Best of 2018 Beauty

It’s that time of the year again, Best of Beauty 2018! In addition to my everyday favorites, I have included some of my favorite “travel essentials” as well. The theme this year was simplifying and limiting the amount of products used on my skin and my travels. I hope these come in handy for you as much as they do for me….

1. LEMON WATER & ICING: Lemon water, first thing in the morning continues to stay on my list of favorites. Before I eat or drink anything, I drink a glass of fresh squeezed lemon water to rehydrate after a nights sleep. The lemon is alkalizing and helps to maintain a proper PH balance in the body. It’s also a rich source of vitamin C along with many other benefits that you can find online. Squeeze half of a lemon into room temperature water and be sure to use a stainless steel or glass straw to avoid any issues with your teeth down the road.

I incorporated icing my face into my daily routine after visiting a new facialist this year. Aside from it being beneficial after a facial with extractions, she also recommended icing my face regularly two times per day (am/pm) for 5-10 minutes. I have to say I have noticed a difference in my skin . If you have sensitive areas like I do around my cheeks, just avoid those areas. It helps with reducing inflammation and breakouts.

Another item I need to include here are my baby washcloths. I use them to cleanse my skin at night. It’s super gentle on the skin yet provides a little exfoliation and deep cleansing when washing your face. I remove my make-up first with Micellar water using one of my cotton pads (mentioned below). I then follow up with a non-foaming & hydrating gentle cleanser, massage in my skin for a few minutes and remove with the washcloth. I also use them when icing my face.

2. GUA SHA:  The Jade Roller became all the rage last year and shortly after the Gua Sha popped up. It’s a massage tool designed to relieve tension in the muscles of the face, boost blood circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage to banish bloat. I enjoy using this tool after applying one of my favorite face oils. You can find several YouTube videos that demonstrate proper usage. I try to do this a couple of times per week.

3. THAYERS WITCH HAZEL TONER - ROSE PETAL:  Toner is fairly new to my skin routine. I’ve always tried them but never found one that I felt the need to continue using but this particular toner has definitely made a difference in my skin. I particularly like the rose petal version which also contains aloe and glycerin. During the summer months on hot and humid days, I didn’t even feel the need for a moisturizer after applying this toner. It’s inexpensive and worth every penny.

4. SAGE:  I had to throw sage in here because it’s become a part of my daily wellness practice. It’s primarily used for smudging, cleansing crystals, etc. On some mornings I like to pull out just one small leaf to set the tone for the day. I love the scent but it is very strong so if you live in a small space lighting the entire bundle can be a bit overwhelming. I am also a fan of Palo Santo wood which is not as strong and gives more of a fireplace scent. When it’s burned, the smoke is believed to provide medicinal and therapeutic healing energy.

5. MUJI TRAVEL BOTTLES: Since I usually only travel with carry-on luggage, it’s important that I keep my liquids to a minimum to stay within TSA guidelines. The MUJI store has a great selection of travel sized bottles in different sizes. 

6. MUJI COTTON PADS & TRAVEL CASE:  After discovering these unbleached cotton pads from MUJI, it’s hard to go back to the regular cotton pads you find in the drugstore. Just recently, I also discovered this rubber travel case which is perfect for packing them up for travel.

7. COMPRESSED FACIAL SPONGES (for travel):  The first time I saw these sponges were in my dermatologists office. I then discovered they can be purchased on Amazon. These water activated, compressed facial sponges are perfect for travel. They take the place of my washcloths when cleansing my face and can be thrown away after a few uses.

8. SLIP SILK TRAVEL PILLOW & EYE MASK:  So this was a last minute item that was gifted to me for the holidays. I haven’t had an opportunity to use it yet but I just know I am going to love it! A silk pillow case has been on my radar for a couple of years but I haven’t purchased any because I like to change my pillow cases every few days. You do the math, that would be a tad bit expensive with silk cases. So you can imagine my excitement when I opened this box and found out they have a “travel pillow” as well. I look forward to using this very soon!

See you in 2019 with more reviews but in the meantime, I wish you a HEALTHY, HAPPY & PROSPEROUS New Year!

Best of 2017 Beauty

Being the beauty product junkie that I am, I enjoy trying new products all of the time and I discovered many in 2017!  Photographed above and below are just some of my favorites otherwise this post would be way too long. In no particular order of preference, here they are....

1. TURMERIC DIY MASK:  Organic turmeric powder mixed with whole milk or yogurt, &/or organic raw unfiltered honey. The turmeric is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. The milk and yogurt provide that exfoliating lactic acid. The honey is also antibacterial plus a very effective skin moisturizer.  An important note, the turmeric stains so I apply with a brush (pictured above) and I wash and wipe down everything immediately. I leave on for 10-15 minutes and remove with a warm wet washcloth. I follow up with several swipes of my hydrating toner to remove the yellow residue that remains in the pores.  It takes quite a few swipes but it does eventually go away.

2. DIY LIP SCRUB:  This is my take on a lip scrub I purchased from Lush.  The ingredients are different but it's the same idea.  I use sugar, extra virgin coconut oil and raw unfiltered organic honey. I store it in the fridge to preserve it.  Next batch, I'll try adding an essential oil for fragrance.

3. ALOE:  Used as a face mask, I leave on for 20-30 minutes and rinse.  All I need is a small slice to do the trick, split open and apply the inside flesh directly to my face.  I store the remainder in the fridge until I finish using it.  I find it helps with active breakouts and fading scars.  I find these in my local supermarket for just a few dollars.

4. SANDALWOOD POWDER MASK:  I found this powder on Amazon.  I mix with a little water to form a paste, apply with brush and leave on for 15-20 minutes or until entirely dry.  I wash it off with water only, no washcloth.  The fine grains feel like they are exfoliating as well when I wash it off.  This is my DIY version of a sandalwood powder mask that was used on me at the Pratima spa in Soho.  It's great for redness!

1. LIVING LIBATIONS SKINCARE LINE:  "Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever" for oil cleansing & moisturizing.  Seabuckthorn is known for its healing and rejuvenating effects on the skin.  There are a bunch of other amazing skin ingredients in it as well. "Zippity DewDab" an essential oil blend for blemishes.  It doesn't dry out my skin and it does the job.

2. THE ORDINARY: A great inexpensive skincare line.  My favorites are the "Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum", "100% Plant Derived Squalene", "100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil" & "100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil".  Originally you were only able to order these products on their website but I recently saw them in Ricky's drugstore (for those of you that live in NYC).

3. SECRET KEY ESSENCE, ALOE SOOTHING MOIST TONER & ALL CLEAN BALM:  I have to thank @gothamista for these finds.  I subscribe to her YouTube channel and she is full of valuable information on skin products.  All items were purchased on www.yesstyle.com.  Secret Key (with rose flower water) is a first treatment essence.  Aloe Soothing Moist Toner is a hydrating toner for all skin types.  The All Clean Balm is great for removing make-up as your "first cleanse".  These products are part of the very popular Korean skincare routine.   I have found that incorporating a toner has helped my skin a lot.  The jury is still out on whether or not I "need" the essence but I don't hate it.  I am a fan of double cleansing if I am wearing make up.

4. OUAI:  This is the haircare line of celebrity stylist Jen Atkin.  It has a unique scent which I really like, a fresh & floral combination. Pictured above are the Smooth Spray, Dry Shampoo Foam & Hair Oil. I am currently using the "Smooth Spray" on damp air as a leave-in conditioner/detangler spray.  I also use the "Smoothing Cream" on dry hair to tame flyaways, it also adds some piecey texture and shine after styling.

1. TEA:  In an attempt to cut down on my coffee intake, I have found some coconut based teas that work as a replacement on some days.  Luckily I am not that person that can't function without their coffee in the morning.  Some of my favorites are *Atticus Coconut Custard Rooibos tea, it's organic, caffeine free and tastes delicious!  If you google Rooibos tea you will find a long list of health benefits. *Rishi Tropical Coconut Oolong tea.  This tea does contain caffeine and is lighter in taste than the Rooibos but just as good. *Harney & Sons Green Tea with Coconut.  This tea comes in an adorable tin can and sachets unlike the other two which I purchased in loose leaf.  This tea is the lightest of all three teas and also contains caffeine.  If you ever find yourself in Soho, NY be sure to visit their store/cafe on Broome street.  

The last tea on my list (not pictured above) is Spearmint tea.  It has several benefits but those that stand out for me are "hormonal balance", "aids in digestion" and "stress relief".  I like to have this tea at night after dinner and it's caffeine free.  I don't find a need to add creamer or sweetener to any of these teas but once in a while I will add a little honey. My preference is Manuka or Organic Raw Unfiltered Honey (which is also less expensive). 
*DIY tip, I also use the honey as a face mask.

2&3. LUSH FRESH HANDMADE PRODUCTS:  I love pretty much their entire line of products but my standouts are the "Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub".  This reminds me of that feeling your skin has after a dip in the ocean. I wouldn't use it all the time but it 's good for those with oilier skin and prone to breakouts.  Another favorite is "Angels on Bare Skin Face & Body Cleanser", pictured above with the lavender sprigs.  This is a gentle cleanser/scrub and very soothing for sensitive skin.  

4. BRAGG ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:  Now this is one that I have gone back and forth with for quite a few years but this year I stuck with it. First thing in the morning, I add a tablespoon to a cup of filtered room temperature water.  I use this on days that I don't drink my fresh squeezed lemon water. Sometimes I add both and drink at the same time. They are both alkalizing to the body, you can google the long list of health benefits. I always drink through a straw (stainless steel is my preference) otherwise it can wreak havoc on your teeth enamel over time.  I also rinse my mouth out with water after drinking it to be extra careful.  I've only purchased the Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider (which contains "the mother").

That's all for this post...  When it comes to skincare I am willing to splurge on the right product BUT fortunately the items listed above are inexpensive and effective!  

Lip Lab by Bite -New York, NY
September 2017

I recently accompanied a friend on a visit to Lip Lab by Bite in Soho, New York to create her very own customized lipstick.  She scheduled an appointment in advance and opted for the "BeSpoke Lipstick" service. They offer two services, the "Custom Lipstick" and the "BeSpoke Lipstick".  The "Custom Lipstick" costs $55 pp for one lipstick or two for $80.  With the "Custom Lipstick" service, you have nearly 200 colors (exclusive to Bite) to work with.  The "BeSpoke Lipstick" costs $150 pp for two lipsticks and your Lip Lab artist works with you to get a unique shade to your exact specifications.  So if you have that lipstick that has been discontinued and you are looking to recreate it, I would say the "BeSpoke" service is the way to go.  You also get a choice of finish with each service and can customize it with a selection of scents.  It's a unique experience and the process is quicker than I anticipated!  They do private events as well, perfect for a girls night out!