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 // clé de peau beauté the foundation

I don’t typically wear makeup on a daily basis. Or rather- I should say I don’t typically wear makeup in my non-working life. I like to give my skin a break, since it can get a pretty heavy dose of makeup when I’m on set. But every so often, you need a little sprucing, and a natural, lightweight base is a great place to start! I hate anything heavy or a product that looks or feels caked onto my face. No, thank you! My go-to products are usually a simple tinted SPF, but if I’m looking for a little more coverage, I’ve been grabbing Clé de Peau Beauté The Foundation. It still has SPF as well, which is clutch, but this baby is literally the smoothest, most velvety base coat my skin has ever felt! Now this stuff ain’t cheap, but a little goes a long way. I like that it’s totally buildable, so you can get a super light, sheer base, or create a bit more coverage. Pro tip- start with a layer of their Correcting Cream Veil to create a smooth, primed surface before applying foundation. I honestly can’t get over how luxurious this feels on my skin- think of your favorite cashmere knit all cuddled up soft. Totally luminous and radiant skin is calling your name! Now, y’all know I love good skincare, and so what makes The Foundation even better is the fact that it contains the Illuminating Complex EX. This added skincare perk helps moisturize, rejuvenate, retexturize, and visibly repair environmental damage. Love me a multitasker! Clé de Peau honestly makes so many great products- if you need a little extra coverage for redness, blemishes, or dark circles, I highly recommend their concealers as well. Truly the full package!

 * 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 // ilia beauty super serum skin tint spf 40

I’m pretty minimal when it comes to my makeup routine. I tend to focus more on skincare, so makeup sometimes gets the short end of the stick. Not to mention there’s not always time, with a busy toddler pulling at you in every direction. That’s why multipurpose products and crossover skincare/makeup hybrids are so appealing to me- two birds with one stone? Sign me up!

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is just that- a clean, light-coverage, tinted mineral SPF 40 serum that boosts skincare benefits. Give it a good shake before using (nature separation can occur due to the super clean ingredients list), and then apply like you would a typical serum. It looks great on clean skin, but I really love it on top of my ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum. And not to worry- although it may look a bit light at first, it’ll adjust to its true color within a minute! I love that the weightless serum leaves my skin looking like actual skin, because there’s nothing worse than a caked-on foundation look, am I right?

Hyaluronic acids, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide work their magic to help even tone, soften fine lines and imperfections, leaving you with glowing, dewy skin. For a little bonus, Skin Tint also creates a natural barrier for your skincare by sealing in hydration, plumping skin, and boosting any antioxidant effectiveness by 200%. Impressive!

A huge part of why I love ILIA products is because they are free of silicones, fragrances, and many other irritating ingredients, making them great for sensitive skin. No pore clogging nasties here. Plus they’re totally vegan and cruelty-free as well. It’s no wonder Skin Tint has won numerous beauty awards, including the famed Allure Best of Beauty Award! I highly recommend trying it out for yourself- it’s worth the hype.

 * 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 // babor calming rx microsilver concentrate & soothing cream

As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always on the lookout for gentle, yet effective skincare products that have soothing, calming effects. Germany’s leading professional skincare brand Babor’s Calming RX range, designed for dehydrated, irritated and reactive skin types, checks all those boxes and more! I have to say, I’ve been really pleased with the results I’ve gotten after incorporating some of the products into my routine. First up, the Babor Calming RX Microsilver Concentrate is a facial serum (housed in small glass ampoules!) that provides relief and soothing hydrating to sensitive skin. Microsilver powers this intensive formula, which also helps reduce redness and irritation, leaving you with a more calm and balanced complexion. I like to keep a couple ampoules with me in my handbag for whenever my skin needs a little extra love (aka an influx of hydration!). After allowing the serum to be absorbed into the skin, I follow it up with the Babor Calming RX Soothing Cream (or Soothing Cream Rich!). This nourishing moisturizer is enriched with ingredients like plant-based Neuroxyl, antimicrobial Microsilver and fatty acid-packed Evening Primrose Oil that deeply hydrate your skin. It also helps keep your skin’s natural moisture barrier in tact, which is so important for overall skin health! My skin feels velvety smooth and supple after applying, but not greasy in the least. No surprise that Babor products are free from fragrances, synthetic colourants and preservatives, and are cruelty-free as well. Thinking I should add the Babor Calming RX Soothing Cleanser to my routine as well?? I bet I’ll love it as much as I loved the other Babor cleansers I’ve tried!

* 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 // omorovicza acid fix & balancing moisturizer

I was initially drawn to Omorovicza after I came across the Hungarian skincare company’s profile on Instagram. The luxury skincare brand captures the curative magic of Budapest’s thermal healing waters throughout all its products. Working with a Hungarian Nobel Prize-winning laboratory, Omorovicza developed and patented the Healing Concentrate™ to deliver all the potent minerals occurring naturally in the Omorovicza healing waters into skin. So interesting! Even better, all their products are vegan, gluten-free, and contain no sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances! Woot woot!

Acid Fix is a multi-purpose AHA/BHA treatment containing glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids that work their magic to give you radiant, younger-looking skin. I’ve found it to be the perfect serum for dullness, uneven skin tone, and even blemishes. Say buh-bye to damage caused by sunlight, pollution, and acne, and look forward to brighter, visibly plumped skin. I can attest to that after just a few weeks of use!

If you have oily or combination skin, the Balancing Moisturizer should definitely be in your routine. This cooling gel-cream moisturizer works to keep your skin adequately hydrated while also reducing shine. I love how refreshing it feels when applied, and how it supports the skin’s natural oil balance. Large pores? No more! The complex also works to brighten dullness and blur the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.

I’ve been carrying around the Queen of Hungary Mist in my bag as well, and I must say it makes for the perfect refreshing spritz whenever your skin needs a bit of a pick me up. It also works well as a post-cleansing toner. The neroli and rose scent is just to die for! If you’re on the hunt fo more supple and youthful skin (I mean, who isn’t?!), I highly suggest you try out some Omorovicza products.

 * 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!