GEMs OF BEAUTY:
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIAL
How can it be September again? Wasn’t it just spring? Where does the time go? Well, one thing I can tell you is that I always feel the change of seasons most in September. The days may still be hot but there is a tinge of coolness in the evening. There is that familiar tang of sharpened pencils as the kids are grumping about homework. You start thinking about shorter days and the merciful end of summer heatwaves…and what the sultry temperatures did to your skin and hair. Time for some wonderful new products to ease into the fall. These are some of my favorites:
REVISION RETINOL COMPLETE
1.0 SERUM
I am already a huge fan of Revision’s Intellishade tinted moisturizer with SPF and their luscious hydrating serum, and thanks to them I consider serums one of the most important steps in my skincare regimen. This new serum is just as wonderful, with 5 different antioxidants as well as unique botanicals extracts that enhance the already potent skin-plumping retinol.
JUNETICS PURE ENERGY
NIGHT CREAM
There’s always a lot of hype around new techniques to improve skincare ingredients, but there’s nothing bogus about Junetics proprietary E24 complex that helps boost cellular energy to nourish your skin and make it more radiant. I am really loving this cream as it instantly wakes up my skin and has a particularly luscious texture.
Buy it for $109 at junetics.com
GOOP BY JUICE BEAUTY
ENRICHING FACE OIL
Gwyneth Paltrow may have highlighted some wacky ideas on her website over the years (and no, vaginal steaming does not do the trick for moi, thank you very much), but there is nothing wacky about her luxe skincare line. Not only is it certified organic, but it uses plant cells mixed with a cocktail of antioxidants. This oil smells positively heavenly and helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Buy it for $110 at Goop.com/goopskincare
BOSCIA SAKE CLEANSING WATER
We all know how important it is to wash our faces, but sometimes you just want to crawl into bed after a long, hard day and forget about it. Luckily, Boscia has a fantastic new cleansing water that is super-effective (thanks to unfiltered sake, glycolic acid, rice powder and botanicals) as well as no-rinse—and it hydrates as it wipes away the grime. Just apply directly to your skin with cotton pads, then follow with your usual serum and/or moisturizer. Bliss.
Buy it for $30 at boscia.com
LASH STAR FULL CONTROL
LASH SCULPTING MASCARA
Ever wonder how to make your eyelashes look better? Especially if you’ve noticed them thinning? Well, wonder no more, as acclaimed makeup artist Tracy Murphy has just launched her Lash Star Beauty line, and her website is a treasure trove of tutorials. You can even get a customized lash diagnosis so you’ll know which of her products is best for you. I’m sold on this mascara, with its 2 unique brushes.
Buy it for $35 at lashstarbeauty.com
FLOWER TRANSFORMING TOUCH
POWDER-TO-CRÈME BLUSH
Once you get to a certain age, you might be noticing that your pores are suddenly larger (ugh!), which makes it harder to use foundation and blush–certain formulations and heavier coverage can make these pores look like craters. Which is why I love this blush from Drew Barrymore’s Flower line, as it literally transforms from a powder to a melt-into-your-skin cream that is subtle and sheer. Save the craters for star-gazing up at Mars!
Buy it at Walmart.com for $12.98
SALLY HANSEN ROYAL SPLENDOR
MIRACLE GEL
My son has the most beautiful nails that are hard as diamonds. My nails are soft and break as soon as they grow and they drive me bonkers. I used to get tips but they made my nails even softer and more prone to damage, and I refuse to subject them to any harsh gel manicures in salons as they are extremely damaging, too—to say nothing of pricey. So I am thrilled with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel formulas that you can use at home with no machines. Just add the The Miracle Gel 2X Volume Top Coat on top of 2 coats of the polish and you should have a gleaming manicure that last for 2 weeks. Even better, it comes off with regular nail polish remover. My favorite new color is Plush Blush, seen here.
Buy it for $9.99 at sallyhansen.com.
SCHMIDT’S NATURAL DEODORANT
Last but not least…you know those bittersweet milestones when you realize you sweet little baby is really growing up? Well, one of them is when you realize your little sweetie needs some help in the underarm area. (Yep, they sure can stink, right?!) Fret not, because Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant is here to save the day (and your nose). This is the first natural stick deodorant I’ve tried that really, really works. And it’s plant-based and aluminum-free. It comes fragrance-free or in 4 scents; my favorite is the Lavender + Sage. You can also get it in a cream formula, too.
Buy it for $8.99 at schmidtsdeodorant.com
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Remember – top-quality, state-of-the-art skincare products are not inexpensive. Yes, there are plenty of highly hyped brands that are ludicrously overpriced and don’t deliver. But the smaller, boutique brands I search out spend a lot less on marketing and a lot more on creating wonderful products that really work. Your skin deserves the best you can afford!
