This summer has been totally hectic (in the best way!). I’ve been traveling like crazy, testing beauty products left and right and I even got engaged. My schedule has been a mixture of sleeping on airplanes and running around the city, attending meeting after meeting – both for work and the wedding. If my busy summer has taught me anything, it’s how to maintain a beauty routine that’s versatile, effective, hydrating and hard working. I’ve also been keeping an eye on my wellness habits as well, from how much water I’m drinking to how often I’m finding time for mindfulness.
Being busy has inspired me to be real with my beauty routine. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to waste time on under-performing products that don’t deliver great results. After all, ahem, I have a wedding to look glowing for.
So, in the spirit of renewal, I refined the She’s in the Glow mission statement to encompass my newly nuanced approach to my routine. Check it out here. In a nutshell, I am using natural whenever possible while supplementing with science. Like most modern women, I don’t always have the time to live naturally. From now on, consider my site a study in balance—how to master the perfect hybrid routine that’s both organic and technologically savvy.
So, without further ado, here’s my August Glow Guide. Inspired by my new beauty mantra, these are the products to know and love right this very minute.
Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask
I traveled like crazy this summer, and I found that the key to keeping my skin from going nuts is moisture combined with the use of a gentle, yet effective facemask every single day. With my skin acting up against the airplane’s dry environment and constantly acclimating to various types of weather, this Joanna Vargas mask became my life savior. Infused with Kaolin Volcanic Clay,it draws out impurities and unclogs pores. You’ll feel you’re face tighten, while the hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin. Your face will feel silky smooth for days. Jessica Richards of Shen Beauty recommended it to me, so it’s no surprise that it’s really good.
It’s a known fact this cleansing pomade is a hero among beauty experts. I can’t believe I waited so long to get involved myself. I have been using this pomade consistently since the beginning of August and I am seriously in love. Another recommendation by die-hard fan Amanda Richards, this cleanser is so gentle that it melts on your face to give it a thorough cleanse. Even the most stubborn waterproof makeup has to surrender to this cleanser. I’ve been using this along with Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask and I have never seen my skin so smooth and bright before. No breakouts, no sunspots! Just a clean, smooth, bright surface.
Kypris Beauty Elixir I, 1,000 Roses
This 100% active moisturizing oil is formulated with holistic principles in mind. Scientifically established nutrients, a plethora of botanical extracts and the essential oil of 1,000 organic Bulgarian roses combine to repair signs of environmental challenge to deliver dewy, glowing, rose-petal-soft skin. Basically, this is the ultimate treat for your skin. Before my moisturizer, I love to dab two drops of this essential oil on my face to heal redness and dryness. Use sparingly, because a little goes a long way.
Pai Skincare Age Confidence Oil
Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s rules for healthy living which include, “Don’t fear aging,” I too plan to age with confidence. So, when I found this “age confidence” oil, I knew it was meant to be. This all natural, non-toxic oil is infused with ten carefully selected powerful plant actives to help accelerate skin’s cell growth, retain moisture, revitalize complexion, and minimize environmental stress. Let’s just say, this oil gives you the skin that you want.
Skinceuticals Metacell Renewal B3
Sometimes you just need a product that delivers fast results. Skinceuticals never fails to disappoint me. Metacell Renewal B3 is a comprehensive sheer moisturizer formulated to reduce the signs of wrinkles by delivering intense moisture. Use this when you want people to comment on how damn good your skin looks.
La Metier de Beaute Anti-Aging Complexe SPF 18
If I were stranded on a desert island with only five products, this product might be my #1. Recommended to me at a recent press event by a Vogue.com beauty staffer, this tinted moisturizer acts as a BB cream to provide a sheer, natural coverage while concealing all blemishes. The formula is super lightweight so it enhances the natural radiance of your face. Plus, SPF 18 protects your skin from damaging UV rays, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not you put on sunscreen before leaving the door.
This deliciously scented body oil is completely addicting. It’s made with actual pulverized rose quarts to bring tranquility after a long stressful day. It smells of sexiness and coconut and I have been applying it like crazy.
Guerlain Meteorites Travel Touch
I love this Guerlain highlighter because it’s travel sized and the powder is so finely milled that it gives off the most natural glow to the face. Whether you have oily or dry skin, this powder does not make you look cakey or greasy. It is the ultimate strobing must-have, because it effortlessly highlights the high points of your face.
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mediterranee
What’s summer without brightly painted nails? This month, I cannot stop reaching for this pigmented, bold teal nail polish. It adds just the right amount of color to my fair skin.
Burberry Kisses Hydrating Lip Color in No. 105 Poppy Red
I recently worked with Burberry on an upcoming fall product, and was lucky enough to test out all their fall colors. At the suggestion of the makeup artist, they applied this beautiful red onto my lips, and it was love at first site. It reminds me of my favorite red from Tom Ford, Ruby Red, because it’s super matte and blue toned.
Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme Perfume
It only took one whiff for me to fall in love with this perfectly balanced perfume with both woodsy and fruity notes. Infused with mandarin oil, jasmine, ginger, rose, vanilla, sandal wood, the scent is sexy yet elegant. It’s perfect for those who are going on a romantic date or just hitting the office. With its robust scent, you only need one spray to last for the whole day.
The Beauty Chef Hydration Inner Beauty Boost
You’ve heard me talk about The Beauty Chef constantly but I didn’t fully understand how much I love it until I visited Botswana. After returning from my safari vacation, I realized my skin was really lacking a glow. I was beyond dehydrated. The Beauty Chef brought my skin back to life. Coconut water, aloe vera and lemon myrtle combine to fight dry, dull, aging skin. The powerhouse blend of nutrients really helps deliver beauty from the inside out to make the skin glow naturally without harsh chemicals. I love this so much I drink it plain with water everyday. It’s just that good.