June 2023

10 Amazing Beauty Products You Need to Know About

Keeping track of the latest and greatest from the beauty aisle can be a daunting task. It’s difficult and expensive to try out the latest products and even harder to make a break from a tried-and-true daily beauty regiment. So why not let us do the work for you? We’ve tracked down our newest favorites in the hair, makeup, and skincare departments to bring you a manageable list of products that we feel are totally worth the hype.

 

1. Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Restoring Cream, $99

This brand new cream fights the big three when it comes to aging: sagging, loss of resilience, and wrinkles. The technology comes from over seven years of dermal stem cell research translating into the best part – noticeable results in just one day!

10 Best Cleansers for Your Skin Type

I love trying new beauty and skin products — it has always been a passion of mine to share my finds from the best foundations, to moisturizers to hair products. Recently, I have been testing out facial cleansers for all skin types. Whether you want exfoliating, moisturizing, clarifying or all three, here are my favorites at every price point!

 

1. Cygalle Healing Spa Honey Oatmeal Cleansing Crème, $65
If you prefer luxury products with natural ingredients, this creamy formula is for you. Containing organic almond and jojoba oils, aloe and seabuckthorn to moisturize normal to dry skin, it promotes elasticity while cleansing but does not leave an oily residue. Plus, the scent is euphoric!

Ask Melissa: Best Face Moisturizers at Every Price Point

Question:
My skin feels so dry this winter and I’m looking to find a new face moisturizer that not only works well but also feels good on my skin and absorbs easily. I’m pretty sensitive to fragrances and don’t like anything too perfumey. What products do you recommend?

Answer:
I can totally relate as I have dry skin all year round and a very sensitive nose too! I’ve road tested so many facial moisturizers, and have come up with my “best of” list at all different price points. These moisturizers are top notch plus they have great anti-aging properties:

SK-II Skin Refining Treatment, BUY NOW, $150
SK-II has a special scientifically proven moisturizing ingredient called Pitera, made of a fermented yeast that produces a unique blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. This “secret key” (SK) ingredient was discovered in Japan at a sake brewery–the older people who worked there had mysteriously beautiful, age defied hands as a result of regularly immersing them in a similar fermented yeast mixture. I have been using this product for over ten years and really believe in it. The list of celebrity clients who use SK-II to keep their skin looking ageless is rather lengthy, and Cate Blanchett was a fan long before she became the brand’s ambassador.

vbeauté Buying Time Everyday Créme, BUY NOW, $135
Vbeauté is one of the best new skincare lines that was recently launched by Vogue It girl, stylish socialite and mom, Julie Macklowe. Teaming up with the top molecular biologists, Julie developed special formulas that include rare botanicals and focus heavily on preventing the onslaught of aging. The Everyday Créme is light but moisturizes intensely and can be used for day or night. The fragrance-free formula feels great on the face and is perfect for anyone who has sensitive skin looking to try a new “tried and true” anti-aging product.

Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Restoring Cream, BUY NOW, $98
A list of the best face creams wouldn’t be complete without Shiseido’s Bio-Performance. This pink hued formula in a tub boasts a patent-pending blend of ingredients which boosts skin elasticity and promotes moisture retention. It feels super luxurious on the skin and yet has impeccable firming capabilities all at the same time. I use it nightly and also before I do any outdoor activities like skiing or running- it’s great for preventing wind burn. This cream is like nothing I’ve ever used or felt before–it has a very special texture that is super nourishing on the skin!

Best Scrubs and Self-Tanners for the Face and Body

Summer is just around the corner and before you know it you’ll be showing more skin.  If your skin is still a shade of winter white, self-tanner is the safe answer to achieving a summer glow before you hit the beach or pool.  A smooth and natural application is easy to get at home if you exfoliate first.  Here are some of my recommendations for soft and beautifully bronzed skin.  All products tried and true!

Exfoliators for the body:


Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
This Brown Sugar Body Polish is an all-natural scrub made with real brown sugar crystals and natural humectants that rid your skin of dry skin cells while preventing future moisture loss. The scrub blends four natural oils that deeply moisturize and nourish the skin. I am a huge fan of this product and have been using it for years to keep my legs from looking like the skin of an alligator. One of the best scrubs on the market.
Buy Now, $38

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps ‘Soy Milk & Honey’ Body Polish
Nothing is sweeter than Milk and Honey, this scrub included.  Made of pure Honey and Soy Milk protein, this body exfoliator will help your skin feel it’s softest! Kiehl’s body polish is also infused with Shea and Jojoba Butters, Sweet Almond Oil, and Luffa Fruit for a nourishing effect.  It does not leave an oily residue on the skin so makes a great pre-tan scrub.  I am obsessed with the amazing scent!
Buy Now, $28
burts
Burt’s Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub
Burt’s Bees is becoming the go-to natural drugstore brand known for great ingredients like pomegranate.  This sugar scrub smells delectable and leaves your skin oh-so-smooth.  Really a two-in-one, there is no need to moisturize after use.
Buy Now, $12.99

For the face:
Remede Sweep
A celebrity favorite, this gentle facial scrub is made of 30% minerals, bentonite clay, and moisturizing agents that scrub dirt softly away while toning and moisturizing your skin.  It is extremely mild, treating your face with the utmost care.
Buy Now, $48

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub, Oil-Free
This facial scrub uses 100% Natural Green Tea to enhance your skin with Vitamins C and E and an abundant amount of anti-oxidants, which help prevent aging. The scrub also contains extracts from olive oil and olive leaves. Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, this Green Tea Scrub clears away breakouts and reduces irritating redness too.
Buy Now, $5.99

Self-tanners for the face and body:
I have a serious problem with self-tanning products that smell yucky.  The ones below not only give you the most natural-looking tans, but smell great too…REALLY!

Xen-Tan’s E! Live from the Red Carpet Perfect Blend
Other than a tan, nothing says summer more than a fresh scent –this tanner combines both with its sun-ready tone and summer sweet cucumber melon scent. What also makes it so special is that it has an adjustable dial that allows you to customize your tan from light to dark so even a self-tanning rookie can achieve a flawless application.  Xen-tan is a favorite of the royal maid of honor, Pipa Middleton as well as Giuliana Rancic.  I love this product big time, especially because it does not stain your clothing. Need I say more?
Buy Now, $4331TRWK4sdoL._SS400_

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Self-Tanning Emulsion
This self-tanner has a duel identity, moisturizing as it gradually darkens your skin-tone for a beach-ready bronze! If you don’t like applying self-tanners that are bronze colored because they can stain your clothes, this is the perfect product for you!  It is a clean white cream that is dermatologist-tested and meant for both your body and face.  Using it a few times a week will create the perfect sun-kissed skin.
Buy Now, $26

Melvita
This is the perfect self-tanner for fair-skinned tones and those of you who like or prefer using organic products.  Made with active extracts from Carob and Sugar, this organic tanning milk gives your skin a healthy and gradual tan. Safflower and Coconut oils soften the skin while the Buriti oils protect it from dehydration.

Sun Labs Self-Tanning Micro Mist
No need to get your hands dirty, this self-tanning spray let’s you apply the liquid evenly without ever having to rub it in. This product darkens your skin instantly, and works best after exfoliation.  I personally love the shade of this tan that is created by using it. The spray smells great and your golden glow will stand strong for 5-7 days after application.
Buy Now, $16


L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist
The new mist is amazing and similar to what you would achieve from getting a professional spray tan.  I like it because it’s super easy to get to those hard to reach places like your back.  No more tell tale white spots! The scent is very light and nice. Affordably priced too.
Buy Now, $10.49

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze
Another great drugstore find! This product is a clear gel and works very well on all skin types. The tan is bronze colored and very natural.  It is important to make sure that all spots are covered when applying including ankles and knees, inside of arms and back of legs. If you miss a spot, just fill it in with the spray mist product.
Buy Now, $10.49

Buy Shiseido Sun Protection Stick Foundation SPF 35

head-to-toe-sun-protection-shiseido-250

Buy Shiseido Sun Protection Stick Foundation SPF 35, $26, at sephora.com

  • Forms a barrier that defends against UVA and UVB rays
  • Key ingredients like antioxidant Thlotaurine and Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE help improve skin’s internal condition
  • Available in 3 shades, as well as translucent

Shop the Full Story:
Top Beauty Picks for Head-to-Toe Sun Protection