June 15, 2018
The app that builds a "clean" beauty routine for you, haircare that makes your shower look as good as your blow-out, and even more ways to "Orgasm" from NARS.
Customize a “clean” beauty routine
We’ve all become more aware of what we’re putting in and on our bodies—but some “clean” and “green” lines have limited offerings, especially for those of us accustomed to choosing from a seemingly infinite list of active ingredients and formulations. But with that said, these consciously-created brands are expanding at a rapid rate, making it easier and easier to find what we want without questionable chemicals. Just think about how far we’ve come in just the last few years!
If you’re someone who wants a comprehensive, professional-recommended skincare regimen without having to worry about potentially toxic ingredients, check out Beauty by Design because this new web-based service just might change the way you shop for clean skincare.
First, you take a little skin questionnaire and upload a selfie. Then, a licensed aesthetician will pick and choose from 250+ Beauty by Design products to create a customized regimen designed to meet your skin’s needs. Once you start using the products, you can stay in touch with your aesthetician–and adjust your routine if necessary.
All of Beauty by Design’s products are formulated with high-performance natural and/or organic ingredients so you definitely get peace of mind (at least in the skincare department)—and with more than 10,000 possible product combinations, you know you’re getting a regimen that’s (almost) as unique as you are!
These scents literally scream summer
My love affair with fragrance has been well-documented, and the only downside is that I periodically have to upgrade (or up-size) my perfume tray. If you had asked me about my summer 2018 scent wardrobe a month ago, I would have told you I was all set—but then I got a lovely surprise package from Kilian, and alas, I was on the hunt for a new space for my ever-expanding collection.
I tend to think of limited-edition scents as vacation flings—you know they aren’t going to last forever, but they sure are fun while they’re happening. This is the case with Kilian’s new Miami Vice collection. Inspired by Miami’s sun, surf and sexy style, “Love the Way You Taste” and “Love the Way You Feel” capture the Magic City’s vibe perfectly.
With notes of lemon, peppermint, green leaves and vetiver, “Love the Way You Taste” is a zesty, refreshing scent reminiscent of a mojito. (Sold!) While I would definitely wear this regularly myself, my husband really took a liking to it so it’s currently living on his side of the bathroom (but I have stolen a spritz here and there).
However, there’s no way I would share the “Love the Way You Feel.” A bold, beachy floral bursting with the scent of monoi oil (one of my all-time favorites), I found paradise in this bottle. The heady blend of bergamot, neroli, ylang ylang, coconut and vanilla reminds me of that sunscreen scent you only experience on vacation—and a sophisticated one at that.
While my summer romance with these limited-edition scents may just be heating up, I’m already dreading the end of our time together—so I may have to buy us some extra time by buying another bottle or two while I can.
A fresh take on haircare
It’s no secret that Americans are somewhat obsessed with other cultures (perhaps because things are so out of whack here). Between taking a French-girl approach to beauty and infusing our homes with Hygge, we’re looking afar to enhance our everyday lives. Lately I’ve been digging the Buddhist-inspired concept of Wabi-Sabi and its celebration of the beauty of imperfection. Even if this doesn’t turn out to be the path to Zen, is can help your hair thanks to NatureLab Tokyo.
Blending Japanese sensibility with natural actives, the latest technology and clinically-proven formulas, the brand offers four ranges to address a variety of hair types and concern. There’s Perfect Repair with bamboo stem cells argan oil and prickly pear oil, Perfect Smooth with argan stem cells, yuzu ceramides, quinoa and a blend of exotic oils (think argan, baobab and marula), Perfect Shine that eliminates dulling product buildup with grape stem cells, pearl extract and hyaluronic acid and Perfect Volume with apple stem cells, rice protein, soy protein and sakura extract.
Regardless of your hair goal (or goals), each of the four range gets glowing reviews from consumers, and statistically significant (and valid) improvement after 30 days. Even more, you won’t find any sulfates, parabens or phthalates in any of these beautifully-packaged products—which will totally help you Kondo your shower.
Because there’s no such thing as too much “Orgasm”
I wonder if Francois Nars ever imagined the ongoing frenzy that would ensure when he launched his now-famous “Orgasm” blush in 1999—and he’s given us additional ways to experience the mind-blowing shimmery peach shade over the past two decades, including The Multiple, Liquid Blush, Lip Gloss, Lipstick, Illuminator, Nail Polish and even a pinkier “Super Orgasm” range.
The existing "Orgasm" lineup.
Well if those weren’t stimulating enough for you, a new crop of “Orgasm” products just dropped. Just in time for summer, you can get your hands on an oversized blush, Illuminating Loose Powder, Lip Balm and a limited edition Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer.
The new "Orgasm" Lip Balm and Illuminating Powder.
Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?
The unexpected natural oils your skin needs right now
Facial oils are a wonderful way to nourish your skin, thanks to universal benefits like hydration and barrier strengthening. You’ll be hard-“pressed” (get it?) to find an oil blend without argan or jojoba, but there are countless other under-the-radar oils that that can be used to address specific skin concerns in addition to delivering much-needed moisture.
Shea Terra Organics recently launched three new unprocessed, unrefined products that give seldom-used oils the attention they deserve—and they all contribute to preservation efforts and promote economic sustainability for women in the regions where they are harvested, which makes them even better! (And these are just three of the 30+ oils in Shea Terra’s expansive collection!)
100% Pure Kenyan Green Tea Oil: We all know the health benefits of green tea, and now your skin can get in on the action even if you prefer to stick with coffee. Ideal for dry and more mature skin, this skin-softening, radiance-enhancing oil packs a major antioxidant punch to help shield skin from damage as it smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
100% Pure Andean Raspberry Oil: Bursting with vitamins A and B along with skin-strengthening linoleic acid, this oil is perfect for all skin types (including oily and acne-prone) that that need hydration and protection from the elements. And it actually smells like berries!
100% Pure Egyptian Cucumber Oil: A lightweight, fast-absorbing oil that provides soothing and antioxidant benefits that won’t clog pores, this option is fantastic for balancing acne-prone and reactive skin.
If you’re a fan of switching up your skincare routine to address specific concerns at specific times, these oils are a great way to start a facial oil “wardrobe.” And at just $24 each, you get a lot of bang for your beauty buck.