Ten Products You Need Right Now: The Warm Weather Must-Have List!
What an incredible year this has been thus far! With my daughter turning one in May, it feels like my life is always on fast-forward. Like all of you, I'm incredibly busy, trying to balance my time between my husband, my daughter, and my career, and even try to fit in a hobby or two! Of course, this means my time has become extremely valuable; there are never enough hours in the day to fit in everything I'd like to accomplish. Efficiency is key! As a result, my daily personal care and makeup routine is pretty streamlined. Thank goodness there are some amazing products out there to keep me presentable. If you are looking to update your cosmetic closet with new goodies for summer, here are the ten items I can't do without!
Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser ($14.45 for 1.5 oz, $29.95 for 3.5 oz)
I think this simple, straight-forward item is one of the most brilliant multi-taskers available. Rich with natural ingredients like rosewater, beeswax, and peanut oil, it is one of my favorite facial cleansers (it works a lot like old school cold cream: smooth it over dry skin, remove with a warm washcloth) because it removes every single speck of makeup, but is never drying. But it doesn't stop there: the product is also an amazing soother for diaper rash (it seriously works better than almost anything out there), a hand cream, and a lip balm! Buy the large size for your bathroom, and keep a small jar in your purse or diaper bag for on-the-go emergencies. I'd also love to hear from other "fans" about other uses you've found for this great product!
Benefit Cosmetics You Rebel Lite ($28 for 1.7oz)
Definitely my new favorite tinted moisturizer! The coverage is sheer, but the formula somehow seems to cover imperfections really well. The finish is slightly moist, but never shiny or greasy. The color is also just perfect for my light complexion. My one small complaint: while I adore the product, I would like to see it with SPF protection of 20 or 30. But, you can always layer it over additional sunscreen, so it isn't that big of a deal.
Verikira Hand and Body Wash in Spicy Citrus or Cucumber ($16 for 6.7 oz, $26 for 12 oz)
Verikira is a name you might not have heard yet - lucky you that you get to be an early adopter! Their line contains a wonderful array of natural and organic products that are almost entirely plant-based, and have no Parabens, Sulphates, or other nasties. The scents are simple, clean, and wonderful. The cucumber scent (of which I have the fantastic body lotion) is completely spot on, and manages to be fresh and pretty, and not at-all salad-like. The spicy citrus hand and body wash (I keep the smaller size next to my bathroom sink) somehow manages to leave my hands skin more smooth and moisturized after washing, which is amazing considering that I wash my hands a lot when I'm home!
A couple of other Verikira goodies that bear mentioning are the Pink Grapefruit/Pink Ribbon collection, which donates a portion of proceeds to Breast Cancer research, and the delicious Antioxidant Facial Cream. Now, I know I cheated by mentioning multiple products from this line, but I could have easily taken up 5 slots with Verikira Products!
Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Power ($48)
Chanel products are always such a treat, and this bronzing powder is an especially lovely summer item. Very finely-milled, with just a hint of shimmer, the color is fresh, sheer, and natural-looking. I really like the Sable d'Or (a limited edition shade) because it doesn't look at all heavy or too dark - perfect for fair-skinned girls who want a pretty summer glow without the sun's damaging rays. If you are looking for a little luxury splurge, this is the perfect item to bring out your glowing goddess.
Benefit Cosmetics Some Kind-A Gorgeous ($26 for .34 oz)
Another fabulous product from Benefit! It isn't foundation, but it isn't really a tinted moisturizer, either. The compact formula houses its own unique sponge, so it is very easy and portable. Some Kind-A Gorgeous actually reminds me somewhat of Dr. Feelgood: it gives a bit of coverage, but has that Dr. Feelgood silky-smooth finish. This product has saved me on many a weekend when I need to fly out the door to the grocery store or other errand, but I need a little something to be presentable! This product contains no SPF, but since it is so lightweight, you can easily use a combo moisturizer and sunscreen underneath.
Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara (about $7)
Honestly, I don't like to spend over $10 for a tube of mascara because I'm so careful about replacing it frequently. This waterproof formula is perfect for natural, warm-weather makeup. The tiny brush coats each lash, so there's no clumping, or scary, spider-y spikes. If you want big, fat lashes, this is probably not the formula for you. But, if you want a soft, polished daytime look it is perfect. The waterproof formula removes easily with oil-based eye makeup remover, or the Lush Ultrabland Cleanser mentioned earlier.
Estee Lauder Tender Lip Balm SPF 15 (in Tender Berry, $14)
The perfect lip product for summer! I reach for this sheer rose shade almost every day. It looks so natural, but has enough punch to brighten your whole complexion. It even makes your smile look whiter! The formula is extremely moisturizing, so lips stay primed for a little summer romance. I also love the SPF 15 protection for those days where sun exposure is an issue.
Sweetgrass Farm Farmhouse Triple-Milled Soap ($6 for 7 oz bar)
Sometimes, you just want the simplicity of a nice bar of soap to use with a lovely, worn washcloth - perfect for gentle, all-over exfoliation. Milled in the French tradition, Farmhouse Soaps produce a thick, luxe lather. Each all-vegetable bar contains a healthy dose of my favorite skin soother, shea butter, and provides balanced moisturizing for all skin types. All the fragrances are derived from pure essential and fragrance oils, and deliver just the right amount of gorgeous aroma. Personally, I love the lavender scent, but the Lemon Verbena and Lilac are also very nice. The bar is actually quite big, so it is an amazing value for only $6!
Lush Dream Cream ($23 for 8.4oz)
Truly, the most skin-friendly, mega-soothing concoction I've ever "slathered"! Lush says: "We take every natural ingredient aimed at transforming dry, bumpy and unhappy skin and combine them all into an epidermal elixir of excellence." They aren't kidding! The cream is not overly rich or heavy, so it calms irritable skin equally well on both adults and children. I've used it on Ava for months now, and it keeps her sensitive skin calm and happy. The herbal smell takes a bit of getting used to, but it is totally natural, clean and fresh without being overbearing. Definitely a unisex scent, too - my husband thinks it smells just fine for guys or girls.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Bronze Collection ($35 for 5 mini pencils)
This collection of eyeliner pencils is a perfect set of wearable but unique colors: silver, gold, copper, pearly brown, and black. All are metallic-flecked, but the effect is luminous and pretty, not glitzy. The waterproof formula is also perfect for summer; it wears and wears without smearing or disappearing.
Now that you have been properly prettified, go out and enjoy the day!
- Lisa
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Hair Care Challenge: Ojon vs. Giovanni
I don't spend as much time or money on makeup as I used to, and I have settled into a skin care routine that I like, but the one thing I continue to experiment with is my hair. It's been long, short, layered, bobbed, colored and straightened, but the one thing that never changes is the frizz. Boy, do I hate that frizz! For probably 3-4 months I have been consistently using Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo ($7.99 for 8.5oz) and Smooth as Silk Conditioner ($7.99 for 8.5oz)
, and for the most part I have been happy. The pair deal pretty well with my frizz, the ingredients are more on the natural side (which I really like), and they are readily available at the New Seasons Market where I buy my groceries. I have to admit I was pining for something a little more luxurious and pampering, and somehow I found myself at Sephora one day looking at hair care.
I explained to the saleswoman what I was looking for, and she enthusiastically escorted me to Ojon Shine & Protect Shampoo ($22 for 8.4oz) and Shine & Protect Conditioner ($24 for 8.4 oz)
. She swore that Ojon is amazing, that she uses the products herself, and so on and so on. I think they must be paid to say that stuff. I was compelled by the promise of super shiny and frizz-free hair, so I bought them both.
After about two months using Ojon, I have to say that the difference between my hair on Ojon and my hair on Giovanni was not all that noticeable. I also blew through the Ojon conditioner, as it is lighter and more fluid than the Giovanni. At $24 a bottle, I hoped it would last longer. I still have a ton of shampoo (you only need a little), so I continue to use it but I pair it with the Giovanni conditioner, which I now buy in bulk at the store for $8.99 per pound! I guess this is the best of both worlds, but once the Ojon shampoo is gone, I will be refilling my empty bottle with bulk Giovanni shampoo. Ojon was fun to try, but for the price and what it does for my hair, I am sticking with Giovanni.
- Heather
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Greet summer with something fresh and new
Sweet Grass Farm, a New Hampshire based manufacturer of all-natural soaps and herbal body products, has something new that you need to try: Farmhouse Triple Milled Soap ($5.95). Following in the 19th century French tradition of hard milled soaps, these are made from olive oil and infused with shea butter, vitamins and moisturizers. You get a thick, frothy lather, perfect for the shower, and it's a nice big bar that lasts, rather than melting away after a week or so like so many other natural soaps. My personal favorite is Fresh White Lilac - LOVE lilac! - and it is also available in Lavender and Lemon Verbena.
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