October 4, 2019
Your cleanest skin ever, fun hair color minus the commitment, Birkenstock skincare and extra (affordable) luster for your lips.
Make the most of your cleansing
I could never imagine not using my Foreo Luna when washing my face in the morning and at night (and I’m totally lusting after the latest Luna 3). Between the sonic vibrations, mild exfoliation, super-sanitary silicone and the fact that I only have to charge it once a year (if even), it’s truly a tool I can’t live without. It lives next to my sink, and I’ve been wishing I had it in the shower more and more, but I find the idea of moving it back and forth to be annoying in and of itself. Yet it seems a little silly to drop $200 for a second device, so I began researching some less expensive options—and it seems PMD’s Clean device is the way to go.
Half the price of the Luna 3, this handheld cleansing brush features the same vibrations and silicone surface while running on one AA battery. The dual-sided head has the standard cleansing bristles on one side plus a textured surface designed for massaging serums into the skin on the other (similar to the Foreo Luna). Even better, it has a handle which would make it way easier to make sure my upper back gets as clean as could be while I’m in the shower. The Clean device is also available in two more advanced (and more expensive) versions with a rechargeable battery and a warming massager on the flip side of the cleansing head. The top-of-the-line Clean’s warming element is actual rose quartz, if that’s something you’re into.
The PMD obviously ticks all of my non-negotiable cleansing boxes, which is why it’s at the top of my to-get list. With the holidays (and potential gift cards) headed our way, this would be a great skincare treat that I don’t have to worry about running out of.
Why not try a fun hair color without having to commit?
I’ve done my fair share of hair-color experimentation, and a dalliance with rose-gold kicked off a roller-coaster ride that came to include platinum blonde before going super-dark (which, for the record, was out of necessity). After giving my hair more than a year to recover from these literal ups and downs, I finally went back to my usual highlighted blonde and don’t think I’ll ever go off the rails color-wise again. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t consider playing around with temporary color—and Moroccanoil just made this so easy and commitment-free for all of us.
The new-ish Color Depositing Mask combines deep-conditioning with short-lived pigments that span the color spectrum. Those who already have blonde hair can take a walk on the wild side with Aquamarine, Hibiscus (pink), Champagne, Platinum or Rose Gold, while current brunettes can amp up their color with rich Bordeaux or Cocoa. (See all of the options for your existing color here.)
Similar to most other hair masks, you simply apply to clean, towel-dried hair, comb through and leave on for up to 10 minutes or longer for more dramatic color pay-off. (Note: The company really recommends you try a strand test before going all in, so keep this in mind before slathering it all over your hair.) How long the color lasts depends on a few factors, including the starting shade of your hair, how porous your strands are and how often you wash—but expect it to fade gradually and stick around for at least two to three shampoos.
I’m actually going for highlights tomorrow and can’t wait to talk to my colorist about this. I’m thinking it might be fun for Halloween (and that’s the excuse I’m going with to justify further color experimentation)!
Birkenstock steps out with skincare
You never forget your first… Pair of Birkenstocks, that is. I was 16 and in Key West with my mom for Thanksgiving. It was right before my birthday, and my mom (being a hippie for real in the 60s and at heart for the rest of her life) was totally down with buying me my first set of ‘Stocks—which were the most expensive shoes I had ever owned up to that point. I decided on forest-green suede Arizonas, and I wore them until they literally fell to pieces. When I lived in NYC, I got my second pair—maroon Boston clogs in suede laser-cut to look like corduroy. I still have them and love them. I added white leather (with white buckles and soles) and red sparkly patent leather Arizonas to my collection in the years since, and not a week goes by that I don’t wear at least one pair of them.
Now, your closet isn’t the only place you can find Birkenstock—because the indisputable original “natural” footwear brand has branched out into personal care. Apparently the cork oak used in their super-comfy footbeds has some benefits for your skin, and the compound that gives cork its flexibility is called suberin. Birkenstock has included this unique ingredient in a complex that works to provide redness reduction, antioxidant protection and anti-aging effects.
Currently available in a Cooling Foot Cream, Moisturizing Foot Balm, Nourishing Leg and Foot Oil and Moisturizing Hand and Nail Cream—I’m excited about the forthcoming facial offerings coming out this fall. Now all I need to do is bust out the Grateful Dead tie-dye tee I still have from my first show in 1993, slip on my Birks and I’m good to go from head to toe!
Give your lip balm a glittery boost
Whether you live in hot and steamy South Florida or someplace where the weather is getting chillier, we all need a go-to lip balm. Sure, you can be fancy—or you can stick with an effective, budget-friendly option—but there’s no need to ever be boring.
Vaseline is a sure-fire way to get smooth, soft lips (and it has been since its invention in 1872). Yet this dependable staple has gotten an update in the form of the limited-edition Vaseline Lip Therapy Gold Dust Tin, which features a peachy hue, yummy pear scent and tiny flecks of gold sparkle. Designed to instantly comfort chapped lips and lock in moisture to promote healing, this is far from a basic—and it’s actually quite an “extra” way to help your lips weather the coming cooler months (even if that means temperatures dropping down into the 70s.