April Favorites

And so it’s May… Finally. But before we bust out body sunscreens, a handful of my recent favorites will help your skin cope with issues experienced during any change in seasons Last month’s weather can be described only as bipolar—snow followed by a heat wave, then a hailstorm, more snow, and torrential rain. Unfortunately, my skin appeared just as unbalanced. Below is a handful of formulas I’ve been loving recently.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask

Though not entirely new, this Lotus gem is the latest addition to the Fresh mask line-up. The creamy consistency has a slightly gritty texture to gently resurface and revive the skin with ground Lotus Seeds, Kombu Seaweed Flakes, Red Algae Particles and ground Coconut Shell Powder. On mornings when a miracle is needed, apply it to clean skin, massage it in for a minute, and leave it on for five. Rinse in the shower (or remove with a washcloth) and enjoy a soft, smooth and glowing complexion. The on-brand cucumber aroma is among my favorites in skincare. I actually find this mask to be a hybrid of the legendary Rose formula and Black Tea Instant Skin Perfecting one… $62 sephora.com

Glow Recipe Pink Juice Moisturizer

Never have we gone through a moisturizer this quickly in our home. Almost fighting over the slim pink bottle sinkside, Pink Juice is officially a go-to every morning. Incredibly lightweight, the daytime counterpart to the deliciously successful Watermelon Glow is almost serum-like. Packed with mega hydrating Watermelon Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, it also delivers a healthy dose of antioxidant protection and layers seamlessly under sunscreen (or a face oil at night). Soothing, balancing, and glow reviving, this juicy treatment is K-beauty elevated. $39 sephora.com

innisfree my real squeeze mask

Not to sound like a snob and a half but if you described a sheet mask under two dollars as amazing, I’d likely tune out mid-sentence. The joke is on me because the innisfree my real squeeze sheet masks are absolutely incredible. Made from completely biodegradable eucalyptus fiber, the 18 varieties target problem specific areas of concern on any skin type. Infused with extract from botanicals that address dullness, dehydration, lack of moisture, pore congestion, and many more, they’re nothing short of addicting. My favorites so far are Green Tea, Rose, and Tomato. $1.80 innisfree.com

LXMI Nilotica Lip Melt

My new bedtime staple, this 100% natural lip balm is as decadent as it is effective. Fueled by Nilotica Fruit Butter, a nut sourced by the Nile River in Uganda, it delivers countless healing, restoring, and moisturizing properties of this superhero ingredient. Combined with a handful of plant waxes and oils, and with a touch of fresh minty fragrance, this balm-to-oil formula transforms my flaky, parched lips overnight. Utilizing non-profit collectives, the brand ensures that women harvesting the primary ingredients earn triple the local wages. Just another reason to fall in love with LXMI. $22 lxmi.com

Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub

I’ll be the first to admit to apprehensiveness about face and body multi-taskers, but this Alba Botanica in-shower miracle has officially made me a convert. The clever blend of 2% Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera, and Chamomile is combined with ground walnut shells to deliver both surface and deeper-within-pore exfoliation. Perhaps the cleanest breakout fighting formula on any drugstore shelf, this 100% botanical fusion is completely synthetic- and artificial ingredient free. The oil-free gel texture foams lightly and rinses off like a dream. I am now able to address the occasional clogged pores on my shoulders and my T-zone in a single step. The best part? It’s under $7 at Target!

What have you been loving recently? Let me know your favorites! 

*press samples