June 28, 2019

The prettiest CBD-infused candle you ever did see, my summer-proof no-makeup makeup look, natural skincare that delivers real results and BeautyCounter sunscreens that make your skin look amazing.

Yet another way to get your CBD fix

There are countless ways to reap the calming, soothing, pain-relieving benefits of CBD, including gummies, body lotions, facial oils, capsules, tinctures, lip gloss and well beyond. But as we all know, the OG means of CBD (and THC) delivery is inhalation—but I bet you never thought a candle could do the trick. Truth be told, I didn’t either, which is why I had a few questions for the publicist who reached out to me about YIELD’s new Black Dahlia collection of CBD-infused luminaries.

Apparently aromatherapy isn’t just for essential oils, and it’s one of the oldest (and most studied) means of reaping the benefits of myriad botanicals—including the terpines in cannabis. In fact, the path from the nose to the brain is jam-packed with cannabinoid receptors, which makes a candle an ideal way to partake in CBD’s benefits.

I received the Ambrosia candle (with notes of rose water, amber and myrhh) which features 150mg of CBD plus 50mg of CBG (another type of cannabinoid with similar benefits). I was also sent the Sandalwood version, which sticks to only the CBD. Both are beyond enjoyable—and they do a good job at diffusing (without being overwhelming), even in larger spaces.

Beyond being an olfactory treat, the Ambrosia candle is sprinkled with colored wax chips that melt into the candle as you burn it, creating an almost tie-dyed effect—and both come in reusable double-walled glass jars. (If I burn enough of them, I can have a whole new set of pretty cool cocktail glasses!)

You’re probably wondering if I feel anything while burning these candles… I have one on my desk in my office, and I will admit I’ve been a little more chill about work for the past few weeks (but that might be because it’s summer and my workflow has been a bit lighter than usual). I also have one in my kitchen, and I noticed that I’ve been a lot more lenient about the vegetables with my son (which means dramatically fewer arguments)—but that could be because he leaves for camp on Tuesday and I want our remaining time together to be as pleasant as possible. Or not…

At the end of the day, you likely have candles scattered throughout your house, so why not infuse your space with a little CBD along with a beautiful scent, flattering light and ambience? I can’t think of a reason why not.

P.S. If you’re heading to family or friends for a weekend this summer, they make a great hostess gift!

My fool-proof summer no-makeup makeup look

I have a love-hate relationship when it comes to summer makeup. On one hand, high humidity makes me wonder if the effort is even worth it, but on the other I want to look pulled together (at least if I’m actually going somewhere). Living in South Florida, I have to keep my makeup to a minimum when the heat is at its height, as just about anything turns into a big old shiny mess minutes after I step outside. Fortunately (with a little trial and error), I’ve assembled a quick, easy makeup look that has become my daily go-to—and it works both day and night with a tweak or two.

Step 1: Kosas Tinted Face Oil
I definitely thought that an oil-based complexion-perfector would be asking for trouble at 90 degrees and 90% humidity—but I was so wrong. Just four drops of this tinted fluid provides medium coverage that evens out my skin tone and imparts radiance with absolutely no greasiness or excess shine. In fact, it leaves you with a velvety finish that looks like healthy, natural skin, just better.

Step 2: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer
This has become my year-round concealer because it has an uncanny ability to stay put no matter the weather outside. A bit under my eyes and around my nose (and on the occasional blemish) and I’m good to go for the day. 

Step 3: Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel
No joke, if I could only use one piece of makeup for the rest of my life, this would be it. Just a bit on my cheeks, forehead, eyelids and, of course, my neck (applied with a fluffy brush), it’s the secret to natural-looking sun-kissed color.

Step 4: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks in “Petal”
I’ve been eyeing all of makeup artist Gucci Westman’s products since they launched, and I finally ordered this incredible blush stick (once I finished my Charlotte Tilbury one). It’s hydrating, easy to blend and yields a healthy flush that could be mistaken for the real thing—and it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, phthalates, talc and synthetic fragrances.

Step 5: Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in “Jean”
Come summer, I tend to be light-handed with the eyeshadow, and this cream-based version provides a budge-proof wash of champagne-pink shimmer that brightens your entire eye area. Apply with your fingers or a brush, and the color is also buildable so you’re in control.

Step 6: Glossier Lash Slick
I’m on my third tube of this mascara—it’s that good. The lash-lengthening and thickening is more subtle than dramatic, but the formula stands up to heat, humidity and exercise without smudging or flaking.

Step 7: Kosasport LipFuel in “Pulse”
Part lip balm, part lip stain and all awesome, this hyaluronic acid-based lip hydrator and protectant leaves lips soft, supple and with a super-natural flush of color. Possibly one of the best products I’ve come across for a low-maintenance lip, the minty flavor is both cooling on contact and delicious.

Evening add-on #1: Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil in "BLK Coffee"
For a little extra oomph while sticking to a minimalist makeup look, I push this up between my lashes and rim my upper waterline.

Evening add-on #2: Roen Beauty Eye Shadow Palette in 52° Cool
Just a dab of the top left shadow in the center of my lid adds sparkle and shimmer without compromising my effortless summer look.

Natural skincare that’s driven by science

If you’re a “clean” skincare person, you likely know it can be hard to find products that incorporate potent ingredients and the science necessary to get the results you’re looking for. This is one of the main reasons I’ve held off on banning non-natural products from my regimen—and why I’m super-choosy when going the “green” route. I’m obviously not the only one who thinks like this, and several skincare brands are listening. The “natural” beauty space is dramatically different than it was just five years ago—and Good Science Beauty is one of the few brands that has managed to meld ingredients we can feel good about using with the latest skincare technology.

Founded by Dr. Suzanne Saffie-Siebert, Ph.D., Good Science Beauty has two main tenets. First, the ingredients in each product are paired in a way that they help each other work better. Second, Dr. Saffie-Siebert created a patented technology called Good Silicon+, which protects active ingredients as they are delivered into the skin, and ensures they are released over time.

Being somewhat of a geek, I love how this tightly-edited brand is structured. With three numbers followed by an abbreviation that explains what the product is designed to do), Good Science Beauty makes it easy to find the right products for your skin. (I also love the Pantone-esque packaging outer packaging.)

I have totally fallen for the 002-Re Skin Renewing Polishing Powder (with bentonite clay and silicon powder) as I’ve found this type of adjustable exfoliation works wonders for my skin. If my skin is acting up, I use the 001-Pu Purifying Face Cream and 001-Pu Purifying Face Mask (with willow bark and amino acids) until my complexion is in the clear. The 003-Hy Hydrating Face Cream (with hyaluronic acid and omega-3s) is perfect for a little plumping (and moisture in the morning) and I really enjoy the 005-Fi Skin Firming Cream (with barley extract and the antioxidant poria cocos) at night. I’ve also been using the 004-Br Skin Brightening Cream (with antioxidant-rich glutathione and melatonin) mid-day after working out.

The beauty of this line is that you can easily switch up your routine to give your skin what it needs at any given time—and how chic the dark glass bottles look on the countertop next to my sink. And BTW, this isn’t just for aesthetics, as this hefty packaging helps protect the products from degradation caused by exposure to air and light. From shelf appeal to delivering on its product claims, Good Science Beauty meets all of my natural skincare expectations, and is slowly but surely helping me eliminate questionable ingredients from my daily routine.

Jeuveau is finally here, and you can save $200 on your first treatment!

I’ve been waiting for Jeuveau to roll out to doctor’s offices since this Botox-like wrinkle-relaxing injectable was approved by the FDA—and it’s finally available! Dr. Janet Allenby of Allenby Dermatology in Delray Beach, Florida is one of the first doctors in my area to offer this product (which is supposed to be priced a bit better than the other options that are currently available)—and you can save $200 when you purchase 40 units or more just by donating a toy or stuffed animal! 

Here’s the scoop… Dr. Allenby reached out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation last year to grant a wish to a local boy named Aiden. Thanks to her generosity, Aiden and his family went to California to experience Sea World, Legoland and the San Diego Zoo. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, Allenby Dermatology is also throwing him a welcome-home party at the end of the month so they can tell the team all about their trip. They want to surprise Aiden with a big pile of gifts, so make a note that his favorite color is red, he likes football, his favorite team is the Giants, he loves Elvis and enjoys the beach, swimming and fishing.

I can’t think of a reason NOT to visit Dr. Allenby if you’re due for your next injections before the end of the month—and you’ll help put a big smile on Aiden’s face, too!

This “clean” sunscreen is like a photo filter IRL

Going on vacation always requires a fair amount of beauty prep, from manicures and pedicures to waxing and, of course, self-tanning to make it look like my legs actually see the light of day from time to time. I put my Vita Liberata gradual self-tanner on my bathroom countertop a week before our trip to the Bahamas a few weeks ago, but alas, I totally forgot to use it. Yet just when I thought it was too late (i.e. the night before), my friend Amy dropped off a few of Beautycounter’s new sun products, and the Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 literally saved the next day when I slipped into my bathing suit.

Serving up 100%-mineral broad-spectrum UV protection in a tinted formula that helps camouflage imperfections like veins, bruises and straight-up pallid skin, this product doubles as a confidence boost in the form of a mist. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, you don’t have to worry about it running down your legs after you take a dip—and it’s available in “Light-Medium” and “Medium-Deep” so you can make sure it’s not too far off from your natural skin tone.

However, as with all physical sunscreens (which form a barrier on the skin to reflect UV rays), you may want to reserve this product for when you’re using a hotel’s towels (and not wearing a light-colored cover-up), since it is not transfer-resistant. But with this said, I had zero signs of sun exposure after spending the morning at the beach and the afternoon at the pool—and that’s what’s most important.

My friend also gave me the Countersun After Sun Cooling Gel, and I used it every day of my trip even though I didn’t technically have to. This hydrating, aloe-based gel makes a great moisturizer post-sun or not—and the tropical scent is amazing.

Now that we’re a chemical-free sunscreen family, I was so grateful to have these products in tow for our family vacation—and our total lack of sunburn is validation that it is possible to get safe and effective UV protection without any questionable ingredients.

Sounder sleep in a bottle

I can’t remember precisely when sleeping became more difficult for me, but I do know that it’s rare for me to get into bed without some sort of helping hand (courtesy of a pill). I can totally admit that there is some dependency going on, because just the thought of skipping or forgetting to take something about a half-hour before bedtime is enough to induce anxiety. So when my bestie gave me a bottle of Hush & Hush’s MindYourMind supplements, I figured it was the perfect time to address this not-so-great habit.

With a blend of tryptophan, valerian root, holy basil leaf, chamomile and magnesium to help your head calm down at the end of the day so you can fall asleep faster—and stay asleep longer—I’m here to tell you that these capsules are indeed a natural way to get more quality ZZZs. The very first night I took them, I drifted right off to sleep and no joke, did not wake up once before my alarm went off seven hours later. Best of all, I had no ‘hangover’ or brain fog and I felt rested and revitalized, despite the fact that I was up before sunrise to get my son off to school and myself to an early Pilates class.

I haven’t completely stopped taking my usual sleeping pills since I’ve had a lot going on the past few weeks (finishing the camp packing, lacrosse tournaments, family vacation with all of us sharing a room), but I would say I’m taking the Hush & Hush supplements instead every second or third night. With my son leaving for camp next Tuesday (which means my mental mommy load will be a lot lighter), I’m looking at the time until then as the final stage of my transition from pharmaceutical-based sleep aids to this effective natural option—and hoping to create a new, healthier habit that actually seems to deliver the sound sleep that has been eluding me for so long.

P.S. Hush & Hush also offers a hair-growth formula called DeeplyRooted and the anti-aging TimeCapsule (which my friend swears by as well). They are both sitting on my desk (and on my ‘products to try’ list) and if they’re anywhere as close to as good as the MindYourMind supplements, I’ll look 25 again and have waist-length hair by the time school starts again. (Just kidding—kind of.)