back to school skincare hacks!

Now that summer is on it's way out it's time to get back into a routine in SO many areas of life... one of them (for me at least!) is my skincare routine.  My skin doesn't love humidity and sunscreen so I've really been dealing with some breakouts that I need to get under control. In general I've just been off my usual routine which doesn't help battle breakouts or skin un-evenness. On top of that the skin on my whole body is dried out from the AC and constant sunscreen applications... so I really need a head to toe refresh.  Anyone else? Today I rounded up some skincare must-haves I'm using to get my skin back on track now that it's back to school season. 

I am SUPER passionate about Beautycounters high performing products with SAFE ingredients! I 100% trust my skin to any and all of their products - but these are a few of my favorites these days...

Curbing Breakouts with Safe Ingredients

Beautycounter JUST launched this brand new affordable skincare Beautycounter CounterControl Line to combat breakouts and recurring acne and I'm already LOVING it!  Every morning I wash with the Clear Pore Cleanser. It's a gentle exfoliator that smells like a trip to the spa! I love the gentle but effective scrubbing beads.  Then I use the the Spot Treatment as needed when I can feel a breakout coming on, or when one has already appeared.  I will also add the All Over Treatment in the evenings after washing my face if I feel breakouts coming on as well. And I've totally got my kids hooked on these as well... that teen and pre-teen acne is totally hitting in our house! I wish I had these products when I was their age!

Spa Skin Right This Way

I've been using this amazing combo lately for silky smooth skin that feels like I just came straight from the spa!  In the bath or shower I scrub head to toe with this Sugar Body Scrub (which, BTW, smells AMAZING!). Then after the shower I slather on this Citrus Rosemary body oil all over my body.  It's a serious one-two punch for dry and lackluster skin and leaves my skin feeling AMAZING!

Getting a Deep Clean

One of my favorite tricks lately has been getting a super deep clean at night by using the Nourishing Cream Exfoliating wash on my skin WITH this mini Luna. If you haven't heard of the Luna brush, it's similar to a Clarisonic, but with silicone (which is supposed to hold less dirt and bacteria) instead of bristles.  It feels good on your skin while you are cleansing (like a massage!) and even better when you are finished cleansing. My skin has never felt so soft and clean! 

If you are shopping Beautycounter this Labor Day weekend be sure to take advantage of the FREE gift with $150 purchase... you can get all the info here!

Okay - these are my tricks! What are yours? Is your skin in need of a post-summer spruce up as well?

loving lately: clean beauty!

I've long been a label-reader on my beauty products... and while I will say it can be super daunting to even pronounce the ingredients on beauty products it can be even more daunting to know what they actually mean.  I first heard about "clean beauty" over 10 years ago... when I learned that some beauty products contained unsavory ingredients (I won't go into details, you don't want to know!) my ears instantly perked up. Over the years since then I work to read labels and become informed... THE BEST I CAN. And that's my goal here... are ALL the personal care and beauty products I use 100% safe? I will be the first to admit my answer is NO.  But do I work to make sure they are about 90% safe? YES!  I always want to make sure that a product actually works - so there are a few products that I am still holding on to (hello hairspray, nail polish, and dry shampoo) that could be safer.  Any move towards safer products is a win in my book.

The point of it all is that I TRY. I wish that every product on the market was free from potentially harmful chemicals.  But since that isn't the case, I do the best I can with what I have.  Over the years that has meant that Beautycounter has been number one on my list as a source of safe AND effective products for my skin care and makeup routine. They are committed to keeping over 1,500 potentially harmful ingredients out of their products - you can read them all here on their 'Never List' - so it's a no-brainer to shop their selection of beauty and personal care items.

Like I mentioned, I have used their products for quite a few years but recently came back to my devotion for their brand and their products alike.  After a long and fun summer (wink, wink) my face was a MESS.  On top of that, as a blogger I often have the opportunity to test drive products that brands send me.  So after being out of my routines and being careful with the products I chose, my skin needed help. The skin tone was uneven and rough, I had some nasty sun spots to contend with, and I was breaking out like crazy.  I knew I needed to give my face a fresh start.  Since getting Beautycounter products back in the regular rotation over the past month, my skin is finally back on track - thankfully!

Today I thought I would chat a little bit about what Beautycounter products I use and why... and feel free to let me know if you have any questions about any of these products... I'm happy to help!

Dew Skin 

What is it... Dew Skin is an ultra lightweight foundation that gives a glowy and natural finish to your skin. It's a light to medium coverage with SPF 20.

Why I like it... I hate the feel of heavy foundations and LOVE that this brings out the best of my own skin. Plus, it's a no brainer to throw on SPF 20 every morning. I'm a No. 1 or No. 2 for color to give you an idea. Since it's so lightweight you really can't go wrong on color selection within a number or two.

Blush

What is it... Everyday blush with two tones included - you can use one side or the other, or like I do... combine the two!

Why I like it... I used to be hooked on another well-known blush that didn't have the best ingredients, so I was SKEPTICAL when I tried these blushes.  But I have reordered both of these twice over the years and still love them. I used the Tawny/Whisper for summer and fall and the Bloom/Tulip for winter and spring.

Eye Cream

What is it... an intense eye cream for aging skin.

Why I like it... If you are starting to see the signs of crows feet or already battling them and need extra moisture around the eye area, this eye cream is for you! I love to use this before bed.  If you are just dipping your toe into using eye cream, I also love this option!

Facial Oil

What is it... some people are scared to hear "facial" and "oil" in the same sentence! But once you try this stuff you are a believer! Any skin types from aging to combination can see benefits from this product.

Why I like it... You only need the tiniest bit and you will see increased moisture and an evening of skin tone.  It's amazing!  I love ALL of the oils (there are three: Balancing, Plumping, or Brightening)  and use them all, but Balancing is my favorite. These are perfect to use after a mask in the evening, or add a drop to your foundation for extra moisture and a dewy glow or use it on it's own or combined with your night cream in the evening.  You only need a drop or two, so this bottle lasts forever! 

Cleansing Balm

What is it... Cleansing balm is just what it's sounds like.  At the end of the day you can smear this thick balm all over your skin to remove makeup and dead skin cells.  Massage it in - it seriously feels like a spa treatment at home and then gently rinse it off with a warm washcloth for glowing and soft skin.

Why I like it... This product is AMAZING for dry skin and I love to use it as the weather cools off.  It absolutely melts into your skin and gives your skin an instantly youthful glow.  This is my winter mask of choice!

Charcoal Mask

What is it... a deep cleaning clay mask with activated charcoal to draw impurities out of your skin. It has a touch of peppermint scent that is super invigorating.

Why I like it... If you follow me on Instagram stories you know I have been doing this mask about twice a week - I am obsessed.  As it dries you can see the oil coming out of your pores (gross and amazing all at once) and it's given my skin the fresh start it needed after summer.

Other products I love and use are: Brightening Mask (perfect for an at-home spa night!), Peppermint Lip Balm (I'm addicted to this stuff!), Countermatch Adaptive Moisturizer (this is a new product and I've only used it a few times... but Beautycounter is launching an entire new system based on the success of this moisturizer, people rave about it!), Toner Pads (I ran out of these over the summer and just reordered - I love these for that extra clean feeling!), Masking Set (if you want to try all the masks, this is an affordable way to get all three!)

Interested in joining my amazing team that is revolutionizing the beauty industry? I have teamed up with some of the most amazing blogger babes and our team would love to have you join us! You can find out more here - or email me - I'd love to chat more about it with you!

5 tips to end adult acne without medication!

Uggghh... this is NOT a fun topic.  But if you've ever dealt with adult acne, you know it's not only a huge pain in the butt - it is also just plain painful, embarrassing and can really take a toll on your self esteem.  There is nothing like having the stress of both a mortgage and teenage-level zits or having kids about ready to get pimples while you are still trying to figure out how to treat yours.  

I've been there and I've tried JUST about everything.  In the end... the simplest solutions were what I found to work best. So I thought I would do a little post on what has worked for me... even at 37 I can still get some super major break-outs and if you've had the same problem - I feel your pain.  In general, I personally don't care for prescription medication.  It's a personal choice and one that I have been adamant about for my face as well.  I tried some several years ago without much luck and since then I have worked to find my own solution that didn't involve medications with possible side effects.  Here's my five tips on how to end adult acne without prescription medication.

1. Drink lemon water.  Wha? I know this sounds strange but the science behind lemon water is absolutely fascinating (seriously, google it!) and for me it's REALLY helped clear my skin up.  Plus, it has about a million other great effects on your body.  It's best when it's done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach - but any time of day is better than not at all.  How do I do it? I make a cup of hot water with my Kuerig first thing in the morning and put five drops of (therapeutic grade - don't settle for less!) lemon essential oil in the water and drink.  I also put lemon slices in my water bottle to sip on during Pure Barre classes or throughout the day. Or if I've skipped all those I unwind with warm lemon water in the evening.    If you have trouble keeping fresh lemons in the house (I'm guilty of this!)... buy several pounds fresh and slice them and freeze them.  Then just pull a slice or two out of the freezer whenever you want and plop in your water! So easy!

2. Invest in good skincare products.  I'm a huge fan of all natural products - but if it doesn't work then I don't use it. I look for high quality products that really WORK.  Ditch the harsh cleansers that dry your skin out - especially if you are in your 30's or older.  You need something that will balance your skin and treat it's anti-aging needs at the same time.  Ask friends what they like or check out all the great beauty blogs out there for advice. Your gal pal that swears she just splashes water on her face at night and still glows isn't the friend to ask here.  Some people can do that... but I can't and if you are reading this article you probably can't either.  Invest in the products you put on your face and you won't be disappointed.  Your skin will thank you in the long run - I promise!  I've also found skin oils to be very beneficial in keeping the right amount of moisture on my face.  And if you think "skin oil" sounds scary - I promise it's not!  They are great for acne prone skin.

3. Wash your face day and night.  This probably goes without saying... but always start the day with a fresh face and always end it with a fresh face.  Dirt and makeup can clog pores - duh.  And the problem can multiply if you work out with a dirty face first thing or if your pillowcase gets built up with traces of makeup.  No matter how tired you are at night, or in the morning for that matter... always get the makeup or night cream from the night before off.  I find these wipes are easy to use and work great when traveling or when I'm feeling lazy.

4. Get regular facials.  When I started getting regular facials with a trusted aesthetician, I saw a huge improvement in my skin.  If you don't know how to find a trusted aesthetician - simply call a trusted dermatologist's office for a referral.  Locally I have a dermatologist that has a skin center right inside of it and the two work together.  Or many times plastic surgeons offices will offer the services of an aesthetician.  I avoid the local salon where the facial gal is also doing massage/hair cuts/nails, but that is a personal decision.  I get a facial about once a quarter - or sometimes more often if I feel like I need it.  Once you get in a rhythm with facials you will know when it's time.  You will feel it on your skin.  The extractions can be painful and usually make my face very red and inflamed for a day or less.  Then the next day the swelling and redness is almost entirely gone and by two days out my skin looks and feels amazing.  Since starting facials I've learned to NEVER pick or pop zits.  I leave it to the pros!

5. Find your trigger.  It could be sugar, stress, dairy, certain skincare products or even the change of the seasons.  I personally have two triggers: dairy and change of seasons (especially winter to spring).  I discovered dairy was a trigger for me when I went through a daily Greek yogurt phase about 8 years ago resulting in MAJOR break outs.  Then in a fit of amnesia I went through a daily latte phase that ended - no big surprise - in terrible cystic acne for months on end.  Then recently I had another huge cystic acne breakout for about two months straight. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why and then one morning when I was taking my probiotic pill (I had recently changed brands) I saw the "Contains Milk" warning on the bottle.  Almost immediately after going back to a dairy-free probiotic my skin cleared up.  It doesn't mean I'm off dairy 100% - I just make sure that if I have Greek yogurt one day, I lay off the latte or cheese or yogurt the next day.  But take note of when you break out and what foods you eat or stress you have and then trust your gut and it will probably lead to what your trigger is.  As for the change in seasons, my aesthetician suggested simply taking an antihistamine during the season changes because allergens can affect your face.  Good to know! And also another reason why to have a professional you can chat with your skin about on a regular basis.

Now it's your turn... what has worked for your adult acne? Have you ever tried any of these suggestions?  I'd love to know!

Beautycounter Giveaway!

In the past year I have become more and more diligent about ridding my life and our household of toxic chemicals as best I can. I am not perfect at it, but day by day I try to seek out alternative beauty and personal care products and even cleaning products that are better for me and for the environment. I believe in making small changes here and there. So that is what I am trying to do.

Last fall I became involved with Beautycounter - a beauty and personal care company that is committed to getting safe products into the hands of consumers without fail. So many companies say they are 'green' or 'natural' these days but don't really walk the walk.  Beautycounter is different.  With The Never List they have committed to keeping dangerous and toxic ingredients out of their products (even though our government won't even help consumers by doing that!).

I absolutely LOVE these products, everything that I have tried is simple and beautiful and it WORKS.  Today to share the love I am giving away three of my all time favorite Beautycounter products (shown below): a Color Sweep blush of your choice (I recommend "bloom/tulip" it's seriously the best I've ever tried!), the Lip Conditioner Peppermint Balm (so soft and silky with a zing of peppermint!) and one Lustro Face Oil of your choice (my favorite is Jasmine, your face will thank you!).  Once you try these products you will fall in love with them… and you will know that they are safe from harmful ingredients as well.  It's a win win!  For more on Beautycounter's mission - click here!

Other products I am currently using and loving: Vibrant Eye Perfector, Color Outline in Black, Color Sweep Blush in Tawny/Whisper and Tint Skin Complexion Coverage.

To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below… only entries placed there will eligible to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

simple beauty!

A few people have recently asked about my makeup routine. Really I hardly wear much makeup at all and if you catch me working out or running errands - a lot of time I don't wear any, I'm lazy like that!  But I do try to get makeup on everyday - even if it's by 2pm… but not much of it. I'm not so much a beauty minimalist on purpose but because I know absolutely nothing about actually putting on makeup.  If I wear eyeliner it always seems to be crooked and I have no idea how to put on eyeshadow.  So I just work with what I know!

There are a few products I have been using forever (like this face wash and this bb cream), a few products I just can't live without (like this face oil and this amazing mascara) and then a few new products that I don't know how I lived without (like this blush!).

I try to choose non-toxic products when at all possible, I'm not perfect with it but I figure that every little bit counts.  If you are interested about non-toxic products check out Beautycounter or check what toxicity rating your current products have on EWG's SKin Deep website.  I have found that site very useful for trying to make better decisions about my skincare routine… I'm not interested in totally and radically overhauling my skincare routine, but just taking baby steps towards a healthier routine as best that I can.

So here is my super-easy-mostly-non-toxic beauty routine!

wash & ready…

origins 'checks and balances': long time favorite of mine!

rose water: I know I've mentioned it before but this stuff is amazing.

counter time eye cream: I absolutely love Beautycounter and this eye cream is perfect for aging or dry winter skin.

lustro face oil: again, I know I have mentioned this before, but this face oil is life changing. I wear this day and night.

make-up...

dr. jart bb cream: I've worn this for a few years now, I love that it has spf included and feels absolutely weightless on my skin.

well-rested: I think the name says it all, I love this stuff and it's perfect for a mid-day or evening spruce up if need be.

bare minerals volumizing mascara: forget the last extensions, this stuff rocks!

beautycounter color sweep blush duo: ditch the blush that is full of toxins and heavy metals. This stuff is gorgeous on your skin and GOOD for your skin. I love this blush. 

scent obsession...

elizabeth and james 'nirvana': I just discovered these scents recently and I LOVE them… I bought the black version, but I can totally see myself snagging the white version for summer.

currently obsessed: Beautycounter!

Have you heard of Beautycounter?  When a friend recently posted on Instagram about a beauty retailer that publishes a "never" list, I was super intrigued.  Beautycounter is a new-ish beauty brand that takes safety and authenticity in product development to a new level.  Their "never" list lays out all the products that they promise to never put in their products.  It's a startling fact that the United States has not passed a federal law pertaining to ingredients in personal care products since 1938.  The EU (European Union) has a strict code banning more than 1300 additives and ingredients to personal care products but the US only bans 11.  That's kinda scary.  Because if you have read the back of your makeup bottles lately it's practically in a different language.  So who is looking out for the consumer?

Enter Beautycounter - they have committed to not using over 1500 ingredients that they don't feel are safe in beauty products all while offering the consumer a great finished product.  One that is safe and beautiful on the inside and out.  We worry so much about what is in our food, but we often overlook the products and chemicals we are putting right on our skin!

With recent mentions in magazines like Allure, Vogue, Elle and Lucky word is spreading fast about this revolutionary brand. Even J.Crew is carrying a few of their items these days. This is a brand to watch for sure and one that I am seriously falling in love with.  Here are a few of their products that I can't wait to get my hands on… (they even have kids products!).

lip conditioning peppermint balm, lustro face jasmine oil, tint skin & brush, countertime anti-aging skin system, protect face spf, rose water face spray, lustro body oil

Have you heard of this amazing company before?  They also have a great blog that talks about product safety, how to use their products and more… it's such a great resource.

(please note: this is not a sponsored post, I am just super excited about this brand… so excited that I signed up on my own to become a consultant to spread the word!)