June was a blast — a family visit to San Francisco, a revisit to Gargiulo Vineyards in Napa (fans of Vintner’s Daughter must check it out!), a couple of new beauty projects in the works, and quite a few products highlights to share. Not everything in this tight edit is freshly launched, but the line up of my latest favorites makes for a pretty solid routine.
Seed Phytonutrients Gentle Facial Cleanser
When it comes to face cleansers, anything labeled ‘gentle’ often becomes my morning pick. This one is no exception. Launched under the L’Oreal umbrella, Seed Phytonutrients focuses on clean, natural formulas that are free of harsh filler ingredients. Its packaging is mindful of our environment.
This low-foaming gel wash is infused with nourishing plant oils (Camelina Seed, Sunflower Seed, Coconut), has a pleasantly clean, slightly sweet aroma, and makes my face feel fresh and hydrated. Never tight nor dry. A little goes a long way so the generously sized bottle will last a while. $38 (250ml) seedphytonutrients.com
Rituals Samurai Shave
Since I absolutely hate to shave, I am picky about what I use to make this daily chore more enjoyable. The Rituals Samurai Shave luxury foaming shaving gel is a dense gel-to-foam formula that softened my facial hair for an ultra-close shave without nicks or cuts.
Heavy on the fragrance, as most men’s grooming products tend to be, the advertised Basil & Ginseng combination is not as pronounced as I’d had hoped it would be (I wanted something more oriental). It’s masculine without being too aggressive. I liked it a lot. The brand’s aesthetic makes for a great gift idea as well. $10 (200ml) amazon.com
Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator
Whenever I visit my sister-in-law, I insist on casually popping by my favorite International Orange spa shop in Larksupr, CA. Thankfully, it happens to be steps away from our favorite lunch spot. My ritual is treating myself to a Josh Rosebrook find. Last month, I picked up the loved-by-absolutely-everyone Active Enzyme Exfoliator.
The herbal concoction has a luscious honey base that keeps the skin nourished and includes ground walnut shells and papaya enzyme that deliver glass smooth results via physical and chemical exfoliation. A master of gorgeous textures and intoxicating herbaceous scents, Josh Rosebrook is serving makeover realness with this spa level treatment. New skin, who dis? $65 (1.5 oz.) aillea.com
Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner
I usually reach for acid toners and essences, but this mist toner from Herbivore is getting mucho face time this summer. So much more than just refreshing, this impressive fusion of organic Jasmine Water, Green Tea, White Willow Bark, Ginger Root, and Witch Hazel Extract tones clarifies and hydrates my unbalanced combination skin.
If you are a fan of Jasmine, the floral aroma is spot on. It also makes for a great prep step if you prefer to apply facial oils on slightly damp skin (like me). This gem has been kept in the fridge during the current heat wave as it makes for a perfect midday energy boost. $39 (120ml) dermstore.com
Olìe x Melissa Meyers Rose Glow Drops
Fact: I avoid face oils in the summer. But I can’t stay from my bottle of Olìe x Melissa Meyers Rose Glow Drops. Blended with 14 natural, potent, plant oils, the golden-hued solution aims to moisturize, brighten, de-puff, firm, and strengthen the skin. This encompasses literally every area in which I need help lately. Rose Glow Drops are surprisingly lightweight.
If you fear facial oils during warmer weather, here’s a trick: apply it on damp skin (any toner, mist or essence will act as a carrier cutting down on the oily feeling). This way, it will absorb much more quickly, leaving behind a healthy dewy glow. Among the superhero ingredients are Jojoba, Cranberry, Sea Buckthorn, Camellia, and Rosehip. The mood-elevating aroma comes courtesy of Ylang-Ylang, Geranium, Cedarwood, and Frankincense. $78 (.67 oz.) at oliebiologique.com
