It shocked me to discover that the Winter Blahs are a phenomenon not solely confined to areas with crazy cold or deep snow. Nope, I actually found my California self feeling sort of down in the dumps for no apparent reason last week. It probably didn’t help that I’d just left summer-like weather in L.A. And apparently, some social scientist has calculated the last Monday in January to be the most depressing day of the year (because of, among other things, weather, bills, and the amount of time since Christmas). I didn’t know the genesis of the problem, but I had an idea of how to move past it.
I found myself in Sephora trying to find a cure. Armed with a recommendation for one product, which I’ll tell you about in a moment, and a deep desire to spark some loveliness, I picked up an armful of supplies meant to get my skin glowing (in an attempt to jump-start a general upliftment– let’s be honest, sometimes beauty products are exactly what a gal needs in such a situation).
And I found some great ones. The first (which came by way of recommendation) is Glam Glow, a mud mask that does some amazing things for the skin. It was created in Hollywood for behind-the-scenes use to get camera-ready skin. It has an uncanny ability to reduce pore size and make skin look and feel glowy and fresh. It’s gooooood. Really good. The day after I used it, I got a few unexpected compliments (including from my husband, who, sweet as he is, doesn’t always notice new haircuts or other changes in beauty routines).
Next up: an amazing “beauty balm” that makes skin look nearly perfect. The official description of Stila’s 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm with Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 says it “ is infused with innovative micro-spheres, which have been shown to hide skin imperfections and reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth by up to 84 percent.” Sign me up, y’all; that sounded like just what I needed. This beauty balm can be used either alone or under foundation or tinted moisturizer. I’ve been using it under my tinted moisturizer, and I’m really amazed by the difference.
Frankly, I won’t add a step to my five-minute morning routine unless it really makes a big difference. So it says a lot that I’ve kept using it (even before the school rush) since I started mid-week last week. I’m not sure how it does it, but it really does make you look lit-from-within. Who couldn’t use that by mid-Winter?
Finally, there’s a fun new triple blush (and lip color) called Fine-One-One that lends a coral glow. With coral, pink, and highlighting strips, this blush stick accomplishes a lot in one swoop. Sometimes you just need some color and shine, and this product gives you both.
So, there you have it. Your ticket to glowing skin. If you’re anything like me, you’ll run, not walk, to get these products. Your skin will thank you. And the rest of your life may too.
Clockwise from Left: Glam Glow / Stila 10-in-1 Illuminating Beauty Balm (also available here) / Benefit Fine-One-One
thanks for the recommendations! i’ll definitely have to check out these products on my next sephora run, since i’m obsessed with healthy glowy skin! at the moment, i’ve been using weekly face masks from asia and daily cle de pea brightening serum, which have been great for my skin so far.
modern.girl
Thanks, Yvonne! I’ll have to check out the Cle de Peau brightening serum. That sounds right up my alley! I use their concealer and love it.
I hope you like the products!!
xo,
Ali