Beauty

I just thought I’d check in with an update of what’s been going on around here. First of all, it’s summer. Second, it’s hot. Third, I was made very aware of the heat over this past weekend in Houston watching Caroline play soccer.

She and I left San Antonio on Thursday for Houston and checked into the Marriott Courtyard before heading to the soccer fields that evening. By the time we made our way back to the hotel later that night it was almost 10:00 so she chose Taco Cabana as our dinner option. We went through the drive through and I’m not exaggerating when I tell you we were in the line for thirty minutes waiting for one bean and cheese taco and one bacon and egg taco. The best part was after we’d been waiting at the window for ten minutes and the Taco Cabana guy says, “Oh. So…we’re out of bacon? And so we can’t make a bacon and egg taco. So…sorry for the wait.”

I wanted to ask why it took fifteen minutes to realize they were out of bacon but it was late and I was tired and, well, it’s Taco Cabana. Then, finally, about ten more minutes passed before he mercifully handed us our bag and said, “Sorry for the wait. I threw in an extra taco.” I mean, what says “I’m sorry” like an extra bean and cheese taco? He also threw in a plain egg taco for good measure and I have to say Caroline and I were both filled with regret over our dinner choices.

Once we got back to the hotel, I called down to the front desk to ask for three extra pillows because this is what I do. But I was informed they don’t offer extra pillows. How is that even a real thing? I need my extra pillows. I count on extra hotel pillows. Thankfully, I’d brought two of my own pillows from home which is the only thing that kept me from going to Target and buying extra pillows. I also brought my own box fan because I’m really trying to bring my level of maintenance up a notch as I hit my late 40s.

The rest of the weekend was spent watching soccer and trying to air out Caroline’s soccer cleats in between games. At one point she said, “Our hotel room smells like the college dorms I stay in at soccer camps” and I replied, “Yes, that’s the smell of sweaty, used cleats. It’s similar to the smell of a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips.”

We got home on Sunday evening and Caroline had her first day of summer school on Monday. I know there’s a lot of talk about the Proverbs 31 woman and what that looks like and I can tell you she for sure didn’t make her kids go to summer school because Caroline did not rise up and call me blessed when I woke her up for her first day of Economics. At least she wasn’t dramatic as we walked to the car and she said, “It smells like summer and looks like summer, but it doesn’t FEEL like summer.”

But speaking of feeling like summer, I have several new beauty products that I really love right now and thought I’d share. I’m also desperately looking for a good root touch up spray to cover my gray in between my color appointments. Thankfully, I have a hair appointment on Wednesday but my hair would make you sad right now. It’s sadder than two pillows in a hotel room. I’ve used the L’Oreal but I think it makes my hair too dirty and feels wet. I love the Oribe but it’s so expensive and the bottle runs out so fast. Is there another option that anyone can share?

Here are some of my favorites right now:

1. elta md sunscreen spf 46 –

This is my go to sunscreen year round. I put this on every morning without fail because that’s what grown ups are supposed to do.

2. drunk elephant anti-pollution sunshine drops

These drops are magic. I don’t know that I have noticed if they do anything for pollution, but they give the perfect glow on your face when you mix a drop with your sunscreen or moisturizer. I’ve been mixing a pump of my Elta sunscreen with a pump of these drops, blend it together in my hands and then put it on my face. It gives a nice glow, evens out my skin tone and I don’t even put anything else on over it unless I’m going somewhere that requires a little more makeup.

3. bioderma sebium H20 cleanser

I bought this for Caroline and she uses it every morning and evening. She talked about it so much that I’ve started using it to take off my makeup and I have to say it works like a charm.

4. dr. brandt needles no more no more baggage eye de-puffing gel

This came in my Fab, Fit, Fun box a couple of months ago and it has saved me on several mornings when my eyes were sorely in need of de-puffing. It’s one of those products that I’ll definitely buy again when it runs out.

5. teddie organics rosehip oil

If you’ve read here or listened to the podcast then you know how much I love this rosehip oil. It’s a staple in my skincare regimen and I use it in the morning after I wash my face and before I put on my sunscreen. Then I use it again at night after I let my retinol soak in. It’s been a consistent favorite of mine for almost two years. **Edited to add: Several of you have asked what retinol product I’m using. I’m using this one by The Ordinary and it works well.

6. living proof full volume dry blast

I’d seen so many people talk about the Living Proof dry shampoo so I finally bought some and it’s good. But then I bought a trial size of the Living Proof volume dry blast and it’s a game changer. I just spray it anywhere I want volume in my hair and it’s like magic. Plus, it doesn’t make my hair feel sticky or dirty. It’s honestly my favorite hair product that I’ve discovered in forever.

7. crest glamorous white mouthwash

I love white teeth and I also love coffee and red wine. And I have used white strips in the past but they are just tedious and I fall off the white strip wagon. But I bought this mouthwash and use it morning and night and I think it gives the same results as the white strips without having to sit with plastic on your teeth for thirty minutes.

8. tan-luxe the butter illuminating tanning butter

Okay, so I bought the Tan-Luxe gradual lotion and really liked it. But then I discovered this Tan-Luxe tanning butter and it is AMAZING. It gives great color in one application and it’s thicker than the gradual so it feels much more moisturizing which is important to me because I have dry skin. I just apply it like normal body lotion after I shower and it dries really quickly, but you do have to wash your hands with soap and water if you don’t want the palms of your hands to be tan. This is my favorite tanning lotion of all time.

So, there you have it. I just wanted to share a little bit of life and some favorites while I procrastinate on finishing the edits for my new book. If you have any new products you love, please share in the comments because I’m always on the search for great new beauty products and extra pillows.

So I thought since we are fully into summer at this point that it might be a good time to share my current summer beauty favorites. But, first, I wanted to share this beauty.

Fearless Faith is my new one hundred day devotional for girls that officially releases on Tuesday, August 7th. My friend Heather Gauthier did the cover art, just like Church of the Small Things and Everyday Holy, and I could not love it more.

I’ll be talking about it more when it gets closer to the release date, but my publisher is offering a special pre-order incentive. If you order it before August 7th, you can email a copy of your receipt to [email protected] and receive an immediate download of the first seven days of Fearless Faith. You can pre-order here on Amazon or here on Barnes & Noble. It would make a perfect back to school gift for any girls in your life who are between about 8 to 16 years old.

And now here are the products I’m loving right now.

1. teddie organics rosehip oil

If there is a product other than Cetaphil that has become a staple for me, then this is it. I love this rosehip oil. It’s moisturizing and healing all at the same time. Remember in My Big Fat Greek Wedding how her dad would spray Windex on everything? That’s me with rosehip oil.

I put it on my face first thing in the morning and let it soak in before I put on sunscreen. Then I put it on again at night after I wash my face. I’ll sometimes use moisturizer over that if my face feels really dry but that’s not really an issue in the summer.

2. charlotte tilbury healthy glow moisturizer

I really don’t wear much makeup at all during the summer, but I am loving this healthy glow moisturizer. It goes on gray but then blends into your skin and just gives a little bit of a glow that helps even out your complexion without feeling or looking heavy.

3. revlon colorstay ultimate suede lipstick

I am the queen of just throwing a random lip color that looks promising into my cart at the grocery store and this one has actually been a success. It’s a matte lip color that stays on a really long time without feeling dry. And it even works well if I layer a lip gloss over it.

I like the supermodel color and the boho chic, but there are a bunch of great colors to choose from and they are all lighter than they appear in photos.

4. curology custom lotion

So I heard about this from Jamie Golden on her Insta-story. (She does the best beauty insta-stories just in case you’re looking for that kind of thing.) It’s an online skincare service with dermatologists who create custom skincare products for whatever your skin issues happen to be. It’s $25 a month but you can get an initial trial for just $4.99. You take photos of your skin and answer questions about your skin problems and concerns, then they give you a daily regimen/

I decided to try it for Caroline because she’s been having normal teen breakouts along with some hyperpigmentation from the sun. It’s only been a week and her skin already looks noticeably clearer and brighter.

5. physicians formula butter bronzer

This is a great bronzer if you’re in the market for one. It goes on smooth and not powdery, plus it’s just the right pop of color.

6. dr. gross alpha beta peel extra strength formula

These peels are amazing. They help with breakouts, discoloration and just general skin texture. I don’t use them as much in the summer as I do in the winter, but I still use them about once a week.

7. dr. gross hyaluronic marine dew it all eye gel

I mentioned this on the podcast and it really is a great eye cream. I can immediately tell a difference in my fine lines right after I put it on and it kind of tingles so you know it’s working.

8. jergens natural glow daily firming moisturizer

So my days of spending a lot of time in the sun are over, but I do like a tan. I use this daily during the summer and it helps me not frighten children with my white legs.

Now, if you need a good self-tanner before an event or a vacation, then this st. tropez self tan express bronzing mousse is pretty amazing. You definitely want to apply it with the mitt so it doesn’t stain your hands, but it goes on easily, dries quickly and doesn’t have a terrible smell. Leave it on for one to three hours depending how dark you want your color and then rinse it off. It gives a nice golden brown with no hint of orange.

I also love the dr. gross alpha beta glow pads for face for my face. I can use them about once a week to keep good color on my face.

And if you want a budget option, then this neutrogena micromist airbrush sunless tan is actually pretty good and the spray makes it super easy to apply.

9. laura mercier caviar eye stick

I bought this in the spring and I love it. It’s a great creamy eye color that stays on and doesn’t get flaky or crease. I like just a hint of light color for the summer and this is perfect.

10. buxom full on lip polish

This is a lip gloss that I always go back to. A tube lasts a long time and it looks good layered over a color or just by itself. And it tingles and plumps your lips which is always a plus.

11. bumble and bumble don’t blow it hair styler

This is our summer hair product around here. The last thing I want is a hair dryer blowing hot air on me when it’s one thousand degrees outside so I tend to just let my hair air dry. This gives it volume and body, but it leaves it feeling soft and smooth like I’ve blown it dry. It’s a winner and a little goes a long way.

But if I have to blow dry my hair, I really like this aquage uplifting foam. It gives great volume and hold without feeling heavy.

So there you have it.

Feel free to share any of your favorites in the comments.

Well, I really didn’t plan to write a post on beauty products this week but, in the immortal words of Loretta Lynn when Ernest Tubb asked if she’d play the Grand ‘Ol Opry the next week, “I ain’t got nothin’ else to do”.

Plus several of you wanted to know Gulley’s thoughts on Clinique’s Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector. And here’s her official response, “The jury is still out”.

The guy at Sephora told her you put it on in the morning after your moisturizer. And she says she can tell her makeup goes on smoother over it, but it’s too soon to tell if it’s actually improving her dark circles. She promises to keep us posted.

But she did want me to tell y’all that the tip that has made the most significant impact on her dark circles was something the makeup consultant at a Laura Mercier counter told her a few years ago. Always apply your regular concealer under your eyes last, after all your other makeup is on. The reason is that you are getting mascara residue and other things under your eyes that you can’t even really see, but are making your dark circles more prominent. The concealer covers it.

And since we’re talking about beauty products, I thought I may as well share a few things I’m using lately that I really love. Some of these are probably repeats from when we’ve discussed it before, but I’m a creature of habit and if something works I stick with it.

That’s why P and I have been married for fifteen years and counting.

1. skinceuticals renew overnight dry

I love this moisturizer. It’s light enough that you could use it in the morning and evening, but I just use it at night. I didn’t use it as much during the summer because I tend to use self-tanner as moisturizer, but I’ve used it daily for the last few weeks and can already tell my skin looks better.

It’s a little pricey, but I’ve almost had the same jar for a year. A little goes a long way.

2. skinceuticals retinol 1.0

Retinol is the key to the youth kingdom. It’s true.

I only use this every other night because it can irritate my skin if I use it more often, but nothing is better at lightening up the sun spots on my face and smoothing out fine lines.

3. clarisonic brush

Do y’all remember that I debated forever about a Clarisonic brush? I couldn’t decide if it was worth the money or not. But I’m here to tell you it was worth it.

If I had to get rid of everything else, I would keep this. And by everything else, I mean makeup and cleanser type items. I wouldn’t give up my family or anything like that. Probably.

4. bobbi brown long wear cream shadow

Here’s the thing about aging. It can do weird things to your eyes. And then you put on your favorite powder eyeshadow and realize it’s kind of all wrinkly. Then you realize that the eyeshadow is just highlighting your wrinkled eyelid.

And then you drink wine.

But this cream shadow is great. It goes on smooth and lasts all day. And I can wear it as a base under a powder eyeshadow and get a smooth finish. It’s like Spanx for your eyes.

5. revlon colorburst lip butter

This is the best lip product I’ve tried in a long time. It’s smooth and so moisturizing and seems to last for a long time. I bought it in a shade called sugarplum that looks much darker in the tube. It goes on a little more sheer.

6. diorshow mascara

So I mentioned I just bought this on Sunday, but I think I’m already sold. It’s the brush. It’s almost like a toothbrush for your eyelashes. I’m a fan.

7. too faced primed & poreless skin smoothing face primer

You know how when you get your makeup done at a makeup counter and they try to sell you on the primer? And it kind of feels like a scam?

Well, I’m here to tell you that a good primer makes a big difference. It makes my skin look smoother, evens out my complexion and, best of all, I don’t have to use nearly as much tinted moisturizer to get good coverage. So, in a way, it pays for itself because I’m saving all that moisturizer.

There are a lot of different primers on the market, but I really like this one. And a little goes a long way so a tube can last me about six months.

It also helps that I don’t wear makeup everyday since I write for a living and often wear pajamas until noon.

8. laura mercier tinted moisturizer

This has been my favorite for a long time. It feels light and doesn’t look like you’re wearing anything. It’s just a better version of your skin.

9. covergirl natureluxe gloss balm

I bought this on a whim at Target one day and have not regretted it. It has been my summer go-to lip balm. I have a shade called Spice. It goes on really sheer, makes your lips feel moisturized, and has a little bit of a shimmer to it.

10. essie merino cool

So technically this isn’t makeup. It’s nail polish. But I think this will be my preferred shade this fall and winter.

Right now I’m wearing a very subtle shade of SWEET MERCY IT’S FUSCHIA on my toes. That’s not the official name, but it should be. That’s what I get for just telling the lady at the pedicure place to paint my toes the same color as Caroline’s.

Okay, now you’ve got to return the favor. What are your must have beauty products right now?

I decided since it’s really officially summer according to everyone but the state of Texas education department it would be a good time to share a few of my favorite summertime items. This is not by any means a comprehensive list, but it’s what immediately came to mind at 10:54 on Tuesday night.

And I’m also hoping that you might return the favor and share a few of your own favorite summer items. Or summer drinks. Or tips to get rid of cellulite.

Basically, anything that pertains to a more complete enjoyment of warm weather. No need to mention air-conditioning. It’s already at the top of my list. But here are a few of my other summer loves.

(Did anyone else just hum the first few lines of Summer Lovin’ from Grease?)

(If so, you are my people.)

1. voluspa goji and tarocco orange candle

My friend Sophie told me about this candle and I took notice because she is a firm believer that not all smells are meant to be embraced by all people. But I think this one comes close.

It has a delightful orangey scent with a touch of something else. I’d say it’s the goji but I’m not sure what goji is. So I’ll just say it’s a good easy scent for summertime.

Maybe it’s just me but a candle that smells like a cinnamon cake is better suited for fall.

2. hummingbird farms lavender lotion

This lotion really has no season for me. I use it in the wintertime when my skin is about to crack and I use it in the summer when I’ve had a little too much sun. It has an aloe-base so it’s soothing, but without that weird gel feel of straight up aloe from the bottle.

3. reef braided cushion flip-flops

Yes, there are prettier flip-flops. But these are all about the comfort. I wear a version of these all summer long and my feet are the better for it.

Except a podiatrist may disagree. But whatever.

4. neutrogena build-a-tan

This has been a summer staple of mine for years. YEARS I tell you. Ever since I heard the sun was bad for you and realized it caused me to get dark splotches on my face that are reminiscent of a mustache.

I like this because it gives gradual color and it works for my sensitive skin.

5. jergens natural glow firming daily moisturizer

I start using this around April just to get a nice base color so I don’t frighten children or attract ghosts. Honestly, I’m not sure about the firming part, but the color makes everything look better.

It goes back to the basic science that tan fat looks better than white fat. Baked chicken vs. fried chicken. Am I right?

6. burt’s bees natural lip shine

This is perfect to keep in the pool bag or your purse or wherever you like to keep lip stuff that’s quick and easy to put on and keeps your lips from drying out.

7. essie turquoise and caicos

I know Caroline said I was too old for turquoise toes, but I am loving this color. It’s a soft turquoise and it makes me happy.

8. neutrogena anti-residue shampoo

I just bought this a few weeks ago and have been using it every three to four days. Maybe it’s a placebo effect but I swear my hair looks better after I use it. Bouncier and fuller and just generally shinier.

And it’s no wonder with all the product I pile on during the week.

9. bobbi brown shimmer brick

This is another product I use year-round. But I love it in summer because some days I’ll just brush it on and call it a day. It gives your skin a nice natural glow with just a hint, A HINT, of shimmer.

10. junk gypsy trucker cap

I bought a hat with a brim that’s large enough to protect me and at least four of my friends from the sun. But sometimes I’m at the pool and need to have peripheral vision. That’s when I enjoy a baseball cap.

This one is my pick for the summer.

So what about y’all? Please let me know if there are some great summer items I’m missing out on and maybe reading your comments will make me forget I still have to pack two more lunches.