Alex's Creative Space from the 2010s-Now!
Glossier Stretch Concealer (Medium)
Bare Minerals Original Foundation (Medium Beige)
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener (Stella)
Milk Eye Vinyl (Discontinued, similar here as I go panic!!)
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer (Sunkissed)
Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush (Dou Dou)
Westman Atelier (for the love of God, SPONSOR ME!!) Super Loaded Tinted Highlight (Peau de Peche)
Glossier Boy Brow (Brown)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Medium Brown)
Color Wow Root Cover Up (Medium Brown)
Some might say I’m a little bit too obsessed with Michigan (despite it snowing in May, pothole PTSD and having to wear a turtleneck under my Halloween costume every year). But I spent nearly 20 years there, growing up and building an incredible community that I feel lucky to carry with me, even as we set up a home in a new state. Whenever we go home to visit family, I always have a flurry of appointments and places to stop by, visiting people and places that solidify that no matter where we go, Michigan is home.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have surrounded myself with a community of people and small businesses that I believe are truly the best of the best. I wanted to share with you all my own “Best of Detroit” (I worked at Hour Magazine for three years and I hope they don’t mind me using their famous tagline. Three years of working in a cubicle where duct tape held the carpet together-let’s call it even). Every couple of weeks, I’ll highlight a different category- stores, restaurants, cafes, etc. Today we’ll start with all the people who keep me looking presentable in public, the best of beauty!
I had just graduated from college when I met Kevin. I had never colored my hair, and went to him for “a few highlights!”. He was kind and gracious in my fear driven request, and convinced me to let him do balayage instead. It was love at first look. Kevin has a way of delicately hand-painting the hair, and knowing exactly where to put each strand to frame your face and make you glow. Kevin’s gift isn’t just being an incredible stylist, it’s that he makes you feel beautiful, fresh and confident. Every appointment is like a party, Kevin’s kindness and humor is unmatched. He somehow always nails (and doesn’t laugh at) my insane “vibe” requests like “Italian mob-wife brown”. We’ve gone from brunette to blonde, to “bronde”, back to brunette and so much more over the years, and every time I’m blown away by his craft and the kindness in which he does it.
Find Him: Beauty Collective Salon, @_kevingstyles
I kept seeing Ryan’s page pop-up on my Instagram, and I was always stopped in my tracks by his client’s perfectly messy, chic beach waves. I immediately wanted to be one of them. Ryan had recently opened his own salon in Detroit, “Village Parlor”, and I was itching to check it out. We exchanged a few messages, and weeks later I was sitting in his chair. He brought life back into my cut (I had been going somewhere else at this time, but was looking for a change)- taking the weight out of the bottom and giving it back its natural wave. I was a Parlor Girl and I was PROUD!! The salon is cozy and comfortable, and I can always trust his advice- whether that’s in hair or in life. He’s an integral part to Detroit, like a Coney Dog. But chicer (and without the heartburn).
Find him: Village Parlor Detroit, @ryancottonhair
I truly never liked getting my makeup done. I always ended up with ten layers of black eyeliner, foundation caked on like spackle, and bronzer I was still getting off three days later. That all changed when I met Katrina. She doesn’t do what I call “blanket makeup”. She treats each person like a true individual, finding a way to perfectly emphasize their best features- or, actually making you SEE what they are. She’s an absolute star, and always knows what’s fresh in beauty. When I tell her “I want people to see my highlight from the parking lot”, she get it and she DOES IT. I’ve never met someone who better celebrates, not covers, a woman’s beauty. Also, Sharon Stone trusts her with her face. That’s all you need to know.
Find her: Luigi Bruni Salon, @katrinamalota
Every manicure I had for the past ten years was done by Lisa Kim. She is fully responsible for the love affair I have with my nails (I may not be tall, but nails? Fingernails I’ve got. Let me have this). She created my signature “tapered almond” shape, and she didn’t call me crazy when I called her crying that I couldn’t find anyone in Vegas to recreate it (I eventually did, but only through Lisa sending me photos and proper verbiage of what to ask for). She is a complete perfectionist, which is exactly what you want from the woman doing your nails. I followed her from salon to salon, and now she finally has her own beautiful place, “Blush Nail Bar”. Lisa shapes nails like a superstar, and is a color connoisseur. I can show her a photo of any design or mix of colors, and she knows exactly what to do. It’s not a coincidence that when I moved and stopped seeing her, I broke my first nail in TEN YEARS. My thumb nail still hasn’t totally grown back and honestly, I get the protest. I miss Lisa too, okay?!
Find her: Blush Nail Bar. @blush.nailbar
I know beauty services can be written off as “vanity” or self-obsessive. But each one of these people have brought such joy into my life, it’s much more than hair or nails. Their kindness, friendship and expertise over the years has made them each a big factor in feeling at home, even when I’m living 2000 miles away. Which also, may break the record for miles willing to travel for balayage (It is THAT good).
I can’t count how many times I’ve thought I’ve found my “miracle skincare product”. The one that after a single use, I’m willing to name a child after it (it would be pretty hard to convince Michael to name a kid “Tata”). My skin is clear and glowing, the grass looks greener and I don’t even mind when someone spells my last name wrong in an email for the 10th time this week –IT’S IN THE SIGNATURE! I beam with pride as I think I’ve finally found my skincare ~flow~ and I look for a rooftop to shout it from.
But then after a few weeks, my temperamental skin returns, and despite my new allegiance to the “perfect” product, it never goes back to being calm and clear. The product goes under the sink and the quest continues.
Like a child let loose in a Costco on sample Saturday, I have tried everything. My linen closet is a graveyard of products past. Don’t get me wrong! I’ve found some great skincare products along the way. But I had yet to consistently hit a skincare stride. Of course there will always be outside factors like hormones, stress, poor eating, and my favorite pastime- nervous picking. I wasn’t looking for perfection, but I longed for my skin to look and feel healthy, even when I had a breakout (or 10).
This past summer I was in Paris for work and had a free day. I was researching places I could get a facial post-flight, when I saw that Biologique Recherche had opened an institute. Biologique Recherche is a French skincare brand with a cult-following. I had tried their P50 exfoliant a few years ago, but didn’t stick with it. Everyone I knew that used it, loved it, so I called my credit card company to let them know that the giant expense they were about to see in France wasn’t fraud! Just a girl let loose in Paris with a credit card, running on two hours of sleep and a double espresso (and some plane-wine. There was for sure a plane Pinot).
I walked in the doors to the institute and immediately took notice of the immaculate, calming space. It was like walking into a dream, but without my night sweating and teeth grinding. I opted to do a skin analysis to start my appointment, where my skin needs were determined. We found out that my skin was over producing sebum, which would explain the colony of whiteheads that I woke up with every day. I also had more oil than an O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. After getting my results, my aesthetician tailored my facial and product plan to my needs.
After the best facial I have ever had (my skin was glowing for WEEKS), she went over the top-three products that would benefit me. Something about her crisp white lab coat and chic ballet flats, she could have told me to buy her a timeshare in the Bahamas and I would have done it. I bought up all her recommendations, and thus began a religious routine over the next six months.
Going into the Institute, a new cleanser was the top product on my list. I hadn’t used anything that had blown me away, I was trying new cleansers constantly. Lait U is a gentle cleansing milk that takes off makeup and dirt, without dehydrating skin. My face always feels squeaky clean, plump and hydrated afterwards. My only issue with the product is that Michael keeps trying to use it, and he needs to learn to stay in his lane. Go back to your 3-in-one shampoo/body soap/face wash and leave the $100 cleanser* to me, sweetie!!!
*Worth noting that Biologique products are WAY less expensive in France. It’s a pricey brand, but it costs me much less than trying new products every few weeks!
I have extremely sensitive skin. It’s like a teenager during the last 30 minutes of “The Notebook”. Because of this, I’ve always been nervous about chemical exfoliants or acids. They always left my skin irritated and raw. P50 is the cult classic product for Biologique Recherche, so I was thrilled when I was told there was a version for extremely sensitive skin-P50W. P50 is a do-all product. It exfoliates, hydrates, and balances skin. I use it 2-3 times a week, swiping a cotton pad from my forehead to my chest. The texture of my skin has completely changed, and even when I have a breakout, my skin still looks healthy. It’s a miracle- just like me being able to survive in France for 10 days only knowing 4 words in French (one of which, is croissant).
My skin after 6 months. Heinous photo taken on PORTRAIT MODE SELFIE, so you know it shows everything. Pores looking CUTE!!!
I would say I’m a pretty loyal person- except when it comes to moisturizers. I jump from one to another like an 8th grade boy does crushes on the class trip to Washington D.C. (I haven’t forgotten, Stefan!!!). I’ve found ones that hydrate, but break me out, ones that clog my pores, yet somehow make my skin drier. Creme Dermopurifiante is ideal for acne-prone skin like mine. It helps purify skin and get rid of excess oil, which has made a significant difference in the amount of whiteheads I get. It makes my skin look clear and balanced. It definitely smells like something died and then came back to life as a smelly water mammal, but it’s worth it. That’s how you know it’s good. I’m willing to physically repel my husband for this product. Five stars.
When I was leaving, my Biologique Recherche guardian angel loaded me up on samples of their Masque Vivant face mask. She told me if I used it twice a week, I would never age. It brightens, tones and refreshes skin like no mask I’ve ever used. Sure, it smells like I’m a one-woman-Benihana that’s on fire, but I might look 25 when I’m 50. Beauty is pain and turns out it also smells like garbage!
I’ve been on this routine for about 8 months now, and I can truly say I’ve never felt better about my skin. Of course I still have days during my period or times of stress when I look in the mirror and debate even going outside. But the consistency in the brightness, clarity and hydration in my skin is something I’ve never had before. I was taking French lessons, but I think my fully French routine solidifies me as a French woman. Vive la France (and my skin)!!
It’s no secret that I am obsessive when it comes to skincare. I research products thoroughly, invest in facials, and haven’t gone to bed without doing my full routine in probably 5 years (The last time being after I came home drunk after a Miley Cyrus concert and woke up with the worst hangover and worst breakouts of my life). I’ve gotten my routine down to a science- from the neck-up, that is. I had put all my focus into my face, that my body often went neglected. I’d lather on whatever soap was in the shower, MAYBE put on lotion when I got out (am I wearing a dress? Nope! DRY & ASHY IT IS!). I always just figured my face was at the forefront of how I present myself to the world, and my body was secondary. Living in Las Vegas, I wear less clothing than ever, due to the simple fact that I don’t want to die of heat stroke. I started to take notice that my body was looking a bit tired. My skin looked dull and almost colorless. It didn’t have the same glow or bounce as my face. I’ve been so wrapped up in my complexion, that I neglected 95% of my body. I always figured my body would take care of itself, like it was the older child and my face was the baby that required 100% of my attention (sorry to my sister, who probably knows this feeling ALL TOO WELL).
I’ve found an arsenal of products for the body that have taken my limbs from dull to divine. Look out world…no literally, look at my legs they’re GLOWING!
I have been sweating more than usual, which I didn’t think was possible, until I moved to the desert. I shower every single day, sometimes twice, and I still get breakouts on my back and shoulders on occasion. Being the genius that I am, I knew that A.H.A products had worked well on my face, so I found something similar for my body. It’s definitely helped in keeping breakouts at bay. However, I noticed the biggest difference when I started clipping my hair up when I was conditioning it. I keep a big clip in my shower, and pile it on top of my head, so the conditioner doesn’t get on my back. Hair product can have irritating ingredients for the skin. When I started doing this, I saw serious results within days.
My hot (as hot as the topic of back acne can be) tip when it comes to bacne is to use a Salux washcloth. They are like the hotter, cooler sister of a loofah. They take your body wash and turn it into fluffy suds. The long-towel shape makes it easy to get every inch of your back and shoulders.
Back to bacne, because my exes reading this definitely want to know more (Hi guys! I’m doing GREAT!), I scar easier than Sarah Sanders lies. This means every breakout leaves a dark mark. Vitamin C serum has done wonders for my face, so I was ready to get spendy on a body wash with the same ingredient. I was pleased to find a $5.99 solution at Trader Joe’s with their Citrus Body Wash. It leaves my skin feeling tingly and energized. I haven’t been using it long enough to notice a difference in my scars- I also apply Vitamin C Serum after I shower-, but it’s an enjoyable experience, which is more than I can say for the aforementioned exes (are you still here??).
I try to wear sunscreen on my body everyday, because I’m in the car a lot, and my office is mostly windows. I don’t want to be 40 wondering where these hand wrinkles came from, when I should be worried about running sh!T at PTA or something. Most body sunscreens leave a whitecast, and smell like a 5-year-old at the beach. This one from Supergoop melts into skin with no white cast, moisturizes, and leaves a dewy glow, and smells like fresh flowers. It also comes in a convenient pump, which makes me 90% more likely to use it every day. Laziness is an art form and I am Picasso.
I’ve talked about this Nuxe oil before, and I probably will until my last breath. If you go to Paris, bring an extra bag just to fill up with this luxurious body oil. The spray-cap prevents you from wasting product, and I’ve noticed a difference in the quality of my skin after using for a few months. After I shower at night (sunscreen is my moisturizer during the day), I coat myself from neck to toes, slipping into bed feeling like I own an estate in the French Countryside. All I really own are childhood insecurities!
Time to take these products and GET ME BODIED. This is definitely what Beyonce meant. I’m sure of it.
When I first looked into the phenomena known as “self-care”, I was pumped. Who doesn’t want a reasoning behind more bubble baths, a glass of wine after work, or a $60 candle? I quickly got carried away in the practice. Paying $150 for a Hydrafacial? SELF-CARE! Taking a yoga class where a sweaty man literally sat on my back and told me to breathe through my chakra? SELF-CARE (also kind of gross)! Brunch at 3pm on a Sunday and binging “The Office” for the rest of the day? SELF-CARE!
I found myself doing more things that I enjoyed, and I liked putting an emphasis on “me time”. But I was perplexed when I didn’t find myself feeling more valued, or more at peace with myself. I felt pretty much the same, but with better skin and more flexible limbs.
I was making a homemade clay-drink creation (if you value your insides, don’t do this) when I started thinking: maybe my self-care isn’t just outward action, but internal practices I had long left behind. I decided to carefully study myself over the next few days and observe my own internal thoughts and how they materialized in my life.
I was about four hours into this exercise when I couldn’t ignore what was happening. My negative self-talk was through the roof. Just about everything I did, I attached a personal, negative emotion to it. When I tried to get up from the couch and felt a little gimpy, I scolded myself for not working out more. When I checked Twitter for the 6th time that day, I mentally noted how lazy and unmotivated I was. When I got dressed, I frowned in the mirror, knowing I wouldn’t ever look like the long-legged girl I saw on Instagram that morning. Even when I was eating lunch, I thought “take smaller bites you animal!!!”. It’s like a judgey Italian Grandmother was living in my head, commenting on my every move.
I noticed over the next few days how prevalent negative self-talk was in my life. It hindered how my day went, how I felt about myself, how I interacted with others. I was the Regina George of my own brain. The way I spoke to myself was unkind, judgmental and showed no signs of gentleness. I realized no matter how much self-care I practiced, none of it mattered, because I didn’t really care about my inner self, and how it was being looked after.
Self-care is many things. It is laying down for a bit when you’re feeling anxious and tired. It’s choosing to stay in and put some clay on your face. It’s spending an afternoon at the library, with you and only you. It’s calling a friend for a good laugh. There are so many ways to slow down, and check in with yourself. But no mud-mask in the world can hide the effects of negative self-talk. Why do we allow our inner voice be so mean? Is it because we feel unworthy of the kindness we so willingly give to others? If another person spoke to me the way I spoke to myself, they would be gone faster than this $6 Lavender Blueberry scone I’m eating in the spirit of LOVING MYSELF.
It’s true that I never feel fresher than after I’ve spent a day at the spa, having my muscles pounded into the ground, lounging around guzzling cucumber water. I speak to myself like a damn goddess when my limbs are sprawled out on a daybed, taking another sip of my Oolong tea. I usually enter the week calmer, with more confidence. But what if I could mentally check myself into my spa-safe-haven every morning, choosing to speak to myself with kindness? For starters, I would save a ton of money. For the past few weeks, every time I went to negatively speak to myself, I refrained, and rephrased. Instead of “You didn’t get to the grocery store today, you’re so lazy”, I would check in and say “I did not make the grocery store a priority today. I did some other really productive things instead”. Or one of my brain’s classics: “you will never look as effortlessly gorgeous as that girl on Instagram”, I will take a second to remind myself “her beauty does not take away from my own.”
It’s been a real challenge to reshape the way I think, and it’s something I work on every day. Self-care can present itself in a multitude of ways. I love buying a luxe face mask I’ve been saving up for or lighting a new candle. But I will not allow companies to capitalize on my need to love myself, if I truly cannot achieve that on the inside. I’ve got a long way to go- and I know I can’t totally get rid of that Italian Grandma living in my head. But instead of a judgey one, I’m trading her in for one that always tells me I need to eat more, grabs my face and tells me how lovely I am.
It was a wise, wise man who once said “Get a hobby!!!!!”- it was my husband, and I think he said it to me when I finished all re-runs of "The O.C." in one week. Little did he know, my hobby would become skincare & masking, and I could do it all while re-watching the Chrismukkah episode. Take that!
I’ve tried many masks, some good, some bad, some smelly, some making me look like a straight-up serial killer in the night. But I found myself coming back to the same five masks every time, keeping them on rotation for my skin-needs at that moment. I thought I would share with you all today my holy grail of face masks, which is not to be taken lightly! I’ve tried a ton, and somehow these five have survived the test of time, which is more than I can say for my violin hobby, my drawing hobby, and even my horseback riding hobby (didn’t end well, don’t want to talk about it).
This has been my ride-or-die mask for a few years now. I do it at least once a week, preferably before an event or on a lazy morning. I am addicted to how this mask makes my skin look. I call it “Botox in a bottle” (NOT IN A BOTTLE BUT I MAKE MY OWN RULES), because it tightens, firms up and moisturizes all in 20 minutes. It also just feels incredible on your face. When I fly long distances, I put it on mid-flight and let it soak in like moisturizer.
Hot Tip! Put it in the fridge for the ultimate masking-experience.
Sometimes my skin goes into a meltdown more epic than a 6th grader at Hollister trying to cop a pair of jeans from their mom (me, that 6th grader was me). It needs serious work, but I don’t have time for or can’t afford a professional facial. This Tata Harper mask gives me almost the same results. It’s like a refresh button for your face. It helps me to get rid of little bumps, calm acne, and get my skin glowing again. Expensive price tag, but you’ll spend just as much on a new candle! No? That’s just me? Got it.
This is it ladies and gentlemen- a mask so good- that it got my husband into the masking game. Refreshing, purifying and effective. 86% of my summers are spent in this mask, because after .2 second of being outside and getting sweaty, this mask makes me feel clean again. On occasion, I do get a small breakout after using, because it’s bringing things to the surface. But for the most part, it helps balance my skin and unclog my pores.
The first time I did a sheet mask, I hid behind a door and waited to scare Michael (here’s those serial killer vibes!!). He ended up working late so I sat behind that door for a long time, but on the upside my skin looked UNREAL after. This mask has become my post-travel ritual. It restores all moisture to your face, leaving it plump and glowy.
Another hot tip- save the packaging to use the leftover serum as night cream the next day!
Sometimes I come home from work and have so much to do (or just need to take a nap, it’s usually the nap), there is simply no time to sit down with a 20-minute mask. This is just as powerful, in less than half the amount of time. The directions say to leave it on for 2 minutes, but I leave it on for about 5 minutes- rules are made to be broken, baby. This stuff is a miracle. I wake up in the morning with bright, even skin. I really can’t believe the difference it makes overnight, it feels like it breathes new life in to your face. Major pay off with minimal work- the ideal face mask and also my resume objective!
So here’s to starting off 2018 with your best face forward! Unless you go out and drink your weight in $6 bottles of champagne this weekend. You get a pass for a few days.
Long, long ago, in a bathroom in Wisconsin, a toxic relationship with my hair was born. As my mother cut my bangs (Bless you mom but, NO), I took notice of my Alfalfa-style cowlick, my thin locks, and their incredible ability to get greasy a few mere hours after washing. I’ve struggled with my hair for years, never finding quite the right cut or style. It wasn’t until I met my usual stylist, Anthony ( @ Antonino Salon, book your appointment now because he is so good it takes a few good weeks to get in!) a few years back, that I finally felt comfortable and confident with my hair. I also stopped using children’s shampoo, so I guess that doesn’t hurt either.
Today I wanted to share who helped me make hair-story with my locks:
I had been growing my hair out long for the wedding, and I actually liked my cut. Anthony never put layers in my hair, making it appear thicker and fuller. But I was feeling desperate for a change. I hadn’t cut my hair anywhere near short since middle school, when the stylist at JR’S Kutz for KidZ told me that “the boys will love short hair!!” (spoiler alert: NOPE!). I knew if I went to my beloved Anthony, I wouldn’t want him to do anything different, so for this cut, I had to venture out. My first and only call was to Village Parlor Detroit.
I’ve been following Village Parlor, and its founder, Ryan Cotton, on Instagram since they announced their Detroit location. I was enthralled with Ryan’s talent, the way he cut and styled hair, it always looked so cool and carefree. Now something to know about me- I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to my hair. And that’s not out laziness. I am so awful at doing my own hair, I feel I should have to have permit for my curling wand. I blow-dry my hair and go and that’s what works best for me. I expressed to Ryan that my hair needed to allow for this, but I still wanted something cool and chic. He told me I could definitely lose a few inches and add in some “invisible layers” in the front, giving my hair more movement and body. Sold.
Ryan took his time cutting my hair, he is a perfectionist, which is exactly what you want in a stylist. He even stopped for a moment to remove a spot from his mirror- I knew then that I was in the right hands. Everything about Village Parlor felt like a celebration of being in Detroit. Ryan is originally from the Lansing-area, but has been in New York for the past 16 years. He moved back to Detroit to open his own salon, and be a key part of the city’s comeback. He revives not just your locks, but is reviving the city as well. I left with shorter, bouncier, healthier feeling hair- and a new friend!
I spoke about Kevin in my last wedding post-we hit it off right away when I daringly went to him to put about 2 pieces of balayage in my hair about 4 years ago. I had never had color in my hair before, except for a few bad box-jobs on my college living room floor. I kept going back to Kevin, a true master, going subtly darker, lighter, and a few of shades in-between. I never once left disappointed, but feeling beautiful, empowered, and quite at peace (Kevin is essentially my therapist as well). He hand paints on your color, making it look natural, and NEVER like a 2000 Kelly Clarkson.
So after I got my cut from Ryan, I knew I wanted some new color match my new cut. I went darker in college- and I still feel scarred by the smell of that $9.99 box dye. I found that darker hair washed me out and made me look like an extra in a “My Chemical Romance” video (which really isn’t a bad thing, Black Parade forever!!!!). So I decided I would test the waters by going blonde-ish. I say “-ish” because I think it is a common misconception that you can just walk into a salon and take your brunette locks to blonde in one hour, for less than $200. BABY STEPS! I showed Kevin my hair-spiration, and he was feeling the vibes. He went to work for over 2 hours, hand painting on every piece, while letting me air out all my drama and problems. We sipped tea while giving the tea (ask me what this means later, mom!). When all was said and done, I turned to the mirror to see natural looking, golden honey locks, intertwined with my natural color. I love how it turned out-I feel fresh and uplifted, at a time of year I usually want to hide under the covers with fuzzy socks and a heating blanket (will still do this, will just feel better doing it).
If you’re thinking about doing something new with your ‘do, here’s my advice: the great thing about hair is that it grows back, it’s changeable, and underneath it all, we all have the same egg-shaped bald ass heads. Your identity doesn’t lie in your hair or your skin or your makeup. It lies in who you are and how you treat people- but a bomb hair style/color doesn’t hurt. So while I don’t know if blondes or brunettes (or redheads!) have more fun, I do know it is the girl who surrounds herself with good people who are passionate about her work, who is the happiest.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing humans on a leash-less walk with their dogs- how do they follow along so loyally? I can hardly walk down the sidewalk with Mike without straying to something shiny in a store window. Another great joy in my life is finding new, effective skincare lines. So when I stumbled upon Renee Rouleau Skincare via Instagram, my tail immediately starting wagging. Okay, wait, no- I’m getting these all mixed up.
It was a few months ago that a post-Renee-facial-selfie of Demi Lovato shook me to my core (I was also eating an entire box of Thin Mints so that might have contributed to core happenings). I was so curious about the Renee Rouleau skincare line, since it was born from the mind of a esthetician- Renee herself. I was generously given some product, and my skin will never be the same.
Before we dive into product specifics, let’s go over a couple things.
1) You can go to ReneeRouleau.com and take your skin quiz. It’s more fun than a “what toast topping are you!!” quiz, and it will guide you to which products would be most beneficial for your specific skin type.
2) All Renee Rouleau (Roo-Low) products are lightweight, with formulas using herbal plant extracts and essential oils.
3) No parabens, bad alcohols, synthetics or synthetic fragrances
4) They don’t test on animals! Bunnies everywhere rejoice.
5) The product packaging is beyond chic- rose gold is basically a Millennial girl’s bread and butter.
I am (almost!) 26-years-old, and I am still dealing with these little white bumps all over my chin at all times. They weren’t quite white heads, but little bumps that sat beneath the skin, crushing my dreams of a concealer-less day. I tried creams, lotions and potions and they never seemed to disappear, even as my skin was generally improving. Within two weeks of using this face wash, the bumps are gone and have not returned. This wash is creamy and gentle, with a light exfoliation (made from plastic beads- so not harsh or harmful to environment), gentle enough for every day. It’s more soft and soothing than a fresh pint of Halo Top. It really deep cleans my pores and fights against acne and yes- my annoying bumps. Leaves your face cleaner than Martha Stewart’s counter tops and softer than what I imagine Usher’s abs to feel like. $31.50
LADIES- you know that feeling, once a month when it feels like your uterus is going to fall right out of you and walk away? As if that isn’t bad enough, with that blessed time of the month comes the cystic, throbbing bumps that no matter how much masking I do, they pop up to the party they weren’t even invited to (I will remind my children every day of all the suffering I did for them). It usually takes me 4-5 products, praying and a lot of waiting to make them go away. This anti-cyst treatment was God’s way of answering. I apply 2-3 times a day, and the cyst is gone in half the time. I saw my usual forehead attendant go down in half the size in just one day. It’s an easy to apply, clear serum that’s made with gentle, yet effective ingredients (Citric Acid, Methyl Gluceth 20 and Ethyl Lactate) to calm, reduce redness and prevent scarring. It’s like a cortisone shot in a pump- but less money and painless. When I really want to give that bump the boot quick, I apply the serum and top with M-61’s Power Spot Blemish Lotion. AND STAY OUT! $45.50 (and it will last you a LONG time.)
As we know by now, I have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin with redness on my cheeks. I am the total package…. to a greedy dermatologist. I’ve found in the past, I tend to overdo it. In a desperate attempt to get my skin under control, I do mask after mask with oil after oil piled on top. I now know that does my harm than good, and I’ve been trying to simplify my routine to just a few products- which was why it was a relief to find that this lotion is also the total package- gentle on sensitive skin, calms acne and reduces redness. Some nights I need deep, deep hydration, and I’ve expressed my love for Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Rich for that. But at night, when I need my skin to essentially take a Xanax, this is my gal. It’s oil free, doesn’t clog my pores, hydrates, and leaves my skin calm and cozy- like me during an 8-hour marathon of “Say Yes to The Dress” on my couch. So now, even if I overdo it, it takes my skin back to base camp one, providing a perfectly calm complexion come morning. $41.50
Sadly- I couldn’t test this one out. It has a Mushroom ingredient in it- which I am allergic to! Basically my allergy ruins my skincare fun and my pizza but that’s just life. So this one, I’m giving away to one of YOU! This serum is designed to clear clogged pores, lift scarring, lessen oil production (I am seriously depressed right now DAMN U MUSHROOMS), and even out your skin tone. Over time, it is meant to help with your clarity and texture, minimizing your pores and blemishes. How do you win? STARTING 3/21: Head on over to my Instagram (@alexandramauro), like the photo that goes up tomorrow morning, tag a friend, your mom, meme-soulmate, WHOEVER!, and be sure to follow @reneerouleauskincare. I’ll be picking a winner this week!
I may never have the pipes of Demi Lovato (it’s more like William Hung or Mariah Carey NYE edition), but now I can at least rival her flawless complexion. Skincare is important- not only because I want to look 30 when I’m 50, but because it helps me be more confident on the day-to-day. Renee Rouleau gets that- and helps me put my best face forward. Not in a Neutrogena commercial way-where a girl magically and excitedly splashes water on her face- but in an every day, maybe you spilled salad dressing on your silk shirt but hey my skin looks great-way. And for that- I am forever grateful.
* Thank you to Renee Rouleau for providing the products. These are my honest opinions and experiences after one month of use.
Ahhh, the inevitable flakes of winter- and I'm not talking about the snow. As the weather gets colder, my skin gets flakier than a Pillsbury biscuit. I'm flakier than that girl you run into at Target from high school that says "we should get coffee sometime!!!". Get the ugly, gross picture? Good. Now we can proceed with what we're going to do about it.
I'm a firm believer that some of your skincare and beauty need to change with the seasons. I've compiled a list of my favorite skincare and beauty products for winter to get you through these next few months (let's face it, Winter lasts until April). So crank up your heat, ignore your unshaven legs as you pull on some big wool socks, and enjoy: The Winter Beauty Edit.
You all know my obsession with Glossier's Priming Moisturizer. I use it every morning before my makeup for a perfect base every time. So when Glossier came out with a richer version, you know I pressed “order” on launch morning before my eyes were even open. This is my top-winter product. It healed my dry, flaking skin overnight. It’s unbelievably rich, creamy and luxurious feeling. The best part is, you can’t use too much. It melts into skin like butter, bringing life back to dry, dull, winter face. I also use on my neck because I am in constant fear of Tech Neck (it's a sickness). It feels like a $300 cream Kim Kardashian probably uses- but it's only $35 and you don't have to act like Kanye makes sense.
* Psst: you can get 20% off and free shipping through my rep page here: https://www.glossier.com/reps/alexmauro
Again- getting hydration on your skin in the winter is hard, because we’re indoors, cooped up under blankets just trying to get through it. Milk Makeup Cooling Stick is an easy, fun way to not only reduce redness and perk up tired skin, but it adds an extra layer of hydration. I keep mine in the fridge, swipe all over my face-especially under eyes- in the morning after washing. Also a perfect gym bag companion for after a workout.
Back to the flakes. You know the ones, you scrub and you moisturize and they just appear again like a stage-5 clinger at a party- BUT THEY WEREN’T INVITED! When my skin needs a reboot, I scrub with this and it does exactly what it says it will- polishes your skin. My winter-dream team is washing clean skin with this, then Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich. You will wake up with a whole new face (not in a bad Heidi Montag way. It an awesome, how am I this glowing? in the winter way).
Sometimes, you need a good detox, from harmful harsh heat in your house, from layering on makeup, etc. This is my ultimate. It detoxes skin without stripping it, it just leaves a nice, smooth, matte finish. It makes me feel so CLEAN afterwards. But because winter is a fickle biotch and will ruin this moment for you, follow up with Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask. If you don’t’ have that in your arsenal already, skip this whole post and order that. Baby steps- and that is the first one.
Yes, you do need sunscreen in the winter. And fall. And all other times of the year. People always ask me what they can use to prevent wrinkles, and sunscreen is it. We don’t realize the damage those harsh office lights make, the sun when we’re in the car- etc. You can drive yourself crazy trying to avoid it or worry about it- or you can wear sunscreen daily. This one was recommended to me by multiple friends, and for good reason. It is unbelievably lightweight and silky. I put it on before my priming moisturizer, and you can’t even tell it’s there. It blends in beautifully and protects all day. Get on it.
The top question I am asked is “what can I use for under-eyes?". In service to all of you, I’ve tried just about all of them. This one is the only cream I have ever noticed a difference with. I do feel it helped with my dark circles over time, but more than anything it just made my under-eye area look not so tired. It smoothed the skin, actually making it look younger and healthier. A little goes a long way too- I've had it about 4 months and haven't even made a dent in the tube.
Some days, you walk outside and are immediately assaulted by ice-cold wind, sharp, sleet-y snow and frigid temperatures. You think to yourself “I need a damn vacation”, but you check your bank account and it says “Girl lol no you need a BUDGET”. So how do you get away without actually getting away? Treat yourself to something tropical. On those miserable winter days, I crank up the heat in my apartment, take a bath (this is the best bath companion), and follow up with Mermaid Perfume Body Oil. It smells like you just left the beach, Mai Tai still in hand. It soaks into skin in seconds and leaves you with a lingering vacation smell all day. Not to mention crazy soft-skin worth of putting your bathing suit on (you can walk around your house in one, I won’t judge). Bonus points if you get their candle- it will fill your whole home with beach bliss.
In the winter, I’m all about a more natural look- like an Eskimo with natural beauty just oozing from my pores. But as we all know, sometimes it takes a little work to make natural look polished. This is why I love Boy Brow Clear. I am faithful to Boy Brow in brown, but I do have some little baby hairs in the front that don’t quite need color, but just a little lift. Voila, Clear Boy Brow. All the same gorgeous, effortless, just a little messy brow, without color if you don’t need it (bless you).
I had been coveting a glossy eye for months, but couldn’t seem to figure it out without looking like I had some weird disease. Then I was recommended Milk Makeup Eye Vinyl, and it changed the game. PERFECTLY glossy without looking oily or sick. It gives you the ultimate cool-girl look, because let’s face it, you are cool and should look like it. My favorite shade is the nude. Glide it on eyelids and pat in and BAM! You’re an Olsen (without the chain smoking, bravo).
Winter is tough- but taking care of your skin doesn't have to be. All of these products can be easily integrated into your routine, without sending your face into panic mode- because it's stressful enough just trying to keep your socks up in your boot all season.
* Title photo via Into The Gloss
