Herbal Dynamics Beauty!!

⭐️This is the Revitage Antioxidant Transforming Night Cream from Herbal Dynamics Beauty⭐️

“Powered by Natural Botanicals. Inspired by You.” Not just a tag line but a philosophy and guiding principle of @herbaldynamicsbeauty 

Nature + Science work in synergy in this small but mighty bottle of a genius formula which includes all the nourishing, protecting, calming & soothing natural good stuff like:

✨ Squalane 

✨ Vitamin A, B3 & E

✨ Green Tea

✨ Watermelon, lentil, Maypops & Elderberry

AND… Apples! 🍏🍏🍏

✨ Chamomile, Burdock & Cucumber

✨ Sweet Orange Essential Oil

✨ US $28 for 1oz.

I’ve been able to use this little powerhouse for quite awhile now and happy to report that I adore it! The lightweight texture, impressive ingredients & gentle scent combine to give my skin that extra boost of brightness it so needs.

To me it seems a lot like a thick serum that once applied smooths effortlessly into a sorta satiny-finish that I think anyone who prefers a not heavy, non-creamy type night mask would really love! So ideal for these warm summer months when perhaps a heavier night cream seems like just too much. 😉 Its housed in a tiny bottle, but truly a very small amount is required and I always wake up to perfectly hydrated skin! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars!!)

I contribute my noticeably more glowing skin, in part, to this genius concoction. Yay!

Thanks so much Herbal Dynamics Beauty for sending this over to me!!

xoxo -Kate

Dr B Primer

Get Primed! I’m talking Primers today featuring my Pore Refiner Primer sent over from Dr. Brandt Skincare...

The Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is a definitive cult-favorite which combines a pore refiner with a makeup primer! Created for all skin types - but since it was designed to mattify and control shine with oil absorbing spheres, I use mostly on my t-zone as I have very dry skin.

I would definitely highly recommend for normal to oily skin types who I think would really love this one!

Velvety texture ✔️

Peachy-tan color ✔️

Fragrance-free ✔️

Lightweight, silky ✔️

Smooth, flawless finish ✔️

Reduces pore size & improve skin texture ✔️

Can be worn alone & as a quick fix throughout the day ✔️

Dermatologist & Clinically Tested ✔️

US $45.00 for 1 fl/oz. ✔️

Instant gratification - I love that this primer provides immediate help in reducing the appearance of the pores all over my t-zone! And, better yet, over time I’ve noticed that my pores are less visible as this is also a skin treatment featuring ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Red Clover Flower Extract & Tea Tree Oil (I love this stuff!) to clean, unclog + shrink my pores! Yay!

👉 My Tip: This creates the perfect canvas for makeup but I really adore how it looks all by itself, so I use as the very last step in my morning routine.

* FYI: you can find a mini size of this gorgeous primer at Sephora for $22.00 

Thanks again to Dr. Brandt for kindly gifting this to me!

Do you use makeup primers?? 

xoxo -Kate

Ingredient Spotlight: Tea tree Oil

Tea Tree AKA Melaleuca Alternifolia is best known for its astringent, anti-inflammatory & antibacterial qualities. It’s usually ideal for oily & acne prone skin. Benefits include healing & skin barrier balancing properties. Did you know: Melaleuca/Tea Tree is a small tree native to Australia... the oil has been used by Aborigines for centuries!

I most often utilize Melaleuca oil as a natural remedy acne spot treatment - this is not for everyone because it has a very strong scent...but I actually really love it (although my husband can’t stand it). It can also be drying and sometimes  cause irritation.

For years, tea tree oil has been showing up in skincare and haircare products - I first found it at my neighborhood health food store...but now, brands like Sunday Riley, Iunik, CosRx, Dr. Ceuracle and many more have developed innovative new ways to utilize the power of this oil in highly refined formulas - and I say thanks so much because I’m really loving the soothing benefits of these elegant serums, toners, essences, and treatments!

Have you used products with Tea Tree Oil? Let me know if you have a favorite.

xoxo -Kate 

Alya Skin

💗 The Power of Pink Australian Pink Clay Mask from Alya Skin 💗

This Pink Clay Mask from @alyaskinaus is said to be safe for sensitive skin which is what first intrigued me - I’ve always loved the idea of clay masks but they’ve mostly been a bit too drying for my skin type. I first dipped my toes (quite literally) into clay masking when I visited the historical red clay mud baths at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs spa in Southern California. My next mud bath experience was in New Zealand when I soaked in the mineral rich muds & sulfur waters in Rotorua...

Fast forward to this unique pink clay from Australia which is not too drying like typical Red Kaolin clay, because it also features the moisturizing effects of White Kaolin clay...💗 Pink clay is said to draw out impurities while also adding moisture to help replenish skin.

This mask is also loaded with anti-inflammatory silica to improve skin elasticity = major points for me!

Claims:

✔️ Detoxifies & Brightens

✔️ Tightens Pores

✔️ Extracts Pollutants 

✔️ Reduces Inflammation 

✔️ Safe for Sensitive Skin

Since I have dry/sometimes sensitive skin I follow a specific routine when using this mask:

First off - the experience is lovely, featuring a light rose scent with a gooey consistency that reminds me of whipped marshmallows. That sounds weird but it’s not 💗 It’s so cool!

I apply to clean skin prior to a shower or bath so the bathroom is nice and steamy - why because I don’t actually want it to dry down. I want it stay moist... I also don’t leave on the full recommended 10 minutes. Instead, I jump on in the shower and with damp hands massage it in for a few minutes.

Just rinse off and then later follow up with all the hydrating products 💗💗 The results for me are an instant glow, reduced redness & decongested pores!

What do you think of clay masks?? Do you already use in your routine?

xoxo -Kate

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#pinkwednesdays #pinkclaymask #alyaskincare #cleanskincare #powerofpink #loveskincareproducts #proaging #agingwell 

Drunk Elephant: Micellar Cleanser

Product Highlight:

E-Rase Milki Micellar Cleanser 

This is the most unique Micellar cleansing water I’ve ever tried! It combines Ceramides, plant oils & vitamin E to achieve a truly moisturizing cleanser that removes all traces of my makeup & sunscreen all while leaving my skin soft, supple & super refreshed! This has a milky color with a light viscosity that glides on effortlessly.

Totally Versatility:

🐘 Use post workout

🐘 Ideal as a makeup fix - I recently started experimenting with a new liquid eye color which I applied way too much of and a tiny dot of this on a Q-tip fixed it right up

🐘 Great as a second cleanse

🐘 I really like this one as my morning cleanse!! Leaves skin so hydrated and totally prepped for am routine.

🐘 Absolutely gentle enough for eyes - no stinging or burning here...Woot! Woot!

🐘 No rinsing required

Have you tried this yet?? I’d love to hear your experience...

xoxo -Kate

Product Review: Facetheory!

The Glycolic Acid Face & Body Scrub: Product Review

A bestseller & highly rated Scrub from Facetheory, offered in Mandarin scent & unscented is a gentle yet capable, results driven scrub that’s ideal for both face & body. It features 2% glycolic acid + 1% salicylic acid. The addition of natural jojoba grains combine to give you a non-irritating exfoliating treatment.

My experience: I first splash warm water on my face then proceed to gently massage in this thick, creamy scrub for about 1 minute. It sorta creates a pleasing paste like mask, which I then leave on for another minute. (Massage any leftover on the back of your hands - they’ll thank you for this extra step!) The light mandarin oil scent is divine & definitely adds a lot to this routine. Rinsing with warm water + cleansing cloth is the most efficient way for me to remove since it is a bit of a thicker formula.

This product contains alpha/beta hydroxy acids, so I’m sure to avoid using on the same day as any retinol routines. Since I have dry skin, I only utilize this one time per week.

For a noteworthy mini facial use this scrub after Facetheory’s Vitamin C Cream Cleanser then finish with their Relaxing Night Cream = a trifecta of skincare routines!

It’s also a wonderful body scrub - especially effective for back of upper arms which for me is a problem area that tends to get extra dry & rough! This scrub really helps with that - creating a smooth canvas to follow with one of my go-to moisturizers! I was initially interested in this scrub due to its multi-tasking versatility - I do love a good multipurpose product!

Would you use a product that designed for both face & body??

xoxo -Kate

#Texturetuesday #facetheory #facetheoryreview #facetheoryskincare #faceandbodyscrub #athometreatments 

#minifacial #skincarescrub #exfoliatingskincare #exfoliatingscrub

#positiveaging #agelesswomen #aginggracefully #proaging

Dynamic Duos: The Final Episode

💥Dynamic Duos: The Final Episode💥

Today I’m concluding my Dynamic Duo Skincare Series with a must-have power couple from Beauty Pie... The Oxygen Mask + The Oxygen Moisturizer 

These two products stand strong on their own but when combined they have a synergy that’s undeniable! 💫

💛💛The Oxygen Instant Facial Refueling Mask: an undeniably effective mask that can be used as a 15 minute miracle mask or overnight skin revitalizing sleeping mask! The formula includes stabilized active oxygen - when it’s introduced to the skin it breaks down into oxygen & water.

⭐️Fun Fact: this is the original stabilized oxygen formula developed by a Nobel-institute Epidemiologist!

I love this most as an overnight mask for amazing hydration. Applied to clean & prepped skin, I use a small amount then gently press into skin as it oxygenates like with light bubbly action.

💛💛Pure Oxygen Radiant Glow Moisture Infusion: Created for tired skin - it’s a super hydrating cream that actually delivers on the promise of the glow! Includes highly stable Vitamin C + something called PHYTOxygen Complex which is said to purify & re-energize skin.

⭐️ Well, it really does give me a hydrated glow! I appreciate the light scent and a rich yet not heavy feel on my skin. I use this cream during am & pm routines and it of course is the ideal partner to the mask.

This duo packs a powerful punch, so I use it only once a month. As a 15 minute mask, I would recommend no more than once a week ☺️

✨Please Note✨ Both of these products contain Hydrogen Peroxide (0.5%) so may not be best suited to those with very sensitive skin.

I hope y’all have enjoyed my skincare series. I sure did have fun putting this together and discussing some of my favorite dynamic duo products!! 💥

xoxo -Kate

Bare Butter by She Plants Love

🤎💛 Product Review: Bare Butter from She Plants Love 💛🤎

The Bare Butter is the unscented (sans essential oils) Shea butter version and it’s a true multi-tasking product ~ Slather it on all over...Safe for sensitive skin! 💛 In my experience, this is more elegant & refined than the Shea butters I’ve used in the past...After warming this in your hands, it emulsifies into a rich oil that absorbs quickly.

Some Shea butter facts:

🤎 Natural stimulant for collagen production

🤎 Has anti-inflammatory properties 

🤎 Vitamins A, D & E + Omega-rich fatty acids

Multi-tasking ideas:

🤩 Use as a hand & nail treatment - so great for rough or ragged cuticles

🤩 Rub onto feet at night then pop on your fave cozy socks - wake up with super soft feet

🤩 Also, if your not able to get to your local eyebrow bar but really need a touch up, make your at-home tweeze session A LOT easier by first applying a generous amount to brow area...this makes it much easier to tweeze!

Hair Treatment Rituals:

🤎 Bare Butter is soooo great as a hair treatment - massage onto scalp then apply a good amount to mid-length and ends. Tie up your hair, leave on for a few hours then follow up with a shampoo. Your hair & scalp will feel super soft & hydrated.

🤎 I also really love this as a leave-in treatment! It tames flyaways like nothing else AND is amazing on dry, damaged ends! It DOES NOT weigh down your hair (I have very fine hair) and you can apply a fair amount without it feeling oily or heavy. 

Next I’m going to try The Butter which has essential oils like lavender -

I think that will make my hair smell amazing!

Do you use organic products/ingredients like Shea butter??

xoxo -Kate

Travel-friendly Products

✈️ Minis & Wanderlust ✈️

I’m dreaming of traveling again! 🌍 I’ve always loved to travel - being able to participate in another culture, even for a short period of time is truly one of the most fulfilling endeavors. This wonderful world offers such an abundance of beauty - it’s a blessing to be able to experience it!

✈️ My husband and I had a trip to Japan all planned out - unfortunately it was canceled last year, but we’re looking forward to visiting someday - perhaps next year?

✈️ When traveling resumes, I’ll be sure to bring along my favorite minis like FutureDew from Glossier - their hybrid serum + glow oil that I’ve been crushing on ever since I added it to my lineup back in November! It always delivers the ideal amount of dewy moisture perfect as the last step in my routine, just prior to the makeup phase. A much needed step for my dry skin - it helps my makeup go on so smoothly! A forever favorite for sure.

What’s your favorite travel-friendly product?? ✈️

xoxo -Kate

Beauty Pie Product Review: The Genius

Superluminous Undereye Genius from Beauty Pie 

Key Benefits include:

• Brightens with “high luminous anti-fatigue pigments”
• Refreshes with Linoleic Acid (an Omega-6 fatty acid) & Vitamin E for “skin barrier repair”
• Utilizes MDI Complex (a marine glycosaminoglycan) to reduce the appearance of dark circles
• Instantly smoothes the delicate under eye skin & minimizes fine lines

How to use:

After applying your fave eye cream, tap on a very tiny amount of the Genius (I use the BP Flawless Finish Concealer Brush 😉) then follow with a light application of concealer. The Genius can also be applied throughout the day as needed (I don’t seem to need to reapply).

My Results: appearance of dark circles are minimized and I notice a soft, subtle luminosity that does brighten my under eye area. I like this because it downplays my under eye bags 🤪 

This product comes in two colors: light/medium and medium/deep. I use light/medium. The medium/deep appears to have more of peachy undertone whereas the light seems to be more of a pale pink tone.

xoxo -Kate

Wellness Products: HUM Supplements

💕 POP 💕 POP 💕 FIZZ...It’s Selfcare Sunday!

💖 The Collagen POP from HUM has become a favorite way to encourage me to drink more water AND help add in hydrating my skin! 💖

 This beauty tonic was created to help:

💗 improve skin elasticity - which I REALLY need!

💗 boost collagen levels with its premium marine collagen + vitamin C - YES PLEASE

💗 lock in moisture for plumper, smoother skin - definitely NEED this!

💖 The Science 💖

“Studies show marine collagen can help improve skin appearance and minimize unwanted signs of aging. It can also improve dermal rejuvenation and may increase skin collagen metabolism.”

💖 This comes with a 30-day supply that’s packaged in 3 travel-friendly tubes with 10 fizzy tablets ideal for on the go use...simply dissolve 1 tablet in 8oz of water. I love the strawberry flavor which reminds me of strawberry Jell-O shots (but without the vodka 😂😂) Very tasty & refreshing!

I’ve been using this tonic for over three weeks now, but it’s suggested to use for 4 to 6 weeks to realize results so... so I’ll continue on 💖

Dynamic Duo!! New Skincare Series

New Series

Dynamic Duos!! I’ve noticed lately that I have some products that are wonderful alone but when paired with a friend they become a total superhero team! So I thought I’d start a skincare series featuring some of my favorite Dynamic Duos...kicking off today with...

The Overnight Exfoliator + Hyaluronic Acid from Good Molecules!!

The Overnight Exfoliator: this nighttime treatment features a 10% AHA + BHA combo punch  to combat the visible signs of aging & blemishes! It claims you will wake up with smoother, more radiant skin... AND YOU WILL!! You might feel a bit of a sting upon application but that disappears quickly. I let it absorb, then immediately layer on their HA. The recommended dosage is 3 times per week, which is just about what I’ve been doing. I really appreciate the quality & efficacy of this affordable product - (1oz at $6.00 USD) making high quality skincare much more accessible!! ❤️

The Hyaluronic Acid: a lightweight, water-like serum created to draw moisture to your skin. This one contains three different types of HA and is the ideal weight & formula to layer with all your other products! I love to pair with the Overnight Exfoliator during PM routine for the perfect Dynamic Duo! ❤️❤️  I also layer with my morning serums as it helps my skin absorb other products like essence & moisturizer. Priced at $6.00 USD/1oz.

Tip: I love how the Good Molecules website offer suggestions on how to pair their products, creating a “bundle” for easier shopping.

Have you tried this brand yet? What’s your fave Dynamic Duo??

Product Reviews: Caffeine eye cream

Wake up and smell the Caffeine?? ☕️

Caffeine Eye Creams, that is. 

 ☕️ Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream from 100% Pure says it’s an anti-inflammatory cream that’s formulated with caffeine-rich green tea & coffee beans + the extra benefits of anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants & rose hip oil.

Sounds good? Well, it smells delicious...

☕️ Claims to depuff & increase circulation to “brighten dark circles”. Also will make your eye area “more awake & youthful”.

☕️ It is a very delectable cream that delivers smoothness but I guess my “puffy” under eyes are now more like under eye bags that probably can only be improved with surgery?? Ugh!! Still, it’s a lovely eye cream.

🌿🌿🌿

☕️ The Caffeine Eye Serum from The Inkey List is a lightweight, treatment eye cream to helps combat puffiness, dark circles & fine lines. It feels/looks more like a serum but delivers a rich cream finish.

☕️ once again, I guess my under eye bags are just too far gone, because this formula did not help me with the “puffiness”  but it is a nice hydrating cream that works really well with my concealer - so that’s a win.

Brand Highlight: Iris and Romeo

✨Brand Spotlight: Iris&Romeo ✨

The Iris&Romeo mantra is “Less makeup. More you”. Created by former Smash-box executive Michele Gough Baril, she developed a beauty routine to help us feel more confident in our skin. Their mission ~ to support women who are finding their voice while hitting their stride by providing a simplified beauty wardrobe that makes you feel like you can do anything you set your mind to! Powerful!!

Best Skin Days in Light: the daily 5-n-1 cream with a cult following...”The hardest working day cream on your vanity” ~ says Michele.

•It’s makeup - meets skincare - meets sun protection! I’m totally obsessed with this because it offers the ideal combo of serum + moisturizer + light coverage + protection against UVA/UVB & blue light! That’s A LOT.

•Claims ~ it’s a skincare meets makeup game changer that can restore hydration, elasticity & natural radiance for firmer & glowing skin. WOW!

•My experience: It’s a whipped, spongy & bouncy texture. Very blend-able & buildable, melts into my skin quickly.

Offers even coverage that does not just sit on my skin. Makes me look & feel just...more like the best version of me.

•Verdict: Total GAME CHANGER!

Power Peptide Lip Balm in Peony: this little cutie features a 3-n-1 formula of buttery balm + plumping/hydrating treatment + buildable color. I love all these combos... In my experience, it’s a very long lasting balm with a silky soft feel & delightfully pink color - this color is indeed reminiscent of pretty pale pink peony flowers. This skincare balm also has collagen boosting peptides for the perfect pout. I think it’s true love.

Product Review: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

The Water Sleeping Mask - Already a Legend!

This overnight sleeping mask from Laneige says it’s a 

“moisture-recharging gel mask that quickly absorbs to deeply hydrate your skin.”

Stated as ideal for all skin types, in my experience it does not deliver quite enough hydration for my overly dry + dehydrated skin that’s especially sensitive to the dry winter weather & the heater running all night long 😢

Formulated with Ingredients like Hydro-Ionized Mineral Water (sounds cool 💦) and apricot & evening primrose extracts. this beauty claims to deliver moisture, a relaxing & calming scent, visibly brightened skin that’s ultimately more radiant + refreshed + soft glowing skin!

Ok, let’s break this down - it definitely has a very relaxing, light scent that I adore. And, I feel it really delivers soft & glowing skin. However, for me it just not hydrating enough because I still awake with slightly tight skin...but that’s just me and my skin is very dehydrated. I do really enjoy this sleeping mask and I think I’ll get better results during the summer months which aren’t as dry?

Do you use a hydrating overnight mask that you love?? 

Affordable Luxuries: BLISS World

A Basket full of BLISS 

💙🤍💚💖💛

My love affair with all things BLISS World started way back in the 90’s when I received my very first copy of Bliss Out (the Bliss Spa Catalog) introducing me to Bliss Girl & all things Bliss - like the now iconic Lemon & Sage Body Butter!

I would peruse each page with glee and even saved those catalogs for many years 😊😊

I dreamed of someday visiting the Spa in NYC - eventually making it there and when they launched in W Hotels I also was fortunate enough to visit the one in Chicago. Yay!!

I credit BLISS and Marcia Kilgore (founder of Bliss Spa) with launching my lifelong obsession with all things skincare, beauty & wellness! 😘

Some of my FAVE Bliss products:

• Lemon & Sage Body Lotion
• Rose Gold Rescue Cleanser
• Pumpkin Powerhouse Mask
• Rose Gold Toner Mist

The Double Cleanse: Zero Cleansing Balm

This Zero Discovery Kit was the perfect way for me to find the Zero Cleansing Balm ideal for me. For just USD $6.49 at ULTA - this mini kit includes all four balms to try:

🤍 Original: removes makeup, hydrates & cleanses skin

💚 Revitalizing: removes makeup, hydrates & cleanses + offers antioxidant protection

💛 Nourishing: removes makeup, hydrates & cleanses + moisturizing

💜 Purifying: removes makeup, hydrated & cleanses + soothes

The front-runner for me is the Purifying formula 💜💜

I think these balms are ideal for dryer skin types but also great for all skin when included as a double-cleanse routine. For my super dry + dehydrated skin I didn’t feel the need to double cleanse as this balm left no residue or film. I love how it starts off applied to dry skin then dissolves into an oil ideal for a face massage prior to rinsing.

Don’t you just love it when Brands offer these cost-effective mini kits?? DO you "Double-cleanse"??

Product Review: Naturium Retinols

Retinol ~ the gold standard?

Here is my full review of the Retinol Face Oil & Retinol Complex Cream from @naturium

💙 Good to know: Retinol is the over-the-counter version of tretinoin/retinoic acid. Both are within the Vitamin A category known as Retinoids. When Retinols, a weaker version of the retinoic acids, are used on the face they help stop the breakdown of collagen & stimulate elastin

production.

💙 The face oil is an advanced retinoid featuring a non-irritating formula to boost hydration & overall skin plumpness. It’s not greasy & absorbs fairly quick - a few minutes for me.

💙 The Complex Cream is formulated with a 2.5% retinol + bakuchiol complex to hydrate skin & reduce the signs of aging like fine lines, lose of elasticity, hyperpigmentation... all the things I need help with.

💙 Overall: These products are gentle, non-drying, and seem to be helping to smooth out my skin which looks & feels more refined with a plumper, hydrated end result.

<I’ve used every other night for almost 1 month>

Do you think Retinol is indeed the gold standard ingredient for anti-aging skincare products??

Product Review: Sweet Pitti from Drunk Elephant

Don’t have a Pity Party ~ Use Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream from Drunk Elephant

I love that it’s Made without Baking Soda ✅ Essential Oils ✅ Aluminum-derived ingredients ✅ Fragrances ✅or Drying Alcohols ✅

💚 Ideal for sensitive skin!

💚 pH 4.0

💚 Soothing & replenishing formula 

✅ Created with Mandelic Acid which kills odor-causing bacteria. Also features soothing Shea Butter for skin-barrier protection.

My assessment: it works!! 💚

It’s a moisturizing, creamy formula with a lovely, light scent - is it the sweet almond?

It takes a minute or two to absorb which is not an issue for me. 

🌱 Pro tip: this is packaged in a fully recyclable container with a dial mechanism at the bottom - click/turn just about an 1/8 turn to release a minimal amount because less is more seems to work well with this one! 🌱