fave products // olio e osso tinted lip, cheek & lid balms

As a busy mom and general wearer of multiple hats, I love a multi-use product. Anything that saves time and can be used for multiple things is a winner in my book. Bonus points if that product is non-toxic, super nourishing, and actually works! Enter Olio E Osso Tinted Lip, Cheek & Lid Balms. I’ve been testing out these multi-purpose sticks over the last several months, and love the convenience, portability, and colors! They offer everything from a bright peachy pink to a moody dark brown, so you really can use these in so many ways- think a pop of pink on the lips or even a bronzey contour on the cheeks! The balm itself has an all natural base made of olive, shea and grapefruit essential oils, and is super nourishing on the skin. I love how it glides on soft and smooth, and gives me a sheer but noticeable glow wherever its applied. Not to mention how hydrated it makes my skin feel. Plus, the compact stick formula makes it easy to toss in your purse, diaper bag, car, wherever! They are great for on-the-go, with no brushes or tools required. Olio E Osso is a female-founded brand that literally pours love into each balm, producing them all by hand in small batches! All the more reason to add them to your makeup bag in my opinion… Which shade should I try next?

 * 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 // cosmedix elite revive & renew boosting serum & alt-a rejuvenating moisturizer

I love clean skincare and usually gravitate towards those types of products since they jive well with sensitive skin. Not to mention they tend to be cruelty-free with no nasty ingredients. But I can’t lie and say that I sometimes don’t miss the effectiveness of medical grade skincare. Medical grade skincare tends to have a higher concentration of active ingredients in the products, and also has clinical research that backs up the claims of the reported benefits. It’s not always easy to find a brand that that is both clean and medical grade, which is why I’m thrilled to have discovered Cosmedix! All Cosmedix products exclude parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, PEGs, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, formaldehyde donors and artificial dyes & fragrances. Not to mention they’re cruelty free as well! In addition, Cosmedix was founded by skilled aestheticians and nurse practitioners using strict formulation standards, superior innovation, and skin-loving ingredients. The higher concentration of active ingredients in their formulas really work their magic, and are even better when paired with professional treatments from their spa partners. Best of both worlds!

Cosmedix recently launched a line of Elite products, which were previously only available in spas with certified aestheticians, so I was very excited to add these high performing formulas to my routine. The Cosmedix Elite Revive & Renew Renewal Boosting Serum is an anti-aging powerhouse that works to fight the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dull, lackluster skin. Three plant-derived growth factors (think age-defying botanicals like Japanese orchid stem cell extract) deeply condition the skin, helping to rejuvenate and hydrate, while leaving you with a glowing, radiant complexion. They also help protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution, which is so clutch as well. After incorporating this serum into my routine the last several weeks, I’ve noticed my complexion looking more firm, vibrant, and healthy. Love a refreshed look, especially as we head into summer!

I’ve been following up the serum with the Cosmedix Elite Alt-A Daily Rejuvenating Moisturizer. I was excited to learn that this super hydrating but gentle moisturizer is formulated with a plant-based retinol alternative called bakuchiol. Since I’ve essentially been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for the majority of the last five years, retinol has been out of the question, which is quite the bummer! Known for it’s highly effective anti-aging benefits, retinol is a popular skincare choice for many people my age. However, it can be quite irritating for some, and since it’s also a no-no while nursing, I’ve had to search for alternatives. Bakuchiol works just like retinol does to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and promote a more even skin tone & texture, but without the irritation and sensitivity. Talk about packing a gentle but powerful punch! I’ve been loving the velvety smooth texture of this moisturizer, and can definitely notice my skin looking brighter and feeling much softer and more hydrated with continued use.

The Elite products don’t come cheap, but I can truly say they are worth the money. Regardless, you should check out some of the other Cosmedix Bestsellers as well- so many great products to be had (hello Harmonize Microbiome Boosting Moisturizer!). Noticeable results are what I’m after- like all of us I imagine- and I can safely say that Cosmedix delivers!

 * 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 // dermalogica smart response serum

If I had to choose one type of skincare product to take with me on a desert island, it would probably be serum. Ok, fine, sunscreen would probably be more important- but you get the idea. Serums are a super effective way to deliver a high concentration of potent product onto the skin, and they can be targeted for all sorts of varying skin concerns- from acne to wrinkles to dullness & more! The new Smart Response Serum from Dermalogica is a next-gen smart serum that protects skin by using four actives that hydrate, brighten, soothe, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It essentially delivers what your skin needs, when it needs it by reading the skin's micro signals and responding proactively. Sounds confusing, but just know that it works in real time to stop skin damage before it's even visible. You’re basically getting a personalized response with every use, which in turn gives you healthier, glowing skin.

I’ve been incorporating the Smart Response Serum into my routine lately (after cleansing and toning), and I’ve really been loving it so far. Its thin, creamy texture melts into my skin effortlessly, and a pump or two is all you need to see results. A few key ingredients are hard at work here: first off, plant-based M6P glycan visibly increases firmness. Then, whenever my skin seems dehydrated, hydrolyzed beta-glucan promotes hyaluronic acid production to give things a necessary moisture boost. Plus arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides (sounds freakier than it is) works to even out skin tone and helps slow melanin production.

I also love that this serum is cruelty-free, comes in recyclable packaging, and is free of nasty ingredients (think parabens, sulfates, phthalates & mineral oil). Woot woot! PS- if you’re looking to add another Dermalogica power player to your routine along with the Smart Response Serum, I highly suggest the PowerBright Dark Spot Serum! It’s great for uneven skin tone & texture, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and aging skin. These two really pack a one-two punch!

 * 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 // osmia organics naked body mousse & oil

If you have dry, sensitive skin, or even if you don’t, I cannot recommend Osmia organics naked collection enough. I’ve been using both the naked body oil and naked body mousse over the last few months, and my skin has felt smooth and hydrated all throughout the dry LA winter.

These Osmia products contain no harsh fragrances, even essential oils, since those can be irritating for those with sensitive skin. The only thing you’ll smell is the scent of the natural base oil blend, which is made of 11 incredibly nourishing oils (nine are certified organic!), including organic jojoba oil, velvety kukui oil, organic rosehip seed oil, and soothing organic hemp seed oil.

I recommend applying the oil on clean, wet skin just after you get out of the bath or shower- it absorbs better this way, and leaves you with silky, smooth skin! The mousse is rich, yet fluffy, and often times combine the two for ah extra dose of nourishing hydration.

Because these are free of irritants, the naked body oil and mousse are safe for use on excema, psoriasis, newborns, and nursing mothers! My toddler gets a nice slathering as I get him out of the bath or shower as well. Baby soft skin for everyone- yes please!

 * 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 // lord jones high cbd formula body lotion

CBD is everywhere these days, and I have to say, I am here for it. While it’s most commonly found in things like oil tinctures and gummy candies, which are great for their calming benefits, CBD can be very effective in other ways as well. If you suffer from dry, sensitive skin or redness, I highly recommend checking out Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Lotion. This cooling, restorative lotion is super calming thanks to the impressive 100mg CBD packed inside. I mean, hey, our skin gets stressed out just like we do (especially over the past year, am I right?), so it’s important to take extra special care of it when the need arises. I’ve also found it to be quite effective for body aches and sore muscles, be it from a tough workout class, chasing after a toddler, or even after wearing high heels! In addition to CBD, shea butter provides vitamins and fatty acids to help moisturize, while menthyl ethylamido oxalate produces a long-lasting cooling effect. So soothing!

It’s important to note that not all CBD is created equal. Some brands use CBD isolate—a cheaper and more heavily processed extract that is derived by stripping away all of the plant’s natural compounds and isolating only one. This full and broad-spectrum CBD oil retains the plant’s original terpenes and phytocannabinoids to boost efficacy and deliver a lotion powered by the whole plant. All the more reason to check out more Lord Jones products (I’m a big fan of their Acid Mantle Repair CBD Moisturizer and High CBD Formula Bath Salts as well)! Now go treat yoself, and enjoy :)

 * 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 // timeless skincare anti-aging facial serums

I love a good facial serum, but they typically cost a pretty penny, am I right? While some are definitely worth the investment, it’s reassuring to know there are high quality serums out there that don’t break the bank! I discovered Timeless Skincare at a brunch hosted for fellow mommy influencers, and got the opportunity to try out a wide range of their facial serums. Their expertly crafted serums work to combat a wide variety of skin concerns, including fine lines & wrinkles, loss of firmness and volume, dullness, uneven skin tone, and blemishes. Since adequate hydration is so important for healthy skin, hyaluronic acid makes up the base of each serum in the Timeless lineup. In case you didn’t know, hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a key ingredient in any anti-aging routine! This super hydrating base is then infused with high concentrations of proven anti-aging and skin repairing ingredients like Matrixyl 3000™, Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, CoEnzyme Q10, Matrixyl Synthe 6, and yes- even more Hyaluronic Acid!

I’ve been a fan of a similar, highly acclaimed vitamin C serum for a while now, but it ain’t cheap. I’m happy to report the 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Serum is a fraction of the price, and still yields amazing results! Known as The Brightener, this baby helps even out dull skintone, builds collagen, and leaves you with bright, glowing skin. It’s been great for pesky hyperpigmentation issues I sometimes deal with, and it also fights free radicals from environmental pollutants! Yes please! Another Timeless Skincare serum I find myself reaching for on repeat is the Matrixyl Synthe 6 Serum, aka The Restorer. This powerful polypeptide is an anti-aging workhorse that works to plump fine lines & wrinkles, improve skin’s elasticity, and heal damaged skin, revealing firmer, younger looking skin. Who doesn’t want that?! I also like to use this on my neck and chest- figured it can’t hurt, right?

Whatever you may be looking for in a skincare product- The Defender, The Calmer, The Essential, The Builder- there’s truly something for everyone. Timeless also offers a Pure Line that boasts no harsh chemicals, no added preservatives, and is free of parabens, fragrances and dyes. So if you’re looking for straight up Hyaluronic Acid or Squalane Oil, definitely check those out as well. Which skincare concerns are you looking to target? I’m thinking the B5 Serum is the next product to incorporate into my routine. Happy (anti-) aging!

 * 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!