beauty blogger

Cooling Beauty Products for Summer

cooling-beauty-productsIn between my trips to Italy and Aruba I came home to countless packages containing new beauty launches and was excited to find anything labeled "cooling" as Aruba gets brutally hot.  Let's just say that half of the product I packed were my daily essentials and the other half was considered "work" – you know, cooling beauty products, the ones I planned on putting to the test in dead heat.  (I had to pay because my suitcase was overweight!  Tax write off?)  Out of all of the ones I brought, two are standouts. 

cooling-beauty-productJergens Soothing Aloe Refreshing Moisturizer

Slathered in SPF 45 daily, of course I've been taking in the sunshine and when it comes time to shower and get ready for the nighttime, this lotion has been a treat.  I obsessively moisturize as soon as I get out of the shower and my parched skin soaks in the extra relief from the aloe.  Even though I'm not sunburned, I have color and my body is hot. The cooling, soothing essence of the aloe acts like a treatment to my skin.

cooling-beauty-productsL'Occitane Ice Gel for Legs & Feet

When I opened this cooling beauty product from L'Occitane I was surprised, because every time I tried something similar it was normally from a sporty company.  This one seemed luxe.  Each morning here I did sprints before hitting the beach and since I'm not used to running, (a total barre babe), boy was I sore!  Especially my calves, so putting this one to the test was also a natural fit.  It has a rollerball application, which was great for a minor massage and invigorates my muscles, while cooling and relieving them.  I'm kind of obsessed.  And I don't see why you can't use it elsewhere.

3 Elements to A Good Facial

facialWhen Jeannine sent me for my first facial with celebrity facialist Cecilia Wong, my skin was so soft I had to restrain myself from continuously petting it. Yes, petting it.  I controlled myself of course, but my fresh skin was proof she would be the perfect expert to guide us through the key elements that every facial should contain

3 Key Elements of a Facial

When going for a facial, the first thing your facialist should do is look closely at your skin and create a facial customized to your skin type. Wong explains that your facialist should ask you certain questions to customize products accordingly. “Having a facial tailored to you and your skin needs will help you achieve the very best results,” explains Wong.

Another key step to every facial – extractions— the removing and softening of clogged pores and blackheads. “This benefits all skin types, especially those with oily or acne prone skin,” Wong explains. “Extractions will help to refine pores and prevent enlarging, while also allowing the products you use to be absorbed quicker and more effectively into the skin.”

Exfoliation is another crucial step. Why is this key for all skin type? “Those with dry skin will see a decrease in dead skin cells and flakiness,” explains Wong, “And those with oily or acne prone skin will benefit from the balance in oil production and prevention of future breakouts.”

Cecilia Wong can be found at Cecilia Wong Skincare in NYC and offers many different types of facials.

Carthusia Perfumery in Capri, Italy

carthusia-capri5.jpgWhen exploring the Amalfi Coast last week, I kept seeing bath and body products made by Carthusia, a perfumery in Capri.  Then, when Joe and I got to Capri, our hotel, Capri Tiberio Palace, supplied their products in the bathroom and had fragrance diffusers throughout the lobby, which were incredibly luxurious.  So of course, I had to pop into the original store and learn more one sniff at a time.

In 1948, a chemist from Torino, created the smallest fragrance laboratory in the world in Capri, Carthusia.  Each scent created is inspired by the island, which is why it's so special and why I found it so intriguing.  Capri is currently my favorite place in the world! The essence from rosemary picked on Monte Solaro is used in men's products, while the that of Capri wild carnation is used in women's fragrances. However, the line expands way beyond eau de toilettes.

Carthusia-Capri.jpg cathusia-capri2.jpgI wasn't allowed to take pictures, but obviously snapped a few anyway.  The Capri Tiberio Palace even had pool side refreshing water spritzers that were lightly fragranced by Carthusia (first photo).  That, my friends, was the icing on the cake. The essence of Capri and all of it's energy was in full force.

Don't worry, I'm not raving to you about something you don't have access to unless you visit Capri!  You can check out the Carthusia line online and make purchases.  My favorite things are actually the home diffusers and candles.  Who wouldn't want their home to smell like Capri?

Just Married!

jeannine-morris-lombardi-wedding.jpg.jpgCiao!  Or maybe I should say Bon Bini!  After two weeks, I'm back from my honeymoon in Italy and in Aruba with my new husband and family.  We're officially Mr. & Mrs. and still on a complete high from our wedding.  I can't wait to give you guys the 411 on everything beauty from the big day, but am waiting for the pics!

Hidden Beauty Benefits in Your Food

beauty-benefits-in-your-food.jpgDid you know that some of the food you eat can help fight free radicals, moisturize your skin and even keep you trim?  Ah! Now you're paying attention.  Yes, there are hidden beauty benefits in your food.  Through a survey conducted by Simple Skincare, 50%of women claim they strive for a healthy diet. However, they are missing key foods that can do wonders for their beauty health. We talked with Nicole Avena, PhD, author of Why Diets Fail to get the scoop on how these foods can benefit us and some tips on how to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Brussels sprouts are one of the most beneficial foods when it comes to your long-term health. “They can lower cholesterol and help with DNA protection,” Dr. Avena explains. “And they are among the highest content when it comes to glucosinolate, which is a cancer-protective element.”  Avena suggests steaming brussels sprouts for your lunch or dinner veggie.

If you’re looking for a food to increase your mood (and who isn't), walnuts are the food for you. And believe it or not, improving your mood goes hand in hand with improving your skin. Avena explains that they are packed with B-vitamins, which is good for stress and mood management. “B-vitamins, together with Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, help fight the free radicals induced due to stress. This further delays the ageing process.” And who doesn’t want that, right?

Another food that benefits your skin is wild salmon. It’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon is also great during summer because it contains selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from UV-exposure.

Looking to maintain a healthy figure?  Avocados will help keep you lean and trim. "They're a great source of both insoluble and soluble fiber," Avena explains. Insoluable fiber keeps you regular, while soluable fiber helps control appetite by making you feel fuller.  This is a favorite of Avena’s. “I’m really liking avocados right now. They are easy to turn into a dip by mashing 1-2 up and adding some spices. Also, they are delicious on their own for a quick healthy snack. I cut them in half and eat then out of the skin with a spoon.”

What's your favorite beauty food?  According the the survey, 68% of women are missing out on Brussels sprouts, 62% on walnuts, 57% on salmon and 56% miss avocados.  Ladies, let's get munching on the right stuff!

Burt's Bees Brightening Collection with Daisy Extract

What's your biggest skincare concern? Me? Dark spots and an uneven skintone. I'm so anal about keeping my skin from getting any new dark spots that I even wear a sun hat when I work on my balcony to help shade my skin from the sun. When it comes to getting rid of the unwanted pigment, I've tried it all from potent hydroquinone to laser treatments and you know what? After all of that, I found a natural brightening ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation – daisy extract – in the Burt's Bees Brightening Collection.

Deemed by the company as "Nature's Retoucher," the Burt's Bees Brightening Collection* is clinically proven to visibly brighten skin in just four weeks. Burt's Bees collects wild, white daisies from the mountains of Macedonia, because their extract is proven to be a natural skin brightening agent. Combined with a Multi-Fruit Complex, the formula offers a more even looking skin tone.

*The Burt's Bees Brightening Collection includes a Daily Cleanser, Brightening Eye Treatment, Dark Spot Corrector, Refining Tonic and Even-Tone Moisturizing Cream.

The Dark Spot Corrector is super impressive, because after eight weeks of use, 100% of test subjects in clinical studies showed brighter skin and 80% of women showed diminished dark spots. I use the collection as a whole regimen, but this is the product that I apply on specific spots to help fade them over time.

Check out Burt's Bees on Facebook and Twitter to learn more and for coupons.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Burt's Bees via Burst Media. The opinions and text are all mine.

Sally Hansen Jelly Polishes – drugstores, $4.99

L’Oreal Preference Mousse Absolue – drugstores, $14.99

Skindinavia Makeup Spray Primer – Skindinavia.com, S35

La Roche Posay Anthelios 30 Cooling Water Lotion Sunscreen with CELL-OX SHIELD XL - $35.99, drugstores

Xen Tan Transformation Ultra – $65 at Nordstrom

 

Blake Lively in Cannes: Makeup Looks

Blake-Lively-Is-Cannes-2014-Best-Dressed-In-Chanel-Couture4Despite the fact that Blake Lively doesn't have a film in the Cannes Film Festival this year, she's been absolutely killing it on the red carpet.  Whether on Ryan Reynolds's arm or not (who's actually there promoting his film, The Captive), she has been making an effort and breaking necks thanks to the glam squad with L'Oreal Paris doing her makeup looks and her couture gowns.  Here are her beauty breakdowns – her lips, a constant rose story. Blake Lively Cannes 2014Guccie Première

L'Oreal Paris products used:

Blake Lively Cannes 2014Chanel Couture

L'Oreal Paris Products Used: 

Blake Lively Cannes 2014Gucci Première

L'Oreal Paris products used:

As far as I'm concerned, she can do no wrong.  Her beauty looks have been just as impressive as her gowns.  Which is your favorite?

CEW Beauty Award Winners 2014

CEW-Beauty-AwardsThe CEW Beauty Awards are like the Oscars of the beauty industry and this year I was honored to be a presenter.  With over 750 new product entries for hair care, skin care, makeup, grooming and fragrance, there were 193 finalists, but very few brands actually received the stamp of approval from CEW as the best beauty products of the year.  Aisha Tyler of The Talk hosted this year and was hilarious!  Now, allow me to present the winners...

The 2014 CEW Beauty Awards winners are:

BATH AND BODY

Bath and Body Mass

Vaseline® - Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture

Bath and Body Prestige

Shiseido Cosmetics America - Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Body Cream

SKINCARE

Acne Treatment

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare™ - One Step Acne Eliminating Pads

Anti-Aging Mass

L'Oréal Paris - Revitalift Miracle Blur

Anti-Aging Prestige

Clé de Peau Beauté - Le Sérum

Cleanser & Scrub

Yes to Grapefruit - Brightening Facial Towelettes

Eye Treatment Mass

Vichy - Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes

Eye Treatment Prestige

GLAMGLOW Inc. - Brightmud Eye Treatment

Lip Treatment

Fresh - Sugar Cherry Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

Moisturizer Mass

L'Oréal Paris - Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil

Moisturizer Prestige

Josie Maran Cosmetics - 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

HAIR

Hair Care Product

Kérastase - Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate

Hair Coloring Product

Color Wow - Root Cover Up

Hair Styling Product

Living Proof - Perfect Hair Day (PHD) 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

MAKEUP

Eye Product Mass

L'Oréal Paris - Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

Eye Product Prestige

Dior - Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Face Product Mass

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Chic Luminosity Bronzer/Blush Duo

Face Product Prestige

bareMinerals - Ready To Go Complexion Perfection Palette

Lip Product Mass

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Colour

Lip Product Prestige

Clé de Peau Beauté - Extra Rich Lipstick

MEN’S GROOMING

Lab Series Skincare for Men - Pro LS All-in-one Face Treatment

NAIL PRODUCT

Dior - Nail Glow

SCENT

Men's Scent

Ralph Lauren Fragrances - Polo Red

Women's Scent Mass

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Eau De Toilette in Pink Innocencia

Women's Scent Prestige

Coty Prestige - Honey Marc Jacobs

INDIE BEAUTY AWARD

GLAMGLOW Inc.

ECO BEAUTY AWARD

Aveda

BEST SELLER MASS

Maybelline New York – Volum’ Express The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara

BEST SELLER PRESTIGE

Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +

ICONIC BEAUTY AWARD MASS

Maybelline New York - Great Lash Mascara

ICONIC BEAUTY AWARD PRESTIGE

YSL Beaute - Touche Éclat

MOST BUZZED ABOUT MASS

L'Oréal Paris - Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

MOST BUZZED ABOUT PRESTIGE

Estée Lauder - Modern Muse Eau de Parfum

QVC BEAUTY QUEST AWARD

Dr. Macrene Skin Results 37 Actives

SKINCARE TOOLS

TRIA Beauty, Inc. - Age-defying Laser

SUN PRODUCT

La Roche-Posay - Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid

 See any of your favorite products or brands?  I was freaking out each time a new winner was about to be announced, because I obviously have my favorites!  I was completely honored to be back as a presenter and involved with the CEW Beauty Awards in such a big way.  I love the beauty industry and all of the people who work so hard to make great ideas come to life.

POND's Skin Care: Plus Up Your to Basics

Jeannine-Morris

One of my earliest beauty memories was from my grandma.  I've told this story before in a video I did with POND'S last year, but it's priceless because her lesson stayed with me and through generations has been tried and true.  When my sister and I had sleepovers at my grandparents house, my grandma always made us wash our face with cold cream before we went to bed.  It wasn't any cold cream, it was hers, part of her beauty regimen for years, and it was POND’S.  I was about four years old.  There's something about POND'S skin care and taking it all back to basics that sits well with me and my skin.

Ponds-SkincareThe POND’S Cold Cream Cleanser is the perfect cleanser, because it's made up of 50% moisturizer making it so gentle on your skin, that washing your face becomes pampering. It also removes makeup, (yes even waterproof mascara), plus moisturized my skin leaving it feeling really soft and looking radiant. I'll never forget my first experience.  My grandma still to this day uses POND's skin care and her skin has always looked fantastic.

Ponds-Skincare-TowelettesI'm a huge fan of the POND’S Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes (and so is Joe).  As towelette hoarders, Joe sometimes uses these instead of going through the actual process of washing his face at night and must admit I've done it a few times myself.  They’re really a 2-in-1, because they gently remove all of my makeup, plus act as a leave on moisturizer. I normally use towelettes after a barre class or just throughout the day as I run around NYC event hopping for a nice refresh.

For me, no matter what my beauty look ends up being night or day, it starts with skin care. Clean, well moisturized, radiant skin is constantly what I'm trying to keep up and if you're in the same boat, then sometimes you may want to take it back to basics and try POND'S skin care. Remember what they say, less is more.  Keep an eye out for a coupon for POND's skin care in newspapers nationwide!

*This is a sponsored post by POND'S, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.