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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.

Beach Body Summer Picks

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite skin-savers I have found this summer:

1. Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Soapy Suds: I love a good lather (especially after a hot day), and bliss does it right. But at the same time, it doesn’t dry out your skin. They throw in aloe and vitamin E so soften your skin. I love this for a spicy bath, but it also works great in the shower. And the scent can’t be beat.

2. VI Derm Exfoliating Body Wash with 15% Glycolic and Body Lotion with 15% Glycolic: Those nasty red bumps on my arms and legs are never pleasant. But they are especially bothersome in the summer with tanks, swimsuits and shorts de rigueur. I used KP Duty this winter with some success, but my new favorite weapon against Keratosis Pilaris (50% of Americans have it) is glycolic in the form of body wash and lotion from VI Medical. The citrus scent is delightful and this stuff works wonders. Be careful – glycolic can make you more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays.

3. AHAVA Mineral Suncare Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer, SPF 50: You have already heard me go on and on about quality sun care protection and how necessary it is. So I won’t repeat here. But what I also love about this sunscreen is the addition of minerals, vitamins and moisturizing agents. It takes the anti-aging mission a step further and makes my skin look better.

4. Giovanni Cool Mint Lemon Salt Scrub with Crushed Mint Leaves: This vegetarian scrub is like magic. Not only does it smooth, soothe and regenerate skin in the shower. It continues to cool skin long after you have dried off. This has to be an all time summer MVP, especially during these triple digit days down here in Oklahoma.

5. SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes: Bugs hate me and I hate them. Not only do they love to bite me, but I tend to have the most unattractive reaction with itchiness and red bumps. This travel-safe repellant has been my savior. It is completely effective, doesn’t smell obnoxious and keeps those suckers (literally) away.

Becca Cosmetics Mineral Blush and Beach Tint

Becca Cosmetics is a company that focuses on natural, flawless skin for every complexion. I love that they offer 34 concealer and 30 foundation shades. They truly offer makeup to ALL women. You don’t hear too much about this line – it definitely flies under the radar. So I wanted to highlight their Beach Tint and Mineral Blush in anticipation of the summer months – both great products to get the sunkissed glow (safely and without sun damage!).

BECCA Beach Tint is a blendable 2-in-1 crème stain for cheeks and lips. The water-resistant formula makes it perfect for the hot summer months – throw it on a bare face before the pool or the beach. Unlike other stains, it doesn’t dry out lips at all. Its dermatologically tested formula makes it safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin. These are ever so slightly scented in a totally pleasant way. You can keep them in a hot car or beach bag without worrying about them melting everywhere.

Becca Beach Tints are available in seven shades: Strawberry (warm orange red), Watermelon (bright pink), Peach (warm orange pink), Raspberry (deep berry pink), Grapefruit (pale coral pink), Fig (tea rose pink) and Guava (bright coral pink). The pigment goes on pretty sheer. Just make sure to exfoliate your lips with a product like Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip Scrub beforehand.

The Becca Mineral Blush is loaded with skin care benefits (Vitamin A, E and C). The mineral complex and conditioners give the appearance of smooth and even skin. There is something in the powder formula that allows the blush to blend like a cream. It never looks cakey on my dry skin and there is just a hint of highlight and illumination. It is truly a demi-matte finish. And the silver disk in the compact makes it surprisingly easy to find in a huge purse!

Becca Mineral Blush is available in five shades: Damselfy (coral), Flowerchild (peachy pink), Sweet Pea (rosy plum nude), Wild Honey (peachy nude) and Bolero (bronze).

These two products definitely go hand in hand. The Beach Tint can be layered under the Blush for added intensity. They are also free of parabens and preservatives. You can find Becca Cosmetics at Dermstore.com.

Drugstore Hits and Misses

1. Almay Eyeshadow Trio Smoky Smoky Hazel – Sorry to start out on a negative note, but skip this guy. The powder has very little pigment and is quite dry. I like the idea of a kit that caters to eye color, but they missed on this one.

2. L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow – Instead, pick up these pots. They look like pressed powder but have a creamy formula. They apply like a dream. I wish they had more colors and some less metallic options but only because I love them so much. I have Endless Pearl, which is relatively matte and a great base color. Bronze Taupe is a beautiful, warm and multifaceted neutral. These appear much more expensive than they are. Also, they mean it when they say don’t discard the little interior plastic to press down the product. If it isn’t on there the powder loosens. Whoopsie.

3. Ardell Fashion Lashes Black (110) – I am relatively new to false lashes and was incredibly intimidated to try them. But I gave it a whirl with these, using Duo adhesive. It was a breeze! They look very natural and I got loads of compliments. They were comfortable to wear didn’t damage my own lashes. Use tweezers to hold the lash strip. Put a dot of glue on the back of your hand. Slowly and carefully dip the lash strip into the glue several times along base of the lashes. Lay onto your lashes, add mascara and liner to blend with your own!

4. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Blackest Black – This guy is an award winner and no surprise why. The formula has massive staying power. The color is a perfect, deep black. The brush is easy to handle. Need I say more?

5. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake – I’ve been ooing and ahing about this innovative product all over the social media waves. The texture is what makes this blush different. It almost feels like a makeup applicator sponge at first. It is malleable but springs back. It applies like a cream, but dries to a long staying powder appearance. The effect is not matte but there is no shimmer (which I love). I picked up Coffee Cake, a nude peach that works great for a tonal, natural face.

6. eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm – I reviewed these here, but I just had to mention them again. They are fabulous balms and are so easy to find in a big purse. They have loads of flavors with medicated and SPF options.

7. Maybelline Color Tatoo 24HR Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze – Another standout drugstore eyeshadow. This is creamier than the L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow, with slighly less pigment but a little more staying power. Bad to the Bronze is a lighter version of Bronze Taupe. I also wish this came in more colors because I love it so. Many of the shades are dramatic and on the cooler side.

8. eos Shave Cream, Ultra Moisturizing, Lavender Jasmine – If you like a foaming shave cream, this isn’t for you. But the smell is what sold me. It also comes in pomegranate raspberry, island blue, cucumber melon, vanilla bliss and sensitive – fragrance free. It is massively hydrating and almost feels like conditioner.

9. eos Refresh Active Care Hand and Body Lotion – Again, they got me on the fabulous scent. The fresh cucumber lingers just enough. It isn’t greasy in the least bit. These products aren’t tested on animals and paraban-free. I’m becoming quite the eos fan.

Holiday Gift Guide

Probably no surprise to you, but beauty gifts are on the top of my wish list this holiday season.  Here are some of my favorites:
  1. Bobbi Brown Party Eye Palette: A set of beautiful, classic nudes that every girl could use
  2. Laura Mercier Travel Brush Set: hauling around full-size brushes can be a drag during a holiday getaway. These are perfect to keep in your purse or for packing.
  3. Deborah Lippmann Get This Party Started Nail Lacquer Trio: festive shades from the queen of glitter polishes
  4. Malin + Goetz Essentials Kit: fun way to introduce yourself to this brand
  5. Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glace Set: high shine gloss with loads of shades to play with
  6. Dior Beauty Deluxe 2011 Palette: true essentials in a classic, Dior tweet case
  7. Bliss Six-Pack Lemon and Sage Travel Pack: mini-lux skin and bath treats
  8. Le Metier de Beaute Ken Downing’s Lip & Nail Duo – Red My Lips: Lady-chic set from Neiman Marcus for the on-trend elegant lady
  9. NARS Sea of Love Set: cult-classic shades all in one box
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway to win a basket of Salma Hayek Nuance goodies valued at $100!!!

SircuitSkin Fall Facial – Carrie Berry Skincare

Frankly, I wasn’t really feeling the holiday spirit.  Halloween was basically a non-event, having forgot to buy candy (and it isn’t exactly my favorite holiday).   Yesterday it was 88 degrees here in Austin – I’m not complaining, but it certainly doesn’t feel like November.  But after a blissful hour with Carrie from Carrie Berry Skincare I could have belted out a holiday tune.

Carrie Berry Skincare is located at Bella SALON & Spa in downtown Austin.  The salon staff were very welcoming and the spa, in typical Austin fashion, was casual and cozy.  Carrie has that friendly, nurturing way about her (she’s a natural with that Oklahoma background).   Plus, she finally validated me by conclusively confirming that I do indeed have dry skin, perfectly suited for the fall facial featuring Youth Accelerator Pumpkin Enzyme Peel by SircuitSkin.  Actually quite a deal at $75.

SircuitSkin is one of those skincare lines you can’t help but love.  They have been in business for almost a decade and I am shocked that more people haven’t heard of them.  They have been “green” since inception with focus on pure, fresh ingredients and cutting-edge technology.  Products are cold processed and formulated in small batches.  And I love they are always cruelty-free and have absolutely no fillers, artificial colors, artificial preservatives or artificial fragrances.

The pumpkin enzyme peel was incredibly gentle – my skin felt hydrated and clean.  The peel actually never tingled, which is rarity for me.   But I could sense it was active.  Pumpkin enzymes naturally remove dead skin cells and deep clean pores while nourishing with Beta Carotene and other nutrients.   The fragrance was definitely pumpkin but not in an overly sweet way.  I will admit, I had to stop for a Starbucks Pumpkin Latte on the way home.

And it is worth mentioning, I discovered my new favorite cleanser.  SircuitSkin X-trap is a super gentle cleanser (can even be used on post-laser/surgery skin and those with rosacea.)  But it still has that gratifying foaming action.  Smells amazing and works perfectly with the Clarisonic.