best beauty: BB and CC Creams

 two skincare items i'm still obsessed with are BB and CC creams. since the fall season has started, it's the perfect excuse opportunity for you {and me!} to change or try a new one. while perusing the InStyle UK website i came across two lists i thought you'd enjoy, which just so happens to feature BB and CC creams.

here are a few picks that stood out to me…

Estee Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF 30 ~ i love the Double Wear foundation, so i can only image this BB to be just as fabulous, but in a lighter, skin-nourishing way.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ~ i've tried this one; wear it alone or as a base. if you're a fan of Smashbox, you'll love this! 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream ~ my daughter uses this one and loves it. i have yet to try it myself, but stay tuned, i will soon enough...

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream ~ this looks great for creating a gorgeous, dewy glow. it's hydrating and also oil-free so it would work well on all skin types.

Bobbi Brown CC Cream SPF 35 ~ i'm a fan of Bobbi's makeup and {from what i've read} this seems like a great treat for the skin.

Cover FX CC Cream Time Release Tinted Treatment ~ i'm a fan of the new BB Mattifying Gel, so i'm guessing this anti-aging treatment won't disappoint.


check out InStyle UK's full list of BB Creams and CC Creams ~ are any of your faves on the list? which ones do you want to try the most? let me know in the comments!

all images acquired via InStyle UK

total beauty: 14 best face scrubs

 bonjour, beauties! hope all is well wherever this post finds you. personally, i'm doing well, settling into the first week of high school as my daughter officially started 9th grade on monday! it's strange to think that 20 years ago i was in her same stage of life; although as a person who loves school, i think i was way more excited than she is, LOL!

now back to the topic of beauty...

i have another fab list featuring a topic that's quite an important one in my life: exfoliation. facial scrubs to be more specific. as you probably already know,this step in your beauty routine is not to be ignored. just by adding exfoliation, you'll not only help aid the natural shedding process of skin, but also benefit from a healthier, smoother, more even-toned and clear complexion.

do you use face scrubs? which one is your fave?

take a look at the following list and discover the best ones, according to reviews over at Total Beauty.

enjoy!

14 Best Face Scrubs

Buff your way to glowing skin with these reviewer-approved face scrubs

This is a TotalBeauty.com Skin Care article Exfoliation is a key step in any good skin care routine. Not only does it get rid of dead skin cells, promoting smoother, more even-toned skin, it also can help your other skin care products work better. To make it easy for you to choose one, we rounded up a list of the best face scrubs, according to our reviewers. see the best face scrubs now

No. 14: Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, $26

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9

One reader calls this the "equivalent of microdermabrasion, minus the suffering."

No. 13: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $36

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.0

Readers call this scrub "a super product to whisk away dead skin cells."

No. 12: ZO Skin Health Offects Exfoliating Polish, $60

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1

"This is truly the best product I have ever put on my face," says one reviewer.

to see the No. 1 face scrub, click here!

new product alert: Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish

bonjour beauties! there's a new skincare gem on the market, just released today in fact! it's new from Murad, part of the Pore Reform range, and it's fabulous...

meet Skin Smoothing Polish!

meant to be used 1-2 times per week, this deep cleansing exfoliator works to give skin the clean slate needed to boost your skincare routine. i was so excited to see how gorgeously rejuvenated my skin looked after using it just once.

if you're a regular reader, you know i'm a huge proponent for exfoliation. it keeps skin clear, helps reduce the look of fine lines, smooths rough skin texture and creates an even-toned look in the skin. it also boosts circulation, so skin is left with a pretty, rosy glow ~ love that!

so, here's how Smoothing Polish works: fine jojoba beads deeply scrub away impurities, unclogging pores; i love how it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and looking beautifully polished. witch hazel and cinnamon work to tighten pores, improve the look of imperfections and helps to both remove excess oil and keep skin balanced ~ all without over drying! pomegranate seed extract provides powerful antioxidants to prevent free-radical damage and starflower and sunflower seed oils help increase the ability of the skin to resist moisture loss, leaving skin soft and supple {that's thanks to their high omega-6 essential fatty acid content}.

i've only used Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish a couple of times {i just received it this past friday}, but i am already a fan! i'll only be using it a couple of time a week, so it's a product that will easily fit into my skincare routine.

what do you think? will you be trying Skin Smoothing Polish?

visit murad.com for more info!

product fettered sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me:)

beautiful recipe: Avocado Pineapple Smoothie

when it comes to my lifestyle and health, clean eating and daily movement {exercise} are a no brainer. like brushing my teeth, i just do it and i honestly just love it. i love to plan ahead and since i've been doing this consistently for years, it's a habit and easy for me; when it comes to food, i choose fresh options most always, rotating seasonal produce as they become available throughout the year, but i basically eat the same things every day.

that last statement is the reason for this post. i not only want to share this other aspect of my life with you, but i think it will help me step out of my own comfort zone and try new variations of foods i already eat and love. :)

these recipes won't just be good for you, but they'll also be delish and will help you feel and look fabulous {think skin, hair, nails}.

this avocado pineapple smoothie is a gorgeous example...

~ anti-inflammatory, packed with essential fatty acids, not to mention super yummy, this smoothie is a fabulous way to promote detoxification, healthy skin, and nervous system support. bonus: the healthy fats help stabilize your blood sugar! ~ 

this recipe is one i found via barre3.com {one of my fave workout/lifestyle resources!} courtesy of Andrea Bemis, chef, owner of Tumbleweed Farm {located in Hood River, OR}, and writer of the fabulous blog Dishing Up The Dirt.

take a look...

avocado pineapple smoothie ~ *serves 2*

ingredients:

1 avocado

1 banana, frozen

1 cup pineapple, fresh or frozen

1 cup organic coconut milk

4 tbsp cilantro, minced

2 tbsp flax seed, ground

1/4 cup water

a few ice cubes

instructions:

place all ingredients into a blender, blend until smooth…enjoy!

tell me if you try this! stay tuned for more beauty-ful recipes like this one each week. they'll help you get and stay healthy not just for summer, but the rest of your life. 

enjoy your weekend!

images: Andrea Bemis dishing up the dirt 

fitness expert Tracy Anderson shares her Bioelements faves

as a fan of both Tracy Anderson and the fabulous skin care brand, Bioelements, i was excited to learn that the two partnered up to bring health and wellness info from body to skin and beyond…

in a recent SkinReading blog post {that they've so graciously allowed me to share with you in its entirety, below}, Tracy {trainer to celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Richie and Molly Sims} shares her thoughts about the connection healthy living has on skin, as well as how Bioelements products complement her intense fitness regimen, causing an all around glow.

read on and enjoy!

*what's your philosophy when it comes to skin care?*
"it's so important to take care of your skin. i only use products that incorporate natural ingredients with the best of science and have a certain quality standard, which is why i love Bioelements."

*what are your favorite products?*
"Kerafole and Beyond Hydration"

*you've always stressed that food plays an integral part in transforming and maintaining your body ~ do you think it plays a part in how your skin looks and feels as well?*
"yes, absolutely! you are how you eat. you are how you move. you are how you care for yourself. what occurs on your skin is aligned with how you treat your health and what you put on your skin. the routine requires consistency and care just like anything else."

*what other daily habits do you feel contribute to healthy skin?*
"drinking water, not eating gluten, circulation which exercise is vital for, positive thoughts, managing stress well."

*what is your post-workout skin care routine? or, any post-workout skin care tips?*
"i love the Moisture Positive Cleanser post-workout because you just sweat and the skin is warm so it is great to clean while adding moisture. always wash your face and pile on the healthy skin care products post-workout. they really sink in and provide that healthy glow!"

*you've mentioned in the press that Bioelements Vitalization body creme is one of your travel must-haves - what are some tips you use to avoid skin issues that can come from frequent travel?*
"you got it ~ amazing moisturizer for your entire body. don’t rely on the items that may be at a destination for you. this is not the time to drop the ball with what works for your skin."

*you've transformed bodies all over the world with your approach to fitness, but are there any tips you've picked up from your clients that have contributed to your wellness ~ skin care or otherwise?* "lean into your own beauty. stop trying to look like other people. lines like Bioelements are vast and researched enough so that you can have that valuable custom approach. lean into that and give the products time to work with you. people are so willing to lose focus if they don't change the second they put something on their body. the body doesn't work that way and your beauty can’t shine under a constant state of self-criticism."

*now let's talk relaxation: what's your favorite spa service? how about your most-loved way to pamper at home?*
"that question makes me realize how much i need a vacation! give me a beautiful beach, great food, great wine, great people and i don’t even need a spa! i live for do-it-yourself products like an amazing Bioelements mask. then you can multitask!"

Tracy obviously has great taste in skincare ~ be sure to visit her website!

have you used Bioelements? read my past product reviews, and visit their website for more product info!

info and images courtesy of Bioelements

winter beauty: Lavanila Vanilla Coconut Collection

if you're dreaming about tropical islands and the warm, sun-filled days of summer amidst this blustery, uber-cold winter season, you're not alone ~ especially of you're currently dealing with crazy snow or extreme cold conditions. not fun!

and even if that's not the case {like for me, living here in droughtville, southern california}, the gorgeous scent that brings thoughts of warm sunshine and sand can be yours year-round thanks to Lavanila The Healthy Vanilla Coconut Collection. the fragrance captures the beauty and calming scents that will take your thoughts and senses away to a tropical terrain every time you use their deodorant, body butter or fragrance.

every product is 100% natural and made with ingredients such as luscious coconut, bright tiare flower, fluffy heliotrope, creamy sandalwood and madagascar vanilla. 

sounds divine, doesn't it? 

i'm sure you'll find this scent will give you the lift you need and keep your thoughts on warmer days to come…

visit lavanila.com for more info

info and images courtesy of featured brand's PR

beauty review: MAC Lightful w/Marine-Bright complex

~ it's a new year, so you may have resolved to start a new skincare routine. and even if that's not the case, we all want skin that's soft to touch and beautiful to look at. to make it reality, good skincare products are essential! to help you navigate through the plethora of products, i've been testing out many for the past few months and will be sharing my thoughts and opinions throughout the month of january. i hope you'll find it useful! ~

nourish, hydrate and brighten the skin with the exclusive asia-inspired formula that defies dull skin while fortifying against key environmental aggressors. enhanced with marine-bright formula, featuring three potent seaweeds harvested from the world's oceans and optimized with vitamin C. this unprecedented skin-brightening complex, made possible through our exclusive technology, improves clarity, evens pigmentation and creates perfectly luminous skin instantly and over time.

this is the description regarding the MAC Lightful range of skincare products; i'm here to say i'm beyond happy with what i have been using {3 of 4 products}: Softening Lotion, Essence and Moisture Creme {there is also a Cleanser, but i have yet to try it out for myself}. each of these beauties are formulated to give skin a healthy glow and feed skin beneficial ingredients to make your skin look its best.

like millions of people, i've always been a fan of MAC; i'm also especially fond of their skincare products, which i think are so underrated and don't get near the amount of hype they deserve {just saying…}. sure, i love my studio fix plus powder, lipglass, and don't even get me started over the assortment of amazing eyeshadows, but MAC's skincare is quite effective. needless to say, Lightful has my heart.

let's take a few moments to take a closer look at the products i've been using, shall we?

 Lightful Softening Lotion

this gorgeous, antioxidant-rich lotion {it's a liquid, though; think toner} is perfect for any skin type, containing a solid mix of antioxidants, repairing ingredients, and soothing agents {created to calm redness and reinforce a healthy barrier function for the skin}. i used this twice daily for three weeks when i began seeing results: smoother and more radiant skin.

Lightful Essence  

a vitamin C serum, highly infused with antioxidants and other fabulous ingredients helps to brighten skin and improve the look of discoloration and uneven skin tone.  the smooth-textured serum comes in a pump bottle and applies fabulously. i used this mainly at night, but did use it sometimes in the morning. overall, i would definitely recommend you try this out for yourself, if you haven't yet.

Lightful Moisture Creme 

my favorite! it's uber-lightweight but oh-so hydrating; the smooth texture absorbs quickly and is simply fabulous. i don't know how it was done, but this moisturizer is packed with antioxidants, and beneficial plant extracts. my only gripe: it needs to be in a pump rather than a jar. 

the MAC Lightful collection is certainly worth a look {oh, and did i mention the sparkly packaging?! so pretty…} if you're considering changing to all new skincare; of course, if you're just looking for one or two things to add to your current routine, i think you'll find them beneficial as well!

visit maccosmetics.com for more info.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

body beautiful: 5 Foods to Eat for Healthy, Glowing Skin

while many a skincare products really do provide fabulous benefits, as well as visible results, relying on them solely won't always give you the skin you want. in fact, the best looking skin comes from maintaining a healthy diet.

you know this, and even i need to be reminded sometimes, but what you eat has a lot to do with how your skin looks!

i received some fun info from Dr. David Bank, president of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, regarding this topic so you, my fabulous readers, could give your skin (and bodies) the nurturing it deserves!

not only are these foods good for you, they are delish, too-- take a look at how you can incorporate them into your beauty routine with these recipes...



baked potatoes: trade those greasy french fries for a fabulous baked potato (with skin) to provides 75% of the body's daily copper need. copper, vitamin c, and zinc produce elastin fibers that support skin structure. copper deficiency in your diet can reduce skin's ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.




cantaloupe: super healthy for skin because of its antioxidant properties. these are beneficial for fighting off skin-aging free radicals. recipe: blend diced cantaloupe, low-fat yogurt, and other berries with a cup of almond milk for a delicious afternoon pick-me-up or breakfast on-th-go.



wheat germ: uber nutritious, wheat germ is the embryo within a grain of wheat. it's a good source of biotin, a vitamin C that's important to skin (and hair!) health. even a mild biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis, a condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin. recipe: sprinkle wheat germ on yogurt for a tasty way to get more biotin.



almonds & walnuts: almonds contain 150% of daily vitamin E needs and is rich in oils that moisturize your skin, while its antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging. in addition, walnuts contain the essential fatty acids that help improve skin. recipe: reach for a handful of almonds or walnuts instead of a bag of chips as your next snack.

cottage cheese: when selenium in cottage cheese meets vitamin E, the result is a powerful free radical-fighting antioxidant team! surprisingly, it also protects against skin cancer and dandruff. recipe: mix cottage cheese with fresh fruit (and almonds!) for a great morning breakfast.


tell me: do you already (or will you be eating any) of these foods soon?

xo

November is National Healthy Skin Month!

did you know your skin is your body's largest organ? it's also your first defense against disease and infection, and works to protect internal organs from injuries. skin helps with so many aspects of your well-being including regulating body temperature, preventing excess fluid loss, and helping your body remove excess water and salt.

keeping skin healthy is uber-simple. here are a few of my recommendations for doing so:

stay out of the sun as much as possible-- it may be difficult to always stay out of the sun, but wearing an spf everyday will definitely protect skin from premature aging.



use an spf daily to protect it-- to add to my thoughts from the last recommendation, i think spf 30 is great-- put it everywhere your skin will be exposed.

don't smoke-- cigarettes rob skin of its radiance by depleting it of moisture and reduces the amount of blood flowing to the skin, thus depleting the skin of oxygen and essential nutrients.

wash your skin gently--tugging and over scrubbing your skin can cause irritation-- be careful!

moisturize-- keeping skin hydrated will always make it look and feel better.

sleep-- there's a reason it's called "beauty rest"! getting an adequate amount of sleep will allow skin to rejuvenate and repair itself (short naps during the day are fabulous, too!).

and of course...



eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of water and exercise-- it's simple, really. eat healthier (more fruits and veggies), drink more water and get your body moving (sweat helps rid skin and the body of toxins), and believe me, you'll see a huge difference in the condition of your skin.

here's to healthy skin!

xo