Welcome back! As you know, I’m endeavoring to produce a podcast episode daily for the month. For the first week, I’m focusing on skincare because November is National Healthy Skin Month. The goal is to use November to pay attention to your skin, learn about skin care, and adopt habits that can lead to a lifetime of healthier hair, skin and nails.
I want to discuss one of the best platforms/ publications/ outlets for all things beauty and skincare--that’s Allure! I used to work at Conde Nast where I lead social for Glamour magazine, and desk was a few rows away from the Allure editorial team. Shoutout to Jessica Cruel, the EIC of Allure! I’ve been obsessed with her since I used to bump into her in the halls. I’m so impressed at the volume of work that Jess and her team put out, in addition to the quality and caliber of work. The Allure Best of Beauty Award winners were recently revealed, and suffice it to say, Allure is responsible for a large number of the products on my shelves. I want to share 5 of my favorite year-round picks that I discovered through Allure.com, the Allure Store, Allure editors, and the magazine when it was in print.
3:10: #1 - Sunday Riley Power of 3 Kit - $275: Good Genes Lactic Acid serum, A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum, and CEO 15% Vitamin C Serum. I discovered this set in 2022 through the Allure Store in NYC. What I love: Each of these serums focuses on a target area of the skin, and they’re perfect to use together. In the AM, I recommend the Vitamin C Serum with a touch of face oil + SPF. At night, I recommend the A+ High Dose Retinoid serum after cleansing the skin. When used as part of a holistic daytime/ nightime serum, this entire set is incredibly effective. Read Deanna Pai’s 2017 Allure article about Sunday Riley to understand what all the fuss is about.
5:50: #2 - Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum: $89: This serum is one of my favorite Korean beauty (K-Beauty) products. I’ve been using it for a year after repurchasing it based on reviews on Allure.com and trying it out in the Allure Beauty store. This serum is basically a primer for the canvas that is your face. It’s formulated with precious ginseng and helps to strengthen the skin carrier while being the first step post-cleanse. When I’m doing my routine, I’ll often start out with my Sulwhasoo as the base for my beauty ritual. I gently pat the serum into my skin, let it absorb, and then layer on any additional serums or elixirs.
8:00: #3 - Instytutum RetinOil - $139: This Retinol-based oil is complete with Retinol, algae, and bakuchiol to help retain moisture and even out the skin tone. Bakuchoil does a great job of improving skin firmness and boosting elistaticity. I like to use this product as part of my nighttime skincare routine, because Retinol and Retinoid can slightly irritate sensitive skin, and I wouldn’t recommend going out in the sun without proper SPF protection. I love to put a few drops of this oil on my clean skin in the evenings. If having more flawless, even skin is your priority and you’re OK going to sleep looking like a honey-baked ham, I’d absolutely recommend adding this to cart.
10:42 - #4: UrbanSkinRX Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment - $58: This is my hyperpigmentation hero! I first found the brand via the goodie bag from Myleik Teele’s 2018 retreat. The Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment is an intensive formula with the perfect combination of exfoliating and dark spot-defending ingredients. With 5% Niacinamide, 2% Kojic Acid and 1% Bakuchiol, these ingredients improve the look of stubborn dark spots and smooth rough texture and visibly reduce the signs of aging skin. And it’s gentle enough to use twice a day, so you can target dark spots day and night!
13:15 - #5: Isa Lazo Facial Oil - $137: This luxe facial oil is formulated with soothing raspberry seed oil, and vitamins E and A. Concentrated with antioxidants, this lightweight oil improves hydration and promotes a radiant overall glow. I find this to be a supremely healing oil that's perfect for sensitive skin. I apply a few drops to my face and neck in the morning and evening, and mix a few drops with my moisturizer and foundation for the perfect lightweight dewy coverage.
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