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
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
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 Secretdeodorant. 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 CōTZformula 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!
As someone who’s easily drawn to a new gloss or lip formula, these paper lips by Laura Richey quickly caught my eye. During the COVID lockdown, Laura started handcrafting 3D paper sculptures in the shape of artistic lips. A must-have for my office! Soon word got out about Pucker Up Paper Lips and other lip enthusiasts took notice.
If you’re looking to support a small female-founded company, check out Laura’s site. Her pieces come in a variety of sizes and make adorable gifts for anyone looking to zhuzh up their office, vanity area or dorm room.
We’ve got a busy weekend coming up in Los Angeles— Valentine’s Monday, Galentine’s Saturday, Palentine’s(Is that one?)… and some big football game in town.
This quick V-Day post goes out to Mel in OC. And thanks for the question:
“I have plans with my husband Monday but am invited to a Galentine’s potluck on Saturday. I know what I am getting him but am not up on cute gal gifts. Any ideas?”
Okay, here goes! Without knowing the crowd or their ages, I’ve got a few suggestions that could work for a range of beauty styles.
IDEA: Pick up a few mascaras and tie them in a red or pink cellophane bag with some candy at the base. Cute, simple!
With the exception of my sister, most women will always welcome a new mascara. Lately I’ve been wearing Ilia’sFullestVolumizing Mascara. The color is a really deep and rich black, but the natural formula is weightless on your lashes—It also layers easily without flaking. You can also opt for full or travel-sized, which I appreciate.
Same candy bag idea, but with…
BLUSH
Cheek color is huge for 2022! Most women can always use a compact blush that travels well. Check out all the fun shades of Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush. They pat on easy with fingertips and can build from a sheer wash of subtle color to a happy popping cheek. Speaking of popping, Petal Poppinis my favorite shade – with Cool Berry and Rosé Latte close behind.
I couldn’t get my hands on the Makeup by MarioMoistureglow Plumping Lip Serums fast enough. And I can honestly say they didn’t disappoint! Sadly, they keep selling out on his site and at Sephora. If you can find them, I highly recommend grabbing a few for your friends–and yourself!
But if you find empty shelves, a great alternative is the TarteMaracuja Juicy Lip Balm. It’s a hybrid balm, gloss and color treatment in one good-sized vegan tube. They don’t plump as much as Mario’s, but they make up for it with a buffet of antioxidants and vitamin-packed nutrients. The colors will work on all skin tones, so just tie a few up and gift with confidence.
City of Gloss Angeles. 
