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Skincare Suncare

Best Sunscreens for Summer

July 7, 2021

Best Sunscreens for Summer

I’m excited to share an updated sunscreen roundup of formulas I am loving and using right now! I’ve split my list into four categories: Body, Face (clear), Face (tinted) and Andrew’s Favorites.

Best Sunscreens Summer Shiseido, Supergoop! Sun Bum, Sol de Janeiro

Shiseido x Tory Burch

Shiseido Tory Burch Sunscreen Summer 2021

Two I’ve been loving are from Shiseido x Tory Burch. They partnered to launch two sunscreens in this beautiful limited-edition packaging. Both formulas are also available in the regular permanent lineup as well (packaged in the bright blue bottles).

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen is a lightweight silky formula you can use on both the face and body. I prefer this on the body and it has a slight pink tint to it but has a transparent finish without any residue. It has a pleasant citrus scent. I love this one because it has Shiseido’s WetForce and HeatForce technology. It holds up pretty well with sweat, but you still need to reapply.

  • Price: $49 for 150 ml, Tory Burch, Shiseido, Nordstrom, Ulta
  • SPF: 50+
  • Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.3%, Homosalate 10.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%
  • Other Notes: Water Resistant 80 Minutes

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is a great clear sunscreen stick. I apply this on bare skin. It has an emollient texture when you apply but turns into a semi-velvety drydown. You can apply this under makeup too. It does have fragrance but I found it did not irritate my skin.

  • Price: $29 for 20 g, limited-edition packaging sold out, regular version at Ulta, Nordstrom Rack, Dillard’s
  • SPF: 50+
  • Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.5%, Homosalate 10.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%
  • Other Notes: Water Resistant

Favorite Body Sunscreens

Best Sunscreens Body Shiseido, Supergoop! Sun Bum, Sol de Janeiro

These days I rely mostly on Supergoop! and Sol de Janeiro for body sunscreens. I also really like Sun Bum too.

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 has been a go-to for years! I loved the original formula and find the new one good too. You can use this on both the face and body, but for me it’s best on the body. Texture is a bit too thick for my face (I prefer the Unseen or City Serum for the face instead). This one helps protect the skin from sun and heat exposure and I really like that it helps moisturize the skin.

  • Price: $22 – $58, at Supergoop!, Sephora, Nordstrom
  • SPF: 50
  • Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7.5%
  • Other Notes: Also available in a lot of sets!

Supergoop! Glowscreen Body is one of the newer launches from Supergoop! and I absolutely love it. It’s a shimmery body lotion with SPF 40 but the glow is subtle with tiny micro sparkles. I think it’s really fun for summer!

  • Price: $42 for 100 ml, at Supergoop!, Sephora and Nordstrom
  • SPF: 40
  • Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 7%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%

Sun Bum Sunscreen Sprays are great spray sunscreens. We love picking these up at our local grocery store or Target. The original formula comes in SPF 30, 50 and 70. Love that they adhere to the skin really well once they dry. You do need to be super diligent and thorough to wash it off though.

  • Price: $15.99 for 6 oz / 170 g, at Target
  • SPF: 30 to 70
  • Active Ingredients: For SPF 30, Avobenzone 3.00%, Homosalate 10.00%, Octisalate 5.00%, Octocrylene 3.75%

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil Sunscreen with SPF 30 is one of my favorite most-used sunscreens. I love the oil formula and it’s scented with their classic Cheirosa ’62 scent. It has glitter and shimmer in it but I really love it.

  • Price: $38 for 90 ml, at Sephora
  • SPF: 30
  • Active Ingredients: Homosalate 10%, Octocrylene 10%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 3%

Face Sunscreens – Clear

Best Face Sunscreens Chanel, Shiseido, Kate Somerville

When it comes to face sunscreens, I’ve used and loved a number of formulas over the years. I still really love the ones from Supergoop! like their Unseen and City Serum but right now are rotating through a few other formulas.

Chanel UV Essentiel Complete Protection Antioxidant Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a lightweight fluid. It has a one of the thinnest textures I’ve tried. It does contain alcohol pretty high up on the list so if you have sensitivities to it, you may want to do a patch test. I like that this feels very light and I can wear under makeup easily.

  • Price: $55 for 1 fl oz, at Chanel.com
  • SPF: 50
  • Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5 %, Titanium dioxide 3.8 %, Zinc oxide 17.1 %

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
(details above at the top of the blog post)

Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40+ is one of the few mineral sunscreens I like. It has a white tint but has a minimal cast once blended into the skin for my medium/tan skin. I wouldn’t call it weightless but I also don’t find it super heavy. Leaves the skin feeling smooth with a soft dry down. I do wish they made a clear version but I like that this protects my face and is nice on no-makeup makeup days when I just need sun protection at the beach.

Tinted Sunscreens

Best Tinted Face Sunscreens

Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 is one of my favorite CC Creams, it looks great on the skin once blended it, offers medium coverage and has good sun protection. Makes the skin look super smooth and flawless! I wear the shade 326W. I recommend applying this with a sponge to blend in. Texture is semi-thick like most CC creams so blending is key. If you apply with fingers like regular clear sunscreen it will be too thick on the skin.

  • Price: $39 for 1.6 oz/47 ml, at Supergoop, Nordstrom, Sephora
  • SPF: 50
  • Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4%, Zinc Oxide 20%

Chanel CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is my other favorite CC Cream. This is one I probably wear the most for foundation and sunscreen (I wear 40 Beige). It’s a tinted moisturizer that has perfect medium to full coverage. I also recommend applying with a sponge to blend in. It has really good lasting power and gives the skin a smooth glowing look.

  • Price: $55 for 30 ml/1 fl oz, at Chanel.com
  • SPF: 50
  • Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 6.8%, Titanium dioxide 4%, Zinc oxide 15.2%

Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with SPF 36 is another great tinted sunscreen. This is an all-mineral product with a soft beige tint to it. I reviewed this one earlier in the spring and am still really impressed! I find it still works on me when I have a tan, but since it is tinted it may not blend into a transparent finish if you have fair or deep skin. I am really hoping they consider making more shades because this is a really phenomenal sunscreen!

  • Price: $55 for 74 g/2.6 oz, at Alastin
  • SPF: 36
  • Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8.9%, Zinc Oxide 3.4%

Andrew’s Favorites

Best Sunscreen for Men

When it comes to sunscreen for Andrew there are few that will hold up in Florida heat and humidity. The best one he’s tried and his absolute favorite is the Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard with SPF 45 ($21, at Nordstrom and Jack Black). It’s the most durable that stays put even with heat, sweat, water etc. He is pretty diligent about re-applying every couple of hours too. It’s one of the few bottles he repurchases. Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 8%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 3%. He also likes the Sun Bum spray to reapply or layer and for the face he also likes the Shiseido sunscreen stick. We are still on the hunt for a good face sunscreen stick he 100% loves though.

That wraps up my current sunscreen favorites! I do rotate body sunscreens more frequently than I do for the face because my skin isn’t as sensitive on my arms/legs. I’ve found a few Neutrogena options that are ok but it’s harder to find Oxybenzone free formulas from the line.

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Would love to hear about what your current favorites are! Let me know in the comments.

Gift Guide Men's Grooming Skincare

Father’s Day Gift Guide

June 18, 2021

Best Men's Skincare and Grooming Gift Ideas | The Beauty Lookbook

Happy Friday! I have a last-minute Father’s Day Gift guide in case you’re looking for ideas to gift this year. I have a roundup of some new things from Chanel that I’m completely obsessed with and I’ve also included a lot of Andrew’s favorite things.

Chanel Gift Ideas Fathers Day

Father's Day Gift Ideas from Chanel

Chanel has some classic timeless gift ideas for Father’s Day. They recently launched the Bleu de Chanel Shaving Kit ($350) and I am so impressed. The shaving brush (made of synthetic fibers) has a hefty magnetic stand that is so well made. It comes with a soft zip pouch and Bleu de Chanel Shaving Cream. Quite a splurge but this is such a beautiful gift idea. The Bleu de Chanel was one of Andrew’s favorites many years ago. He still wears the Eau de Parfum ($98 – $165). Also now available in a new All-Over Spray ($80), Twist and Spray Set ($130) and other product variations here.

The latest Les Eaux de Chanel is Paris-Edimbourg ($80 – $130) and they kindly sent a bottle for review. I’ve been a huge fan of the Les Eaux de Chanel line and this new one is unisex but pulls more masculine. A few readers raved about this as a lovely masculine scent that can still be worn by women. I know fragrance is so personal, but I feel this almost ties with Creed Aventus in a universally pleasing scent for men. It’s clean, smoky, warm with bergamot, cypress and juniper.

For Chanel skincare, I really love the new Hydra Beauty Micro Eye Gel ($68) for a refreshing smoothing eye product. I might end up keeping this for myself or order another one. Hand cream is an overlooked product for men and I think the La Creme Main ($50) has a really interesting unique packaging fun to catch any eye regardless of gender.

Best Skincare for Men Jack Black and Kiehls

If you’re looking for good skincare sets I highly recommend Jack Black and Kiehl’s. Both lines have skincare that actually works. I find myself using a lot of his products as well. The top must-haves from Jack Black for Andrew:

Kiehl’s also makes great products and sets. He recommends any of the men’s line or regular line, especially the Facial Fuel Cleanser or the Blue Herbal Spot Treatment.

Best Creed Colognes, Aventus, Silver Mountain Water, Viking Cologne

The best of the best in fragrance is from Creed. The colognes are quite the splurge and much to my wallet’s disappointment, my husband mainly want to wear or try Creed when it comes to cologne, but I do think they are so unique and high in quality it makes them worth the splurge if in your budget.

Aventus is a universal classic I think every guy should try. I know it sounds odd to think there is such a thing as a universally appealing fragrance, but I think this it! I cannot count how many times people have stopped him to ask what he is wearing when he wears this one (both men and women). The latest addition to the Creed lineup is the Viking Cologne. It pulls more masculine but still fresh with bergamot, pink pepper, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver to name a few of the notes. He also really loves Silver Mountain Water for a more clean fresh scent.

Whether you’re shopping for someone else or yourself if you haven’t tried the line before or can’t get near a counter I highly recommend checking out their Sampler Sets. They sell quickly but often get restocked. They usually come with a voucher you can use towards the purchase of a full size bottle too.

A few more ideas:

Best Father's Day Gift Ideas

1 Shaving Kit / 2 Theragun Elite (we gifted one to our trainer and he loves it) / 3 Lululemon Hat / 4 APL Slides (Andrew loves these, my bestie’s husband loves these too!) / 5 Manscapped Lawn Mower 3.0 (one of the best and most practical grooming tools he owns) / 6 Kiehl’s Set / 7 Portable Speakers / 8 Eye Gel / 9 Water Bottle / 10 Body Wash / 11 Hand Cream / 12 Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel / 13 Creed Viking Cologne / 14 Matte Sunglasses / 15 Theragun Mini / 16 Jack Black Set

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Viking Cologne and Chanel products provided for review.

Skincare

Maintaining Healthy Youthful Skin with ALASTIN Skincare

March 29, 2021

Alastin Skincare Review

I’ve been testing out a new skincare line called Alastin Skincare for the past few months and have been really impressed with their products! Alastin is a physician-dispensed skincare line with products designed to restore and renew skin and keep it healthy looking. A number of their products have what they call TriHex Technology formulated to support pre and post procedure recovery. Their medical grade skincare contains ingredients to help speed up the renewal and skin rejuvenation process.

I’ve found the line to be great for anti-aging and helping improve elasticity. This is the last year I’ll be in my 30’s and I’ve found my skin no longer has the same bounce it did when I was younger. It’s definitely needed some extra help to improve elasticity and deal with fine lines that have started to creep in. I’ve really liked everything I tried from Alastin Skincare and am thrilled to partner with them to share a closer look at what I’ve tested!

Alastin Skincare Review

Their Daily Product lineup is straight forward and easy to incorporate into your existing routine. I love that everything absorbs nicely into the skin without feeling heavy or thick. All of their products have a really nice calming component and no added fragrance.

Step 1: Cleanse

Alastin Skincare Gentle Cleanser

Gentle Cleanser is gentle and calming cleanser – one I will definitely repurchase! It has ingredients to soften and calm the skin including Oat Beta Glucan and Oat Kernel Extract. One pump is enough to cleanse the face and it’s gentle enough to use day and night. It has a nice self-foaming action and it’s especially great for days I have skin flare ups and sensitive skin.

Step 2: Renew and Restore

Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex

To renew and restore the skin Alastin has three products they recommend for daily use. The Restorative Skin Complex is a serum concentrate designed to support the product of new elastin and collagen. With regular use I noticed fine lines start to soften around the 2 month mark. It’s lightweight and my skin texture has improved with this!

Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment

The Restorative Eye Treatment is an excellent lightweight eye cream with a gel texture. It noticeably brightens and smooths the eye area and helps me with puffiness. For my skin type and needs it has the perfect texture that absorbs into the skin well. It’s great for me since I live in humid climate and it’s not too heavy or emollient.

Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

As I age, I’ve started to notice certain areas need more love and care. I’ve tried a number of neck creams but typically find them on the heavy side and rarely stick to using them consistently. The Restorative Neck Complex is lightweight lotion that was formulated to help with tightening, firming and combat skin and age discoloration on the neck. I love the packaging and truly appreciate the lightweight texture. My neck is one area I’ve neglected and I am thrilled to have found a product I actually love.

Step 3: Moisturize

Alastin Skincare Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

Alastin Skincare Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

The next step is to moisturize with their Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer which is a nice calming oil-free fragrance-free formula. As with all the products I tried I love that they have a soothing component and there is no added fragrance. This one is a great smoothing moisturizer for everyday and works with my foundations.

Step 4: Protect

Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

The HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF36 is probably my favorite item that I tried from the line! So many of you have asked for a good mineral sunscreen recommendation and this is the first one I feel like I truly love. There’s no white cast, it blends easily, isn’t too thick (although it is creamy) and does not pill on my face. I have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to a number of sunscreen formulas (both physical and chemical) and I was thrilled to find this one works for me!

It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, reef-friendly and water resistant. The product has a sheer tint to it with a beige undertone. It blends into my skin perfectly and for me it will work even once I get my summer tan although I do hope they expand this into a few other shade options. This formula is really great.

Step 5: Transform

Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment

The last product I tried is the TransFORM Body Treatment which is a lightweight body smoother. It’s a nice non-fragranced body lotion which I can apply in the morning or night. I am super picky with lotions I wear to sleep and this one is gentle and lightweight enough that it absorbs into the skin nicely without making me sticky. It helps improve texture and smooths the skin.

Alastin Skincare Review

Alastin Skincare Review

Overall I’ve been pleasantly surprised by everything I’ve tried in the Alastin Skincare range. I love their streamlined packaging and the fact that everything has a sanitary pump applicator to keep things fresh and clean. You can find their products on their website. More information about their TriHex Technology here and if you’re one who has any work done I recommend checking out their Procedure Enhancement lineup too.

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Many thanks to Alastin Skincare for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Skincare

Skincare Staples From Kiehl’s + Friends and Family Sale

March 22, 2021

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Lightweight Moisturizer

One of my go-to brands in skincare is having a Friends and Family sale and I’m excited to share an early access code for you a few days early! Kiehl’s is offering 25% off sitewide this week through 3/24 with code EARLY25 (public sale starts 3/25). I’ve partnered with them to share a closer look at a couple of skincare staples I’ve added to my routine.

Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Lightweight Moisturizer

The Ultra Facial Cream is one of their classic skincare staples. It’s a lightweight cream suitable for all skin types (even my sensitive skin). It absorbs well and never feels heavy. It contains Glacial Glycoprotein to add hydration and prevent water loss from the skin and Squalane to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. The formula layers well with their serums and sunscreens too. I especially love that there is no fragrance or scent to it. (Full ingredient list on their product page.)

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Lightweight Moisturizer

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Lightweight Moisturizer

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Lightweight Moisturizer

Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser

A new discovery for me is the Ultra Facial Cleanser. Out of all the skincare products out there, I love testing cleansers! This is a really nice foaming cleanser that is gentle, effective but won’t strip the skin. It has Squalane, Apricot Kernels and Avocado Oil. I really like this one because it cleanses the skin well without leaving it super tight. Available in two sizes including a 2.5 oz ($12) and 5.0 oz ($22).

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Lightweight Moisturizer

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Lightweight Moisturizer

The Kiehl’s Friends and Family 25% Off Sale is available with code EARLY25. Early access is open now through 3/24.

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Sponsored by Kiehl’s.

Skincare

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution Review

February 4, 2021

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

One of the most frequently asked skincare questions I get is how to treat dark spots and post-acne scars. Living in Florida I’m exposed to a lot of sunshine and I’ve experienced hyperpigmentation in patches around my cheeks from the sun. My skin is usually pretty good in terms of having minimal acne and break outs, but some are unavoidable. Even if I’m careful to not pick my face, my skin is often left with post-acne scars and dark marks. The good news is that these spots can indeed be treated! I’m excited to share a look at one of my favorite dark spot correctors from Kiehl’s today. The Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is a great serum to help brighten the skin and treat hyperpigmentation.

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector review

According to their trials, after 1 bottle:

  • 97% of women saw significant reduction in hyperpigmentation
  • 97% of women saw significant reduction in dark spots
  • 87% saw reduction in post acne scars

The Kiehl’s Dark Spot Solution formula has Activated C (stabilized form of Vitamin C) to help with dullness and uneven skin tone. It also contains Buffered Salicylic Acid to break up discoloration.

Full ingredient list: AQUA / WATER • PROPYLENE GLYCOL • GLYCERIN • ALCOHOL DENAT. • PEG/PPG/POLYBUTYLENE GLYCOL-8/5/3 GLYCERIN • HYDROXYPROPYL TETRAHYDROPYRANTRIOL • 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID • PPG-6-DECYLTETRADECETH-30 • PHENOXYETHANOL • SALICYLIC ACID • XANTHAN GUM • HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE • POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE • CITRIC ACID • SODIUM CITRATE • TOCOPHERYL ACETATE • LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA OIL / LAVENDER OIL • DISODIUM EDTA • ADENOSINE • LINALOOL • BUTYLENE GLYCOL • TOCOPHEROL • CITRUS AURANTIUM TACHIBANA PEEL EXTRACT • PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA ROOT EXTRACT

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

You can use this serum a number of ways, either as a spot treatment or as an all over face serum morning and night. Kiehl’s recommends using the serum to treat discoloration on hands, neck or chest which I am going to try soon!

My favorite way to use this is as a spot treatment on areas that I have noticeable darker patches or sun spots. For acne scars and discoloration I feel it’s important to treat those as soon as possible to prevent longer-term scarring.

Seeing results will take time and consistent use. Time to see results will depend on the level of hyperpigmentation or discoloration you have. For my cheek bone sun spots I saw a noticeable difference within a couple of weeks. For my acne scars, I usually see dark spots form immediately after the acne has healed. The dark spots stay around for weeks and don’t fade until the skin has fully regenerated and everything has resurfaced. I applied the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution as a spot treatment on my chin area where I had break outs and the scars started to fade immediately. It significantly sped up the healing process for my post-acne scars. I can’t emphasize how important it is to treat acne scars as soon as you can to prevent discoloration from developing and settling in. It’s also important to combine brightening treatments with SPF and moisturizer to protect and nourish the skin.

Bottom line is I think it’s definitely worth checking out. My husband Andrew also struggles with hyperpigmentation on his cheekbones and is super diligent about wearing sunscreen and trying dark spot treatments. He’s started to use this and I’m excited to see what he thinks!

Kiehl's Skincare favorites

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

You can find the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution available at Kiehl’s. Use the code CLEARLY15 for 15% off any purchase (this excludes sets and cannot be combined with other promos). Do you have any favorites from their line?

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Sponsored by Kiehl’s.

Holiday Gift Guide Skincare

Cute Holiday Gift Ideas for the Bath and Body Lover

December 17, 2020

The Body Shop Holiday Gift Ideas | The Beauty Lookbook

Christmas is quickly approaching and if you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas I have some cute ones to share from The Body Shop! They have tons of great gift sets and bundles at multiple price points. There is something for everyone whether you’re shopping for a loved one, friend or looking for something to treat yourself.

The Body Shop Holiday Gift Ideas | The Beauty Lookbook

The Body Shop Holiday Gift Guide: Little Gift Box

One of my favorite sets is the Warm Vanilla Little Gift Box ($25). They’ve packaged up some great body products in a Shower Gel, Body Yogurt, Hand Cream and mini Body Scrub. The shower gel is really amazing, and I love that this vanilla is warm and well-balanced. The Body Yogurt is a lightweight moisturizer and absorbs beautifully into the skin. They carry this set in a other scents too like the Nourishing Shea, Soothing Almond Milk & Honey, Hand-Cracked Coconut and a few others too.

The Body Shop Holiday Gift Warm Vanilla Set | The Beauty Lookbook

The Body Shop Holiday Gift Warm Vanilla Set | The Beauty Lookbook

Mask Duo

For the skincare lover the Day and Night Mask Duo ($45) has a Nicaraguan Coffee Intense Awakening Face Mask for day and the Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask. The coffee mask is a gentle warming exfoliating mask you leave on for 5-10 minutes. It has sesame seed oil, cocoa and shea butter to soften the skin – I was so impressed with this one! It’s gentle on the exfoliating properties and after rinsing off my skin felt so incredibly smooth, soft and refreshed. The overnight mask is made with Hemp Seed oil and aloe vera to help soothe dry skin. It has a soothing earthy scent to it and very hydrating.

The Body Shop Mask Duo Set

Hair Care Set

For the hair care lover they have some cute hair sets! I tried the Puree Bliss Banana Hair Care Duo ($20) which comes with the Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner along with a fun banana print hair wrap. Both have a fresh fruity banana scent that lathers up nicely in the shower or bath. They rinse out to leave a subtle scent so it’s not too fruity. My hair really likes both for a good clean feel.

The Body Shop Banana Hair Care Set

The Body Shop Banana Hair Care Set

Sharable Hand Cream Set

The cutest gift set is the Squeeze and Share Hand Cream Cracker Set ($28). It comes with six individually boxed hand creams. They’re perfect to split up for stocking stuffers or to give as gifts to coworkers! The Almond Milk and Honey is my favorite – it has a really nice scent with a light almost gel-like texture. It absorbs into the hands well leaving them soft, hydrated and not sticky.

The Body Shop Squeeze and Share Hand Cream Cracker Set

The Body Shop Holiday Gift Guide

The Body Shop Holiday Gift Guide

I hope you enjoyed this holiday roundup! If you’re doing last minute shopping I suggest you order soon! Also don’t forget to check out their Special Offers/Sale Page to see what GWPs and sales they have going on!

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Many thanks to The Body Shop for partnering to sponsor this post.

Beauty Favorites Skincare

Winter Dry Skin Savers

December 7, 2020

Winter Dry Skin Savers | The Beauty Lookbook

The dry season is officially here in South Florida and although our winters are mild compared to everywhere else we’ve had some fairly cold days and nights. My skin has been going nuts with the weather change and everything is dry! I’ve rounded up my favorite hydration heroes for body, hands and lips. If you have any favorites you swear by, please let me know in the comments!

Body Care

Best Body Treatments Chanel, Sisley, Necessaire, Augustinus Bader

marble tray from Crate and Barrel

Body care favorites:

  • Sisley Velvet Nourishing Body Cream with Saffron Flowers* ($150 for 200 ml/6.7 fl oz) is the best velvety body cream I have ever tried, it’s quite expensive but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy once it’s used up, it has the same scent as their Velvet Sleeping Mask with Saffron Flowers – it’s a super soft almost powdery floral that is very soothing and pleasant
  • Chanel Huile Douce Gentle Oil Hair and Body* has been one of my favorite body oils – it looks like it has been discontinued but they still have the Scented Options in L’Huile Orient, L’Huile Jasmin, L’Huile Vanille and L’Huile Rose – I may splurge on one for myself for the holiday
  • Augustinus Bader Body Lotion ($35 for 30 ml or $95 for 100 ml) is something I bought over the summer, back then it was a little too rich for my taste, but now that the dry season is here I find it perfect, it is hydrating and there’s no fragrance – it has a semi-matte finish in the drydown
  • Necessaire Body Lotion ($25 for 200 ml/6.8 oz) is my favorite day-time unscented body cream, it’s gentle, effective and doesn’t interfere with perfume

Also love:

Hand Creams

Best Hand Creams La Mer, Chanel, Kiehl's, L'Occitane

Favorites for the hands:

  • La Mer Hand Treatment ($90 for 3.4 oz the full size option, note that mine is a mini) is one of my latest loves for hand treatments, I bought mine as part of the limited-edition holiday Rejuvenating Hydration Set ($95) which seems to be selling out nearly everywhere (as of now still available at Net-A-Porter and Blue Mercury). It’s silky, emollient and super luxurious!
  • Chanel La Crème Main in all the formulas have been staples for me, I really like the original La Crème Main for the velvety finish, for those who need more moisture the Texture Riche or Le Lift La Crème Main are better options
  • L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm ($19 for 1.7 oz or $36 for 5.3 oz) was something one of my sweet readers sent to me a year ago (the only fan mail I’ve received!) – she was so sweet to send me one she bought while traveling and the large tube lasted quite a long time! They’ve since launched a smaller tube which is purse friendly, it’s a thicker version of their Classic Shea Butter Hand Cream which I also love
  • Kiehl’s also makes great hand creams, so many of you have said you swear by the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve as the best unscented option (I agree it’s great! available in multiple sizes), I also really like their scented options in the Lavender and Grapefruit – they have a nice Healthy Hands Trio ($35) I highly recommend getting (and fast because it’s selling out quickly)
  • Molton Brown also makes great scented hand creams, I love the Fiery Pink Pepper* ($15) the best although their new Flora Luminaire* ($15) is also really lovely!

Cuticle Care

Best Cuticle Treatments OPI, Dior, CND, Olive and June

Cuticle care favorites:

  • CND Essentials Solar Oil Care Pen ($12.99 for 2.5 ml) is one that always makes the best-of lists for so many magazines, I bought the click brush pen version recently and really like it – it seems a little pricey for the amount you get, but it works well (also available in the Bottle with Brush Applicator)
  • Dior Huile Daily Nutritive Serum ($28) has been one of my holy grail cuticle oils but is so hard to find as it’s always selling out, you can still find this at Dior.com – if you see it at your local counter I highly recommend you pick it up!
  • OPI Pro Spa Nail and Cuticle Oil* was something I received recently in a PR package and it seems to come in a few formats, the one I have is a 0.29 fl oz dropper style ($9.95 available on Amazon). It helps with dry cuticles and a little goes a very long way. It also comes in a Bottle (.5 fl oz for $15.95) or a To Go Brush Applicator (.25 oz for $9.50)
  • Olive and June Cuticle Serum* ($15.99 for 1 at Target, or $30 for 2 at Olive and June, .13 fl oz) comes in a pen applicator with a sponge tip, if you’re one who doesn’t like the super emollient feel of oils, you will love this because it’s a serum that is more like a sponge-on cream vs a drippy liquid oil. It softens cuticles, it’s easy to use and works!

Lip Favorites

Best Lip Balms Fresh, By Terry, Tatcha

small round marble tray from Goop, makeup bag is Cuyana

Lip care favorites right now:

  • Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask ($28) – best cushiony clear gel like lip mask you can wear during the day or leave on over night
  • By Terry Baume de Rose* ($60) – best soothing thick lip cream (also available in a tube form with a slightly sheerer feel and finish, it’s not as thick but just as hydrating)
  • La Mer Lip Volumizer ($80) – not really a lip balm, but more of a smoothing lip volumizer with a serum feel, it leaves my lips feeling super soft and smooth
  • Fresh Sugar anything! I’ve been loving the Sugar Advance Therapy Treatment Lip Balm* ($26) because it comes in a tube form and doesn’t require fingers to apply. I do really love the Sugar Hydrating Lip Balms* ($18) like the Caramel, Coconut and Lime Mint ones as well.

What are some of your favorites?

 

 

Press samples indicated with a *. Others purchased by me.