Skincare Sunday : A few of my favorites from Avène, Kiehl's, and Tatcha

         If there's one thing I've learned this quarter, it's that six hours of sleep and chronic coffee consumption does not healthy skin make! Thanks to a busy-bee schedule (and allergy season on its way), my skin's been through some ups and downs. Due to the aforementioned circumstances and the ingredient-sensitive nature of my skin, optimizing my skincare routine can be a challenge! Thankfully, I've managed to accumulate a handful of skincare products that seem to work well for me --- and thought it would be fun to share them with you today!

1. Avène Crème peaux intolerantes
What would I do without Avene? This cream has been my go-to for when I want to put only the gentlest, simplest ingredients on. Additionally, it has special packaging that allows it to be preservative free. (I like to think of this cream as very hypoallergenic, even among hypoallergenic creams!)

2. Avene Cleanance cleanser
This has been my holy grail cleanser for a few years now. The gel formula gives a deep clean without drying (or using salicylic acids which I can be sensitive to). Plus, I love the gentle thermal water scent!

3. Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating cream and eye balm (click for review)
I'll admit it: I'm fond of the sea-glass green jars. Aside from the aesthetics, I've been having good luck with the Rosa Arctica formula on my skin thus far. The ingredient list is a bit more extensive than with Avène products, but it works well for me when my skin is relatively calm and on the dry side. I like the thicker, somewhat balmy feel, and how well it locks in moisture.

4. Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (click for review)
Like a number of people with 'ethnic' skin, I tend to scar and develop hyperpigmentation quite easily. Vitamin C products tend to work really well for me when it comes to evening out my skintone over time. I acquired a brand new bottle of Kiehl's Vitamin C concentrate and have been loving it thus far!

5. Tatcha Indigo Soothing Renewal Treatment (click for review)
This is a new discovery of mine, thanks to Tatcha. I like to use this as a calming night-time treatment for when my skin is under some duress. I'm still tickled by the indigo-tinted formula and the gorgeous packaging!

         Thanks for reading! What skincare products have you been loving lately? Have you tried anything from Avène, Kiehl's, or Tatcha?

Love, Dovey.

A few of my favorite things - 2013 edition

          In addition to raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, there are a handful of things I found to be especially delightful in 2013! After spending a good long while pondering on the beauty, perfume, and skincare products I've used this past year, I've compiled a list of the ones that really came through for me in a big way. Without further ado, I'm excited to present A few of my favorite things (thirteen to be exact) from 2013!

1. Harper's Bazaar Sarah Jessica Parker
My favorite part of receiving new glossies are seeing the covers; they really set the tone for the entire magazine! My favorite cover this year had to be SJP on the cover of Harper's Bazaar (though the Southwest cover came close). I surmise the headdress was a nod to her attire at the Punk-themed Met Gala this year, which was one of my favorite fashion moments of 2013!

2. NARS Larger Than Life eyeliners
Though I've recently reverted back to my liquid liner ways, the NARS Larger Than Life pencils were my major workhorses this year, especially Via Appia and Via de Martelli (reviewed here). They have great lasting power, however they do tend to dry/tug over time. It was a worthwhile tradeoff for busy days without much me-time!

3. Hermes Jour d' Hermes perfume

This, hands down, has to be my favorite personal perfume purchase of the year. This ethereal lemon-y green bouquet has serious signature scent potential (good thing I got the 2.9 oz bottle!). I've become quite the Hermès fragrance devotee. I can't wait to see what Jean Claude Ellena whips up this year!

I love, love, love Hermès perfumes, especially Jour de Hermès!

4. Books by Jean Claude Ellena (in-house perfumer at Hermès)
I remember the first time I saw JCL speak on a BBC perfume clip. It was before I even knew who he was or had ever caught a whiff of his work. His scientifically exacting, yet artistically oriented approach to perfume left a lasting impression on me. I've been thumbing through a few perfume reads this year (see here for my recs), and I have to say those that I enjoyed most were his Perfume: The Alchemy of Scent and Diary of a Nose. The former is a bit dry and technical, while the latter has more of a diary format. While I personally loved them, I should mention that they'd probably appeal more to folks who prefer scientific structure over well-woven narratives.

5. CHANEL Lipsticks
This year, my heart was with CHANEL Beauté. The two carefully curated colors I added to my collection were  CHANEL Radieuse (reviewed here) and CHANEL Indécise (reviewed here). There's nothing like a great basic lippie to add new life to your routine!

6. Butter London Nail Foundation and Hardwear Topcoat

These two should get props for being the only press samples that made it into my list! Even after my initial review of Butter London Nail Foundation and Hardwear Topcoat, I found myself reaching for them time and time again. They dry quickly and are easy to use. The generous sizes (they're larger than Butter London's polishes) were really nice too.


8. ghd 1" straightener (not pictured, but still a favorite!)
The truth about naturally wavy hair: it's overrated. With careful styling it might look great for a minute, before devolving into a frizzy mess (and then the dreaded triangle-head). Last year, I went for a more 'natural-to-me' effect with a few passes of a curling iron to tame the frizz. This year, I went for simply straight, and I couldn't be happier. My ghd is so easy to use and has quite literally made every day a good hair day. I think straight fits my minimalist aesthetic better, anyway.

CHANEL compacts aren't supposed to separate into two pieces (but I still love mine anyway)!

7. CHANEL Perfection Lumière foundations
As you can see, I loved my CHANEL Double Perfection Lumière compact to pieces, quite literally. While I can't say much for durability of packaging, the stuff inside was great; I used it every day for months! I recently restocked with CHANEL Perfection Lumière (reviewed here), the liquid foundation, which I'm already loving again. It's been a CHANEL foundation year for me, as I've found it's the only brand that doesn't irritate my super-sensitive skin.

9. MAC customizable palettes
I was ecstatic when MAC came to its senses and reduced the exorbitantly expensive prices on their new customizable palettes. They're bulky, but I like the see-through window so I can view all the colors within. I really rediscovered my love for MAC eyeshadows this year. I'm very particular about my color combinations, so I've realized that premade quads aren't for me. I love the versatility that MAC custom quads provide.

I've filled my new MAC 15-pan with my MAC neutrals. I need to pick up another one for my brights!

10. Aquaphor (not pictured, but still a favorite!)
I learned about this gem from working in clinics. It's a skincare staple for those with eczema and truly sensitive skin. As someone who fits squarely in that category, I carry around a tube at all times. It's great on lips and hands, and shines pretty much anytime your skin needs a strong barrier against the elements (think Chicago winter).

11. McDonald's Despicable Me2 toys
Just too cute. Loved the movie and had to get my own minions.

12. Clarisonic Mia2 in Peony
I actually got my Clarisonic Mia 2 a while ago, back when it was a relatively new model. However, I didn't end up using it much until this year. Once I discovered how sensitive my skin was to even simple skincare products, I cut back as much as possible, including on scrubs and exfoliants. I've been relying on Clarisonic instead, and I've been quite pleased with the results!

Who can't use a minion or two...?

13. Avène Cleanance cleanser
I've mentioned once or twice (probably more) how much I love Avène products, especially the Avène Cleanance Cleanser (reviewed here). I make it a point to pick up a little Avène whenever I'm in NYC. (It's available in Chicago too, but to a more limited extent). The French skincare brand is a lifesaver for those with a list of ingredient sensitivities like me.

          I hope you enjoyed the year's list of A few of my favorite things. I feel like I've settled into a good routine to start off the year --- but there are always new products to be tried and improvements to be made. I'm looking forward to seeing what makes it into my A few of my favorite things series at the end of 2014!

         Thanks for reading! Did we have any favorites in common? What brands or products did you love this year? Do you have any product recs for me?

Love, Dovey.

Snapshot of a small haul

        On Saturday, I took a whirl around town and picked up a few things for myself. I'm not an impulse shopper when it comes to makeup or skincare, so these three things were more or less what I planned on getting. My beloved LUSH Seanik Shampoo bar (see review here) is nearly finished, so I had to get a new bar. I decided to be a little 'adventurous' this time and go for LUSH Jumping Juniper instead. My medium sized bottle of Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water was 2/3 finished, so I picked up the large size this time at Look Bar / Walgreens. Since I've had so much success with other products from the Cleanance Line, I decided to try Avene Cleanance Toner. All three items may seem basic and very vanilla, however I find considerable satisfaction in knowing each one will get a lot of love. Thanks for reading! Have you stocked up on any old favorites recently?

Love, Dovey.

Camping checklist

          This weekend I'm headed off to go camping near Cuyahoga National Park and thought I'd briefly share the makeup I'm taking with me. I'm trying to pack light since this may only be an overnight trip. In terms of skin and hair care I'm bringing the following products. LUSH No Drought dry shampoo is going to be key! After one day my hair gets so oily, so I need this stuff to look fresh. My mini size Philosophy Purity is always my travel companion due to its size and how much I like the product. I'm bringing Avene Cleanance, which is a light and simple moisturizer and LUSH Enchanted Eye Cream for my eyes. Palmer's Cocoa Butter stick* is always handy and light so that's coming too. It's not too much stuff, right? Right?

          The Simply Vera eyeshadow duo in 404 has been my go-to color for the past few days. It's small, light, and looks beautiful when worn. I'm going to use Benefit Browzings as my brow powder since it comes with little tools that are annoying to use on a regular basis, but good for temporary travel. I've become fond of using MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow in 2E as a thick, smudgy, and very pigmented eyeliner. You've seen Laura Mercier blush in Peach Whisper numerous times this month already. I'm all about matte peach blushes right now. I'm torn as to whether I should subject my NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Santa Fe to the heat of outdoor weather; however it does give me the best look for photos. 3Lab BB Cream* is more practical and has SPF, but it is a little light for my current skin tone. I might layer it underneath. 

          Hopefully this trip will be a success! What are you up to this weekend?

Love, Dovey

 *Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.    

My skincare routine

          My skincare routine is constantly evolving. It's difficult to figure what works since the effects are often slow to show. I've picked up a few things here and there by reading reviews from bloggers with similar sounding skin to mine, so I thought it might be helpful to share my current skincare routine.  In general, I have combination skin. My T-zone is especially oily in the summer, but normal in the winter. My skin is sensitive to a number of makeup and skincare products and often gets irritated or breaks out in small bumps along my cheeks or forehead if its not happy. In this post, I've listed my current favorite skincare products and how I use them. Enjoy!

1. St. Ives Green Tea Scrub -This is my current favorite exfoliator (and I have many). I use it daily, usually in the shower. Exfoliating is so important for my skin; it removes excess dead skin that can harbor acne causing bacteria and helps skincare ingredients penetrate better. St. Ives Green Tea scrub has many small size grains (similar to Philosphy) and a pleasant smell. It's on the more aggressive end of my exfoliators and has salicylic acid for skin turnover.

2. Avene Cleanance Soapless gel cleanser -  This has replaced Philosophy Purity as my favorite facial cleanser. It foams only slightly, but massages around the face easily. I only need a very small amount each time so the bottle will last a long time. Somehow this Cleanance cleanser gives me the deep clean feeling I need while being gentle and non-irritating. I think I can actually tell the difference if I stop using this cleanser which really surprised me. I also find the thermal water scent relaxing.

Note: I haven't listed a makeup remover here since I'm still working on a favorite. However, it's a key step!  Even the best face washes might not be good enough to break down the last traces of foundation. 

3. Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax hand creme - I apply to the back of my hands once in the morning and once at night. I've gone through a number of tubs in the past. This winter I thought I could get by with regular lotion, however that caused me to have dry and dusky hands all season long. Burt's Bees beeswax is the only thing that can save my dry hands when they're chapped. I even recall receiving a compliment on the quality of my hands one winter thanks to this.

4. Kirkland Borghese Intensive Eye Serum - This was a great find; it's cost effective and convenient. I use this serum both in the morning and at night. It's a serum, but it has a really thick (as opposed to runny) consistency that is almost cream-like. It's a bit lighter than your typical eye cream, but I like that since I have young eyes that do have some natural oil this is better for me. I even apply it to my lids during the day without worrying that my shadow will run. The pump dispenser is really practical and makes my routine much faster and more hygienic than digging into a tub. My eye area does seem to have improved. I think it's partially due to the product, and partially due to my daily consistency thanks to ease of use. Also, this is paraben free.

5. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - I use this only as spot treatment for breakouts and it does work to reduce acne size. It contains benzoyl peroxide which is a drying acne medication. I think you are supposed to use it all over the face, however it might be too harsh for me to do that at this point.

6. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum - I try to use this nightly. A while back I had a sample and used it every day just to use the thing up. However, I noticed that the serum cleared up some breakouts and discoloration over time. This is a pricey product that I believe works.

7. Avalon Organics Vitamin C facial serum - I use this daily under facial cream, and sometimes alone. This is a product that seems balance my skin. If my skin is being really irate, I'll just wear this alone to avoid potential unknown irritants in other products. It has a brightening effect, which I'll guess may be from the acidity of Vitamin C. I've used up a few bottles of this and will keep using it.

8. Avalon Organics Vitamin C facial creme - This is my current day and night moisturizer. You might have noticed that I've simplified my day and night to be similar. It's partially for convenience and partially so I can identify what products actually are working/notworking for my sensitive skin. Since I do have some oil on my skin, I don't really need a heavy duty night creme at this point in time.  The Avalon Organics Vitamin C facial creme is a new product for me. It's thicker and almost waxier than a normal cream. I pick up some with my fingers, warm it slightly, and pat it on. It's not really easy to smear. I like that it's not oily, yet I feel like it gives a waxy(?) barrier to keep my skin from drying out. I'm not sure if it's love, but it's ok so far. I like the shorter ingredient list and that it's paraben free.

Note: I haven't found a facial cream that I really love yet. I've tried numerous department store samples and nothing really made an impression, save for Clinique's gel lotion which made my skin red and irritated, and a 'youth regenerating' cream that seemed to age my skin. Lately, I've been exploring drugstore options.

9. LUSH Tea Tree water toner - I use this as toner immediately after washing my face and sometimes randomly during the day if I'm at home. The tea tree oil and other herbs are supposed to be good for oily or breakout prone skin. I'm not sure it works, but the smell and feel is refreshing. The spray is also convenient if I'm not in the mood to properly wipe toner all over my face (which I should).

10. Vaseline-  My lips have been unbelievably chapped and Vaseline is the only thing that seems to fix that. I apply a light layer in the morning and at night. I know petroleum isn't supposed to be good for you, but I haven't found an effective alternative yet. It's on my list of things to do.

        Thanks for reading about the products in my current skincare routine! Have you tried any of these? Do you have any skincare must-haves or recommendations?

Love, Dovey.

New York City drugstore haul

        You know you're in New York City when you see a duane reade pharmacy on every block. On Mr. Lovey's last trip to Manhattan, I asked him to pick up a couple French skincare products. Avene and La Roche Posay might be commonplace on New York shelves, but they're largely absent elsewhere in the U.S. I decided to start with Avene Eu Thermale Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser and La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne treatment. I'll share some initial impressions below.

           Avene's products are based on a thermal spring water. The silicates and trace elements are thought to benefit the skin. According to their site, the thermal water is directly connected to the manufacturing center; the first time the water 'sees the light is when it touches your skin'. So far I'm enjoying my Avene Cleanance Soapless gel cleanser. It's not sudsy, but a small drop can be spread easily over my face. My face feels quite clean afterwards. The cleanser is scented lightly with what I imagine to be a thermal spring smell. If you've visited Yellowstone or other springs you might be familiar with the warm sulfur scent these pools emit. Incidentally, sulfur has antibacterial properties which I surmise could be a mechanism behind Avene's effects on skin.

The Black Pool: a thermal spring in Yellowstone

          La Roche Posay is a part of L'Oreal's portfolio. La Roche Posay Effaclar duo is a benzoyl peroxide based acne treatment (as opposed to salicylic acid or retinoids). I've saw such good reviews that I had to try it for myself. After eating too much chocolate recently, I've had to battle with some breakouts. I'm hoping the effaclar duo can help. I've used it for a few days and it hasn't had a magical skin clearing effect yet. It may have gotten rid of larger breakouts, but I still have really tiny bumps on my skin; I can't tell whether they're a reaction to the product or whether they're blemishes that have been shrunken in their tracks. I'll report back when I know more!

           It's too early to declare whether my new skincare goodies work, but I'm excited to use them. I particularly love the scent, feel, and packaging of my new Avene cleanser. If these warm feelings continue, I'm sure I'll find myself back at the display to pick up a few more things.

          Thanks for reading! Have you tried Avene or La Roche Posay? Does your drugstore stock them? Are there any brands that are exclusive to your region or city?

Love, Dovey.


P.S. Drugstore and drugstore display photo credit: Mr. Lovey

Note for cruelty-free beauty lovers: It is worth noting that L'Oreal  is not cruelty free (what a shame). If it weren't for that, I'd be singing their praises. I really hope that one day this will change.