It's been a tough first half of 2020. I think we can all agree this year has been a doozy to say the least. While COVID runs havoc across the country and we all stay safe in our homes (we should be), the cultural and political climate will definitely run you mad. That's when I choose to run to the one place that always give me joy - makeup. Of course.
Some people have yoga. Some people have meditation. I have - makeup. It is my zen. The place I feel happiest and most creative. I can take an hour (or even two) just putting on my makeup to go to the kitchen and make family lunch. Makeup has power. It has been noted that lipsticks sales went thru the roof post 9/11. A new lipstick can help you put a pep in your step more than a cardio class (in my case anyhow)
I feel 100 times more productive and energetic when my contour is on point. While working with countless women on their skin care and beauty routines throughout the years I most certainly aimed and felt I could empower women through makeup. Because once you feel good about yourself, it puts an extra boost to everything you do.
As we stay confined in our homes it might be difficult to get motivated to accomplish tasks for the day or figure what on earth you are going to with the kids today. I definitely battle lack of motivation at least twice a week! When I feel like I just can't get off the couch for the third hour of my favorite show "Dead to Me", I force myself to shut the TV off and take the time to self care. (And if you haven' t seen this show, do yourself a favor and turn Netflix on now) Before you go there, I want you to know that I realize not everyone may have the time or the tools for a spa day in your bathroom. While I have one 9yr old that can play Fortnite until the cows come home, there are other moms that are struggling to keep 3+ kids entertained. I get it.
Well, quarantine or no quarantine, nothing will stop me from trying new products! Here is the latest of some things I've been trying and loving!
Youth to the People Kombucha Toner (with Lactic Acid & Glycolic) - I mentioned this product in my previous blog post regarding breakout. I've been using this toner consistently for a few months and I'm happy to see less breakout and smoother skin especially on my chin. I often get blackheads around my chin area and my skin often appears rough. I needed something that was strong enough to clear my skin but gentle enough for my sensitive, rosacea skin. My skin appears brighter and clearer. I love that this product is designated as a clean beauty product, meaning, it has been created without toxic ingredients.
Dose of Colors Meet Your Hue Foundation -If there is anything that I love more than a lipstick it is a great foundation. I am always on the hunt for the perfect formula. My latest obsession by Dose of Colors was on sale and I jumped at the chance to try it. I'm so glad that I did. The formula is weightless and gives amazing coverage while smoothing my skin out and reducing the sight of post acne scars. Formulated with medium to full coverage it also blurs the skins imperfections, pores and fine lines. The foundation is available in 42 shades (I am in shade 113) at Ulta.com or doseofcolors.com .
Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum - I am a big fan of Farsali's Unicorn Essence, a serum primer that added a je ne sais qua to my skin. But at $52 a pop I couldn't keep up with my obsession. While I feel that the Farsali made my skin look juicier, this is a good alternative option to enhance the skin with an inner glow and prime the skin before foundation. Take two drops and apply directly to my skin after moisturizer or add one drop to your foundation if it feels too heavy or too mattifying. The formula is hydrating, not oily, and locks in moisture while keeping oil at bay. If your skin is looking kinda blah, especially after tackling the summer sun, give this one a try!
Maybelline Lifter Gloss with hyaluronic acid - I am a sucker for a good gloss and during the summer it's all I wear. This new collection of nude glosses seemingly look KKW-inspired and are formulated with hyaluronic acid to create the appearance of a fuller lip. I was so excited to get my hands on these that I picked up 3 shades in Amber , Stone and Topaz (my favorite). The shades Topaz and Crystal are easily dupes for the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Luminizer at a fraction of the price.
I hope you enjoyed reading what is crossing my makeup counter at the moment. Don't forget to take some time for yourself and take a breather! Whether it's a thirty-minute yoga sesh, twenty minutes to read the next chapter of your summer read or a quick refresh on your skin - just do YOU!