March 20, 2020
An under-the-radar skincare line worth trying, Anastasia Beverly Hills' major mascara launch, cutting-edge hairstyling tools, new cleansers for every need and a longer-lasting Essie nail polish.
This is the new skincare line to know about
Finding the latest and greatest in beauty is my job, and although I come across A LOT of very cool stuff, it’s not every day that I find myself truly wowed. It’s also not every day that I’m introduced to a line that’s backed by some of the most major experts in aesthetics (including dermatologist Dr. Patricia Farris and plastic surgeon Dr. Barry DiBernardo). So without further do, meet U.SK Under Skin.
Hailing from Brazil (and sold primarily through derms, plastic surgeons and medspas), this luxurious, science-driven line is divided into three targeted ranges: Cleaning & Toning, Anti-Aging and Revitalizing. The Anti-Aging products place an emphasis on repairing and protecting against environmental damage with antioxidants while addressing inflammation and discoloration. I’ve been using the Advanced Defense Booster in the morning (as my antioxidant serum) and Advanced Retinol Restorer at night—and if you check out either of these links you’ll see just how much of a serious skincare approach the brand takes. (When talking about the skin concerns each product is good for, they even indicate the level of severity.)
Truthfully, I’m confident my skin’s needs would be completely covered with these two products (in addition to cleansing, moisturizer and sunscreen), but I’ve been using the Revitalizing Precious Elixir Infusion with Pearl & Caviar for good measure. Designed to promote even skin tone, hydration and cellular rejuvenation—and formulated with vitamins, growth factors and more—it works to improve the skin’s health and appearance on numerous levels. The iridescent serum even looks pretty in your hand before it adds extra luminosity to the skin.
I haven’t had a chance to try the Revitalizing Timeless Mask or Precious Elixir Infusion with Platinum just yet, but with social distancing in full effect at my house—I’ll have more than enough time to play with them in the coming days and weeks.
Stay healthy (and go wash your hands), my friends!
I can FINALLY talk about Anastasia's new mascara!
Every so often, a beauty company will send out samples of a product before it launches—and they make you promise you won’t write or post about it before a certain date. Of course this heightens the excitement, because who wouldn’t feel special that they get to try something before anyone else? This was the case with Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara, the brand’s first foray into this category—and I’ve been wearing it quietly for the past few weeks.
Mascara is the one makeup product I wear every day without fail (unless I’m not leaving the house). Even if I’m just running errands, mascara and a bit of concealer are non-negotiable. What I really like about the Anastasia mascara is that it’s on the dramatic side, so even if I’m in workout gear I feel a little extra put-together.
It also ticks all the mascara boxes, including jet-black color, awesome lash separation, significant lash-lengthening, major volumizing and no flaking or “fall out.” The brush is plush and fluffy, and hourglass-shaped to help get those hard-to-reach outer- and innermost lashes. It’s also pretty easy to remove with micellar water (without creating a big-old mess).
Sure, there are a lot of mascara options out there, but this one should definitely make the cut as you narrow down your list!
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara
EWG/Skin Deep® Score: 5 (via the “Build Your Own Report” tool)
Paraben-, phthalate-, gluten- and cruelty-free
Two new hair-styling tools to check out
For most of us, hair styling is as essential to our daily routine as brushing our teeth—and the right tools can make or break your look. A year after splurging on the Dyson blow dryer I still haven’t felt a pang of buyer’s remorse, and I’m sure it will be with me for years to come. I can’t even remember when I got my CHI flat iron, but it’s still going strong so I hadn’t even thought of replacing it until yesterday. (Keep reading to see why.)
I do not curl my hair (although I have a cheap curling iron tacked away in my bathroom linen closet in case the mood ever strikes), but I know I’m in the minority—and kudos to all of you who take the extra time to add loose waves to your longer-than-mine locks. But if you ever have the need to touch up on the go (when there isn’t an outlet in sight), you might need Lunata Beauty’s Cordless Convertible Curling Iron and Wand. This battery-powered, rechargeable tool can be used as a traditional curling iron with a clip or a clipless wand depending on your preference, and it heats up to 450 degrees for up to 45 minutes. The battery is also removable so you can pop in a spare if you need more curl-time than that.
In other exciting news (that got me all fired up yesterday), Dyson has introduced the Corrale hair straightener—and it might have taken the top spot on my splurge wish list. Unlike every other flat iron out there, this one has flexible manganese copper plates that gather each section of hair as you straighten. This means you can get the same result with less heat—and in turn less hair damage. It’s also cordless and offers 30 minutes of styling time on a full charge (although it can be used corded as well), and it comes with a charging dock that takes up very little space. The only downside is the price tag, which as you would guess is $499. I’m not ready to pull the trigger just yet, but this one is going to be hard to resist.
Proof that your choice of cleanser is really important...
Just when I was loving the state my skin was in (and posted the selfies to prove it), I experienced a new-cleanser catastrophe. I decided to try a cleansing oil that gets rave reviews—but I knew something was amiss the first time I used it. After washing, I could feel a film on my face, yet I figured it wasn’t a big deal since I do a second cleanse (currently with Babor’s Enzyme Cleanser) and follow that with micellar water. Well, fast-forward a few days and I have several, ginormous, inflamed pimples on my upper lip, nasal bridge and forehead. I actually went to the dermatologist this morning to have one injected, and I’m going for a HydraFacial this afternoon because every single pore on my face feels congested.
I’ve replaced the aforementioned cleanser offender with Hear Me Raw’s The Brightener (which doubles as a mask and daily cleanser) and things are starting to clear up—and although I have an almost full jar and refill, I’m obviously on the hunt for my next face wash. There are two on my list, so I figured I’d share in care you’re in the market for something new, too.
HoliFrog Como Popp-E Renewal Scrubby Wash
I’m a big fan of brands that do one thing and do it well, and cleansers are the only thing you’ll find on the HoliFrog menu. Designed to provide a cleanser “wardrobe” that’s free of unsafe ingredients so you always have a wash that meets your skin’s needs, this new addition to the family combines the benefits of a cleansing oil, gel and scrub in one step—and it’s calling my name.
Moon Juice Milk Cleanse
The adaptogen-heavy brand that brought us Sex Dust and a gazillion other supplements and snacks I wish my pantry was stocked with has ventured into skincare. With a focus on simple yet effective products, this gentle cleanser is like a topical supplement for your face thanks to stress-mitigating Reishi mushroom, hydrating coconut ferment, vitamin E and more.
HoliFrog
Formulated to meet E.U. ingredient standards
Moon Juice Milk Cleanse
Meets Clean at Sephora ingredient standards
I've officially stepped up my nail-polish game
I was all about gel manicures when CND first launched Shellac, because who didn’t want shiny, chip-resistant color that lasted for two weeks (or more!)? But eventually I realized I didn’t want the associated nail damage in the form of peeling and brittleness (which I inevitably made worse thanks to my tendency to pick the gel off once it started to lift). Then about two years ago I got way into dip manicures because they last even longer—but came to learn they too lead to damage in the form of nail thinning since they require a significant amount of buffing both to prep the nails and get old color off.
Then, I checked my nails into rehab (so to speak), keeping them short, neat and polished with clear strengthening polish for a good six months. Once that last visible ridge from my final dip manicure was gone, I started doing my own nails and haven’t looked back since. I’ve been using regular nail polish, which usually doesn’t give me more than five days of wear (if that) thanks to typing for eight hours a day and mom duties like cooking and dish-washing.
That’s when I finally caved and decided to try Essie’s Gel Couture. (I know I’m late to the game here.) I ordered the “Fairy Tailor” shade (which could be mistaken for Essie’s regular “Mademoiselle”) and Gel Couture Top Coat—and spent the next few days before it arrived wondering if it could it possibly last for up to two weeks without the need for UV curing. I’m happy to report that yes it can.
Now that I’ve seen this polish’s durability for myself, I’ll be buying a classic red (and perhaps something fun for the forthcoming spring and summer) the next time I’m at the supermarket or drugstore. And the fact that I don’t have to make a special trip to the mall, order online or spend a bundle makes it even better!