For most of my makeup-wearing life, I've tended to use powder blush. I think just because it was the most easily accessible type of blush on the market, but nowadays, it seems the options are endless! Enter Glossier Cloud Paint. This cream blush is literally one of the easiest products to apply- just dab it on with your fingers! I like to use a combination of two (Haze & Beam), and blend them together a bit. You could even choose a darker color for more of a contour, while using a lighter color as a highlighter. Cloud Paint's sheer and buildable gel-cream formula is inspired by gradient pink New York City sunsets, so there are several beautiful shades that work for all sorts of skin tones. I love that it gives me a healthy, subtle hue (which can be more-so if you desire!), and creates that perfect flushed glow on my cheeks! Plus it has collagen to help plump the skin, which is just an extra fun bonus. A little goes a long way, so each little tube should last you a while. I think now I need to add the other two shades (Haze & Puff) to my collection, and play around with all four :) Glossier is one of my fave go-to makeup brands- read my other posts about them here and here! Perhaps I need to try out some of their skincare products as well? Off to research!
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!
beauty minute
I recently got interviewed about my beauty routine for a feature on Garance Doré. You can read my Beauty Minute on their site, or continue reading to check out my daily beauty regimen and go-to products. By no means do I use all of these products every day, but the ones listed below are some of my favorites that make me look and feel my best!
Morning Routine:
I have sensitive skin, so I prefer to use brands that use clean, simple, and high-quality ingredients. I usually just rinse my face with water in the morning instead of using a cleanser. Then I use Osmia Organics Active Gel Toner. I add True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster to my True Botanicals Cellular Renewal Serum (which activates it), and apply that mixture next. Then I finish with either Osmia Organics Purely Simple Face Cream or Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil, depending if I want something lighter or more rich (and don't forget your neck!). My lips always get a thick coat of Aquaphor in the morning. I take a probiotic every day, and like to have hot lemon water if I can as well. I’ve also been loving Sun Potion supplements in my morning coffee or smoothie! For fragrance, my go-tos are by Tom Ford- I love Violet Blonde or Oud Wood, depending on my mood!
Makeup Routine:
I rarely wear makeup when I'm not working- it feels nice to give my skin a break! If I'm wearing makeup, it's usually just the basics. I like a lot of Glossier products- they make great no-frills essentials. I use a tinted moisturizer (with SPF!) by Laura Mercier or True Botanicals, and concealer if need-be by Glossier (Stretch Concealer) or RMS Beauty (Un Cover-Up) on the face. Curled lashes, with or without mascara, but I like Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes. Groomed brows are a plus, and Glossier Boy Brow has a nice waxy texture. Glossier Haloscope and RMS Beauty Living Luminizer for highlights on the cheekbones and brow bones help give you that dewy glow. I rarely wear lipstick, but a red lip is fun every once in a while, and YSL Rouge Pur Couture has lots of great shades.
Daytime Touch-Ups:
I always have a good lip balm with me. Glossier Balm Dotcom and Lano Lips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm are go-tos, and I also just brought several tubes of Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment back from Australia. I also like to have a facial mist of some sort for whenever I feel like my skin needs a pick-me-up. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist and Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence are both great. I drink tons of water throughout the day as well.
Nightly Routine:
My nightly regimen starts with removing any makeup (if I'm wearing any) with Bioderma Crealine (aka Sensibio). Then I wash my face with Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap or Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm (this one also makes a great mask). I tone with Biologique Recherche P50 (without phenol), then apply Mario Badescu Buffering or Drying Lotions to any blemishes if needed. I love a hydrating & calming oil at nighttime (something thicker than moisturizer) and Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil or UFO are amazing. Eye cream is also important to start sooner rather than later- I've been loving Tata Harper Restorative Eye Creme.
Hair, Body, Masks:
I love R+Co shampoo & conditioner- both the Sunset Blvd. Blonde & the Dallas Thickening versions are go-tos. If my hair needs a refresher, I’ll use a bit of R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo or Ouai Wave Spray. Korean exfoliating mitts also work wonders for fresh, baby-soft skin. Post-shower, I’ll use either R+Co Tinsel Smoothing Oil or Ouai Hair Oil on the ends of my hair, then coconut oil all over my body. Every once in a while I'll apply a face mask (like Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask or Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask) or a sheet mask (Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask or Hada Labo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask) to treat my skin to a little at-home facial. Now just to be clear, I don't use all these products every day. Beauty sleep, a healthy diet, and lots of water are all great ways to create that glow from the inside, out as well :)
fave products // glossier haloscope
My makeup routine is pretty basic. I typically don't wear much of it when I'm not working, and tend to stick to products that both look and feel super natural. Glossier makeup, with its "beauty in real life" mantra, falls easily into this category for me. I personally love that dewy look my skin gets after being out in the sun a bit, and highlighters are a great way to get that same glow, but without the sun damage! Glossier's Haloscope creates this dew-effect with two formulas in one: the outer ring is infused with crystal extracts for all-day enlightenment, while the the oil-based center boasts vitamin-rich moisturizers for a hydrated, dewy finish. I love that it isn't glittery or sticky in any way, but just adds the perfect, natural highlight to my cheek and brow bones. The topaz shade is great for achieving that post-beach sun-kissed glow, while Quartz is a bit lighter, adding a pearlescent highlight to wherever it's applied. The twist-up applicator makes it easy to toss in your bag and apply to your skin whenever you want that beautiful, yet subtle sheen.
fave products // glossier boy brow
My off-duty makeup look tends to be pretty simple. Curled lashes, highlighter, concealer if need-be, and groomed brows. I love a thick, full brow, and feel that nicely shaped and groomed brows can really pull a look together. Glossier Boy Brow, a creamy wax formula made from beeswax and carnauba wax, is the easy answer for beautiful, face-framing brows. Natural waxes hold hairs in place without drying into a stiff or flaky paste, which is absolutely crucial in my book. There's nothing worse than crispy, flaky brows. In addition, oleic acid nourishes and moisturizes, while lecithin adds a silky, smooth texture and subtle sheen. The sheer pigment is available in three shades, and a small, tapered brush allows for precise application. Even better, it's made without fragrance or parabens, and is great for all skins types. Glossier claims to be a beauty brand inspired by real life, creating new essentials without all the fuss. After trying out several of their products, I couldn't agree more. Keep an eye out for more reviews soon!
skincare // in the air
Taking care of your skin during air travel is super important. All that dry, recycled air can wreak havoc on your skin, not to mention all the germs floating around, so it's a good idea to take some preventative and healing measures along the way. I wanted to share a few of my go-to products and tips (all TSA approved!) to ensure fresh and hydrated skin upon landing. First and foremost, drink tons of water. I always bring a refillable water bottle, and fill it up before boarding (post-security), and then have the flight attendants refill it multiple times throughout the flight. This is key for staying hydrated from the inside, out. In terms of skin, I always try to fly makeup-free, with freshly cleansed and moisturized skin. This will help get you started on the right foot. I always keep some type of face mist in my carry-on, whether it's Caudalie Beauty Elixir or Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. A spritz or two is always a nice, refreshing pick-me-up when my skin starts to feel stale or parched. If you really want to take your face spritz to the next level, I suggest investing in The Pocket Spa by Kelley Quan. This compact, refillable personal humidifier hydrates and moisturizes your skin using only water, leaving you with youthful and dewy-fresh skin! It also prepares the skin for and increases the efficacy of all your other products to follow. Once the skin is prepped, I apply moisturizer: I'll either bring an oil like Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil, or a moisturizer like Osmia Organics Purely Simple Face Cream, both of which are great at locking in moisture. I also make sure to have a thick ointment, like Glossier balm dotcom or Lano Lips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, which can be used on your face & lips, hands & cuticles, or any other dry spots you may have. For longer flights, and maybe if I have a bit of privacy in business class, I'll bring a sheet mask like Hada Labo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask or SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. These may look silly while they're working their magic, but I promise your skin will thank you upon arriving. Maybe you're not willing to go this far in public, and that's alright- just apply one once you've reached your final destination. Lastly, I love this Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy. It's said to give an invigorating sensory lift when applied to your pulse points during times of stress or nausea. If nothing else, it leaves you smelling lovely with the aroma of lavender, macadamia nut, sweet almond, and ginger oils. By incorporating these tips and products into your travel routine on a regular basis, I hope you'll notice an improvement in your skin's overall look and feel just as I have.