September 25, 2020
Making the switch to a "lady" razor, face masks that take the guesswork out of what your skin needs, the new KOSAS products that are sure to become staples and my latest olfactory adventures.
Why didn’t I switch to this razor sooner?
I’ve been using a Harry’s razor handle and replacement cartridges for years, and I only cancelled my subscription when I literally had enough blades to last both me and my husband for almost all of 2020. Once our supply finally dwindled down to the single-digits, I figured I’d make a switch, especially since my handle had become faded and covered in soap residue. I was at Walgreens last weekend so I figured I’d try the Flamingo starter set, and no joke, it was love at first swipe.
Even with a brand-new Harry’s blade, my legs were never as smooth and soft as they are right now. I didn’t actually know that Flamingo and Harry’s are owned by the same company until I sat down to write this, which explains why the pricing for the razors, cartridges and similar products are nearly identical—but the design is completely different. Flamingo is engineered for body-based (as opposed to face) shaving, and the results speak for themselves.
I should have made the switch back in April when I was due for my first pandemic leg/bikini wax (I’ve been shaving ever since), but rather than dwell in the past, I’m looking forward to having smooth, soft, stubble-free skin with just a few flicks. Although pool days have become fewer and farther between, tennis season is officially underway which means bare legs are still a regular thing—and I haven’t had even a hint of irritation or ingrown hairs. The Flamingo also gets extra points for being pretty, and I love the little suction cup that lets me hang it up on the shower wall. After a long, kind of rough week, this shaving upgrade was like a little ray of sunshine.
If you have a hard time choosing face masks, this line is for you
As my collection of face masks for venturing out grows, so doesn’t my need for at-home treatments to offset the effects. I have a drawer stocked with a variety of options and I usually have to rifle through them looking for the purifying/exfoliating/hydrating product for skin needs. Sometimes it would be nice to find the one I need based on my skin’s current mood just with a cursory glance. Then Faace came along…
Essentially skincare masks for dummies, the line’s three existing offerings include Period Faace, Tired Faace and Sweaty Faace—and you can pretty much deduce what each one is for. I can think of at least one instance when I needed each of these just this week (and it’s only Thursday).
And just so you know, these vegan, “clean” masks are formulated for these specific concerns regardless of skin type. For example, if you get a pre-period breakout, odds are it’s going to look the same whether you have oily skin or dry skin. And let’s face it, fatigue does not discriminate by skin type either. And perhaps most pertinent at the moment, we could all use Sweaty Faace since we’re all wearing masks while out and about. The sheer fact that deciding which one to use is so simple is a major plus in my book. (And you can bundle all three and get 15% off.)
The latest from Kosas live up to the hype
Kosas is slowly but surely taking over my makeup drawer—and it’s coming for my other personal-care products, too. This fun, clean beauty brand emphasizes ease without sacrificing results, and the tinted oil, concealer, liquid eyeshadow, tinted lip balm and sheer lipstick have become my daily go-tos—and now I have two more favorites in the rotation.
First up is The Big Clean Mascara, and my initial reaction upon unboxing it was the hefty weight of the actual tube and the bold pink color that makes it easy to spot amongst the other products in my drawer. But then things got really interesting when I went to try it—because I didn’t realize it had a curved brush. I literally can’t remember the last time I used this style of wand, and it took a little extra effort to make sure it was facing the right direction as I swiped it on. (This is by no means a big deal—just an FYI so you’re not caught off-guard if you decide to try it.) This is a highly-pigmented, volumizing formula, so it’s a bit more dramatic than my Glossier Lash Slick and Saie Mascara 101 (and I still love both of these big-time), but I’m certainly not complaining. Especially great for lower lashes, it 100% delivers on its promise to provide “fluffy” lashes—and this addition has made me very, very happy.
Of course I had to try the Kosasport Chemistry Deodorant, and I opted for the Serene Clean scent over unscented. Natural deodorant has kind of become a thing for me, and I have about four that I use regularly. But this one is different because (1) it’s a roll-on and (2) it uses a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids to neutralize odor-causing bacteria. The gentle exfoliation these acids provide also help brighten underarm skin (if that’s something that bothers you—it’s not a concern of mine) and prevent ingrown hairs while keeping this sensitive skin calm and happy. The best part: It doesn’t leave any white marks on your clothes.
These new products have been the highlight of my week so far, and with a fabulous mascara and effective natural deodorant, I don’t really need much else.
I tried two new perfumes and here are my honest thoughts
My tastes in fragrance have changed over the past few years, and now more than ever I’m leaning toward fresh and simple rather than robust, overly complex scents. As I pulled together a Credo Beauty order over Labor Day weekend, I decided to try two that have been on my radar.
The first is Ellis Brooklyn’s Salt. I’ve seen in mentioned several times in the countless email newsletters I get every day, and when I read that the scent “embodies salty skin, the heat of the sun and a whiff of tropical florals,” I was sold. Yes, it does indeed have in island vibe, but I find it to be a little too sweet and powdery for my taste—and I’m just not smelling the musk, amber and sandalwood base notes after it dries down. I’m glad I bought the $30 10mL bottle because I wouldn’t have been happy if I dropped $105 for the full size. Regardless, I’ll wear it when I’m hanging out at home because I definitely don’t hate it, but I’m not head-over-heels in love with it.
I initially heard about Ellis Brooklyn’s Iso Gamma Super a few weeks ago and immediately knew I had to try it. I’ve been obsessed with Escentric Molecules’ Molecule 01 forever because it’s a single note scent of iso E super—which interestingly, not everyone can smell. (I think this is one of the reasons I’m drawn to it, and fortunately I can smell it.) Truth be told, it smells exactly like the Escentric Molecules version—and exactly like the dupe I found on Amazon. I bought the $30 10mL for this one as well, but at least now I have a travel-friendly bottle for when I eventually travel again.
On the bright side, at least I still have my sense of smell!