Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
How Important is Daily Sunscreen?

How Important is Daily Sunscreen?


I bet when the sun is out and the temperature is warm, you always remember to wear sunscreen, right? But did you know that you should be wearing sunscreen Every. Single. Day? This is especially important if you have rosacea, are taking medications that cause sun sensitivity, or if you are serious about your anti-aging program.

yellow and pink flowers with the words "How Important is Daily Sunscreen" superimposed

(This post is sponsored by Lexli. It may contain affiliate links which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You are free to use the links or not - if you do, I thank you!)


yellow rectangle that says "what you need to know about UVA & UVB"

You've probably heard about UVA and UVB rays, but do you know what they are and what they do? They are ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun and they both damage skin, but in different ways. UVB rays cause sunburn and damage the skin's outer layers. The strength of these rays varies by season, location, and time of day. But keep in mind that even when it snows, you can get a sunburn because the UVB rays bounce off reflective surfaces (like snow and ice) and hit the skin twice. These rays do not penetrate glass well.

UVA rays aren't as intense as UVB rays, but they make up about 95% of UV radiation and they have the same intensity no matter the season or time. They are able to penetrate clouds and glass, so we get a lot more exposure. They also penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB, so they significantly contribute to aging.


yellow rectangle that says "why you need to wear sunscreen every day"

Just in case you skipped over that last paragraph, let me tell you again. UVA rays make up 95% of UV radiation and they have the same intensity no matter the season or time. They are able to penetrate clouds and glass - and they penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB. So we get a lot more exposure and they significantly contribute to aging. This is why it's important to wear sunscreen on a daily basis instead of just when you're outside in sunny weather.

Avoiding sunburn and decreasing your chances of developing skin cancer as well as slowing the aging process are good enough reasons to wear daily sunscreen, for sure. But there are other reasons it's important. If you have rosacea like me, then it's very likely that sun exposure worsens the condition. What may be a temporary flush can eventually become permanent redness. If exposure to sun is one of your triggers (meaning it causes the condition to flare up), it's important to recognize that and practice daily sun safety.

If you're taking medications that cause sun sensitivity your skin will be much more sensitive to UV rays and without protection, you can damage your skin in just minutes. You're going to want to protect your skin by wearing a daily sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15-30.

If you're spending hundreds or thousands of dollars a year on anti-aging products and/or procedures and not wearing daily sunscreen, you are throwing your money away. The sun is the major cause of premature aging. Taking a few minutes to apply sunscreen not only saves your skin, but it also saves your money!


yellow rectangle that says "how I practice sun safety - every day"

I have been practicing sun safety for almost 30 years. I do not ever try to get a tan (unless it's a sunless tan), and I wear sunscreen. If I'm at the beach, it's not during the hottest part of the day, and I'm always under an umbrella and/or wearing a hat, and wearing sunscreen with at least 50 SPF. I use a sunscreen on my face every day of the year. I wear it whether I'm leaving the house or not. But - I was often negligent about using sunscreen daily on my body. I always used it when I was going to be outside, but I just couldn't find one that I was willing to use everyday.

It's not because I didn't want to - it was because I couldn't find one I liked well enough to use every day. I had favorites for my face and for the beach, but for daily use I didn't want to feel greasy or smell like sunscreen. My nose is super sensitive and I can detect the faintest hint of that sunscreen smell. I tried moisturizers that contained SPF, but I still didn't like them and would stop using them after awhile. When Lexli offered to send me some of their Sunscreen Spray, I agreed to try it, but I'll be honest - from past experience with sunscreens, I didn't hold out much hope of continuing to use it on a daily basis, let alone actually liking it.

I was wrong.

bottle of Lexli sunscreen spray lying on yellow and pink flowers

I have used it everyday all summer. It's just part of my routine now. It has a great spray pump, it's easy to smooth out, and it absorbs quickly and completely. My skin only feels soft and smooth after applying - never greasy or tacky. The fragrance is very light and dissipates within a few minutes. I never get whiffs of it later on, and I never smell that "sunscreen" smell.

It has SPF 15, which is enough for me on most days. I don't get a lot of sun exposure on a daily basis, so this is enough to keep me safe while wandering around the house, going out to the mailbox or running quick errands. If I plan to be outside longer, I would use something with more SPF. If it came in SPF 30, I would snap it right up! (Note: Lexli does make a moisturizer with 30 SPF, but it also contains glycolic acid, which my skin does not tolerate well. But it's an option if you can use glycolic acid!)

bottle of Lexli sunscreen spray sitting in front of yellow & pink flowers

This is a chemical sunscreen and contains botanical fragrance extracts. I prefer mineral sunscreen for my face, so I'm only using this one on my body. My skin is sensitive to some fragrances, but this product has not caused any issues so far. I really, really like it.

It also doesn't affect my sunless tan. I've had some greasy sunscreens shorten the life of my faux tan and others have actually made the tan rub right off my skin. But I can apply (and reapply) the Lexli Sunscreen Spray without any issues at all. I definitely recommend it!


yellow rectangle that says "where to find more information"

Interested in the products I use on my face? Check out My Top 5 Favorite Sunscreens and My Morning Anti-aging Skincare Routine. Want to learn more about my sunless tanning routine? Check out my Sunless Tanning Series. To read more about rosacea, my Five Important Things I've Learned About Rosacea, Aloe Vera and Rosacea, and 5 Summer Beauty Tips for Sensitive Skin & Rosacea posts will provide more information.

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Kim
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5 Summer Beauty Tips for Sensitive Skin & Rosacea

5 Summer Beauty Tips for Sensitive Skin & Rosacea


Summer is here, and with warmer temperatures comes sweating - and with sweating comes beauty products melting right off your face. Am I right?

When it's hot out, I need as little on my skin as possible. For someone with "normal" skin, beauty routine changes are no big deal. But for people with rosacea and/or sensitive skin (me!), even a small change can bring on all sorts of trouble. Today I'm going to offer you five tips that work for me and hopefully they will help you avert a skin disaster!

(If you're interested in reading more about my rosacea diagnosis/journey, be sure to check out Five Important Things I've Learned About Rosacea.)

photo of flowers with an overlay that says "5 Summer Beauty Tips for Sensitive Skin and Rosacea"

(This post is sponsored by Lexli. It may contain affiliate links which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You are free to use the links or not - if you do, I thank you!)





A light gel-based product can absorb quickly and completely, keeping your skin hydrated without feeling too heavy in the heat. When looking for these types of products you just want to be sure that there are no ingredients that can be drying, like alcohol. One of my favorites is the Moisture Intensifier Serum by Lexli.

Lexli Moisture Intensifier erum sitting in front of yellow and orange flowers

This one is especially great if you have rosacea or sensitive skin, because like all Lexli products, it has a base of soothing aloe vera. It also contains allantoin and panthenol for hydration, arnica to reduce inflammation, and glycosaminoglycans to help improve the structure of the skin. (Read my post about Aloe Vera and Rosacea.)



If your skin is very dry, or if you feel like you want a little more hydration at night, a lightweight oil-free moisturizer could be just the thing. It could be used alone or over the Moisture Intensifier Serum. I want my moisturizer to absorb well and not leave my skin feeling too tacky .

bottle of lotion sitting in front of yellow and orange flowers

Simply Hydration is a great choice. It does contain botanical fragrance extracts, so just be aware if you have a sensitivity to those. A fragrance-free option is CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (the "PM" just means there is no sunscreen in it).



I would love to use a tinted moisturizer, but my skintone is uneven from the rosacea and most tinted moisturizers don't offer enough coverage. I know there are a ton of you out there who can relate to the struggle!

two bottle of liquid foundation makeup sitting in front of yellow and orange flowers

During the summer, I switch to a lightweight foundation, especially for daytime. I absolutely hate being out in hot weather and feeling like my foundation is sitting on my skin like a big blob of grease, or even worse - that my face is sliding off! I've been using Tarte's Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation (available in 30 shades) and CYO Lifeproof Long-Lasting Foundation (available in 14 shades). Both are lightweight with buildable coverage. I would say an initial application gives light coverage and you can build it to a medium coverage. For me, both work best without a primer and when applied with a makeup sponge.



Setting powders can make or break your look. The trick is to find one that helps smooth and set your look without making it look caked on. I've tried a ton, but my favorites are e.l.f. HD Loose Face Powder, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Airbrush Powder, and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro Powder.

jar of powder sitting in front of yellow and orange flowers

I dip my Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder Brush into the powder, tap off the excess, and lightly dust over my face, concentrating on my T-zone where my makeup tends to wear off.

For under my eyes, I use either the e.l.f. Undereye Setting Powder or the Bye Bye Pores.



Can I just say how much I love setting sprays/facial spritzes? I don't ever want to be without my favorite aloe-based face toner - Tone & Balance. When I say toner, I'm not talking about a product that you wipe over the skin to remove any traces of makeup. This toner is non-irritating and you spritz it on after cleansing to calm and soothe the skin. I like that it gives me a nice base for all of my other skincare essentials. In warmer weather, I also like to use it as a refreshing mid-day mist. Spritz it on and stand in front of a fan for a minute - instant heat relief! Plus, it's the only spray I can use under my summer foundation that doesn't cause it to deteriorate quickly.

bottle of toner sitting in front of yellow and orange flowers

If I want a product to strictly use as a setting spray, I reach for MAC's Prep + Prime Fix+ (love the summer scents!) or Skindanavia Makeup Finishing Spray.


And those are my top five tips for creating a summer beauty routine that works well for sensitive skin/rosacea. I hope they help you keep your skin looking it's best!

pinnable image of flowers and several skincare products
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Kim
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My Top 4 Favorite Dry Shampoos (and how to use them!)

My Top 4 Favorite Dry Shampoos (and how to use them!)


Do you use dry shampoo? I honestly don't know how I ever lived life without it. It's right up there with electricity, indoor plumbing and air conditioning. I remember using Psssssst! dry shampoo in the '70's and thinking it was awesome. Ha! Dry shampoos have definitely come a long way since then!

several different dry shampoos lying on a table; white graphic overlay with words "My Top 4 Dry Shampoos (and how to use them!)"

(This post may contain affiliate links which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You are free to use the links or not - if you do, I thank you!)

About a year ago, I did a post about my Best (and Worst) Dry Shampoos. Since I've tried some new products, I wanted to do an update.  But first, let's talk...

How many times have you read a rave review about a product, so you run right out and buy it, only to discover that it doesn't work at all for you? The products I'm getting ready to rave about work well for my hair. So I'm going to tell you about my hair and how I use the products, then you can decide whether or not you you want to give them a try. They are all available in travel sizes, and I think that's a great way to sample a product without investing a lot of money.



My hair is long. Depending on my mood, it is either to the middle of my shoulder blades or the top of my bra strap. It's naturally thick and wavy, and the texture is "normal". I straighten it with the amika polished perfection straightening brush or NuMe Silhouette flat iron (mine is hot pink!) 2-3 times a week. I have my roots colored and highlights/lowlights done every 6-7 weeks.

My hair has never been super oily, but menopause "gifted" me with hair that now gets drier between shampoos. I usually shampoo my hair every 4-5 days, and with a good dry shampoo, I can easily extend the time to 7+ days (as long as I'm not getting super sweaty). I know that sounds crazy to some of you, but when your scalp isn't oily, your hair doesn't look dirty. As long as I don't use a ton of hairspray on it, it looks as clean at 7 days as it did at 1 day. If I notice any oiliness, it's right around my face, and I think it transfers from my skin rather than from my scalp.



The way you use dry shampoo can definitely affect your results. My hair isn't dark, so I don't struggle with the residue as much as someone with dark brown or black hair would, but it can definitely make my hair look dull. Colored blonde hair typically looks a bit dull anyway, so I don't need anything making it look worse. (Tip: I use Aveda brilliant™ emollient finishing gloss and Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Dry Oil Mist to add healthy shine to my hair.)

I usually start using dry shampoo around day 3 or 4. This will vary for you depending upon your hair type. I apply at bedtime. I spray as close to the roots as possible around my face, wait about 30 seconds, and then work it through with my fingers. After I finish my evening skincare routine, I brush my hair to distribute any remaining dry shampoo. Using it this way does two important things: By morning, 1) there is never any residue left, and 2) most (if not all) of the scent is gone.



I expect certain things from my dry shampoo (your list may be different):
  • unscented or a light, pleasant scent that dissipates fairly quickly
  • no white/light-colored residue on hair
  • doesn't leave hair feeling stiff or "dirty"
  • doesn't leave hair looking dull
  • leaves my hair easy to style 

I want to address fragrance quickly. Scent is a very subjective thing, and I am very sensitive to certain scents. I usually prefer unscented products, and there are very few perfumes that I like (or that smell good on me). Keep in mind that just because I like/dislike the fragrance in a product doesn't mean that you will feel the same way.



There are two dry shampoos that I absolutely love. They both work so well for my hair and never leave any residue or build-up. I can use them both for several days and my hair will still look good. I'd say they tie for my #1 favorite!


can of tarte Hair Goals dry shampoo lying on a table

tarte Hair Goals Dry Shampoo
This one is a new one for me, but I've been using it for a couple of months and find myself reaching for all the time. I actually like the light scent, but even if I didn't, it dissipates quickly. It never leaves residue or build-up on my hair, even when I use it several days in a row. As far as I can tell, it sprays out clear, so it should work well for dark hair colors as well. It comes in 4 oz. and travel sizes, and will definitely be on repeat at my house. (This one is on sale at Sephora! I hope that doesn't mean that it's being discontinued!)


can of Living Proof PhD dry shampoo lying on a table

Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo
It's probably no surprise to see this one here since it was on my "best" list last year. It does everything I expect my dry shampoo to do. My hair is always easy to manage - even if I use it several days in a row. While Gus loves the scent, I wouldn't say I love it, but I definitely don't hate it either. It dissipates quickly and leaves my hair smelling fresh.  It's available in 1.8 oz. travel size as well as a 4 oz. full size.

You can't go wrong with either one of my top picks, IMO. The only possible negative is the price - especially if you use dry shampoo as much as I do. I look at it as a trade-off. I'm using less shampoo and conditioner, so I use a little more dry shampoo!


If you prefer a budget-friendly product, my top pick is this one:

can of Dove Coconut dry shampoo lying on a table

Dove Refresh+Care Fresh Coconut Dry Shampoo 
You can't beat Dove for the price and effectiveness. They offer several versions/fragrances, and they're all good - I just happen to like the Coconut version the best. All of the ones I've tried have worked the same for me - just the scents are different. The one drawback (for me) is that I can really only use it for a day or two, because after that, I will start to feel a little build-up and my hair is more difficult to style. But for about 1/4 of the price, it's pretty darn good. This comes in a 5 oz. size and sometimes you can find travel sizes as well.
P.S. I did see that they are now offering an unscented version, so I need to give that a try!


There's one more dry shampoo I want to mention, and I'm going to give it "runner-up" status:

can of amika Phantom hydrating dry shampoo lying on a tablecan of amika Phantom hydrating dry shampoo lying on a table

The only reason this didn't appear higher on my list is the fragrance. A lot of people like the amika fragrances, but they're a little too strong and perfume-y for my taste. However, I do like this product. My initial thought was "how can a foam be hydrating?", because in my experience, most foam products are drying. Well, I don't know how it works, but it does, and it doesn't make my hair drier. Another concern I had was whether the wet foam would make any products already on my hair (like hairspray) all gummy and nasty. Since I only apply to my roots this hasn't been a problem for me. (This one is on sale at Sephora, too!)



Of course, I also have a list of dry shampoos I still want to try - so if you've used any of these, let me know what you think!

  • Aveda shampure™ dry shampoo - this one is a bit pricey; I wish it came in a travel size so I could try it without spending $31 for 2 oz.! Maybe I'll stop in at the local Aveda store and try it there.
  • it's a 10 Miracle Dry Shampoo & Conditioner in One - I know the other "it's a 10" products are popular, so I'd like to give their dry shampoo a try. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this one comes in a travel size either.
  • Ouai dry shampoo - this is another foam dry shampoo. I'd like to try it but I don't see a travel size, and I'm a bit worried about the fragrance. It contains musk, amber, sandalwood and patchouli - four of my least favorite scents - but I do like the other things in it - bergamot, Italian lemon, rose de mai, magnolia, lily, blackberry, violet, and cedarwood.
  • Marc Anthony True Professional Refreshing Clear Dry Shampoo Coconut - it looks like this one is available at Walmart and Walgreens, and I do love a coconut scent - plus it's another drugstore-priced product!

If you have a favorite dry shampoo, I'd love to hear about it! 


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Kim
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Rejuvenate Your Skin with Nurysh Lyft 2.0 (and a discount code!!)

Rejuvenate Your Skin with Nurysh Lyft 2.0 (and a discount code!!)


Anyone out there wishing their skin looked better? I see you, girl! We all have our own definition of "looking our best" and for me, it means looking as good as I can for my current age. I’m not trying to look 30, but I want to be my best version of 57.

I tried Botox around ten years ago, but I wasn’t impressed with my results at that time. I may give it another shot in the future, but let’s face it (pun intended) - whether it's cost, upkeep, or results - it’s not for everyone. I have an arsenal of skin care serums and creams that have improved the look of my skin, but I'd like to turn it up a notch. Who’s with me?

Box containing the Nurysh LYFT 2.0 Skin Rejuvenation Device and all of it's accessories

(Thank you to Nurysh for sponsoring this post. The opinions in this post are based on my experience with the product and are 100% my own.)

One thing I hadn’t tried was a home facial toning/rejuvenation device like the LYFT 2.0 by Nurysh. I was aware of science behind the device, so I was really excited to test it out. How it works (in basic terms): LYFT focuses four low power beams deep into the dermis. The revolutionary and patented BIOWAVE technology stimulates dermal activity (tightening of collagen fibers and increasing new collagen production). The skin becomes firmer and more supple, and fine lines and wrinkles are reduced.

Lid of the LYFT 2.o Skin Rejuvenation Device box listing the benefits it offers.

Some of the benefits that may be seen with regular use:
  • reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
  • improvement of skin tone and texture
  • tightened skin
  • balance of uneven pigmentation and redness
  • reduction in puffiness
  • minimization of pore size and breakouts
  • reduced appearance of scars

The device comes in a sturdy box, and includes a protective cap, charging/storage stand, charging cord/adapter, eye protection goggles, a few cotton pads for cleaning the probe, and an instruction booklet.

The LYFT 2.0 Skin Rejuvenation Device sitting in it's storage stand on a table with the charging cord and protective eye goggles nearby.

One of my favorite features is that you can customize the treatments to best suit your skin needs. There are single functions: Cleanse, Deep Cleanse, Nutrition, Nutrition Plus, Anti-Aging, Anti-Acne, and Face Lifting - all of which can be used on their own. But I’m a multi-tasking girl and I prefer to get the most bang for my buck, so I like the multi-function treatments. (*my favorites)

  • Deep Cleanse + Face Lifting
  • Nutrition + Face Lifting
  • Nutrition Plus + Face Lifting
  • Nutrition Plus + Anti-Aging
  • Anti-Aging + Face Lifting
  • Anti-Acne + Face Lifting
  • Nutrition Plus + Anti-Aging + Face Lifting*
  • Nutrition Plus + Anti-Acne + Face Lifting* 

Close-up of the LYFT 2.0 Skin Rejuvenation Device lying on a table.

It’s so easy to use! You just power it on, chose your treatment(s), and slowly move it around your face. You wear the goggles for any treatments involving the LED lights (anti-aging, anti-acne). Most treatments last 5-10 minutes making it easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. If you're a visual learner, there’s a short instructional video that explains how to use the device.

I have a few problem areas that I focused on: nasolabial folds (marionette lines), jawline, and the front of my neck. The front of my neck is an on-going battle because not only has it lost firmness and elasticity due to aging, but I had two cervical spine surgeries where they used a frontal approach. Those surgeries left me with two horizontal scars (thoughtfully placed in the creases of my neck), and loosened skin.

I've been using the LYFT daily for the past three and a half weeks - which is the minimum amount of time needed to see results. Below are my before and after photos - even I was surprised to see the difference! I took the before and after photos in the same place with the same lighting - and I attempted to recreate the same position/pose. The photos have not been retouched other than trying to even out the lighting.

These photos show my "marionette lines" and you can also see a bit of the "orange peel" texture on my chin as well as the pores on my cheek. The depth of the lines has definitely decreased and the texture of the skin on my cheeks looks smoother (pores less prominent).

Before and after photos of nasolabial folds after using LYFT 2.0 for 3.5 weeks.

The photos below show the front of my neck. You can see the two scars as well as the loose skin and crepe-y texture. In the after photo there is a marked improvement in not just the texture, but the skin is visibly tightened!

Before and after photos of front of neck - after using the LYFT 2.0 device for 3.5 weeks.

Another benefit I've noticed is that my foundation seem to go on more easily, looks smoother and stays in place a bit better. A couple of weeks ago, we were at the Tampa Zoo from 10:30am to 1:30pm in 80+degree weather. It was very hot and humid - my face was damp and "glowing" (with perspiration!). When I got to our car, I expected to see my makeup pretty much ruined - but I was shocked to see that it looked the same as it did when I applied it that morning! I used all of the same products that I normally use so the only difference was that I had been using the LYFT device.

A reminder: Be sure you've removed the protective cap before starting a treatment. The cap is clear, so it's easy to forget it's there - especially when you do your treatments at night when you're tired. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.) Yes, I've done a complete 10 minute treatment with the cap on. More than once. I think I'm going to put a brightly-colored sticker on the cap so it doesn't happen again. It would be nice if the cap wasn't clear - maybe a bright color as a visual reminder to remove it before starting your treatment.

DISCOUNT CODE: Now let's talk cost. The kit I described above is priced at $159.95 AND Nurysh has been kind enough to offer a code for my readers to receive 20% off - bringing the cost down to $127.96! Just enter 20KAPROMO at checkout to receive the discount!

I'm thrilled with my results and can't wait to see if improvements will continue over time.

Infographic showing before and after photos and the Nurysh LYFT 2.0 Skin Rejuvenation Device

If you decide to give the Nurysh LYFT 2.0 a try, I'd love to hear about your results. Post a comment here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat! And don't forget - you can also follow Nurysh on TwitterFacebook and Instagram to see more about their products!

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Kim
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5 Tips for Beauty and Travel

5 Tips for Beauty and Travel


Do you experience anxiety when packing your beauty products for a trip? Wondering how you'll manage to take everything you need and worrying you'll forget something you can't live without? That used to be me - but I conquered it and so can you!

infographic with travel-sized beauty products lying on a cosmetic bag with an overlay that says "5 Tips for Traveling with Beauty Products"

(Some of the products in this post were provided by Too Faced. All opinions are 100% my own. There may be affiliate links in this post which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you make a purchase from a link, I thank you for your support!).

Over the years, I've learned a few things - 1) I don't need to pack everything, 2) there's an efficient way to pack the necessities, 3) if all else fails, I can purchase what I need/forgot once I get there.

I also have a "master" packing list. I can make any edits and print it out so I can check items off as I pack them. Since I've been using this, I haven't forgotten anything! (I think I'm going to work on a printable copy for my email subscribers - so keep an eye out!)

various beauty products (some travel-size) sitting on a wooden table


Bottle of Too-Faced Hangover Rx 3-in-1 Primer & Setting spray and Too-Faced Natural Matte Eye Shadow Palette

1) Take advantage of multipurpose products.
If you can pack items that serve more than one purpose, you will save tons of room! Eye shadow can also be used to fill in eyebrows, cream blush can double as a lip color, and products like the Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray can be your primer, setting spray, and makeup refresher - all in one bottle. It's also available in a 1 oz. size, making it perfect for tossing in my travel bag. Then I can just refill it from my four ounce bottle as needed.


Living Proof dry shampoo and Restore shampoo, conditioner, and perfecting spray in travel sizes sitting on a wooden surface

2) Utilize travel sizes.
This one is pretty obvious, right? I love travel sizes! I stock up on deluxe samples from Sephora or Target's Beauty Boxes. Smaller sizes often cost more per ounce, but I look for containers that can be refilled, like shampoo, conditioner, and makeup setting spray.


various makeup pencils lying on a black & white polka-dot cosmetic bag

3) Pencil please!
Beauty pencils take up almost no space in your makeup bag. Eyeliner, lip liner, blush, highlighter/contour, lip color - even foundation can be found in a stick! And there's the bonus that they aren't liquid, so no worries if you're flying!


Too-Faced Natural Matte Eye Shadow palette on a wooden surface

4) Palettes, palettes, palettes!
You can find palettes for just about every type of makeup product - eye shadow, blush, contour, lip, and more. I love eye shadow palettes for traveling. I take neutral colors like Too Faced Natural Matte Eye Shadow Collection. I can get a variety of looks while taking up very little space in my makeup bag (and it smells like coconut). With palettes you can use the colors as is or mix them to create your own custom shades. You can use them to fill in your brows, as eyeliner by applying with a dampened brush, and a shimmer/satin can double as a highlighter.


Multiple travel-sized beauty products lying on a fuzzy cream surface

5) Don't pack everything!
Yes, you heard me correctly - leave that stuff at home! If you know that you can easily buy a travel size of what you need once you arrive at your destination, don't pack those items. For instance, we always end up at Target, Walgreens, or a grocery store on our trips, so I know I'll be able to find essentials: toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream for Gus, etc. If we're staying somewhere that has a washer and dryer, I will buy small packages of Tide Pods or liquid Tide/Gain, too. If anything is almost empty before we leave (and I'm not planning to reuse the container), I pitch it. More room in the suitcase for fun purchases!


Do you have any packing tips? I would love to hear them - leave them in the comments or talk to me on Instagram or Snapchat!


Products seen in this post:
Too Faced HangoveRx 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray
Too Faced Natural Matte Eye Shadow Collection
Too Faced Borderline Anti-Feathering Lip Pencil
Living Proof Restore Shampoo
Living Proof Restore Conditioner
Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Living Proof Dry Shampoo
Aveda Cherry Almond Smoothing Shampoo
Aveda Cherry Almond Smoothing Conditioner
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
MAC Lip Pencil in Edge to Edge
Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner in Dolly Danger
Sephora 12hr Colorful Contour Eyeliner in 15 Flirting Game
Maybelline Brow Precise Micro Eyebrow Pencil Makeup
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Black


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Kim
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I love the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser from La Roche-Posay!

I love the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser from La Roche-Posay!


Have you read my latest morning and evening anti-aging skin care routines? If you have, then you know that one of the cleansers I've been using for the past several months is from La Roche-Posay. I want/need a cleanser that doesn't dry out my skin, clog my pores, cause breakouts, or irritate my sensitivities.

bottle of Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, blue washcloth, and grey konjac sponge sitting on a wooden surface

(This post may contain affiliate links which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You are free to use the links or not - if you do, I thank you!)

Their Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser has quickly become one of my favorite cleansers of all time. I just really love the way it makes my skin feel! It's so gentle and my skin feels soft and hydrated.

close-up of Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser on a grey konjac sponge, with a blue washcloth in the background

It's similar to CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser in that it contains ceramides and is a no-foam cleanser (and also in price). However, the Toleriane Cleanser has a creamier consistency and leaves my skin feeling softer and smoother than the CeraVe cleanser.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau (La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water), Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Propylene Glycol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polysorbate 60, Ceramide NP, Niacinamide, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol

bottle of Toleriane Hydrating Gentle cleanser on a floral background

Another thing I really like about this cleanser is that it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free, soap-free, and sulfate-free - making it perfect for my sensitive skin.

I dampen my face and apply one pump of the cleanser to my entire face and decollete using my hands. Then I leave it on my face for 2-3 minutes before rinsing away with a soft cloth and warm water. I use this cleanser every morning, and occasionally in the evening. If I use it in the evening, I always remove my makeup first.

bottle of Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, grey konjac sponge, and blue washcloth on a wooden surface

Since using it, I've had less dryness from the tretinoin, no breakouts or clogged pores, and it doesn't aggravate my rosacea. I'm so pleased with it that when I need more moisturizer, I plan to try the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. I think it's similar to the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer that I like, so I want to see how they compare.

pinnable image of Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser on a floral background

Have you tried the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser? What's your favorite cleanser for sensitive skin?

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Kim
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Aloe Vera and Rosacea

Aloe Vera and Rosacea


How many of you keep an aloe plant in your kitchen? Or use aloe vera gel on a sunburn? It stops the sting almost immediately, right? Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory healing properties, is hydrating and absorbs well. So it's not surprising that it's found in many skin care products.

aloe vera plant with an overlay that says "aloe vera and rosacea"

(This post is sponsored by Lexli. It may contain affiliate links which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You are free to use the links or not - if you do, I thank you!)

You may remember that earlier this year, I posted about being diagnosed with rosacea (subtype 2). This presented me with a whole new set of skin care concerns - as if being over-50 with sensitive, breakout-prone skin wasn't enough! After several months of only using skin care products approved by my dermatologist, I was apprehensive about reintroducing products and/or trying new ones. I've always been conscious of ingredients, but now I'm even more so because I don't want any flare-ups.

Aloe vera seemed like not only a "safe" ingredient for me but also one that could provide some much needed benefits to my skin.

bottle of Lexli aloe-based Tone and Balance Facial Toner sitting on a red chair

If you've seen my past skin care routines, then you know that I had been using a witch hazel toner after cleansing. It was one of the products I had to stop using with the rosacea flare-up, and I was concerned about adding it back into my routine. I considered just not using a toner at all, but I do like one, especially when I feel it's providing a benefit to my skin. Then I discovered Lexli Tone & Balance Aloe Vera Face Toner.

Lexli skin care products have a base of pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera. Pharmaceutical-grade aloe is 99.9% pure aloe, while cosmetic-grade aloe may only be 70% aloe. The toner also has silk amino acids (penetrates upper layer of skin and hydrates), soluble collagen (humectant), allantoin (skin protectant), and vitamin B5 (increases elasticity and regeneration, lessens scarring) - all of which are beneficial to skin. Unfortunately, it also contains fragrance. I would have preferred that it not have any added fragrance, but since it was listed as the last ingredient, I was hopeful that there wouldn't be a problem.

back label of a bottle of Lexli toner, showing directions for use and ingredient list

The ingredient list on the bottle (in photo above) shows the key ingredients. The complete ingredient list can be found on the Lexli website:
Organic, Pharmaceutical-Grade Aloe Vera, Purified Water, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate-20, Sorbitol, Silk Amino Acids, Soluble Collagen, Allantoin, Vitamin B5, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance

For the past two months, I've been spritzing it on my face and décolleté both morning and evening, right after cleansing. It is a clear liquid, and comes in a clear spray (pump) bottle. There is an herbal scent (it reminds me of a man's aftershave/cologne), but it dissipates quickly.

Right before I had back surgery in early July, I had a rosacea flare-up that left me with several hard red bumps on my cheeks. I think the stress from back pain and the upcoming surgery was the trigger. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for these types of bumps to go away completely. This time, I consistently used the Lexli toner twice daily, and within 2-3 weeks the bumps were gone. I credit the toner because it was the only different product in my routine.

Five different Lexli skincare products lying on a wooden table
Lexli products

The toner is offered in 3 sizes: 1 oz. travel size priced at $5.99, 4 oz. for $17.50, and 16 oz. for $65. I have the 4 oz. size, and after about two months of using it twice daily, there is still 2 oz. left.

I'm so pleased with the results that I've decided that I am definitely making this part of my skin care routine from now on. If you have sensitive skin, rosacea, or are just looking for a nice hydrating toner, I would recommend giving the Lexli Tone & Balance Aloe Vera Face Toner a try.

Be sure to check out my other posts about rosacea:
OTC Treatment for Rosacea Symptoms: Prosacea
Five Important Things I've Learned About Rosacea

pinnable infographic with a picture of an aloe vera plant an a pink and white heading that says "aloe vera and rosacea"

Do you use a toner? Which one works well for you?

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Kim
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