Skin Wins

Okay I’m not saying I’m an expert on skincare, but through trial and error, sampling this and that, and following the advice and suggestions of highly trained professionals, I’m currently using a skincare “cocktail” that’s in my opinion a big win. I’m 46 with combination skin (oily in my T-zone and dry most everywhere else) and the occasional blemish, but for the most part I would say my skin’s in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in, so of course I wanted to share in case you’re interested.

BOTOX

Certainly not necessary but if you want to just look a little fresher, a little more rested, a little more “ahhhh,” then hit the needle. I go to Brooke Nichol at Saving Face for Botox and fillers. She was voted one of the top 100 injectors in the country and I trust her implicitly. She takes an artistic yet conservative approach so the results are truly you, just a little better. Start with a consultation no matter where you go. Ask questions. Look at before and after photos in the office. Talk to friends who do it and whose results you like. Go easy at first; better to not do enough and go back for a touch up than to over do it and spend three months in misery. I stared Botox when I was 31 and the tv station I worked for switched to HD TV. I would go from Lubbock to Dallas to treat the lines across my forehead (one of which I had since 5th grade!) and my 11’s (the lines between my eyebrows) before adding my crows feet a few years ago. Since meeting Brooke a couple of years ago she has gently guided me into fillers for my tear troughs, my smile lines and cheek area. The result is a smooth, lifted look that still allows me to have plenty of expression. She is also known for her “ninja needles;” they’re so tiny you will barely feel a thing. Broke will numb you if necessary and on a personal note, she’s real and funny as hell. Between the tiny needles, her amazing staff and her fantastic disposition, you’ll be in and out before you know it.

Saving Face, 1201 Rio Grande St., Unit 100, Austin, TX, 78701, (512) 765-6123.

LOTION P50 1970

Y’all know I love Laurel Corrinne Studio for the sunless body blend. I have also received dermaplaning and CoolSculpting treatments under her expert hands. Laurel is not just someone I trust professionally, she’s also a friend. So when she told me I had to have the P50 1970 Face Lotion by Biologique Recherche my ears definitely perked up. This vitamin-enriched exfoliating lotion (feels more like a toner in my opinion) purifies, hydrates and tones to visibly improve common skin conditions such as whiteheads, blackheads and symptoms of rosacea. It’s strong and tingly so it’s important to increase your use gradually. Using a cotton pad gently pat it on your chest, neck and face. The first week dilute it with water and use it once a day, the second week use it at full strength once a day and after that use at full strength twice a day. Laurel told me the products I use after applying P50 would work 10 times better and I can certainly attest to that! All my favorite products (which you’ll read about shortly) have been SO much more effective. P50 also gives a brightening and glow like no other. It’s a game changer that will remain in my skin care arsenal. After seeing what it’s done for my face I can’t wait to try the body lotion!

Lotion P50 1970 available at Laurel Corrinne Studio, 1107 S 8th St., Austin, TX, 78704, (512) 799-1729

BEAUTYCOUNTER

It took me a while to try BeautyCounter. My friend Martha Lynn Kale talked to me about it but it was almost a year before I bit the bullet and signed on. I thought clean beauty wouldn’t work, that it would be wimpy and a waste of time. Boy was I wrong. I’ll say it again. I WAS WRONG! Since then I have thoroughly enjoyed many of the products but there are a few that stand out in a league of their own. The Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser is a face wash I can’t live without. I didn’t even think a face wash was that big a deal, but a few uses of this with it’s tiny little exfoliating beads and gentle fluffy foam left my skin so clean and so invigorated, I never looked back. Bonus points for the yummy citrus scent. The Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream and Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream are nothing short of luxurious at a fraction of the cost of the eye cream and moisturizer I used to spend a fortune on. Easily the best eye cream I’ve used, it’s ideal for keeping that delicate skin hydrated and bright while reducing the look of fine lines. The Supreme Cream is often compared to La Mer and with good reason. Rich and concentrated, it’s like a mini spa session for my face every time I use it. Without a doubt though, every time someone asks me where to start with BeautyCounter, I always say the Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel and the All Bright Vitamin C Serum or the No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil. The Overnight Resurfacing Peel has me waking to a fresh canvas every morning. I’m amazed at what it can do overnight tightening and virtually re-doing my face. Over time the effects get more and more fantastic. I started with the No. 1 Brightening Oil during the day and I’m still a huge fan of the glow and the fresh scent. Within the last year I switched to the All Bright Serum and have been amazed at the effects of the turmeric and extra vitamin C for a bright, healthy glow that comes on fast. The peel and either the serum or the oil together are SUCH a dynamic duo. Put them on after the P50 Lotion from Laurel? You won’ even believe how good your skin will look and feel!

Shop BeautyCounter here.

H2O

I only thought I drank a lot of water until my friend Houston Ward showed up with the biggest ass water bottle I had ever laid eyes on when she was a guest on the lifestyle show I host. Houston is a fantastic makeup artist and skin care guru. It makes sense that hydrated skin is healthy skin and that makeup would only go on better. Houston’s water intake of 116 ounces a day using this massive bottle nestled in the back of my brain. The I saw my good friends Kati and Emily on Instagram with their big ass bottles. I was sold. And now I’m chugging from 7am to 9pm every day and my skin is already light years ahead of what it was just a few weeks ago!

Big Ass Water Bottle (that’ my name for it, not the official name) linked here.

Contact Houston here. She’ll probably show up with her big ass water bottle and then you’ll want one too.