September 8, 2017
Clinique's new gym-friendly skincare (and makeup), a luxe line of scents for your home and yourself, Surratt Beauty makes it easy to get a perfect smoky eye, and Honest Beauty tackles acne and aging.
Gym-friendly makeup (and skincare)
Wearing makeup while working out is a hotly-debated topic, and you’re basically either in or out. Personally, I wear a tinted sunscreen for a touch of coverage (and sun protection, natch) and mascara—but this counts as no-makeup makeup, right? If you want to wear more, that’s your right—and you might want to check out the new CliniqueFIT range of products.
Designed for active ladies who want to look their best without sacrificing the health of their skin, these high-performance offerings have you covered both during and after your sweat session. On the makeup front, the Workout Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 40 delivers medium matte-finish coverage and 12-hour sweat- and humidity-resistant wear (and you can wear it when you’re not exercising, too). Top with the not-yet-available Lip+Cheek Flush and Workout 24-Hour Mascara and you have a pretty, polished look that doesn’t look like tried too hard.
You’re obviously going to shower after getting all schvitzy, and this range includes your post-workout essentials as well. The Post-Workout Face+Body Cleansing Swipes don’t require running water, yet they leave skin refreshed and ready for whatever’s next on your to-do list. Since we all know it’s essential to keep skin hydrated (especially after a lot of sweating), the Post-Workout Mattifying Moisturizer does just this while controlling oil and shine. And for those of you who experience post-exercise flushing (which is rather inconvenient when you have an 8am meeting), the Post-Workout Neutralizing Face Powder takes redness down a few notches—and the built-in applicator makes it easy to use and mess-free.
So whether you’re pro- or anti-makeup at the gym, at least one of these makeup and skincare basics deserves a place in your gym bag—or any of your bags for that matter.
Start September by surrounding yourself with a new scent
With September upon us, and cooler Fall temperatures (hopefully) not too far behind, your makeup bag and wardrobe aren’t the only things that need a refresh. Since my obsession with scent extends beyond my body, I always start a new season with new olfactory ambience in the form of candles and diffusers—and this year I think I’m going with Saigon-based Cochine, which has hit the U.S. just in time (for me, at least).
Well-known in Europe and Asia, there’s a story behind every scent in this luxurious collection, and here’s the breakdown:
Vietnamese Rose & Delentii: FYI, this is an orchid indigenous to Vietnam—I had to Google it.
Tuberose & Wild Fig: Delish.
Vanille & Tabac Noir: Sounds sexy…
White Jasmine & Gardenia: Saving this one for Spring.
Agarwood & Amber: My husband would be way into this one.
Frangipani & Neroli: Need. This. Now.
Juniper & Ginger: Not really my jam.
Water Hyacinth & Lime Blossom: Also bookmarked for Spring.
In addition to candles (standard size, 4-wick and travel-sized votives), the line also includes reed diffusers—and everything is packaged so beautifully that they are ready to gift (no wrapping required). And in case you’re wondering what the beauty “hook” is here, select scents are available in Eau de Parfum atomizer trios, hand washes and lotions—so you can coordinate your scent with your surroundings.
I mean, how gorgeous are these? If you haven’t started a holiday list (for yourself or others) yet, get on it and put Cochine at the very top!
A smoky eye has never been easier
If you’re intimidated by a smoky eye, you’re definitely not alone. I used to leave this look for the rare occasion when I would have my makeup done by a pro, but then I found a product that made it easy as could be—and of course it was discontinued. BUT, it was brought back to life by Surratt Beauty in the form of the Smoky Eye Baton, and I promise, promise, promise you’ll never shy away from trying your hand at this bold look yourself again.
With a soft shadow-infused sponge on one end (the actual product lives in the cap so it’s ready to go as soon as you open it) and a super-blendable coordinating liner on the other, you don’t even need any extra tools to achieve a sexy, sultry look. First, use the liner to scribble on your lower lid, getting as close to your lashes as possible—and don’t even worry about being neat. Then, use the sponge to blend the liner and shadow, taking it up to just above the crease. There isn’t even a need for additional tools (although a fluffy brush can help feather out the color for a more ombre effect as you get higher on your lid).
You can never go wrong with a basic black (or brown or navy or purple or taupe), but this season’s new shades—silver, copper and burgundy—feel really fresh and make a statement all their own.
These magic wands truly take the guesswork out of creating a smoky eye, but Surratt Beauty’s founder, Troy Surratt, offers a few extra tips:
Do your eyes before your other makeup so it’s easy to clean up without disturbing foundation.
Prep your eyelids with a primer for maximum blendability and longevity.
Primer also provides a brightening effect by neutralizing any red or purple tones—and really helps color pop.
Once you see how easy a smoky eye can be, you won’t be able to stop at one color—and I think the new copper “Etincelle” is calling my name… Is it fall yet?
Concerned about aging, breakouts and questionable ingredients?
Assembling a skincare regimen that addresses visible signs of aging (like fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration) without bring on blemishes can be a challenge. Anti-aging products are often too rich (which leads to clogged pores) while anti-acne products can cause excessive dryness. And if you like to stick to natural products, well, that makes it even harder to find an effective mix. If this sounds like you (and your skin), check out Honest Beauty’s new Younger + Clearer collection, which has you (and all of the above covered).
Featuring all plant-derived ingredients—including a safe, clean retinol—this just might be the key to youthful, blemish-free skin (without spending a week’s salary. Featuring the Resurfacing Gel Cleanser, Clarifying Toner, Nourishing Lotion, Night Serum with Honestly Pure Retinol and Spot-On Remedy, this range has all the skincare basics covered. And if you want to give it a whirl before buying the full-sizes, the Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Regimen Kit is the perfect place to start. I can’t promise you’ll wake up the next morning looking like Jessica Alba, but this is a “clean” beauty option that tackles two common skin concerns at once.