My Current Skin Routine and What I Am Adding in for Summer (for the littles too!)

The battle to fight wrinkles, lighten dark spots, ease redness, and fight adult acne (THE WORST!) continues. And now with summer here, extra sun protection is a must. I am trying to have a less is more approach by finding products that are effective and results can be seen fairly quickly.  Cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect are the simple steps I am using currently and my skin is into it. 

The kids skin and hair is also in need of lots of extra attention from the sun and pool, so I load up on these to keep on hand all summer long. 

1. Cerave is my tried and true cleanser. It gets your face really clean, but is also gentle. 

2. I also love cleansing with micellar water! So gentle, but effective. I use it a lot when my skin does need quite as much of a clean or needs a more calming cleanse. 

3. I tone (pat, pat, pat) with Biologique Recherché P50. The price tag is bananas, but it is incredible. If you do not tone, you need to! This Glossier toner is also great and much more budget friendly. 

4. Cerave moisturizer plumps up skin but is so gentle and calming. 

5. I do not wash my face in the morning. I throw on some lotion and then Elta sunscreen. I like the tinted one, but it also comes in clear. It works so well, calms skin, and evens out skin tone just a hint. 

6. Another investment, but totally worth it, is this eye cream. It plumps up and smooths out the damage that I have already done (i.e. AZ sunbathing for years with no SPF! ugh) while preventing it from getting worse. 

7. I love this drugstore hero for a smooth and realistic tan without the sun damage. 

8. For face tanning, I swipe tan towels and then use my hands to blend it in well. Avoid your hairline and make sure to blend it down your neck and chest. 

9. My hair texture changes in the summer a lot. I comb styling cream into my hair and it is so much smoother whether I blow dry or not. Usually not. 

10. My lips tend to get a lot of melasma in the summer, you know that lip liner effect? Spf lip balm fights it and these smell just like summer.

11. This oil sunscreen is awesome and so moisturizing! 

12. Everyone has a spray sunscreen in their bags for the summer. Easy to apply for the kids! 

13. Mary gets the worst green hair from the pool, so this shampoo and conditioner is a must. 

14. Reapplying sunscreen at the pool on kids is impossible. Love Wetskin Sticks for an easy way to reapply while kids are still wet. 

15. This sunscreen powder is a lifesaver. It works for hours, is sweat proof, and waterproof! It is the easiest way to reapply and with a little tint it is great for outdoor events over make up. 

16. If green hair still appears on Mary, I use these crystals to wash out the tint. It is magic! 

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Spring Break Skincare

Are you headed out soon? Whether to the snow or to the sun, skin always need some extra love when you travel. Mine tends to freak out upon arrival, then never really figures itself out again until well after being home. I will bring my usual regime, plus some other products to help me out. Mostly my travel staples revolves around how to avoid a sun burn/aging myself anymore and faking it in the most natural looking way. So besides my trusty (old lady?) hat and shades, these are what I am packing. 

1. I think I write about this sunscreen powder every year. It is THE BEST face sunscreen you will ever use and so long lasting. I wear it everywhere and it stays on while playing outdoors. 

2. These face pads are great for exfoliating and take you from pale af to bronzed up in a matter of hours. Totally natural looking too. 

3. When you want to wear make up, but do not want to wear sunscreen this setting mist is AMAZING. Just spritz after applying your make up and you are covered. 

4. The perfect balm that smells like vacation. 

5. Not organic or fancy, but this face stick is the best for kids. Stays on forever. 

6. Nothing feel fancier  and more soothing than a face mist. 

7. I am getting that brown lip line action from the sun now, so this lip screen has become a staple. 

8. I know it is probably filled with terrible things for me, but I never streak with Jergens and think the firming actually works a bit. 

9. The reviews for this Jet Lag Mask are raving. and I love the name of the brand, Summer Fridays. 

10. If you have not tried any Ouai hair products, do it! They smell like heaven and work amazingly. Love this travel kit with dry shampoo, wave spray, and hair/body oil. 

11. I wear this absolutely every day. It soothes, has just a hint of tint, and has real protection. 

xo

erin 

Skin Savers

You know what might be one of my biggest regret in life? Laying in the sun and getting tan way beyond my Irish heritage should allow, until I was just brown enough to head on over to the tanning salon. At the time it felt so good and I thought looked so good (it didn't). Now I want to cry for my aging self and the battle of reversing it all. You could say this is what sparks my insane product interest and the motivation to try it all. 

Not that I do not enjoy being a bit sun kissed, because I find nothing wrong with that (in moderation of course). But only if I have slathered sunscreen on all day and somehow the sun gods have found a way. Is that wrong? (insert cringing emoji) 

After being in the sun a few weeks, I wanted to share my current arsenal. Both for me and the kids. 

1. This Coola sunscreen is made with almost all organic products and smells divine. Also comes in a SPF 50 Sport lotion. They all smell like vacation heaven. 

2. I WORSHIP this Sunscience Mineral Sunscreen Powder. First of all it is SPF 50, second it is water proof and lasts forever, and it gives you a little coverage to even out your skin. 

3. These little Neutrogena sticks for the kids face were perfect pool side. I could reapply without having to make sure they were dry. I used it fairly often as well. 

4. I starting seeing a dark line on my top lip (melasma) and thought it very uncool. This is a lip screen that can even go over lipstick from Supergoop. 

5. I have been looking for a lightweight sunscreen that doesn't leave a white mask. This one does that and it is formulated for sensitive skin and should help with redness. Elta MD

6. I went through two of these Supergoop cans in Florida. Easy to spray on the kids and not one red spot in sight. 

What do you swear by in the sun? Would love to hear! 

xo

Erin 

Time for Spring Breaking

Are you off somewhere warm? Hope so. 

I am a little late on my Spring Break packing post as I know that some of you might already be on yours or headed out of town, but my packing does not start until next week so here I am. Since the kids stuff takes up at least half of our packing space, I like to keep things light and coordinated. Makes it easy to not only pack, but to pick what to wear once you are there.  Here is what I am going to bring (either the exact or close match to) this year...

1. A straw bag that doesn't mind a little sand, but fits everything. Hat Attack $95

2. My fave mineral sunscreen powder now comes in spf 50. It is waterproof and gives you a nice even coverage. Sunscience $64 (lasts forever)

3. Worship these frames from Warby Parker $95

4. A actual packable hat that can get squished in your bag. J. Crew $34

5. Soft PJs that wash well, look nice, and are ok for your in laws to see you in. J. Crew $58

6. This suit looks great with cut off shorts and flips. Total 90s throwback. J. Crew $88 (many colors)

7. A breezy and sweet cover up. J. Crew $69

(Think I have enough J. Crew going on? Geez. But kind of obsessed with everything there lately and there seems to be a sale every day.)

These tops...

From Left: 

A gauzey, boho blouse with tassels that goes with everything. BB Dakota $85

Remember when tanks had shelf bras in them in the early 00s? Yea, J. Crew is making them again. $24

My love for Cloth & Stone runs deep, and this coral button down is so soft and perfect. $88

A forgiving, but sweet ruffle top for big dinners out. d.Ra $84

All the tops can be worn with each of these shorts...

1. Easily the best pair of lace shorts I have bought. Loft $59 (other colors available)

2. A sweet pair of floral drawstring shorts. Minkpink $59

3. My go to J. Crew cut offs. $79

4. Who doesn't love a skort? And I love the print/woven material. Cupcakes & Cashmere $100

Dresses for different occasions...

I am a sucker for Parker and I love this silhouette. $265

This dress could go from the beach straight to dinner. Loft $79 + 25% off today

A little ballet nod in a super flattering cut. Susana Monaco $170 (yellow also, $119)

I swear by the three pairs of shoes rule. All you need...

1. A wedge that matches everything when you want a lift. Loeffler Randall $275

2. A flip flop that can hang by the pool or be paired with a dress later. J. Crew $50 (also in back)

3. A white sneaker for everywhere else. Adidas $74 (check out the sizing notes when ordering)

Anything you cannot leave behind? Would love to hear. 

Happy Travels! 

xo

Erin 

In Flight Beauty

While we all love a destination, the getting there can be a drag. Packed planes, long lines, gross cabins, the entire thing can take a toll. Especially on your face. I ALWAYS break out after a flight. So in an effort to try and find some balance while my skin is obviously in freak out mode, I have tried this little routine on my last few trips. It also feels a little luxurious to use nice products mid air, even when I am wrangling little ones. Everything is TSA approved size and leaves room for your other products. 

From Left to Right: 

Sunscreen is super important on a flight. This SuperGoop Suncreen Serum is the best. Light, but packed with anti-aging fighters and the best protection. $42

A nice coat of Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream really keeps your skin from drying out. And I love the glass pot, I just fill it back up when it runs out $18

I am not a huge scent person, but I love the richness and soft smell of this L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream $12

I am an addict of Glossier Balm Dot Com. Slather it on your lips, and smudge all over your cuticles for an insta-mani mid flight $12

I worship this Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray. It I use it throughout the flight. It tones and moisturizes your skin while also tightening pores $18

Happy Traveling. 

xo

Erin 

Current Skin Routine

Though I professed my problem with being a product junkie before, I have recently started simplifying my routine. While I used to dabble in dozens of products on a weekly basis, I am currently down to just a few. My skin has seen better results and I feel like I can really see the affects of each product much clearer. Here is my current day and night line up. 

Good Morning…

1. I worship this sunscreen. It packs a punch with plenty of protection, plus a wide range of anti-aging ingredients. It is insanely light and I let it soak in while I brush my teeth. If I only put one thing on, it is this. SuperGoop City Serum $20

2. Glossier is making some kick ass products. I actually love all of them, but this moisturizer is great for daytime. You can layer on based off how dry your skin may feel that morning and it helps with even skin tone. Priming Moisturizer $25

3. One of the best drugstore finds, this BB cream evens everything out without feeling like a heavy make up. The extra SPF is a great bonus. Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream Anti Aging $12

4. You have to find the right color that works for you, but this Bobbi Brown cheek and lip duo lasts and makes me look way more rested than I might be. And it lasts forever. $27

5. Though I am trying to go more fresh faced and make up free, mascara is essential. And Dior never fails. This DiorShow Iconic Overcurl makes you look awake and polished. $28 

6. I discovered this DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo when it was suggested by a lovely lady in this post (one of my favorites) and my old dry shampoo was ditched immediately. My hair can last well into the week with a few sprays each morning. $14

 Good Night…

1. I love a cleanser that is gentle, but can also take off make up and grossness from my day. This Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel does not dry out your skin, but gets the job done. $36

2. My dermo has me on a very strong hydroquinone and rentinol prescription for my melanoma and anti aging right now. Which my skin cannot take every day. On off days I either use no serum or this Algenist Retinol firming & lifting serum. I used it religiously before I was put on a Rx and the results were real. It is pricey, but you use just a tiny bit each night so it lasts. $98

3. And speaking of pricey, nothing make me happier than finding a drugstore gem that I love. Though I am not as good as I should be about natural products, I love this Neutrogena Natural moisturizer. It has tons of good for your skin ingredients and gives me that extra moisture I need at night. $11

4. I switch between the Neutrogena moisturizer and La Mer depending on my current skin condition. Talk about high low! But this one jar of La Mer has lasted a very long time and when my skin is extra dry it feels so great. There is a reason everyone swears by it, but it is really best for dry skin. $85

5. Eye cream can basically save your life. So if you are not patting on any at night, get with the program, lady. My current favorite, which I think does its job really well, is Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm. It combats dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness. $65

6. My hands take a beating each day and regular manicures are just happening right now. I massage in this Glossier Balm Dotcom to my cuticles each night and it helps keep my hands in top shape minus the professionals. $12

Any products you are swearing by lately? You know I can't resist. 

xo

Erin 

Honestly

I have gotten a lot of questions about the Honest Company, so I thought I should share what has worked for us and what has not from Ms. Alba's new venture. 

If you do not know, the Honest Company provides eco-friendly, non toxic products via the web and delivered to your door. They offer baby supplies (from diapers, wipes, to lotion), cleaning products, and some toiletries. It is always nice to find products that are natural to use for everyone in your household when they actually do their job. 

Let me say that unlike many bloggers, I have not received any free gifts or promotions from the site and if I did that would be the first thing you would know. So this is a totally unbiased opinion. Although if Jessica wants to send me some swag, feel free girl. 

I started using the diapers when he was about a year. Many people have complained of leaks and I have to say I have not had any trouble. We still use Pampers overnight diapers at night, but supposedly Honest is going to have some of those soon. The patterns are all super cute, as are the plain white ones. They run true to size as any other brand. 

The wipes have not been my favorite. I am only using them to clean up faces and hands after eating and on the go, since the travel size is perfect to slip into a purse. I would say they have some work to do to make the wipes as effective as the Pampers ones I usually use. 

I LOVE the Multi-Surface Cleaning Spray. I use it everywhere, especially in the kitchen. It smells amazing, but also can get out grease on your stove or a stain on your counter with ease. I will be trying some new products since this was so great. 

The sunscreen is the only other product I have tried and it is really nice. It is a greasier formula, but smells good. So far no red noses when using it over here. I have tried it as well, but only on my bod since it seems to greasy for my face. 

You can order each individually or do a bundle a month. I chose individually because I am a control freak about having stock around. The bundle (for baby or household products) can save you some money. I had always used diapers.com before, so I am used to the speedy delivery, which you have to pay for with Honest. They do offer free ground shipping, though. 

Next up in my box is the laundry pods. Interested to see how those go and will let you know. What has your experience been like? Overall, I think the message and products are great and hopefully they continue to improve and expand their line. 

They offer free trials, get started here if you like what you hear. 

xo

Erin 

Lucrece to the Rescue

As much as I was praying that my skin would go back to it's normal self after I had the baby, it actually only got worse. Blame it on hormones, not getting enough sleep or new mom stress, my skin has yet to recover.

Luckily, the weekend before I had him I had an amazing spa day with another mama-to-be at the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago. I highly recommend you pamper yourself there. Maybe even throw in a gyrotonic session with my friend Dori, who will keep you laughing the entire time. (And kick your butt)

We both had facials while I was there and the aesthetician used this tinted moisturizer, by Lucrece, on both of us unknowingly. When we emerged, we both said "your skin looks great!" I knew for me it was this moisturizer calming and correcting what was underneath. It covers SO well and is not heavy. For those of us that need extra coverage every day, this stuff is the real deal.

Bonus is that it has SPF 30, so it is perfect for the summer. You cannot buy it online, but check out the website on where to purchase in your area. It is literally saving my face right now.


xo
Erin

Crossing Over: Foundation

One of my most vivid beauty memories is when I was with my mom at a Lancome counter while she was stocking up on her favorite essentials. I, being the always-cool-and-everything-else-is-not eleven year old, was bored and could not understand why anyone would ever wear so much stuff all over their face. As I complained to my mom and the salesgirl, they both looked at me and said, "You just wait. One day you are going to be sitting here buying the same products and you will understand." I rolled my eyes and wondered off to the shoe section to look at Doc Martens. 

Almost twenty years later, and I for sure understand the purpose and allure of make up. But only until last month did I finally try my hand at what I think is the ultimate in the "what mom wears" make up category, foundation. 

For every day use, I still am a huge fan of Laura Mercier oil-free tinted moisturizer. But I have been needing a bit more coverage with the effects of pregnancy all over my face and the loss of some of my favorite retinol products (cannot use while pregnant) that usually keep my skin an even tone after a break out. 

And I have to say my first endeavor into foundation has been a great one. I found one that is water based, light as can be and does not go on like a mask, which is by far the worst look on the planet. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, has just a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and evens out skin tone like nothing else I have used. The built in SPF 15 is a great bonus. Because it goes on so smoothly (apply with clean fingers), your skin looks like itself only better. It does not look like your grandmother's cakey mask. 

It is a small bottle, but you only need to use a little bit to see the difference. Then once applied all over, reapply a bit more where you might need more coverage. I would visit a counter and ask for help to make sure that you match your skin color perfectly. 

So I guess I finally get it. After all these years, sometimes you need a little help to cover up what life has tossed you. As long as it looks fresh and natural, I think my eleven-year-old self would think it looks "okaaaaaay". But I would still get an eye roll. 

xo

Erin 

Sunscreen with Staying Power (And Beauty)

While I should have shared this find earlier in the summer, it is never too late to find the perfect sunscreen. I have been a fan of Colorecience Sunforgettable SPF 30 brush for a few years now. What makes it great is that it is easy to apply, is a mineral powder and has insane staying power.

You simply work the powder onto the brush and buff all over your skin. It comes in a few colors and "clear" so you pick the coverage you want. If you choose a nude color, you will love the way it gives you a bit of coverage with no cakey effect.

When the package says "waterproof," it is usually followed by a laundry list of how it is really not. Honestly, the package says "very water resistant," and it is not lying. Water, sweat, heat, nothing will get this sunscreen to budge. It is a go-to for outdoor activities and comes in SPF 50 as well for all day exposure.

It does come with a hefty price tag, but a bottle lasts forever. I have had mine for two summers now. Colorescience also has other options for sunscreen mineral powder, including a loose powder you can use your own brush with.

Yet another way to keep the redness and wrinkles away. I love how products are getting smarter and actually make you look better when using them!

xo
Erin

Weekend Wish

It is time to lay in the sun and soak up some Vitamin D. And although I will be coated in SPF 60, my wish is that I still get a slight bronze.

How I miss the days of slathering on the oil and baking to a medium brown.

Getting older takes the fun out of it a bit, but with these summer essentials I can still enjoy my time in the sun.

There is something about summer that brings out my girlie side. Wearing a super femme bikini, hot pink cut offs, and sipping a cold can of sparkling blanc de blanc out of a fuchsia can sounds glorious. The bubbles will be even greater as I giggle through funny girl, Tina Fey's, new book Bossypants.

I hope you have a great weekend and find some time in the sunshine.

xo
Erin

Scary, but True

There are so many fun ways to manipulate your picture on the internet. Whether it is trying on a celeb's hair style at Instyle.com or laughing at your chubby cheeks while playing Fat Booth on your iphone. 

But, now there is a seriously scary way to see what your face will look like down the road. I am not joking, it kind of made me cry. 

It is the Age-O-Meter from Rodan & Fields on Facebook. It is no joke. I could not even bring myself to share the after pic because it was that jarring. 

http://www.facebook.com/rodanandfields

Granted, I am sure they are trying to scare you so you buy more of their products, but it certainly made aging a reality in about 1 minute. 

That reality is that you are getting older, you will get older, and if you don't wear sunscreen you are going to look even MORE freaking older. 

But, sunscreen is not just for aging. It's main purpose is to save your life, the bonus is that you will age more gracefully. 

Which brings me to another great post I read on one of my favorite blogs, Tale of Two Tings. If you still don't believe that sunscreen or staying out of the tanning booth is important, read this post. The blog is written by this cute girl, who has style and obviously, a ton of fun.

Photo: http://bockting.blogspot.com/

If you have read it you know that slathering on the 'screen can change your life. Either by saving it, making it a bit more beautiful as you age, or most likely, both.

xo
Erin

Super Sunscreen

As a former (sometimes current) sun worshiper, I know that I have a lot of reversing to do. The hours and hours I spent laying in the sun over my life are for sure going to kick me in the face sometime soon. I have been searching for the perfect sunscreen for some time. I have tried pretty much all the major brands, sampled everything from the cheapie bottles at the drugstore to the uber-expensive brands that supposedly keep JLo forever young. For me it is especially hard since my skin is combination and tends to get oily with every sunscreen. You know what I am talking about, that shininess you have after applying that is less "runway-ready dewy" and more "pass the powder." When the man at the Kiehl's counter told me try some of this Super Fluid, I was already writing it off since I was pretty sure the perfect sunscreen did not exist. I shook the bottle, dabbed a few drops on my hand and then the miracle happened. The fluid soaked in quickly, left no residue and had a matte finish that no other brand has been able to do. Best part is that you apply right over your favorite moisturizer and you don't feel the heft of any sunscreen. Thank you Kiehl's for protecting me from the sun and a lifetime of a not so cute shiny face.

xo
Erin