Update Your Beauty & Wellness Routines For Spring With These Great Finds! — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”

Bluebonnets are starting to dot the fields here in Texas, announcing the arrival of spring with their violet blue flower spikes. The beautiful sight is enough to make anyone giddy — especially after a long and particularly brutal winter season. As temperatures rise, flowers bloom, and songbirds start to greet us in the morning once again, the air seems to be filled with possibility and hope. On that note, then, I shared some of my ideas to help you grow and blossom this season during my latest segment on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin.” Check out the video embedded above or click here to view it on CBSAustin.com

For an in-depth run-down of all the products and places discussed on air, keep on reading!

DOLCE & GABBANA DOLCE ROSE EAU DE PARFUM

To paraphrase E.E. Cummings, during spring, the earth laughs in flowers. Harness that joyful energy by choosing a floral fragrance that conveys your own exuberance and charisma. One perfect choice is the new Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rose Eau de Toilette ($80 for 1.7 oz. at Sephora.com and $105 for 2.5 oz bottle at Macys.com), which was crafted by perfumer Violaine Collas and  just hit stores in February.

The first eau de toilette in the Dolce collection, Dolce Rose celebrates the most iconic of flowers, the rose, which we associate with love, beauty, passion, and femininity. The fragrance combines delicate rose absolute and crisp rose centifolia with tangy red currant and soft musks to create an addictive and alluring fruity-floral scent that’s full of vivacity and charm. A spritz of Dolce Rose is, to use a Seal metaphor, like a kiss from a rose, a light that hits the gloom on the gray.

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ FOR HER MUSCC NOIR EAU DE PARFUM

If you’re not a huge fan of floral scents, but you’re looking for a new fragrance that’s feminine but has a distinctly earthy feel. you will love the newest chapter in the Narciso Rodriguez For Her fragrance collection. Launching in April, the new Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Eau de Parfum ($100 for 50ml and $128 for 100ml at Macys.com and Nordstrom.com) is a statement about the endlessly mysterious nature of a woman’s sensuality.

Crafted by perfumer Sonia Constant, Musc Noir features notes of musc, leathery suede, white cedar, rose and a hint of luscious plum, creating an aromatic composition that’s earthy, seductive, and full of intrigue.And, for the first time ever, the iconic For Her bottle is presented in a completely translucent bottle that celebrates the fragrance within.

RHYME & REASON HAIRCARE 

We all love seeing the grass grow once more, enjoying the flowers blooming on trees and shrubs throughout our neighborhoods. But in order to continue enjoying these sights, to continue living in a planet full of color and mirth, we need to take care of our environment. That’s the philosophy at the heart of Rhyme & Reason, an eco-friendly, sustainable hair care brand that’s as passionate about the planet as they are about amazing hair.

Rhyme & Reason has products for every hair type, texture, and concern – all boasting high-performance and highly effective formulas that are at least 90% natural, dermatologist approved, vegan, and cruelty-free. Plus, each product is packaged in a 100% recycled and recyclable bottle. When you opt for a Rhyme & Reason haircare product, then, you can rest easy knowing that your hair is in great hands and that your purchase is helping to preserve our planet’s health.

If you’re trying to revive dry and damaged strands ravaged by cold and dry winter air, try the Rhyme & Reason Repair & Restore collection, which features a shampoo and conditioner formulated with argan oil, prickly pear extract, and an amino acid complex that work together to reduce signs of damage and breakage, revive and strengthen hair, hydrate and smooth strands, and add shine. The products retail for $8 each at Target and Target.com

You can find all Rhyme & Reason  products exclusively at Target.

DR. DENNIS GROSS ALL-PHYSICAL LIGHTWEIGHT WRINKLE DEFENSE SPF 30

Let’s be honest: even though, by now, we all know that it’s essential to wear SPF every single day, many of us forget to do so in the colder winter months when we’re covered up in layers and spending most of our days indoors. But that’s actually a mistake: while UVB rays are lessened by clouds and winter conditions, UVA rays are present year-round. So, while you’re less likely to get a sunburn during a cold and cloudy winter day (precisely because UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburns), you can still make your skin more susceptible to premature aging due to the ever-present nature of UVA rays. Now, as we kick off the spring season, both UVA rays and UVB rays will intensify significantly, making applying sunscreen crucial.

I always choose mineral sunscreens for my face as they’re gentler on skin. Moreover, I love that mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier that prevents UV rays from damaging the skin, acting as a defensive shield and deflecting those harmful rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, feature ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene that are absorbed by the skin and, which, in turn, absorb UV rays, convert these into heat, and release them from the body, Though there’s a lot of debate regarding whether all chemical filters are safe and whether or not they can actually wind up in our bloodstreams, I’m personally always in favor of choosing the safest alternative, which is undoubtedly a mineral sunscreen.

But I’ve struggled to find the perfect mineral sunscreen — one that won’t feel too heavy, leave a white and ghastly residue behind, or disrupt my makeup in any way. Luckily, I’ve found the perfect product that meets all my criteria: the new Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 ($42 at Sephora.com).

Developed by Dr. Dennis Gross, a former skin cancer researcher, this physical sunscreen relies on the mineral zinc oxide to create that protective barrier against UV rays. But what makes this product so special and unique is that it utilizes zinc oxide nanoparticules that are essentially transparent, blending into all skin tones without leaving any white residue behind. And that’s not all! The formula is infused with antioxidant-rich bearberry, lingonberry, sea buckthorn and ferulic acid to hydrate, nourish, and protect skin, plus it doubles as a makeup primer by plumping and smoothing skin, creating a perfect canvas for makeup application.

SKY ORGANICS ORGANIC ROSEWATER FACIAL MIST AND ORGANIC CASTOR OIL EYELASH SERUM

Here in Texas, we all know the mild temperatures we’re currently enjoying won’t last long! To prepare for the hot humid days ahead, stock up on the Sky Organics Organic Rosewater Facial Mist ($14.95 at SkyOrganics.com). A family-owned company, Sky Organics is dedicated to offering beauty, personal care, and home essentials made with simple, natural, organic ingredients. The Rosewater Facial Mist is a perfect example of the brand’s commitment to making living naturally easy and worry-free. This single-ingredient, alcohol-free facial mist features organic rosewater, which has an abundance of skin benefits. Rosewater boasts antibacterial properties and has been known to help balance oil production and prevent breakouts, plus it has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe skin and reduce redness, and it contains antioxidants that help to prevent free radical damage. When you spritz this mist onto skin, then, your complexion gets a nice and refreshing pick-me-up and you get to enjoy skin that’s hydrated and petal-soft.

Another great find from Sky Organics? The Sky Organics Castor Oil Eyelash Serum ($12.95 at SkyOrganics.com), which is made of 100% pure organic castor oil and helps to condition lashes and brows, making them appear fuller and glossier. The serum comes with a number of spoolie brushes to help you distribute the product along your brows, as well as thin brushes with soft bristles so you can trace your lash line and distribute the oil therein.

PAUSE WELL-AGING HOT FLASH COOLING MIST

Texas heat is no picnic but, for women experiencing hot flashes, it’s next-level torture. You know those 105-degree days when you just want to put your head in the fridge for some relief? Now imagine having hot flashes on top of that. Yikes!

Luckily, you can get some relief from hot flashes with the Pause Well-Aging Hot Flash Cooling Mist ($39 at PauseWellAging.com). The clean, vegan and cruelty-free formula rapidly cools and calms skin, reduces redness and evaporates sweat so that, not only does ti provide relief from those internal heat waves brought on by menopause, but it also helps you refresh when spending prolonged periods of time outdoors or after a tough workout.

The cooling mist features ingredients such as vitamin B3 to calm skin and restore the skin’s moisture barrier; holy basil leaf extract to soothe skin and reduce redness; and false daisy extract, which features antioxidant, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it contains the brand’s signature Pause Complex, which incorporates peptides, DMAE, mushroom-derived antioxidants, niacinamide, and stable vitamin C to boost collagen production and help lift, tone and firm skin.

To use, you apply the mist to the back of your neck and wrist pulse points. Next, you can close your eyes and spray onto your face and chest, holding the bottle 8″ to 10″ away from your face.

PAYOT MY PERIOD TREATMENT

By now, we know that our skin is affected by numerous factors — from hormonal changes to stress-related hormones, external aggressors like UV rays and pollution,  our diet and lifestyle habits, and so on. But, until recently, we haven’t been privy to many discussions about the exact nature of the hormonal changes that affect out skin during our menstrual cycles — much less how we can tailor our skincare routines to address these changes during that time of the month! Luckily, French beauty brand Payot is leading the charge on this front with the launch of Payot My Period ($30 at US.Payot.com), the first skincare treatment program specifically designed for women to use during their cycles.

The treatment lasts 9 consecutive days, starting on the first day of your period. The treatment is comprised of 9 serums with three specific botanical formulas that address skin’s changing needs throughout the course of your cycle.

A few days before your period, estrogen levels drop while male hormones like progesterone and testosterone increase, creating an imbalance that leads to an overproduction of sebum. This, in turn, leads to oily skin, blemishes, and spots. To counteract these forces, then, the Payot My Period incorporates a Purifying Serum designed for use from Day 1 through Day 3 of your cycle. The Purifying Serum with Chilean mint extract is formulated to deep cleanse and detoxify skin, reducing any blemishes and spots.

Half-way through your period, cortisol (known as the “stress hormone”) levels fluctuate, which can lead to mood swings and to skin becoming overly reactive. To tackle these changes, then, the Payot My Period treatment incorporates a Soothing Serum with jasmine extract that’s designed for use on Days 4 through 6.

And, as your cycle starts winding down, your iron levels decrease and this manifests via a dull and tired complexion. To counteract this, then, the treatment contains an Energizing Serum with sweet orange extract that’s recommended for Days 7 through 9 so as to brighten and revitalize the complexion.

JAFRA SUN COLLECTION

As you start taking off those winter layers, you’ll need to start applying SPF all over your body.  The new JAFRA Sun collection, which consist of water-resistant, reef-friendly sunscreens infused with skin-loving ingredients, has all your SPF needs covered — with formulas for both the body and the face.

I love the convenience of the JAFRA Sun Spray-On Sunscreen SPF 50 ($28 at JAFRA.com), which helps you access hard-to-reach spots when you’re adventuring solo. Not only is the spray format handy, but the formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and has a lovely tropical scent. If you prefer a cream formula, try the fast-absorbing JAFRA Sun Body Protector Sunscreen SPF 50 ($28 at JAFRA.com).  Both options feature skin-conditioning and hydrating ingredients like panthenol, bisabolol, elderberry extract, and vitamin E.

And, after some fun in the sun, you can give skin some TLC with the JAFRA Cooling After Sun Relief Lotion ($22 at JAFRA.com), featuring soothing, refreshing and hydrating ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, vitamin B3, elderberry,  and aloe.

KALAHARI RESORT AT ROUND ROCK

For family fun and relaxation this season, check out the Kalahari Resort at Round Rock, which is the perfect close-to-home destination. The World’s Largest Indoor Waterpark Resort opened last fall, and it continues to delight guests as we welcome spring and summer.

Resort guests of all ages can enjoy the more than 223,000 square feet of indoor waterpark or head outside to enjoy 3 acres of outdoor pools, which just opened this month.

Not sure where to head on your next date night or family outing? Well, the Kalahari Resort at Round Rock has more than 20 on-site dining options, including four signature restaurants that are open to the public: Double Cut, a contemporary steakhouse; BLUX, a gourmet burger bar serving handcrafted milkshakes; Cinco Niños, a modern Tex-Med restaurant and tequila bar; and Sortino’s Italian Kitchen, a pizzeria, cafe, and wine bar. So make your reservation now for some tasty eats!

And, whether you’re staying at the result or looking for a fun day trip, adults can unwind at the first-class Spa Kalahari and Salon, which offers pampering services ranging from deep-tissue massages to detoxifying facials.

This weekend, March 26th through 28th, celebrate the opening of Amatuli, the resort’s new outdoor entertainment and shopping space, with a special Springfest featuring live music, wellness mornings and artisans. For info, visit KalahariResorts.com/Texas

NADAMOO! NO SUGAR ADDED LINE

The phrase “spring cleaning” evokes images of organizing closets and pantries, but this is also a great time to clean up our eating habits. For a healthier sweet treat, check out the new NadaMoo! No Sugar Added line of frozen desserts.

All the flavors in the No Sugar Added line feature the brand’s original plant-inspired coconut base (which is the secret to its indulgent creamy consistency) but, to keep sugar levels low, they’re sweetened with organic allulose (a monosaccharide found in foods like figs and raisins), organic erythritol (a natural sugar alcohol) and a touch of stevia extract.

Like all NadaMoo! products, these tasty frozen desserts are dairy-free and plant-based. In fact, all the ingredients in a NadaMoo! pint are grown in pesticide- and synthetic-free soil, processed without artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, and certified non-GMO and gluten-free.

There are 4 yummy flavors in the No Sugar Added line: Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate and Mint Chip. They’re $5.99 each at select retailers including H-EB.-

ANGRY ANGEL

To stay energized as you embark on your springtime adventures, look to Angry Angel, a clean and high-performance energy drink created by former professional race car driver and bio-engineer Justin Lloyd. While searching for a healthier alternative to sugar-packed mainstream energy drinks, Lloyd found himself frustrated with the lack of truly good-for-you options. Time and again, he found that most energy drinks were shockingly high in sugar or contained harmful artificial sweeteners like aspartame (which can cause headaches and migraine), and that most options were powered strictly by coffee beans and tea leaves that led to an energy boost and then a crash. When developing Angry Angel, then, he hoped to create a truly healthy drink that would provide sustained energy (rather than that spike-and-crash cycle) and which would also enhance concentration, productivity and mental acuity, fueling the body and the mind.

And, as we know now, he succeeded admirably! Angry Angel is the first Non-GMO Project Verified high-performance energy beverage. The preservative-free, keto-friendly beverage contains zero sugar or artificial sweeteners. Instead, it’s lightly sweetened with diabetic-friendly organic monk fruit. Moreover, it contains caffeine from Yerba Mate for a crash-free, jitter-free energy boost, and it’s enhanced with CoQ10, B vitamins and antioxidants, providing benefits that extend well beyond caffeine. The refreshing lightly carbonated beverage comes in two tasty flavors — Tropical and Blackberry Lemon — and it’s the  perfect way to get an energy boost before a workout or during that mid-day slump, when a pick-me-up is in order.

Angry Angel us available at Whole Foods Market, where it’s on sale 2 for $4 through the month of April.

You can also visit Angry-Angel.com and get 15% off with the code ENERGY as well as free shipping on all orders!