July Favorites!

One of the finer things about living in Georgia is the fact that we experience all four seasons.

And we southern gals know good and well that the red clay we walk on isn't the only thing baking in that hot sun come summertime - our skin and hair suffer too.

With the hot rays stripping away nutrients, it's so important to replenish your body. And it takes a little extra love and care to keep our locks finely coiffed (and sufficiently teased) and our skin nice and dewy.

Here are some of my favorite things that have helped fight the humidity and have quenched my very dry skin and thick (yet fine) hair.

Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

photo:  bluemercury.com

This product can work for every skin type. It feels more like a tonic or astringent, really. Initially I thought it would only work for oily or normal skin types but I have extremely dry skin and this has not caused any problems as far as I can tell.

I use this product morning and evening after cleansing with my normal cleanser. It deep cleans pores and truly leaves skin refreshed. Because I have dry skin, I follow up with a heavy-handed amount of moisturizer or cream to replenish my skin's ph-levels and to add moisture for elasticity.

I have really enjoyed this over the summer because the makeup/residue/suntan lotion/sweat that clogs our pores during our jaunts outdoors is extremely difficult to remedy. This stuff does wonders for deep cleaning. Plus, you feel so so very fresh after application. I use a cotton square.  The price is right, too.

Available at Nordstrom: Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, $15


Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream

photo: natureofbeauty.com

Natural calendula comes from the calendula flower and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that are great for treating skin irritations, particularly itchy skin or rashes or sunburns.

Calendula is fantastic for dry skin or sun-damaged skin because of its healing properties that make skin supple and moisturized. Calendula oil is great for under the eye skin to combat premature aging.

I discovered this stuff a little over a year ago and can personally attest to a litany of skin issues it has corrected. It's single-handedly the most effective thing I've ever used.

The spa I like to go to sells this locally. It's pricey but I rely on it because it works.

Available at Natural Body Spa or Naturopathica Holistic Health

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream

photo: shop.nordstrom.com

There's a reason this cream is on Bobbi's "Greatest Hits" list. I'm starting to use this cream as a primer to my foundation in the morning. At night, I use calendula, but this is FANTASTIC to keep your skin hydrated under foundation all day long.

Having a great primer on your skin helps your skin absorb the foundation and makes it last longer. Highly recommend.

Available at Bobbi Brown





Jamison Shaw Vita Plexx

Another important item to have in your bag is a great de-tangler. This one is from my hairdresser's at Jamison Shaw in Buckhead. Vita Plexx is conditioning, has SPF to help prevent color fade and sun damage and works wonders after the pool.

Available in store or at Jamison Shaw Online.

Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask

photo: oteenvogue.com

This mask is absolutely phenomenal. It hydrates hair, seals cuticles and restores shine.

Use when you're cleaning, studying, responding to emails before bed, or sleep with in it in your hair overnight with a cap on. I love this stuff and use it once a week.

Available at moroccanoil.com


Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm "BB" Cream

I've raved about Trish products before, especially this one in particular. The only unfortunate thing about this product is the price. $90 is a step price to spend on a tinted beauty balm.

Trish's products are formulated with the help of her dermatologist husband and has many amazing ingredients for your skin, but the SPF content along with the amazing coverage is what makes me buy this.

I pop this on my face to even out my skin tone and provide coverage and protection! in the sun where I'd normally forego makeup. It's long-lasting and makes skin look dewy.

This bottle lasts FOREVER. One pump is really all you need for a full face of moisturizing foundation. It just makes me feel prettier too when I'm in the sand or by the pool. It's not cute to thane a cute bikini but your face isn't also done up (just a little).

Available at Woo Cosmetics in Buckhead or Nordstrom

Olive Oil

photo: joyandsunshine blog

Personally, I prefer my olive oil on a nice little plate of pasta but you can't always get what you want.

Instead, I more frequently use olive oil on my body. I mix it with organic brown sugar for a face and body scrub that is simply divine.

I also rub it on my cuticles for conditioning. I mix it in my with hair conditioner (a very little bit will do) for some shine.

Live and love olive oil.

Available at Whole Foods or any market.


Banana Boat Protect and Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

You know what is REALLY gross? Mineral Oil.

That's the stuff mechanics use ... yes like cars and engines and grease and well, mineral oil.

It's also in MANY beauty products, especially tanning oil and sunscreen.

Banana Boat is all I will use because this particular formula has a moisturizer in it and does not contain that icky mineral oil. I don't like tanning oils. For one, they are HORRIBLE for your skin. The spray ones mostly don't even touch your skin because mist blows with the sea breeze.

All you need for that added tan acceleration is cocoa butter over your sunscreen.

I love this stuff, hopefully you will give it a try. I buy mine at Ulta.


Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

photo: bluemercury 

Ever heard of a setting spray? This product is a fantastic one.

After applying makeup (your whole face of makeup) simply spray this on to set the makeup and seal it to make it last longer.

I also spray this on after the beach or pool and just about every day, midday for a pick me up. You wouldn't believe how thirsty your skin is midday because of the stress and the makeup and the dry air in the office. You can even spray it on your hair.

Available at Nordstrom



Raw Aloe:

You can pick up an aloe leaf (branch?) at Whole Foods or Publix for a couple of bucks and you wouldn't believe the great beauty savings from that. Aloe is such a wonder-plant because it has every healing quality and moisturizing capability known to man.

Buy a leaf, trim the outer ridges, then slice the leaf into sections. Peel the membrane to expose the healing gel. You can youtube this for a how-to.

I use the raw gel as a mask. You wait about 15 minutes for your mask to tighten and then wash off with a damp cloth or just rinse. You skin feels tight and hydrated afterwards.

Water

There's nothing like the benefits of drinking water to keep your body hydrated and beautiful. :)

Cheers to feeling great and well-cared for!

Brooke

My Beauty Hot List Right Now: Top 10

I don't know about you ladies, but it's always kind of a big deal when a beauty product is worth buying again. Let's put it this way, if I think about how sad I'd be if the beauty devil cancelled production on one of my products and I realize I'd cry or need therapy then I know it's a keeper.

Here are some products that have been there for me lately. They are really something to talk about.

My Beauty Hot List Right Now by aslongasitssouthern featuring a shiseido eyelash curler

(From Left to Right, Top Row then Bottom):

1. Benefit "They're Real!" Mascara:
     Um, this mascara formula REALLY (like really) makes my lashes look like I have fake lashes on. I absolutely love the wand on the mascara, too. It helps get in there and separate those bad boys to make your eyes look oh so pretty.

I got a sample of this for my birthday from Sephora. Best sample ever.

2. YSL Touche Eclat Concealer:
     There's no mistaking the gold color of the container - it's expensive. But I have to tell you, it's worth every penny. This stuff hides it ALL! I love love love it. I just bit the bullet and bought it a while ago and this thing has lasted at least 5 months. It's the most perfect concealer/highlighter/magical potion known to me.

3. Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Anti-Fatigue Cream:
     My SA at Woo Cosmetics introduced me to this product a week ago and I have been just amazed with what it can do - and how well it does it. It's a moisturizer, hydrating facial mask and makeup primer all in one, depending on how you use it.

     Daily, I apply this (dime-sized) amount as a primer prior to application of foundation. It really helps foundation in place and allows your skin to radiate and stay moisturized. For nights when your skin is fatigued from makeup wear, or allergies, or perhaps a weekend spent in the sun, apply a concentrated amount as a mask for 15 minutes, or apply a more liberal amount as a moisturizer to wear overnight. Your pick. It's amazing and I've honestly noticed a difference in a skin within the week I've been using this product.

4. Simple Makeup Cleansing Wipes:
     I love that these wipes are cheap, unscented and safe to use on sensitive skin. I also love that you can get them at Publix or Kroger. These are fabulous little things that help clean your makeup without having to use a hand cloth to get all of it off. Much more gentle.

5. Shiseido Eyelash Curler:
     This eyelash curler does wonders. I use it everyday before I apply mascara. I love it.

6. Dermalogica Ultra Calming Concentrate:
     My SA at Woo Cosmetics also introduced me to this product and it's a powerhouse of a serum. A little goes a long way, it truly calms skin and restores brightness. I have had the driest skin recently and this stuff has completely reversed the damage.

     I like to apply it in a very concentrated manner around the eyes. It is my favorite thing to use to moisturize and restore the delicate skin around the eye. This product has helped my skin so much, and it's made by dermatologists, assuring you that it's friendly to sensitive skin.

7. Ardell Eyelashes:
     I love that eyelashes can instantly make your look glamorous. These are just the ticket for feeling a bit more fierce before you head out for a date, or a cocktail soiree, or whatever it may be.

     Duo eyelash glue works great with these lashes, just a little bit goes a long way. I like to steady the strip of lashes with a tweezer and voila! These lashes blend in effortlessly with your actual lashes, and guarantee a pep in your step when you go out. I love them.

8. Bond No. 5 New York "Scent of Peace" Bon Bon:
     Bond fragrances are ubiquitous with the chic, crisp feeling of New York. Their fragrances are very fine, very beautifully created and smell absolutely amazing. A bit pricey, ($200-300/bottle) Bond fragrances are the creme de la creme of the fragrance world.

     The bon bons are more reasonable ($95ish), and fit in your bag. Perfect for any occasion. Scent of Peace smells divine.

9. Trish McEvoy Bronzer:
     This product requires little explanation. It's just the best bronzer I've ever used. Guerlain is a closed second in my book. I just love Trish products.

10. MAC Eyeliner in Coffee:
     Coffee is the PERFECT color eyeliner (well, for brown haired people). It really makes my eyes pop and isn't so harsh. This eyeliner applies very easily and stays put.

Cheers, darlings!

Hope your day is beautiful!
B