Sephora Sale: Add To Cart

It used to be that beauty products didn’t typically go on sale unless they were leftovers from Holiday. But now, a global pandemic and unstable economy have brought a slight silver lining for beauty shoppers: discounts. If you have a favorite brand, sign up for their emails and you’ll see what I mean. The exception: Sephora’s Insider sales have been on devotee’s April and November … Continue reading Sephora Sale: Add To Cart

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

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”

Your Questions Answered: Skin Care & Color Picks

It’s been a minute, I know. Like so many of us, life in the COVID era has been a constant reorg of priorities and planning. But I’m here now and excited to answer a few of your DM questions. So here goes… Q: What are some of your nighttime skincare hacks? I can’t say that I have any hacks per se, but I do have … Continue reading Your Questions Answered: Skin Care & Color Picks