I spend a fair bit of time away from home (and I talk about some of my travel must-haves here), and being away so often makes my time at home that much more precious to me. I struggle sometimes at making it a haven where I can kick back and relax (between what seems of endless loads of laundry–I’m just one person but between delicates, regular clothes and workout clothes, it piles up!–and constantly unpacking and repacking luggage, gah!).
But the one thing I know I don’t have to worry about is my stash of skincare essentials. As an Aveeno® Active Naturals® ambassador and a lifestyle writer, I get to try out a slew of products regularly, and these are the Aveeno products I turn to time and time again, and what helps me keep a healthy balance to my on-the-go lifestyle:
Because I’m working out regularly, I shampoo my hair often. Which can dry out hair, but I use Aveeno® Positively Nourishing Moisturize Shampoo and Conditioner so that my hair doesn’t get stripped. These two products are made with a formula of gentle moisturizers and includes a nourishing Wheat Complex and Oat Protein so my often over-shampooed hair maintains shine and strength. I usually don’t travel with these products (in order to save space in my luggage — carry-on only whenever possible!) and I notice the difference in how much more manageable my hair is once I return home and use these products instead of whatever was in my hotel room.
While I typically wear a higher SPF, during cooler months where I’m typically indoors for more time, I love to use Aveeno® Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15. With its Total Soy Complex and natural light diffusers, it helps with my uneven skin tone and dark spots, and I like that it’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It is lightweight, though, so in the winter, I use a heavier night cream or an oil to give my dry skin (which gets exposed to harsh winter elements since I run outside all winter) more of rich dose of hydration.
As for my body, I’ve always been prone to dry skin, so with my skin recovering from winter and my frequent showering (often twice a day because of (1) life and (2) regular workouts), hydrating my skin well is actually the thing I’m most diligent about when it comes to my beauty routine. If I were to skip this step, I’d be scaly as a snake and itchy AF. So, in order to NOT be in such a state, I slather on the new Aveeno® Eczema Care Itch Relief Balm, which helps strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier and moisturizes skin well. It’s not greasy, and is gentle enough for daily use. Plus, I love that it’s in a large pot (it drives me crazy when pump dispenser’s stop pumping out lotion when there’s so much left in the bottle!).
Where I can slack off with my moisturizing routine is when it comes to my hands. Did you know–your hands are the first part of your body to show serious signs of aging?! So, I keep a tube of Aveeno® Daily Moisturizing Hand Cream on my office desk so I can apply it when I’m working on my computer.
I remember Aveeno® being on the bathroom shelf when I was growing up, actually, so it’s been a trusted staple on my bathroom shelf for practically my whole life, come to think about it.
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June 12, 2017
You know what never gets tired? Hearing, “You look great!”
And lately, I’ve been hearing that a lot. Not trying to brag. I know it’s not because I’m well rested (poor zzz’s for months now) or exude energy (see “poor zzz’s”). And then it dawned on me the main thing I’ve added to my routine as of late: the Miracle 10 Peel.
I had a series of four peels (complimentary, full disclosure) over the past 12 weeks or so. Ideally, you should have one every two weeks, but between going to the Caribbean three times this winter (after being in the sun, you should avoid a peel for at least a week) and just regular ol’ life getting in the way, well, I ended up needing three months to complete four peels.
The peel is unlike any other I’ve tried. Here’s what happens in a Miracle 10 Peel:
- Your skin is cleansed of makeup.
- Miracle 10 Solution 1 (which contains glycolic acid of 3%) is then used to further cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin.
- Next medical-grade acetone is swiped on your skin. This degreases the skin, explains Ann from Miracle 10, and helps prep it for the next step…
- Which is dermablading. Yes, you have sharp blade swept across your face. “It removes the top layers of dead skin, which encourages skin-cell turnover and makes it easier for the glycolic acid to penetrate the skin, says Ann. I worried about it taking off fine facial hair and it growing back looking thicker (visions of a Teen Wolf situation), but Ann assures me that hair naturally taper to its original fineness after being shaved off with the dermablade). Phew!
- Acid comes next. For your first visit, most people get the lactic acid, and subsequent peels are usually glycolic acid (ranging in strength from 20% to 70%); the acid peel is on for two minutes and then rinsed off.
- Then, the Miracle 10 mask. It’s clay-based, and contains ingredients such as lavender and methol, and you get to snooze a little as it’s left on for eight to 10 minutes.
- And now another nifty element you likely haven’t tried before: your face is swiped with a piece of dry ice. The dry ice is antibacterial and the cooling helps to tighten the pores and any loosened bits of dead skin get swept up by the dry ice.
- Almost done now; all that’s left is the tech applying some sunscreen and an eye treatment cream.
The Miracle 10 Peel is good for most anyone looking for radiant skin. Sensitive skin types can tolerate it; if you’re acne prone, the tech will skip the dermablade . You’ll notice glowier skin (yes, I can attest to it), smoother skin (yep, that, too!) and hyperpigmentation will be reduced (Maybe? On me, I’m not sure on that benefit thus far).
Am I hooked? I just might be. When you try things like great facials and peels for work, there’s that darn way you can easily get addicted to these sometimes pricey treatments. A bit of a work hazard (but I’m not complaining).
Miracle 10 Peel, $125 ($375 for a package of four)
June 5, 2013
Sun and sand in your schedule? Just some of my essentials for a beach getaway:
- Cute cheap-and-chic bikini. So many inexpensive options if you can get away with a string bikini style from shops including Asos (like the one pictured here), Walmart (I have a few from this big box store — you can get one for $12!) and Topshop.
- Sunscreen. My routine: use an SPF moisturizer (Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration has a lovely coconutty scent and provides great hydration) post-morning shower, and then I throw a continuous spray sunscreen into my beach tote for quick reapplications throughout the day.
- Flip flops. Just picked up new Havaianas (they truly do feel better on your feet than the cheaper flip flops on the market), but I’m coveting these ones, too.
- iPad. Yes, I’ve been scolded to get offline when on vacay…but I think I’d just be more anxious. (OK, perhaps it’s time for another digital detox to relearn a few things!)
Still in the planning stages for your vacay? I know I’m always planning my next trip! Be sure to check out the four incredible Caribbean boutique properties featured over on ElleCanada.com. (If you’ve been following me on Instagram or Twitter over the last few months and were wondering what lovely locales I was at, you’ll find your answer in the article.) I still dream of being back at any one of these destinations on a daily basis! Can you blame me? Check out this breathtaking view…
May 28, 2013