My end-of summer empties

Out with the old and in with the new for the non-existent change of Florida seasons.

When you call South Florida home (especially after spending years or decades living up north), Labor Day doesn’t exactly represent a seismic shift in, well, anything. We went back to school almost A MONTH AGO, our pools and beaches are always wide open, there’s no anticipation of cooler weather or color-changing foliage, no apple-picking excursions to plan, and certainly no closet turning-over to get excited about.

At least for me, Labor Day means we’re headed into high hurricane season, so I’m stalking the NOAA website instead of the latest fashion trends for fall (other than a few key shoe styles and a cashmere cardigan I’ll only wear in the house since I’m always cold).

But with all of this said, it’s the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine. Here’s what has recently exited my regimen—and if I’m planning to replenish.

Saie Slip Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer
This is at least my fourth or fifth tube of this incredible every-day complexion coverage. I’ve lost track of the number of compliments I get on my skin when I wear it (especially when I pair it with Saie’s Glowy Super Gel). I had a replacement at the ready for when I finally ran out, so this will remain a constant in my minimalist makeup routine.

Avène Thermal Spring Water
If you haven’t gotten your ears pierced in decades, you probably have no idea the post-care rules have changed. Instead of twisting your new earrings and cleaning them with alcohol on a cotton swab, you leave them alone other than twice-daily cleansing with a saline solution or sterilized water. After four piercings since April, I finished an entire bottle of this mist and am happy to report that all is well and healing nicely. (This is also a must after any laser treatment that leaves your skin feeling hot, hot, hot—and I suggest leaving it in the refrigerator for extra cooling.)

Epionce Renewal Eye Cream
If I had to pick a favorite eye cream ever, this would be it. It ticks all the concern boxes (i.e. dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet) without irritating my eyelids. I’ve come to learn that a retinol-based eye cream is not the best fit for my skin, but this product totally gets the job done beautifully and comfortably.

Epionce Renewal Body Lotion
So yes, I literally blew through the last Epionce care package I received, which included this body cream as well. At this point in my life, I’m putting in a bit of extra effort when it comes to body care because I don’t like what I see in the mirror (i.e. the Lululemon Studio mirror) when I’m doing a downward-facing dog in bike shorts.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
C E Ferulic requires no introduction, explanation or justification (for its hefty price tag). This sh*t just works in terms of antioxidant protection and skin correction, and if you don’t believe me, check out the clinical studies because they speak for themselves.

SkinCeutials Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight
I will never, ever be without this exfoliating treatment in my skincare routine. I use it every third night as part of my own skin-cycling regimen and give it full credit for my my glowy, healthy-looking skin.

Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara
I totally bought this to see what all the buzz was about, and although it’s a great mascara, I’m very particular. The reason I prefer a tubing mascara is ease of removal—and formula this is not one of them. But I really enjoyed the length and definition it provided, despite the extra effort to took to get off. (I’ll be sticking to my Beauty Pie Wrap Star for every day.)

Beauty Pie Smooth Ahead Intensive Lip Balm
This lip balm lived on my desk and I applied it countless times throughout the day. I’m truly sad it’s done, and will 100% be ordering another one (or two) when I restock my stash of my absolute favorite Clean House candle.