Valentine’s Day: Romantic West Coast Destinations
In February, I usually suggest gift ideas for your besties or cute beauty treats in the name of self-love. This year, I’ve curated something different: a short list of Valentine’s Day destinations along the West Coast that I think are worth mentioning… and visiting! La Quinta Resort & Club | La Quinta, CA Surrounded by mountains in the Palm Springs vicinity is a resort boasting casita-style … Continue reading Valentine’s Day: Romantic West Coast Destinations
Golden Globes 2023: Get Rihanna’s Rose Gold look
If I’m being honest, I was a little underwhelmed by the Golden Globes red carpet looks this year but at least there were some pretty entertaining speeches. #jennifercoolidge #kehuyquan However, true to form, Rihanna — there for her“Lift Me Up” Original Song nom — did not disappoint. She stunned in a custom black Schiaparelli Haute Couture bustier gown, gloves and around 40 carats in Cartier bling. … Continue reading Golden Globes 2023: Get Rihanna’s Rose Gold look
Black Friday Beauty Sales
Do you start your holiday shopping this week like I do? If you can appreciate saving a few dollars on your favorite beauty brands, here are a few Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales to check out: ARMANI BEAUTY – 30% OFF with code GIFTTHEGLOW30 thru 12/1 BENEFIT COSMETICS – 25% OFF thru 11/29 BIOSSANCE – 30% OFF with code GIVE30 BLOOMEFFECTS – 30% OFF … Continue reading Black Friday Beauty Sales
Active Lifestyle: Fall Finds
It’s finally feeling Fall-ish in LA. Pumpkin lattes are brewing and Holiday Gift Guides are blowing up inboxes. I’ll hold off on gift suggestions for another few weeks but I will share some go-tos I’ve been enjoying during this transitional season.
I’ve always used Secret deodorant. No complaints. But the reported dangers of aluminum have motivated me to switch things up. TBH, unpleasant results of friends trying natural brands have kept me at bay for years.
NATIVE
After listening to an Art of Being Well podcast, I was compelled to try NATIVE deodorant. Coconut & Vanilla to be specific. Results: great! I’ve tried it at the beach, in a heat wave, hiking in Hawaii … and no stink! I even bought my sister a sample size in a scent I thought she’d like. If you’re looking to try a more natural, aluminum-free deodorant, I highly recommend NATIVE. NOTE: This isn’t an anti-perspirant so it doesn’t stop you from sweating if that’s a concern.
Another natural deodorant reco: HiBar. Success with Native got me confident enough to test-drive another natural brand: HiBar Fresh Rain + Cucumber! Results: So far, so good.
CōTZ
I’ve been using the CōTZ primer for years. Love! And now I’ve found another convenient CōTZ formula for face AND body. The Mineral Sun Stick is mess-free and fits in my fanny pack so on-the-trail touchups are simple. The finish is sheer with a touch of luminosity. It doesn’t sweat off and my skin looks healthy without being sparkly. Highly recommend!
Continue reading “Active Lifestyle: Fall Finds”
Searching for SPF
I’ve been searching for a sport-friendly SPF that doesn’t sweat off half a mile into my hike. Truth, I haven’t been that successful on the sweat-free front but I have found some mineral formulas I like. Turns out SPF formulas with chemicals can mess with hormones and hyperpigmentation. No thank you. I’m late reading up on the differences between mineral and synthetic formulated SPFs. Now that I have, I’m a convert. Or I’m trying to be.
While I continue to test-drive sweat-proof formulas, here are 8 lightweight SPF products that I can recommend with full confidence. First are 5 mineral SPF formulas in no particular order:
1. CŌTZ FACE PRIME & PROTECT SPF 40
CŌTZ stands for Contains Only Titanium & Zinc. This sheer primer applies with a silky matte finish. It’s a light airy, tinted cream formula that I’ve worn both alone and under makeup. If you like a tinted formula that’s reef-friendlier and preservative-free, try it!
2. SUPERGOOP MINERAL SHEERSCREEN SPF 30
It’s true, I like EVERYTHING Supergoop makes … even the CC Cream that I bought in the wrong color. While Glowscreen is still my ride-or-die product, Sheerscreen is amazing. It’s great alone or as a foundation primer. Plus it helps block out blue light, which is useful for those of us clocking hours and hours of screen time every day.
3. BLOOMEFFECTS TULIP DEW SERUM VITAMINS & MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 50
I’ve been wearing this Tulip Dew Serum a lot lately. It’s packed with vitamins and is a serum so it hydrates as it shields from pollution, UVA/UVB rays, blue light and free radicals. There’s no white cast either. I’ve tossed many sunscreens because of a white cast looks even worse with sweat.This SPF serum leaves a gorgeous dewy finish, similar to Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint but with less pigment.
4. CERAVE TINTED MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30
The Cerave mineral sunscreen is the most wallet friendly. It applies just like a moisturizer and has a dewy tint. The color isn’t perfect on me but it blends easily enough with blush. Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and essential ceramides keep skin looking healthy, plus it’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores. A great bargain for a tinted mineral formula!
5. TULA MINERAL MAGIC OIL-FREE MINERAL SUNSCREEN
The sun and my face have a love-hate relationship. I’ve got some hyperpigmentation as a result. This Tula brightening formula is said to help counteract sun damage with pre/probiotics that help balance the skin microbiome. It protects from UVA/UVB, blue light and pollution too. I like using this SPF on hormonal days when my skin is irritable and more blemish prone.
Here are 3 hybrid SPF formulas with both chemical and natural ingredients worth considering:
Continue reading “Searching for SPF”
City of Gloss Angeles. 