Summer Skincare Must Haves as seen on "Afternoon Live" KATU

Summer Skincare Must Haves

I am so excited to be making another appearance on the "Afternoon Live" show on Friday June, 22, 2018 and I will be sharing my Summer Skincare Must Haves so join me on "Afternoon Live" on KATU Portland, Oregon!

We all know that sun damage is a leading cause of premature aging so incorporating sun protection into your daily skincare routine is essential and adding a few extra steps during the summer is imperative. Thankfully, SPF has come a long way and there are some really great beauty & skincare products on the market that go beyond just foundation with SPF and help take sun protection to the next level and these are some of my favorites...

Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 by Jan Marini Skin Research

This Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 by Jan Marini Skin Research is definitely not your everyday sticky, greasy sunscreen.  This sunscreen is more reminiscent of a nice face cream than a sunscreen.  

  It provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, it's hydrating but incredibly lightweight, absorbs quickly and it even helps control oil.  It also wears nicely under makeup, is water resistant up to 80 minutes and contains antioxidants to help fight the effects of free radicals and slow the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It's by far my favorite sunscreen for the face and I highly recommend it!  It's amazing :)

Ideal for all skin types this Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 by Jan Marini Skin Research retails for $51.00 for 2 oz. and you can find it at dermstore.com.

 Perfect Color Blush SPF 21 by Illuminare

More and more makeup companies are offering SPF options and this Perfect Color Blush SPF 21 by Illuminare is a great choice for a blush.  It's oil free, cream based and formulated with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to block UV rays and with antioxidants to combat environmental pollutants.  There are four color options to choose from... Amalfi Alabaster, Portofino Porcelain, Florentine Fair and Sienna Sun.  The colors are very blendable and buildable so you can customize how intense you want the color to be and you can even mix colors together and create your own personalized color!  My color choice is the Florentine Fair and I only need a little dot on each cheek for a nice, full wash of color that lasts all day long!

  Ideal for all skin types this Perfect Color Blush SPF 21 by Illuminare retails for $18.00 for 0.25 oz and you can find it at dermstore.com.

Mineral Liplux® SPF 30 Organic Tinted Lip Balm

When it comes to Lip Balms with SPF there are actually quite a few out there but the trendy and innovative brand, Coola, offers the best selection.  Their Mineral Liplux® SPF 30 Organic Tinted Lip Balm is made with more than 70% natural ingredients and contains Organic Cupuacu Butter and Mongongo Oil.  Thanks to the Cupuacu Butter and Mongongo Oil these Lip Balms are creamy, deeply hydrating.  With six different color options these tinted lip balms add a subtle hint of color while providing lips with the nourishment and protection they need.  My favorite color is Summer Crush which looks like my natural lip color...only better!

The Mineral Liplux® SPF 30 Organic Tinted Lip Balm retails for $18.00 for 0.15 oz. and can be found at Coola.com, dermstore.com, Ulta Beauty and more! 

Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense by Mineral Fusion

For quick and easy SPF this transparent Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense by Mineral Fusion is just what you need.  This is the perfect sunscreen to keep in your handbag for on-the-go application.  It works well on all skin tones and types and it blends seamlessly into skin and over makeup.  For best results, reapply every two hours.  

The Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense by Mineral Fusion retails for $24.99 for 0.14 oz. and can be found at mineralfusion.com, dermstore.com and can even be found at Whole Foods!

Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 50 by Supergoop

This is probably my overall favorite sunscreen product!  This is so much more than sunscreen.  It's actually a three-in-one weightless mist that sets makeup, helps control oil and shine and provides SPF 50!  The unique formula is water and sweat resistant, leaves skin feeling soft and smooth and will keep makeup in place even in high humidity.  For best results and to keep makeup looking fresh reapply throughout the day.  

Suitable for all skin types this Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 50 by Supergoop is a vacation must have and retails for $28.00 for 3.4 oz.  It can be found on supergoop.com, sephora.com and more!

Hopefully you will be inspired to try out at least one or maybe all of these Summer Skincare Must Haves!  If you do I would love to hear about it!  Just leave a comment down below...

Have a great Summer!

I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 

This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!

Affordable Skincare Products That You Should Be Using - As Seen On KATU "Afternoon Live"

*Affordable Skincare Products That You Should Be Using - As Seen On KATU "Afternoon Live"

I'm excited to tell you about a few products that I love, use everyday and they are super affordable.  There is no need to spend a ton of money to get excellent quality skincare.  You can get affordable skincare products that give you luxury skincare results!  Listed below are a few of my favorites and the best part is...nothing is over $25!

The first product is one that I use everyday and sometimes more that once.  It's the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water.  Don't let the word "water" fool you.  This stuff is amazing.  Just pour some onto a cotton pad and gently wipe away a days worth of makeup (including mascara), dirt and oil.  If you don't wear any makeup you can totally get away with just using this to clean your face.  For me, I use this as my first cleanse and then go in with my favorite cleanser after.  This Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is non-irritating and safe for all skin types, even sensitive.  You can find it just about anywhere but I usually pick mine up at Walmart for $6.96 for 13.5 oz.

For use with waterproof makeup you can use their SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-In-One Waterproof version to easily take off even the most stubborn waterproof makeup!

For my second cleanse I find myself constantly reaching for this Purifying Daily Detox Scrub by DermaE.  Not only is this an affordable and excellent cleanser, it's gentle enough to use everyday and it leaves my skin feeling extra soft and smooth.  I simply adore DermaE products.  I've yet to try one of their products that I didn't instantly fall for.  You can find DermE products at Ulta, some drugstores and even Whole Foods of all places!  You can pick this cleanser up for around $15.99 for 4 oz.  A little goes a long way so that 4 oz. will last you for months and this one is safe for all skin types as well.

Now, I wouldn't be me if I didn't recommend some sort of acid!  This Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution by The Ordinary is nothing short of amazing and definitely not ordinary!  If you have super sensitive skin you should do a patch test first.  However, this is fairly gentle and even sensitive skin types can get away with using it a couple times a week.  If your like me and have normal skin or skin that is used to these acid treatments then you can use it nightly.  Apply to a cotton pad and wipe onto face, neck and decollete.  You will see some mild exfoliation and skin will be brighter and more radiant.  Over time and with continued use you will also see improvement in skin texture!
You can now find this at Sephora or you can order online at theordinary.com and the best part, it only costs $8.70 for 8 oz.

Now this is something that is actually marketed as a acne treatment product.  However, back in the day when you could only get Differin by prescription they discovered that not only was it extremely effective at treating acne but that it was also helping with fine lines and wrinkles.  Formulated with prescription strength retinoid it banishes blemishes but it has the added benefit of also diminishing fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.  Not only does your skin stay nice and clear but with continued use you will definitely notice younger looking skin as well.  Each night I apply a small amount over my entire face (avoiding the eyes) and then I layer my face creams and oils on top.  If my skin starts to feel too dehydrated I will take it down a notch and only use it every other night. 

You can find Differin at most drugstores but I usually pick mine up at Walmart for $12.88 for 0.5 oz.

Everybody loves a good anti-wrinkle cream and Neutrogena has hit a home run with this Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream!  Formulated with a high concentration of Retinol SA this cream tackles all the aging issues from deep wrinkles, crow's feet, texture and uneven skin tone. Results within a week and for under $25!  This Rapid Wrinkle Repair Cream is on the thicker side so if you have skin that tends to be more oily then you might want to just use it as your night cream and skip the morning. This is an intensely hydrating cream that leaves your skin feeling soft, plump and it even makes skin look instantly radiant and that's after just one use!  When used as directed you will see visible results in as little as one week.  Don't forget to include your neck and decollete!!

You can find this Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream at most drugstores for under $25.00 and you can even buy a two pack of it at Costco right now!

Last but not least is this awesome eye cream from L'Oreal.  The Age Perfect Eye Renewal is an all-in-one eye cream that instantly diminishes dark circles, reduces the appearance of under-eye bags, helps smooth out crow's feet and reduces eyelid crepiness!  Plus, it just a great hydrating eye cream that wears well under makeup!  You can find the L'Oreal Age Perfect Eye Renewal at most drugstores and I found mine at Walmart for $15.32 for 0.5 oz.

So, there you go!  Proof that you don't have to have a fat wallet to have great skin.. As a disclaimer, I should mention that I wouldn't recommend using the face scrub, toning solution and the Differin all at the same time.  Especially, if you have sensitive skin.  I can get away with it because my skin has built up a tolerance with continued use.  However, too much exfoliation can do more harm than good.  Maybe start with the scrub, then work in the toning solution and Differin and then alternate the days that you use them until your skin gets more used to the products.  New skin, new you!

I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also.  All opinions are my own. 

This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support.  If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!

Tools & Products to Renew Aging & Sun Damaged Skin as Seen on Afternoon Live

*Tools & Products to Renew Aging & Sun Damaged Skin as Seen on Afternoon Live

I am so excited to once again be joining Tra'Renee on the KATU Afternoon Live show! This time around I will be sharing some tools and products that I recommend to help rejuvenate aging and sun damaged skin.

First up are the tools that I recommend to help keep skin looking young and fresh. I have several beauty tools that I alternate into my skincare routine but the ones that I use on a regular basis are definitely my Derma Roller and my Dry Brush. I let my skin dictate which tool to use, however, when it comes to using a Derma Roller how often you use it also depends on what size the microneedles are. You can safely use a Derma Roller with 0.1mm needles 2-3 times a week. I like to use a Derma Roller with 0.5mm-1.0mm needles which means I can only use it 1-2 times per month. Dry Brushing can be done 1-2 times per week. I like to Dry Brush once a week and then skip a week and incorporate my Derma Roller. However, it's important to never combine these types of treatments so that your skin has time to heal.

 
Facial Focus Derma Roller

I love using a Derma Roller! I think it's the quickest and easiest way to rejuvenate your skin. If you have never heard of a Derma Roller it's basically a wheel covered in hundreds of surgical steel needles. These needles create tiny holes in the skin which makes your skin produce extra collagen and elastin to heal those tiny holes and speed up cell turnover. It will also allow your skincare products to reach deeper into the skin and really do what their made to do. The result is healthier, plumper and younger looking skin. Using a Derma Roller can help diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, pigmentation, scars and other common skin problems.

It's important to start with a clean face and a clean Derma Roller and to not use it on any open wounds. After I cleanse my skin I like to apply a thin layer of Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, just enough to dampen the skin but you can also just use tap water. However, this wold also be a great time to apply your favorite hydrating serum. I don't recommend using any serums with Vitamin C Serums or anything with Retinol while you are using a Derma Roller since it can possibly over irritate the skin. To being Derma Rolling just roll the DermaRoller across the skin diagonally, horizontally, and then vertically. You don't need to apply a lot of pressure but I like to press as hard as I can without it being too painful. I tend to focus more on my problem areas where I have pigmentation, fine lines and scars and that works best for me. I also take it down my neck and into my decollete area as well. The most important step is to follow up your Derma Roller treatment with a hydrating oil or moisturizer that's suited for your skin type. I like to apply the Tulasāra Radiant Oleation Oil by Aveda and once that is absorbed into the skin I follow it up with Honey Drop Moisturizer by Farmacy. I tend to do this as part of my nightly skincare routine and when I wake up my skin is plump, glowing and more youthful looking!

Lately, I have been using the 1.0mm Facial Focus Derma Roller which retails for $27.00. However, I have also purchased many Derma Rollers on Amazon.com for a lot less that work just as good. The 0.25mm Derma Roller by ORA retails for $19.99 and is a great choice if your new to micorneedeling. Make sure to clean your Derma Roller after every use with rubbing alcohol and it should be replaced after about 15 uses.

Tulasāra Radiant Facial Dry Brush

Dry Brushing is a ancient Ayurveda technique that helps exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin surface to promote skin cell turnover. It helps prep the skin to more easily absorb oils and moisturizers resulting in softer, smoother younger looking and feeling skin. In just one minute you can reveal fresh, new skin.
I've used other Facial Dry Brushes but this Tulasāra Radiant Facial Dry Brush by Aveda is by far the best one I've ever used and totally worth the investment. The brush retails for $44.00 but it's made with super soft nylon bristles which are formed in rounded, massaging peaks which works perfectly to lift skin and brush away dead skin. Perfection.
Dry Brush 2-3 times a week and again, it's important to follow with nice hydrating oil or moisturizer that is suited for you skin type. I always follow my dry brushing session with the Tulasāra Radiant Oleation Oil by Aveda which go hand in hand and the combination gives you a radiant and glowing complexion.

 Tulasāra Radiant Oleation Oil by Aveda

This Tulasāra Radiant Oleation Oil by Aveda is the perfect follow up oil. Just a few drops is all you need to nourish, balance, hydrate and restore skin. However, this oil is not just for use with Derma Rolling or Dry Brushing this is a lightweight oil that is easily absorbed and can be used everyday. When not using with my Derma Roller or Dry Brush I like to use this as part of my nightly skincare routine. I gently press and then massage the oil into my face, neck and decolette. I always love how my skin looks in the morning. Soft, supple and glowing!
The Tulasāra Radiant Oleation Oil by Aveda retails for $49.00 for 1.7 oz.

Honey Drop Moisturizer by Farmacy

Help protect and your rejuvenated skin with this Honey Drop Moisturizer by Farmacy. This is a lightweight moisturizer which pairs perfectly with the Tulasāra Radiant Oleation Oil by Aveda. It also makes a great day to day moisturizer and gives skin a healthy, radiant glow. It also instantly hydrates and softens skin while improving firmness and elasticity.
The Honey Drop Moisturizer by Farmacy retails for $45.00 for 1.7oz.

 ExfoliKate by Kate Somerville

If your not into using a Derma Roller or a Dry Brush their are still plenty of options out there that will help shed dull, dead skin and give your skin a glowing, younger looking complexion. One of them is Exfolikate by Kate Somerville. Exfolikate is an exfoliating scrub the exfoliates away dead skin cells to reveal a more smooth, even toned complexion. Continued use also helps improve skin texture and helps diminish the appearance fine lines and wrinkles. Make sure to follow up with your favorite facial oil or moisturizer.
Exfolikate is a little pricey at $85.00 for 2 oz. but you only need to use a small amount 1-2 times a week so that 2 oz. will last quite a long time.

Charcoal Clay Masque by Essance 

If a nice mask is more your speed then this exfoliating Charco Charcoal Mask by Essance is another great way to rejuvenate your skin. This mask contains natural and organic ingredients that help slough away dead skin and draw out impurities. After just one use you will have a soft, smooth and luminous complexion. Again, make sure you follow up with a facial oil or moisturizer of your choice.
The Charco Charcoal Clay Mask retails for $38.00 for 1oz. and even with using it 2-3 times a week it will last a good year or so.

Skincorrect by Zenmed

Another great and less invasive option to renewing aging skin that specifically targets pigmentation like age spots, sun damage and old acne marks is this Skincorrect by Zenmed. Pigmentation can make you look years older than you really are so creating a even toned complexion is essential to looking more youthful. This is a potent serum full of antioxidants, Glycolic and citric acid which help fade pigmentation and even out skin tone.
This Skincorrect by Zenmed retails for $45.00 for 1oz.

Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex

If you have super sensitive skin or are just looking to gently improve the look and feel of your aging skin then this Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex is just what you need. This is not your average night cream. This potent moisturizer is full of anti-aging ingredients that will improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase elasticity and make your skin more soft and supple. This is also a great product to use in the evening after a Derma Rolling or Dry Brushing treatment.
The Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex retails for $48.00 for 1.75oz.


Anti-Aging Retinoid Face Oil by Geneva Naturals

If oil is more your thing then you will love this Anti-Aging Retinoid Face Oil by Geneva Naturals.  A lovely blend of nourishing and anti-aging oils this will give you a more even toned, youthful and glowy complexion.  This facial oil is gentle and can be used on a nightly basis.  The Anti-Aging Retinoid Face Oil by Geneva Naturals will help restore and repair your skin all while helping diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Anti-Aging Retinoid Face Oil by Geneva Naturals retails for $24.99 for 1oz. 

This is not a sponsored post. I received this product at a discount or complimentary in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 

This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!

My Top Picks for Skincare As Seen On Afternoon Live!

My Top Picks for Skincare As Seen On Afternoon Live

I was lucky enough to be asked to join Tra'Renee on the KATU Afternoon Live show and share some of my favorite skincare products that I am loving right now.  I tried to narrow down my top picks to seven products.  While seven sounds like a lot I could have easily added about five more!

I decided not to include a cleanser in my top picks simply because there are so many of them out there and I think it’s more important to focus on actual skincare as opposed to something that just removes makeup, oil and debris and is only on your skin for a limited amount of time.  I also didn’t choose any sunscreen since most makeup and some skincare contain sunscreen these days.  I also feel like sunscreen would be an obvious choice and something most people already use on a regular basis.

All the products below are listed in the order of which they should be applied to the skin, from the lightest to heaviest, serums first and oils last.

Facial Mist/Toner 

I use a facial mist/toner in both my morning and evening skincare routines everyday.  Immediately after I wash my face and while my skin is still damp I will apply some type of a face mist/toner.  I recommend using a toner that is suited for your skin type and that will help balance the pH levels in your skin.

A great option and one that would be great for all skin types is the Essance Revitalizing Facial Toner.  This toner is hydrating and will help balance all skin types as well as the pH levels on the skin which should be around 5.5.  Plus, it’s made with Organic ingredients, smells amazing and it’s locally made in Portland!

Revitalizing Facial Toner by Essance Skincare

Cost: $12.00 for 60ml

Eye Cream 

I have a ton of eye creams that I like and that I alternate back and forth depending on how my eyes are feeling and looking.  Lately, for daytime I find myself reaching for the Farmacy Eye Dew.  This is the perfect “day” eye cream.  It feels hydrating, firming and soothing all while minimizing fine lines and dark circles.  Plus, the packaging is beautiful!

Farmacy Eye Dew

Cost: $38.00 for 15ml

  At night I prefer something a little thicker like the Super Fruits Eye Balm and it's usually my go to nighttime “Eye Cream".  It has the texture of Vaseline and it's thick, rich and balmy.  It's very nourishing, hydrating and for me it's the perfect nighttime Eye Cream.

Super Fruits Eye Balm

Cost: $36.00 for .35oz

Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

The Vitamin C Serum from Oz Naturals is a multi-tasking skincare product and one that can be used in both morning and evening skincare routines.  Not only does it contain 20% Vitamin C which helps even out skin tone, improve hydration and protect skin from free radical damage created by the sun and pollution but it also contains Hyaluronic Acid.  Hyaluronic Acid has powerful anti-aging properties and just one gram of it can hold up to six liters of water.  It can help skin retain moisture, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and can make skin smoother, supple and more youthful and is recommend for all skin types.

Vitamin C Facial Serum

Cost: $17.95 for 30ml

Firming Serum

For those of us over 30 this Aveda Tulasara Firm Concentrate is “Must Have” serum.  This serum will help instantly help tighten the skin and when used over time it will firm the skin and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  I love this product for the neck and décolleté!

Can be used in both morning and evening skincare routines.  Recommended for all skin types but especially aging skin.

Aveda Tulasara Firm Concentrate

Cost: $59.00 for 30ml

Moisturizer/Face Oil

Instead of your typical moisturizer cream I usually opt for facial oil.  I like to use Lapis Facial Oil by Herbivore.  It contains Blue Tansy Oil which helps with inflammation, redness and also it also antibacterial so it helps clarify the skin,  I have very oily skin and this oil helps balance it out.  It hydrates my skin in such a way that helps stop it from producing excess oil leaving me with perfectly nourished, balanced and hydrated skin.  Oily skin needs moisture too!

I only use this particular oil in my morning skincare routine.  This Lapis Facial Oil by Herbivore is formulated for people with combination, oily or blemish-prone skin.

Lapis Facial Oil by Herbivore

Cost: $72.00 for 50ml

Acids 

Unless you have perfect skin Acids are something I think everyone could benefit from.   If you’re an acid newbie or have sensitive skin I recommend starting with a product that contains Glycolic Acid which is an Alpa Hydroxy Acid or AHA.   Pixi Glow Tonic contains Glycolic Acid; it’s a great option, suitable for all skin types and can be used in place of your Toner.  It exfoliates, purifies and will help accelerate cell renewal to give you a brighter, more even toned complexion and ultimately…younger looking skin.

Pixi Glow Tonic
Cost: $15.00 for 100ml

However, if you have aging or pigmented skin I recommend something a little stronger.  The Lactic Acid Superficial Peeling Formulation from The Ordinary is a great option.  This Lactic Acid Peel is great for fading hyperpigmentation, sun spots Melasma or even old blemish spots.  It also removes dead skin cells and accelerates cell renewal which will help diminish fine lines and wrinkles.  Overall, skin looks and feels more youthful.

This Lactic Acid Peel should only to be used at night, just a few times a week and in place of any other serums.  I also don’t recommend using other types of acids or Retinols while using this Lactic Acid Peel.  Make sure to follow it up with a nice, hydrating night cream or facial oil.

Lactic Acid Superficial Peeling Formulation from The Ordinary

Cost: $6.79 for 30ml

Night Cream/Face Oil

Nighttime is the prefect time to really treat and nourish the skin.  I find most traditional Night Creams are way too heavy for my oily skin and tend to break me out and I find oils to be more beneficial.  I have a few that I alternate between but my go-to has got to be the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  It contains a blend of skin-loving oils that help replenish and restore skin overnight and in the morning skin looks more clear, healthy and supple!  Recommended for all skin types.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Cost: $72.00 for 1.7oz.

This is not a sponsored post. I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 

This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!