Summer Complexion Helpers

We are more than halfway through summer and I am still enjoying the casual days, subtle makeup and festive mood. I’m also seeing the effects of time by the pool – filled with pore clogging sunscreen and dreaded hyper-pigmentation causing sun. I thought I’d share some of my favorite complexion savers that have been especially helpful to me during the summer routine.

1. Kate Somerville Complexion Correction Daily Discoloration Perfector: This stuff goes after melanin (which causes those dark spots). The formula actually controls the creation of pigments, while lightening at the same time. Retinol is also included to fight those fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Rubberizing Mask: Bring a little piece of Bliss Spa home with this “way too fun” rubberizing mask. There is something so satisfying about peeling off the mask after it has dried. Tea tree, seaweed and willow and menthol extracts help complexion look less shiny and improves the appearance of pores.

3. 3LAB Perfect BB SPF40/ PA+++: Armed with high factor SPF, this tinted moisturizer can even skin and fight those dark spots while making skin appear flawless. The formula contains 3LAB’s proprietary bioengineered growth hormone that can reverse the signs of aging.

4. Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% Strength: This serum effectively delivers a high-powered amount of Vitamin C into the skin. Vitamin C is great anti-aging ingredient which also lightens and brightens skin. Unlike other Vitamin C products, I get zero irritation despite the high level of active ingredient.

5. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Correcting Serum: Containing 1% Salicylic acid, this serum gently heals blemishes and fades darks spots that those blemishes leave behind. If you have oiler skin, it makes for a great all over serum, reducing pore size and redness.

St. Ives Skin Apricot Scrubs Collection

So, I was that girl who had never tried the iconic St. Ives Apricot Scrub. How could I miss out on such a drugstore favorite? I knew this problem required a quick remedy and just in time for an exciting new launch. The scrub is getting a makeover with 100% sulfate-free formulas.

Summer brings more activity, grime and sunscreen build up… at least for me. So I am thrilled to have these in my rotation. These are formulated with natural exfoliants that can even skin. After using all four new formulas over the past couple weeks, I do think my skin is more radiant.

The sulfate-free Scrub collection now includes:

  • St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
  • St. Ives Timeless Skin Apricot Scrub with gentle alpha-hydroxy acids
  • St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub with 2% salicylic acid
  • St. Ives Sensitive Skin Apricot Scrub

Each variety has a slightly different feel. They all share a fresh, fruity fragrance I am swooning over. The “Fresh” version is probably closest to the original. The granules in Fresh are quite large – beware of scrubbing too hard and irritating the skin. I love the Blemish and Sensitive version. They are smoother and a little more creamy. I’m not sure you can go wrong, especially at drugstore prices. Another St. Ives favorite for me is their exfoliating pads with AHAs that can be found for under $3!!

Suggested retail price is $3.99 – $5.69. St. Ives Scrubs are available at select mass retailers, drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil

This summer, I’ve been on the hunt for a pressed powder to throw in my purse. I don’t have oily skin, but with all this heat I was getting shiny. At the same time, I didn’t want a lot of color. A tinted BB Cream is already part of my routine, so I just wanted something that would improve staying power, cut the shine and provide a little touch up.

Eureka! bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil hit the nail on the head. This solid mineral compact uses their proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral Complex. So you get anti-aging benefits while you touch up. I love that it also has SPF. It isn’t enough alone, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. The effect is soft skin that looks even and airbrushed. It doesn’t have a matte finish, but reduces shine in a natural way.

You can use it with the enclosed puff, but I carry a Trish McEvoy Bronzer Brush in my purse and I love the way it blends out the powder. While this also comes in Tinted, I prefer the Translucent. It doesn’t require precision while you are on the go. And works for any skin color.

NEST Fragrances Personal Care Products

I’m pretty sure I’ve actually uttered the words “I wish I could just bathe in this candle”. Well, NEST Fragrances heard me! They recently launched Body Washes and Body Creams from some of their most iconic scents: Bamboo, Grapefruit, Moroccan Amber, Moss & Mint, Orange Blossom and Wasabi Pear. I am most thrilled with the authentic replication of the fragrance. They didn’t alter or adapt the fragrance, so if you love Grapefruit, that is absolutely what you will get when you pick up the Grapefruit body cream or wash.

Just like all their products, NEST has fashionable packaging down. I love the way these products look in my shower or by my bed. The body wash formula is impressive. It doesn’t strip moisture, is gentle on my sensitive skin and actually conditions. Aloe vera gel soothes and silk proteins provide moisture balance. Coconut, corn and oat-derived cleansers get the job done without irritation. There is nothing better than waking up with Grapefruit in the shower.

The body cream is luxurious and rich. You can expect long-term, lush moisturizing. Shea butter, French plum oil, grape seed oil and jojoba provide nourishment. The cream also contains aloe vera to soothe. They even threw in vitamins to condition and protect. My favorite scent, Moroccan Amber is perfect at bedtime with its cozy and calming notes. These are both now available on NeimanMarcus.com. Free shipping with code JULYFS.

Viviscal Report #1

I just cut a couple inches off my hair to clean up some dead ends. And I was a total brat about it. I’ve been growing out my hair for about four years and it pained me to part with even two measly inches. Crazy, I know. I’ve always wanted to rock incredibly long hair and have finally made a commitment to get there one way or another. In the past, I’ve hastily chopped off five or six inches. This time, I vow to grow mine long enough to finally experience ultra-long locks. And have enough hair to cut to donate AND have a long bob to spare.

To speed things along, I am starting on a three month trial of Viviscal. This supplement, adored by models (like Karlie Kloss) and actresses (like Reese Witherspoon), promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. 100% natural ingredients and drug-free, the formula works for men and women, all ages and all ethnicities. Fish proteins, horsetail extract and Vitamin C help ramp up production of keratin (which might also help my scalp and nails!).

I measured the length of my hair right at my cowlick – 12.5 inches from scalp to end. I’ll report back in a month with an update. Wish me luck!

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

I admit that, at first, I was a little confused by the Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer. Does it provide coverage? Why is it so watery? Do I need it? After some experimentation, I was quickly hooked. First, it does not provide tremendous coverage, but it does even skin. I’ve come to embrace the water texture. It soothes my skin and blends effortlessly. And yes, I do need this. It is the perfect daytime makeup. And makes a great canvas when you are wearing foundation.

The oil-free and oxygen-rich formula actually ventilates my skin, quenching and hydrating. The smooth but sheer finish actually is refreshing and makes me look more radiant. Truly a unique product! Also available in Deep. And be sure to check out another Sunday Riley favorite: Sunday Riley Soft Focus Finishing Loose Powder.