How To Update Your Beauty & Wellness Routines This Fall (As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”

Just as the seasons change, so should our skin care, hair care, and fitness routines. I stopped by CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” yesterday to chat about how to look and feel your best as we fall deeper into autumn and prepare for the chilly months ahead. Make sure to check out the segment above (or click here to view it on CBSAustin.com) and keep reading for more details on all the items shown on air!

CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM

Have you ever looked in the mirror during the cooler months of the year and gasped, thinking, I look old! Well, you’re not alone: most women find that their skin looks more fatigued —not to mention drier and duller — during fall and winter. To keep skin looking youthful and vibrant year-round, I recommend using the Clarins Double Serum ($88 at ClarinsUSA.com), which is the only anti-aging serum that optimizes the skin’s five vital functions: regeneration, oxygenation, nutrition, hydration, and protection.

It’s a dual-phase serum powered by 20 plant extracts including turmeric, which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Other botanical extracts include banana, avocado, goji berry, horse chestnut, kiwi, quinoa, edelweiss, and ginger lily. The serum helps the skin identify and fulfill its needs— all while boosting radiance, minimizing fine lines, and evening out skin tone. And because of its Hydric + Lipidic System which mimics the skin’s balance of oil and water, the serum is readily absorbed by the skin for maximum efficacy. And did I mention it smells amazing?

ONEOSEVEN COREFLEX COLLECTION

Many of us use vinegar to clean our homes, but did you know vinegar also has a number of beauty benefits? For starters, it has antibacterial properties so it can help to combat breakouts and tone skin. It also contains hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin, making it appear brighter and evening out skin tone, and it has anti-inflammatory benefits so it soothes the complexion.

ONEOSEVEN is a Korean skincare brand built on the foundation of 100% naturally fermented vinegar from Korea’s Hanega  Brewery, a family-owned operation that’s been around for 35 generations. What makes Hanega vinegar so special is that it’s produced in a way that maximizes the anti-aging amino acids naturally formed during the fermentation process. In fact, all the products in the COREFLEX collection contain 7 rejuvenating amino acids derived from 7-year-aged Hanega vinegar. In addition to amino acids, these skincare products contain a number of Korean herbs and natural ingredients designed to maximize their efficacy.

One of my favorite products in the collection is the COREFLEX Essential Liquid ($64 at GothamGrove.com), a refreshing spray-on mist that contains amino acids as well as hydrating safflower extract and lactobacillus, probiotic derived from fermented soy milk that helps to prevent and treat breakouts. You can spray it on right after cleansing and toning the skin and you can also apply it throughout the day for a bit of a pick-me-up.

For best results, you can apply the Essential Liquid and then follow that with th moisturizing COREFLEX Cream Essence ($73 at GothamGrove.com), which tightens and brightens the skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture and infuse it into skin for long-lasting hydration, and rosehip seed extract, which is rich in vitamin E and polyphenols.

To give yourself a spa-like experience, you can apply the brightening COREFLEX Snow Mask ($3 at GothamGrove.com), a 100% cotton sheet mask infused with pearl extract, which stimulates collagen production and brightens the skin; bee propolis extract, which helps to balance the skin, soothe problematic skin, and unclog pores; and snail slime, a common ingredient in K-beauty formulas that’s known to seal in moisture and help in wound healing.

IT COSMETICS YOUR SKIN BUT BETTER CC+ CREAM OIL-FREE MATTE WITH SPF 40

I get weak in the knees when it comes to IT Cosmetics’ Your Skin But Better CC+ creams since they offer full coverage that still looks natural and believable, all while providing protection from UV rays, and helping to even out the skin tone. And so I was ready to break out the cigars and candy bars upon the arrival of its latest addition to the family: the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40 ($38 at Sephora and Sephora.com).

Perfect for those with combination or oily skin — as well as those who struggle with mid-day shine, live in humid and oft-muggy climates, or just prefer a matte complexion to a dewy one — this oil-free CC cream contains mattifying ingredients like detoxifying charcoal, tea tree extract to combat blemishes, and colloidal clay to absorb excess oil and, like its predecessors, it delivers full coverage and contains color-correcting pigments that conceal any dark spots, redness, blemishes, and discoloration. Plus — get this — since it contains anti-aging and hydrating ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this CC Cream won’t dry out the skin or wind up looking cake-y. It actually looks seamless and keeps you shine-free all day long, while also minimizing the appearance of your pores, giving you an airbrushed-looking complexion that’s flawless.

FLORA 1761 NAIL LACQUERS

For me, pumpkin spice season means I can finally flaunt some elegant, full-bodied, rich, decadent nail polish colors — and Flora 1761 has us all covered this season with luxurious hues that will make your manicure a masterpiece.

Flora 1761 is a women-owned company that specializes in nail lacquers that are 8-free (meaning they contain none of the potentially harmful chemicals found in most nail polishes such as formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor), vegan, and cruelty-free. They’re also made right here in the USA.

All of the brand’s shades are inspired by lush blossoms botanicals and are named accordingly so that, within the Perennials Collection, you’ll find polishes with names like Maiden Rose (a classic warm red), Crimson Peony (a rich burgundy), Black Iris (a deep and vamp-y black currant hue) and Chrysanthemum (a moody plum). These four shades can be worn year-round, but there’s an opulence and a splendor to them that makes them perfect for autumn.

Each retails for $16 at Flora1761.com and you can enjoy free shipping on orders over $30.

THE FLEX BRUSH

After exposing our strands to the sun’s UV rays — not to mention the chlorine found in pools — during the summer months, our hair winds up weaker and more vulnerable to damage come autumn. In order to avoid exacerbating any existing damage,  it’s important to treat our hair kindly. One way to do so is by using The FLEX Brush ($19.95 for The Flex Brush Petite Mixed Bristle and $25.95 for The Flex Brush XL Mixed Bristle at TheFlexBrush.com). The brainchild of Angelo David, a renowned New York-based hair stylist and salon owner, and  Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools, The Flex Brush is completely different from traditional hair brushes, which are very stiff and rigid. It’s made from natural rubber and so it bends and flexes, adapting to the contours of the head. It’s great for detangling because it loosens knots without any pulling, tugging or yanking that can result in split ends, static, frizz, frayed ends, and weak roots — not to mention pain! Even kids adore this brush precisely because of its gentleness.

The Flex Brush can be used on wet or dry hair, and it features vents that allow air to pass right through, so that you can blow dry strands easily. And here’s the cherry on top: because the brush manages to meet the scalp perfectly, applying just the right amount of pressure, it stimulates circulation therein and boosts the production of natural oils, thereby promoting hair growth.

JOICO THE BLONDE LIFE COLLECTION

Heidi Klum once said that, “Going blonde is like buying yourself a light bulb.” As a long-time faux blonde, I can relate to that sentiment. It’s true that a glistening golden or platinum blonde mane can turn heads, but that “glistening” word is key. It’s all about keeping that light bulb (meaning your blonde strands) from dimming. And that’s what you can expect with the Joico The Blonde Life collection, which is comprised of care and styling products for blonde hair that’s been bleached or processed. These products banish brassiness, off-tones, and fading — all while protecting hair from UV damage, minimizing frizz, boosting shine, and softening strands. Key ingredients in the collection include arginine, a naturally-occurring amino acid that helps to replenish and repair dehydrated and distressed strands, and a blend of Polynesian and Tahitian tamanu and manoi oils that hydrate hair and increase shine.

The line includes the sulfate-free Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo ($17.99 at ULTA and ULTA.com) and Brightening Conditioner ($18.99 at ULTA and ULTA.com), along with the Brightening Masque ($20.99at ULTA and ULTA.com), a quick-rinse treatment that revitalizes strands and eliminates brassiness in just 2-5 minutes, and the Brightening Veil ($18.99 at ULTA and ULTA.com), a leave-in that offers thermal protection and defense against UV rays.

But the two products that make me swoon the most are the brand new Blonde Life Brilliant Glow Brightening Oil ($22.99 at ULTA and ULTA.com) and the Brilliant Tone Violet Smoothing Foam ($21.99 at ULTA and ULTA.com). I love the foam because it instantly eliminates any brassiness, toning hair while smoothing it. The Brightening Oil, meanwhile, contains coconut oil, hydrolyzed keratin, and oat peptides to eliminate frizz, strengthen strands, and gives hair a diamond-worthy shine. Another asset of this leave-in styling oil is that it’s crystal clear, which is an important consideration for blondes since colored oils (like argan, olive, and almond oils) can actually stain our strands and have an unwanted yellowing effect.

HAIR DETOX

You may think of hair loss as a male problem but, in actuality, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that 40% of women experience hair loss by age 40. Nowadays, women seem to be losing their hair earlier and earlier in life, with a growing number of millenials admitting to grappling with the problem. Why the premature hair loss? Well, many factors contribute to hair thinning and hair loss — among them stress, hormonal imbalances, and protein- or zinc-deficient diets. Some speculate that the growing number of young women losing their strands could be a reflection of the fast and relentless pace of modern life and the stress that accompanies it. Others speculate that many young people who have embraced vegan or vegetarian diets could be missing important nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein. Luckily, there’s finally a lifestyle supplement that addresses the many internal and external factors that contribute to hair thinning and hair loss: Hair Detox ($59.99 at HairDetox.com)

Created by Angelo David, Hair Detox for Women contains 5,000 micrograms of biotin per serving (that’s 16,000 times the daily recommended dosage!), as well as hydrolyzed keratin, both of which support the body’s natural ability to promote hair growth. And while many hair supplements are centered on the powers of biotin, Hair Detox goes way beyond that. For starters, it incorporates a Detox Matrix Blend comprised of all-natural ingredients like dandelion root powder, cranberry extract, green tea leaf extract, aloe vera leaf powder, and milk thistle seed extract that help to combat nutritional deficiencies, environmental aggressors, and hormonal imbalances. It also features a Stress Relief Matrix Blend made of ingredients like saw palmetto berry extract, gotu kola herb powder, holy basil leaf powder, and L-theanine that counteract the effects of stress.

If you take two capsules daily, you’ll be well on your way to achieving longer, shinier, healthier, thicker hair.

And gals, there’s a Hair Detox for Men, so make sure to pick that up so you and your bae can both let your manes down!

DESIGNER PROTEIN TOTALLY EGG COLLECTION

Now that we’ve made it through the sweltering summer days when the sun and humidity felt downright oppressive, many of us are getting back to our groove when it comes to our workouts. Whether your workout of choice involves barre exercises, pilates, jogging, trail running, interval training, yoga, or kickboxing, you should complement your cardio sessions with a healthy diet in order to achieve optimum health and fitness. One important thing to consider: experts suggest that we consume some protein within an hour after exercising in order to help rebuild and repair muscle tissue.  An easy way to do so is with a yummy and nutritious protein shake. On that note, the new Designer Protein Totally Egg protein powder ($19.99 at DesignerProtein.com), which is available in Dutch Chocolate or Classic Vanilla.

Each serving features 24 grams of natural egg white and egg yolk protein— that’s the amount of protein you’d get from consuming 3 eggs, but with 50% fewer calories and 98% less cholesterol. It also contains vitamins B2 and B12, which support energy metabolism. And, since it contains 0 grams of sugar and only 2 grams of carbs per serving, it’s a great choice for those following a keto diet.

To get your protein fix, mix two scoops with H2O, coconut water, or almond milk, or get creative and make yourself a yummy green smoothie with a protein punch.

TRAQ BY ALEGRIA SHOES

We’ve seen wearable tech in the form of smart watches and activity trackers, and now we have smart shoes. The new TRAQ by Alegria shoes aren’t just adorable and amazingly comfort (the ergonomically designed footbed provides ample cushioning and support) — they also feature a built-in pedometer.

Embedded in each shoe’s outsole is a Q-Chip that accurately counts your steps. All you have to do is download the free TRAQ by Alegria app on your smartphone (if you enable Bluetooth activity on your phone as you’re unboxing your shoes, the app will show up so you can easily download) and then follow the in-app steps to connect your shoes to the app. Once you’ve completed this setup, you can easily keep track of your daily, weekly, and monthly step activity. On the app, you can also connect with friends and family members  set fitness goals together, and compete for a spot on the leaderboard.

The kicker: unlike most wearable fitness trackers, you never have to charge these — ever. Another plus: these shoes are so cute, you’ll actually want to go for a stroll in them. Can you really say that about your Fitbit? Probably not! These walking shoes will actually add a stylish touch to your outfit, giving you all the more motivation to get up and get moving!

The lace-up Qest and Qarma shoe styles pictured first and second above are lightweight and feature a padded collar and slip-resistant outsoles. They’re available in a number of colors and patterns and retail for $98.95 each at AlegriaShoes.com

Visit TRAQshoes.com for more info and to find a retailer near you.

GREEN CHEF MEAL KIT SUBSCRIPTION

Meal subscription services have been trending for the last few years — and with good reason! After all, they’re extremely convenient for those with busy schedules who struggle to find the time to venture to the supermarket and scoop up some fresh ingredients every week. Also, each box comes with high-quality ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes that keep your creative juices flowing in the kitchen so you can avoid falling into a cooking rut. The problem: until now, most of these meal subscription services haven’t offered options for those with dietary restrictions. Enter Green Chef, a USDA-certified meal kit subscription service that caters to those with very specific dietary needs such as those in need of gluten-free, paleo, keto, vegetarian and vegan meals.

Here’s how it works: you just log onto GreenChef.com, pick the right meal plan for you (there’s a 2-person plan which consists of 3 dinners for two people every week, and a family plan which consists of 2 dinners for a family of four per week), and specify your dietary needs. The pricing varies depending on the plan you choose but they range from $10.99 to $12.99 per meal. Once you’ve subscribed, you’ll receive a box each week, and it will be filled with premium organic ingredients that are pre-measured as well as sauces that are pre-made, along with step-by-step recipes with helpful photos. If, for instance, you pick the 2-person plan, you’ll find 3 pre-sealed brown bags, each labeled to specify which dish’s ingredients it contains (the label, for example, might say “Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce,” “Sriracha Cauliflower Wings,” “Coconut Shrimp Curry,” or “Tuna Poke Bowl”). In the bag labeled “Coconut Shrimp Curry,” for instance, you might riced cauliflower (in a pre-sealed bag, of course), a red bell pepper, a single lime, a bag of cilantro, a pre-made coconut sauce, a packet of curry seasoning, a bag of peas, toasted coconut flakes, and cashews. The proteins, meanwhile, will be packed separately, each one in its own vacuum-sealed pack. All of these components — the brown bags with the grains, veggies, fruits, seeds, seasonings, fruits, nuts, spices, and pre-made sauces, as well as the proteins — are packaged carefully and kept on ice so that everything will stay fresh in the box until you get home and open it up.

Most dishes take 30 minutes or less to prepare, and the recipes are creative and fun so you can tap into your inner Master Chef!