Finishing School: vol. 1
A Squeaky Spring Clean
There is a viscous circle that can be easily perpetuated as a self proclaimed ‘lover of the beauty’. The constant onslaught of new products soliciting seductive, glowy goals can yield a hefty bruise on the Amex, not to mention the vanity bathroom storage thus brimming to capacity. Those of us sharing said spaces with a partner can attest… the accusatory glances inquiring as to the real necessity for three different eye creams can, at times, become less than agreeable. But in the name of Marie Kondo’ing all things as we look to life in ‘The After Times’ I’ve taken a small but substantial step to finish products to the very.last.drop, as there’s nothing worse than realizing your once-fluffy-and-potent moisturizer is now putrid and unusable, simply because you bought 3 others near the same time and forgot to keep it in rotation. Le sigh.
The post holiday need for simplicity and routine allowed for a rather stringent regimen chez moi, and as such, below are a handful of products I’ve recently milked to the bitter end, to be replaced tout de suite.
waste not, want not… as the saying goes.
I take great comfort in the promise of any new cleanser, and this foamy-yet-gentle cleansing gel does not disappoint. Gentle exfoliation combines with ceramides, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid for a fresh-but-not-stripped feel after your shower. Works beautifully with a cleansing brush and one bottle lasts months at a time. The perfect second step to a nightly double-cleanse.
I’ve spent countless attempts to diminish the dark spots left over from childhood burns and the like, but most have lofty promises with limited results. This water-thin serum spreads evenly and absorbs quickly, combining tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide and HEPES - a newer acid to activate enzymes that assist with breaking down the bonds of dead skin cells for a truly brighter complexion and a visible reduction in brown patches. Sun sensitivity is to be expected, so don’t forget to pair with your favorite SPF at all times.
While nothing seems to be more polarizing a topic than face oils, I am a fan through and through, no matter the season. Loaded with antioxidants naturally found in plum varietals as well as omega fatty acids, Le Prunier contains powerful polyphenols and is 8x more powerful than Argan oil for free-radical protection. Vitamins A + E help hydrate and combat stressors, and as a little goes a long way, you can enjoy any excess pruney magic on your hair and nails.
A pricy gamble after deciding I wanted to remove the remnants of micro-blading from years past, this growth serum has made me a brow-believer. Apply at night as you would your favorite brow-gel and ingredients like polypeptides, hyaluronic acid and various hair strengtheners work synergistically to create stronger, more full-appearing brows. Even the hair over a 30+ year old scar has started to grow back. Opt for the partnered NeuLash serum to round out your effortless Bambi-look.
Forever brow-muse Anouk Aimée, in La Dolce Vita
I am no authority on hair but can attest that mine has been ravaged for years thanks to harsh Parisian water. Brittle ends and lackluster shine were all but transformed with this Shampoo / Condish duo. Sulfate free, vegan and color-safe, the Restore line boasts a patented ‘Healthy Hair Molecule’ that propels moisture into damaged strands, keeps dirt and oil at bay and strengthens your locks by resisting breakage 20x more than normal. A must-have in the salle de bain.
A firming cream I simply cannot resist. I’ve tried them all, from low to luxe, and come back to this newly reformulated concentrate time and time again. While not a magic fix for the unruly skin that often resists our best intentions, the combination of caffeine and ginger is 20x more effective than caffeine alone. The cryoactive (cold!) cream penetrates almost instantly, leaving no residue behind. Dimples be damned, with visible results in roughly 7 days.
So many bottles, so little time. What are you loving lately, to the very last drop? Tell me below.
Until the next purge! xx.