I’m not super high maintenance when it comes to a beauty regime. I don’t enjoy getting manicures. I don’t wax my brows {much prefer light plucking}. I don’t color my hair. But I am absolutely OCD about my skin.
As a teenager, my skin was relatively balanced. In my mid 20′s, fraught with the stress of taking the bar and getting married, my skin reacted. I lost control and needed to take it back. So I began to indulge in monthly facials. And along with these facials, I developed a morning and evening skin ritual, as well as a slew of products to keep my skin in check.
AM
When I wake up, I wash my face immediately with Neova Herbal Wash, using the Neova sponge. I gently splash my face multiple times to remove the soap {a trick my mama taught me growing up – use your age for the amount of splashes}. Then I gently pat dry with a towel. I apply my Neocutis Journee sunscreen which I mix with Neova Hydromoist moisturizer and lip treatment from Jo Malone {you know this is my favorite product ever}. Any/all makeup goes on top of this base.
PM
In the evenings my skincare ritual takes a little longer. First, if I am wearing makeup , I remove with a Neutrogena remover wipe. Next I wash my face again as I did in the AM. Sometimes I use the Clarisonic for my exfoliation. Next I apply smoothing gel using a cotton ball. Then I create a concoction of Neova DNA Repair Lotion and Neocutis BioCream {which is a really thick moisturizer that feels fabulous on the skin}. Lastly I use a tiny pump of Neocutis BioSerum. All of this is applied all over my face and neck. I place Neocutis Lumiere eye cream both under and on my lids. And then I baste my lips with Jo Malone again. If my lips are in desperate need, I find my tube of Aquafor is a great cure {I put Aquafor on every ailment, like Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding}.
I know it sounds elaborate, but I care deeply about preserving my skin. I always wear sunscreen. I never “tan” my face {that’s what hats are for!}. I spring for monthly facials and the occasional peel.
I know my skincare is a big investment, but I’m hoping it will ward off signs of aging for as long as it can!
Mothers Day is just around the corner {hint hint}. It feels incredibly personal to buy a gift for your own mothers. Being a mother myself I know that no “thing” could possibly do enough to thank my mother for everything she has done. Still, I’ll continue to try. Here are twelve things that would make really lovely gifts for you and your own this Mom’s Day.
{1. Jennifer Zeuner rose gold monogram necklace. Because rose gold is here to stay / 2. Drybar blowout kit. Because good hair is happiness / 3. Ray Ban blue aviators. Because everyone looks cooler in aviators / 4. Gap color block envelope clutch. On point for the color blocking trend, and the perfect pop of summer color / 5. Paper Source card. Pretty much sums it up / 6. Threshold for Target succulent. Because its gorgeous and doesn’t need water / 7. Tory Burch Lucite Letter. Because you need to honor her monogram / 8. J.Crew gold link bracelet. Timeless and trendy all at once / 9. Villa Manodori Balsamic Vinegar and 10. Olio Santo extra virgin olive oil. These are the best of the best. And her salads will be eternally delicious / 10. The Flower Recipe handbook. Because she always wants to know how to arrange like a pro / 11. West Elm paper flowers. Because they are so happy and last for-eva. Just like your love for mom}.
I love Saturday nights. Don’t you? What I don’t always love is figuring out what to wear on a Saturday night. Because playing the “try on” game in my closet, often ends in tears. And stress. And the feeling that “I have no clothes.” Despite the fact that I have plenty of clothes. Catch my drift?
Last Saturday, I got myself dressed in minutes. Literally the first thing I tried made me happy. So I thought I would share it with you. Because I have a feeling a version of this is going to define my summer Saturday night styles. Call me boring, but it’s me.
I hate: things that are remotely tight on my tummy, really high heels that give me blisters that I can’t walk in, too many accessories, too much color. Oh, and things that are remotely tight on my tummy.
I love: clothes that are not tight on my tummy, comfortable shoes that look awesome {hello wedges and low pumps}, layering accessories and jewelry, one bold color statement {if any}.
Balsamic Vinegar and 10. 
extra virgin olive oil. These are the best of the best. And her salads will be eternally delicious / 10. 
