ILuminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase ($60) – I’ve always heard silk sheets are better for your skin since they are less abrasive then cotton and after getting this pillowcase I don’t think I can ever go back. And it takes anti-aging while you sleep to a whole new level. Embedded with Copper Oxide, it acts like a night moisturizer on your skin, releasing copper ions into the skin’s surface which get released into skin to support it’s natural self-renewal mechanism and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus since it’s a pillowcase it’s easily portable for anywhere you travel.
Hourglass Ambient Lightening Palette ($58) – Another beauty favorite that’s been getting a lot of press, and for good reason. If you’re into contouring and highlighting this is a must have. The palette features three shades of Ambient Lighting Powder, which are finishing powders that are flattering in all types of light. Since I’m a medium skin tone there’s only a slight gradation between the three shades (if you’re more pale you’ll notice a bigger difference) on my skin but what I love about this palette is that I can actually use all three shades. I’m so tired of palettes where I only use my favorite shades and the rest goes to waste. It’s the last step in my makeup routine and with all the recent shoots I’ve had, it keeps me camera ready.
BareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF 20 ($29) + bareSkin Perfecting Face Brush ($28) – By now you’ve probably seen this foundation everywhere. It’s AWESOME and combines a mineral foundation and serum in one! I’m also obsessed with the brush that’s designed to go with it. It’s a tight hair brush that has almost a doughnut whole cut in the center where you drop the foundation in. You need to shake the bottle first (since there’s no emulsifiers in it) and then put 2 drops in the hole and apply all over. The foundation has light coverage that can be built to medium and perfectly evens out skin tone and gives this really pretty, dewy skin effect. I’m so impressed that a mineral foundation with SPF is able to pull off such a beautiful finish.
Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight ($26) – I wish this product existed when I was in High School, when I used to flat iron my hair every other minute. If you have wavy or curly hair and regularly blow-dry or flat iron your hair straight, you need this in your life. It contains naturally derived plant fibers that invisibly attach to hair, helping to loosen curls and lock in straightness. The more you use it, the easier (and less time) it gets to blow out your hair. Safe for all hair types including color treated hair, and contains organic cassava root to help protect against humidity and frizz. After 5 consecutive applications your hair will be straighter, and what’s great about this product, since there’s no chemicals in it within a few washes without using it, your natural curl will come back. I’ve been using it all summer and will take a break in the winter when I’m ready to embrace my curls again. NOTE: Make sure to apply to hair and then comb it through for an even application to hair strands.
Skin Inc Daily Dose Serums – At the moment I’m fascinated by everything that’s coming out of Asia. And am loving the customization Skin Inc offers. They have a full line of products (which are amazing to give yourself a facial with) and are known for their Daily Dose Serums which basically lets you pick from a laundry list of efficacious ingredients to customize your serum to your specific skincare needs. Many times we get caught up in the hype of the million super ingredients offered in a serum when truthfully we don’t need half of what is listed. With Skin Inc you can take a skincare test or if you know what your concerns are (brightening, anti-aging, hydration, discoloration…) you can treat accordingly. Each ingredient listed comes in it’s own vile which you can then mix together to make your own concoction or apply them on top of each other.
Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne – A new scent to the Jo Malone family, this is everything I want in a floral fragrance. The blend of the Turberose with the added warmth of Amberwood and woodsy notes transforms the scent from your typical girly floral, or sweet fragrance to something much more seductive and alluring.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector – I have to confess that I stupidly misread this product when I got it in the mail and thought it was an eye cream (I clearly don’t sleep enough). And then a few weeks later attended a luncheon for the official launch and realized it’s a targeted to even skin tone and fade dark spots. Well funny thing happened. I noticed this dark spot I have right below my right eye area started to fade and well that explained it! I’ve been using this product religiously on my dark spots on my face as well as elbows and ankles. My elbows haven’t seen that much change but it’s dramatically made a difference on my ankles. The benefits of soy were initially discovered when workers in Asia that worked in soybean factories discovered their hands were especially smooth and even toned. Aveeno scientists devised a way to process and develop a Total Soy Complex to visibly transform tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots. Aveeno also created the Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes, which combines the moisture-rich natural soy extract to remove makeup (including waterproof mascara) and leave skin with an even brighter, healthier complexion. They smell divine and are oil-free and noncomedogenic.