Fall Beauty Buys

Winter in LA is always harsh on my skin and hair.  Though its probably mellow compared to the  east coasts cold and snow, my transition from Hawaii, where winter is almost nonexistent, to LA , was rather unappealing.  I had brittle hair, flakey skin, and chapped lips. In an attempt to brave the upcoming winters, I tested various products throughout the years, and found 9 beauty must haves for these chilly months:  

1.     Elizabeth Ardens 8 Hour Cream:  This is my multi-purpose skin saver!  I keep it in my makeup bag and use it from head to toe to hydrate chapped lips, fingers, cuticles, scrapes and scratches throughout the day.  At night, I will place a thin layer over my lips, and wake up with moisturized lips.

2.     La Mer Moisturizing Cream:  Often called a miracle in a bottle, La Mer heals dry chapped skin and even burns.  The cream itself is simply a blend of sea kelp, vitamins, and minerals.  Although the cream is somewhat too rich for me during spring and summer, La Mer is perfect for the winter months!  Simply warm a small pea size amount between your fingers and apply over your face, neck, and under eye area! 

3.     Fekkai Glossing Cream:  I use this glossing cream throughout the year, but it becomes especially helpful during those winter months.  Apply a pea size drop to damp hair and blow or air dry.

4.     Estee Lauder Idealist:  I suffer from uneven skin tone, and sometimes have pink patches here and there.  This serum significantly reduces redness giving you glowing skin.  I usually use this right after toner, before applying moisturizer.

5.     Sugar Lip Balm:  I LOVE this lip balm.  Its smooth, creamy, and instantly glides over your lips. 

6.     Suntegrity 5 in 1:  Its important to use sunscreen on a daily basis, even during the winter, when the sun seems to be less strong.  My esthetician recommended this sunscreen and I’ve been using it every morning since then.  It’s a little too oily for summer months, but perfect for winter.

7.     Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil:  All my girlfriends swear by this cleansing oil.  It has a nice scent, and thoroughly removes all makeup.  I currently use the (pink) fresh pore cleansing oil, and absolutely love it.  Although its no longer available in the US, you can still purchase it online.

8.     Enzyme Peel:  My mom bought me a bottle a year ago, and after using this every night, I’m beginning to see differences in my skin.  The fine powder gently polishes your skin and keeps your skin looking fresh.  

9.     Illuminator Eye Cream: This eye cream reduces puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles around your eye.  What I love most about this product is its cool tip applicator.