Kick Off 2018 On The Right Note With These Confidence-Boosting Beauty Products — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”!
We all know the saying, “When you look good, you feel good,” and there’s a lot of truth to that idiom since, when we feel like we’re presenting the best version of ourselves to the universe, we feel more confident and empowered. On that note, I stopped by CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” yesterday to talk about some beauty products that are bound to make you feel emboldened as you tackle your goals this year. Check out the two-part segment in the videos embedded above or click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.
Read on for more details on all the products showcased and why they’re perfect for kicking off 2018 on the right note!
FEED YOUR HAIR, SKIN, AND NAILS WITH SWISSE WELLNESS SUPPLEMENTS
Supplements and beauty ingestibles have been steadily growing in popularity as more research reveals the connection between inner health and outer beauty. These days, I take so many supplements, vitamins, and probiotics that I practically need one of those weekly pill organizers! That said, it’s all part of taking a 360 approach towards beauty and wellness.
One of my absolute favorite supplements is the Swisse Ultiboost: Hair Skin Nails, which is available in both liquid and tablet form. These supplements were developed using scientific evidence about the nutrients that work best from within to deliver tangible results. For instance, collagen cannot be applied topically as it’s too large a molecule to penetrate the skin’s epidermis so those supplements that contain collagen building blocks. For instance, silica helps your body build collagen; moreover, it ensures that a connection is made between collagen and proteoglycans (a protein compound found in connective cell tissue) so that they form resilient frameworks. These supplements, then, contain silica, as well as vitamin C, which also plays an important role in collagen formation. And, since collagen is essential to healthy and lustrous hair, radiant and bouncy skin, and strong and healthy nails, these supplements help you enjoy a trifecta of beauty benefits. I personally love taking the supplement in tablet form, but those of you who hate pills (or who just want to drink something yummy) will love the sweet-tasting liquid version, which contains blood orange extract sourced from Sicily.
Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails, $24.99 in liquid form and $34.99 in tablet form. Available at Amazon.com, Walgreens.com, iHerb.com, and LuckyVitamin.com
SAIL SMOOTHLY THROUGH 2018 WITH CLIO’S GROOMING DEVICES
Remember that scene in the Sex and the City movie when Miranda was sunbathing by the pool in her swimsuit and Samantha practically shrieked at the sight of her overgrown lady garden? Well, no one wants that! Whether you need to do some serious landscaping or you just need to touch up your bikini line, you can avoid all hairy situations with the Clio Palmperfect Bikini Trimmer ($9 at HEB, Target, Walmart and other mass market retailers), the newest device from Clio, the #1 women’s personal care appliance brand.
This handy electric grooming device (pictured second above) features an innovative dual blade system, so that the larger, wide-tooth blade can be used to trim longer hairs (and you can pick between the three included trimming guides to cut as much or as little as desired), while the mini blade lets you work through sensitive areas along the bikini line and eliminate any stubble — all without any pain, irritation, nicks and cuts, or razor bumps.
Another great device is the Clio Palmperfect Electric Shaver ($9 at HEB, Target, Walmart and other mass market retailers), which can be used on legs, underarms, and even the face. This compact and portable device has a smart ergonomic design, so that it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, and it features a dual-clipper blade for painless and fuss-free shaving, plus it comes in adorable prints.
The best part is that both of these devices are water-dafe so you can use them in or out of the shower, and you can use them on wet or dry skin. I actually keep the Clio Palmperfect Electric Shaver in my gym bag since I tend to miss tiny spots when shaving (a random patch along the ankle, for instance). It’s the epitome of convenience!
GET GLOWING WITH DERMA E!
It’s safe to say that, no matter where you live (whether it’s Texas, Kentucky, New York, or Chicago), most of us are ready to say goodbye to this brutal winter season. The harsh cold weather often takes a toll on our complexions too, leaving our skin looking dull and lifeless. To nurse it back to life and feel like you’ve got your glow back, I suggest trying these radiance-boosting products from eco-ethical, Southern California-based beauty brand Derma E.
For an instant beach-y glow, there’s the Derma E Radiant Glow Face Oil by Sunkiss Alba ($22.50 at Whole Foods and Ulta stores and at DermaE.com), which contain three oils that work wonders when applied to skin: jojoba oil, which is soothing, hydrating, and has antibacterial properties, and which the skin readily drinks up; argan oil, which is rich in omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids that nourish, soften, and rejuvenate skin; and sea buckthorn oil, which contains 12 times as much vitamin C as an orange and which is one of the only sources in nature of the rare fatty acid omega-7, which can make skin appear lifted and firm. In addition to the long-term benefits of these botanical oils, this product gives you instant satisfaction since it contains golden mica particles that give the skin a natural-looking shimmer.
I often talk about vitamin C and how crucial it is to those seeking brighter and more luminous skin. Well, on that note, I recommend trying the Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum ($24.50 at Whole Foods and Ulta stores and at DermaE.com), which contains a stable, non-oxidizing form of vitamin C that will boost radiance, help to fade dark spots and even out skin tone, and which will boost collagen production, resulting in less visible wrinkles and fine lines. The serum also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to bind moisture to skin, further helping to make skin appear more vibrant and youthful.
To complete the radiance-boosting regimen, there’s the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub ($32.50 at Whole Foods and Ulta stores and at DermaE.com). This gentle scrub features an exclusive crystal blend to buff away dead surface skin cells and reveal a more luminous complexion. Moreover, it contains Dead Sea Salt, which will detoxify the skin, and a citrus oil blend that will invigorate the senses and heighten radiance.
FIRM THINGS UP WITH NUBODY
Remember when Bridget Jones mentioned her “wobbly bits” in the original movie? Well, most of us have some jiggly parts too that we want to firm right up. Luckily, NuFace just unveiled a new weapon in the fight against cellulite and sagging skin: the NuBody Skin Toning Device ($399 at MyNuFace.com). This innovative gadget is the first FDA-cleared, at-home micro-current device that helps to visibly firm and tone body skin.
How does it work, you ask? Well, the handheld device features four treatment spheres that conduct a strong but gentle micro-current which, in turn, stimulates the muscles in the treatment area and gives them a bit of a workout. By doing so, the device also helps to make the skin above these muscles appear more taut, minimizing the appearance of dimpled skin. To use, you simply apply a thin layer of the Gel Primer to the treatment area (the device can be used on upper arms, abs, buttocks, and thighs), power on the NuBody device, and place the spheres directly on the skin, rolling them over the surface. It takes only 5 minutes to treat each zone you’re targeting, and will deliver results that are next to impossible to achieve through diet and exercise alone.
EXPERIMENT WITH NEW HAIR STYLES USING SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL’S OSiS+ SESSION LABEL
When it comes to hair styles, most of us tend to stick to a handful of options — maybe a high ponytail or a French braid, beach waves or pin-straight strands — maybe your go-to is a high ponytail, a French braid, a bun, or beach waves — and, after a while, it feels like we’ve exhausted our repertoire. So, if this year you want to experiment with new hairstyles you’ve seen in magazines or on Pinterest and Instagram, then you’ll need the right tools for the task.
The Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Session Label is the creme de la creme of styling product ranges, all formulated using state of the art technology and trendy earthy ingredients like crystal rock, lava rock, and charcoal powder.
The OSiS+ Session Label Miracle 15 ($25 at Ulta.com) is the ultimate styling balm, offering 15 different results. Among other feats, this versatile product detangles strands, offers UV protection, defends against static, prevents hair breakage, adds shine, and provides heat tool protection.
For volume, you can reach for the OSiS+ Session Label Powder Cloud ($25 at Ulta.com), a spray-on powder infused with lava rock that helps to give strands texture, adds a matte rough finish, and also offers lift. I personally love spraying it onto roots when I want a bit more volume along the crown area.
Last but not least, there’s the OSiS+ Sesion Label Crystal Gel ($25 at Ulta.com), a flexible and malleable gel infused with crystal rock extract that’s easy to manipulate and helps to shape hair exactly as desired while offering strong hold. What’s spectacular about this gel is that it won’t leave hair looking or feeling wet, plus it doesn’t create that crunchy texture or that helmet head effect that we sometimes associate with gel. In other words, it’s the ultimate gel.
CONQUER ACNE WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE BETTER SKIN CO.
Acne can really take a toll on one’s self-esteem. Studies show that breakouts make everyone feel more self-conscious — not just tweens and teens, but also adults. Finding the right skincare regiment to eradicate blemishes, then, can be the key to a major confidence boost. And now the Better Skin Co. is helping us in the quest to banish breakouts.
No matter your skin type, you can always keep skin clear and blemish-free with the Better Skin Co.’s Lava Magik ($32 for 2 oz. and $58 for 4 oz; available at TheBetterSkinCo.com), an innovative product that can be used as a cleanser, scrub, or face mask. The key ingredient in this product is volcanic lava from France, which has both antibacterial and antioxidant benefits. If you read through the product’s ingredients, you’ll notice pumice listed at the top; well, that’s because it contains finely milled pumice powder, derived from the pumice rocks that are produced as a result of volcanic activity, which functions as a gentle exfoliant. You’ll also notice that the product contains a ton of minerals like iron and potassium, which are found in high concentrations in volcanic lava.
In addition to volcanic lava, this multi-purpose product contains orange oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties; parsley extract, which helps to detoxify the skin; and soothing calendula and chamomile extracts.
To use as a cleanser, you can simply mix a pea-sized amount with water, apply it onto wet skin, and rinse. To use as a twice weekly exfoliant, meanwhile, you’ll want to apply it to wet skin and massage onto face using circular motions for 30-60 seconds. And lastly, to use as a mask, apply a thin layer to skin, leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.
Now, if you feel like you’re getting a blemish, resist the urge to poke it and squeeze it! Instead, reach for the Better Skin Co. Zit No More ($18; available at TheBetterSkinCo.com), a spot treatment featuring salycilic acid, tea trea oil, rosehip oil and rosewood oil that works to dry out pimples while also healing them. The treatment comes in a portable tube with a rollerball tip so you can stash it in even the teeniest of clutches, and the formula goes on clear, so you can wear under makeup.
Through Feb. 14th, visit TheBetterSkinCo.com and save 25% off your entire order with the code SKIN.
HYDRATE AND NOURISH SKIN WITH MURAD’S LATEST INNOVATIONS
Most os us take vitamins every morning, right? Well, our skin needs its vitamins too! That’s why Murad unveiled its first-ever multi-vitamin oil, the Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil ($72 at Murad.com). This lightweight face oil features six vitamins — A through F — that work synergistically to firm the skin, boost hydration, even skin tone, balance oil production, and defend skin from free radicals.
What does each vitamin accomplish? Well, vitamin A is an anti-aging powerhouse, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting skin firmness. Vitamin B, meanwhile, soothes the skin and balances oil production. Vitamin C, as we know, does wonders in terms of improving the skin’s radiance, and it also promotes collagen production, so that it boasts both brightening and anti-aging benefits. Vitamin D helps to improve the skin’s barrier function so that it can better retain moisture and also more effectively defend itself against UV rays and pollution. Vitamin E softens skin and has excellent antioxidant benefits, intercepting free radicals to prevent skin damage. Lastly, vitamin F is a combination of essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 that helps to improve the skin’s texture, so it looks smoother and more supple, and which also reinforces the skin’s barrier function.
The oil can be applied directly to a clean and dry face or it can be mixed with foundation to give your makeup some skin-loving benefits or added to your moisturizer to give it a boost and make it all the more effective. Moreover, this oil can be applied to hair or nails, so it’s beyond versatile.
In addition to vitamins, our skin needs moisture. After all, when skin is hydrated, that’s when it looks the most supple, bouncy, youthful, and radiant. To quench the skin’s thirst, Murad developed its groundbreaking Nutrient-Charged Water Gel ($60 at Sephora.com), which features an oil-free, lightweight, water-based formula and features a Cumulative Hydration Release Technology so that it instantly restores lost moisture while also increasing moisture retention for up to 5 days. What’s most remarkable about this product, then, is that it instantly moisturizes the skin while also going a step beyond to ensure long-lasting hydration thanks to a blend of 5 minerals, 5 peptides, and 5 vitamins that help to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier. With this product, your skin will never be thirsty again!
