Valentines Beauty Essentials
My dad always said, “Valentines day is for amateurs.” While I agree with him and firmly believe romance should be spontaneous and consistent throughout the year, I find myself inspired by the extra emphasis on love & romance right now. After all you can never have too much romance in your life. So here’s my very first Valentines Beauty Essentials…
It’s time to play…we hear Madonnas Erotica while rolling around in our Agent Provocateur lingerie with our silky smooth skin and red lips. “Erotic…Erotic…Put your hands all over my body…Erotica…romance…” There’s nothing like being kissed all over so here’s your guide to irresistible skin…
I’ve recently been using Acure Organics ‘firming body lotion’ with lemongrass and argan oil. With the intense cold we’ve had in NYC, it’s been through the ultimate test and passed! Talking of Acure Organics I also love the fresh smelling ‘Cell Stimulating body wash’ again with argan oil. The smell is invigorating first thing in the morning after a night of love making. Another way to guarantee smooth skin is to use a body scrub. While on Boca Grande Island I discovered a true gem at the beautiful Gasparilla Inn called ‘WaterMelon-Basil Vodkatini body polish’ by FarmHouse Fresh. It combines square one brand organic vodka, basil and watermelon seed oils with sugar and rice bran oils. It smells and feels incredible (www.farmhousefreshgoods.com). A side note on scrubs, my two favorites for the face are Acure Organics ‘Brightening Facial Scrub’ and MyChelle ‘Fruit Enzyme Scrub’. As I’ve mentioned before massage works wonders for your skin tone and it’s the perfect appetizer to any romantic getaway. The Gasparilla Inn Spa is magnificent. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgable (www.the-Gasparilla-inn.com)
The best accessory is always glowing skin. I’m all about serums and oils as they penetrate deeper into the epidermis, therefore having more optimum results. Facial oils have perfect affinity with our skins cutaneous lipids and work to the core of the epidermis. These oils are rapidly absorbed by the skin. Serums are water based, containing vitamins and antioxidants. They penetrate further into the skin then moisturizers, thus making them extremely effective. The main reason to use a facial serum is to get added nutrients into the deeper layers of your skin, a regular moisturizer is simply unable to achieve this. They are meant to work in sync with each other (much like a good relationship really). A moisturizer protects on the outside and also enhances the effect of the serum or oil. My go to moisturizer is still ‘Honey Girl Organics Face and Eye cream’ it works as a barrier against the elements. My skin drinks it up and glows as a result. Argan oil has now become a staple in my skincare regimen; I love how it works for my skin and hair. Acure Organics ‘Moroccan Argan Oil’ is ideal for traveling. I must also mention their ‘Seriously Firming serum’ packed with an impressive ensemble of oils and it smells so fresh. I recently discovered a fabulous product while at Late Bloomer Farm (www.latebloomerfarm.com) that I have to mention as the owner was so gracious. This ‘Advanced Nightly Skin Repair’ by Ora’s Amazing Herbal also has an impressive ensemble of ingredients that work effortlessly together. This face oil serum got me through the bitter cold in Montreal recently.
Now that our skin is glowing let’s talk lipstick. I’m wearing Chanel Rouge Allure luminous intense lip color in ‘Coromandel’. Another favorite is the Opaque Rouge liquid lipstick in ‘Icon’ by Hourglass. These two reds are moisturizing and have staying power.
To finish the look this Valentines let’s create the ultimate cat eye, a la Brigitte Bardot. My latest discovery is ‘They’re Real Push-Up liner’ by Benefit. It works.
Remember the ultimate glow can not be brought, it comes from making love to the one that brings out the best in you…until next time beauty lovers. Shine bright like a diamond!
Www.acureorganics.com
Www.mychelle.com
Www.benefitcosmetics.com
Www.hourglasscosmetics.com
Www.honeygirlorganics.com
Www.agentprovocateur.com
Emma J is an actress and model based in NYC. Her agency is MMG model management and The Mary Anne Claro Talent Agency.
Photo credit to Lenka Drstakova.
Read all of Emma’s great posts here!
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I agree that it starts with glowing skin! 🙂 I need to add more serums into my routine.
I love the lipstick you’re wearing. And I agree, glowing skin is a must.
I’m in love with facial serums. They’ve made all the difference for me this winter
Skin care is the most important part of my beauty routine so I can appreciate your attention to it.
Skincare is so important especially as we age.
Face serums have been saving my dry skin!
Hello Destany, yes I am such a huge fan of serums. They are the rock stars of skincare.
Hi Kim, thanks for your comment. I’m wearing the Chanel lipstick as mentioned. It is a really beautiful shade of red. Cheers to glowing skin.
Hello Allison, yes I agree. I could not survive winter without facial serums!
Hello Aleya, thank you for your comment. It is much appreciated.
Hello Cindy, thanks for your comment. I’m all about prevention and you can never start too young.
Thank you for your comment and yes face serums have saved my skin too!
I can’t hit the sack w/o my serums. Imma vampire #foreveryoung , thanks to serums. lol
I love a good serum!
I agree! Nice skin is always the best accessory, and makes any makeup look even better.
Skin is always the most important component in my beauty routine.
YAY Emma! I’m insane for serums, they’ve really made a difference since I’ve added them in to my routine!
Chanel Rouge Allure just sounds all kinds of sexy. I love serums… must have them always!
I looove Chanel Rouge Allure! Great article with awesome tips.
Such an hourglass fan!
I’m a HUGE Hourglass fan!
I love the article
I’ve not heard of these brands but I agree with you on using a serum on your face before makeup applicaiton.
Hello Melody, I included the brand websites to make it easy to discover these fantastic skincare lines. Chanel is available at Chanel boutiques (and department stores) and Benefit and Hourglass are at Sephora. Acure Organics recently launched at Target so it’s everywhere! Have fun checking out something new…
Thank you so much Betzy!
Yes!! Me too, I just love everything Hourglass! Thank you for your comment.
I’m happy to hear that Stephanie. It is truly an outstanding line. I’m loving their primers too. Thank you for your comment.
Thank you so much for your kind words, it is greatly appreciated. From one Chanel Rouge Allure beauty to another…
Hello and thanks for your feedback. Yes cheers to serums! And check out Chanel Rouge Allure…tres sexy!
Hello Brooke, it is great to hear from you. Yes I agree, serums are a skinsaver. Thanks for your comment.
Hello Laura, thank you kindly for your comment.
Hello Anastasia, thank you for your comment. Yes I agree.
Hello Nidia, thank you for your comment.
Forever young! I’m singing that right now….thank you for your comment.
Thank you for your comment.
My integrity and commitment to the truth and standing behind products I genuinely love and that work for me is of the utmost importance. However, I recently spoke fondly of a product I can not endorse. After continuing to use the Benefit eyeliner called ‘They’re real push up liner’ I’m afraid the quality is NOT good and I can not recommend it. Stick with Hourglass!