Okay, so I know that technically it's still winter and we're supposed to be wearing boots and heavy coats covering up our skin that, let's face it, we've neglected ever since summer ended. Dry, dead skin isn't sexy and we must get our skin in shape for the upcoming months. What's that mean? Exfoliation! When it comes to exfoliating we tend to just be concerned with removing the dead skin from our arms and legs. What about the dry, dead skin cells sitting right there on your face staring back at you in the mirror?!!
Let's start there first! When looking for an exfoliant to incorporate into your skincare regime there is one thing I cannot stress enough; REFINE REFINE REFINE. I'm sure you're wondering what the heck I am talking about. When I say "refine" I mean refined exfoliating beads inside of your cleanser or scrub. Beads that are refined are more gentle on the skin than unrefined beads that can cause little tiny cuts and scratches on your skin when you manipulate the refiner back and forth. If you have sensitive skin, finding the right exfoliant can be tricky, therefore exfoliants without refined beads should be crossed off of your list of options immediately. Exfoliating the skin is naturally going to be slightly abrasive, if your skin is sensitive then you are susceptible to being irritated more easily. Now let's cut to the point. Which products have refined beads and which products don't? Well the list could go on and on, so I'll just give you one example of an exfoliator with refined beads (my top pick) and the exfoliator without (my least favorite).
A product that is most popular for exfoliation would be the St. Ives Apricot Scrub, but the downfall is that the it contains tiny, unrefined beads made from the seed of the apricot. You can feel the roughness and abrasiveness of the beads as you manipulate it on the skin. Which can result in tiny cuts and scratches as I mentioned before that can lead to the spread of bacteria and cause redness and irritation. The consistency of the formula does not aid in the smoothing the abrasiveness of the beads.
Need an alternative option??
The Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser contains small, naturally-derived, refined jojoba exfoliating beads that help to remove dead skin cells without the abrasion. The formula is a mix between a creme and a gel, so it works for all skin types including sensitive skin. It is gentle enough that it can be used as an everyday cleanser, but trust me, it definitely gets the job done. Leaving your skin with that radiant, youthful glow that you should get after exfoliating with little to no redness left behind. This would be my #1 recommendation for an exfoliant to anyone searching for the perfect exfoliator to get rid of this winter's dry, dead skin and welcome in the summer's glow! Xoxo!
Spring and summer makeup trends are all about the shimmer, the bronze, and the glow and transitioning away from the matte, dark winter colors. Time to retire the dark gray smoky eyes and red lips for a more sexy, sultry, bronze smoky and perhaps nude glossy lip...or maybe even a smokin' hot pink lip. Play up your traditional smoky eye by substituting your blacks and grays for bronze, gold, and dark browns. Intensify your look with lots of waterproof mascara. This will give your eyes a pop and your mascara won't run while you're out by the pool allowing you to stay looking sexy! :) My fav lip colors for spring right now are two Revlon Lip Butters: Strawberry Shortcake and Creme Brûlée. They're perfect for spring and summer! Coming soon are some of my must have spring favorite makeup products that I find myself reaching for on a daily basis. Stay tuned! xoxo
It's no secret that this spring and summer, creme blushes are all the rave, but is it really necessary for you to go out and buy all new creme blushes just keep up with the season makeup trends if you don't already have them??? Absolutely not! You'll be surprised to know that most more than likely you already have the perfect creme blush right in your makeup bag! 
