January 18, 2019

M.A.C. takes the guesswork out of makeup prep, my love for collapsible-heel loafers, a new oil-based skincare ingredient to go nuts for and getting back to the basics with Juice Beauty.

All the makeup prep essentials you need in one super set

I’m willing to bet that you have at least one M.A.C product in your makeup bag, and there’s no denying that this pro-beloved brand is a perennial go-to for everything under the cosmetic sun. With so many skin-prepping options that help get your application off on the right foot, I’ve even had a hard time deciding on which would suit me best—but now we can try all the best-sellers with the launch of the On-The-Go Prep Set.

Packed with miniature versions of the essentials you need to create a flawless canvas for your makeup, here’s what you get: 

Prep + Prime Fix+: This hydrating mist can be used before makeup to soothe and smooth, and after application as a setting spray to extend the life of your makeup.

Strobe Cream in “Pinklite”: Everyone needs this moisturizing radiance-enhancing cream, and it can be mixed into moisturizer or foundation to boost your overall glow or used on its own as a highlighter.

Prep + Prime Lip: Offering long-lasting hydration, don’t even think about wearing matte lipstick without using this first.

Prep + Prime Natural Radiance in “Radiant Yellow”: This primer is ideal for days when you need a little help in the oil control and radiance departments.

Even if these products are already part of your application process, this set offers the perfect opportunity to snatch up travel-friendly versions so your makeup look is on point whether you’re at home or on the go.

These shoes are double the fun

Let it be known—I have a thing for shoes (who doesn’t?) and practicality is not a pre-requisite for purchase. But with that said, I’ve pretty much accepted that my drop-off, pick-up, work-from-home lifestyle doesn’t exactly justify spending my hard-earned cash on sky-high statement heels anymore. Coming to terms with this fact has definitely impacted my shoe-shopping and is partially responsible for my latest obsession: Collapsible-heel loafers. 

Essentially two pairs of shoes in one since you can wear them as a loafer or a mule, I instantly fell in love with Isabel Marant’s Feeny loafers the first time I saw them after the Fall ’18 collections dropped. Since spending almost $700 on a pair of shoes is well outside of my comfort zone, I added them to my “wish list” on multiple sites, including Matches, Net-A-Porter, My Theresa, Bergdorf’s, ShopBop and, of course, Shop Style. I stalked these shoes to the point that if it were possible for them to get a restraining order, they would have. Then the holiday sales started and I watched and watched, and finally caved (with much sizing uncertainty) when they were 50% off simply out of fear that they would be gone forever. For the record, I have absolutely no regrets about this purchase, and they are actually on my feet (in heel-up position) as I write this.

Once I experienced the joy that is a collapsible-heel loafer, I needed a pair in black, natch. I stumbled upon Vince’s Harris loafer in an amazing textured patent leather and promptly ordered from ShopBop only to discover that Vince shoes run WAY big. They went back, and I managed to find them at Bergdorf’s in a 7.5 (I range from an 8.5 US to 40 EU), and they wound up working out perfectly. Thank goodness, because they were totally sold out everywhere else.

So the point of this long-winded ode to collapsible-heel loafers is that you get more bang for your buck since you can wear them in two ways and dress them up or down. But the real question is, does this mean I can spend twice as much as I’d usually feel comfortable paying for a shoe when I fall in love with another pair?

A new nut to know about

Every now and again a new skincare ingredient comes to light, and it makes me appreciate the beauty bounty that nature has to offer. Although all eyes have been on Asia in recent years (and unique Eastern imports such as snail slime and rice ferments), Africa is a newly-tapped beauty resource that has yet to disappoint.

Case in point: Nilotica. This nut-based oil is a close relative of shea butter, yet it has been found to have a higher concentration of oleic acid, which helps hydrate the skin, prevent moisture loss and protect against free-radical damage with antioxidants. Nilotica also happens to be the star ingredient in LXMI’s range of skincare products—and I had a chance to try two of them.

The first was the Crème du Nil, which has become my moisturizer of choice when I take a mid-day post-workout shower. Super-lightweight yet majorly hydrating, it leaves my skin soft, smooth and plump without interfering with any sunscreen or makeup I apply afterwards. In addition to LXMI’s organic nilotica from Uganda (which is extracted via a special process that yields a creamy texture and preserves its nutrient content), this hydrator also features hibiscus flower acids for gentle exfoliation plus vanilla for additional anti-aging benefits.

After seeing the skin-smoothing results after just one application of the moisturizer, I was excited to try the Deep Hydration Sheet Mask. Super-saturated with nilotica and a blend of nourishing, antioxidant-rich essential oils, it provides significant improvement in skin moisture, smoothness, plumpness while giving skin an overall healthy glow. Not only is it great as a pre-going-out pick-me-up since it creates a lovely canvas for makeup, the $8 price makes it both a splurge for your skin and a “save” for your wallet.

I’m definitely keeping an eye on the ingredients and products coming out of Africa, and I predict we’ll see a lot more options in 2019. Stay tuned for updates!

Back to the makeup basics

After what seems to be the longest holiday break in history (and my son doesn’t even go back to school until TOMORROW), I have a major case of beauty burnout. Between more out-of-town visitors and get-togethers than I can even remember without looking back at my iCal, I need a break. I haven’t blow-dried my hair or put on a full face of makeup this much since, well, last holiday break. (December is like awards season for Floridians.)

So, I’ve made a vow to keep my personal maintenance to a minimum for a while, but that definitely doesn’t mean I’ll be eschewing the makeup altogether. It means I’m paring down, and keeping things simple by using concealer just where I need it, no-tools-necessary sticks for a subtle pop of color on my cheeks and eyes, a light swipe of mascara and a tinted lip balm. Fortunately for me, I received Juice Beauty’s Phyto-Pigments Luminous Lip Crayon in “Montara” a few weeks ago, and the timing couldn’t have been better.

This chubby pencil looks super-pigmented, but alas, it’s not. Instead you get a slight berry stain and not-too-glossy sheen in a super-moisturizing formula. (It can be layered for more color payoff.) Featuring plant-derived pigments, fruit stem cells for skincare benefits, cold-pressed oils for nourishment and hydration, and a base of organic botanicals (instead of petroleum and the like), it’s also a “clean” way to go. If you feel like you need a beauty break too, it’s just what the doctor (or makeup artist) ordered to get back to business for the new year.