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Kate Somerville

Hawaii Vacation Beauty Products

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You’re extra beautiful today, Oahu!

Please excuse my paws in these photos. They’re extra t-rex because I was holding these beauty products over a railing with dear life, LOL!

Anywho, I always like seeing the beauty products people bring with them on vacation. Here’s what I’ve been using on this trip!

Sunscreen

Hair

  • Kenra Volume Spray Super Hold Finishing Spray 25
  • Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Air Dry Cream
  • I didn’t bring any shampoo, conditioner or body wash because the place we’re staying at has Malie Organics Mango Nectar hair and body products!

Body

Face

Hope things on your end are great!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sephora Sale Shopping

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I’m really excited about the skin care, makeup and hair goodies I picked up recently at the Sephora sale. 🙂

A couple of standby favorites were in the mix of course; Kate Somerville Anti Bac and Anastasia Brow Wiz in Dark Brown, I’m talking to you!

I also grabbed a few new-to-me things, including this box of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Pads.

I’m hesitant to add any steps to my already very simple skincare routine, but I’ve been needing some help with hyperpigmentation and heard raves from derms and estheticians about how this product works wonders on acne, uneven tone and fine lines.

You’re supposed to use it the in evenings, two to three times a week, which I can totally handle. Anything more than that, ugh, forget about it.

Have you tried it? I’m excited about it!

And because I’m a sunscreen hoarder, I bought a tube of Innisfree Daily UV Defense. Side note, I write for Innisfree! Anywho, it has chemical filters and is supposed to layer well with makeup. I plan to use it as an everyday sunscreen.

I’ve come to the realization that I really love trying foundations and concealers and can no longer fight the obsession. I couldn’t resist the siren call of Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Foundation and Concealer. I bought 8 Warm in the Foundation and 8 in the Concealer, by the way.

The Foundation is spot on my color, but I’m thinking the Concealer might be a little too light for my under-eye area. Hmm. I’m debating on whether or not I need to exchange it.

Last but not least, I finally gave in and bought a full-size version of Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdressers Invisible Oil. I love this stuff! It’s great for softening and smoothing ends. The trick is, though, to apply a tiny bit, otherwise your hair will feel super greasy.

I’m hoping the bottle will last me forever. LOL!

Anywho, let me know if you’ve tried any of these things. I always love to hear what you like and don’t like.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Tuesday!

Checking in: Black Friday Beauty Shopping and Epic Stretchy Joggers by Zella

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biossance jar empty

Hi, friend. Happy Friday to ya!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We spent ours with family friends who invited us over for a full spread with turkey and all the fixings! I can’t even begin to tell you how nice it was to sit at a table and just chat and eat. Seriously, I don’t think I’ll ever take having a meal with people for granted ever again. It really is a gift to share food and time with others.

Before we left for dinner last night, I was getting dressed and had a moment when I actually contemplated non-stretchy pants, aka jeans, LOL! Yeah, I don’t know what I was thinking. I ended up going with a pair of joggers and I don’t regret the decision at all. If you’re in the market for super comfy pants with pockets, grab these Zella Soft Pocket Joggers from Nordstrom ASAP. I have them in both black and gray and wear them all the time. You can dress them up with a casual blazer and a white tee, or dress them down with a sweatshirt and a denim jacket. I love, love, love them!

Anywho, I was chatting with a few gals in the comments yesterday about Black Friday beauty shopping, and I had to mention a gift set that I bought from Biossance.

They’re currently having a Black Friday sale with 30% off on everything on the site, so I wanted to pick up a jar of Squalane + Omega Repair Cream. It’s a rich face moisturizer packed with lipids, and I got it originally because the omega fatty acids are supposed to help with hyperpigmentation. I bought one last June for my birthday and have since fallen deeply in love!

biossance jar empty

While I was checking out the gift sets, I noticed one called Unstoppable Glow ($59), which contains a full-size jar of the Omega Cream, and travel-size bottles of their Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum and Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. With the 30% off sale, it’s $41.

If you just want a jar, a regular full-size 1.6-ounce jar is usually $58, and with the sale it’s $40. There’s also a 3.3-ounce jumbo size ($75), which is marked down to $58, and with 30% off, it’s also $40!

v

One last thing about this sale. If you spend more than $75, you also get a free 11-piece bag of Biossance’s top-rated skin care products.

Other beauty sales I’m excited about are Kate Somerville (25% off site wide), Avene (25% off site wide), Ilia (20% off site wide) and Chantecaille (25% off site wide).

I’m off to go and eat some pancakes now. My brother is visiting and he’s offered to make breakfast. Can’t wait!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

Toner Collections Should Be a Thing | A Quick and Easy Meal | Midi Skirts!

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toners march 2021
I heart toners!

I suppose one could collect stamps or coins or Fabergé eggs or Banksy paintings…but why, when you could just collect toners?! HA HA HA!

Remember all the toner commercials in the ’90s and how you always had to apply toners with a cotton ball? I used to do that, but now? Forget about it. I pour a little in my palms and press and rub the liquid right into my skin. I think the liquid absorbs quicker that way and, bonus, I don’t feel like I’m wasting any of the product on the cotton ball!

There are currently five toners gracing my bathroom shelf. They’re mostly for exfoliation because I’m forever dealing with hyperpigmentation and acne, so I rotate among them, depending on how my skin’s doing. I usually apply them in the morning right after washing my face and before any serums. Sometimes, I’ll use just one; other days, I’ll layer two.

Lately, my skin’s been in the mood for extra moisture, so I’ve been using Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence or Paula’s Choice BHA. Sometimes both.

I’ve also been using and liking REN Ready Steady Glow AHA Tonic, which is a triple threat with three exfoliating ingredients — willow bark, lactic acid and azelaic acid. Side note: DUDE, azelaic acid! If you’re not on that train yet, get on it already.

Occasionally, I’ll dip into the Niacinamide Brightening Toner by Good Molecules (niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin and licorice root extract) or Kate Somerville Liquid Exfolikate (glycolic, malic, and lactic acids), if I’m craving something different.

On a side note, you know what I miss? Clinique’s old-school BHA toner, Mild Clarifying Lotion. They reformulated it a while back, and it just isn’t the same now. I should’ve stockpiled the O.G. version while I could… Le sigh! #BeautyRegrets

Are toners a “thing” for you too? Maybe we can start a toner enthusiasts club, ha ha ha! ?

A quick-and-easy meal

Not related to toner at all, but this is my new favorite quick meal: a rice and edamame bowl. (Yes, you gotta have it in a bowl!)

I usually add a few shakes of Nori Komi Furikake Japanese Multi-Purpose Seasoning, but Coywolf prefers it plain.

edamame rice no furikake
Connor likes hers plain.
edamame rice furikake
I like mine with furikake (seaweed).

Speaking of TJs, you can get this meal in your belly in less than five minutes with a couple of Trader Joe’s-assisted shortcuts! First, we usually have leftover white rice in a tupperware in the fridge, but when we don’t, I reach for the microwavable white rice from the TJ’s frozen food section, which takes all but three minutes to make. Trader Joe’s also has shelled, salted edamame in the freezer section too. Just defrost in the microwave.

edamame rice tjs
TJ’s to the rescue

I think this could also be delish with a sunny-side-up egg on top, but I haven’t tried it yet.

Midi skirts!

I’m still slowly but surely chipping away at the wardrobe checklist recommendations (I’m on a mission to look and feel put-together) I found about a month ago and wanted to tell you about these pull-on midi skirts from Gap.

Both the black and white skirt have pockets (SAY WHAT!) and come in regular, tall and petite lengths.

black white midi skirts

FYI, it looks like they’re still on sale, in case you’re interested (I’m totally my mother’s daughter and hate to pay full price).

I haven’t seen either of these skirts in person yet, and I can see how they could potentially be 1) super cute and casual, or 2) make me look like I’m in a cult…so we shall see! I suppose that’s a major downside to not visiting a fitting room in months.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

What’s One Product That Dramatically Improved Your Skin?

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kate somerville skin care
Kate’s got that magic. ?‍♀️

Oh, this one’s easy. I rave about it all the time. Definitely Kate Somerville Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion! It totally changed my skin…and my life. I’m prone to breakouts, and when I don’t use this potent, preternatural pimple cream, the zits return, and they return in full force.

Anti-Bac contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, which really isn’t that cutting edge in terms of acne fighting ingredient, but the devil’s in the details I guess, because there’s something wonderful about this particular formulation that my skin loves. The effect is almost immediate. It goes to work clearing up any existing pimples I have and prevents new breakouts entirely. Seriously, like within a few days! Nothing else I’ve found works quite like it, and I’ve tried everything.

I have to remember to use enough of it though. I massage two pumps all over my face (everywhere except my eyes, of course!), once in the morning, and once again at night. That’s my sweet spot for clear, happy skin. Anything less than two pumps, and I break out.

Other things I love about this product? 1) It doesn’t have a strong BP smell, and 2) it layers well under moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup. It’s also pretty easy to find and available at Sephora and Nordstrom, among other places.

How about you? What’s one product that dramatically improved your skin?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

New Serums From Kate Somerville

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kate somerville bio mimicking peptides serum

Kate Somerville is one of my all-time, hands-down go-to skin care lines. (The Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion for acne and +Retinol Vita C Power Serum are must-haves)

Well — herald the trumpets! — they have a new line of serums called Kx Active Concentrates that are designed to firm, moisturize and downplay your fine lines, all without irritation (which is the bit that caught my eye).

Kate recommends layering two drops (because the serums are super concentrated) of the Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum to clean your skin in the morning and again at night, and following up with the Deep Tissue Repair Cream.

kate somerville bio mimicking peptides serum

kate somerville deep tissue repair
Why is this so satisfying?!

In other news…

Incidentally, I “need” all this stuff.

OK, so I watch Emily Noel’s videos all the time because I love how down-to-earth she is, and she seems fun to hang out with, but for some reason watching this video of home-related soaps and cleaners, sunscreens, furniture and kids’ toys she loves made me especially want to BUY ALL THE THINGS.

The Dial pear soap is totally on my Target list, along with the Aveeno Baby Sunscreen (several other friends have also recommended it lately… I’m thinking it might be an unsung hero?).
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A Detailed Deep Dive Into My Current Skincare Routine

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current skin care top pic
All about retinol these days, babes.

I’ve been meaning to do an updated skin care routine breakdown, and today seems like a good day for it. But before I jump in, I feel like I should let you that I’m standing in my bathroom right now looking into my cabinet, which stands just behind and above the toilet, and having PTSD flashbacks of my Velvet Teddy lipstick falling into the toilet. ?

I keep hearing that *plunk* over and over again…

That said, here we go!

Everything I’m doing in my routine now revolves around how sensitive my skin is feeling on any given day, because I started using a retinol with vitamin C recently. It’s called Kate Somerville Retinol Vitamin C Power Serum, and I’m trying to ramp up slowly to be able to use it seven days a week. Right now, I’m at three days, and I find that introducing it slowly over weeks and watching everything else that I use in conjunction with it allows me to keep going without my skin turning red or freaking out.

Morning routine

In the morning, I’ll wash one of two ways. If my skin’s feeling extra tight and red and sensitive and angry, then I’ll do a few splashes of warm water on my bare face, then gently blot with a towel. If, on the other hand, my skin’s feeling OK, then I’ll use a squirt or two of Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser directly on bare skin (I’ll work it in with my fingers). Then I’ll remove it with a washcloth dampened with warm water. After that, I’ll do a few splashes of ice cold water to help me wake up.

At that point, I’ll wait…usually between 30 minutes and an hour (depends on how much time I have and what I’m doing in the morning), and then I’ll apply all of my skin treatments.

I wait because I want my skin to be completely dry before I put anything aggressive on there, because if I don’t wait, and my skin is wet when I apply a BHA or benzoyl peroxide, they’ll just aggravate it even more.

So. Completely dry!

current skin care routine
It’s less complicated than it looks, I swear!

At that point, I’ll do an eye cream. (Right now I’m using this one by Nyakio, and I think it’s just “eh.” I’ll replace it eventually with something else when I get around it.) Then I’ll use two pumps of my ride-or-die Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion all over my face to prevent the pimples from taking over.

After that, I’ll apply a thin layer of Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream (which has been my skin savior ever since I introduced the retinol), followed by a healthy dollop of sunscreen, specifically Clinique Super Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 for Very Dry to Dry Combination Skin.

Sometimes, before I do the two pumps of Anti Bac, if I feel like my skin can handle it, I’ll do a little with Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, just because I like to sneak some exfoliation in during the day if I can. I’ll do that two or three mornings a week, so it’s not an everyday thing for me.

Fast forward to the evening…

First, a double cleanse. On completely dry skin (as in my makeup is still on), I’ll massage an oil cleanser on my face and eyes to break everything down. I like DHC Deep Cleansing Oil or Fresh Seaberry for this.

At that point, I’ll take a clean, warm washcloth and gently wipe everything off. Next, I’ll do a second cleanse with either Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser, if I haven’t been wearing a ton of makeup, or if I haven’t been sweating; or the H2O Plus Elements Keep It Fresh Cleanser. I use that one when I’ve been wearing a little more makeup, or if I’ve been perspiring a lot. It’s just a stronger, more potent gel cleanser.

Again, I wait from 30-60 minutes (this generally depends on how tired I am), then apply eye cream, and I’ve been using this one called Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Supercharged Complex.

It’s OK… I’ve yet to find an eye cream that blows my mind.
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A Sephora VIB Sale Strategy (and a Skin Care Haul)

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kate somerville skin care
New from Kate Somerville

I have revised my plan of attack for the Sephora VIB sale, because, let’s get real…only a few of the items I want are things I can’t function without (I’m talking to you, Kate Somerville Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion). Most of the things are things I only want because they’re on sale… I’m 100% my mother’s daughter that way (“It’s on sale? BUY IT. Don’t you ever pay full price, ever!”).

But really, how much do I actually need another bronzer, all-matte neutral palette or another coral lipstick?

Not much! LOL. But I still want them all, especially with new makeup coming out every five seconds, so I gotta check myself before I wreck myself…

How do I weed out unnecessary or spur-of-the moment purchases?

On the very first day of the sale, I put everything I want to buy into my cart, and then I wait… And wait. And wait. I let it all simmer there, brewing and stewing (and taunting me?). Then, juuuuust before the sale ends, I’ll see what’s left in my cart, and most of the time when I do this, there are things that have sold out, which whittles the list down, and from there I reevaluate what’s left and see what fits into my budget.

This tactic reduces the likelihood of me getting a whole bunch of things I mostly only want because they’re on sale.

sephora vib haul
‘Twas a skin care haul (regular prices shown)

Um…but K-Dawg, does this actually work?

Dude, it totally does! Forcing myself to wait and really think about my cart and the grand total $ staring back at me helps…because I know who I am, and I’m a spur-of-the-moment shopper.

Waiting also forces me to look around at what I already have in my stash.

For this last sale, I knew I needed another bottle of Kate Somerville Anti-Bac, sunscreen/face moisturizer for winter (ugh, dry skin), an eye cream and some chemical exfoliators for mature skin, because every morning lately when I wake up and look in the mirror, instead of seeing my face, I see freakin’ Gollum’s!

What my heart was telling me I wanted, though, was a bunch of makeup — a Charlotte Tilbury palette, Shiseido eyeliners and eyeshadows (they recently revamped their entire makeup line, and it’s supposed to be REALLY good), some Charlotte Tilbury blushes and bronzers, and a Dior foundation.

OK, and maybe a few other things were in there too, ha ha ha. You know me too well!

Step 1: Shopping my own stash

The Charlotte Tilbury palette ended up being sold out, but everything worked out because I rediscovered my BECCA Chrissy Palette, which more or less serves the same purpose. I’m a little sad panda, 🙁 but if the CT palette is still around for the next VIB sale and I’m still lusting after it, I’ll get it then.

becca chrissy teigen swatches
Hello, old friend…

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