Author: Lindsay

What is On My Nightstand

I’ve been a little obsessive with my nighttime routine and I wanted to share my favorite products during evening hours:

  • Lucas PawPaw Ointment – This Australian ointment is like Aquaphor but better. It has Papaya to help exfoliate and my lips have never been so healthy. No wonder it has been around for 100 years.
  • Jason Vitamin E Oil – I’ve had cracking dry skin on my feet and hands. This nourishing (albeit a little messy) oil contains essential oils of Black Currant, Evening Primrose, Macadamia Nut and Borage. It is a truly intensive treatment if you need to heal skin quickly.
  • Bliss 24-Heaven Healing Balm – I can’t stop talking about this moisturizing cream. It is thick but absorbs quickly and leaves skin hydrated and supple.
  • Avene Thermal Spring Water – I picked this up on whim in New York City. It is a refreshing spray that adds moisture and can act as a makeup remover in a pinch. A little on a cotton ball and I don’t feel so guilty for not washing my face on those late nights.
  • Bio-Oil – Can you tell I have dry skin? For those nights I need a little extra dose of moisture, I use this on my arms and legs. I spot treated on a nasty bruise on my arm and really do think it sped healing.
  • LoLLIA Relax – I reach for this in the AM too. The main note is lavender, but the bee blossom honey and Indian amber add a sweet spiciness. I am a big believer in aromatherapy and this makes it a little easier to unwind.

Shiseido ‘Bio-Performance’ Advanced Super Restoring Cream

Are you into getting the latest and greatest as much as I am? Well, here’s some news… Shiseido ‘Bio-Performance’ Advanced Super Restoring Cream features the brand’s biggest technological advancements to-date and a first in skincare. They are the only cosmetic company using dermal stem cell research (others use epidermal stem cell technology).

This technology fights sagging, loss of resilience and deep wrinkles. The Bio-Renewal Complex is what makes the Cream so effective. Making it easier for dermal stem cells to thrive, fibroblasts are activated and improve skin’s functionality. By targeting cells in the skin’s core layer, skin is lifted and smoothed. Sounds like some pretty impresive science to me!

The Cream is thick and, at first, feels a little greasy. But it quickly absorbs, leaving soft, supple skin. Instantly, my skin looks more even. I am always sold on my beloved hyaluronic acid – it provides a super-charged level of moisture. And Rose Apple Leafe helps protect against UV rays. While the rose scent isn’t my favorite, those of you who do love it, will enjoy the subtle rosy fragrance. I think this Cream would be ideal for those with dry skin and/or recovering from a peel, windburn or aggressive anti-aging ingredients. It is soothing, yet active and packs a hydrating punch.

 

Viviscal Three Month Trial Wrap Up

I just finished up my three month trial of Viviscal! I couldn’t be more thrilled with the supplements and results.

Average hair growth is about 6 inches per year or 1/2 inch per month. During the first month, my hair grew an amazing 1.5 inches. The second month, I logged another inch. A month ago, my test spot measured 15 inches from root to ends.

So… now time for confession. My hair had gotten so long, I couldn’t resist a trim. I really needed to even up and add some layers. While it was healthy, the quick growth made it a little unfinished looking.

My stylist and I noted my “test spot” and measured a 3 inch trim. Man, did it feel good to cut my hair, especially with all that length to work with. My “test spot” today measures 13 inches (or 16 adjusting for the trim). Bottom line, my hair grew another inch! So, I have logged 3.5 inches in three months. Astonishing when you think an inch and a half is normal for that period of time.

My lashes and brows are fuller and longer. My hair seems healthier despite an increase in heat styling lately. And my scalp health is even improved. My body hair did grow a little faster, but the trade off was worth it.

Check out my first post here, second post here and third post here. You can order Viviscal at Folica.com.

Note: If you haven’t heard of Folica.com, I highly encourage you to check it out. I just ordered a styling brush from them. They service was great with quick delivery and an easy to use site.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Brush on Block

Brush on Block is water and sweat resistant SPF 30 that you apply via a self-dispensing fluffy brush. The formula contains broad-spectrum physical sunscreen – in other words, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide – which I find to be gentler on my sensitive skin. Mineral powder is also preferable for those with acne-prone skin, preventing break-outs and clogged pores that lotion or spray SPFs can cause.

While it looks like there isn’t much product, this should last 3-4 months with regular use. I’ve been using it for the past couple weeks and haven’t put a dent in it. You can wear this under makeup, but I actually like the translucent finish this gives over my makeup. And you avoid the whole greasy situation that can wreak beauty havoc. I love being able to sweep it on hard to protect areas like around my nose and on my ears.

There are lots of beneficial ingredients in there too. Green Tea Leaf Extract is a natural antioxidant while Safflower Seed Oil is an emollient that moisturizes and protects the skin and both Chamomile Extract and Honeysuckle help prevent skin inflammation and irritation.

And moms: this is safe for kiddos over 6 months old. It might even be easier to use than lotion and sprays, not to mention a breeze to travel with.

Brush on Block is part of the Susan Posnick family. Susan Posnick, former celebrity makeup artist, developed a makeup line that focuses on substantial sun protection. I am already a huge fan of her COLORDUO Lip Pencil. Get your Brush on Block at www.brushonblock.com.

 

Giorgio Armani Foundations

Armani has consistently received accolades for their breakthrough foundation formulas. It is frequently referred to as “best of breed”. But all the offerings can be somewhat overwhelming. I wanted to break down the different options and tell you why the most recognized, Luminous Silk Foundation, continues to be my favorite.

First, I want to highlight Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15. This formula has been getting a ton of attention and was awarded  Allure magazine’s ‘Best of Beauty’ award for Best Breakthrough, 2012. So naturally, I couldn’t wait to try it. Yes, as advertised it is ultra-lightweight.  The pure color pigments are suspended in the oil-based formula to make for the thinest possible consistency. And the oil component moisturizes. The coverage is VERY light. I don’t like heavy makeup, but I didn’t get enough coverage and had trouble building it up. But for those who don’t mind very little coverage and need a super light weight feel, this could be an option. I am not sure I saw the value in a luxury price point with this little coverage.

While the Maestro Foundation wasn’t a fit for me, I am WILD about the Giorgio Armani Maestro Eraser Concealer. The lightweight technology translates so well to the heavier coverage of concealer. It covers without feeling heavy or powdery. The moisturizing helps heal dark circles and the finish is radiant and luminous, but not shiny. Instead of the Maestro Foundation, I would suggest picking up the concealer and using where needed and skip foundation all together if you want a more natural look. I think I’ll be hooked on this stuff for the foreseeable future.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is the foundation I keep coming back to. I think I am on my fourth or fifth bottle. I haven’t had it in the rotation lately, so I  snapped one up on last week’s trip to Neiman Marcus. The oil-free formula has moderate coverage but the effect looks like your own skin. The finish is not dewy but luminous. Exclusive Micro-fil™ technology allows for “glide-on” application and buildable coverage. If you haven’t sat down with an Armani artist to try it, I highly highly encourage you. After my reunion with it this past week, I am sold that it is the best luxury moderate coverage foundation out there. I love using the Giorgio Armani Blender Brush to apply this (and really any) foundation.

A couple months ago, I tried the Giorgio Armani Beauty Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation. Smoothing Firming maintains the great finish and consistency of Luminous Silk with slightly more coverage and breakthrough anti-aging tools. Like the Luminous Silk, it uses the Micro-fil™  technology for a smooth application, with the addition of a micro-lifting matrix. Emollients and fillers stretch, firm and smooth the skin’s surface. Exclusive Prussian blue pearl pigment revives skin and color corrects. The finish has a luminous glow. For those with with visible signs of aging and want to go the anti-aging extra mile, this could be a good option.

Face Fabric is more of a tinted moisturizer with a powdery finish. The matte, feathery finish isn’t my favorite. You can read more of my thoughts on Face Fabric here.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Lasting Silk UV Foundation was developed with long wear in mind. It also has an oil-free formula making it perfect for those who need staying power and may run on the oiler side.

Also note, the Giorgio Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer (InStyle Best Winner) is a great highlighter. I love mixing these with the Luminous Silk Foundation for a more dewy look or adding the bronze shade to darken in the summer.

Armani is available at Neiman Marcus (free shipping with code FALLFS). Shop my favorite Armani products here:

Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray

A little something to brighten your day: I have found the absolute best smelling, best performing dry shampoo right on your drugstore shelf. Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray is my new favorite thing. I pulled it out of the dusty rear of my hair drawer last Friday to revive an amazing Dry Bar blow out. I knew I might be pushing it, but I just had to eek out another day. Imagine my delight when Suave not only refreshed and voluminized my do, but also smelled amazing. I met some friends for festivities and people (read cute boys) kept telling me how great I smelled! Now, you can’t beat that.

PSA: I’m having trouble finding this online. It is here at Target for $2.54. I am concerned they are discontinuing it, so stock up if you find it.