By now everyone knows the importance of wearing sunscreen. It helps protect your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays, which cause sunburns and can lead to wrinkles, and can even help prevent skin cancer down the line. Knowing that, you'd think everyone would be wearing it 24/7, however, that's not always the case. I'll admit that I could be more disciplined in this regard, but I'm trying to improve for the sake of my skin, both now and in the future! Eau Thermale Avène is a popular French pharmacy brand that I've come to rely on and enjoy thanks to its expert dermatological care for sensitive skin. Many sunscreens out there are made with harsh chemicals that my skin simply cannot handle, so I prefer to use those that are purely mineral-based (made from zinc oxide & titanium dioxide). Avène Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ (Face) is a 100% mineral facial sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 50 and UVA/UVB filters, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, goes on sheer without any white residue, and is totally free of fragrance, parabens, and other harsh irritants. As an added bonus, a photostable form of vitamin E provides powerful and effective antioxidant protection! Talk about the full package! I love how it feels, or rather how it doesn't feel, on my skin. It's so lightweight that you'd hardly even know it's there, which makes it great for layering over your other skincare products and under any makeup you may be using. I think it's safe to say this baby has earned a deserved and welcome spot in my daily skincare regimen.
fave products // true botanicals nutrient mist
I don't know about you, but come summer time, I find myself reaching for a refreshing facial mist on a pretty regular basis. I love a good mist anytime of year, but if it's hot and humid out, literally nothing feels better on my skin! Whenever mine needs a bit of a pick-me-up, a spritz of this True Botanicals Nutrient Mist does just the trick. This one is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, including green & white tea, algae extract, and kombucha, which help to hydrate, nourish, and repair the skin. Even better, these ingredients help fight free radical damage, keep your skin nicely plump, and leaves you perfectly dewy and glowing! For something a bit more affordable, and also more basic, I really enjoy Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray as well. I always keep a mist or spray in my purse for that extra boost when I'm on-the-go, and it's especially refreshing at the beach on a hot summer day!
fave products // glossier stretch concealer
Since my skin gets a pretty regular application of makeup for work, I tend to go more minimal when I'm not shooting. I like giving my skin a chance to breathe, if that makes sense. That being said, there are times when I will do my own makeup, and for those occasions, I have a handful of tried and true products in my arsenal. Glossier has become a favorite brand of mine over the last couple of years- they make affordable skincare and makeup products that keep you coming back again and again. I'm a huge fan of both Haloscope and Boy Brow, so I had high expectations for their Stretch Concealer.
There's nothing worse than concealer that looks and feels caked onto your skin. On the contrary, I'm always searching for one that let's my skin look like actual skin! For a while now I've been using (and super pleased with!) RMS Beauty "Un" Cover Up, but after finishing my last tub, I was curious to try the Glossier version. Since it's made with elastic micro waxes, I've found that this concealer never actually gets dry or flaky, but rather moves with my skin throughout the day. The buildable formula is made with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils, which leave my skin perfectly dewy and glowing as well! Not to mention, it's totally easy to apply with just your fingertips- so toss it in your bag and go!
get fit with britt // lower back
Welcome back to Get Fit with Britt! I'm going to be posting some demos of my fave exercises taught at Pure Barre Williamsburg, with the help of their awesome instructors. Pure Barre is a fast, effective, and most importantly, safe way to change your body, and follows a technique that's high-intensity, but low impact to protect your joints! Thanks to Pure Barre, I have been able to build long, lean (not bulky!) muscles while tapering everything in & lifting it up! For this series, we will pick a particular move, explain the focus area and correct form, then demonstrate it so you can practice at home! That way, if/when you come to the studio yourself, you'll be rocking the moves & way ahead of the game ;) These exercises are also a great way to get fit on-the-go! I find myself regularly using Pure Barre exercises during my hotel room workouts. Additionally, you can get all the outfits I'm wearing at the Pure Barre Williamsburg studio, so definitely go by if you're looking for some fun, new workout gear! Come & join me, get that healthy & strong body you've always wanted- come Get Fit with Britt!
Today's exercise focuses on the lower back. Although this area is often overlooked during a workout, strengthening the lower back muscles is super important, and can help prevent injuries elsewhere. In addition, it's a great complement to all of the abdominal work that you do. As you press your elbows into the mat, keep your chest lifted and shoulders relaxed as you squeeze your muscles to move your legs. If you can, try to keep your thighs lifted off the mat for an extra challenge. Do 10 reps of each movement, and repeat the sequence three times.
*I am not a trainer or health professional, so please consult one if you feel you're doing something wrong or could potentially injure yourself.
fave products // sun potion he shou wu
My Sun Potion experiment began with Ashwagandha, and since I liked what I saw and how I felt after using it, I decided to add another transformational herb to my routine. He Shou Wu, one of the most revered herbs in Chinese medicine, is known as a Taoist herb and Jing tonic for its use as a longevity, beauty, and rejuvenation food. Continued use is believed to tonify and nourish the hair, skin, nervous system, sexual center, Shen (spirit), and Jing (primary essence/life force). It's also said to help reduce cholesterol, tonify the endocrine glands, promote red blood cells, and improve immune function. All pros in my book, and I'd been having some breakage issues with my hair, due to coloring and hot tools, so I was hoping this would help in that regard as well. I mix a serving of He Shou Wu into my coffee along with Ashwagandha and collagen, for a powerful morning boost. The taste is hardly noticeable, but I actually enjoy the warming, slightly spiced notes it adds to my coffee. I'm happy to report positive changes in my hair, skin, and nails since starting use of He Shou Wu, and am definitely sold on its large range of health and spirit boosting properties. As is the case with all powerful Sun Potion foods, they're best consumed in small, regular doses over a long period of time, so stick with it to see for yourself all of the worthwhile improvements that can be made.
fave products // sunday riley good genes lactic acid treatment
My love for Sunday Riley products is nothing new at this point. I've been continuously impressed by the high level of effectiveness of their oils, toners, and cleansers over the past year. One of their most popular products that I had yet to try, however, was their Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. This stuff has a cult following, so I figured it was time I give it a try to see what all the hype is about! The serum, which is packed with high-potency purified grade lactic acid, works to exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving you with fresh and bright skin. It's great to combat dullness and uneven texture, and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Even better, fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed and look visually plumped with consistent usage!
So far I'm really enjoying Good Genes. My skin appears younger and more radiant, and I feel that my complexion is overall more healthy and clarified. It's not something I use every day, as the lactic acid can be a bit intense for my sensitive skin. Every other day or every few days seems to work perfectly for me, and it's super important to remember to use SPF with any AHA product to prevent sun sensitivity. If you're looking for a great Sunday Riley starter kit, my top two favorite products are sold together in this Power Couple kit, which is the ideal transformative duo in my opinion.
