August 16, 2019

A sole-smoothing treat, BeautyBlender travel made easy, a natural deodorant that instantly brightens dark 'pits and an elixir that brings your hair back to life.

Treat your feet to this smoothing mask

I’d never consider doing an intense foot peel at the height of sandal season, but that doesn’t mean my feet couldn’t use a little TLC after the past few months spent predominantly in flip flops. Nightly foot cream (in addition to regular pedicures) just hasn’t been cutting it, so last night I busted out Patchology’s Best Foot Forward Softening Foot & Heel Mask—and it couldn’t have been easier (or more effective!). Best of all, it only takes 10 minutes to get smooth, baby-soft soles.

This treatment is basically as simple as putting on a pair of socks. The booties come pre-filled with a blend of coconut oil, shea butter and other soothing, smoothing botanicals (which make for an amazing scent). Made of a foil similar to “space blankets” to help hold in warmth for enhanced smoothing-serum penetration, and lined with what feels like the same material used in some facial sheet masks—the booties secure with an adhesive strip so there’s absolutely no mess or leakage. I slipped them on and started an episode of Younger—and carefully waddled into my bathroom once it was done. (Note: I had a hard time getting the booties off, so you may want to have a pair of scissors handy.) But the extra effort was worth it because my heels and feet were so plump, smooth and soft, as if my soles had never set foot on the ground. Then I massaged the extra product in and put on a pair of cotton socks. I was a little nervous that the treatment might mess up my pedicure polish, but nope—all is still intact. 

I’m really glad I have another treatment stashed away in my beauty closet, because this really does the trick—and it will surely hold my feet over until my annual fall major foot peel.

Take your BeautyBlender to go

I don’t travel all that often these days, but when I do I always pack my BeautyBlender. I never give a second thought to tossing it in my makeup bag when doing my outbound packing, but I always think twice about a damp sponge rattling around with the rest of my cosmetics on the way home. Although this is far from a major problem, I have identified a solution, and you better believe I’ll be getting a BlenderDefender.

A rather simple way to protect your beloved BeautyBlender from dirt and germs while you’re in transit, the flexible silicone case features a ventilated design to stave off a bacteria-friendly environment (especially on long-haul flights). I’ll admit it also reminds me of a giant pill that serves as a reminder to pack my meds—because there’s no way I’m going anywhere without those!

A natural deodorant that conceals discoloration

Natural deodorants are all the rage, and there are more non-toxic and aluminum-free options than ever. This is great for those looking eschew unnecessary chemicals and questionable ingredients (although, for the record, traditional antiperspirants have not been scientifically linked to breast cancer)—and those whose sweat glands and subsequent body odor can be tamed by nature alone. (Unfortunately, mine do not fall into this category.)

Yet there’s another underarm issue that isn’t talked about often... Discoloration. More likely to be experienced by those with darker skin tones, and generally harmless, this cosmetic concern can be a nuisance especially during warmer months when tank tops and bathing suits beg to be worn. Sound familiar? Meet Joban Beauty’s Coverant, the first “clean” deodorant that offers full, transfer-resistant, water-resistant and sweatproof color.

Introduced at Cosmoprof (the beauty industry’s biggest trade show) last week, Coverant offers an instant fix, whether used with or without other treatments that can help brighten underarm skin over time. Available in light, medium and dark, even the applicator is innovative. A quick click dispenses the perfect amount of product, which you then dab onto the skin (instead of rubbing). You’ll also want to blend it so there are no harsh lines and allow it to set for one to two minutes before getting dressed.

I’m always happy to share new products that stand out from the pack, even if they aren’t usefully to me—but if you think dark underarms are the pits, then Coverant is for you!

Happy hour for your hair

I’m having a hard time dealing with the fact that a week from today is the first day of school. In fact, the thought makes me want a glass of wine—and I’m just thinking about setting my alarm for 6 a.m., packing lunch, dealing with the drop-off line (and parents who apparently forgot how it works in the 10 weeks since school ended), trying to get all my stuff done, heading back to pick my son up and praying that we have at least a few days before the homework begins.  

So with six more days until my son’s re-entry after almost seven weeks and booze obviously on the brain, I was instantly enthralled by the new haircare brand We Are Paradoxx—and the Hangover Hair Elixir in particular. I mean, a multi-purpose hair oil in a bottle that looks like a flask? Count me in. (BTW, there’s more to We Are Paradoxx’s packaging than cheeky design. Everything is bottled in aluminum, recyclable and 90% plastic free except for two pumps—and this sustainability extends to the actual product formulations as well.)

So back to this 97% natural, frizz-fighting, revitalizing oil that can be used on wet hair before styling (or slicking) or dry hair as a finishing touch. Packed with argan, coconut and soya oils to smooth, strengthen and enhance shine—and a shot of Irish whiskey (which purportedly boosts the hair’s bounce)—my hair could really use this sort of pick-me-up right about now. I’m also thinking the clever would help easy my back-to-school anxiety, but my husband would probably think I have a drinking problem if he saw this sitting on my vanity. Hmmm.