Summer Beauty Essentials — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”

While summer doesn’t officially start until June 20th, here in Austin, we’re already experiencing temperatures in the upper 90s and off-the-charts UV index readings, so it’s safe to say the season has arrived in early bird fashion. And since summer living means an entirely different set of beauty needs, I’ve got some great product suggestions to protect your skin from UV rays, pull off a natural makeup look, de-puff and soothe eyes, and give your complexion a youthful radiance. Check out my summer beauty essentials segment on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” here  and read on for the scoop on everything discussed on air!

JUICE BEAUTY PREBIOTIX INSTANT FLASH FACIAL

This July, Juice Beauty will be turning 15 years old — yes, y’all, it’s the brand’s quinceañera! Not only is Juice Beauty the OG of clean beauty, but it really sets the bar for other natural beauty brands by focusing on formulas made with certified organic ingredients (many of them hailing from the brand’s very own solar-powered farm located in the heart of California’s Sonoma Wine Country) and using sustainable  practices such as packaging products in 100% PCR (post-consumer resin) bottles and tubes and in FSC-certified paper boxes.

Not only does Juice Beauty continuously strive to implement the most eco-friendly practices possible, but it also continues to innovate with its product formulations, creating products that deliver astounding results. One of their latest and greatest launches is the PREBIOTIX Instant Flash Facial ($52 at JuiceBeauty.com), an at-home mask, face wash, and scrub that leaves skin glowing in just 2-3 minutes.  The formula features the brand’s PREBIOTIX Bio-Fermented Complex to balance the skin microbiome. This complex is comprised of high-performance prebiotic ingredients like chia seed extract, coconut extract and viola tricolor extract, which basically act as “food” for the probiotics (beneficial bacteria) in the formula, which includes lactobacillus and lactobacillus ferment.

Prebiotics and probiotics aside, the formula also contains two alpha hydroxyl acids  (AHAs) that stimulate cellular turnover, thereby revealing a new layer of youthful, supple, radiant skin. The two AHAs are tartaric acid, which is derived from fermented grapes, and citric acid, which is obtained from caviar lime. And if you love chemical exfoliants but also yearn for the sensory experience that accompanies a mechanical exfoliant (i.e. a grainy face scrub), then you’ll swoon over this product because it contains  biodegradable, plant-derived exfoliating beads to help you manually polish off dead skin cells, giving you that  satisfying skin-buffing feeling.

Unlike other face scrubs that contain abrasive ingredients like crushed walnut shells or apricot seeds that cause micro-tearing and irritation, these beads are derived from plant cellulose so they’re super gentle —plus, if too much pressure is applied, the particles simply disintegrate rather than harm the skin’s surface. And did I mention they’re biodegradable? That means you don’t have to worry about plastic microbeads that wind up polluting the Earth. Win!

JUICE BEAUTY GREEN APPLE HAND SANITIZER

A year ago, no one could’ve expected that a global pandemic would strike in 2020 and that one of the many unwanted byproducts of the crisis would be a mass shortage of hand sanitizer. And yet here we are. Luckily, many companies stepped up to help address the public’s needs — whether it was clothing brands that enlisted their sewing staff to create fabric masks or beauty and alcohol brands that allotted resources to producing hand sanitizer. Juice Beauty was among those brands that came to our rescue, rushing to produce a super effective hand sanitizer that kills 99.9% of germs while also leaving hands feeling soft and comfortable.

The new Juice Beauty Green Apple Hand Sanitizer ($16 for full-size bottle; $7.50 for travel size at JuiceBeauty.com) contains 70% plant-derived ethyl alcohol derived from non-GMO corn. The CDC recommends hand sanitizers with a minimum of 60% alcohol, so this formula meets and exceeds those guidelines, plus, it contains non-GMO vegetable glycerin to soothe skin and peptides with anti-aging benefits. If all the hand-washing and hand-sanitizing has left your hands feeling rough, your cuticles cracked, and your nails brittle, then consider switching to this hand sanitizer as it protects your hands from germs while being remarkably gentle on skin.

NEUTROGENA ULTRA SHEER FACE MIST SUNSCREEN BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 55

According to a new Neutrogena poll, 39% of American adults are so focused on hand washing that they’re not even thinking about wearing sunscreen. But here’s the thing: we have to be mindful of our overall health — and that includes our skin’s health. With summer upon us, it’s the perfect time to start creating new habits and being more vigilant about sun protection. One easy way to avoid forgetting to apply sunscreen? Leave the bottle next to your face mask, keys, and hand sanitizer, so you’ll have a visual reminder before you walk outside.

If you’re looking for a great sunscreen option, I swear by Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Face Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 ($17.49 at drugstores). It’s an invisible, lightweight, oil-free facial mist that offers UV protection while also refreshing skin with each spritz. It’s super convenient, and you can apply it over makeup! Oftentimes, when we’re wearing foundation, eyeshadow, and blush, we want to follow dermatologists’ suggestions and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours but we’re unsure about how to do so without disturbing out beauty looks and making a giant goopy mess. Well, this face mist eliminates that conundrum, making it easy to keep skin protected.

NEUTROGENA SHEER ZINC MINERAL SUNSCREEN STICK BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50+

Another great sunscreen choice is the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($17.49 at drugstores), which is formulated with zinc oxide and vitamin E. The stick format makes this option super convenient for travel (whether it’s a trip to the pool or lake and for outdoor activities (whether it’s hiking, playing beach volleyball, or jogging). The formula glides onto skin seamlessly and goes on completely sheer. If you prefer physical sunblocks to chemical sunscreens, this formula will win you over right away as it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave on a white residue. And, since it’s enriched with vitamin E, it helps to soften and condition skin.

HYDROPEPTIDE ALL EYE NEED KIT

This summer, our eyes are being strained more than ever before. When we’re outdoors, we’re likely squinting due to the sun’s strong rays and, when indoors, we’re relying heavily on digital technology, which inevitably leads to some degree of eye strain. Given the demands we’re putting on our eyes, it’s important to give them a little TLC whenever possible.

You can pamper the delicate eye area with the HydroPeptide Skincare All Eye Need kit ($98; available at Hiatus Spa in Austin (call 512.362.5777 or visit HiatusSpa.com for info)). It contains HydroPeptide’s newest product, the Vital Eyes Instant Awakening Serum, a lovely serum with a cooling rollerball applicator to eliminate puffiness, hydrate the under-eye area, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. The serum is powered by bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient that offers the same wrinkle-minimizing, skin-firming benefits as retinol without any irritation or dryness. Moreover, while retinol can cause sun sensitivity, bakuchiol does not, so it’s great for summertime use.

In addition to the serum, the kit contains the best-selling Eye Authority Cream, which you can apply over the serum to hydrate and brighten the under-eye area.T he cream contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate skin and lock in moisture, as well as peptides that strengthen skin and reduce puffiness, hesperidin to improve circulation and minimize dark circles, and crushed pearls to illuminate the under-eye area and wake up tired eyes. Lastly, the kit contains an assortment of Collagel Eye Masks that allow you to create a spa-like experience at home. To use, you simply affix the gel patches to the under-eye area and kick back for 5-10 minutes. Once you remove the masks, you’ll notice your skin will appear more taut and more luminous.

The kit is available at Hiatus Spa in Austin, which is now open. You can enjoy in-spa shopping, book a treatment in the spa, or opt for their super-convenient spa-side pick-up.

DR. PAWPAW ORIGINAL MULTIPURPOSE SOOTHING BALM

Summer is all about laid-back, easy living, so what better than a multi-tasking, do-it-all beauty product to capture that relaxed attitude? That’s why I’m all about the Dr. PAWPAW Original Multipurpose Soothing Balm ($8 at ULTA.com), which counts celebs like Cara DeLevigne, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Emma Watson as fans. This 100% natural, vegan, fragrance-free balm contains pawpaw( fermented papaya), as well as olive oil and aloe vera, and you can use it to moisturize lips, heal cuticles, tame frizz, prime skin before makeup, smooth brows, soothe and heal blemishes, and more.  The balm is so popular that one tube is sold every minute globally —and, with so many uses, it’s no wonder why!

Pawpaw is rich in vitamin C, helping to brighten skin and give it a dewy glow while also fighting off free radicals that could lead to premature aging. It also contains vitamin A, which stimulates cellular turnover and helps to keep skin youthful, minimizing wrinkles and improving surface texture. Plus, this yummy fruit contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that promote exfoliation, keeping skin radiant and unclogging pores, thereby minimizing breakouts and reducing pore size. The many minerals found in pawpaw, meanwhile, help to lock in hydration and strengthen skin or hair.

Aloe vera helps to soothe, refresh, and condition skin and hair, while olive oil moisturizes, softens, and protects skin and strands.

DR. PAWPAW TINTED MULTIPURPOSE SOOTHING BALMS

For the ultimate no-fuss beauty look, try the Dr. PAWPAW  Tinted Multipurpose Soothing Balms ($8 each at ULTA.com), which can be used on cheeks, lips, or eyes. These lightweight, non-greasy, skin-soothing balms are really blendable and buildable so you can go for a very understated, laid-back look or layer the color for greater intensity. There are 5 fun shades: Peach Pink, Ultimate Red, Rich Mocha, Hot Pink, and Outrageous Orange.

I’m completely smitten with the Hot Pink shade, which gives lips a just-bitten look and cheeks a playful rosiness.
NIVEA REFRESHING BODY WASH WITH NOURISHING SERUM COLLECTION

When it’s hot and humid outside, there are few things I look forward to with as much fervor as a refreshing shower. And given the current state of affairs, it’s important to find joy in the little things — whether it’s a flavorful cup of tea or a cooling shower.

To make that in-shower experience as pleasurable as possible, check out the new NIVEA Refreshing Body Wash With Nourishing Serum collection. These body washes feature a proprietary Nourishing Serum that’s enriched with a unique blend of plant-derived oils — among them  sunflower and sweet almond oils — as well as essential skin lipids and vitamins. Together, these ingredients gently cleanse the skin while also leaving it soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Not only do the body washes leave skin feeling reinvigorated, but they provide a sensory escape thanks to delightful fragrances like White Peach & Jasmine, a juicy fruity aroma with just a hint of feminine florals; Basil & White Tea, a clean, crisp herbal scent; and Fresh Aloe & Lily, a subtle, aqueous, lush scent. They’re $5.99 each at Amazon and Target.com.

SHEAMOISTURE MORINGA & AVOCADO OIL POWER GREENS COLLECTION

As I know from first-hand experience, curly and coily hair tends to be on the drier side of the spectrum. There’s a simple explanation for this phenomenon: it’s easier for natural oils on the scalp to travel down the hair shaft when strands are straight than it is when they’re curly or wavy. If you think of your strands as roads, the metaphor becomes clearer: driving down a straight path is easy-breezy but, once the winding roads come in, the trajectory can become more of a challenge. Makes sense, right?

Summertime, then, can pose a challenge for curly-haired gals: UV rays, chlorine in swimming pools, and high humidity levels can take a toll on our already dry strands, leaving them damaged, dull, and brittle. Enter the new SheaMoisture Moringa & Avocado Power Greens collection, available at Target, Walgreens, CVS and Walmart stores. The collection is comprised of a sulfate-free Shampoo, detangling and softening Conditioner, shine-boosting Tea Rinse, and ultra-nourishing Reconstructor treatment, with each product retailing for $11.99. These revitalizing products feature an ultra-nourishing formula combining fair trade shea butter with avocado and moringa oils as well as a Power Greens Mix comprised of kale, matcha, and green algae extracts. Together, these ingredients hydrate the hair and scalp, strengthen strands from the inside out, and leave hair up to 7 times shinier.

All the products are spectacular, but I swear by the Reconstructor, a deep conditioning treatment that’s perfect for your self-care Sunday routine. Another great buy is the tea rinse, which I personally use after a dip in the pool to remove any chlorine, as well as any build-up on the scalp. The tea rinse is designed to be used after the shampoo and prior to the conditioner, as the second step in your regimen, and it works to clarify the scalp and thereby promote scalp and hair health, while also hydrating and healing both the scalp and your strands.

OZNATURALS ANTI-AGING SKINCARE KIT

Building a skincare regimen can feel daunting — like trying to assemble a jigsaw puzzle without being able to reference the image on the box. Which cleanser works best for your skin type? And can it be paired with this serum or that one? Do their ingredients play well together? Should you be using a particular moisturizer in the morning and another one in the evening? When you’re just beginning your skincare journey, these questions can loom over you and add to the anxiety of it all.

And the truth is: there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to skincare. Your skin type, age, ethnicity, gender, and lifestyle can all play a role in your specific needs. Luckily, clean beauty brand OZNaturals is here to help you on your skincare journey. The brand has created 5 comprehensive skincare kits, each catering to a specific skin type or concern. To find the best kit for you, simply head to OZNaturals.com and take the Skin Type Quiz. Once your results are in, you can simply purchase a kit containing all the products needed to follow a complete skincare regimen. Not only will the kit include everything you need, but it’s a much more cost-effective alternative than buying each product separately. Once you receive your kit, you can log onto OZNaturals.com and follow the step-by-step instructions so you know the order in which to apply each product and whether to use them in the AM or PM.

Pictured above is the OZNaturals Anti-Aging Kit ($131 at OZNaturals.com) and it includes 8 products, all formulated using the brand’s unique cold processing technology, which ensures that active ingredients maintain their original potency.

Many natural beauty brands rely on heat and chemical emulsions to formulate their products. The high temperatures can degrade the active ingredients in the formula, rendering them less effective, and chemical emulsions can result in nasty petrochemicals lurking in your beauty buys. OZNaturals, then, takes special steps to ensure its products are as effective as possible and that they contain no potentially harmful substances: no dimethicone, propylene glycol, benzyl alcohol silicones, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or artificial fragrances or colors. Moreover, OZNaturals has created its own patented preservative system, a plant- and mineral-based system that contains no phenoxyethanol or sodium benzoate (which are found in some “clean” beauty brands).

The 8 products in the Anti-Aging Kit are:

Vitamin C Facial Cleanser: removes dirt and impurities while hydrating skin thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, rose hips extract, vitamins E and C

Bamboo Enzyme Facial Scrub: polishes off dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and brighter, and promotes cellular turnover thanks to the lactic acid in the formula

Vitamin C Facial Serum:  protects skin from free radical damage, encourages cellular turnover, and improves and evens skin tone

Hyaluronic Acid Serum: contains hyaluronic acid, which can absorb 1000x its weight in moisture and binds it to skin, delivering super hydration

Proretaxinol 2.5 Facial Serum: contains buffered retinol to promote collagen synthesis, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, and also helps to banish breakouts and unclog pores

Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer: hydrates skin via key ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B5 and Hyaluronic Acid

Ultra Ageless Eye Crème: improves circulation thanks to the caffeine in the formula, brightening the under-eye area and minimizing wrinkles; fortifies skin with the patented peptide Matrixyl Synthe’6; and protects the thin under-eye skin with the super antioxidant astaxanthin

Vitamin C + Sea Hydration Mask: restores moisture and luminosity while delivering a powerful boost of antioxidants deep into the skin’s layers

As you probably know, Vitamin C is an all-star anti-aging ingredient— it stimulates collagen production, helps fade dark spots, and brightens the skin— and you can find it here in the Vitamin C Facial Cleanser, Vitamin C Facial Serum, and Vitamin C + Sea Hydration Mask. Hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, not only hydrates skin, but gives it a plumper appearance, and it’s the hero ingredient in Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer. As you can see, the kit is an absolute treasure trove.

You can purchase this kit and more at OZNaturals.com and Amazon.

BUG BITE THING

Whether you’re taking a day trip to the lake or hanging out in your backyard, you’ll want to have this product handy. It was featured on “Shark Tank” last year, and it’s now Amazon’s #1 best-selling product for insect bite relief.

It’s called Bug Bite Thing ($9.95 plus free shipping at BugBiteThing.com), and it uses suction to extract insect saliva or venom from underneath the skin, thereby eliminating the itching, swelling and pain that comes from mosquito bites and bee stings. It’s chemical-free and reusable, and it’s safe to use on both children and adults.