Summer lovin'

Who's in the mood for a some tried-and-tested routine upgrades?

I’m not being dramatic when I say that my lack of posting has been weighing heavily on me. I have so much to share, so I’m going to try a different, slightly-less-labor-intensive format.

But first, my biggest personal beauty development of the summer. For a little background, my leg-shaving skills have dramatically declined recently, leaving me with nicks, cuts and the worst-ever ankle mishap that took weeks to heal.

Inspired by all things retro, I decided to give the Braun Silk-épil a try. After letting my leg hair grow for about 5 days, I went to town and I’ll tell you it was not nearly as uncomfortable at the Epi-Lady from way back when. (Childbirth and a double mastectomy can also work wonders for one’s pain threshold.)

With just a quick pass daily before I shower, by legs are now perpetually smooth and fuzz-free. It’s been a total game-changer—at least for me.

If you’re wondering why I didn’t just get laser hair removal, I tried and it didn’t work out for me.

Now for the other highlights I’ve been saving for you… I’m pretty sure there’s something for everyone!

• I like to have a literal summer scent that evokes the tropics. Vacation offers a cheeky take with notes of “pool water” and “Lycra,” but I recently got Deuxmoi x Voyage et Cie Plage. This roll-on oil is definitely an elevated take that’s bursting with exotic florals (and I love the distinct whiff of banana up top). Best of all, it’s a steal at $65.

• Where has INNBEAUTY Project been all of my life? I had lunch with the founder (who happens to live close by) earlier in the summer—and I’m hooked! The Extreme Cream, Elastic Skin serum and Mineral Sun Glow SPF are amazing. (I’m shocked by the incredible quality at such a great price.) I also now have Glaze Lip Oils stashed all over the place.

• The Jones Road Miracle Balm hype is not hype at all—it is all that. I bought the “Sunkissed” shade online a while back and popped into the Palm Beach store a few weeks ago to make sure I was using it correctly. (I was/am.) I walked out with samples of three other Miracle Balm shades, The Bronzer in “Dusty Rose,” and a Lippie Stick. Then wouldn’t you know, Miracle Balm palettes dropped yesterday, and there’s one with the 3 shades I have samples of. It was meant to be.

• I’m obsessed with trying to figure out the Trader Joe’s beauty department (since everything is made by another manufacturer and simply has the TJ label on it). The facial sunscreen is suspiciously similar to Supergoop, and the microdermabrasion scrub is a dead ringer for Dr. Brandt’s version. The last time I went I scooped up the Dry Shampoo—and its label is serving major R+Co. pre-rebrand vibes. Don’t overthink it, just try it next time you’re there!

• I FINALLY bit the bullet and bought an LED mask! I got mine from Beauty Pie, and it’s only been a few days so it’s too soon to tell. Shout out to my Bethie for this amazing tip: Flip your LED mask upside down to treat your neck and chest! (The Beauty Pie mask is flexible so you can lie it flat anywhere on your body.)

I’ve been leaning more into bodycare—probably because I’ve maxed out my facial skincare.

• I started doing Pvolve in January and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It’s low-impact (because my joints and tamoxifen don’t really get along) functional training that mimics our natural movements while building strength. My body feels flexible, limber and just GREAT overall and I totally notice improvement in my muscle definition.

• The lovely folks at Omorovicza sent me their latest Body Serum and Body Cream—and I’m almost embarrassed at how fast I drained both of them. The formulas are divinely decadent, beyond hydrating and the scent is what I imagine clouds would smell like. (That’s a good thing.)

• I drank the Soft Services Kool-Aid. There was no way I couldn’t order the Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment for hands when it came out. When the time came for a refill, I got the Software Update Performance Retinol Serum and Carea Cream (you can also purchase them as a bundle). So far, my mission for smooth, soft, taut skin from head to toe is going according to plan!

I’m sure I missed a few things that have worked their way into my routine as of late, but there’s always next time!

And as always, PLEASE don’t hesitate to reach out with your burning beauty questions! xo