizz-fighting polymers that instantly smooth and add shine to your hair. Ideal for travel and when you’re on the go, you’ll never look like a hot mess again—or at least your hair won’t!

MORE new sunscreens to try this summer...

There’s no such thing as too much sun protection, which is why I tend to write about A LOT of sunscreens this time of year. (The fact that beauty brands are all about launching their latest and greatest UV-shielding innovations just before summer probably has something to do with it, too.) The last ones I featured were from Miami Gorgeous (last week) Supergoop’s buzz-worthy mousse (four weeks ago), and I have another four that I’m itching to share, so here goes.

Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35 ($34)
When Glossier launches a product, it usually sells out in minutes (really), so I have to admit I’m shocked you can still get your hands on this. Bound to be found in just about every beach bag on the East End of Long Island this summer, this innovative formula promises no greasy, no white cast and skin that feels like it’s not wearing sunscreen at all. The water-gel formula is also enhanced with antioxidants and sweet orange oil for a fresh, naturally derived fragrance. I’m not-so-secretly hoping it shows up on my doorstep one of these days…

Eau Thermale Avene Complexion Correcting Shield SPF 50+ ($34)
As much as it pains me to admit, I’m not going many places without at least a little tinted moisturizer these days—beach club included. Fortunately we have so many tinted sunscreen options that there’s never a need to choose between sun protection and an even complexion—and the newest from Avene is no exception. (See what I did there?) This amazing all-in-one formula relies on 100% mineral UV filters, offers medium to full yet natural looking coverage, has a blurring effect that minimizes imperfections, hydrates and serves up antioxidant protection. It’s just what you need to look polished poolside (and not scare any children).

Pacifica Suncare ($3.99-$15.99)
Vegan beauty buffs rejoice, because this go-to brand has introduced sun protection, including the first mineral-based continuous SPF 50 spray—which also comes in a bronzing formula for those who haven’t made the jump from pale person to golden goddess just yet. The collection also includes a stick and lotion for face, SPF 30 for body, and clear and tinted lip protection that has you covered from head to toe.

Hint Sunscreen ($24)
If you’re a fan of Hint Water, you’ll be happy to know you can now get SPF to go along with your refreshing beverage. These SPF 30 sprays are infused with grapefruit, pear or pineapple “flavor,” making them a summertime treat for all the senses. These formulas do contain chemical-based UV filters, which isn’t a bad thing although it may sound like it. In fact, many derms recommend avo-, octo- and octi- UV-shielding ingredients for extended periods of time in the sun. They’re also packed with aloe, fruit extracts and other delicious-sounding ingredients—and free of oxybenzone and parabens.

So these should hold you through the next few weekends… Which do you want to try first?

I found the ideal around-the-house complexion perfector

I work from home, so sometimes I’ll go to the gym or driving range in the morning, come home and shower, and kind of forget to put on makeup if the only other reason I have to leave the house for the rest of the day is to pick up my son from school.

I’ve told the world (or at least whoever’s listening) the AmorePacific’s Color Control Cushion Compact is my go-to for a virtually-effortless flawless-looking complexion, but sometimes my conscience makes its presence known when blotting it on for three minutes of facetime (with no one significant—other than my child). Alas, I descended upon the beauty closet to find something that would make me look a little less makeup-less without having to go through the whole process—or wasting pricey product. And I found the solution: Pixi Beauty’s H20 Skin Tint.

This product was on heavy rotation this past holiday weekend, since we had a houseguest and spent a lot of time around the house—and full-on makeup wasn’t called for. Even lighter than a tinted moisturizer, this gel transforms into a water-like consistency upon contact with the skin, leaving a fresh, cooling sensation and a surprisingly even skin tone without feeling like you’re wearing anything at all. And with only 3 available shades, it’s pretty hard to pick the wrong one.

So if you’re looking for hydration and just a touch of coverage that’s perfect for both at-home and out-and-about (and only $24), consider this your summer skin savior.