September 21, 2018

A safe (and sweet) path to better sleep, L'Oreal and Isabel Marant team up(!) and hyaluronic acid serums for every budget.

A natural way to stay awake and fall asleep

After a summer of very limited interaction with children (a.k.a. walking petri dishes), it seems I caught that “back-to-school” cold. I’m sitting here trying to make the most of my DayQuil high before I crash and have to get back into bed—so it felt appropriate to share a wellness-related product today. I didn’t exactly have the best night’s sleep last night, so I really wish I had some of Nerium’s Wellness Chews to offset the side effects of this cold.

With an Energy Formula and a Sleep Formula, these supplements work together to get your circadian rhythm in check so you’re more alert during the day and able to sleep better at night. The daytime-chew ingredients include gotu kola to fight fatigue and enhance cognition plus a dash of tea-derived caffeine, while the nighttime chews feature tryptophan (hello, post-Thanksgiving coma), calming chamomile and sleep-regulating melatonin. Both formulas rely on a Circadiaplex Complex of the adaptogen ashwagnda, gotu kola and reishi mushroom to help your body resist the unsavory side effects of stress, which as we know messes EVERYTHING up, day and night.

The chews are vegetarian, and free of dairy, soy, fish, nuts, eggs, gluten and artificial colors—so just about anyone can use them, regardless of dietary restriction. And with that, I’m getting back under the covers. Any good Netflix recommendations?

The next designer makeup collab to snatch up

Google “French girl beauty” and you’ll find no shortage of tips and products that help you achieve an utterly effortless look, and a new collaboration between L’Oreal Paris and Isabel Marant is about to make it so, so easy. Pre-launching online on September 19 (and then at L’Oreal Paris points-of-sale and Isabel Marant stores in tandem with the designers Paris fashion show on September 27), start making room in your makeup bag now.

The limited-edition collection features seven matte lipsticks, a dramatic eyeshadow palette, a highlighting cream-to-powder and a multipurpose gloss for lips and cheeks. But perhaps the most French-girl offering of all is a clear mascara that leaves a slightly wet-looking finish that can be used on the brows as well.

I’ll surely be keeping an eye out for this wallet-friendly collection… What about you?

Save vs. Splurge: Hyaluronic acid serum

It will feel like fall eventually, and as soon as that day comes, drier skin is likely to follow shortly thereafter. For those of you who aren’t down with buying an entirely new skincare routine for cooler weather, there’s a relatively simple way to give your skin the extra moisture it needs: A hyaluronic acid serum. There’s no shortage of options out there at a variety of price points, and here are two that are sure to keep your skin happy and healthy until warmer temperatures roll around again—regardless of your budget.

Splurge: SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier ($98)
Ideal for all skin types, this serum does more than deliver a mega-dose of hyaluronic acid. It also contains Proxylane to visibly plump up the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps your skin feel firmer, and the serum-gel formula absorbs quickly, won’t pill if you apply other products afterwards and it leaves skin soft, smooth and primed for makeup. You can also use it on its own as moisturizer if your skin is on the oily side, or in conjunction with moisturizer if you’re on the drier side.

Save: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($29.50)
This may be a less expensive option, but it definitely doesn’t scrimp on hydration. You get skin replenishment courtesy of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, and the lightweight water-gel texture absorbs in a flash. Perfect for all types of skin (including sensitive), you also get improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and skin radiance—in addition to extra moisture, of course.

If you’re sticking to your usual skincare routine and just kicking up the hydration with a hyaluronic acid serum, it goes without saying that cooler weather doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen (and you can always switch to a more hydrating formula if your skin is super-thirsty!)