November 2, 2018

All the home gym gear you need for $45, a new flat-iron to try (if you need one) and a powerful serum that hits the (dark) spot(s).

Massage your way to younger-looking skin

If you keep up on your Instagram feed (and follow beauty companies or influencers), you’ve probably realized that face rollers are the skincare tool du jour. In this case, I’m not talking about microneedling rollers, but rather jade, quartz and other stone-based implements that work to smooth the look of lines and depuff congested areas such as under the eyes.

Though I haven’t had a chance to try this trend for myself, I now have a legitimate reason to thanks to Elemis’ Peptide 24/7 Amethyst Face Roller Collection. In addition to a double-sided amethyst roller that I really wish I could rub on my face right this second, you also get full sizes of the Peptide4 Night Recovery Cream-Oil and new Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream, plus a travel-sized Thousand Flower Mask (all in pretty purple pouch). And BTW, these products would cost $199 if purchased individually, but you can get the set for $115.

Just keep in mind that this is a special offering for Holiday 2018 (I know, I’m in denial about the holidays, too) so get it while you can!

No gym? No problem.

We’ve all come up with some crazy excuses for not working out (myself included), but sometimes there really aren’t enough hours in the day (or there’s another truly valid reason). I’ve been known to do a YouTube mat Pilates video or simply step outside and take a brisk walk when I just physically get to my studio, but I’m thinking I might want to expand my at-home workout options with Kichgo.

Basically a gym in a bag that weighs less than two pounds (so you can also take it with you when you travel), it contains all the equipment for workouts ranging from yoga and Pilates to HIIT, circuit training and more. Here’s what’s in it:

• 2 resistance bands (light and medium)

• 1 set of resistance band handles

• 1 resistance ankle/booty band

• 1 set of dual-sided sliders

• 3 resistance loops (light, medium and heavy)

• 1 inflatable Pilates Core ball (with inflation device)

• 1 jump rope

• 1 door anchor

If you’re a workout novice, you’re probably asking yourself, what do I do with all this stuff? Fret not, because you also get access to 20 downloadable videos that utilize the equipment. Ranging from five to 30 minutes each and focusing on yoga, Pilates, circuit training and focused strengthening, there’s certainly no chance of boredom here—and no more excuses for not squeezing at least a little exercise every day.

P.S. The bag and videos will only set you back $65 (a steal!) but if you only want the equipment, it can be yours for $45.

Good vibrations—for your hair

There are a lot of flat-iron options out there, and between the different plate materials, setting capabilities and price points it can be hard to decide which is best for you. Technologies abound as well, but I bet you’ve never seen a vibrating flat iron—and you’re probably wondering why you’d ever need or want this feature.

Recently launched at Nordstrom (and created by celebrity stylist David Babaii), N:P Beautiful’s Flat Iron comes complete with curved ceramic-coated plates and a no-slip ergonomic handle—plus a vibrating function that can be turned on and off. This unique addition shuffles the hair back and forth to reduce tugging and pulling, in turn giving you even straightening without unwanted dents or lines.

I haven’t tried it, but I’m definitely intrigued… What about you?

A powerful pick-me-up for your skin

Discoloration and uneven skin tone can add years to your visage—even if you’re completely line- and wrinkle-free. Although I don’t have major pigment issues, I do have one stubborn small patch about the size of a pencil eraser on my left check, which I’ve named it “Spot.” The best thing about “Spot” is that he (or she) is a great gauge for how well a skin-brightening product works. An effective serum or cream sends “Spot” into hibernation after a few weeks, but he/she always comes back if I stop using it.

I’ve been using Replenix Brightening Boost Pigment Correcting Cream for about 10 days, and I can definitely say I’m seeing less of “Spot.” This treatment is interesting in that it’s meant to be applied both morning and night—but in different ways depending on the time of day. In the morning, I use one pump as my final step before sunscreen, and at night I apply two or three pumps immediately after my retinoid and allow it to sink in for a half-hour or so before applying other serums and creams.

For any of you who may be weary of skin-brightening treatments, this one is hydroquinone-free—and relies on a potent blend of arbutin and hexylresorcinol to fade pesky pigment. It’s also formulated with a special peptide that promotes exfoliation (in turn helping your skin shed dark or damaged cells faster) and a blend of botanical extracts that provide antioxidant protection. As an added plus, it contains hydrating glycerin so I (personally) don’t need to apply moisturizer after I use it in the morning.  

In addition to “Spot” getting harder to see, my overall skin tone has improved as well—so much so that I’ve been able to get away with wearing just a tinted sunscreen (and no tinted moisturizer) as I go about my day. I’m still getting used to skipping that part of my makeup routine, but it’s a small price to pay for healthier, fresher-looking skin!