Touch Up Tricks

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Spray

This root concealer spray has been a life-saver for me and can definitely assist in saving some of those bad hair days between salon visits. It was created by the uber-talented, master hair colorist, Rita Hazan, for the coverage of gray hair. However, I have found it to be great for any type of hair root coverage. I have naturally light hair but regularly dye my hair dark brown for richer tone. When I can't make it in to see my hair colorist as often as I'd like, this does the trick to keep my natural roots concealed with a dark espresso color. 

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Spray is a water and stain resistant aerosol spray, and comes in five shades, from blonde to dark brown, to keep your roots in check until your next shampoo. The super thin nozzle on the bottle provides for a precise application and spray to the directed area you want to conceal. I have found that the texture of the spray works somewhat of a dry shampoo as well, so think twice before using the two products together. Keep in mind, a little goes a long way, start light and gradually add more to acheive your desired result. 

The Essence of an Elixir

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

Any product that claims to tighten my pores, is worth a shot in my book. This facial spray does just that and then some!

I use it religiously to prepare my skin for the makeup situation that goes down on the daily. I must admit, I have a little freakout when this bottle gets low.  You can literally spray this on your face at anytime throughout the day for a quick burst of radiance. After my first spray, I've never looked back. Caudalie also makes a mini bottle (1oz.), which is perfect to toss in your purse or overnight bag.

The Beauty Elixir is made free of parabens and sulfates, with key ingredients, including grape extracts (promotes radiance), rosemary leaf oil (to tone), and orange blossom water (to soften skin). Even better, men can also use this amazing elixir as an after-shave! 

Show Us Your Weapon

Glo Minerals Camouflage

This right here is my secret weapon, go-to concealer/camouflage. I've been using it for as long as I can remember to hide blemishes, dark circles, uneven patches and discoloration. It's not the easiest product to track down, but check out the link to site for a list of retailers. Amazon has also come in handy for my last minute orders. When I say this is one of my must-haves, I mean, MUST HAVE AT ALL TIMES. 

The camouflage is an oil-free concealer, rich in pigment and made with Vitamins A, C and E, as well as green-tea extract. In my experience, it does not cause breakouts or clog pores. 

Refresh Yourself

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Must have product for so many reasons!

• keeps your face fresh and vibrant!
• the price is on point at $7
• key ingredients include aloe, herbs and rosewater to soothe, hydrate and rejuvinate 
• great mist to set or refresh your makeup
• your face will smell like roses (if you're into that sort of thing....i SO am) 
• or my favorite, to help wake you up on those mornings where coffee is crucial and makeup might not happen.  

Brand Spotlight: M - 61

I discovered M-61 from skin and beauty enthusiast Kristen Crawley (@kristennoelcrawley on Instagram). I came across a few posts from her regarding skincare products and her recommendations seemed genuine and on point, not to mention, her skin is perfection. What interested me the most about M-61 was that the line is made with natural, effective ingredients. I made my way over to the website where it’s sold, bluemercury.com,  and found a whole world of amazingness I wasn’t previously familiar with. 

Blue Mercury, originally from Georgetown, Washington D.C., is a luxury beauty product retail chain that was located everywhere but Los Angeles, or so it seemed, until recently. The West Coast’s wait is over though, as Blue Mercury has begun opening stores across Southern California and beyond. The store/website has sooooo many amazing products, I wish I could try them all. You will most likely see Blue Mercery popping up even more because the retailer was acquired by Macy’s in March 2015. In a recent trip in a Macy’s location in the LA area, I saw the Blue Mercery spa location, so exciting! I look forward to getting a spa facial treatment sometime soon. To learn even more about Blue Mercury and its inspiring founders, visit bluemercury.com/about.aspx. 

My favorite products from the M-61 skincare line…so far: 

1. M-61 Vitablast C Scrub & Mask - The one-minute Vitamin C facial scrub and mask is filled with natural ingredients, including seabuckthron, papaya and yacon, as well as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. 

2. M-61 Powrblast - The one-minute pore-purifying glycolic facial mask includes bilberry extract, lavender and chamomile as ingredients as well as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and Vitamin K. 

3. M-61 Hydraboost Cream - This facial cream is a hydrating peptide and Vitamin B5 moisturizing cream with tamarind, aloe, white mulberry and papaya. 

4. M-61 Vitablast C Serum - This is a Vitamin C & E oil-free serum with gallic acid used to target dull skin, to brighten and promote skin elasticity as well as hydrate and nourish skin. 

5. M-61 Hydraboost Serum - A Vitamin B5 peptide oil-free serum that includes tamarind and aloe to to plump and replenish skin’s moisture level, while firming and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

6. M-61 Power Cleanse - The pore-purifying glycolic face cleanser is made with tea tree and Vitamin B5 to wash away dirt, makeup and bacteria while keeping skin feel hydrated and soothed.