A Few Things That *REALLY* Impressed Me Lately

It’s been way too long since my last favorites post but here it is. The year kicked off with some impressive launches, which I am beyond excited to share. Additionally, I have expanded my horizons and  re-discovered some gems over the past few months. The good: everything is gentle, effective, and completely luxe. The bad: March weather is still more winter than spring and I’m officially over it. As is my skin. Normally a textbook combination case, I had to step up my face oil and moisturizer game to avoid tightness and the occasional yet unfortunate flaking. Easing off on exfoliation would help but old habits die hard…

Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser

This new cleanser checks off every box on my must-have list: gel texture, foams, smells great, deep cleans, hydrates. If you’re a makeup wearer, use an oil-based formula first and follow up with Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser ($28) for a complete double cleanse ritual. In the morning, its solo performance makes it my most-reached for face wash in the shower. Another perk — you can apply it either to dry or to damp  skin. The lather is super gentle and it’s spiked with skin conditioning botanicals (chamomile and camellia to name a couple) to calm and balance a parched complexion. Free of questionable ingredients, this worry-free masterpiece is perfect for any skin type.

My Clarins Re-Fresh Hydrating Beauty Mist

Ok, this is major. Did you know that Clarins has launched an entire collection targeted at Gen Z’ers? And IT’S VEGAN! Cute (without being cutesy) and very euro-chic, the concise edit includes cleansing and moisturizing options as well as targeted solutions (feat. a pore blurring stick that smells like fresh strawberries). My immediate favorite, however, is the Re-Fresh Hydrating Beauty Mist ($20) that I just can’t stop spraying. It’s really a multi-tasking solution that works as a toner, refresher, and potential makeup setting spray. What’s in it? Fruit extracts and floral waters to instantly soothe and hydrate. No alcohol. Love the glass bottle and ultra fine misting component.

Savor Beauty Carrot Rose Serum

If you’re new to Savor Beauty, this all natural skincare range is K-beauty inspired but evocative of a strong apothecary vibe. And it’s ‘Made in New York’. A fan of their peels and masks, I fell head over heels for the glow boosting Carrot Rose Serum ($74) recently. It isn’t a traditional serum as we know one — it’s actually an oil. And a fabulous one at that. It is packed with Vitamin A rich carrot seed oil, which offers a more gentle alternative to retinol. The addition of meadowfoam seed oil, which is strikingly similar in its composition to our own sebum, balances dry and temperamental skin. Other facts: it’s non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and smells divine.

OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream

Last year, I dove headfirst into a crazy Osea goodie box. The Hyaluronic Sea Serum ($80) became an instant staple. But it took a drop in temperature and my pesky facial hair to place Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream ($48) at the top of my favorites list. It’s a lotion cream hybrid that has a most perfect lightweight texture; it’s incredibly spreadable. The formula is packed with algae extract, jojoba, avocado, and meadowfoam seed oils as well as shea butter. And if you’re like me and fear shea butter in moisturizers because your pores clog up at the sound of it —  don’t. My skin has been plump, smooth, and glowing all winter. During recent cold spells, I have been cocktailing a few drops of a facial oil into this cream to for an extra boost of moisture. Major props for the pump bottle packaging and an intriguing aroma of what has to be lavender and grapefruit? So good.

Alpyn Beauty Line-Filling Eye Balm

Balms are my jam during cold weather and the Alpyn Beauty Line-Filling Eye Balm ($62) has been a constant go-to day and night of late. It’s not the old-school solid oil balm but a rather rich, dense cream, with a beautiful slip. It requires minimal warming between your ring fingers and absorbs in seconds. It is packed with brightening, rejuvenating, and nourishing extracts of red algae apple, caffeine, calendula, and borage, among others. My Tom Ford concealer layers flawlessly over it and never decreases. P.S. it’s one of the cleanest formulas in the green beauty space. The balm, not the concealer.

Avène Cicalfate Hand Cream

To my followers on instagram: you may have picked up on my enthusiasm over this hand cream. I’ll say it again: I have not seen anything like it before. A single application of the Avène Cicalfate Restorative Hand Cream ($25) lasts through multiple hand washings and never feels heavy or greasy. When you first apply it, you will notice some stickiness. As you massage it in, the cream will absorb and leave your hands ultra soft and moisturized. Not at all greasy. I’m talking science experiment level results.

Susanne Kaufmann Witch Hazel Bath

One of the very few benefits of winter are the regular hot baths to my routine. And if you’re wondering how I avoid over-drying the skin, a common (and very unpleasant) side effect of soaks, it’s simple: invest in bath and body care. A bottle of Susanne Kaufmann Witch Hazel Bath ($70) is the ultimate treat — for both your senses and your skin. The foaming fusion of witch hazel, chamomile, sage, and yarrow extracts has anti-inflammatory, soothing, and calming effects. The subtle aromatherapy is a very mindful perk. On arctic days or when I’m feeling extra, I follow a bath with a bit of her Body Butter to achieve a full-on spa grade experience.