Valentine’s Prep

We can’t find you a boy, but we can help you get picture-perfect this Valentine’s Day. Maybe your date is with a boy…maybe it’s with your best friends. Who cares? It’s all love.

Everything starts before the makeup even goes on. So today, we focus on that process – prepping your skin for effortless V-Day makeup.

Step One: A Good Scrub

A fine scrub-down must be done before applying moisturizer. Call in: An amazing exfoliator. We recommend trying Clarin’s Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner, which cleanses and brightens skin for a clear, even-toned complexion. Its plant extracts remove dry, flaky cells which would otherwise get in the way of a perfect makeup application. Remember, always be gentle and use gentle circular motions while exfoliating. (was $39.00, now $31.95) 

Step Two: A Quick Moisturize

Fun fact: Dried-out complexions are a common cause of patchy, uneven makeup. Moisturizer can help, and we highly recommend Sisley Tinted Moisturizer with Botanical Extracts. This Sisley moisturizer serves as a perfect natural, light coverage for your face and performs as both a skincare cream (improving sun spots, large pores and the area around the t-zone) as well as a makeup. Apply and let settle for a minute or two. Make sure the formula fully absorbs into the skin before moving to apply foundation or powder. (was $120.00, now $79.95) 

Step Three: The Prime Time

An excellent primer is our last step. Our favorite? Shiseido Glow Enhancing Primer. This oil-free primer evenly distributes light across the skin’s surface, allowing a complexion that is as even and flawless as it can possibly be. It also leaves you a foundation finish that looks naturally radiant and makeup free, while correcting any hints of uneven skin tone. Primer is highly recommended for ladies with oily skin and will keep your skin shine-free all night! (was $30.00, now $28.95) 

Good luck, ladies! Prep away!

Valentines for Him? Help?!

But no, really.

What do I get my best bae for Valentine’s? It’s simple. Give him a little something to add to his every day. Our advice? Help him start his premier shaving kit with the Art of Shaving. Depending on your type of guy, we’ve got the perfect two pieces to start.

1. The Art of Shaving After Shave Lotion
2.  The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream Essential Oil

The shaving cream softens the beard for a closer shave while protecting the skin from razor burn or irritation. Then, the After Shave lotion continues the skin softening, refreshing the skin after a close shave.

A) For Your Outdoorsy Man…

 

…because winter weather is brutal to the skin, we recommend the sandalwood-scented family. Sandalwood oil is excellent for cleansing and has proven useful for chapped, dry or sensitive skin.

(1. The Art of Shaving After Shave Lotion Sandalwood Essential Oil; 2. The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream Sandalwood Essential Oil)

 

B) For Your Hard-Working Man…

…maybe with those long hours, try the lavender-scented family. Recent studies have shown that the scent of lavender increases the time you spend in deep sleep and aiding in stress relief. Perfect for your guy who shaves right before sleep!

(1. The Art of Shaving After Shave Lotion Lavender Essential Oil; 2. The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream Lavender Essential Oil)

 

C) For Your Action-Packed Man…

…who likes to break a sweat, we recommend the lemon-scented family. Lemon oil is astringent and detoxifying in nature. Its antiseptic properties help treat pimples while also reducing excessive oil (maybe caused by those intense workouts) on the skin.

(1. The Art of Shaving After Shave Lotion Lemon Essential Oil; 2. The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream Lemon Essential Oil)

 

So either way you spin it, you really can’t go wrong. Happy hunting!

Our Winter Must-Haves

Add them to your list.

Winter can be brutal – and we don’t just mean because it’s cold outside. Lips get chapped, skin dries out, and the split ends take over.  But fret no more, we’ve got some tried-and-true additions you need to add to your beauty regime right now.

1. Shiseido IBUKI Purifying Cleanser (was $30.00, now $28.95) 

Prevent winter break outs by investing in a wash-off cleaner like the IBUKI Purifying Cleanser. It’s deep cleansing, but is careful not to dry out skin. It also includes both large and small exfoliating beads which remove old surface cells and impurities.

2. H2O Plus Body Oasis Scrub (was $25.00, now $23.95)

Eliminate dry, flaky skin with a great body scrub. Let’s be honest, ‘dry’ and ‘pasty’ are the last words we want to use in describing our skin. A body scrub will get rid of that layer of dead skin cells while also moisturizing for beautiful healthy skin this winter.

3. L’Occitane Amande Delicious Hands Cream (was $12.00, now $11.95) 

Never forget about your hands during the winter. Think about all the great things your hands do for you – now give a little help back! For those with dry, chapped skin and cuticles, we recommend a hand cream with oil because of the way that oil functions as a moisturizer. It gets absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin resulting in healthier, firmer skin.

4. L’Occitane Body and Hair Fabulous Oil (was $36.00, now $33.95) 

Like we said before, oil gets down and dirty where other products can’t. Body oil is a perfect addition to your winter beauty routine, because your skin will absorb the oil faster and you won’t be left with a greasy film layer. It also works excellently to prevent moisture from evaporating from your skin.

5. Living Proof Instant Repair Lotion (was $29.00, now $27.95) 

We all know that washing our hair every day is bad for us. Well, for our hair. Winter wipes our hair of all of its healthy hydration. But washing hair every day strips it of its natural oils and leaves it extra stressed out and dry. Skip a wash every now and then. Replace that shampoo wash by putting a little Repair Lotion on it while wet post-shower.

Winter isn’t coming ladies, it’s here! Keep up!

 

 

 

A Cut Above 2016

A new year calls for a new cut.

If NYFW taught us anything, it’s that if you’ve been contemplating a new hairstyle, now is the time to try something daring. Here are a few of our favorite looks from this year’s runways accompanied by that must-have product you’ll need to style it perfectly. 

Gatsby-Inspired Bob

Russian model Natalia Vodianova rocks the bob looking amazingly glam. Get your roaring 20s on, dare to wear big bold earrings and bare all in a low-drop back dress. Yet, while we love the crimped curls, we know we have to think practical. We suggest using Bumble and Bumble Styling Lotion to up your volume and style your cut into a strong-holding beach wave. (Was $10.00, now $9.95)

Statement-Making Bangs.

They’re a little added maintenance, but they’re a built-in accessory. If you’ve ever contemplated just cutting the fringe straight across – now is the time. Bangs were all over the runways this year from Saint Laurent to Alexander Wang. Our recommendation? Grab some Hercut Dry Hair Shampoo and always spray right after a wash. Don’t wait until your hair gets greasy. Beat it to the punch and add a little extra volume and fluffiness you couldn’t get with a teasing comb. (Was $22.00, now $6.95)

Long-Textured Layers.

Long, flowing and boho. If you’ve done the time or have the patience to grow it out, we love this full-bodied look. Jessica Biel wears it well and really shows off how perfect a simple style can look! While the long layers are meant to give hair the appearance of more volume, we argue that you can never get enough height. We suggest grabbing some Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse, getting a double dose of volume and adding a little extra shine while you’re at it. (Was $26.00, now $24.95)