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Biossance: No Compromise Beauty
I always get so excited to share with you the clean beauty products that we are testing and loving! My sweet friend introduced me to Biossance about a year ago, and I have been hooked ever since. It has truly revived my skin, and I think I know why. A little bit of their story: after the the scientists behind this skincare developed patented technology that allowed them to create an accessible treatment for malaria, they decided to use this same innovative technology to create combinations of powerful, effective, and sustainable ingredients to put on our faces. How amazing is that? P.S. I love their promise: "only the most trustworthy and powerful ingredients are used in our products because our standards for clean beauty are high, and our standards for ourselves are even higher." Yes and amen. Oh! And I am kind of obsessed with the mega-moisturizing molecule they use in these clean magical potions!
My two favorite products are The Revitalizer and The Nourisher. The Nourisher is the most lovely face oil that brightens your skin with an oil soluble Vitamin C that is 50 times more powerful than absorbic acid, fights free radical attack leaving skin with a healthy radiant glow, and reduces the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles. What is not to love? I use this in the morning and at night.
Now for The Revitalizer AKA my all time favorite product. I love this so much because it can be used on your locks to prevent frizz, split ends, and dryness; it can be used on your body for extra hydration, and it can be used on your face to instantly hydrate and accelerate cell turnover. Side note: this is saving me in these dry winter months!The sweetest bonus to every purchase on Biossance is that they donate $1 for every product purchased to Zagaya. It is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that facilitates the eradication of malaria through collaboration around innovative and science-based technology. They envision a malaria-free world created through education, improved technologies, and access to the highest quality anti-malarials available.
Los Angeles Favorite: Carasoin Spa.
I have realized time and time again these last two years that it takes TIME to find your places in a new city: the yoga studio, the facial haven, the cozy breakfast spot. It also takes a lot of trials and errors and can sometimes feel a bit discouraging. Personal side note: I have been clinging very tightly to my Dallas spots, which makes every visit quite full of appointments. I recently made a pact with myself to find my Cali places so the precious time in Texas could fully be dedicated to family, friends, and relaxation.Enter the hidden gem: Carasoin. I saw this recommendation from a friend on Snapchat and immediately took a screen shot, and I am so glad I did! Carasoin is the combination of two French words, Caress and Soigner, that embody the principles and philosophies of this spa; to revitalize your skin, body and soul while creating an experience that leaves you feeling exquisite. This day spa and clinic did just that and absolutely exceeded my expectations.
My Skin Care Routine.
I must admit that beauty products are my vice, to the point where my girlfriends joke that my bathroom feels like a spa. I am all about healthy skin and hair, and my frequent research fills up my online shopping carts quite quickly. I love trial and error-ing, and with that being said, I am going to walk you through my current skin care regimen that I love and live by:CLEAN YOUR PORESBefore heading to bed, it is so important to wash your face to cleanse away all of the impurities from the day. This is my favorite facial cleanser. Her products have changed my skin these last few years + they lack harmful ingredients and are incredibly rich in nourishing vitamins and minerals (you know my heart, Rhonda Allison).MASK ITI must admit, face masks might be my favorite past time. The May Lindstrom Honey Mud Mask is a dream + such hydrating - I love when I feel a product working and nourishing! Who's with me? My other go-to is the Dermologica Charcoal Rescue Mask. It gives you dewy skin, powerfully absorbs impurities, and promotes cell turnover! Last but not least, I am obsessed with this Rejuvenating Spirulina Masque. I use this when my skin seems dull and needs to be filled with ultra-nutrients. I love switching between the three throughout the week!MOISTURIZEI have learned this the hard way: moisturizing your skin actually reduces unwanted oil because it gives your skin what it needs before it produces its own unhealthy shine. Don't dry it out!! These are my favorite night-time moisturizers: first I use Nerium Night Cream (it has changed my skin), and then I will use Goop Replenishing Night Cream and top it with Biossance Revitalizer, Goop Enriching Face Oil, or Biossance The Nourisher + sometimes I coat my face with coconut oil.DAYTIME PROTECTIONThe sun is the biggest culprit for skin damage, so it is so important to protect against it! Every day, I put on Nerium Day Cream paired with Goop Day Cream and then I use Revision Intellishade - it is my all time favorite tinted sunscreen. Happy protecting and anti-aging!OTHER FUN FAVORITESBiossance Make-Up Removing Cloths, May Lindstrom The Problem Solver, Josie Maran Argan Oil, Mario Badescu Drying LotionPhotography: Sarah Shreves
my dry skin secret.
When the weather shifts to ultra-chilly, my skin gets crazy dry. It even still appears dull even when I use my most intense moisturizer. The worst! Last week, my boxing trainer, who I go to for all health tactics because of his insane knowledge, suggested that I start using grapeseed oil on my face before I go to bed. I went immediately to Whole Foods to make the purchase, and only after two nights of using this miraculous substance, I noticed a massive difference in my complexion. I woke up with bright and plumped skin. The weather shift caused a few break outs too, and those were completely cleared up after two nights.
I went to see my esthetician a few days later, and she told me that grapeseed oil truly is one of the best things for your skin. She said it evens out oil production, which will in turn clear up acne. It is a brilliant serum that increases antioxidant capabilities.This natural, pure product will never leave my beauty routine. It's seemingly miraculous, and the cost is super low. Obsessed.Two of my favorites:1. Aura Cacia Harmonizing Grapeseed Skincare Oil available at Whole Foods2. Rhonda Allison Grape Seed Hydrating Serum
Beat Dry Skin: My Personal Cocktail under $20
It never seems to fail that with the change of seasons comes an extreme drought for my skin. It's like the awesome cool breeze sucks the moisture right out, and when the winter comes in full force, the problem only gets worse. This season, I was bound to put a stop to this madness. I don't know about you, but I want moist, plump and clear skin that has that dewy glow! Good news: after some trial and errors, I have come to a concoction conclusion that has brought my skin back to life.
The non-magical, yet seemingly magical method:
At night, mask your face with Skin Organic's Peppermint Milk cleanser. Let it soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes. The kicker: the longer you let it soak into your skin, the better. I like to leave it on for an hour or two. Wash it off gently with warm water and a wash cloth. Next, spray the Skin Organic's Cucumber Mist Hydrating Mist on your face after you wash off the cleanser. Let it soak into your skin, and then top that with moisturizer. (I use the Goji Azelaic serum). Spray the hydrating mist on your face anytime it feels dry!You should see a major difference in your skin in a few days!Skin Organics Peppermint Milk, $11. Buy it here. Skin Organics Cucumber Mist, $8. Buy it here. These products are all available at your local Whole Foods. Photo
Our Secret to Radiant Skin
The key to glowing skin is your skin care. Now you can boost your at home skin care by using a Clarisonic. If you don't have one yet, we highly recommend it. The tool is revolutionizing the simple act of washing your face, bringing the spa experience to you! Clarisonic is a facial brush that gives you the deep cleanse you need to remove excess oil, dirt and makeup leaving you with smooth skin. Truly a miracle worker! Take a look at Clarisonic and more here.
A Delightful Find: The Seaweed Bath Co. Products
It was a typical Saturday at Whole Foods. As I was headed to fill up my water bottles, I was distracted by the unbelievable aroma coming from the Seaweed Bath Company's sample table. A double take turned into a highly intriguing conversation with owner Adam Grossman and his wife about the story behind the company and the great healing properties in seaweed bath products.Long story short: Adam is a long-time psoriasis sufferer who spent thousands of dollars on ointments and medicines, tried numerous "miracle" treatments, and met with a slew of psoriasis specialist, only to find out that nothing was working. He did notice one interesting avenue for improvement, though: the ocean. Observing the impossibility of hanging out in the sea on a daily basis, Adam brought the healing properties of this natural h2O into a line of healing products. He couldn't help but share the hope these creations brought, and that is how The Seaweed Bath Co. was born!I am not a psoriasis sufferer, but I am absolutely smitten with these wildly natural products. I have a few favorites that I must share with you! First up: the seaweed body wash. This has become a shower staple. The best part? I know I am lathering my skin with nourishing oils, and the lavender smell makes my mind escape to my favorite spa.
Obsession #2: the shampoo (eucalyptus scent). Caution: you may experience that perfect bouncy voluminous shine that we thought was only possible in hair commercials (okay, maybe I am being a tad dramatic, but the outcome is pretty darn close!). I would like to rename this as the magical-mane potion because it truly does wonders on your hair! There is something about the seaweed extract + Moroccan Oil + Vitamin E oil combo that gives your locks that fresh clean feeling while giving it body; now that's hard to come by! Major bonus: my blonde stays vibrant.
Last but certainly not least: I heart the body cream. This amazing-ness in a bottle is a non-negoticable. I admit, I am quite the lotion snob, and this product seriously out-measures my tip top (kind of unfair) standards for body cream. It is super moisturizing, smells so soothing, and contains some of the best natural oils for your skin.
For you health conscious cosmetic lovers, explore the Seaweed Bath Co. website. Read stories, explore the ravishing products (they have so many great ones!), and even sign up for their natural alternatives newsletter!
My Latest Addiction for Glowing Skin: DIY Lactic Hydrating Peel
You know the feeling of needing that morning pick-me-up or afternoon caffeine boost, which is satisfied by a Starbucks venti whatever-your-special-order-may-be drink? Well, I have a similar substance that does just this for your skin. In fact, it is a a new staple on my bathroom counter. No matter how wonderful your exfoliator is, there comes a time when pollution, stress, and sun damage override your daily face routine. In steps the pick-me-up: meet the Skin Organics Lactic Hydrating Peel. At $36 for a substantial amount, this skin-glowing wonder is like gold to me, and the best news: the price tag doesn't reflect it.This gentle, yet powerful at-home peel allows you to remove excess dead skin cells and brighten your complexion (for real!). It also helps to lighten sun damage and prevent hormonal breakouts (yes, please). The way it works for me: wash your face to ensure a clean slate, and put 3 drops on each cheek, your forehead, and chin, spreading it evenly on your skin. Let it soak for a maximum of 45 minutes. The first few times may burn slightly, but that means it is working! Think of it as a spa treatment: sometime a little bit of pain is gain, no? Wash off with a warm towel. You will feel so refreshed, and your skin literally glows!Go here to see where you can purchase this magical potion! Your local Whole Foods or Central Market will have it in stock.