Hello, Old Friend
Fads come and go. Here are three products you can always turn to.
We all need things we can count on. In our homes, wardrobes or beauty routines, it can be super fun to try new products, but we don’t always have the time, energy or money for a gamble. That’s when we pull out the tried and true, super dependable finds we’ve had for years and will never stray from. These are the items you reach for when you’re not up for experimenting. The days when you have a to-do list you need to get through without any surprises. You know how they’ll work, how they’ll make you feel and that’s enough to transcend any trend.
My picks this week have proven their worth through reliable performance. Call them Mr. (or Mrs.) Dependable. Thoughtfully designed, these are all good guys in a storm.
Now ready, steady, go.
1. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (£60 and up)
I first picked up a bottle of this award-winning, patented night serum from Estée Lauder while I was living in Japan and it was one of the first things I ever used that wowed me. You really get some instant gratification with this serum. The combo of Tripeptide-32 and hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin quickly while reducing the appearance of fine lines and brightening the complexion over time. I love that it’s also free of oils and synthetic fragrances—it just absorbs beautifully and keeps my skin soft and dewy all day (I use it in the morning). It’s a glow in a bottle.
2. Spanx Low Profile Minimizer Bra ($68)
There are a lot of cute bras out there. And a lot of them are uncomfortable. Or impractical. When I need something that will disappear under my clothing and give me the support I need without driving me crazy all day, this bra from Sara Blakely’s shapewear line is the one I go for. Made from breathable fabric with unlined cups, straps that are just thick enough and built-in side slings, this bra keeps everyone in place and actually helps your breasts protrude less, which makes clothing items like button-up shirts fit more easily and comfortably.
3. Le Creuset Stoneware (£14 and up)
We all know about Le Creuset’s iconic enameled cast iron casseroles. And I agree, they’re fabulous. But this 97-years-young Belgian brand has a less pricey category of products that also deserves a place on your shelf: their stoneware collection. Made from a blend of clays and beautifully glazed, these dishes are thermo and scratch resistant, which makes them perfect for baking and roasting. I like how the big handles make them easy to get into and out of the oven and they’re easy to clean without too much scrubbing or soaking. I have the rectangular dishes in multiple sizes.
It’s time you met … Yolanda Sessoms (aka Maven)
Finding the right person to help you take care of your skin is so important. While living in NYC, I had the pleasure of working with Maven at Rescue Spa and let me tell you, she worked some magic on this 30-something face. If you’re not able to see her in person, you can still benefit from all of her skincare wisdom virtually.
Describe your skincare philosophy in three words.
Skin is life.
Share your journey to becoming an esthetician.
Started with makeup … fell in love with perfecting the canvas before the paint.
What is one beauty product you can't live without and why?
Biologique Recherche P50 1970, for balance and exfoliation.
What makes you happy about the skincare industry right now?
The interest in skincare, starting with the young, and products for women of color are two of the main things that make me happy.
Which trend(s) do you wish would disappear?
The trend I hope would disappear is the vampire facial. Ugh.
Which foods/drinks do you recommend most for healthy skin?
Water, water, water. Dark green veggies (kale, spinach) and multivitamin supplements.
How can someone looking to improve their skin get the most out of working with an esthetician?
A session with an esthetician can put you on a direct path to treat your individual skin concerns and focuses. Skin assessment, skin regimen suggestions and professional treatment every four to six weeks decreases the potential of skin trauma and ensures skin health.
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