Summer Skin Routine

Though I can't complain too much recently, I've had a life long battle with my skin. High school years were actually fine, an occasional dab of Clearasil (remember Clearasil??) did the trick. College brought more troubled areas, I suppose a diet consisting mainly of diet coke with raspberry Smirnoff and pizza didn't help much. Then law school, don't even get me started. I finally had to bite the bullet and take a course of Accutane, which completely changed my facial life. Now, 8 years after the fact I still treat my skin with the utmost care, read product labels, change pillow cases 2 times a week, and forget chemical sunblock.

As the summer sun rises and temps climb, I change up my routine a bit. Replacing thicker cream with lighter essential oils is the first step. 

I use BeautyCounter Lustro Oil number 3 morning and night after cleansing to tone, balance, and prevent pimples

I also swap out my medium-thick BB (I love Tarte) for a light weight tinted moisturizer with higher SPF.

Dew Skin in shade number 2 is my perfect everyday hint of color and chemical-free sun protection

Make up is generally minimal to begin with, so I stick with my favorites year round. A touch of under-eye concealer, pop of blush, swipe of mascara, and taming of the brows.

Nars the multiple is a long time favorite for cheeks, lips or highlighting

It Cosmetics bye bye undereye is the best for my serious, genetic dark under eye circles

BeautyCounters' brand new mascara is a cannot miss

Benefit gimme brow in brunette is worth every penny of its $24 price tag

To shop the full BeautyCounter line with my friend Sarah using my social, click here anytime between now and June 6th!

Any summer favorites I should try?

Make Up on the Daily

Cooler temps call for not only dark polish and new lipstick, but an update to the daily makeup routine is in order. I avoid as many forms of skin make up as possible when its 90 degrees and humid, but come September, I cant wait to apply a good BB and some cream blush. Being the product junkie that I am, I cant resist trying anything that Birch Box supplies. A few of my daily favorites that still keep my morning routine down to 10 minutes:

1. Skin- I am a big fan of Tarte's BB Cream. I've tried a few brands, but this one does not cause breakout, is all natural, has physical sunscreen (as opposed to the chemical formulas I avoid like the plague), and is relatively full on coverage for a BB. I set it with a tiny brush of the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores power.

2. Cheeks- I love the Nars Multiple in Maui and Orgasm all year long. I add a bit of Benefit Watts Up highlighting stick to the tops of my cheeks in the fall for a tiny hint of office appropriate shimmer.

3. Eyes- You have already heard me rave about It Cosmetics new Bye Bye Under Eye corrector and their concealer on top. I also love the Bobbi Brown concealer duo for a quick touch-up during the day. For my lids, I love the Urban Decay Naked palette, I've used it for over a year and still go to it everyday. I work a small amount of Bobbi Brown chocolate eyeliner into my top lashes, and a light coat of Clinique High Impact Mascara.

4. Brows- I fill my brows with a Trish McEvoy pencil, but really, any brand would be fine. I then use Benefit Gimme Brow to plump and hold them in place all day.

Any new products I'm missing out on? Tell me!