Spring Beauty Basics

Spring is here!  That means it's time to shed all the winter layers and pull out the skirts and pretty dresses again!  Spring is the perfect time to start a new beauty routine, exfoliate all the winter blues away and get a new refreshed look.  I've composed a list of my favorite products for an easy breezy Springtime beauty routine.  Over the years I have tested many products, and there are some products that I just can't live without.  I've finally narrowed down my Top 12 Must Have Products for the Spring...

1. Exfolikate by Kate Somerville
The ultimate exfoliant/ cleanser for sloughing off your winter skin.  This product makes you feel instantly invigorated, refreshed and leaves your skin soft and VERY clean.  

I've tried so many exfoliation treatments and cleansers and none of them can hold a candle to this product.  It uses a combination of fruit enzymes to gently pull dirt from your pores without stripping your skin, or tearing your pores (which can happen with most other exfoliators on the market). A lot of other brands have harsh beads and sharp grains that tear your pores and cause skin damage over time.

Once I found this product I will never try another one again.  It feels like a day at the spa after your wash your face with this.  I use the gentle formula for my sensitive skin, but I have tried the others as well, including the acne treatment one and they are all fantastic.  This product is around $65 - so I know it requires a leap of faith to purchase it at that price, but it is like skincare gold!  Don't just take my word for it - I found out about it because women everywhere love it so much that it has rave reviews on all the beauty websites.

Get ready to step out into the spring air with glowing beautiful skin! 
http://www.katesomerville.com/exfolikate-gentle-exfoliating-treatment/


2. Kerastase Masquintense 
The 'creme de la creme' of hair masques/ conditioning treatments.  At $60 a tub - this stuff is pricey but well worth it if you want the most beautiful hair ever!

They have other masques available for fine hair, but I still use this one anyway because it works so well.  You just have to be careful (if your hair is fine like mine) not to use too much at one time, and to keep it focused on the ends of your hair, otherwise it might weigh your hair down.

I use this almost everytime I wash my hair.  I just put a little in the ends of my hair after shampooing and then leave it on for a minute or two then rinse.  My once tangled mess of hair became manageable, healthy and soft after I started using this product.  I have to say - I stopped using it for a while because it can be so pricey to keep buying it, but no other less expensive products could keep my hair looking good, and it became a tangled mess again.  Now I am using it again - and believe me - it is worth it!

You can purchase it online at Drugstore.com, Amazon or at salons that carry Kerastase.
http://www.kerastase-usa.com

3. Moroccan Oil 
Say goodbye to frayed ends and dry hair, Moroccan Oil is the gold standard when it comes to finishing products.  You can put it in your hair wet or dry, applied mainly to the ends.  It adds shine and smoothness to any type of hair. 

You only have to use a tiny amount everyday so a small bottle can last a while.
You can purchase it at beauty stores or online at Amazon.com

4. Rose Bud Lip Salve
I have one of these in every drawer in my house, and one in my purse.  This balm is the perfect way to keep your lips hydrating and soft.  They come in a variety of flavors including strawberry and mint.  It gives you a hint of shine.  

You can purchase it on Sephora for $6.



5. Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection Tint SPF 40 
I pretty much never leave the house without this product on my face.  It is the perfect cover for my fair skin.  It evens out my skin tone, protects me from the sun, and moisturizes my skin without feeling greasy.  It is soft and smooth and I love it! 

It's formulated without nasty petrochemicals, and has and SPF of 40.
$43 from Sephora.



6.  L'Oreal Paris Sublime Glow Daily Body Moisturizer and Natural Skin Tone Enhancer
Forget all the expensive skin tone enhancers and stinky tanning products - none of them compare to the subtle perfection of Sublime Glow.  I use this every other day or so on my legs, arms and chest and I look like I have a light tan, with beautiful even skin tone (which I don't have naturally).

It smells lovely, dries quickly, leaves my skin soft and I never have any streaks.  It's around $12 from Target or drugstores.

7. Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate
This is the gem of my beauty collection.  It costs a pretty penny at around $82 but it is worth it to me to have a youthful, vibrant complexion.  Being a mother of a young toddler, I need all the help I can get! 

I use this on my face at night before bed and it feels so divine.  I wake up feeling refreshed even if I have had hardly any sleep. It can be found at Sephora or Nordstroms.

8.  Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclate -Radiant Touch
This was recommended to me by a friend and now I am hooked!  This concealer/ highlighter is so lightweight but does a fantastic job of hiding flaws and giving your skin a little extra boost of radiance. 

I use it around my eyes when I feel tired and it instantly helps me look more awake. There are a range of color options available - because I am so fair I use the 'Luminous Ivory'.  It's around $40 from Sephora which is a splurge for a concealer but fortunately it lasts for months.

9.  Banana Boat sunscreen - Hydrating lotion
After being tucked under sweaters and pants all winter long, my legs and arms are not quite ready for the full blast of the sun without sun protection.  I have very fair skin with freckles so tanning is a no-no for me. 

I love to slather this sunscreen on because it smells great, and leaves my skin feeling soft.  It's lightweight and not greasy at all.  You can purchase it for around $7 at Target or drugstores. 

10. Nars Blush Bronzer Duo - about $42.00 (can buy it at Sephora)
The color combo I like is Orgasm/ Laguna - peachy-pink shimmer/ sheer light brown shimmer.  This is a real splurge at around $42 but it does double duty as a blush and a bronzer and lasts forever! 

This is one part of my beauty routine I never skip no matter how much of a hurry I am in.  A quick brush of beautiful color on my cheeks makes me look instantly awake, refreshed and happy.  
 

11. Balm Shelter lip balm - color 'Valley Girl' - from The Balm cosmetics.
I am CRAZY addicted to this stuff!! I am the type of girl who always has like 6 different lip balms in my bag at any given time, and believe me I have tried  them all! 

This is my go to lip balm all the time now because it is so good!  It smells like bubble gum, has subtle color, looks smooth and pretty with just a hint of shine and sparkle.  It feels great on - a very natural feeling.  It has SPF 15 which is perfect for me since I want to protect my lips from getting chapped from the sun.  The best part is The Balm cosmetics line does not contain harmful parabens and are cruelty-free.

You can purchase it on their website and also from Amazon.com for around $19.  The best 19 dollars you will ever spend - trust me! 



12.  L’Oréal Paris Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara
I've tried all the expensive brand mascaras and honestly, I always go back to this one.  It makes your lashes long and full like a baby doll. It also stays put all day with no flaking or clumping and washes off easily with makeup remover and cleanser.  

You can purchase it for around $8 at drugstores. 
 

Happy Spring everyone!!  Have a beautiful day!