fave products // dermalogica ultracalming serum concentrate & calm water gel

If you have sensitive skin and have trouble finding products that actually work, but also don’t irritate your skin, I have just the stuff for you! Dermalogica makes some killer products- I’ve been a fan of their vitamin C serum for a while now- but they also make a line of UltraCalming products that is specifically catered to those with sensitive skin like mine! Using their exclusive UltraCalming complex, which contains soothing ingredients like oat, botanicals, peptides, evening primrose oil, as well as sunflower seed & avocado extracts, these products aid in easing sensitization and defending against future problems. The UltraCalming Serum Concentrate has been a true god-send. This powerhouse serum works to calm and soothe sensitive skin (especially after any non-invasive facial treatments), and helps interrupt the inflammatory triggers that cause flare-ups to begin with. I like applying a thin layer over my entire face post-cleansing, then following with the UltraCalming Calm Water Gel. This water-gel moisturizer feels practically weightless, yet still adequately hydrates and moisturizes my skin. Thanks to apple fruit extract, cactus pear extract, and glycerin, this skin-quenching fluid is able to support a healthy moisture balance while defending against dryness. And dual hyaluronic acid technology works to increase and lock in moisture throughout multiple layers of the skin’s surface! Yes please! I was also more recently introduced to their newest addition, the UltraCalming Redness Relief Essence, which is the perfect combo of toner and serum. It’s lightweight enough to feel super refreshing, yet concentrated enough to visibly reduce redness and sensitivity. Apply it post-cleanser, right before your UltraCalming Serum Concentrate. I’m curious if you’ve tried out any other products from the line? I’m debating which one to try next! Maybe the cleanser? Let me know!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // tata harper body scrub & balm

I'm back with more Tata Harper goodies, and his time, it's all about the body! With all the attention given to the skin on your face these days, it's easy to forget about pampering your body. Regular exfoliation and hydration are key, so you can keep those limbs baby soft! I like to keep my Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub in the shower for a totally spa-like exfoliation treatment while I cleanse. It's strong but gentle, and helps to fight dull, uneven, and rough skin using Tata's special biodegradable multi-particle polishing complex. It's sure to leave your skin super smooth and glowing! PS- try it out before shaving to help open up the root and soften your hair too! 

Following a scrub, I love to lather up with a thick, hydrating cream. Tata Harper's Redefining Body Balm is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, leaving your skin feeling totally nourished and protected, but not greasy in the least. Anyone with stretch marks or scarring can greatly benefit this firming balm as well, since it's got a proprietary blend of six natural butters working their magic to help make these less noticeable! As with all Tata's products, every ingredient is 100% natural and non-toxic, making these equally great for those with sensitive skin like me :)

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // perricone md cold plasma+ face serum & eye cream

I’m all about a super-concentrated, highly potent serum or cream. You know the ones. They’re packed full of multi-tasking, powerhouse ingredients that promote youthful, radiant skin and give you that glow you crave. I’m happy to say that Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Face Serum and Eye Cream do exactly that, plus more. They use a proprietary liquid crystal (fancy!) delivery system for faster and deeper penetration of ingredients. Practically any skin issue, like loss of radiance, uneven texture or tone, discoloration, redness, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, or loss of firmness, can be vastly improved with these babies. I love that the face serum is super smooth and creamy (feels like a finishing cream!), but the concentrated formula gets to to work quickly boasting all its anti-aging benefits. Copper tripeptides, vitamin C ester (the highly stable, easily absorbable form of antioxidant-rich vitamin C), and omegas 3, 6, and 9 come together to work their magic here, and the proof is in results. My skin has been feeling super plump and baby soft. Really so, so supple! The eye cream uses the same ingredients, but also targets the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet! Both Perricone MD products are fragrance free, making them perfect for those with sensitive skin like mine. A little goes a long way, so although the price is steep, each jar should last you quite a while. Let me know if you end up trying them out- you won’t be disappointed!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // fresh beauty peony brightening essence, toner & serum

If you’re someone who suffers from hyperpigmentation, whether from sun spots or acne scars, you could probably benefit from a brightening product. Fresh Beauty has got you covered, with their line of Peony Brightening Products. I’ve been testing these out over the last few months, and I’m happy to report they’ve definitely been helping with any uneven tone or discoloration I have. Three potent ingredients- peony root extract, vitamin C glucoside, and licorice root extract- help reduce the appearance of dark spots while promoting skin clarity, leaving you with bright, luminous skin. Hyaluronic acid adds an intensive moisture factor as well.

The Peony Brightening Moisturizing Facial Toner provides 24-hour moisture and keeps your skin baby soft. The silky formula absorbs quickly, priming the complexion for the rest of your skincare routine. The Peony Instant Brightening Face Serum is super smooth, and works to improve uneven skin tone and texture, while also illuminating the skin. I like to apply it to my entire face post-toner, right before moisturizing. The Peony Spot-Correcting Brightening Essence works quite similarly to the serum, but I just think of it as a more concentrated version. It’s perfect for those stubborn dark spots that just won’t seem to go away. I love that these products don’t use extremely harsh ingredients like hydroquinone, but rather stick to natural brightening powerhouses like peony and licorice roots. So much better for your skin, and not to mention your overall health!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // babor cleansing hy-öl & phyto-active sensitive

Come wintertime, I like to take my skincare to the next level with a super gentle and hydrating oil cleanser. You may have heard about the popular “double cleansing” method by now. It originated in Korea, and typically involves an oil cleanser to help remove makeup, sunscreen, city pollution, and anything else your skin may have accumulated throughout the day. At first I was a bit hesitant to try it out- it seemed like it could dry out my skin and strip it of the good oils it needs! However, I needn’t have worried. Once I started researching, I came across Babor Cleansing Hy-Öl and Phyto-Active Sensitive Cleansers, which looked like the perfect mix of water, plant-based oils, and essential vitamins to nourish the skin rather than deplete it. You start with a few pumps of the Hy-Öl and massage it into dry skin. Then add a pump or two of the Phyto-Active, spreading it evenly across your face. Next wet your fingers a bit, and create a smooth lather of the two on your skin. Rinse and pat dry! I’ve been loving how my skin feels after using this cleansing system, super soft and refreshed. Babor even makes a few different Phyto-Active Cleansers, so you can choose the best fit for your skin type, whether that’s sensitive, dry, dull, or combination. If you’re looking to switch up your cleanser this winter, I definitely recommend checking out Babor products for calm and youthful, glowing skin!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // w3ll people nudist lip butter

{GIVEAWAY ALERT- READ ON!} On a day to day basis, I tend to wear pretty neutral lip colors. Of course, every once in a while or for a fun night out, I love a bright red lip, but for the most part, I keep it pretty simple. The most important factor for me when choosing a lipstick, gloss, or balm, is that it’s hydrating and nourishing. Something that keeps my lips from becoming dry and crackly is key in my book, and bonus points if it comes in pretty shades as well. W3ll People Nudist Lip Butter checks off all these boxes, and goes on super smooth. I love that they call it “the vegan love child of a lip stick and lip balm”, because honestly that description could not be more accurate. The organic omega oils and aloe help calm stressed lips, and leave them feeling soothed and supple! It’s my go-to lip choice when I mainly want some nourishing hydration, but wouldn’t mind a subtle pop of color as well. The nude shade is great for everyday, but I also love the cherry shade for something a little brighter. I find the lip butters to be a bit buildable, so adding a few extra coats can give you a more dramatic look. If you prefer no color at all, I suggest the natural shade for a simple, buttery finish. For added brilliance or to create a bit more of a statement look, top your lip butter with a swipe or two of the W3ll People Bio Extreme Lipgloss, and you’ll be set for a night out! As always with W3ll People products, everything is formulated without the potentially harmful artificial chemicals that are found in most conventional makeup products, so you can feel good about supporting this brand!

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

For all my readers, as a thank you for your support this year, I’m hosting a giveaway with W3ll People! Comment on my latest Instagram post for a chance to win a $150 W3ll People gift card! Perfect for stocking up on all your fave products, or some last minute holiday gifts! All you have to do is:

1) follow @b_maren on Instagram

2) follow @w3llpeople on Instagram

3) comment on my post with the product you most want to try!

Winner announced December 17th!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support!