10 Minute Fix: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask

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First Aid Beauty (F.A.B) Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is a 10 minute remedy for dry skin. This deeply hydrating and nourishing mask repairs and revives even the most rough, flaky and dehydrated skin.

Perfect for sensitive skin, F.A.B. Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask contains no parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances and dyes. It is formulated with:

• Colloidal Oatmeal (oats that have been ground to powder) – to soothe irritated skin
• Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract – helps to heal the skin and anti-aging as it combats free radicals
• Shea Butter – moisturizes and nourishes the skin

Oatmeal has been known to heal and treat many skin disorders like; eczema, poison ivy rash, insect bites. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and is excellent for addressing dry skin symptoms, including itchiness, rashes, scales, peeling, etc. There is hardly anything that can match the curative action of oatmeal for combating dry skin problems.

F.A.B Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask harnesses all of these benefits into a quick 10 minute dry skin cure. The consistency of this mask is very thick, as you would expect from a nourishing mask. While wearing the mask, skin feels very comfortable – it does not tingle or irritate the skin. Easy to remove, this mask leaves skin feeling fresh, plumped and super-soft.

This is a wonderful mask to have on hand when skin feels irritated or needs a boost of moisture. It can be used at any time on a regular basis without having to worry about counteracting with your daily skincare. F.A.B Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is the 10 minute fix for dry skin and staple in my skincare routine.

Summer Must-Have: Facial Mists

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Stay cool this summer with a tantalizing facial mist. A Summer must-have, these sprays will instantly boost your spirits and skin. Throw one in your handbag, beach-bag and/or travel-bag for a quick pick-me-up. Here are my five favorites:

TIP: Always refrigerate facial mists for extra freshness and stimulation.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir is great for those wanting a quick radiance boost. Part-toner/part-serum, this potion contains a mix of essential oils that will tighten pores and awaken the skin. Mist onto face anytime your skin feels dull and in need of a little hydration. Great for travel.

Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water is an uplifting aromatherapy water that refreshes and hydrates the skin. Made from the bitter orange blossom, this facial spray soothes and hydrates the skin. The moment your face feels tight, one spritz will instantly hydrate and refresh the skin. Use as a toner after cleansing the face or as a body spray after showering. Perfect for après beach.

Chantiecaille Pure Rosewater ~ See full review HERE.

Avène Thermal Spring Water is a mineral-rich water, great for softening and soothing sensitive skin. Gentle and effective on irritated, sunburned and post surgery/procedure skin. This calming solution provides antioxidant protection that leaves a soothing barrier on the skin. It creates a dewy, healthy finish on the skin. Essential for sensitive skin.

Suti Peppermint Water is a cooling burst of refreshing hydration. Known as the “wake-up” water, this facial spray stimulates the senses as well as the skin. Made with organic peppermint leaves this facial spray relieves redness, inflammation and is famous for it’s anti-inflammatory properties. It instantly energizes and replenishes the skin creating a healthy glow. A beach-bag must-have.

Silicone Synopsis: Makeup Primers

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Face primers are a great way to smooth, prep and perfect the skin before applying foundation. If you have acne scars, fine lines or large pores, a makeup primer can spackle those spaces for an even coverage. However, some people can be allergic or sensitive to the main ingredient found in most makeup primers, silicone.

Silicone is a chemically derived product that sits on top of the skin to protect and keep moisture in. Any product used with that “slippery/silky” feel to it, more than likely contains some kind of silicone. To identify silicone in a product, look for Dimethicone or Methicone in the ingredient list. The general rule of thumb is that anything ending in “cone” is likely to be silicone. Opinions however, are divided as to whether silicone is indeed good or bad for the skin.

Unless you have a sensitivity to silicone and your skin reacts with break-outs or irritation, it seems quite harmless. Silicone is used in almost every product we use on the body from haircare to skincare. To immediately confirm sensitivity to silicone, notice if you breakout on your back from the hair conditioners used. Silicone is abundant in these products and can be the culprit for reoccurring back acne.

Currently, I have two favorite face primers, one silicone-based, one silicone-free. The main activities I look for in a primer are: skincare properties (I do not believe in adding another step to my daily routine – unless it is good for the skin), ability to smooth the skin and longevity.

Hourglass – Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15: This is a wonderful silicone-based primer. It applies effortlessly, smooths the skin, increases the longevity of my face makeup and gives the skin a subtly glow. It contains anti-aging benefits and restores moisture to dehydrated skin. I use this primer for “special occasions” – mostly when I am wearing a full face of makeup. I have found that mixing a small amount of this primer with your foundation produces a flawless, airbrushed-look.

Fresh – Rose Freshface Primer: This is the first silicone-free primer I have tried and now can’t live without. I use this primer on a daily basis and sometimes as my primary moisturizer. Packed with rosewater and cucumber extracts, this lightweight lotion immedietly soothes redness and evens out my skintone. It contains vitamins and botanicals that are beneficial to the skin and smells like a bouquet of roses.

I do notice a difference between the two products, in terms of skin smoothing. Silicone is currently the best ingredient for reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores. This is why the majority of  makeup primers on the market contain them. However, there are many silicone-free products on the market and I assume many more will emerge in the future.

Skin Soothing: Fresh Rose Face Mask

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Fresh Rose Face Mask

Dry skin is the most common result of seasonal weathering. Cold winter air lacks humidity and dries up natural oils in the skin, causing it to lose moisture and dull the complexion.

The Rose Face Mask by Fresh is an ultra-hydrating treatment that not only moisturizes, but soothes the skin. It reduces redness and calms inflammation – transforming the appearance of lackluster skin.

The Rose Face Mask contains a gentle blend of ultra-soothing ingredients. Pure rose floral water rejuvenates the senses and helps to diminish redness and uneven skintone. Cucumber extract acts as an anti-inflammatory while pure aloe-vera gel cools and refreshes the skin.

Protect your skin from winter woes this season with products that not only hydrate, but soothe and nourish the skin.

French Favorite: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè

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Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè is a versatile moisturizer found in almost every makeup artist’s bag-of-tricks. This cult favorite is used not only to moisturize the skin but as a makeup primer and remover.

Initially found only in parisian pharmacies, Embryolisse is now available stateside. The French skincare  brand was formulated by physicians with the philosophy to create products with the fewest ingredients possible, to avoid sensitizing the skin.

Also known as the 24-hour miracle cream, this luxurious moisturizer is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins. It calms, plumps, soothes and softens the skin creating a smooth canvas. Suitable for all skin types, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè locks in moisture all day.