Hip Skin Care Lines for Daddy-O

Men, one of my favorite demographics to educate, because 99% have no clue how to take of their skin. That’s why they need the women in their life to take charge and put them on the right track! Most men will openly fight using skin care products, but ladies watch your face wash and moisturizer levels closely, somehow you are running out a little faster than anticipated, right? I think that giving skin care to men as a father's day gift is pretty sly, because if they know what’s best for them they will say “thank you!” with a big smile and kiss. Also, they secretly want to know what all the fuss is about! Here are my top picks of lines to ease your man into.

Aesop

Mr. Porter Dapper Gentleman Grooming Kit $150

One of my favorite men's lifestyle website, Mr. Porter, and Australian brand Aesop have made the perfect partnership in this gentleman's grooming kit. The line promotes plant-based ingredients with antioxidants that will keep 'em looking young. With scents from sandalwood, neroli flower, and bergamot, you'll be nested into you man's nook and never wanting to leave. Includes cleanser, moisturizer, shaving serum, spray-on moisturizer, and lip cream in a posh travel bag.

Ren

Frankincense Revitalizing Night Cream $55

This 100% natural skin care line is a very gender neutral, no frills about it type of line. There is no use of synthetic fragrances, so each product smells of the delicious ingredients that it is made of. So for daddy, I've picked a product with frankincense that makes my eyes flutter every time I breathe it in that is said to "hydrate, recharge, and revitalize".

Cellure Stem Cell Skin Care

Recode Balancing Toner $65

Men love technology, and this line is beeping pretty loudly on everyone's science radar. Coming from adult human stem cell technology, it's the latest in skin care formulation and I think guys just get it, right? The line is 6 products, but I like that it's numbered so there is no way they can mess it up. Or am I giving them too much credit? With aloe and chamomile, the Recode Balancing Toner is great for men to use after shaving to calm any redness or irritation.

Off On Holiday

Now this might not be the exact place that I am staying while in the Hampton's this summer, but a girl can dream right? I can just see myself lounging by the pool while my dear friends are playing croquet on the lawn. Does anyone really know how to play croquet? Anyways, have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and remember your SPF!

Oh, The Places I Will Go... and the 2-in-1 Beauty Products That Are Coming With Me.

One of my favorite things right now, with everyone else on the planet, is Pinterest. My board of choice is “Oh, The Places I Will Go”. Basically, it captures every travel destination that I desire to go. Whether or not I will cross them all off my bucket list is still TBD. Even though, I still find it to be one of the most inspirational boards to get you through a really bad day, and I recommend that you start one if you haven’t already. Everyone needs a little hope, right? 

Since summer vacation is right around the corner, I’ve put together a list of my favorite beauty travel accessories that give your more bang for you buck. The perfect products to travel with are the ones that have multiple uses. 

Benefit Pocket Pal $20 

Use this for the perfect natural lip/cheek stain and clear gloss. Just throw it in your purse and you have instant access at your finger tips to a natural, oh I just didn't get off the airplane, blush. Airplanes always tend to dry me out and the clear gloss is a great lip moisturizer, too. 

Lcoation: Tobago Cays, The Grenadines 

       

Supracor SpaCell Facial Sponge 3 Pack $28 

I use these little flexible fusion, bonded honeycomb facial sponges when I travel to wash my face and body, because I have a slight aversion to hotel wash clothes. It easily removes make-up and exfoliates your skin to making it squeaky-clean. There is a soft side for more sensitive skin and a harder side for tougher skin or your body. It’s naturally anti-fungal, antibacterial, allergen free, and dries extremely fast. Plus, they come in so many vibrant colors! 

Location: The Maldives  

        

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45 $30

I’ve found this product pretty convenient while traveling, because not only does it supply me with a quick application of SPF 45, but also it gives a light, matte finish to my complexion. Not that same as a full make-up reapplication, but when you are running through the airport and need a little something, it comes in pretty handy.

Location: Portugal

              

Nars The Multiple Make-Up Stick $39

This all-in-one make-up stick adds just the perfect color to your eyes, lips, and cheeks. The only trouble is picking your favorite color! I personally like more neutral shades, because it can be used as a highlighter or bronzer. 

Location: Bora Bora

Remington Style Solutions Ultimate Stylist Flat Iron and Curling Iron $32.99

For those high maintenance hair divas, like myself, this tool is a godsend. Basically, every time I go somewhere my suitcase is half way full with just too large of hair styling tools, so this little gizmo not only saves me room, but honestly does a great job styling by straightening and curling. The concept is user friendly and here is youtube video to show you how it works. 

Location: Puglia's Cave Restaurant and Bar in Italy

Hat Coolibar Beach Comber Sun Hat $35.00

I love BIG hats. I wish I could wear one every single day, and actually I probably should start. Coolibar is a neat brand that only makes clothes and accessories that are UPF 50+. So not only do you have a great new big hat to compliment your tinsy, winsy bikini, but you’ll be protecting your face from vicious UVA/UVB rays. 

Location: Waterfall Island, Alto Parana, Paraguay

Off to the Hampton's this weekend and you bet each of these are in my suitcase! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! 

Weekly Concert

Headed to Webster Hall tonight to see JJ Grey and Mofro, one of my favorite jam bands! 

Festival Beauty Survival

As a music festival lover, I've compiled a list of beauty survival tactics to get my fellow skin care fanatics through 3 day bingers without completely neglecting their skin.

SUNSCREEN 
Very, very important. Believe me, on your second day, you don't want to be sunburned listening to your favorite band while thousands rub up against you. OUCH! Try Neutrogena's Fresh Cooling Sunblock, Body Mist, SPF 70. It's UVA/UVB protectant while it cools and revives skin contact. Also, sweat proof and no-rub, which will come in very handy if the temp is anywhere above 80 degrees. $8.79

Wide Brim Hat 
Stay cool, by looking cool. Protect your face from the sun with this Urban Outfitters hat! On sale for only $20 

Water Spray  
Need a spritz? Evian Water Spray is great for removing perspiration, harmful salts, and instantly soothes and rehydrates sun-burned or wind-chapped skin. $11 for the 5 oz travel size 

Cleansing Wipes
This is for the sake of just staying clean. Simple sensitive skin cleansing wipes are very effective in removing dirt, make-up, and even water-proof mascara. $5.99

Tip: Use them to clean EVERYWHERE, if you know what I mean. 

Nails
I like a bold color for festivals, just make sure to add that double coat at the last minute to make it last. Essie's Secret Story is my fav. $8

Bandana
You can pick up a bandana at pretty much any local sport store, and believe me it really comes in handy. 

Tip: Spray your favorite scent on it and use it to cover your nose/mouth while in the porter potty. Simple, but very effective. 


What are your tips? I'm always looking for new ones! 

On Spot Blemish Treatments

When I was in highschool I looked forward to the days where my skin would magically clear up and poof! there would be no more blemishes. Sadly, this has not been the case, and once a month I get a few that pop-up thanks to mother nature.  I am pretty lucky though compared to 50 percent of women that develop on-set adult acne. Unfortunately, this can be brought on by such wonderful things as hormones, stress and pore-clogging cosmetics.

Spot treatments are a good way to fight blemishes after they form and speed up the healing process. Since I have tried just about every spot treatment I thought I would list a few crowd pleasers. 

Minimum to Mild Acne
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum - $29

I suggest this natural product for users who need gentle, but effective hydroxy acids. It includes CoQ10 so it moisturizes while exfoliating. Other great ingredients in it are aloe, Vitamin C, apple, lemon, and willow bark to helps unclog and soothe.

Tip: Look for a combination of treatment and soothing ingredients to help keep balance in the skin.

Moderate to Severe Ace
La Roche-Posay Effaclar DUO - $36.95

This 2011 Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Winner does not disappoint. It contains a patent-pending combination of 5.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide and  .4% of Micro-exfoliating LHA.

Tip: Remember BP can be a very reactive ingredient, so if  your skin is becoming more irritated it can mean 1 of 2 things: the BP particle is too large and not penetrating your skin, or you are using too much and need to reduce amount and consistency. Definitely, take it easy with this product.

Organic Treatment - Severe Acne

Gunilla of Sweden Lerosett $34

I found this product in a specialty store and honestly have not found anything else like it out there. It is 100% free of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur but works as good as anything on the market. The best thing about it is that it can be used as a cleanser, mask, and spot treatment. Just remember though that it is VERY drying, so I would only recommend to the extremely oily and severe cases.

Tip: Use it to help get rid of ingrown hairs, too.

Brunch Anyone?

I recently sat down with Brunch Critic's Hailey Tully and discussed probably one of my favorite pastimes in NYC. I love this website, because it really is the best way to find a new and great place whether you are looking for a $$$$ or an all-inclusive brunch for $, they have recommendations for it all. I don't know about most of you, but there are some Saturday nights where I will just stay home, so I can be in full form for the most important meal of the day. Read on to find out how I do brunch...Also, let me know what your favorite places are! I'm always open for suggestions...