What’s in my beauty bag? Paradise vacation edition // Beauty

I sure soaked up the sun during my recent vacation in Hawaii. Between the hours of hiking to explore waterfalls or snorkeling along the Napali Coast, I’ve gotten several shades darker and have gone through most of my sunscreen products I packed for the trip.

These are my favorite products I used during my outdoor adventuring. Some are oldies and I have a new found love (Leaders Too Much Fun in the Sun? Mask from Petaluma & Co)!

• Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 // When I’m on vacation I like to keep my beauty bag at a minimum, so I stick to this multi-tasking genius of a product that provides advanced brightening and anti-aging properties. I use it on its own , its natural-looking coverage minimizes the appearance of imperfections and evens the skintone. I even wore this at a wedding I attended in Maui. My skin is left looking smooth, perfect and natural. This is an everyday product I use in my day skincare regimen.
• Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Wetforce For Face // This is my go-to product when I know I’ll be sweating during my hikes and snorkeling for hours. The waterproof formula keeps my face protected. Just remember to reapply every few hours.
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Sunscreen // This does everything a broad-spectrum, waterproof sunscreen should do… and this smells fresh and beach-y clean. I love that it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing.
• Honest Company Bug Spray // I didn’t get bit once! I just make sure to spray directly on to my palms, dab on my skin and reapply after a few hours. Best of all? It’s all natural and safe for babies.
• Leaders Too Much Fun in the Sun? Sheet Mask // My after-sun remedy in a pack. I am so in love with sheet masks right now. There are so many beauty benefits and a cult favorite in the K-Beauty scene. After spending hours at the beach, my skin had some mild inflammation and was pink. This mask saved my face from the embarrassing redness! The olive leaf extract and moisturizing aloe soothed, protected and firmed my skin to help heal and hydrate. It was fun and easy to use too. I left the mask on for 15-20 minutes, ate some chocolate haupia pie, took it off and gently massaged the excess serum into face and neck until fully absorbed. Talk about pampering while on vacation. It instantly relieved my irritated skin and healed my overexposed skin.

 

The Dr Jart+ and Shiseido products are from the Sephora Favorites Sun Safety Kit 2016. Read more about this in a previous post, here.

The Leaders Too Much Fun in the Sun? Sheet Mask can be bought from Petaluma & Co., here.

 

winter day skincare regimen // organic beauty

With the winter season of cold winds and dry weather, my skin has been more patchy and sensitive than normal. I revamped my skincare regimen to include natural and nutrient-densed products and it has made a world of difference. Who knew my skin can be properly moistured, supple and radiant? Basically, back to basics.

With the rise of natural products it can be difficult to navigate what brands and products work best. My favorite brands of the moment are: Acure Organics, Josie Maran and Honest. I’m passionate on using natural and organic products that are free from animal testing, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, harmful preservatives and artificial colors. Most of the products I use are certified organic ingredients that meet my high standards of efficacy and purity.

This is my current winter daytime skincare regimen and the order of products that I typically use.

Acure Organics // Facial Cleansing Creme

This extra-gentle, creamy facial cleanser features the moisturizing benefits of Fair Trade Certied organic olive oil, Moroccan argan oil and cocoa butter, the antioxidant power of blackberry and rosehips and the mild cleansing of mint. It quickly removes makeup, dirt and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Great for even the most sensitive skin. Tip: During winter I cleanse in the evening before bed. In the morning I just splash my face with water because my face doesn’t get that greasy at night and I don’t want to strip essential moisture in the morning. In the evening, I use this product after a warm shower because my pores are open and I can get a deep cleaning. I still use a separate makeup remover for the eyes. 

Acure Organics // Argan Stem Cell + Chlorella Growth Factor Brightening Facial Scrub

This is my secret weapon for smooth and glowing skin. The natural exfoliation of organic sea kelp gently exfoliates while French green clay and organic lemon peel remove impurities from my pores. Organic chlorella growth factor and argan stem cells help stimulate new cell growth while providing a deep cleansing, brightening experience. I think of the deep green color as a green smoothie for my face! Tip: After a warm shower when my pores are open, I squeeze a nickel-size amount in my hand, emulsify the product in my palm and lightly massage onto my skin with my fingertips. Use 2x a week.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

Moroccan argan oil, extracted from the nut of the argan tree, is loaded with Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. This is a holy grail product that has multiple uses in my regimen. It can heal, condition and repair skin, hair, feet and nails. Tip: After drying my cleansed face, I place a few drops on my palm and press onto my skin. I also massage a couple drips into my nail cuticles.

Acure Organics // Day Cream

Deep moisture + fights the signs of aging. I normally have combination skin, but during the winter the cheek area gets dry and patchy. That is why I switch to a day cream during this dry season. I’m picky when it comes to cream, but this day cream is easily absorbed into my skin with no greasy residue. Great powerhouse combo: the gotu kola stem cells firm and help my skin fight environmental damage and free radicals + 1% chlorella growth factor supports collagen and elastic fibers. Bonus: 10 cents for every Day Cream and Night Cream sold supports United For HER’s efforts.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 with Sunboost ATB

I’m a sunscreen fiend and truly believe preventative care is a key to anti-aging and preventing wrinkles. I’m selective when it comes to SPF, especially natural-based products since some can be greasy. I look for lightweight, non-greasy and chemical-free sunscreen that moisturizes and protects the skin. This is it! The pure argan oil, jojoba oil, green tea, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and SunBoost ATB is packed with antioxidants and hydrators to protect my skin from the sun and nourish my skin at the same time. Tip: I warm a nickel-size amount between my fingertips and smooth over my face, gently pressing and working the formula into my skin until it totally disappears. This fast-absorbing sunscreen sinks into the skin while creating a smoother finish. If wearing foundation, this should be worn first as a multi-tasking primer.

Honest Organic Body Oil

This is a soothing blend of certified organic jojoba, tamanu, olive, avocado and sunflower oils that leaves my skin silky and nourished. I love that this non-toxic product is hypoallergnic, vegan, botanically-derived and pH balance. Tip: In the morning I like to provide extra moisture for my elbows, knees and arms. In the evening, I use this immediately after my shower, but is also great for baby massage and mom’s belly. Sometimes I also mix a few drops with my current body lotion for intense moisture.

 

Sephora Sun Safety Kit 2015

summer + smiles + sunblock

I love everything about the summer. Living in California the weather is always perfect. Summer is the season to enjoy the outdoors with a picturesque hike or hit the cool waters at the beach and pool. However being out in the sun has its responsibilities. I’m an avid believer and user in using a broad spectrum (UVA + UVB) sun protection of at least SPF 30 for my face and SPF 45 for my body.

So naturally as a lover of Sephora + SPF I always buy Sephora’s annual Sun Safety Kit. It’s a curated collection of everything SPF to protect from head to toe. This is a perfect introduction to try various products carried at Sephora, like tinted sunscreen, primer, self-tanner, BB cream and serums. It’s also a wonderful way to try different types of sunblock products–physical (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and chemical-based (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate) sunscreens. The sizes are perfect–airplane-friendly and compact enough to place in my purse.

I picked up the Sephora Sun Safety Kit 2015 at Sephora and it is packed with favorite oldies and new products I look forward to trying. This year it’s $32 (retail value $155) for 16 products.

 

Full Product List

AmorePacific Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++ – http://www.sephora.com/natural-protector-spf-30-pa-P232939?keyword=AMOREPACIFIC%20Natural%20Protector%20SPF%2030%2FPA%2B%2B%2B%20P232939&skuId=1161793&_requestid=70378

Clarins Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – http://www.sephora.com/sunscreen-multi-protection-broad-spectrum-spf-50-P393065?skuId=1682202

CLINIQUE Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – http://www.sephora.com/moisture-surge-cc-cream-hydrating-colour-corrector-broad-spectrum-spf-30-P378639?keyword=CLINIQUE%20Moisture%20Surge%20CC%20Cream%20Hydrating%20Colour%20Corrector%20Broad%20Spectrum%20SPF%2030%20P378639&skuId=1509512&_requestid=72342

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – http://www.sephora.com/dark-spot-sun-defense-broad-spectrum-spf-50-P394353?skuId=1680818

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 – http://www.sephora.com/premium-beauty-balm-spf-45-P285403?skuId=1327915

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 – http://www.sephora.com/sugar-lip-treatment-spf-15-P57002?keyword=FRESH%20Sugar%20Lip%20Treatment%20SPF%2015%20P57002&skuId=1448372&_requestid=72443

Murad Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – http://www.sephora.com/invisiblur-perfecting-shield-broad-spectrum-spf-30-P394397?keyword=MURAD%20Invisiblur%E2%84%A2%20Perfecting%20Shield%20Broad%20Spectrum%20SPF%2030%20P394397&skuId=1670181&_requestid=72548

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 – http://www.sephora.com/argan-daily-moisturizer-spf-47-P385679?keyword=JOSIE%20MARAN%20Argan%20Daily%20Moisturizer%20SPF%2047%20%20P385679&skuId=1585256&_requestid=70814

Korres Suncare Yoghurt Nourishing Fluid Veil Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – http://www.sephora.com/suncare-yoghurt-nourishing-fluid-veil-face-sunscreen-broad-spectrum-spf-30-P395116?keyword=KORRES%20Suncare%20Yoghurt%20Nourishing%20Fluid%20Veil%20Face%20Sunscreen%20Broad%20Spectrum%20SPF%2030%20P395116&skuId=1702810&_requestid=69791

Ole Henriksen Total Truth™ Vitamin C Eye Crème SPF 15 – http://www.sephora.com/total-truth-vitamin-c-eye-creme-spf-15-P291520?skuId=1342666

Origins VitaZing™ SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with Mangosteen – http://www.sephora.com/vitazing-spf-15-energy-boosting-moisturizer-with-mangosteen-P297521?keyword=ORIGINS%20VitaZing%E2%84%A2%20SPF%2015%20Energy-Boosting%20Moisturizer%20with%20Mangosteen%20P297521&skuId=1375732&_requestid=70626

Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion with SPF 30 – http://www.sephora.com/max-sheer-all-day-moisture-defense-lotion-spf-30-P6563?skuId=373894

Shiseido Wetforce Ultimate Sun Protection Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ For Face – http://www.sephora.com/ultimate-sun-protection-cream-broad-spectrum-spf-50-for-face-P393536?skuId=1684737

St.Tropez One Night Only Wash Off Face & Body Lotion – couldn’t find the Sephora link

Supergoop! SPF 30+ City Sunscreen Serum With Uniprotect PT-3 – http://www.sephora.com/spf-30-city-sunscreen-serum-with-uniprotect-pt-3-P282915?keyword=SUPERGOOP!%20SPF%2030%2B%20City%20Sunscreen%20Serum%20With%20Uniprotect%20PT-3%20P282915&skuId=1328707&_requestid=70180

Vita Liberata Neroli & Argan Milk Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – http://www.sephora.com/neroli-argan-milk-broad-spectrum-spf-50-P395613?skuId=1688985

Tips

Don’t waste your money on buying anything beyond SPF 45 because it doesn’t provide any better protection beyond 45.

Regardless of seasons or a cloudy day, it’s always important to protect your skin by wearing SPF everyday, especially on the face. I always wear at least SPF 30 on my face, neck and chest area.

Reviews to come as I try them all.