Loving Lately... Quarantine Edition
If you’re anything like me then this pandemic means a spike in compulsive activity: walking aggressively (me), drinking (me), cleaning (me), screaming in closets (me), sobbing uncontrollably (me), TikToking (ahem… me), eating (me! me! me!) and buying a whole lotta shit online that I totally forget about until it arrives on my doorstep three days later… (um, definitely ME). While I offer no advice on curbing the aforementioned behaviors, I CAN help by recommending some splurge-worthy beauty trends so when we’re finally unmasked and wandering about freely, we’ll be giving good face. Check out my list below for what I’m loving lately… Quarantine Edition.
Herbivore Prism Exfoliating Glow Facial: If you follow my social media, my affinity for Herbivore as a brand should come as no surprise. I recently tried their Prism Glow Facial (mask) and was straight up blown away. My skin tends to divulge my mood which, unfortunately, hasn’t been especially sunshiny as of late. I applied this mask one dreary Sunday afternoon and my face was instantly…I mean INSTANTLY transformed into dewy, youthful, rosy skin. Prism Exfoliating Glow Facial is jelly-like in texture and it contains a cocktail of BHAs and AHAs which yields real results in about 10 minutes. It reduces hyper pigmentation and gives me the extra push to go sans makeup… which doesn’t actually matter because we can’t go anywhere and my dog thinks I’m pretty no matter what. Right Izzy-girl?
Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask: Everyone from my teenage/twenty-something babysitters… to my friends in their 30s/40s… to my mom has been raving about this sublime lip sleeping mask from Laneige. Every night before I shut off the lights, I apply this stuff with the cute little rubber wand provided and slap it all over my lips. It contains Vitamin C and other antioxidants to smooth and regenerate the delicate skin of our lips. It also has a moisture wrap which boasts hyaluronic acid and minerals to form a protective layer over lips to lock in the moisture and active ingredients. The mask comes in four different scents and just oozes the vibe KISS ME BABY… which is definitely not the vibe i’m trying to give off these days but maybe it’s worth it for the soft, pillowy smoochers that are promised the next day? Weigh the odds.
Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush Pillow Talk Edition: Ok, firstly, Charlotte Tilbury products in general are taking the world by storm. This cheek to chic blush was recommended to me while shopping around at Sephora. I loved the branding and had read stellar reviews of the blush on instagram… and we all know everything on instagram is real AF right? I decided to give this one a try…. annnnd, good riddance to Nars’ Orgasm blush, it’s been a great run but there’s a new biatch in town and she’s creamy, luxurious and radiant all in one pretty palette. This blush flatters most skin tones and a little bit goes a long way so strobe lightly on the cheekbones which is nearly impossible for me but maybe an old dog just learned a new trick. Bottom line: I’m obsessed.
Skinbetter AlphaRet Exfoliating Pads: These came highly recommended by my trusted Dermatologist. I’ve always been ultra sensitive to retinol/Vitamin A and was hesitant to spend more money on another one of these types of products. I’m happy to report that I’ve already gone though a box of these pads and have tolerated them very well. The AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads contain retinoid and a triple acid complex which I think is the key here. While the retinoid does its job to exfoliate, reducing fine lines and rough patches etc, the lactic acid moisturizes while exfoliating to promote hyaluronic acid. I use these a few times a week and while I always feel the tingle after application, rarely does my skin feel dry, irritated and itchy like other retinol products I’ve used in the past. Bottom line is… yes, these pads are expensive but it’s a medical grade product that ACTUALLY changes your skin without the use of costly lasers etc. Anyone who is serious about their skincare routine should sincerely consider adding these pads to their repertoire.
Farmacy Butter Beeswax Lip Balm: I thought I’d recommend this lip balm by Farmacy as an added bonus. It looks very much like a plain old chapstick except it does way more. It contains honey, beeswax and cupuaca to soothe, nurture and soften. This balm is especially great to prep and prime lips for a liner, lipstick or gloss. It’s an ultra clean product so licking your lips can be a thing again and it’s 10 bucks a pop so naturally, it can be found in every pocket, purse and console I own. Don’t think, just buy.
