I grew up on Winnie the Pooh, so in honor of Disney’s Christopher Robin coming to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital on November 6th and our Hundred Acre Wood friends, I’m sharing my favorite honey infused beauty products and benefits. I even dressed Charlie as Pooh for our screening and have been saying “Silly Old Bear”, to him ever since.
This movie made me me so happy and nostalgic for my childhood. It was the perfect blend of fantasy and reality and watching my much loved childhood friends, Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Rabbit, Roo, Kanga, Owl, and Eeyore come to life was so special. You’ll probably enjoy it more than your kids… and relate to Christopher Robin; who as an over worked adult misplaces his priorities until he gets some help from some childhood friends. And what’s better than honey, Pooh? Not much when you think about the benefits of both eating it and putting it on our skin. So much more than a delicious treat, it’s used in many beauty products because of it’s anti-bacterial, antioxidant and moisture boosting properties.
Honey also plays well with other ingredients and is a great formula enhancer! Origins took their best-selling Clear Improvement Charcoal mask earlier this year and added Golden Wildflower & Fermented Honey to create Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask. Historically, charcoal masks can be very drying and for more oily skin, however with the addition of honey it’s enabled more normal to dry skin to draw out impurities that charcoal is famous for without the tight, drying feel.
Earlier this month, I got to join Laneige and one of the most BOSS babes on the planet, Olympic Gold Medalist snowboarder, Chloe Kim! Who by the way won at age 17, making her the youngest woman to win a medal. Major fan girl moment below, especially since I gave her some of our BOSS rings from the Pretty Connected Shop and she put them on! #dead, but back to Laneige, who we all came together to celebrate their 1yr anniversary at Sephora!
And what a year it’s been! Chloe blew out the candles of the dreamy LANEIGE x SEPHORA cake. It’s been an epic year for the brand, their Sleep Lip Mask wins literally every beauty award, including Glamour’s Beauty Awards which I judged and is one of my favorites! I sleep with it on and use it as my everyday balm during the day as well. It’s so smoothing, thick but not heavy and magical. My other favorite from them and Allure Best of Beauty Award winner is theWater Sleeping Mask.
You guys know how much I love that charcoal! From toothpaste to powders, face masks and foot pads (I even used to ingest capsules at one point), it works wonders to suck the impurities and toxins out. Advanced Clinicals recently launched a new Activated Charcoal Peel-Off mask, which I was excited to get my hands on.
Microneedling, the popular skincare treatment that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles to stimulate collagen production just got an upgrade! And it involves radio-frequency. After three treatments my skin was so smooth that makeup just glided over my skin. I saw much stronger results then regular microneedling which made it all worth it in the end but it is a process.
I recently visited JUVA Skin & Laser Center to meet with Dr. Katz and test out the New Intensif Handpiece by EndyMed, which is an FDA cleared device that takes microneedling to the next level. It offers microneedling coupled with radio-frequency for amazing skin tightening effects and works on a deeper level. The unique Intensif technology allows for 3 times the heating volume per pulse. This heat sends a signal to the dermis for skin remodeling — think of it like sending energy down to the skin to wake it up and work harder. Watch the procedure in the video above!
We’ll start with Skincare 101: If you want glowing skin, do not sleep with your makeup on. You’re clogging your pores, and not letting your skin breath! You’re also blocking your skincare products from working as efficiently as possible.
Exfoliation is key! (you have options)
Make sure to exfoliate to help dissolve dirt, environmental damage and whisk away dead skin cells. There are a lot of ways to do this starting with exfoliating pads. There are not a shortage of great glow pads on the market, although I always bow down to Dr. Dennis Gross when it comes to getting my skin glowing. The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel (available in original and Extra Strength are always in my beauty draw). I also like Exuviance, Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD Skin Rejuvenation Exfoliating & Firming Pads and a handful of others.
There are also loads of exfoliating masks on the market, like Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask. Don’t overdue it with the exfoliation but start adding them into your regimen. Some can be used daily, others weekly, read the directions and don’t over exfoliate.
Pick me ups!
Skin mists are great for keeping skin hydrated and glowing throughout the day! and an awesome reboot if your skin is starting to feel/look dull or dry. I’m obsessed with the Eleni & Chris Face Mist (actually the whole line, see my review HERE), hailing from the fjords of Normay whatever they mix with their glacier water (it’s +SEA3oil) makes my skin sing. If you want something less clean and more dewy you can’t fail with, Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. On a budget, Vichy and Mario Badescu are great options!
Look for these in your Serums + Moisturizers
Look for peptide rich products filled with brightening ingredients like Vitamin C, Licorice extract, niacinamides. These ingredients can also be in your serums for a more concentrated dose of nutrients, just make sure to seal all your products with a moisturizer (or sleep mask in the evening). AHA’s + Vitamin C are a winning combination — Skinceuticals actually has a C+AHA dropper that’s one of my favorites (They also have an epic C E Ferulic as well). You can also mix a Vitamin C liquid Serum — like an Urban Skin Rx Super C Brightening Treatment or the legendary Triple C Lightning Liquid by COSRX, into your moisturizer or do a more conventional serum consistency like Sunday Riley CEO Brightening Serum. Vitamin C is a larger conversation which I’ll do a whole blog post about but as far as moisturizers, at moment I’m loving Kat Burki Vitamin C Cream and also for skin brightening Origins Ginzing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturize, which brings me to my next point…
Google your products! I started using Clarins Double Serum and Origins Ginzing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer and saw an immediate boost and glow with both brightening but didn’t see any of the usual suspects in the formula. Apparently it’s the Tumeric in the Clarins Double Serum (or combination with), And mix of the Panex Ginseng with Coffee Bean (coffee is great for circulation and de-puffing in eye products) in the Origins moisturizer that gives skin it’s glow. I’m familiar with these ingredients for other benefits but after seeing this result I’ll be more mindful when I see them in future products.
Quick Fix: Mask.
Masks are a great quick fix. Healthy skin takes work, and when we’re stressed, sleep deprived or just busy it can take a toll. So go extra hard on the hydrate mask and self care in hard times. I you fly a lot (or notice your skin is dehydrated), sheet masks are a great way to reboot. I’ve used and loved many but the Eleni & Chris Hydrate Sheet Mask post flight took my skin from zero to hero (they also have a GLOW mask but as far as I’m concerned the whole Eleni + Chris collection makes my skin glow). James also brings me back loads of K-beauty brightening masks when he comes back from Korea, the only issue is I never know what’s in them since they aren’t in english. There are a ton more brightening sheet masks on the market, post plane or as a pick me up they are the best!
Bring on the highlighters
When all else fails, makeup to help you fake it until you make it. Skin Illuminators and liquid highlights are dull skin’s temporary best friend.
Originating in medical centers to help doctors and nurses combat the drying effects of frequent hand-washing and mask wearing, this Macro B Complex® helps protect against daily environmental issues such as sunlight and chemicals. It provides essential moisture to maintain the health of your skin cells and minimize the aging process of the skin. It also helps minimize redness and sooth itching. This is especially true with the Restorative Skin Balm, which helped calm my eczema.
There’s just something about those nordic brands that just get the cold, and winter skin. Hailing from the fjords of Norway, Eleni and Chris products are now available in the US. Their skincare is formulated with their patented +SEA3oil, which is packed with some of the purest omega oil in the world and exclusive Scandinavian Glacier Water to hydrate and ensure optimal moisture for your skin. The glacier water used in their hydration products is the purest of its kind found in the Black Ice Glacier near the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia. Tell me you don’t just want to bath in that water! Their products are also paraben free, clinically tested, dermatologically reviewed, non-irritating and allergy tested.
I’m usually a normal skin type but this winter weather has had me feeling dry and my skin just blah. Since starting this line, and from day 1, I noticed a difference. For anyone that like clean skincare and not a fan of heavy products these are amazing. My skin has been glowing since I started this regimen and my pores non-existent.
Eleni & Chris Cleansing Oil – this felt really nice on the skin, and didn’t have a heavy oil feel like most of the cleansing oils I’ve used. When I was done made my face feel throughly cleansed and took off makeup without that oily feel, and leaves skin so smooth.
Eleni & Chris Face Mist – A winter wonder, so refreshing and boosts moisture. I love as it as a post wash toner or throughout the day when my skin feels dry for some added hydration. It’s a very clean, refreshing mist and makes your skin glow. Great for a pick me up and when your skin needs an extra boost to revive skin and makeup.
Eleni & Chris Hydrating Day Cream for Normal Skin – All of their products have a similar texture which I really enjoy. A lot of hydrating creams can be really heavy and thick, this one however absorbs beautifully into skin without making it feel greasy or slick. It’s enhanced absorption feels like a cup of water quenching skin and it’s a really enjoyable product to use. If you’re a dryer skin type try the Ultra Hydrating Day Cream.
The holidays are all about being merry and bright – and that includes your skin! I want you all to glow this season, and Kleenex® Facial Cleansing has made it easier and more affordable than ever! They launched the cutest Very Merry Cleansing Collection, which features five super convenient cleansing fabrics to wash, scrub, and remove your skin’s Grinches away. The Very Merry Cleansing Collection (a $45 value for $25 + free shipping!) includes:
Daily Cleansing Cushions Dispenser (15 count), a daily cleansing cushion you activate with water and then massage onto your The tiny purifying blue dots gently scrub to loosen dirt, while the soft, massaging pillow lifts it away, leaving skin super smooth.
Exfoliating Cushions Dispenser (12 count), their award-winning, double-sided exfoliating cushions feature a textured blue side that deep cleans dull and dead skin and a white side that instantly smooths and polishes.
Facial Cleansing Wipes Dispenser (25 count), alcohol free, pre-moistened face wipes featuring their unique layered textured fabric that remove 3x more dirt, oil, and makeup than regular liquid cleansers alone.
Eye Makeup Removers Dispenser (60 count), dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, these moisture-infused eye makeup removers gently lift even the toughest waterproof formulas effortlessly.
Cotton Soft Pads (85 count), hypoallergenic cotton soft pads featuring a textured microfiber fabric that’s so soft and durable they can be used wet or dry. The multi-tasking pads are great for everything from applying toners and makeup to removing nail polish.
All of these products are dermatologist tested and ideal for all skin types. And again, the whole collection is only $25! I also love that they sell refills for all of the product’s dispensers which makes re-stocking that much more affordable.
Kleenex® is the OG trusted brand of 150 years helping with bringing comfort and care.Whether it’s blotting our lipstick, drying our eyes, or helping us with a cold, their tissues are what revolutionized the industry. And their line of facial cleansing products feature the same level of durability. The fabrics are next level, textured, and multi-layered with a pro-vitamin complex that gently cleanses.
One of my cardinal rules of skincare is never go to bed with your makeup on. What I love about this collection is you can keep the cushions in your bathroom for a deep clean and the facial cleansing wipes by your bed if you’re feeling lazy to ensure you’re not waking up with raccoon eyes and sad looking skin. When you sleep, your skin does some pretty vital maintenance work, so you don’t want dirt and makeup interfering with that. It can trap dead skin cells, which you want off to make way for new skin cells to come up to the surface. The exfoliating cushion are also great for removing that extra layer of dead skin!
Check them out at KleenexFacialCleansing.com and see what cool things they are up to on their Instagram account @KleenexFacialCleansing.
I’ve talked about how much of a girl boss the CEO of It Cosmetics is before, but wow does she ever continue to impress. Jamie Kern Lima, co-founder, and CEO of the brand accepted the CEW Achiever Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of women leaders within the beauty industry. Jamie took her acceptance speech as an opportunity to call for change within the beauty industry, challenging the current images of beauty that are being put out in the world today.
IT Cosmetics CEO Calls Out the Beauty Industry, Calls for Change. Share this video if you agree!
Posted by It Cosmetics on Saturday, September 16, 2017
“How will these images impact your mothers and your sisters, and how will they impact your daughters?” In closing her speech she asks, “What will you do with the power that is you?” Anyone else have a minor case of chills?!
Renowned Korean beauty brand, Innisfree, just opened their first U.S store recently in Union Square and it is beautiful (they also have a US site)! Known for their innovative formulas and responsible green practices, Innisfree skin care products are formulated with an average of 80% naturally derived ingredients responsibly sourced from the Korean island of Jeju. They are under the Amore Pacific umbrella (think Estee Lauder or L’Oreal of Asia), so you know this is one of those K-Beauty brands to have on your radar — especially since the price point is so affordable!!!!! I’m talking beauty products from lips to eyes for under $12, and skincare under $30 reasonable. It’s also organized by skin type, with beauty products down the middle and a cushion compact wall to die for. Cases are sold separately but then you can keep using them and just buying the refills to the product.
Microneedling, the popular skincare treatment that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles to stimulate collagen production just got an upgrade! And it involves radio-frequency. After three treatments my skin was so smooth that makeup just glided over my skin. I saw much stronger results then regular microneedling which made it all worth it in the end but it is a process.
Exfoliation is key! (you have options)
There’s just something about those nordic brands that just get the cold, and winter skin. Hailing from the fjords of Norway, 
The holidays are all about being merry and bright – and that includes your skin! I want you all to glow this season, and 
I’ve talked about how much of a girl boss the CEO of 
Renowned Korean beauty brand,