beauty

Summer Must-Have: SkinCeuticals Sunscreen

by Kirsten on June 21, 2011

Sure, I could spend my time researching what is known to be the fan favorite of all sunscreens, but what’s the point when I already use one of the best?! Granted, I did a ton of research a few years back, and no question about it – this is my all-time favorite.

No need to hold you in suspense, but you must buy this: SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense

Buy SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense in SPF 30 at SpaLook.com!

Plain and simple, it’s fantastic. I wear it in place of a moisturizer every morning, and beneath my make-up. Not only does it protect against UVA and UVB (cancer-causing) rays, but it also utilizes zinc oxide, which is one of the most amazing levels of protection you can get. You may remember zinc used to be that thick white or colored stuff on people’s faces that looked totally bizarre years back. Thankfully, they have done a ton of improvements, and it now is nearly invisible. Some may notice a lighter appearance to their face after putting the sunscreen on, but it quickly absorbs and goes away. No worries, I promise!

And let us not forget, it is 3.0 fluid ounces. That’s right my friends, it is travel and TSA friendly! This bottle lasts me over six months ($35 over six months, is only about $6/per month, $1.25 per week. Yes you can afford that), and I apply it everyday to my face, neck and use the leftover on my hands for the tops of my hands. Note: I use cheaper versions for my body as I am not as picky about the greasy look it may leave behind.

So the moral of this story? Wear sunscreen. Everyday. Do not think that because you have a darker skin tone, or like the look of a tan face, that it means you should not. Cancer and wrinkles are not cool and if you can prevent them with something so simple, why would you not?

I too love the look of having a sun-kissed glow, but tanning (out in the sun, or worse, a tanning bed) is not the way to do it. Just because you don’t notice the damage right away, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. I look at the faces of my mom’s friends, and it is quite evident those that protected their beautiful skin throughout their lives. I ask what their secret is? Sunscreen. Yes, some things can be that simple.

SkinCeuticals offers a wide variety of sun protection, and this just happens to be my favorite. They also have a sport version and another Sheer Physical version. I have tried all of the, and the Ultimate is my favorite. Perhaps one of the others may by yours? Either way, their sunscreen is to die for.

Who else loves SkinCeuticals? Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing, Katherine Heigl, Kelly Rutherford, Kirstie Alley, Rebecca Romijn, Sophia Bush and many more.

Enjoy!

Love, K.

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Beauty Products for Travel – I Can’t Live Without Schick

by Kirsten on November 2, 2010

Readers often ask what are my must-have beauty products while traveling, and which I choose to leave behind. It’s a constant battle as I don’t check my bags unless I absolutely have to – which means space is scarce, and multifunctional items are key.

Many beauty products I choose to leave at home, and if I have to, will pick up what I need upon arrival. But there are a few products that I have learned I cannot live without while traveling. My Schick Intuition razor is one of them.

I started using this razor a few years ago and never turned back. It may be bigger than other razors, but the quality is beyond comparison. I no longer buy shaving cream and I cut down on the time it takes to shave! Total win-win.

Now available is the Schick Intuition Plus Razor, which is the first and only razor that lathers, shaves and moisturizes in one easy step. I can vouch for the fact that it leaves your skin noticeably softer. It’s 4 blades are surrounded by a newly redesigned moisturizing solid enriched with shea butter, aloe, and Vitamin E, which helps to replenish your skin’s natural moisture.

Sure, it may be bulkier, but it does not need to go in your bag of liquids, and you can easily find a spot for it in your luggage. I made the mistake of leaving it behind on one vacation, hoping to save more space. I bought a disposable razor when I arrived, and hated every minute of it. Never will I go down that road again.

Recently I learned of the Schick Quattro Trimstyle Razor for women, which offers convenient bikini trimming and shaving in one shower-safe product. It also has an adjustable comb that gently guides the hair toward the trimmer blade to achieve desired hair length (choice of 3 length settings). The comb can also be removed completely for an even closer trim. No surprise it won the Shape Magazine Beauty Award in 2009!

This particular razor is pretty small, and a great product to carry with you on any beach vacation. It works amazingly well, and I highly recommend giving it a try.

Let me know if you have any questions about either product! I love them both, and would be happy to provide additional info!

Pick up your Schick Intuition Plus Razor here!

Pick up your Schick Quattro Trimstyle Razor here!

Love, K.

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Cosmetic bag for travel – innovative, flirty, and luxurious by Vemayca

by Kirsten on October 12, 2010

Cosmetic bags are a staple in every girl’s beauty routine. Often we have a couple in rotation – one for make-up, one for toiletries. Sure, they can be found everywhere from your local Target and Walmart or as a free gift with your recent $50 cosmetic purchase at Nordstroms – but I can guarantee they don’t have the features of a Vemayca bag.

Yes, I am a huge fan of multi-purpose items. For those of you that read my blog daily, it’s definitely an underlying theme in just about every product I recommend. Vemayca bags are just that – innovative, multi-functional, and beautiful.

Vemayca was founded by Veronica Mayo. She created a line of cosmetic bags that are not only absolutely luxurious in style and feel, but also serve a multitude of purposes. One of the best features – it’s removable pearl lining.

Time and time again I pack my toiletries or make-up into my cosmetic bags, and they spill, leak, or create a film of make-up powder that just never comes out. You take a look inside the bag and it’s gross – full of residue and not a pretty sight. With Vemayca’s removable Soft Pearl Liner, this no longer is an issue!

Simply take the the removable liner out, and it’s a breeze to wash and clean. Snap it back into the bag, and it’s as though you have a brand new bag! Finally – a product that even as it wears, it remains beautiful.

The outside of the bag is to die for. I could not take my hands off of it! So luxuriously soft, it’s amazing. I happen to have on-hand the red version, and the color is so vibrant, it makes me happy just looking at it. Is that silly? Nah.

Check out all the great uses for her bag – some you may have thought of, but I bet others are new!

Baby: bibs, bottles, diapers, snacks, teething rings, wipes
Beach: cash, first aid kid, paperback book, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit
Business Traveler: business cards, eyeglasses, mp3 player and headphones, prescriptions, passport/tickets, vitamins
Crafts: art supplies, paintbrushes, photography equipment, quilting, sewing notions, scrapbooking tools
Everyday: cosmetics, credit and gift cards, gum/mints, makeup brushes, receipts, tissue
Gym:car keys, hair brush, hair clips and ties, razor, shampoo/conditioner, shower gel
Personal Travel: camera, cell phone, hand lotion, electronic cords and attachments, feminine hygiene products, delicate lingerie
School: calculator, cell phone charger, hand sanitizer, highlighters, mini stapler, pens and pencils

In addition to the innovative removable Soft Pearl Liner, the Vemayca cosmetic bag features:

* Generous central compartment for your favorite beauty and personal items
* Two large zippered side pockets for additional storage and organization
* Light-colored silver satin lining, making the contents highly visible
* Custom metal zipper pulls that are easy to grip
* Flat bottom so the Vemayca cosmetic bag stays upright
* Super soft and and lightweight
* Size: measures approximately 9 inches wide, 6 inches high and 2 inches deep

You can’t go wrong with this purchase, and for only $35 – you know you are making a great investment in a product that will last for a long time!

Pick up your own Vemayca bag here!

Love, K.

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Beauty Product Review: L’Bel Lip Gloss, Moisturizing Cleansing Lotion and Toner

by Kirsten on October 5, 2010

I was the lucky recipient of a couple great beauty products from the luxe beauty company, L’Bel. Years ago I had tried some of their products, but it had been a while since I had the chance to give them a test-run. Continuously searching for the next great thing for my beauty regimen – particularly when it comes to great products to bring traveling – I was happy to give these few products a try!

Let’s preface this post a bit. I am a very simple woman when it comes to my beauty routine. I don’t wash my hair everyday for the obvious damaging reasons, I don’t wear a ton of make-up – and there are plenty of days I wear none at all, I don’t style my hair with products daily – again another way to keep my hair healthy, and I follow a pretty simple routine before going to bed at night. That being said, I look for products that either help me make my already easy system even more simple, or I look for products that make me feel or look amazing, in which I feel like I can no longer live without.

L’Bel carries a very large line of products including make-up, skin care, face care, fragrance, and hair care for both men and women. On this particular occasion, I tested out their Lip Gloss, the Moisturizing Softening Cleansing Lotion, and their Moisturizing Softening Cleansing Toner.

As I mentioned before, make-up is something I don’t wear on a daily basis, and often when I do wear make-up, I wear very little. Of course, when I am going out, have plenty of time in the day, or feel like I want to spend the extra time, I do love to go all out, beautifying my entire face. There is one product that I use almost daily – whether wearing make-up or not – and that is lip gloss.

L’Bel’s lip gloss was a perfect size to fit in the smallest of purses and clutches, ideal for traveling, or even carting around on a daily basis. I tried their Couleur Luxe Resplendisant XP in Fantasie. It uses a sponge-like applicator on the end, very similar to many other lipglosses, and went on very smoothly and evenly. I would characterize the consistency as a bit thicker, but with minimal stickiness. It really gives you the impression that it’s going to stay on for a while.

Although the color was a bit off for my skin tone, I really liked the way it felt on, and I liked the slightly fruity smell that it carried. Definitely something I could see myself using more of in the future.

I also got a chance to try their Essential Moisturizing Softening Cleansing Lotion and Toner. I will admit, I am a huge fan of my current skincare regime, so I was interested in giving a new product a chance, and seeing how it stood up to my tried and true!

I was very pleasantly surprised! Their cleansing lotion, which is to be used as your facial cleanser at night or morning, was very gentle, and is made completely without soap. Years ago I learned how much happier my face was with me when I used non-soap cleansers. Who would have thought the soap would over-irritate my skin and cause more breakouts! If only I had known that in my teenage years. Sigh.

Similar to cult-favorite Cetaphil, this moisturizing cleansing lotion can be applied using a cotton pad, or by hand. You can also choose whether you rinse it off with water, or just gently rub it off with a cotton ball or pad. I opted to apply it with my hands and used some lightly warm water to rinse. What first felt slightly greasy to remove, ended up providing a nice moisturizer to my skin once I fully rinsed.

Immediately after I used their Essential Moisturizing Softening Lotion Toner. It instructed me to gently tap the toner on to my face by using a cotton pad. I followed them precisely, and I can see how this must create a much better environment for your skin in avoiding any irritation or redness that so often can be noticed after applying a toner. This toner was really gentle, and provided a nice firmness to my skin. Perfect prior to a make-up application!

All in all, I was really pleased with all products from L’Bel. Even greater – they sell these items in travel sizes! Now all fellow traveling fashionistas can test these products out, TSA approved!

Love, K.

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Summer Glow – Should I use bronzer or self-tanner?

by Kirsten on July 2, 2010

When it comes to a do-it-yourself tan, there are two ways you can go – self-tanner or bronzer. Depending on what your plans are for the sunny months of the year – perhaps a jaunt through a few countries in Europe, a beach vacation in Mexico, or a city trip to Chicago – many want to have that beautiful sun-kissed glow for their trip, or even while at home!

All things considered, you may ask yourself which is better, self tanner or bronzer? Here are the ways to determine which will work best for you.

Should I use bronzer? A bronzer is best for you if any of the below are true:

You want instant results. With as simple as keeping a tube in your purse or at your desk at work, just rub some on your legs if you are wearing shorts or a skirt and feel your legs look to pale. Voila! You look more sun-kissed instantly.
You are a self-tanning beginner. Is this your first time creating a fake tan? Bronzers are the perfect way to avoid streaking and more permanent color.
You have no idea how dark you want your tan. Maybe it’s the first self-tan of the season, or perhaps you’re a newbie, nevertheless, bronzers make it easy to go as dark or as light as you desire with little to no risk in having a color that lasts too long.
In the event you hate it, or want to remove your color, you can easily wash off a bronzer, making it much less permanent.

Should I use a self-tanner? If the below statements are true for you, then it’s safe to say a self-tanner will work perfectly:

You want a tan that lasts a few days. Some of the best formulas will keep you covered for just under a week. Perfect for a vacation when you don’t want to worry about reapplying over and over.
You want a tan that covers your whole body. If you plan to take the time to cover your body, you might as well take the time to use a self-tanner.
You want to be able to get wet. If you plan to swim, be in the rain, or in a very humid environment, a self-tanner will be best.
You like to wear lots of white. Self-tanners have less of a problem transferring onto white than bronzers do.

Should you have any questions or want recommendations for some great products, feel free to email me at kirsten@travelingfashionista.com!

You may also like:

Big thanks to Lucky magazine for providing some good tips to create this article!

Love, K.

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How to Pack Beauty Products for Travel – Travel Sized Liquids

by Kirsten on May 21, 2010

Travel-sized beauty products are a hot commodity when it’s time for your next trip or vacation, especially when your goal is to not check a bag. Prices for checking even just one bag, can be upwards of almost $25 each way, $50 per round trip! This is ridiculous and if you have multiple people traveling, it becomes outrageously expensive. It is possible to only carry on bags, and with the right methods and knowledge, you can avoid ever paying those ridiculous fees! With the TSA governed rules of 3 fl.oz and under for all carry-on liquid items, we are greatly limited in what we can bring on-flight. One of the ways that I prepare for my next trip is to make sure I have my must-have items readily available for travel.

I find it annoying that most travel sized items are so much more expensive then they are actually worth. As a regular traveler, I make sure to always travel lightly and efficiently. This includes being organized, carrying multi-functional items (to help maximize packing space), and avoiding the curse of too many bags (I never check a bag if at all possible).

If you are new to traveling, or perhaps need a bit of a refresher, these are the things to remember – You are allowed one quart sized bag per person. Within this bag, you can carry as many liquid items as possible, as long as they are under 3 fl. oz.. Do not use this bag to carry all your toiletries, just the ones that are liquid. Your deodorant, if it is a solid, or invisible solid, does not need to go in this bag. Make-up should not go in this bag, unless you carry some sort of liquid item.

So, what does need to go in this bag? I am going to answer these questions for you, What beauty products should I bring traveling? .

Read the full list after the jump!

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Travel Packing – How to Be Fashionable and Functional

by Kirsten on April 28, 2010

Well, I must really love you guys. It’s 12:40 am PST and I am due to get up in five hours. Yikes! Before I head to bed, I wanted to make sure I kept my word on posting a few pics of my travel packing. This five-day trip is to Hawaii, for those who have not paid any attention lately, and the goal is to never check a bag. Once again, mission accomplished. I will admit that going to a warm location makes this mission much easier!

I started off by picking out my clothes. I brought three pairs of shorts, three pairs of capris (one pair of my oh so favorite Current Elliott boyfriend jeans), two skirts, and four dresses (and I always make sure the dresses can be dressed up for nights out). I then also packed five tank tops, three bathing suits (w/ interchangeable tops and bottoms), one black wrap, and one sarong. I did not bring any long-sleeved items, and should I get cold, the wrap will be perfect. Note that I love jersey knits (a lot of what you see here is definitely that material) and solid colors! This definitely helps mix and match.

See all my pics of my travel packing for Hawaii after the jump!

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6 Sexy Beach Friendly Hairstyles

by Kirsten on April 24, 2010

The sun is shining and the weather is heating up outside. It’s the time of year that we all love to head to the beach or on a tropical vacation. I can see it now, tropical drink in hand, feed in the sand, the sound of the waves…. perfection. In fact, I leave next week for Hawaii. (Yes I know I have said this a million times this last week, and I may, just MAY be rubbing it in a little bit. I am excited, ok!??!) Regardless, it’s important to have some cute hairstyles that work for your trip. These six styles will keep you looking sexy and yet comfortable, humidity-proof, and are not complex at all!

Easy Loose Waves

This is one of my personal favorites as it requires the least amount of effort. It is the typical Victoria’s Secret hair we have all become so fond of. That messy yet perfectly sexy tousled waves just screams beachy. For some this style is easier than others, I am definitely one of them. If your hair is more straight and you have a hard time getting waves, before bed spritz your hair with water or towel dry it after taking a shower and put your hair in a couple fat braids. Go to sleep and when you wake up, take the braids out and you should have some wave! For ladies with a bit of wave already, I just throw my hair in a loose bun on top of my head before bed, and that does the trick. I also suggest using a product like Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Spray to spritz and scrunch it (it will give you a bit of extra hold).

see the five other styles after the jump!

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Travel Sized Beauty Products

by Kirsten on April 19, 2010

“For those who travel, those who are curious, and those who can’t commit.” Finally, a one-stop shop for getting all your beauty products in the highly coveted 3 fl. oz. size, perfect for traveling. I hate checking a bag, and one of the constant battles is figuring out how to get my favorite toiletries on board. Usually I have to go buy some small containers and transfer my products, which is really messy, time-consuming, and an all around pain in the ass. But now, there is 3floz.com!

Kate and Alexi started their company when their two, totally opposite travel styles prompted them to come up with an easy way of transporting their beauty products.

Kate wasn’t willing to give up her daily beauty regime and carried her full- sized beauty products everywhere she travelled. She couldn’t be bothered spending hours shopping multiple locations searching for the TSA approved size products. Alexi was willing to spend hours going store to store buying her beauty products in TSA approved sizes so she could carry on her luggage. In addition to her anxiety about lost luggage Alexi had a fear of commitment, so buying full sized products put her into a full panic; travel sized products were the perfect solution.

Alexi stopped shopping for her TSA approved beauty products and started using Kate’s full- sized products when they were traveling together. This did not work for two reasons- Kate HATED sharing her beauty products and Alexi was SICK of waiting for her at the airport while she checked her luggage.

Just like all great ideas born out of a larger problem, there came a fabulous solution – and they began 3floz.com. Currently they carry their own favorite brands, products they are passionate about, or products they want you to fall in love with. But my sources tell me (shhhh!) that they will soon be offering Supergoop sunscreen!

They have both kits and individual products, and some of them are not cheap. But for many, the idea of saving the time, effort, and running around prior to your trip, makes it money well spent. If you have tried any of their brands, or perhaps their site, leave a comment and let us know what you thought!

Love, K

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Top Self-Tanners for 2010

by Kirsten on April 11, 2010

This complete, comprehensive list is gathered from 2010 reviews and articles from Allure, Glamour, Consumer Search, About.com, and more, comparing and contrasting across all of these sites.

By now we should all know about the many dangers of tanning. The sun is ruthless on our skin, causing premature aging and even worse, skin cancer. It’s astounding when I still see people basking in the sun for that perfect tan, all for the sake of beauty. I am all for looking beautiful, but at the price of looking like a wrinkled 50 year old when I am 35, no thank you. I also have zero interest in going to the dermatologist time and time again with my newest weird mole or discoloration in fear of it being cancer. Yet, I have been blessed by a pale skin tone with my Norwegian heritage. Can’t really get much whiter than that!

For the last few years I make sure to apply sunscreen every single day to my face and neck. If I am going to be outside, I cover every single part of me exposed to the sun with a very complete sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. I wear hats to cover my face in addition to the sunscreen. And if I know I am going to be on the beach, or on a boat, I do everything in my power to find a spot in the shade. I may be more cautious than many, but come see me twenty years from now, and I can promise my skin will be beautiful.

the top self-tanners after the jump