Face First

"Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty." – Coco Chanel

One thing my Grandmother always taught me was to take care of my skin, especially my face. The proper skincare routine is essential, and today I'm sharing mine. I've experimented with a few products over the years, and luckily I've found the perfect regimen for my face.

  1. Having a healthy diet is key. I didn't realize it in my teenage years, but what I ate literally determine how healthy my skin was. Once I cut out dairy (well, kinda - cheese is one of my loves), and soda, my face magically cleared. Also, I stopped eating a lot of processed foods, switched up my diet to include more fresh ingredients - this was an absolute lifesaver for my skin.
  2. Drink plenty of water. Water is so important, and it's pretty much all that I drink - except for my wine! When I was college and living my best life at my favorite bars, my skin took a nose dive. Alcohol can totally ruin your skin, especially if it's not quality liquor. I have cut out soda and juices completely, and my skin is much better for it.
  3. Setup a routine that's best for your skin. Having a consistent skincare routine, helps train your face. I use certain products depending on the season, and time of day. I've found when I constantly switching products my face would freak out. Also, I don't wear makeup at all! I used to wear it quite a bit, and my face typically didn't respond well to it. Now, I may wear a full face of makeup once or twice a year, for a super special event. When I do wear makeup I hire the best makeup artist, Wil Strayhorn - he's top notch and uses the best products!

Cleanse

  • The items I use to clean my face is the FOREO LUNA, Noxema, and Philosophy face wash. I was a Clarisonic user for years, but when my MIA died on me, I switched over to the FOREO device, and haven't looked back since. I love the fact that it can go months without being charged, and no longer do I have to purchase replacement heads like the Clarisonic. Also, I use the device with my Purity face wash by Philosophy. I typically use the Philosophy cleanser during the warmer months, and use Noxema during the cooler season. The Noxema cleanser is nice and creamy, and provides extra nourishment to my face when the weather is much more harsh. It provides a deep clean as well, it's been my favorite since I was a teenager!

Moisturize

  • Moisturizing is super essential in ensuring your face gets the proper protection it needs. My esthetician recommend Rhonda Allison's Aloe Matte Moisturizer for my sensitive skin, and I absolutely love it. It's lightweight, smells amazing and super gentle. I use this item during the day, and Philosophy's Renewed Hope in a Jar in the evening. It is thicker, and creamy - perfect for my nighttime routine. 

Repair

  • In high school and college I dealt with the typical acne that everyone is burdened with. As, I got older, I discovered some amazing items that cleared up those acne scars - thanks to my Mom! Palmer's has been a saving grace, especially their Coconut Oil formula, it helped eliminate my scarring, and has made my face super soft. BioOil has also helped with my blemishes, this formula is a bit more pricey but it really works! I use these serums at nighttime and not during the day, since these products are a bit more oily.

What products do you use to keep your face in tip top shape?

XO, Analise

Perfect Perfume

"A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting." - Christian Dior

One of my favorite things is a new bottle of perfume. Over the years I've curated a small collection, and love adding to it throughout the year.

Today, I am sharing my new fragrances from my collection.

Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Sueded Cologne - This fragrance is simply amazing. The notes of peonies, red apple, jasmine, rose and gillyflower, wonderfully blend together over the blush suede. I adore this scent and think it is the perfect compliment to any woman wearing it.

kai Rose Eau de Parfum - I've featured kai before on my previous post entitled Signature Scents, but this one is a stunner. kai released a rose perfume and I absolutely love it. Roses are one of my favorite flowers, and this fragrance nails it right on the head. Also, kai has a parfum oil too!

Lollia BREATHE Eau de Parfum - I lucked out and found the fragrance, at a local shop I frequent in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The boutique let me try out the scent, and I immediately fell in love with it. I grabbed a bottle and didn't look back! This fragrance has notes of peony & white lily. It is light but lasts all day and absolutely smells amazing. It's one of the best sellers from Lollia, and it is a total show stopper.

elizabethW Vetiver Eau de Parfum - I fell in love this fragrance because of my Grandmother. She was wearing it one day and I absolutely adored it. So, she gifted me this perfume one year for Christmas, and it is the best. This fragrance encompasses heavy vetiver while balanced with light citrus tones and hints of bergamot. It's simply wonderful and one of my favorites for more reasons than one.

Chloé Nomade Eau de Parfum - Chloé is one of my favorite brands for perfume. I wore the Love Story scent on my wedding day, and was anxious to get another fragrance from this brand. Nomade is amazing and has notes of oakmoss, mirabelle plum, and freesia. Also, it is a unisex fragrance, and is so unqiue!

Have you added any new fragrances to your collection? If so, which ones?

XO, Analise