10 Products that got me through the Polar Vortex

I’ve had a grand plan to try to avoid this winter as much as I can, and I’ve been doing a pretty decent job. Here’s what’s been holding it down for me in between my escapades:

1) Susan Ciminelli products, $50-$105

I can’t stop raving about Susan Ciminelli, the woman, her spa, AND her products. I was invited a couple months ago to get a facial at her 57th street oasis, and her holistic approach was refreshing. For one, Susan discusses diet a lot when examining my face (she warned me against dairy that could be causing some breakouts along my jawline, and asked that I up the veggies like radishes). Then, she used her own products made of only natural ingredients that I stocked up on for some serious after-care. She ended the facial placing crystals on me, which she said absorbs the negative energy. If that’s true or not, all I know was I left the beauty clinic feeling exceptionally light and my skin, so much brighter. I’ve been using her Algae Deep Cleanse, Cleansing Gel, Seawater spray , and Toning Formula on blemishes and my skin has been more than cooperative for once. She’s the real deal and her products are a lifesaver. If you’re not familiar with her stuff, I’d suggest getting a facial with her and letting her customize a skin regimen (she a reservoir of info when it comes to skincare).

She knows so much about ingredients because she studied it all intensely when she had skin issues of her own as a teenager. Plus, she has a whole section on skin-loving food recipes on her site. An aesthetician and foodie? This love affair was bound to happen. They cost a pretty penny though, if you’re serious about changing your skin with natural remedies, it will be worth it.

2) Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep, $22

This tinted eyebrow gel is perfection. It not only tames unruly brows, it has little water-resistant fibers that fill in any sparse areas in your brows and looks as natural as they come.

3) Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer, $48

I know, $48 for a concealer, but just a dot of this goes a long way so I’m guessing I’ll have this for at least a year at this rate. I’ve been using this to highlight my cheekbones and nose areas and it brightens without budging. I’m obsessed. Just dab on and blend out. It conceals and helps brighten. (B-glowing has his whole line!).

4) Lise Watier Clin D’Oeil False Eyelashes, $18

I felt like such a false lashes novices until I found these. These wispy lashes look stunning, as I found out when I used them twice for a weekend of my friend’s wedding festivities. They’re long, but not too long, will thicken, but won’t look crazy. The perfect pair if you want people to keep guessing. Comes with the eyelash glue that actually works too.

5) Herbal Essences Naked Volume Volumizing Souffle and Sheer Shine Mist, $5 each

I’ve been using Herbal Essences’ new Naked line and I’m really impressed. The combo of their new Volume Souffle (a leave in conditioning cream) and their new sheer shine mist has been giving my hair the right amount of body and healthy shine after blow drying, and it doesn’t weigh it down or make it stringy. Plus it has no silicones, parabens, or dye to be weary of.

6) Ojon Super Sleek Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner, $49 for both

My hair is somewhere in between wavy and straight, and confused when it comes to frizz. Since I’ve been using these two from Ojon (one of my favorite hair lines by the way), I haven’t had frizz head at all thanks to its plant keratin. Smoothes my hair from roots to ends without letting it fall flat.

7) MAC Lipstick in Touch, $23

In the never-ending quest for the perfect nude, this comes pretty close.

8 ) Dove Derma Series Extreme Dryness Relief Rough Patch Treatment, $19

Ok this is so new, it’s just rolling out to drugstores this month and is a God send from anyone suffering from eczema and severely dry skin, but Dove has just come out with its professional series of skincare for sensitive skin and the line looks promising. I’ve already began slathering the emollient on my hands and they’ve been saving my cuticles better than any other cream I’ve tried. It can also be used on any rough areas of skin — elbows, soles, knees, etc, but I’m keeping it in my bag for my hand. The best part is it doesn’t have a strong, medicinal odor like similar glycerin creams and glides on much easier. In studies, it moisturized better than even Aquaphor. Plus it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance- and paraben-free just like you’d expect from them :).

9) David Kirsch Wellness Super Charged Greens Blend, $65

I was so excited when I got my juicer over a year ago…and til this day haven’t used it once. Not once. I’m a little intimidated to do it, but I also haven’t found the time to make use of it (or so, that’s what I tell myself). I picked up this mix from David Kirsch, mostly because after editing enough stories I know he’s the celeb trainer to some of the finest bodies in H-town (Heidi Klum, Kerry Washington, Anne Hathaway, Karolina Kurkova and Linda Evangelista, etc.). It has probiotics, good bacteria to help your immune system, enzymes to detox, and antioxidants like green tea and grape seed. Honestly, I was terrified when I poured the packet. It looked like it would taste disgusting. But it actually tastes like berries and I’ve been having a glass after working out almost everyday and the little shifts in my lifestyle has left me feeling a lot more energetic. Plus, I love that it comes in individual packets so you can easily take it on the go.

10) Eddie Funkhouser Ultra Definition Eye Lining Stylus, $11

Eddie Funkhouser’s line is super new on the Rite Aid aisles but let me tell you his stuff is so LEGIT (and surprisingly affordable for the quality). This eye lining stylus is the best one I’ve tried yet. It’s super dark, lines perfectly, and hasn’t streaked on me yet. The tip is pointy but is also a tiny flexible brush to get a perfect line every time. You’ll definitely be seeing more of his stuff on here soon — his mascara and blushes are also creeping up on my faves list.
What products got you through these last couple of months?

x
Shy
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