Favorite Find Friday

Favorite Find Friday: BeautyRx Skincare by Dr. Schultz Daily Exfoliating Therapy Serum

Newsflash: Not all beauty editors have perfect skin. You can trust me when I tell you I actually have problematic skin. Some people brush this off to me being dramatic or exaggeratory, but really, I have a pretty serious case of cystic acne and some serious skills when it comes to covering it all up (even my derm was fooled when I walked in for acne treatment). I’ve tried everything under the sun, and I mean everything, from spot treatments, to 3-step systems, even kitchen remedies—you name it, I’ve tried it. Topically, nothing has really worked that well for me until I started using BeautyRx Skincare by Dr. Schultz.  I’ve only been using the products for two weeks and am already seeing a major improvement. My blemishes are cleared (and no new ones are threatening to pop up), my pores are smaller and my complexion has a new-found glow thanks to the Daily Exfoliating Serum ($65, beautyrx.com). It’s an 8% glycolic exfoliant that helps unclog pores and brighten dull looking skin. I apply three drops all over my face before bed and wake up to a fresher and clearer complexion (and one step closer to finally having my dream skin).


Favorite Find Friday: First Aid Beauty Dual Repair Face Cream

The weather in New York City has been pretty unpredictable lately—a nor’easter one week; sunny the next. Sudden changes in temperature and humidity (or Nemo!) pretty much wreak havoc on my skin and leave it looking dry and dull until I slathered on First Aid Beauty Dual Repair Face Cream ($44, firstaidbeauty.com). I massaged it into my tight skin before bed and instantly felt more hydrated. When I woke up, my skin looked dewy and even. The texture, which helps to strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier, feels like a gel-like cream—super light and fast-absorbing—a must-have for the rest of this crazy-weathered winter!


Favorite Find Friday: The Beauty Department’s V-Day Makeup Picks

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, there’s no better time to get all romantic and wear the most classic color in the beauty world: red (obvi). From sheer cherry to true red to vampy oxblood, there’s a shade for everyone. Here, three sexy ways to wear it.

On your lips for day:
Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Mightiest Maraschino ($16, clinique.com)
“After trying red after red, this one is now my favorite go-to red lipstick. The juicy cherry color—it’s the perfect combo of red and pink—pops against my ivory skin tone. The subtle shine makes it feel fresh and less severe than a matte lipstick. Plus, the hydrating formula keeps my lips feeling soft all day—very kissable!”
-Molly Ritterbeck, associate beauty editor

On your lips for night:
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8hr Lip Gloss in Cherry Flash ($10, lorealparis.com)
“I usually stay away from red because it can be a little tricky to pull off, but this sheer gloss makes it so easy. It’s so long-lasting—perfect for long nights when re-applying is not always convenient. The vibrant color stays true and leaves my lips looking full and shiny.”
-Jessica Carter, beauty intern

On your nails:
Kevyn Aucoin The Nail Lacquer in Blood Roses ($26, Barney’s stores)
“I was never a huge fan of red nails until I swiped on this deep berry plum polish. It has a black base so it’s a little grungier than most red shades. I wear two coats of it on short, squoval nails and feel instantly chic.”
-Heather Muir, beauty director


Favorite Find Friday: Laura Mercier Stickgloss Lipcolor in Brown Sugar

I love a good nude lip so I was thrilled to discover Laura Mercier Stickgloss Lip Color ($22, lauramercier.com). It’s the perfect combo of a lipgloss and lipstick in one. My favorite shade is Brown Sugar: a subtle neutral color with a hint of pink shimmer. The formula glides on smoothly and the creamy texture hydrates my lips. I wear it every day—it complements any makeup look.

—Jessica Carter, beauty intern



Favorite Find Friday: EOS Moisturizing Shaving Cream

Shaving cream isn’t really something I put much thought into. I usually just use whatever I have in the shower, even if that means using hair conditioner or even soap (don’t tell!). But when I recently used EOS Moisturizing Shaving Cream ($4, store.evolutionofsmooth.com) I was instantly hooked. The formula comes out rich and creamy and creates a whipped-like lather. It was so hydrating, I didn’t even need to use a body lotion afterwards—my legs felt so smooth and silky, even my boyfriend noticed the difference!


Favorite Find Friday: Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow Single in Shimmering Taupe

I usually opt for shimmery nude shadows for my everyday look—they’re subtle yet they still highlight and define my eyes. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Shimmering Taupe ($19, elizabetharden.com) is a perfect go-to shade. The gray-brown color coordinates with nearly every blush and lipcolor combo imaginable and the soft pearlescent finish has just the right amount of sophisticated sparkle. I use it all over my lids, or along my crease to add depth to my look.


Favorite Find Friday: ChapStick Sport Ready

I’ll admit it: I’m a self-declared lip balm addict. I need one in my purse at all times. This week, I somehow misplaced one of my many tubes (talk about traumatic!) so I ran to the beauty closet for a last-minute replacement and came across ChapStick Sport Ready ($3, drugstore.com). Not only did it immediately hydrate my tight, dry lips, but I also fell in love with the subtle, lemon-y scent. The convenient clip attached to the cap makes it perfect for athletes or anyone on the go since it allows for easy, one-hand application. Plus, it’s perfect for all seasons (think: clipping it on your gear while speeding down the slopes or attaching it your bag before heading to the beach.) Its water resistant formula with SPF 30 protects lips no matter where you are or what you’re doing. I’m going to put some on right now…


Favorite Find Friday: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden

I stumbled across this eye makeup gem while perusing how-to makeup YouTube videos. No matter who I was watching, from young girls to seasoned pros, nearly everyone seemed to be using this shadow primer, so I had to try it. I did, and I haven’t stopped using it since. It sounds dramatic to say that the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden ($20, urbandecay.com) can change your life but it comes pretty darn close! It transforms any shadow into a super long-wear, totally crease-free color. I put it on in the morning—yes, it’s an extra, but worth it, step—and my makeup doesn’t budge all day. I tap it on my lids and up to the brow bone until I feel it dry down to a matte finish then I layer over my regular eye shadow. I’ve even started using it under my eyes as well to help hold my concealer in place.


Favorite Find Friday: GoSmile Double Action Whitening System

GoSmile Ampoules

Thanks to three of my favorite things — red wine, beer, and coffee — my teeth haven’t been as pearly white as usual. But I don’t have the patience for whitening strips, so I opted for GoSmile…their little ampoules are about the size of a pencil eraser and I loved pretending I was “erasing” the stains from my teeth!

Within just a few days (seriously, like, three days) I already felt more prepared to face the photographer at a wedding I was attending. Even better: GoSmile has toothpaste to keep my teeth white and “touch-up” ampoules that I can use for immediately after I indulge in a glass of Malbec.

Cheers to a brighter, whiter holiday season!


Favorite Find Friday: Matrix Biolage ExquisiteOil Shampoo and Conditioner

I’m a big fan of Matrix hair products (they smell fresh but subtle!) and usually rely on their Biolage Volumathérapie shampoo and conditioner ($15, $16, biolage.com for salons) to give my long hair extra lift. But I also believe in switching up your shampoo and conditioner every now and then, so when mine recently ran low, I decided to try one of Matrix’s latest formulas, Biolage ExquisiteOil Micro-Oil Shampoo and Oil Crème Conditioner ($17, $18, biolage.com for salons). Both contain moringa oil, which is packed with antioxidants to protect hair from damage and fatty acids to coat each strand with moisture. My hair looks and feels shiny and silky—and surprisingly, the oils didn’t weigh it down. Bottom line: I can’t stop touching it!