Festival Beauty Essentials

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Festival First Aid Kit:

When running water isn’t available, cleansing wipes are something of a lifesaver during festival season. Use on both face and body when needed. Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes will fight bacteria and decongest the skin.

Cool-off with Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Spray anywhere at anytime to hydrate the skin, tone the skin, set makeup or for a quick refresh.

After prolonged sun exposure, skin needs more nourishment than ever. That is why I love Aveeno Protect + Hydrate. It feels like a body lotion but has high SPF.

Protecting your skin from the sun is more important than ever at festivals since shade is often hard to find – so is protecting your lips. Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment has SPF 36, feels great on the lips and looks super glossy.

Look instantly glowing while protecting and treating the skin with Boscia BB Cream Bronze. This one-step wonder creates a lustrous, flawless finish as it hydrates, firms, and soothes the skin. It contains broad-spectrum SPF 27 PA++ and helps diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone while providing long-wearing, natural coverage that conceals imperfections. Boscia’s BB Cream Bronze creates a sun-kissed complexion with just a hint of shimmer.

Continuing the rant on sun protection – ColoreScience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush is my go-to powder. Cream sunscreen is impossible to reapply all-day – especially when wearing makeup. Use the built-in brush to apply as needed with no caking, residue and/or irritation.

Pack products that are finger-friendly – like cream blush/lip pots and eyeshadows. Festivals are a great time to experiment with color. Stila Convertable Color in Sweet Pea is the perfect pop of color for both cheeks and lips. It creates a dewy complexion and pouty lips. Find cream eyeshadows that are long-lasting and won’t crease. I love Jouer Creme Eyeshadow in Chiffon. It creates the most amazing shine on the eye that almost looks wet and stays-put all day. This is also a great product to have handy because it moonlights as a highlighter.

Though I loathe waterproof mascara – it is a must in situations like these. YSL Singulier Nuit Blanche is a great mascara and not too impossible to take-off. It will not run or smudge and the brush is amazing.

No festival beauty guide would be complete without a highly-effective and much-loved Dry Shampoo. Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo not only does a great job to rid your hair of oils – but is an amazing styling product. It will give your hair extra volume without feeling sticky or stiff. Speaking of sticky – don’t be the smelly kid in the group and pack your Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant.

Have fun – Be safe – Stay hydrated!

Retinol Rival: Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum

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Solazyme is a biotechnology laboratory in San Francisco where scientists study renewable energy solutions for cars, military ships, and airplanes. During their research, the company unexpectedly stumbled onto alguronic acid, a regenerative and protective skin care compound which launched the skin care line called Algenist.

Available only in Algenist products, this bioactive compound joins other powerful antiaging active ingredients to create a powerful serum that rebuilds skin firmness while restoring elasticity.

When scientifically tested (commissioned by Algenist): Alguronic Acid demonstrated significant anti-aging properties, increasing elastin synthesis by up to 32% and cellular regeneration by up to 55%. In head to head studies, alguronic acid outperformed retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C in it’s anti-aging capabilities.

I have used the Concentrated Reconstructing Serum for over one month now, and have noticed a change in my skin. Skin tone is much brighter, skin feels extremely hydrated and my sometimes acne-prone skin has disappeared. I have not noticed a significant change in fine lines and age spots, but will continue to use. The serum feels wonderful on the skin and produces no irritation, redness, or flaking, which are common side effects produced by more traditional ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.

Scientific ‘mumbo-jumbo’ set aside, based on usage – this is a fantastic serum that keeps my skin clear, hydrated and glowing.

Tried & Tested: Micellar Cleansing Waters

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Micellar Cleansing Water is used to remove impurities, tone and hydrate the skin without the need of water. These delicate waters immediately eliminate makeup, dirt and oil from the skin with one sweep.

Based on a micelle principle, these technologically advanced products release softening agents to hydrate and calm the skin while effectively removing all traces of make-up on face, eyes and lips. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, (some brands provide a separate sensitive-skin formula) these refreshing waters cleanse and tone the skin without irritation.

The difference between Micellar Cleansing Water and simple makeup removers…

According to Bernard Pochic, Bioderma’s National Trainer, “Micellar Cleansers dissolve the bond between cosmetic pigments and your skin so you can wipe it off.” Doesn’t sound all that different, simple makeup removers primarily smear the cosmetic pigments allowing an easy removal when you wash your face. The Micellar Cleansers is a one-step process that eliminates the need for a second cleanse.

Simply apply product to cotton pad and wipe gently where needed. These products will dissolve even the most stubborn or waterproof product.

Primarily made by French skincare brands, Micellar Cleansers are now popping up everywhere. Here are a few of my favorites, all but one (Bioderma) can be found online, in drugstores or beauty supply.

Vichy – Purete Thermale Cleansing Micellar Lotion, Avene – Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-up Remover, Embryolisse – Micellar Lotion , La Roche-Posay – Physiological Micellar Solution, Bioderma – Sensibio H20 Micellar Solution