Summer Skin:: A Guide to Deep-Cleaning Face Masks

If you are anything like me you love summer, but perhaps do not love what summer can do to your skin.  Congestion is a common issue thanks to sunscreen, balmy days and if you live in a city like me pollution.  Luckily there are amazing miracle workers out there that are targeted to thoroughly clean the skin and leave behind a luminous complexion.  The key is to find clay-based products that will allow impurities to be lifted from your pores.  Here are some of my favorites that are guaranteed to do the job.

Bosica Luminizing Black Mask / Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Mask  / Tarte Amazonian Clay Double Detox  Exfoliating Face Mask  / Eve Lom Rescue Mask

{Beauty Profile} Ultraluxe Enzyme Peeling Cream

Our wedding day is quickly approaching (about 2 months away!) and I have been diligent about keeping up with my skincare regime in order to have a 'bridal glow' come May.  In order to have a polished and luminous complexion it is important to slough-off dead skin cells either with a physical scrub (one that is infused with micro-granuals, salt or sugar) or a chemical scrub (one that has fruit enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids).  I like to incorporate both forms into my skincare routine and recently I have been using the Ultraluxe Enzyme Peeling Cream to keep my skin fresh.  This rinse-off cream is laced with pumpkin enzymes which acts as a natural 'chemical' exfoliator, in addition to cardamom and Beta Carotene extracts that help to eliminate blackheads, dead skin and unnecessary oils that can cause break outs.  After one use, my skin was incredibly supple and soft and considering the arctic temperatures that my complexion has been subjected to that was no easy task.  Using this Peeling Cream once or twice a week will allow for your moisturizer to work better and retain moisture.  If you are looking to incorporate a scrub that is less abrasive than physical scrubs I definitely recommend going this route.

Enzyme Peeling Cream c/o

Beauty Profile:: Ole Henricksen Nurture Me & Ultimate Lift Firming Serum

When temperatures reach the teens or even single digits there is one thing that you must do, layer - layer everything, your clothing and the oils, serums and creams that protect your skin from the elements.  I can say that my skin would be in complete disarray if it were not for these two Ole Henricksen products and their face oil (I wrote about it here)  - when combined they are a powerful trio that acts like armor during these excruciatingly cold months that can wreck havoc on your complexion (not to mention the chlorine from the pool at the gym).  Applying the Nurture Me Cream is like massaging a thick layer of pudding on your skin - it is luxurious, incredibly moisturizing and is laced with an addicting creamsicle aroma.  It is chock-full of powerful ingredients like Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin A & C which help nourish and promote a uniform complexion while being extra gentle on sensitive skin.  If you are looking for a moisturizer that penetrate and moisturize thirsty skin I definitely recommend it.

Now let's talk wrinkles, or rather preventing them.  Since I first started working in the beauty industry at the age of fifteen I have been using anti-wrinkle creams - it might sound crazy but if there are two actions that can prevent premature aging is moisturizing and sunscreen.  Today there are so many amazing serums that can boost your moisturizers power like the Ole Henricksen Ultimate Lift Firming Serum.  This serum contains a cocktail of botanicals, hyaluronic acid, which plums and protects against moisture loss and Copper Tripeptide which fend-off free radical damage.

c/o Ole Henricksen

The Beauty Cabinet:: Face and Body Oils

I have been using a blend of essential oils on my face and body for years.  I love how they add a bit of aromatherapy to my skincare routine without having to go to a spa.  Today, every beauty company seems to be adding these to their product line-up quite rightfully so, as oils are great to massage into your skin before you layer on your moisturizer.  Oils are a great addition to your regime especially as the temperatures begin to plummet leaving the skin more susceptible to chapping due to harsh interior (dry-heat anyone?) and exterior (blustering, sub-zero temperatures) elements.  

Another important fact to know about oils is that oftentimes people with oilier skins think that adding an oil into their regime will cause them to break-out, but that is not that case. There are different oils for all skin types, and one thing to remember is that you need oil to combat oil, it is an oxymoron of sorts, but it is true.  

{Face}
Dry/Mature:: Fresh Elixir Ancien - A luxurious blend of oils that truly leaves skin soft and supple. Using this during the harsh winter months is an essential to keep skin moisturized and glowing. This oil is even hand-blended in a monastery, just like the Crème Ancien, it's cream counterpart.
Combination:: Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil - This oil is suited for skins that are combination (oily t-zone and dry everywhere else). It is also infused with Rosehip Oil, a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to help prevent and reduce wrinkles.  
Oily:: AROMESSENCE Ylang Ylang Oil - This oil is heavenly scented and targets skin that tends to be more oily.  I love to use this during the summer, as it provides enough hydration to layer under my SPF, but doesn't let my makeup slide off my face either.  
Nighttime::Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - This oil is intended to use at night, as it has features an intense blend of oils that repair the skin, but during the winter, I use it under my moisturizer during the day.  I really think that applying this oil before I go to bed helps me sleep at night and I always wake up with more vibrant skin.  

{Body}

 Elemis Exotic Frangipani Manoi Body Oil - An exotic cocktail of amazingly floral frangipani. This oil is absorbed directly into the skin without leaving anything but soft skin behind. 

Nars Manoi Body Glow II - A wonderfully intoxicating aroma of gardenia that can double as a great base for perfume. 

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil - If I could drink this oil, I would.  It has the addictive fragrance of almond oil and it also comes in a shower oil too that is just as divine.  
Burt's Bees' Lemon & Vitamin E Bath & Body Oil - This dual-purpose oil is lightly scented with refreshing citrus oil paired with the healing powers of Vitamin E.