The Five 8.24

The 5 best beauty products I've purchased in the last month:

* Aveda Shampure...leaves my hair amazingly clean and the scent makes me say ommm... $10.50

* Beekman 1802 Tub of Butter in Autumn...I was lucky enough to pop by the Sharon Springs store last week. This all purpose balm is divine. $10

* Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle Illuminator Instant Brightening Moisturizer...subtle glow and color with a dose of anti aging vitamins --- 'nuff said. $68

* Too Faced 3 Way Lash Lining Tool...triple tipped liner that enhances your lash line with a natural look OR a sexy cat eye! $22

* Nantucket Natural Oils fragrance oil in Fig...a delicious scent for Fall/Winter that will last far longer than traditional fragrances. $18

What's the greatest beauty product you've purchased lately? Tweet me @navigatewstyle!

picking strawberries...

Right in the thick of strawberry season, I'm craving lush, pink shades for lips and cheeks. Plus, the fresh scent of ripe berries for body scrubs, shower gels and balms is light and innocent - perfect for sweet, sunny days.



Strawberries are loaded with anti aging antioxidants! Here's my DIY Strawberry Sugar Scrub:

Mash 2 or 3 strawberries in a bowl then mix 1 tablespoon each of honey and sugar. Add grapeseed oil as needed to make the scrub less abrasive. Use on feet, body or face, depending on skin sensitivity. Rinse well and follow up with moisturizer and SPF.

SPF & Self Tanning Basics...

I am a freak about sun protection! I slather myself in lotions and creams and regularly wear hats and sunglasses to protect my skin from the harmful rays of the sun. I also tend to be a recluse in the summer...

While no topical product is perfect I always make sure my SPF of choice is broad spectrum which filters both UVA & UVB rays (UVA penetrates deep into the skin and causes premature aging while UVB attacks the surface and causes burning). I like to use eco products when I can and my current fave is a body oil by Kiss My Face. I'm also a big fan of generic brands from stores like Target, CVS & Walgreens - the formulas are just as great (usually the exact same) and at a fraction of the cost. Solid SPF sticks are great for ears, lips and bald spots and Zinka is a colorful "nosecoat" that makes sun protection fun for kids (and adults like me).


As for self tanning, the formulas are so great these days and there are lots of options at all price points. I tend to use mousse versions because they absorb quickly and the finish seems to be more even. If DIY sunless tanning isn't for you there are tons of professional airbrush options. I layer a body shimmer like RCK or Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion over my "tan" for a bit of extra glow.


Check out my latest segment on INsight for a bit more info:

There is no such thing as a "healthy tan" and it's easier to prevent skin damage than to treat it so vow to become an SPF freak like me. And for crying out loud, NEVER set foot in a tanning bed...NEVER!

KEEP CALM & COOL OFF

It's OPPRESSIVELY hot...angry hot. I look for relief anywhere I can get it. Beauty products that contain spearmint or peppermint help to cool the skin and a chilly atomizer of Evian water, especially when carried in a cute cooler/handbag, can provide a refreshing mist for your visage. Hide under a light colored hat and sip chilly, mint infused water. Or just refuse to leave air conditioned interiors.

best damn eco polish remover...

I've had this bottle of eco nail polish remover for over a year but this weekend I finally gave it a shot. I LOVE IT! I love it so much I gave all my other removers away. The smell is pleasant, the formula is vegan, chock full of great ingredients and leaves nail moisturized, not parched. It does take a little more work to remove the polish than with traditional (toxic) formulas but it's totally worth it. Check out PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics for this as well as toxic free nail polishes and lip glosses.

ps-I've stored my unopened bottle for so long the packaging is now out of date!