The last two weeks were weird for me. Sitting at home with Ella while she quarantines from school (has been negative twice). I'm sitting here getting ready to go back to work tomorrow. Honestly I can't think of the last time I had two weeks off. Two weeks where I wasn't on vacation and couldn't go anywhere. I thought I would be so productive, clean the house spotless and catch up on everything needed. That did not happen. Far from it. I sat around, watched more Disney movies than I can count (memorized all the songs in Moana) and laid around with Ella. It was nice. I did catch up on photo shoots as February is notoriously rainy and impossible to get good lighting. But I didn't get caught up on much more. Oh well. This post encompasses the last few weeks as I haven't done one of these posts for a bit.
I have two skincare items I have really come to love the last few weeks. NIOD Non-Acid Acid Precursor or NAAP is just what I needed right now. My use of acids has been so restricted this year due to mask irritation. This product manages to exfoliate the skin without using acids. NAAP uses fermentation bio-derivatives and amino isolates that act as precursors to skin-compatible acids. Confusing? Yes. But it manages to encourage visible radiance without redness, inflammation or sensitivity. Thank you NIOD. More to come. Also really into my AnteAGE GF|Serum which is almost empty. This is a growth factor serum which gives you glow, healthy skin as well as skin that bounces back faster. This is my fourth bottle easy I love it. Review HERE. Next time I'm trying the MD version which is more concentrated. It's pricey yes but honestly past 40 I've noticed I would almost rather have growth factors & retinol than acids so it's a different change for me.
My brows has most definitely been thinning lately (plus getting a grey hair or two in my brows as well). I haven't been really happy about it and just started testing the Brow Food & Lash Food. Honestly I had a small GrandeBrow sample before this but the results have been quite good so far. Goal is remembering to use it nightly. So far I have noticed brow growth in the sparse areas and I'm really happy. I think this may be a new staple for me. I love using less brow pencil in those areas. Lash wise I have no update yet but I have used these before and they do work in my opinion. Makeup wise I grabbed the new Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Eye Filterstar in Aura. I like shimmering browns and neutral pinks. The texture is one of those weightless gel powder styles. I love the super lightweight texture combined with the nice light shimmering colors. It gives a very luminous easy eye look. Westman Atelier finally launched a shade of Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in their limited edition holiday set. Mimi is the most perfect nude pink it's total love and perfection for me. The formula is amazing, creamy, pigmented, satin finish with good lasting power. This part of the set needs to become permanent.
I have three items I'm rotating between for barrier help while it's been cold at night. Biologique Recherche Creme Masque Vernix is pretty much my holy grail night cream. This is a lush heavyweight cream that soothes and restores your barrier by sealing your skin with this protective layer. Very occlusive. Review HERE. The new to me Live Botanical Sanctuary Barrier Balm has been a new skin savior. From the December Boxwalla Beauty Subscription Box this balm has a gorgeous whipped texture that really delightful, plus it's really soothing and replenishing/nourishing. It is essential oil free and just melts into the skin. This has been on heavy rotation. Review HERE. Lastly the new LOVINAH Dragon's Blood Stem Cell Soothing Balm has become my newest favorite. This red balm is actually quite light so it's great to layer. It has healing Dragon's Blood, it's antioxidant rich and smells lightly like berries and vanilla. I'm in love with it's ruby red hue and everything LOVINAH is always crafted so well.
Top to Bottom-Westman Atelier Mimi, Charlotte Tilbury Aura top L then clockwise, AnteAGE, NIOD:
*NIOD, Live Botanical & Brow/Lash Food gifted but all thoughts are my own.
I'm curious about Star Aura, as there are some mixed reviews out there! How similar is it to Suqqu's Yuushakuyaku? I imagine Suqqu is a little cooler ... I'm trying to decide between these two, not sure which one to spring for. Looking for something effortless that I can just pull out and use in the morning!
You have a beautiful blog by the way, and the time and love you put into it really shows!
CT is more warm, SUQQU is cooler in tone