Beauty Hacks

Lavender Fields in Sonoma, CA

i used to dream about being the vogue beauty editor in chief and I still personally love trying anything new. here are a few of my most favorite beauty hacks and products you can swap out if you’re trying to save some $$ (or if you’re feeling spendy)

Who does your brows? If you live in San Francisco and want perfectly done brows, we found your person! Usha on Union. She loves full brows and so do I. She threads (I used to only get waxed) but threading doesn’t hurt and take about 6 mins total. $20 including tip. Happy every single time. And you can just walk in, the longest I’ve ever waited was 15 mins.

I used to use Anastasia’s Brow Definer, it was $23 every 4 weeks or so. I didn’t mind because it was the best brow tool (in my opinion) on the market. Then I found the exact same brow definer but by Wet and Wild and it’s $2.99. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s still my favorite beauty find of all time. Blondie? Try their Taupe. I secretly purchase 2 at a time because I’m afraid that one day they will just disappear.

High/low favorite weekly clay masks to always keep on hand

I discovered May Lindstrom during a facial and left with the Problem Solver Mask. It’s a spicy, warming mask that detoxes with Fuller’s earth, heats with cinnamon and cayenne and bubbles up pre-application. I used it weekly and for $80/jar. Splurge but might become a favorite. You can feel it detoxing your skin.

The Aztec Mask is another great weekly clay mask. This one you can feel pulsating when it’s on your face. Mix with apple cider vinegar for the full detoxing effects. $10/jar

2 Concentrated Balms that Melt into Oils

May Lindstrom’s Blue Cocoon Melting concentrate is incredible and so soothing but it’s a bit pricy at $180/jar. I recently found Seriously Soothing Solid Serum by Acure that compares and is equally as luxurious feeling, melts on your skin and your skin drinks in all it’s goodness. Wake up feeling refreshed and with seriously smooth skin.

Do you have 10 seconds to do your eye makeup?

I am very simple and like easy M-Fri so applying eye shadow usually isn’t something I do. Until I found Kosa’s 10 Second Eye Shadow. Here’s a video of the colors and how to apply. But it’s pretty easy. Swipe the applicator across your lids, blend with your finger. For deeper pigment, swipe a few more times. I use Globe almost daily. $28/each

So, I love Acure. I recently have been trying their skin care and haircare and I’m pretty impressed. They’re a clean line, drug-store pricing and have a variety of products. Color treated hair? Our Greyback analytics gal shared this winner with me. The Unicorn Shimmer shampoo is great for color treated and isn’t drying (very hard to find with natural shampoos). Give’s Ultra-shine for color treated hair. With true unicorn root & sunflower seed extract you can’t beat the $11.99 price tag. (also sold at Wholefoods so you can test, smell, try the line)

love her or hate her, goop has some goodies

Gwyneth Paltrow’s beauty is undeniable and after trying her skincare Travel Set, all of her bath soaks I will say, this woman knows quality.

My absolute bath time favorite soak is now Goop’s G.Nite. The Australian sandalwood and lavender is intoxicating. Using 3 different types of salts, this bath will relax your body, ease stress and get you ready for bed. Warm up the tub and use about 3 cups, lay back for 20 minutes. $35/bag

or use this bath time hack:

Just use a few ingredients and get an amazingly calming, nighttime bath. Pour in 3 cups of epsom salts, 20 drops lavender and 20 drops sandalwood and get in. This is a more economical option so that you can detox, destress and get your body and mind ready for bed nightly.