If you’re still grumbling about that hour of sleep we lost, remember what it really means... SPRING is just around the corner! And with it comes an extra hour of daylight, warmer weather and all the other good stuff we dream of all winter (happy hour here we come...)
With longer, warmer days ahead we can finally start shedding layers as we ready ourselves for skimpier clothes. Now is the time to purge your closet, clean up your beauty routine and detox your diet. But for me, one of my main complaints after winter is dull, dry skin. Luckily, I've got an arsenal of tricks up my sleeve to achieve an "effortless" glow. While it may not actually be effortless, at least you can claim it's natural! From home remedies to trustworthy, powerhouse products; many of these are achievable even if your travel schedule is as nutty as mine.
SNACK ON CARROTS
Vitamin A encourages cell turnover, so it is a powerful skin regenerator. Keep your skin fresh and even prevent acne by munching on plenty of vitamin A rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and spinach. Bonus points for this powerhouse vitamin for it’s immune system support benefits as well.
EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE
Dead skin and dirt build up are not helping your glowy-goals. Exfoliation is essential, and clean, textured washcloth will do the trick. However, simple rice flour is a home remedy dating back to Japanese geisha’s–arguably the women in history MOST concerned with bright complexions. Just combine a bit of the dust with water in your palm, then massage in circular motions a couple of times a week for a natural and effective scrub.
WHIP UP A DIY FACE MASK
Chances are, your fridge (and definitely your local health food store) will contain what you need for an natural DIY brightening mask. Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C, aloe vera gel works miracles on hyper-pigmentation and the lactic acid in yogurt has powerful bleaching properties.
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel (if you’re not blessed with an aloe plant in your windowsill, Lily of the Dessert sells a great one)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp plain unsweetened yogurt
HOW-TO
Mix all ingredients together and allow to dry on skin for at least 15-20 minutes or longer
To ensure your skin reacts well, try it first for just 5 minutes before increasing the time and frequency
You can keep this mixture in the fridge for a few days and keep applying regularly!
Want an extra boost? Here are 5 of my favorite trustworthy, powerhouse products that’ll have you radiant in no time!
KARYNG Broad Spectrum Complete Sunscreen SPF 50 $75
Complete all natural, broad spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays, plus an anti-aging powerfully packed tinted moisturizer and makeup primer all-in-one!
This all-around beauty secret, BE, stands for "better everything". Thanks to pumpkin seed extract, that includes healthier skin that starts from within.
Kate Sommerville ExfoliKate Scrub $85
This gentle scrub harnesses the magic of lactic acid and fruit enzymes to naturally dissolve dead skin cells. Plus honey & aloe to soothe & condition.
Take a cue from the mermaids... this luxurious two step, bi-weekly treatment speeds up the brightening process using La Mer's signature seaweed magic.
Sun spots, age spots, acne scarring and wrinkles be damned! Mulberry, licorice root and vitamins B3 and B5 come together to keep you looking younger than your years.
Vi Aesthetics - Derm Clear HQ Free $60
Safe for all skin types, and hydroquinone free so you can use this powerful skin lightener all year round.
PHOTO & WARDROBE
Rhode Resort
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Want the truth behind that effortless glow of a French girl? Find how how and why they pull it off, and the American horror story that may be making it harder for us in the United States…