May 15, 2020
My return to dermaplaning, the joy of a makeup purge, the latest products I'm excited about and candles that will help calm you down.
I'm back on the dermaplaning bandwagon (and you should be on it, too)
If you’ve been following me since coronavirus lockdown commenced, you know that I’ve been masking, massaging and paying a great deal of attention to my skin over the last 6+ weeks. But one essential pre-COVID ritual I have not performed once is dermaplaning. Over the past few years this has proven to be a significant DIY treatment for enhancing the appearance of my skin (especially when wearing makeup) as well as optimizing product absorption, but I haven’t busted out my Stacked Skincare tool since becoming homebound.
My excuses: First and foremost, “Where am I going and who am I seeing?” (Answer: Nowhere and no one.) Second, my skin has been breaking out (likely due to stress), which is prime-time to avoid taking a razor your face. Third, after a certain point in the late afternoon I’m likely to have alcohol in my system, and you should never, ever attempt dermaplaning while intoxicated, unless you want to look like Edward Scissorhands. (Trust me on this one.)
But today was a new day, and thanks to this Byrdie post I ordered an electric facial hair trimmer. Although I know this won’t provide the same level of exfoliation as my razor-based Stacked Skincare tool, I figured it would be a safe, easy, risk-free way to clear away the peach fuzz, help my products work harder and put my best face forward on Zoom calls.
But as soon as I clicked “Buy Now” on Amazon, I felt motivated to unearth my Stacked Skincare tool and ever-so-cautiously took it to my face. 10 minutes later, I’m so happy I did—and I can honestly say I didn’t get even one nick or cut.
Long story short, my faith in DIY skincare treatments has been restored—and I’m loving my skin’s renewed smoothness and radiance (despite the handful of blemishes I had to work around). If you’re feeling a bit discouraged in the skincare department, even a “light” dermaplaning session with an electric trimmer may be just the pick-me-up you need.
I did a makeup purge and it felt SO good
After about five weeks of barely opening my makeup drawer, I decided it was time to clean house. This was much more than mere sorting and organizing—this was taking everything out, washing the plastic organizers, vacuuming the drawer (with my ultimate quarantine purchase) and wiping it out. Seriously, it was like I just moved in (although that was almost 12 years ago). Then came the actual purging. I said bye-bye to anything I haven’t used in a while, random stuff that was sent to me for review that I only tried a few times and anything that was past its prime. I probably threw away a third of my products, and then put everything back in its now-less-crowded place.
Of course this meant I had a few things to replenish… I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to work more “clean” makeup into my rotation, so I set my sights on products I would use nearly every day. Off to The Detox Market I went (virtually, of course) and here’s what I got.
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in “Beloved”
I first got this pot of multitasking color more than 5 years ago and pretty much forgot I had it. I had no choice but to toss it since it had dried out—and being that it’s natural and free of preservatives, I decided to play it safe. But after assessing my post-purge cheek color options, I decided I needed a true poppy-red and bought it again. It looks so fresh on skin prepped with Glossier’s Futuredew, and it gives lips a long-lasting subtle stain.
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
It’s been quite some time since I got a new concealer, and this one launched with such fanfare it was a no-brainer. I literally spent 2 hours trying to figure out which shade to get based on reviews, and fortunately I made the right choice with “4.” The texture is light, the coverage is buildable and it blends seamlessly with my skin. I’ve been wearing just a bit under my eyes and around my nose—and nothing else.
Kosas 10 Second Eyeshadow
This is another Kosas product that fans swear by, so I thought I’d check out the champagne-y “Globe” shade that reminded me of the Stila “Kitten” I wore many moons ago. I absolutely love it. Unfussy and easy to apply, all you have to do is dab on a bit with the applicator and blend with your finger (and go back in for a second layer if you want more color payoff). Once dry, the color isn’t going anywhere—and I feel like I need the gold “Supreme” hue, too.
Kosas Weightless Lip Color in “Rosewater”
I have no shortage of lip color options (even after the COVID cleanout) but this is another Kosas offering that has basically achieved cult status within the clean-cosmetics set. It’s truly a lovely lipstick that glides on smoothly and keeps lips hydrated. This shade is definitely on the natural, subtle side, but a few extra swipes yields a bolder look. I’m happy she’s part of my collection, as she works for day or night—and all points in between.
I might not be wearing makeup all that much, but I do peek into my newly refreshed drawer several times a day simply because it makes me happy, and we all need something to smile about now more than ever, right?
P.S. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m really into Kosas. For the record, I also have the Tinted Face Oil, Wet Lip Oil Gloss and Lip Fuel Lip Balm which have become daily staples. I can’t wait to try the new Sun Show Moisturizing Baked Bronzer—but that will have to wait until I finish my Chanel Soleil de Tan.
Jonesing for some new beauty products?
We’re closing in on two months of Groundhog’s Day and this whole situation is getting stale. My “new” routine doesn’t feel all that new anymore, and I’d give just about anything to get back to business as usual (although I know that’s not happening any time soon). For some of us (myself included), a skincare reboot can be enough to renew our optimism—at least for a short period of time—but without the ability to get in-person guidance, what are we supposed to do?
Fret not, because several brands and retailers have taken their consultations online, offering recommendations based on an actual conversation about your skin. Here are a few to check out, and they might just help your skin and your sanity.
Dermalogica: I’ve loved Dermalogica for as long as I can remember (especially their Daily Resurfacer) and you can chat with one of their experts if you’re not sure which products are right for you.
Credo Beauty: If there’s ever been a time to try natural deodorant it’s now—and you can get help creating an all-new “clean” skincare or makeup routine via chat.
Dr. Sturm: If all the money you’ve saved by eating at home is burning a hole in your pocket, schedule a complimentary 20-minute FaceTime, WhatsApp or phone consultation with one of Dr. Sturm’s aestheticians and treat yourself to this top-notch skincare. I’ve loved every product I’ve tried, but my top pick at the moment would be the Anti-Pollution Drops for extra blue-light protection.
Charlotte Tilbury: Don’t underestimate the power of putting on just a little makeup (even if you’re not going anywhere)—but I understand the hesitation associated with buying online without trying first. Enter Tilbury’s Magic Mirror Try On tool. Simply shop the site on your phone and click “Try It On Me” on the individual product pages. BTW, I’ve worn CT’s Collagen Lip Bath almost every day since this shitshow started.
Dr. Dennis Gross: Everyone loves Dr. Gross’ single-serving facial peels, and the brand’s Peel Quiz can guide you to the right one for your skin so you can emerge from lockdown (eventually) looking more radiant than ever.
Clarins: With one of the widest arrays of online options, Clarins & Me lets you schedule a 20-minute consultation to talk about your skin from head-to-toe, or even help you create an at-home spa environment.
NuFACE: At-home skincare tools are where it’s at right now, but they can cost a pretty penny. With House Calls, you can Zoom with an aesthetician to get answers to all of your NuFACE questions before you buy.
L’Oreal’s Color & Co.: No quarantine beauty round-up would be complete without a hair-color option, and L’Oreal lets you consult with a colorist and get a personalized hair color kit that can help cover your roots or even try a brand-new look.
Candles are the new "it" accessory
It’s not surprising that luxury fragrance companies have seen a major uptick in home-scent sales over the past month or so (according to WWD’s Beauty Inc)—despite stores being closed. I’ve been blowing through them like never before thanks to spending more time in my office, and there’s usually one going on the bar between my kitchen and family room since if I’m not at my desk, I’m probably whipping up some sort of meal or snack for someone.
I’m not a major snob when it comes to candles (but I am a minor snob), so I love luminaries that come in display-worthy packaging, and a scent I can actually smell when I walk into the room is a must. And for the record, I don’t like candles that smell like food—and I do like candles that smell “clean” or woody.
So when I received an email from one of the founders of Pigmint a few weeks ago, I was more than happy to give a few of their candles a whirl. (Fun fact: This fragrance company began as a fancy florist). I am burning the Exotic Fig as I write this and loving every whiff of its blend of fig leaves, Mediterranean fig and exotic woods. Up next is the Currant Noir (which features red currant, jasmine petals and raw honey)—and both come in hefty black and white frosted glass, respectively. Since I take fragrance very seriously, I like that each scent has top, middle and base notes (which means these fragrances were carefully crafted), and these hand-poured candles are made in the U.S. with soy and coconut waxes—and non-toxic, cruelty-free and free of sulfates, dyes and parabens . Even the outer packaging is luxe (and ready to give (no wrapping required)—which means I may have to replenish my stockpile so I have hostess gifts at the ready when I actually start going to other people’s houses again.
Even better, each of the candle scents comes in Room & Body Mist version, so you can literally scent every square inch of your home and skin if you fall head over heels for a certain fragrance (or two)!