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.
brand love // bioderma
I was first introduced to Bioderma years ago by several makeup artists on set. Seemingly everyone uses their makeup remover, Bioderma Sensibio H2O, and for good reason. It removes almost any and every product used on your skin, easily and without causing irritation. I love that it simply feels like water on your skin, but it cleans the makeup off your face with no problems, and leaves no oily residue behind! I figured it was time I tried a few more of their products, and am happy to report the positive results! First off and most similar were the Sensibio H2O wipes. These are great for on-the-go, and so easy to travel with, which is perfect for my busy schedule! So many makeup-removing wipes are harsh and leave my skin red and blotchy post-use, but these are gentle and made of the same micellar solution as the liquid remover. Also from the Sensibio collection is the eye contour gel. This one contains hyaluronic acid and helps to reduce puffiness around the eyes and aids in hydration. I love that the Sensibio products are geared towards sensitive skin like mine, and do not cause any breakouts or irritation with unnecessary, weird ingredients.
If you're looking for a light but intensely hydrating moisturizer for every day use, I suggest the Hydrabio gel cream. It'll leave you with a beautifully radiant glow, but without making your skin look greasy! I like to toss the Atoderm lip stick and hand cream in my purse for whenever my lips or hands feel dry. These help nourish and soothe damaged skin, and a little goes a long way! Now, if you've ever struggled with the appearance of pores, the Sebium pore refiner could be helpful for you. This corrective care product helps tighten pores and improves your skin's texture, making it a great base for underneath your makeup! What's super impressive to me about this crazy popular French brand is that their products are not only effective, but they're actually affordable too! No wonder all my friends stock up at the local French pharmacies whenever they go to Paris!
get fit with britt // outer seat
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 at home or 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 your butt! This pretzel position may look a bit funny, but trust me when I tell you this move burns out your tush like crazy! The small, subtle movements really target your outer seat, helping to lift and tone throughout, adding nice definition to your glutes. Be sure to remain upright and try not to lean too far over to the side, and keep your leg out at a 90 degree angle from your hip - this will increase the challenge and you'll see the results. Do 10 repetitions of each movement, and repeat the sequence three times to maximize the burn!
*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 // true botanicals hydrating cleanser
I've been a True Botanicals fan for a while now- from the renewal serum & vitamin C booster to the polishing grains, these products truly work. And with ingredients that are both potent yet gentle, you can actually feel good about what you're putting on your skin. The hydrating cleanser is a jack of all trades that removes makeup and dead skin cells, unclogs pores, hydrates, heals scarring, and stimulates cell turnover. The cleanser from the clear collection also helps to fight infection, by destroying acne-inducing bacteria and balancing your skin (all the while being careful not to damage it). I love that it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed, rather than dry and tight, like so many harsh cleansers seem to do. Every so often I'll add a shake of the polishing grains to the mix to get that extra bit of exfoliation!
True Botanicals uses green and white teas (as opposed to just water) for the base of this cleanser, which allows you to reap the antioxidant and polyphenol benefits of these impressive ingredients. Think toning, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, just to name a few! Black willow bark extract joins the party as a non-irritating, but highly effective, version of the traditional salicylic acid you're used to, and helichrysum is a total anti-powerhouse (anti-bacterial, fungal & inflammatory). Talk about an added bonus!
fave products // tata harper resurfacing mask
I love a good mask, homemade or not. Whenever I feel like my complexion needs a pick-me-up, a gentle yet effective mask is key. Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask is great radiance booster, lending a helping hand with dullness, uneven skin tone & texture, and the appearance of pores. This potent beta-hydroxy treatment is formulated using 11 natural, non-toxic ingredients, including pomegranate enzymes, pink clay & beet extract, which work to leave your skin super smooth and glowing. I apply a thick layer over my clean face and neck (with my fingers or a brush), and leave it on for about 20 minutes. As it dries, you'll feel the mask tighten across your skin as it works its resurfacing magic. After washing it off with warm water and a washcloth, I apply a hydrating oil all over, and am left with bright and luminous skin! Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask is the perfect product to achieve that instant glow we all crave.