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?

Beauty 101

Even before I had a baby, when I was a busy law school student, I've always been into my morning routine. I can't really have a good day if I don't step out of the house in a coordinating outfit, and at least some basic makeup. My daily essential are simple but also transforming (ie a night of no sleep, too much wine, or not enough coffee can be camouflaged).

Eyes: Chanel's quad is amazing. I also love the Naked original palette. For concealer nothing beats the tarte color corrector (I wear light/medium).

Brows: I never even thought about my eyebrows until I turned 30. Now I feel like I cant leave the house without at least some pencil. Most days I use the Anastasia double ended brush and their new pomade called Dipbrow to lightly fill and hold my brows in place. This stuff is better than any tinted gel I have ever used.

Skin: tarte's BB is my daily go to, I use Lancome's Teint Idole when I'm going out. For cheeks I love the Naked palette in Flushed, and tarte's cheek tint in blissful. I also like the Nars' The Multiple in Orgasm and Maui. Sometimes I sweep a little Clinique loose powder on top, but in the winter I usually avoid powder.

Lips: Where to begin. My current favorites are either Chanel's all day liquid in Light Rose, or Nars' Audacious formula in Raquel or Anita. On top I will add a coat of Nars' gloss in turkish delight or orgasm. I also like MAC from time to time, but less so since I've discovered the Chanel and Nars Audacious formulas.

Scent: I used to have 8-10 different perfumes on hand at all times. I have pared this down to 3 great options- Ralph Lauren for year round, J.Crew Arquiste No. 31 for fall/winter, and Chanel Mademoiselle for special events (or a day I need a little extra help).

What are some of your daily go-to's?