June 7, 2019

Patrick Ta's secret for effortlessly glowy skin, seriously-smoothing haircare, Lululemon does skincare and an oh-so-summer Glow Recipe facial mist.

Slide into the weekend with otherworldly skin

When I sat down to write today’s post, one thing became crystal clear: I’m all about glowy skin right now. (If you are too, check out Monday’s spotlight on Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist.) However, today’s product pick falls under the makeup category—and if you love the light-catching radiance of a highlighter but don’t want to deal with strategically placing it, Patrick Ta’s Major Glow Highlighting Mist is for you.

Essentially luminosity in a fool-proof mist form, the delicate aerosol spray is the final glow-boosting step you need once you’re done with your makeup. Available in three shades (White Pearl, Pink Pearl and Gold Pearl) it’s also ideal for your shoulders, décolletage and legs when you’re showing off some skin this summer. And if you want to get really glam, I recommend picking up the Major Glow Setting Fan (below) while you’re at it.

This shampoo and conditioner give me the best blowout EVER

I have a soft spot for indie brands, and I’m always one to try products I may not have heard of before. I’m discovered quite a few gems that have become “regulars” in my rotation over the years, and the latest to be added to that list is OMM Collection. 

I wouldn’t ordinarily opt for a “thickening” shampoo or conditioner since I usually try to minimize my hair’s volume, but when an old PR friend sent me OMM’s Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, I figured I didn’t have anything to lose. Infused with apple stem cell extracts, these products are designed to protect hair follicles from the effects of aging, stimulate the scalp for healthy hair growth and reinforce each and every hair shaft.  

As to be expected with a sulfate-free shampoo, there’s little to no suds—but I’ve found that a double-shampoo helps wash away every last trace of oil and dry shampoo despite the lack of lather. The conditioner glides on beautifully and provides instant detangling (it’s SO easy to comb through), and it easily rinses away to leave my hair smooth and feeling healthier than ever.

The real test came when I blow-dried my hair after using these products for the first time. Some shampoos and conditioners leave my hair looking like a giant fluff ball that requires a straightening iron to smooth things over—but not these. I don’t even need to subject my hair to the extra heat when I use the OMM Collection products and I can almost hear my hair whisper thank you when I wrap up my styling routine.  

As if this weren’t good enough, I also find my hair stays smooth and soft without getting greasy by the next day (or the day after). OMM Collection is proof that the best of beauty isn’t necessarily in every magazine, featured on your favorite website or on the shelves of Sephora—and that taking a chance on an under-the-radar brand can really pay off.

Lululemon wants to fill your gym bag with products, too

Let’s face it… Lululemon is a big reason it’s now acceptable to wear workout pants all day, every day, even if we have no plans to hit the gym. I’m not saying this is a bad thing because nothing beats being comfortable—and now the performance-gear behemoth is setting their sights on your personal-care products. 

Lululemon Selfcare quietly launched this spring with a small edit of five products that are sure so come in handy after a sweat session, and throughout your day. There’s the Basic Balm for lips, aluminum-free (antiperspirant-free) Anti-Stink Deodorant, Featherweight Dry Shampoo, Sweat Reset Mask Cleanser (which doesn’t have a working dedicated product webpage) and Sweat Reset Face Moisturizer.

What I don’t understand is that you can’t order these products online (at least yet), and I haven’t been in one of the stores lately to see if they’re available for purchase in person. Has anyone seen them—or better yet, has anyone tried them?

I can't stop thinking about this face mist

Memorial Day 2019 came and went, and although it wasn’t exactly like one of the Hamptons holiday weekends from my former life, I’m not complaining. I got quality family time in the form of lunch on the beach and a pool party for three (with mind-numbing amounts of camp shopping and packing in between), but I wish we had worked in some grilling. For some reason I’m really craving a backyard-made burger—and watermelon—which is probably why I need Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist.

I tried this a few months ago (I can’t remember where) and totally regret not buying it, but I couldn’t justify the purchase since I have several face mists around the house and in my office that are to the to-try queue. Obviously the scent is why I’m thinking about it now, but I can still feel the ultra-fine cloud-like mist settling on my skin like a soft kiss. Upon revisiting the product online I learned it’s actually made with 84% watermelon plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and radiance-enhancing hibiscus alpha-hydroxy acids—and a gentle pre-spritz shake combines the dual-phase, oil-meets-water formula.

If you haven’t tried any of Glow Recipe’s products, you’re missing out on one of the best Korean skincare lines around at the moment—and I’ve decided that if we don’t grill this weekend (or if I forget to get watermelon when I make my next trip to Publix) I’m ordering this mist right away so I can get my fix.