Tag: beauty

Everything I put on my face during a 3-day winter getaway

Everything I put on my face during a 3-day winter getaway

by gemilbourne ♥ 3 Comments
Winter Skin

I know that spring may be peeking its sunny self out occasionally, but the harsh reality is this–winter is still very much here, and our fully skinned selves are still suffering the consequences. I went upstate New York this weekend (to a lovely mountain range called the Adirondacks) and had many a conversation about skincare with my companions. Heated dinner discussions, let me tell you. I shared my beauty routine with them, and thought, “Hey! why not on Steeped in Style too?”

If I had a personal skincare mantra, which who am I kidding–I do–it would most definitely be “Do the Dew”.Basically I want my skin to be plump, moisturized, and dewy at all times. A full face of skincare over makeup is my mecca. If I look like a fresh-faced 18 year old girl with maybe a touch of light makeup then I’m doing my job right. A skincare routine in summer versus winter are certainly different in terms of focus, and problem “areas” but this winter I’ve really gotten it down pat with some new products in my arsenal.

Here’s what I’ve been doing recently. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products or want to see more of my daily skincare explorations. Believe me, I’m a big on new products, so I’m always up to try something new.

AM ROUTINE

Cleanse with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. I’m usually about a two part cleanse which starts with an oil, since I err on the oily combo side of skin types, and this oil is soothing enough to use year round. In the am, it’s gentle enough to prep the skin for more moisture, as well as remove any of the evening products I applied 9 hours before.

Tone with Thayer’s Witch Hazel Rosewater and Aloe Vera. To simultaneously cleanse, and calm the skin, I usually tone AM and PM. The goal is to remove any left over makeup or product, and to prep the skin for any serums/active ingredients I add next. I’ve gone through countless bottles of this stuff plus it smells divine, and is all natural!

Apply a blend of the Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid + B5 and SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. This is where the magic happens. Hyaluronic acid is a all-star moisturizer, that penetrates both surface and deep layers of the dermis. Vitamin C, and Ferulic Acid are key to fight free radicals, prevent aging, and even out skin tone. Seriously, this acid has changed the overall tone, and texture of my skin since I’ve started using it. Note, you need to wear sunscreen (always) but especially after using any Vitamin C containing products as your skin can be more sensitive to UV rays. I dot a bit of these Mario Badescu Cellufirm drops around my eye areas to add a bit more of targeted moisture.

Give a few moments to let the products soak in, and then palm mix Avene Tolerance Extreme Creme and Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. I LOVE this combo of dreamy products. The Avene creme is non-scented, and is loaded with mineral spring thermal water so it is extremely calming. I’m prone to redness and irritation in the wintertime so this has saved me from unevenness and any seasonal flakiness. This sunscreen is free from chemical ingredients, and also helps to fight acne, redness, and irritation. These products blend beautifully, and help to plump up the skin.

MAKEUP IS JUST THE ICING

Conceal with Nars Creamy Concealer. I spot cover any blemishes, under my eyes, and around my nose, but otherwise like to let my skin tone shine through. I add a bit to my natural flush with RMS Lip2Cheek in Demure. OBSESSED with this product. It blends so beautifully on both the apples of cheeks, eyelids (if you’re into that too), and the lips. I also topped off the lips with some LipStick Queen Frog Prince which adapts to the pH of your lips and settles into a lovely custom pinky hue.

Fill out brows with NYX Micro Brow Pencil and brow gel. I previously was a loyal Anastasia brow pencil user but that stuff is pricey (32 ish bucks) and I ran through it almost every two months. The NYX version is 1/3 less and works just as well. After I line, and spot fill, I like to brush up ‘dem brows. Right now I’m using the dregs of Glossier BoyBrow, and Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber (kinda eh about this product, so no link).  Lastly I throw on some mascara, again not loyal to one product, but right now am finishing up a Benefit They’re Real tube. For touch ups through out the day, or after a winter activity outside, I like a spritz of Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Cucumber and Green Tea. 

An interruption for photographic evidence of said skin care and beauty routine in real time

winter skin

Lots of snowshoeing, and ice skating ensued!

PM ROUTINE

Wash and tone again with the above mentioned products. Blend the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid mentioned above with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Gel. Acids are very hot right now in the beauty community and rightfully so! They gently slough off dead skin cells, clear congested pores, and reveal new, even skin. This product is gentle enough to use every day but for me I typically  use a few times a week to not overdo it. You can use a chemical exfoliant like a BHA instead of a physical exfoliant, like a sugar scrub or anything physically removing skin cells from the surface.

To really seal in the applied products, I like to top things off with a facial oil. The Ordinary 100% Rose Hip Seed Oil is newer to my routine but working well- Rose Hip seed is especially known for it’s anti-aging properties, as well as reducing fine lines, scars, and inflammatory conditions like acne, or eczema.

Finally, I top off my routine with a glorious lip treatment mask that I adore. This Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask sounds ridiculous but really makes a difference for seasonally dry lips (we’re all suffering). Put on a thin layer nightly and I swear you won’t have any irritation all winter long. I offer this to any guests sleeping over and everyone has loved it.

Phew! I’m ready for a nap after that rundown. If you made it this far down, congrats you must be a skin-care junkie just like me, please please let me know if you want any more information on any of the products mentioned above, or have been trying out something that’s worth sharing! All products should be linked, but let me know if you’re having trouble tracking anything down. Thanks for reading!

Year-round glow

Year-round glow

by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

It’s winter which could mean two things for your skin: either you’re still trying to keep up with your spring/summer routine, and noticing a landslide of facial issues, or you’ve come to terms that you need to modify your routine with the change of each season.

Readers, lets get real. No matter how “good” your skin is, you need to recognize that as the largest organ of our humble human shells, we need to continually pay the love back to ourselves. As the proud owner of sensitive, combination skin, I’m focused on balancing between giving myself plenty of moisture, while also preventing the risk of breakouts from overly dried skin buildup. Additionally, I’m also becoming more attuned to any anti-aging steps I should be taking now (Retinol is the best thing ever! But that’s a different blog post!). Here are two glycolic acid products that have been super helpful to keeping my fresh, and prepped for the heavy duty moisturizing that is key in hibernation-worthy months.

 Loreal Revitalift Brightening Peel Pads. These pads have been receiving quite a bit of buzz on the beauty blog circuit. Coming in at a bargain under $20, these nightly peel pads will both physically remove dirt and dull skin, while also preventing against wrinkles and age spots, and chemically brighten the skin with 10% glycolic acid. I’ve been using these most nights and then following up with a oil, or night cream. Skin feels fresh and more receptive to any following product.

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask. If you’re looking for a more occasional product to add, the Ren Glycol Lactic Renewal Mask can be used up to 3x a week–note: I saw a difference after just one use. This mask is a combination of 4 natural acids that gently resurface the skin, remove any dead skin, and fade age/acne scars. After applying mask for 10 minutes, my face felt similar to dreamy post-facial smoothness and clarity (without the extractions). Again, I would follow up with any anti-aging or botanical oils afterwards, as the skin is primed and more receptive to absorbing product. This one comes in around $50, but it’s an integral part of my routine that I will definitely repurchase.

I’d love to hear any feedback on the above products, or any other skin care topics you’d want to read about. I’m a skincare nerd so this stuff makes me so happy. Thank you for reading!

Easy eye-opening trick

Easy eye-opening trick

by gemilbourne ♥ 3 Comments

twiggy eye

Nothing jolts you from a blog writing slumber quite like a beauty tip that needs to be shared. Today we’re talking about eyelashes, eye lash curlers and how to use these peepers and ill-regarded torture devices in our favor.

I’m an avid, daily lash curler, so I thought I really had my eye game on. Not so the case. I recently learned a new trick that I had not been privy to, and obviously now I need to share with all of you!

It’s simple. Lets call it the 3 by 3 rule. Basically 3 pumps in 3 different places.

Lets begin. As usual start with your eyelash curler as close as possible to the base of your lashes, without crimping your eyelid. Pump 3 times. Move the curler up slightly to the middle of the lashes. Repeat with 3 pumps here. Again, move the curler to the tip of your lashes and pump 3 times.

Behold glorious lashes, with, or without mascara.

I will say, this does get easier with practice, and without removing the curler from the lash area in between pumps. Just commit to it; you’ll be a eyelash curler goddess in no time (for your novice nellies out there).

If you’re not loving your current makeup bag rotation, I use this lash curler, and mascara.

 

 

Trick for your tresses

Trick for your tresses

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tresses

{Got a secret, can I keep it … }

Blame it on the winter. Bleach. Dry air. Empty jar of leave-in conditioner. For whatever reason, your hair is getting dull, and a little lackluster. I feel you.

After coloring my hair a few months ago, I’ve noticed that my tendrils need a little more TLC than usual. Thankfully, we can use a handy kitchen item to do the trick: baking soda.

I’ve been doing this treatment 2x a week and have noticed my hair seems more lively, soft, and the roots just feel cleaner. This is coming from a girl who LOVES her dry dry shampoo routine. Product buildup be gone!

The steps:

  1. Pour shampoo into palm as usual. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of baking soda on top and mix the elements root to mid-shaft.
  2. Rub! Massage it in, like you’re at the hair salon.
  3. Condition as normal, mid-shaft to tip.

There are a lot of other homeopathic treatments with baking soda, have any of you tested them out? I’d love to hear.

Beauty Counter Spotlight//Lipstick Queen

Beauty Counter Spotlight//Lipstick Queen

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 There’s no feeling quite like the joy that comes from a new lipstick. None the less one that claims to match the pH of your individual lips, giving a custom yours-only shade.

I’ve had mine for about a month, and keep reaching for it for a bevy of occasions. The selling points? It goes on like a moisturizing chapstick, but with a rich color that stays. Looking for a fun activity? Test out the shade with a girlfriend and see the range of color that ensues.

Buy it here.

Dry Brushing//Smooth away the winter

Dry Brushing//Smooth away the winter

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Dry-brushing-benefits

[Image via Free People]

Confession: I haven’t been the most loyal to the organism that covers 100% of my body. Although I’ve paid attention to facial skin care, sometimes the rest of my body gets the door shut on its’ face (so to speak). The winter hasn’t been the kindest, and my legs and arms are now dull with some of those unsightly bumps. Overall, not entirely ready to see the light of spring. What’s a girl to do?

Dry brushing is a self-care technique that is easy to incorporate into your daily routine and pays off in a big way. Before you step into the shower, gently brush your appendages, and trunk from  bottom to top in a large circular stroke. I work on legs, arms, and then my stomach and back, all in the direction of that heart as that engages the lymphatic system. Ladies, avoid the skin directly on your breasts, or any other compromised areas as they can be super sensation. You can spend a little extra time on your elbows, knees, and any cellulite or stretch marks.

Besides undeniably softer and smoother skin, dry brushing can also increase circulation (perfect for those 8 AM Monday conference calls!), engage your lymphatic system thus promoting the removal of toxins in your body, unclogs pores, and softens fatty deposits that can smooth out cellulite.

The practice of dry brushing feels indulgent and energizing, especially as your start your day. I have been using this brush, and try to brush for a least 3-5 minutes a day.

I would strongly encourage you all to try out this technique- believe me, your skin will thank you.

Beauty Counter Spotlight//Luminizer

Beauty Counter Spotlight//Luminizer

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Touch eclat

Some girls seem to have a perpetual internal glow, regardless of stress, hours of sleep, or weather. How do they do it? I’ll come out and admit that I’m not one of those girls naturally, but I’ve found a solution by the fabulous Yves Saint Laurent.

Enter Touche Eclat. This rockstar little pen, brightens, highlights, and hides (!!) any areas that show fatigue. With a few dots, your skin will glow. I typically do three dots underneath each eye, and around the sides of my nose.

This product is an investment, but will not let you down, that I promise you. If you’re going for a low maintenance look (BB cream, mascara) this is the perfect cherry on top.

If you like what you’re reading here on Steeped in Style follow along via Bloglovin‘ or RSS to not miss a single note. You can also add your email underneath the “Follow blog with email” header on the bottom of the site.

Beauty Counter Spotlight//Eyelashes

Beauty Counter Spotlight//Eyelashes

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photoAn eyelash curler is one of the unsung heroes of your beauty bag. If you’re using a sub par version, you may not even really see a difference. Everything changes though when you come across one that actually works.

The Shiseido curler lifts the whole lash with determination that my last Revlon model could not; it also captures all of my eyelashes from corner to corner which noticeably ups the game. This baby is perfect for a weekend look sans mascara. Or for a regular daily look, I finish things off with Benefit’s They’re Real! mascara.

You can shop it here.

What topics would you like me to cover on the next Beauty counter spotlight?

Beauty Counter Spotlight

Beauty Counter Spotlight

by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment
I’ve been wanting to share more beauty and skin care finds here on Steeped in Style — so here’s my first edition of the Beauty Counter Spotlight. This feature with focus on some of my new and old beauty favorites that have earned a place of honor on my actual (and sometimes metaphorical, because it can get crowded) bathroom counter.

First up: the perfect light gray nail polish: Cocktail bling by Essie. I’m shocked I have never tried this hue until a manicure I had last week. This color is calm enough for more professional office settings, but still offsetting because it isn’t your typical run of the mill polish. Color me sold, I have to own a bottle.

What type of product do you want to see featured in the beauty counter spotlight?
Layer up (Winter beauty essentials)

Layer up (Winter beauty essentials)

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Layer up

The days are getting shorter, our hems are getting (considerably) longer, and we’re experiencing the first chapped lip/dry skin/snapped hair of the season. Oh the joys of winter. On the bright side, there always seems to be a new beauty product to fix the problem. Above are some of my old, and new, skin and hair fixes for the unique challenges this season presents.

1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion – I’m a little late to the party as this moisturizer has been a standard for years, but on my recent discovery this proves to be a great daytime product that leaves me feeling quenched and never greasy.

2. Boots Facial Oil – After a semester abroad, anything Boots is alright in my book. This facial oil is great smelling (try to rosehip version) and a great way to speed up any healing marks on your body (scars, dark spots, healing acne).

3. Josie Maran Oil – Okay two oils may seems repetitive, but this cult favorite deserved a spot. It’s awesome for the ends of hairs, elbows, nails, basically anything that has the ability to be dry on your body …

4. Nivea A Kiss of Shine Gloss – I picked this up on a recent trip to Target and was super pleased with the results. With lasting shine, my lips felt refreshed and never sticky. Shines like a gloss but moisturizes like a balm.

5. Cerave Moisturizing Cream – Oh Cerave, my friends and I are obsessed with you. This brand was introduced to my by my dermatologists, and no wonder, it’s great for sensitive skin. This cream is super super hydrating and perfect to slather on your face after a great cleanse and before a 8-hour snooze.

Have any Winter beauty essentials? Spill please …