What type of face mask should you use? & My three current favorites!

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Recently, I have been loving face masks to give my skin a little extra love to combat all of the sun I've been getting this Summer! Once a week I aim to give myself an at-home facial which helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and keep my skin hydrated! I've been trying a ton of different face masks recently because, lets be honest, thats my favorite part about an at-home facial! 

It has been hard for me to find good face masks because oftentimes they either leave my skin red and irritated or they completely dry it out and strip it of it's natural oils! There are many really harsh face masks on the market and I would encourage you to really do your research and not just go for the  "popular" ones (if it hurts to take off, it's NOT a mask you should be using) When looking for a good mask, look for one that that cleanses the skin, minimizes pores, and adds moisture instead of stripping moisture! 

I use three different types of face masks and I keep them all on rotation...

1. Detox Mask:

When you think of a face mask, you probably think of this type! Many masks are meant to only be used once a week (or even less) and they are a bit stronger and harsher on the skin. I love using a Bentonite Clay Mask for my back & arms & arm pits (gotta detox those lymph nodes!) and then I use a charcoal mask for my face once a week! Since I have sensitive skin, I have had to try a bunch of different charcoal masks to find one I really love! My current favorite is  Origins Clear Improvement Mask which helps to get all the gunk out of my pores without totally irritating my skin! 

This is the mask I use for my back & body (in my opinion, way too harsh for your face!) and its only $8! 

2. Cleansing & anti-aging mask:

This is the mask that I use every single day to cleanse my skin, give my skin an anti-aging boost, and still preserve all the natural oils that my skin needs to stay hydrated! I use the Redefine Cleansing Mask in the morning as a face scrub and then I use it at night as a two-minute mask! It gently cleanses & exfoliates the skin using kaolin clay which is the best ingredient for purifying the skin but also preserving your skins natural oils. If you are new to the face mask world, I would definitely suggest starting with this one! It is so versatile and you really can't go wrong with it! I have been using this for four years straight and I can't go a day without it! 

3. Hydrating Mask:

This is a newer mask that I've added to my weekly skincare routine. Since I've gone to the beach more often this Summer, my skin needs all the hydration it can get! I call this my "beach mask" because I always use this hydrating mask after a beach day! The Jet Lag mask by Summer Fridays isn't your normal face mask and that actually took me by surprise! This isn't the type of mask that you have to wash off. Its an ultra-hydrating mask with a thick cream-like consistency. Not going to lie, I was a huge skeptic at first! I use it about once a week, though, and absolutely LOVE the glow that it gives my skin! 

Sooo... what type of mask should you be using?!?! Well, I would say that using all three of these is such a great way to address multiple skin concerns (when it comes to face masks at least). But if you can only pick one...

-If you have oily & acne prone skin I would recommend a Charcoal Mask

-If you have normal or combination skin and want something for anti-aging I would recommend a Kaolin Clay mask

-If you are looking for a hydrating mask then I would recommend Summer Friday's Jet Lag mask! 

I hope that this was helpful for you! Let me know if you have tried any of these masks & your thoughts on them! Oh and If you want help ordering the Redefine Kaolin Clay Mask (save 10% and free shipping) then shoot me and e-mail and I will give you info on how to order! lauren@livewellwithlo.com

xo,

Lo

Summer Travel Beauty Essentials

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I have traveled quite a bit this Summer and so I've spent a lot of time packing, unpacking, and re-packing my cosmetics bag! I think I have finally narrowed it down to my tried & true favorite products to have on hand while I travel! I like to keep it simple, especially while traveling and so I try to keep it pretty minimal while packing my cosmetics. Here are the top items that I think are crucial to have on hand while traveling! 

My Must-haves: 

1. Mineral Powder to keep you matte all day

This is probably my must-have #1 because there is nothing worse than having to reapply makeup throughout the day! If you have followed me for long then you know that I am obsessed with this Mineral Peptide Powder and I hardly ever use any other face makeup! It has SPF in it, protects my skin from the environment, and gives great coverage!

2.  Life-proof Mascara

When you travel, you need a mascara that can withstand long days in the sun, adventuring around a new town, and to make it through happy hour! I have tried a ton of different mascaras and Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is by far my favorite. I love the volume it gives to my lashes and the tube lasts me such a long time! Totally worth the price, in my opinion!! 

3. A Moisturizing Deodorant

This may seem strange and TMI but when I travel to dryer climates, my arm-pits sometimes get irritated after shaving!  I'm not sure if this happens to you too but Native Deodorant is my all time favorite deodorant and its super moisturizing while also sweat resistant! 

4. Eye serum (ain't no one got time for under-eye bags!)

There's nothing like jet lag to bring out those under-eye bags. my Bright Eye Complex is my #1 skincare item when it comes to travel because it instantly brightens my under-eye and gets rid of any dark circles or puffiness! 

5. Self-tanner 

Since sun-protection is really important to me, I use R+F's Sunless Tanner to keep my tan game strong all year round. I often travel because of a wedding, special event, or a work function and so I keep self-tanner with me to help me get ready for an event! 

6. Dry Shampoo

I have been using Dry Bar's Detox Dry Shampoo recently and am LOVING it! Also- this is currently on sale for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and so if you were wanting to try out a new dry shampoo or texturizing spray you have to get this bundle before it sells out!! 

7. Hair Detangling Spray

My hair is hard to manage. It's like a lion's mane and taming it is out of the question. I've tried so many different brands of detangling spray and it's been so hard to find one that works but doesn't weigh down my hair! I just picked up this Verb Leave-in Mist from Sephora and have only used it a few times but I am already OBSESSED. It is so lightweight, doesn't have a heavy scent, and makes my hair so smooth and easy to comb! 10/10. 

8. Neutral eye-shadow

When I travel, I like to keep my makeup pretty simple and no-fuss. I always have a neutral eyeshadow palette with me s that I can still create numerous looks but don't have to think too hard! I am currently LOVE this Nordy Girl Matte Face & Eye set from the NSALE! I'm not sure how much longer it will be in stock but $44.50 for $202 value?! That's insane!!

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What is one of your favorite products that you can't travel without?! 

Your friend,

Lo