Summer Favorites: The Game Changers

*PR sample
 
It's been a while... But that's fine. I'm definitely a believer in the "something is better than nothing" kind of lifestyle.

This summer has been jam packed — aka I no complaints whatsoever. With so many travels as of late, I've come to find there are some specific products I'm not sure what I'd do without. Some are old, some are new, but they're all nothing less than amazing. So without further ado...

My taste in foundation hasn't really changed though I guess you could say I've gotten a bit more specific about what I like. Dewy but natural with the potential for a bit extra coverage. I like light and buildable foundations, ones that last all day and can take on California heat or harsh Scandinavian rain storms (thanks, Stockholm). Armani Luminous Silk is all of these things in one. I've talked about it before and I still love it just as much, if not a bit more.

Redken Pillow Proof is a new one for me. A hair primer that helps shave off some blow-dry time and keeps your hair looking nearly perfect for days after washing? Into it. It protects your hair from 450º heat and keeps frizz at bay. Plus, I'm obviously a sucker for that pink packaging. This is definitely a staple that I'll be keeping around for a while.

Kevin Murphy Angel Masque* has changed my hair in ways I never thought were possible. Every single time I use this stuff I love it more and more. This has essentially replaced my daily conditioner (especially because I only try to wash my hair 1-2x a week) and I'm pretty sure there's no going back. I'm almost done with this pretty little bottle and if you think I won't be purchasing, well you're wrong. This stuff is heavenly, hence the name I suppose.

These are the definite game changers of the season. The select few that have done big things and have earned a permanent spot in my beauty regimen.

What are your all-time summer favorites?

All Hail Davines · Part I

Davines OI Shampoo ($12-26) and Conditioner ($14-32)

Like skincare, haircare is something that is incredibly important to me. I was born with the curliest of ringlet curls — ones that are naturally dry, prone to breakage, and now color treated. I went a bit lighter. My bad. I had been using the same few products for a good year now (Moroccan Oil, Alterna, etc) and really felt the need to use something different.

Into the Gloss published this little baby not too far back and I was immediately intrigued. No I don't have the same hair concerns as the author but when someone claims that a sulfate-free haircare line basically changed their life, I listen. I did quite a bit of research on the line, waited to make sure it all felt right and made the purchase.

So yep. That happened.

Davines OI shampoo and conditioner are a complete godsend. They've changed my hair for the better and I can't say enough good things. You don't need to use much shampoo at all and it never feels like it's drying your hair out. If anything my hair feels more moisturized after shampooing which is kind of a weird sensation. The conditioner is incredibly thick and I usually use it in one of two ways:

1. I use a very small amount and condition normally (aka apply mid-shaft to ends and let sit for 2-3 minutes)
2. I grab a scoopful with my hand, apply, and let sit on my hair for a good 10 minutes before rinsing

The first way is great for an every day condition, especially on dry, damaged hair. It doesn't seem to weigh down my hair and the shine/texture I'm left with after styling is beautiful. The latter is amazing for a super rich deep condition which is something I find I need once a week or so. I love that one product can also be multi-use!

Obviously I'm way too excited about shampoo and conditioner but when you have hair that never seems to want to be tamed, you can't help but rejoice over lack of frizz and smooth smooth hair.

P.S. This line is sulfate and paraben free.

What are your favorite Davines products?!

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask* 

A little while back I was lucky enough to be sent a few things by the lovelies over at Dr. Jart. I was even more excited because it's a brand that I had never really explored before. I've checked out their BB creams but I'm more of a foundation girl so nothing really stuck. Silly me for overlooking their skincare. Whoops.

I'm kind of a noob when it comes to overnight masks — they're just not something I've thought much about. The kind of masks I usually go for are brightening, tightening, you know the drill. Think REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal and LUSH Brazened Honey. This one focuses more on moisture and replenishing your skins water supply. It is also supposed to boost elasticity, and you know any mask packed full of hyaluronic acid will do just that.

You apply 10 minutes before going to sleep and cleanse it off in the morning when you wake up. What you'll be left with is the softest and most plump skin. I have never really put much thought into if my skin is dehydrated or lacking moisture because it's so normal all the time. And yet, one use of a mask and I can definitely tell the difference. The nice thing is that it lasts too. It's not just surface level changes, it's definitely a mask that penetrates into the skin, which is definitely a plus.

I've been using this mask for a few months now and can safely say that it'll be one that sticks in my skincare routine for a very long time. I love how soft and supple my skin feels after using this — definitely a welcome change for my oh-so-normal skin.

Have you guys used this mask before? Do you have any other favorites?

*PR Sample 

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Hi everyone! This is just a little post to kick of the new year. Hooray! These are more or less just a few little lifestyle things that I'd like to change and incorporate in 2015. Mostly just want to spend my time learning, creating, and bettering myself. I would love to hear some of your goals or resolutions for 2015 so let me know below! Here are mine:

• Read 52 books
• Continue learning French
• Take four Coursera classes (I'm currently doing Yale's Moral Foundations of Politics)
• Say "yes" more

• Be more mindful
• Take more photos
• Wake up earlier! 
• Hustle. Work hard.

• Explore San Francisco (and California) more
• Visit lots of museums, galleries, and exhibits
• Pick up new hobbies
• Dance more! 
• 
  

Pretty self-explanatory. Nothing too crazy — just a few small things to focus and improve on. Hope everyone is having a lovely 2015 so far!!

...

The point of life is getting shit done and being happy

— Kanye West

A/W Essentials: Beauty Bases

YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat · Armani Luminous Silk Foundation · NARS Creamy Concealer · Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

While San Francisco weather can be a bit finicky, the seasons are definitely changing and with that my makeup changes too. My base becomes more of a light to medium coverage — sticking to products with great lasting power, especially for the harsh winter winds I'll be seein' on the East Coast in a few weeks.

Foundations /

• YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat is still in rotation — I've been using this foundation for a few years and I probably will keep it around as long as they still make it. The coverage is perfect, it's buildable, and it lasts quite long which is a big thing for me when it comes to bases. It's more of my summer color but I can still get away with it (not for long I'm sure)
• Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation has finally made it into my collection. While I usually stick to the same few foundations when it comes to repurchasing, I really wanted to try something a bit new! No regrets on this purchase — it's definitely going to be added to my rotating list of repurchases (along with NARS Tinted Moisturizer, Bobbi Brown Longwear, and Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua.

Pro-tip: I love mixing these two together or topping them off with Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder for a bit more coverage or extra-long wear. 

Concealers /

I should preface by saying I've gained a new appreciation for concealers! I used to use them but wasn't really into them... until now. Now I might actually have a concealer addiction, oops.

• For under the eyes I love using NARS Creamy Concealer — a product I once thought was over-hyped. Silly me. The consistency is beautiful, the coverage is everything you could possibly want, and the subtle brightness it brings to your face is kind of glorious.
• For spots and blemishes I'm really into Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer. It's pretty high coverage and gets rid of any pesky areas I might want to cover up. On lazy days I'll use this around my nose / to cover general redness and I'll pop a powder or something light over it. Sometimes less is more, ya know? 

And that's it for my A/W base essentials. Next in the series will probably be lips, cheeks, and eyes! What are your favorite foundations and concealers for the colder months?