March 22, 2019

Stick it to zits and dark spots, the face and eyeshadow primers to try right now, Alterna's Caviar line gets a makeover and fanny packs galore.

Peace Out sticks it to dark spots, zits and more

I’ve always had a thing for stickers… From scratch-and-sniff and puffy stickers to those oil-filled, color-changing ones and Lisa Frank (of course), this was a major part of my childhood—but I haven’t given up my love for all-things adhesive. I have a stash of Glossier, Charlotte Tilbury and crystal-embellished llamas, and I love to slap on a Body Vibes patch from time to time. But perhaps the most useful stickers in my collection are the ones I stash in my medicine cabinet, namely Missha’s Speedy Solution Anti Trouble patches for zits.

So imagine my elation when I discovered Peace Out, a brand that is totally devoted to stickers for your most pressing beauty concerns. You’ll find your basic salicylic acid Acne Dots, pore-purifying blackhead strips, patches for puffy eyes—and two kits that give you a little of everything. But perhaps the most intriguing are the new Dark Spots. Featuring microneedles that deliver niacinamide, licorice extract and tranexamic acid in targeted areas in need of brightening, you can expect visible fading when used twice a week for two weeks. I just ordered a box to try on “Spot” (the stubborn dark patch on my left cheek that ebbs and flows depending on the products I’m using at any given time but never completely goes away), and I can’t wait to see what happens. Stay tuned…

The primers you need to preserve your makeup

If you don’t think you need a primer to help your makeup stay put, you probably haven’t tried the right one—yet. This extra pre-application step rarely gets the recognition it deserves, even though it goes a long way for preventing makeup from settling into fine lines and other nooks and crannies, or basically sliding off your face. Yes, there are plenty of options to choose from, including color-correcting primers as well as products designed to hydrate, mattify and more. But one new primer has beauty buffs buzzing, and it’s Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer.

There’s so much going on in this novel primer that I almost don’t know where to start. In addition to giving all skin types and tones a steady all-day stream of hydrating ingredients like aloe water and hyaluronic acid with just two pumps, it owes its priming power to blue agave extract, which forms an invisible layer on the skin for makeup to stick to—but you need to give it one minute to dry for optimal grip. This dreamy gel also has a slight green tint that dries to a crystal-clear finish—and you can wear it sans foundation if you want to try the whole glassy-skin look.

I’m a big believer in eyelid primer as well, and I’ve been using Tom Ford’s Eye Primer Duo for YEARS. This pot features a flesh-toned cream that you apply first to help even out skin tone, and a translucent powder in the cap that dust over your lids afterwards. Together, they work to minimize creasing and maximize your shadow’s staying power. I am consistently impressed with how good my eyes look when I get home at the end of a long day (or night) after using this primer—and I don’t ever see myself using anything else.

One of our favorite haircare brands got a makeover

I can’t recall when I first tried Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging line, but I do remember being obsessed with the Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-In Overnight Serum during my platinum days. In the years since our relationship began, the Caviar Anti-Aging range has grown to include targeted collections geared toward repair, hydration, frizz-smoothing, volume, color, thickening and professional-grade styling—and the latter line recently underwent an overhaul to bring it more in line with its other strand-improving siblings.

In addition to a new look, the collection now includes three additional products. First is the brand-new High Hold Finishing Spray (which will be available any day now), and this is at the top of my list for when it’s time to replenish my hairspray stash since we all need coif control minus the stiff, crunchy feel from time to time. This collection renovation also brings back two Alterna favorites—Grit Paste and Concrete Clay—which some of you may have been stalking eBay for since they were discontinued. The Grit Paste is a medium-hold, shine-imparting paste that’s perfect for when you want to rake your hair back with your fingers (and help keep it there), while the Concrete Clay provides major hold, texture and separation with a matte finish that’s great for loose braids, messy buns and other looks that are meant to look undone even though they are.

The collection also features just about every other type of styling product you could possibly need from salt spray and blow-out balm to texture spray, dry shampoo and even a setting spray for those of you who use rollers (and more). If you’re considering a new look for spring and new styling products are in order, definitely consider this collection!

I succumbed to the fanny pack (and it’s on sale!)

Back in January, I got an unexpected (and way overdue) visit from my camp friend, Sara, who lives in L.A. Beyond all of the usual catching up (i.e. family, work, life in general), fanny packs were discussed—a lot—and the conversation continued over an often-funny text thread over the weeks to come.  

For the record, I bought a tan perforated leather Clare V. fanny pack (or belt bag, if that’s what you’d prefer to call it) about three years ago, and it’s come in handy on a number of occasions. (See a similar version here.) It’s great for cinching billowy dresses and, of course, holding the bare essentials like my wallet, phone, a few lip options and keys. But throughout all of this recent fanny-pack talk, I found myself leaning in a more utilitarian direction—which is why I bookmarked these Ganni and A.P.C. versions.

I ultimately wound up buying this Opening Ceremony one because the price was right (and I bought this Ganni hat, so I didn’t want to get all matchy-matchy)—and I’ve barely taken it off since.

First, it holds a lot for a fanny pack, and there are several slots and compartments. (The exterior zippered pocket is the perfect size for my phone and makes it easily accessible.) Second, I love being hands-free. Like LOVE it.  

The only downside: My husband and son make fun of me non-stop. “How’s your fanny pack, Mom?” “Oh, hi, fanny pack.” “Again with the fanny pack?” You get the point. But guess what? They can both suck it and now that I have two free hands, they better watch out.

P.S. The Opening Ceremony fanny pack is on sale at Shopbop for $37.50! If you’ve been thinking about trying this trend, go get it while you still can!