Maya Chia Super Naked Face OIL is the MVP

Oh, how I’ve been waiting for this day! The Maya Chia Super Naked Face Oil has launched to the public, and let me just say…this has been a labor of love for myself and the founder of Maya Chia, Susanne.

Okay, by “labor of love,” I mean Susanne steadfastly worked on multiple versions (for over a year!), sending said versions my way, only to have me respond with a bevy of additional requests.

What can I say, I’m ridiculously picky. #sorrynotsorry

But! This is why I can say to you with the utmost confidence that this oil is going to blow your mind. It’s perfection and I use it in so many ways. So let’s get into it.

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Top Clean Beauty Picks of 2021

Another year has flown by which means it’s about that time – my annual clean beauty faves post! These are the products that I used the most frequently and/or impressed me the most in 2021…some were launched this year while some oldies but goodies continued to be at the top of my list.

Let’s get started!

2021 Skincare Picks

True Botanicals Chebula Active Serum

Where do I even begin with the True Botanicals Chebula Active Serum? This product has been a gamechanger for me in 2021.

This hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, pregnancy-safe face serum is clinically proven to fight fine lines and wrinkles, is incredible for hydrating and anti-aging, all while supporting your skin barrier. Chebula, an ayurvedic fruit and one of the most bioactive and powerful antioxidants in nature, helps to target five signs of aging: minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, visibly even skin tone, smooth roughness, give the look of firmer and brighter skin. My skin always looks hydrated, glowy, and more youthful-looking when I use this.

My full video review on the Chebula Serum can be found here.

15% off with the code SARAHJ15

Tatcha Indigo Overnight Serum-in-Cream Treatment

Calling all dry, sensitive, and/or mature skin types! Look no further than the Tatcha Indigo Overnight Serum in Cream Treatment. This super cushiony, fragrance-free, soothing serum-in-moisturizer visibly calms my skin irritation, strengthens the barrier, and balances my microbiome.

Japanese indigo and red sage root visibly calm irritation (from redness to dry patches, due to pollution and environmental stress) and ceramides replenish lipids to keep moisture in and pollutants out, diminishing the look of dry, fine lines, and wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid hydrates.

This formula is very hydrating and you only need a pearl-sized amount to cover all of your face and neck. Love!

True Botanicals Resurrection Eye Cream

I am so picky about eye serums and creams because my eye area is so damn sensitive…I can barely use anything without waking up the next morning with an irritated eye area. Well, the True Botanicals Resurrection Eye Cream is a godsend!

This innovative, brightening eye cream features a bioactive moisture retention complex from the Resurrection Plant to help intensely moisturize and dramatically reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Let’s just stop right there for a second. I’m obsessed with the effects of Resurrection Plant as it’s one of the key ingredients in my favorite retinol formulation. Ladies, if you love the African Botanics Cell Resurrection Serum, you will love what this eye cream does for your eyes.

It’s also infused with a unique Tree Bark Extract that directly addresses the root cause of dark circles, while antioxidant-rich Turmeric, Coffee, and Licorice Extracts help to depuff and brighten the 360° eye area to deliver youthful-looking, radiant eyes. Hypoallergenic and pregnancy-safe.

15% off with the code SARAHJ15

U Beauty The Super Hydrator

Earlier in the year, I repeatedly saw the U Beauty The Super Hydrator being used as a hydrating primer before makeup application and I knew I had to try it. Well, it BLEW ME AWAY.

Ladies, if you feel like you’re applying makeup to a parched, super-dry canvas on the daily, this will change the way cosmetics look on your face. It’s nothing short of a miracle, really.

And it’s not even a “primer” per se…this intuitive moisturizer hydrates and resolves compromised barrier functionality where the skin is most parched. Powered by U Beauty’s proprietary HYDRA-SIREN Capsule, this formula is able to effectively transport more water by weight to the deep layers of skin. (5 types of hyaluronic acid!)

Clean, Hypoallergenic, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, and tested for safe use on all skin types and skin tones, even around the eyes.

Josh Rosebrook C Bright Complex Serum

My love for Josh Rosebrook’s gentle yet wildly effective serums knows no bounds and he hit it out of the park again with this year’s launch of the Josh Rosebrook C Bright Complex Serum.

This lightweight, non-sticky, fast-absorbing formula is structured for potency with two fully stabilized and clinically proven biomimetic Vitamin C complexes. (Complex One features 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid with Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E and Complex Two is a combo of pure L-Ascorbic with regenerative Colloidal Gold and Glutathione.)

This formula increases suppleness and noticeably smoothes my skin, forming an invisible shield against environmental oxidative stressors. 

Many of you know I love love love the Vita C Booster by African Botanics (see below!), but I definitely have started a rotation between the two for my Vitamin C needs. While Vita C Booster has an oily texture, C Bright feels more like a creamy serum.

African Botanics Vita C Booster

I’ve been using African Botanics Vita C Booster for a few years and I love the results. This booster boasts 20% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and you guys, that’s some legit Vitamin C action going on. I wasn’t sure if my skin would be able to tolerate 20% Vitamin C, but it does beautifully. Once again, African Botanics’ formulations FTW. They just can do no wrong in terms of my skin.

And if you are a Vitamin C nerd like me, you know that Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is incredible. It’s stable, it’s lipophilic, it does everything that Ascorbic Acid does (photoprotective, boosts collagen, evens out pigmentation), but it’s so much more stable.

I apply this to my skin after cleansing and the True Botanicals Chebula Serum. It’s important to wait a few minutes to let this formula absorb before following up with your remaining skincare.

True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Balm

The True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Balm is a downright lovely cleansing balm that effectively removes my makeup, sunscreen, and any impurities while completely nourishing my skin. Every time I use this, my skin is so pillowy-soft afterward. A blend of natural-biocompatible ingredients like Yucca Extract, Turmeric, and Mango Butters power this multi-tasking cleanser that removes makeup, not moisture, while Lactic Acid and Azelaic Acid gently exfoliate to reveal a brighter glow.

Naturally scented with Ginger Root, Mandarin, and Neroli Oils, this cleanser smells absolutely dreamy. I could eat it. I use this as a first cleanse when double-cleansing.

15% off with the code SARAHJ15

Tata Harper Superkind Fortifying Moisturizer

The Tata Harper Superkind Moisturizer is my go-to daily moisturizer. Some of you all have witnessed my reactive skin moments via Instagram (call it an occupational hazard) and when my skin is angry, I go straight to this soothing moisturizer.

Let’s list all the reasons my skin is in love with Superkind – it’s hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free, essential oil-free, supports my skin barrier, plays well with my actives, and makes my skin glow with hydration.

This moisturizer penetrates skin deep down with moisture-retentive polysaccharides to help relieve dry, damaged skin and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to improve suppleness, a lipid complex to support a healthy skin barrier, and antioxidants to help fortify and nurture stressed skin. 

Tower 28 SOS Spray

Speaking of stressed-out, reactive skin, what is the sorcery that makes up Tower 28 SOS Spray? This soothing, redness-taming spray boggles my mind. It is SO GOOD. When I recently had a horrid reaction to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, this spray helped bring down the heat and redness so much.

Not sure about it? Read these reviews. It’s truly an incredible product.

LILFOX Chill Wands

Meet the Chill Cryo + Thermo Wands by LILFOX. These are game-changers…again for those of you in the back, G-A-M-E-C-H-A-N-G-E-R-S. Designed to calm, depuff, and awaken skin, these wands make it happen. And they’re cold, y’all. Shockingly cold. Once chilled, the extreme cold temperature drastically reduces inflammation, firms, and tightens skin’s appearance while stimulating cellular turnover and lymphatic function. I’m addicted.

I use these upon wakening and they visibly reduce my eyelid puffiness in about 3 minutes. You can see for yourself here.

One Love Organics Botanical D Neck and Decollete Cream

Let me tell you, my neck and chest give me away in terms of my age. (Thanks, decades of sunbathing!) I fell in love with the One Love Organics Botanical Neck and Decollete Cream this year due to its firming action.

Your neck and chest are two of the most sensitive and exposed parts of your skin, and this formula is made for your chest to chin. Ultra-lush and certified organic, this cream features active plant cell technology from vitamin e-rich barbary figs, premium-grade hyaluronic acid, and anti-blue light actives to address early signs of aging like skin firmness, texture, and tone for the neck and décolleté.

2021 Makeup Picks

Saie The Sun Melt Duo

Looking to add some lovely, natural-looking warmth to your face? The Saie Sun Melt Duo will be your new best friend. I wear the Light Bronze shade and I can’t stop. So good. Also, I must point out that the brush is crucial…it was specifically made to use with this cream bronzer and it makes for fool-proof application. No streaks or heavy patches. Just lovely.

You can watch how I apply it here.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Not gonna lie…when I saw news of Selena Gomez’s new beauty launch, I thought “well isn’t that precious.” I mean, I’m 47 years old and didn’t think it would be much of a fit.

OH, HOW I WAS SO WRONG.

I’m obsessed with many products from her new launch, but am going to keep it simple and share my top two today. First off, the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. Where do I even begin? Weightless, so easy to apply, super long-wearing…this blush is unlike any formula I’ve ever used. And the shades are to die for. I personally have Hope, Encourage, and Bliss.

Honestly, I’m not reaching for much else in terms of blush right now. Run, don’t walk.

Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Lip Cream

Another completely unique formula, the Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Lip Cream has the softest, most cushiony feel on the lips…almost like it’s whipped! And not drying at all. I have fallen hard for the shade called Transform – it’s just the most beautiful deep wine.

(FWIW, I own and wear a ridiculous amount of lipsticks and my husband actually complimented me on this particular shade so winner winner chicken dinner.)

Kjaer Weis Soulful Palette

The limited edition Soulful Palette by Kjaer Weis is so incredibly versatile. The two brown/taupe eyeshadow shades are perfect for a neutral eye look, plus you can use them as a contour as well. Extra bonus – the lipgloss doubles as a gorgeous blush. If you are looking for one and done, this palette is for you.

20% off with code WHOORL20

Victoria Beckham Signature Smoky Eye Brick

If I had to pick one eye shadow palette to use for the rest of my life, it would be the Victoria Beckham Signature Smoky Eye Brick. These matte (yet never chalky!) shadows can be used for minimal or smoky looks. Super adaptable.

Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner

Have you tried the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liners? Quite pigmented and you can blend/smoke them out very easily. My favorite shades are Bronze, Cocoa, and Bordeaux.

KJH x Spectrum 11-Brush Set

If you’ve watched my Reels this year, the brushes from the KJH x Spectrum 11-Brush Set have been in almost every single one. I love them!

Rituel de Fille Rare Light Creme Luminizer

I’ve tried a billion highlighters, but I always come back to the Rituel de Fille Rare Light Creme Luminizers because the shades are so unique yet wearable. Solar Flare was a new lovely addition for me in 2021, but I still love Phosphene something fierce. (Also? Icebow? Sublime on the high points of the face.)

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm

I held out on the Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balms for many months. Did I really need yet another lip gloss? Well, one particular shade called Nana finally caught my eye and I adore it. Described as a cool beige, it gives my lips a lovely milky appearance on its own or makes lipsticks look so diffused and pretty.

19/99 Beauty Precision Colour Pencil in Lustro

This might be my most-used pencil of 2021. Dabbed on the inner corners of my eyes, across the movable lid for extra shimmer, or the cupid’s bow, the 19/99 Beauty Precision Colour Pencil in Lustro is a lovely champagne shade that can be used in a flash and brightens everything up.

15% off with code SARAHJ15

Ilia Necessary Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Nude

I staunchly believe that everyone needs a cool-toned eyeshadow palette for lovely, feminine looks. The Ilia Necessary Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Nude is perfection. I love every single shade.

2021 Hair and Bodycare Picks (Lipcare too!)

LUV Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator

OMG why did it take me 47 years to find the LUV Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator?! This mesh has changed my bodycare game completely – I use it during every shower with the Alo Mega C Body Wash (smells like Trix cereal – the best) and my skin has never been smoother. It makes your body wash mega foamy and gently exfoliates my entire body. Plus, it lasts 18 months – no weird mustiness or anything. I am obsessed.

Lernberger Stafsing Shampoo for Moisture

Great clean shampoo and conditioners are hard to find. I am so pumped that I was introduced to this Swedish brand a few years ago. Lernberger Stafsing Shampoo for Moisture keeps my hair healthy and shiny and I love the scent…like subtle fruity bergamot. Just lovely. Sulfate, paraben, and silicone-free.

15% off with the code WHOORL15

Lernberger Stafsing Conditioner for Moisture

Lernberger Stafsing Conditioner for Moisture gives my hair the perfect amount of hydration without weighing it down. (I have lots of hair, but the individual strands are very fine.)

15% off with the code WHOORL15

Lernberger Primer BB Spray

My new go-to after towel-drying my hair. The Lernberger Primer BB Spray has a unique blend of proteins, ceramides, and amino acids that strengthen and moisturize the hair shaft while grape seed extract adds heat protection and sunflower seed extract protects color from fading. White truffle extract and allantoin work as protectants and soothe your scalp. It enhances the performance of styling products and improves the quality of blowdrying and delivers weightless lustrous shine.

15% off with the code WHOORL15

GHD Creative Curl Iron

Does the shape of a curling iron barrel matter? Absolutely. The oval-shaped barrel of the GHD Creative Curl Iron makes my waves and curls look very natural and casual.

Yves Durif Brush

I will use no other brush on my damp or wet hair. The Yves Durif Brush is the perfect detangler.

Ellis Brooklyn Perfumes

Some of the recent launches from Ellis Brooklyn Perfumes have become fast favorites of mine.

Lanolips 101 Ointment

Here me out – earlier this month, I suddenly had the worst chapped lips ever. I tried everything. I bought $100+ of lip products and through tons of trial and error, found the perfect pairing for keeping lips hydrated and happy.

The Lanolips 101 Ointment is now my everyday lip balm to keep my lips moisturized. It’s fantastic as a preventative lip therapy. However, if you have hit the point of no return (like the one morning I woke up and my top lip looked like Lisa Rinna) and need to take it next level, you simply must purchase…

Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm

Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm! The most miraculous lip balm ever, thanks to 1% hydrocortisone. Now, this balm shouldn’t be used as a preventative everyday balm because of the steroid component, but it will completely heal your chapped lips in a matter of days. I will never be without this balm ever again. It’s THAT good. Once my lips were healed (it took 2 days), I went back to the Lanolips.

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

When body lotion is hacking it, the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter makes my skin buttery soft. Also, the vanilla bean scent is addictive. (Not too sweet!)

Londontown Nail Polishes

If my nails are painted, there is a 97.99% percent chance the color I’m wearing is Cheerio by Londontown Nail Polishes. It is the perfect nude and I adore it. Also a huge fan of their Illuminating Nail Concealer.

There you have it! My favorite 2021 picks. I’m exhausted. ;)

What products stood out for you this year?

Other posts you might like:

Top Beauty Picks of 2020

My #1 Makeup Tip for a Youthful Look

My Favorites from Beauty Heroes

Harmful Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare

I’ve been a Beauty Heroes fan for years and years because they consistently introduce me to incredible clean beauty brands of which many become tried-and-true favorites. Plus, their customer service is top-notch! Here are some of my favorites.

My Favorite Beauty Heroes Products

Y et Beauté Lipsticks

Have you heard of Y et Beauté lipsticks? They’ve been around for a few years but somehow managed to stay off my (usually very dialed-in) lip product radar until this 2021. Leave it to Beauty Heroes to introduce me to another great brand, per usual!

These lipsticks are super luxurious with a buttery feel, velvety finish, and the color payoff is incredible. I love every single shade (you can watch me swatching them in this video), but if I had to pick three, I’d go with Calme, Soho, and Bisou.

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil

I started using Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil as my daily moisturizer about several years ago and I’m still enamored. The oil has one ingredient only -Prunus Domestica Seed Oil. (Comes from the seed of a plum.) When it comes to oil moisturizers, I prefer the least amount of ingredients as possible and you just can’t beat ONE ingredient here. For me, the more ingredients you have in a product, the more chances you have for experiencing irritation, sensitivity, and/or congestion. So if a new product launches boasting 27! Botanical! Ingredients! you can bet I’ll be running the other way.

So what does Prunus Domestica Seed Oil do for the face? Well, it’s 8x more powerful than Argan oil and 6x more powerful than Marula oil in protecting the skin from damaging free radicals, so that’s a nice start…it’s also an anti-aging, multi-purpose oil that balances, restores, and refreshes the skin. Le Prunier’s patent-pending blend of plum varietals is naturally abundant in essential antioxidants, nourishing omega fatty acids 6 & 9 and powerful polyphenols, all of which help protect the skin from damaging free radicals. It’s also rich in pro-Vitamin A & E to assist with healing and hydration.

The viscosity of this oil is so luxurious.

It has the perfect slip on the skin – thick enough to feel nourishing and hydrating. But weightless on the skin and absorbs very rapidly. Normal/Dry skin types are going to love this one. (By the way, this oil is ideal for all skin types – especially acne-prone, extremely sensitive, and/or allergy-prone skin.)

You guys, let’s talk about the scent for a second because it is EVERYTHING. Smells like marzipan and/or almonds and I just want to bathe in this stuff all day long. It makes that last skincare step so lovely because I can smell the amazing scent lingering throughout the day and evening.

(Interestingly enough, one of the reasons I adore the Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer and use it every day on my body is the scent. And come to find out, it has plum seed oil in it as well, hence the lovely smell! I obviously have a thing for plums, peeps.)

Oh, and let’s not forget it’s a natural UV Sunscreen Booster. It helps to naturally fortify and protect the skin barrier from the sun and solar UV radiation. Oh! And you can use it on your hair. BONUS BONUS.

MARA Algae Retinol Face Oil

Another incredible find from Beauty Heroes this year (thanks to the marketing director, Kevin) is this retinol by MARA. It is LEGIT. With 1.2% retinol and tons of vitamins, this treatment serum helps to provide the feeling of a boosted hydration barrier while visibly improving the appearance of wrinkles and uneven texture while drenching your skin with amino acids and free radical fighting antioxidants from fermented green tea.

It’s good, y’all. Really good. For my retinol aficionados who have been on this journey with me, it’s stronger than the African Botanics Cell Resurrection Serum but less intense than the Retinal Face Cream. Plus, it’s an oil-based retinol which I have come to love because it moisturizes too and many nights, I don’t need to add an additional moisturizer.

Maya Chia Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Oil

Maya Chia Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Oil – You know, this oil really deserves its own post because it is absolutely top-notch. In fact, this right here is the oil I recommend to all my friends who are just starting to get into facial oils instead of lotions or creams. Here’s a fact – my skin needs a light touch. So many times when I try a new product with tons of ingredients or essential oils, it just feels so heavy on my skin (and usually causes congestion in my pores).

This oil is perfection – it feels lightweight on the skin, smells fresh (citrusy and uplifting), but gives me all the hydration I need without any heaviness. My skin looks visibly brighter and less inflamed. Do you have sensitive skin? This one is for you, trust me.

I have used this off and on for years and years…I always come back to it. And and and? It’s only $60. That is a steal, ladies.

Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator

Friends, I can promise you it’s a very rare occurrence if the Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator isn’t on my face every Sunday. This exfoliator supports the feeling of healthy cell turnover with enzymes from honey, papaya, yucca, beetroot, and elderberry that naturally soften and brighten the skin’s appearance. And man, it does its job. My skin looks brand spanking new (not a dead skin cell in sight!) when I wash this off my face.

josh rosebrook active enzyme exfoliator

The great thing is that it’s a chemical (natural enzymes like papaya) and physical (very finely milled walnut shells) exfoliant, so you’re getting the best of both worlds. I’ve tried A LOT of exfoliators, and this one is seriously impressive.

Blissoma Photonic Light-Shifting Solution SPF 25

Blissoma Photonic SPF 25 is amazing. Perfection. Full stop.

It was actually a chat with my friend and founder of Beauty Heroes, Jeannie, that got me on this sunscreen as she was adamant that I try it. She told me it ticked all of my boxes – SPF + moisturizer in one, great under makeup, no pilling, and gives the slightest, most minimal sheen on the face…where you look healthy but not glowy-greasy. Listen, I love that glowy/shiny look on others, but not me. I don’t want to look shiny. But I also don’t want to look completely matte. Are some of you all feeling me on this?

Well, she was right. This product is incredible and somehow manages to make my skin look better, even as the day goes on. It’s elegant…yes, that’s the word. Elegant. It’s tinted translucent pink from astaxanthin, a red algae ingredient with a super-high ORAC level, but that tint disappears on the face. Photonic is a light, barely-there moisturizing emulsion with an SPF 25 from micronized non-nano zinc oxide for lasting mineral protection from the sun. Run, don’t walk.

Innersense Whipped Cream Texturizer

The Innersense Whipped Cream Texturizer is a godsend for humidity and frizz! I apply this to dry hair as my last step in styling to add separation and texture. It also smells flipping amazing.

Harmful Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare

added texture and separation with the innersense texturizer

Cleo + Coco Dry Shampoo/Body Powder

Could it be, friends? COULD IT BE I’ve finally found a dry shampoo that I love?! I had all but given up on dry shampoo until I was introduced to Cleo + Coco Dry Shampoo/Body Powder in a Beauty Heroes discovery a while back.

I love the Basil Mint scent – it’s fresh, lovely, and helps to make 3rd-day bangs look less sad. It even blends well into my dark brunette hair. This gets a huge thumbs up from me.

(Oh! Post-workout, when you can’t hop directly in the shower, but your sports bra is quite damp with sweat? Pat a little of this super absorbent powder on your bra line and life will instantly feel better.)

Harmful Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare

Cleo + Coco Charcoal Deodorant

I thought I would never stray from my trusty Taos AER Deodorant, but when I tried the Cleo + Coco Charcoal Deodorant in Grapefruit Bergamot, I never looked back. I have seriously worn this deodorant every day since I applied it for the first time. No odor, no wetness, no staining…it is SO GOOD.

Comes in 3 scents…might try the Basil Mint next. But I really love the fresh, citrus scent of the Grapefruit Bergamot.

Rituel de Fille Ethereal Veil Concealer

BROKEN RECORD ALERT. Rituel de Fille Concealer is the best concealer out there.

Harmful Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare

While the Kosas Concealer still gets good marks from me, this concealer acts a little differently on the face and it’s incredible. Differences? In general, the Kosas concealer has a super creamy, glowy finish. Whereas the Rituel de Fille concealer is much more of a satin matte on the face. (Meaning it’s not as light-reflecting.) The textures are different too – Kosas is much more of a liquid and RdF is a cream base.

The concealer is super silky and blendable and doesn’t sit in my pores or look heavy at all. I love it as a spot treatment, undereye concealer, and foundation. Key ingredients are Jojoba oil, Frankincense,  Castor oil, and Lanolin.

I wear the shade Metis in the warmer months when I have some color and Ceres works for my paler months. I highly recommend this concealer and use it in almost all of my makeup videos on Instagram.

Fitglow Lip Serums

fitglow lip serum in nudie

Fitglow Lip Serums are so much more than lip gloss. They plump, they hydrate, they make my lips look impossibly fuller. And the scent? Straight from vanilla mint heaven. Never sticky or too “glossy,” they feel absolutely amazing on the lips. I truly can’t say enough about these serums.

So how do these serums make my lips so dang soft and lovely? Well, they are made with Organic Pomegranate Plant Sterols, Beet Extract, Vegan Collagen, and antioxidants that help improve lip cell structure and health, as well as diminishing fine lines. (Which this 43-year-old very much appreciates.) Organic pomegranate sterols penetrate lips and hold double their weight in water to increase hydration, improve moisture barrier function, and enhance lip fullness. Vegetable micro collagen is fundamental to maintaining the structure firmness and plumpness of lips. And Organic beet extract improves lip circulation to promote detoxification and plumpness. And what about this plumping? How does it happen exactly? Well, it occurs due to a combination of organic phospholipids from bio ferment extracts that naturally plump the lips without irritation. The moisture in our skin causes these vessels to swell, resulting in a minimized appearance of fine lines and increased lip fullness.

BAM. Plump lips ahoy.

All of these products are massive favorites of mine – as always, let me know if you have any questions in the comments and I will be happy to help!

How To Wear Eyeshadow Over 40

How To Wear Eyeshadow Over 40

I certainly enjoy my mid-forties – there’s a confidence that comes along with being a certain age and I celebrate the aging process as much as I can. Except for that little part of the aging process influenced by gravity. Um, can we opt out of that part?

As our skin matures, it gradually loses elasticity. Couple that lack of elasticity with the constant pull from gravity and we’ve got some loose, excessive skin issues.

Whereas excess skin on the lower eyelid can cause wrinkles, puffiness, and bulges, the upper eyelids are usually plagued with an extra fold of skin that hangs a little lower than the days of yore…sometimes even over the eyelashes. Rude, if you ask me.

Crepey skin, sagging eyelids, fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles…hoo boy, women over 40, your eyes are in for a treat! (more…)

My 2021 Skincare Routine (AM & PM)

Well well well, I guess it’s been over 2 years since I posted my morning skincare and evening skincare routines. Can we agree that we’ve all been through, um, a fair amount since then? #pandemic

Listen, if you only take one thing away from today’s post, let it be this. Vitamin C and retinoids are your best friends. My advancing mature age has provided me with much more than just slightly sagging jowls and laughlines…yes, my friends, I have wisdom. *cue trumpet fanfare* Wisdom to share with all of you!

If you are 30 and above, I highly recommend following these steps.

(more…)