Category:

Beauty

Why serum? Ever since we moved to LA from Chicago, I’ve been using serum. Partly because I am into my 30’s and thinking about the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and wanting better skin and improving radiance. I recently mentioned to my best friend about using serum and to my shock, she said she doesn’t use serum. I told her, you can’t afford not to and introduced her to Clarins’ Double Serum. It’s a bio-inspired, anti-aging serum, with a two-phase hydric (water soluble) and lipidic formula that, for the first time decodes the language of youth. Does that last sentence catch your attention?

If you’re not familiar with bio-inspired lipidic formula, that’s scientific  for “reduces the appearance of pores, improves radiance, evens skin tone, firms and visibly reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.” It can be used morning or evening after cleansing your skin.  How do I apply it, you ask? Apply a small amount into the palm of your hand, warm between hands before gently pressing into your skin applying on you face, neck, and décolleté. Keep in mind, it takes 28 days to see the full effects of your serum. What do you think, do you use serum?

Thank you Clarins for sponsoring this post

Tunic cc POSKA RESORTWEAR

Obsessing over the @FountainofTruthBeauty The Truth Insa-Face Lift Elixir from founder @giulianarancic, a lightweight treatment to help reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.  It includes the Super Bio-Ferment Complex (included in all Fountain of Truth products) to help achieve softer, smoother more luminous skin.  Shortly after giving birth to Levi, everyone was asking what I was using on my face for that glow. After using it for only a few days, I have noticed my skin feels tighter already. And did I mention, I love the smell!

Some of the clinical testing results that I felt were worth mentioning:  *97% of participants showed improvement in the appearance of crow’s feet fine lines and wrinkles after 24 hours  and 100% of participants showed improvement after 6 weeks.

The way I use it – after washing my face morning and night I apply about 1-2 pumps to face and neck area.  Simple as that!  And now you can try it too by using my personal code FOTLUVSHALICE for 20% off at fountainoftruthbeauty.com!

 

1. Reset Oil-in-Serum (I use this at night and yes it makes crows feet appear less visable. Try for yourself!) //2. Immortelle Divine Cream // 3. Immortelle Divine Eyes (the skin under our eyes is the thinnest, so to avoid wrinkles I apply this stuff!) 4. Immortelle Divine Youth Oil (I used this day and night until Reset Oil was introduced. Now, I use youth oil in the AM, and Reset in the PM. It makes my skin feel amazing!) 5. Immortelle Oil Make-up Remover (just that, I use it to remove my makeup!) 6. Immortelle Precious Mist LA is SO dry, so I like to spray this as much as I can after my cleansing routine and as a make-up setting spray.

I’m wearing Yumi Kim kimono similar in a DRESS VERSION // Levis cutoffs SIMILAR worn with a BELLA BAND// White BP tank // Cowboy boots

Early Saturday morning Reid and I and headed to The Grove to see the L’Occitane truck. Did you hear about it? It was soo adorable. It was this real vintage truck painted yellow. Nick from L’Occitane was there to share that this truck is a nod to their early beginnings when Olivier Baussan, a soap maker who in 1976 used a truck to sell his freshly milled soaps in the south of France.

What did the truck hold you ask? It was stuffed with their customer favorites as well as Christmas preview stocking stuffers! I picked up some of those very charming stocking stuffers for my mom and spritzed myself off during the heat of the LA sun.

I loved seeing some of my faves like the shea butter tin. I use it to lather primarily on dry spots and my belly to avoid stretch marks. I also spotted another one of my
favorites—the Reset Oil-in-Serum! One of the things L’Occitane does well is to not discontinue great products. It’s my pet peeve when companies end a good product.

I love that this charming truck is a nod to the company’s humble beginnings. It shared the basics that would change the way we wash our face and moisturize our bodies, the French way. Do yourself a favor if you’re in LA, and do not miss this charming truck and pick up a gift from Provence for your friends and yourself. 🙂 It’s there till the end of October.

Read more here about where the L’Occitruck is off to next!

Shop some of my favorites below like the shea butter that I lather on my belly 😉

I’ve tried to make skincare a big focus in my life for a while now, but the older I get (and the more my kids stress me out), the more emphasis I put on having a consistent routine. I’ve been using L’Occitane products for forever because they’re like magic in a bottle, so when they released RESET, I knew I had to give it a go. It has been amazing!
Between the kids, work and trying to squeeze in quality time with the hubs, sometimes I think I only have a skincare routine because it’s a few minutes of the day that truly belong to me. It gives me a moment of very much needed self-care. Plus adding an overnight treatment like RESET to my routine renews my skin and gets me ready for my hectic and busy day ahead. Now if only RESET could babysit the kids. 😉 
In all seriousness though, life is busy, but don’t forget to take some time for yourself. With stress, sun, pollution and fatigue, the first place it’ll all show up is your face, trust me. So if you’re looking for something new to try or are just looking for a little “you time”, I highly recommend L’Occitane RESET.
I shared with all of you recently in this post that I’m a big believer in using natural deodorant. I’ve tried a variety of brands including Native. It’s one of my favorites and I always include it in my list of recommended brands whenever someone asks about natural deodorants.
Why do I love it so much? First and foremost, it’s safe! My oldest daughter just started using deodorant and one of the first things I told her was the importance of choosing an option with clean ingredients. This means using a brand like Native that is free of aluminum, parabens, sulfates, talc, etc.. Second, it works! Native has so many amazing scents like coconut + vanilla and lavender + rose and other limited edition seasonal scents.
Native is so amazing they’ve actually been mentioned on POPSUGAR, The Today Show, Women’s Health and more! Sounds like a winner to me, but I was convinced immediately after starting to use it years ago. If you’ve been wanting to try a natural deodorant, you can give Native a go risk-free because of their free return and exchange policy within the US. I have a feeling you’re going to love it though, and once you do, you can subscribe to save 17% every time its delivered to your door! I’ll definitely admit that Native is priced at a premium, but the benefits of using a clean product are 100% worth it to me and my family! The first two I bought, tried and loved were lavender & rose and cucumber & mint.
Which one will you try first?
Shot on location at Venice Beach, California. My overalls are One Teaspoon // Her overalls Hudson jeans
Thank you Native Deodorant for sponsoring this post!

Those who know me well know my beauty routine is minimal with many distractions. Many. So when I heard Sephora is having a sale, I thought I’d share 5 items in my cart and on my beauty shelf. Have you tried this tan oil? I’ve used it for my face and body post exfoliation. 

SUMMER FRIDAYS MASK (I’ve yet to try this and can’t wait. I’ve heard its crazy moisturizing!)

TAN FACE (no parabens or sulfates! I mix 2-4 drops with my daily facial oil. I like that it has raspberry seed oil and aloe vera for moisture).
TAN BODY (apply 2-6 drops per leg with my usual moisturizer in circular motion) I also love THIS ONE but speaking from experience, don’t forget to wash your hands off!
DRUNK ELEPHANT OIL (I’ve been wanting to try this brand and oil!)
GLOW PALETTE(I’ve been using this for months as a great highlighter with hyaluronic acid!)

 

bikini set (under $70!) // round weave bag // sunglasses // hat similar / deodorant

I’ve been getting a lot of random DM’s on Instagram about what is the best deodorant to use. Most know about the dangers of aluminum in deodorant and want an aluminum free and vegan option! Most deodorants contain chemicals such as zirconium and aluminum that are absorbed into the pores of the skin. Yuk! I remember as a pre-teen, my mom telling me all this information I didn’t understand on the dangers of aluminum. I was smart enough to take her advice and at that time, a bottle of Tom’s of Maine deodorant. I really haven’t looked back other than the fact I have found a couple brands and scents I like more than others.  Now, I use Malin + Goetz deodorant. I was shocked to discover earlier this year, that my 8 year old daughter actually suffers from bad odor! I was never warned what age that would begin, but like most of motherhood, you can plan but in the end you hope for the best. Am I right? I immediately did as my mom did and handed her all natural deodorant and educated her on the dangers of aluminum and the better choices available.

So, you ask, what are the better choices available? I did some research and see my picks below! My daughters both started using deodorant, so you want to bet I’m not giving them anything that will potentially harm them. The options below are 100% aluminum free and first two used regularly but myself and my girls. As for us here in LA, it is currently 84 degrees and only 10am, so our anti-perspirent is in daily use!

It’s your turn, do you have a favorite to share, we haven’t heard of? I’d love to hear.

1. Malin + Goetz Deodorant

2. Pacifica Spray Deodorant

3. Kopari Deoderant

4. Native Cosmetics Deodorant 

5. Schmidt’s Deodorant

I haven’t personally tried The Natural Deodorant Co.but impressive reviews, read it all HERE

Optimizer Tri-light(on sale!)// sleep shirt cc Cloth + Stone // I also love my SILK PILLOWCASE // and NUFACE for toning my skin // a FOOT FILE to keep my feet looking good in summer sandals 😉 // Mario Badescu Rosewater I spray this while driving because its so dry here! // This is the shampoo I use daily from Alterna. My stylist swears by it. // This Kiehls lotion is awesome //This Hair dryer and beach waver if you’re in the market! //

This LED mirror is awesome and in my cart! Don’t forget yummy hair oil from OUAI for styling that smells so good!

Click the pictures below to shop them!

1. Best powder bronzer – in “Laguna”I love color on my face without the dangerous sun rays.
2. Luminizer in “Champagne Rose” works for ALL skin tones, paraben free
3. Tan Towels I swear by. Remember to exfoliate and moisturize before applying.
4. My awesome $16 travel makeup bag I always get asked about
5. Body Polish A great exfoliant and smells amazing.

6. Jet LagMask Serious hydration on the go and works for most skin types!

7. Coconut Lip Gloss Only $12 and all natural.
8. Shea Butter I use this to rub on my belly and its only $12!
9. Serum Mist  So refreshing when you spray on the plane or at home.

As a busy mom, I like to keep my beauty routine as simple as possible. I like to have color (tan towels), paraben and sulfate free foundation, long lashes (without the laborious and costly extensions),  facial (at-home) and glowing skin. Is that too much to ask? Ironically, I feel like my skin got better AFTER we moved to dry and sunny California because I got educated on products I NEED to use for glowing skin. So, without further adieu, here are my mom-tested 7 products I’m using right now! I’d love to hear your feedback below in the comments. Happy Monday!

1. W3ll Foundation love this paraben and sulfate free light weight foundation for everyday makeup coverage. This hasn’t left my makeup bag.

2. Tarte Concealer I use a small brush to apply this under my eyes. Mine are deep set and I can get under eye circle so hooray for a concealer that hides my sleepy eyes.

3. Skin Inc Tri-light I must admit I was doubtful before, but after many applications, makeup artists who have said my skin has never looked better, and facialists who swear by it, I’m no longer doubtful. I mean if models use it, I should too right? Well and drink a liter of water too. Don’t forget to use code Shalice20 for 20% off Skin Inc

4. Pacifica facial oil I recently used all of the serum I was used to using every night and quickly added this to my routine in desperation and I’m happy to report my skin was supple and dewy after a week of using it. Yay! And it doesn’t break the bank. I also love Skinceuticals and Skin Inc serums. I kinda love serum.

5. Tula lotion I use their day and night lotion DAILY. I have sensitive skin and this doesn’t bother my skin. I also love their kit for traveling! Don’t forget to use code SHALICE for 20% off TULA

6. Lash Boost You  can order retail or preferred, use the link here: Sign up as a retail customer or preferred customer click HERE for more info.

7. Kate Sommerville Tan Towels Confession: I’m down to one towel and I’ll admit to putting it in a ziploc bag to sneak in one more use. Paraben free, they have an all-over bronze color, and no streaks, or getting on my clothes. Tips, my face is sensitive so don’t apply tan towels, Rather, I opt for powder bronzer for my face color and exfoliate all over before application. Try it and let me know what you think!

Did I miss anything? Do you have any questions? Let me know: shalice@shalicenoel.com or in the comments below!

Earrings // Top // Jeans // Bag under $30!// Sunglasses