Steal VS Splurge
No matter how committed you are to following Gwyneth Paltrow’s enviable lifestyle as cataloged in GOOP, we recognize the reality of needing to find the “steal” items versus splurging at every turn. Case in point:
FRAGRANCE
You can’t put a price on scent. Then again, we are fragrance junkies. With so many great choices -- and prices -- available, we say buy one…or buy all … that entices you. Our faves right now:
Bvlgari Green Tea cologne spray; 2.5 oz ($39.19)
Bvlgari Green Tea simply smells like summer. Uniquely unisex, but not masculine by any means, the delicious concoction features green tea extracts blended with jasmine, citrus, and rose.
Flowerbomb Eau de parfum spray; 1.7 oz ($98.19)
Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb is a romantic, yet modern, perfume -- Perfect for a cool summer date. With hints of tea, freesia, jasmine, and rose orchid blended together, it’s worth the indulgence.
TREATMENT PRODUCT
Treatment products are like water – your skin’s vitality depends on both. With advances in technology, there is a serum for even the most complex skin issues. Fortunately, there are also various price points.
Clarins face treatment oil – Santal for dry skin; 30ml/1oz ($50)
Ideal for summer with essential oils of Sandalwood, Cardamon and Lavender tone to soothe, comfort and decongest skin that is dry, irritated or stressed. Features Hazelnut oil to soften, smooth and reduce redness. Helps prevent moisture loss and the formation of fine lines.
Cellex-C Formulations Fade Away Gel; 25ml/0.8oz ($60)
Don’t fret about the sunspots that have begun appearing this season – Cellex-C has the solution to dramatically lighten the appearance of age and sun spots, with the aid of natural ingredients. Oil-free, so won’t clog pores as it works.
By Terry™ Seve de rose Ultra-Glow Double Serum : $111.00
Technology is not inexpensive! This incredible serum utilizes a comprehensive anti-toxin concentrate to repair clogged skin, as well as boost dull and stressed complexions. Containing White Rose for soothing, and astringent and bio-ingredients to restore deep radiance, this brilliant formulation bestows skin with instant clarity.
By Terry™ Serum de rose Youthful-lift Active Serum; 30ml/1.01oz ($117)
Fight against sagging and boost skin's age defenses to improve natural resistance to external damage. It’s never too early to protect your skin premature aging. Now if this intensive nutri-lifting serum only came in a body formula…
Chantecaille Biodynamic lifting serum --30ml/1.05oz for women $245
For those of us who crave the ultimate armor against aging -- Bio Lifting Serum is a potent collagen builder and collagen protector. Lifts, Smoothes, Wrinkles, Builds Collagen, Repairs DNA (thanks to their newest combination of natural stem cells), and leaves skin utterly hydrated today…and tomorrow and tomorrow… Consider this an investment with great returns.
HAIRCARE
The debate is still on about which is more important – shampoo vs. conditioner -- and which has the most impact on your hair. So which product should we spend the most on? We are torn; Both shampoo and conditioner feel critical to good hair days. And hair masques? A must-have. All the more reason to have fiscal options!
Redken All Soft Shampoo; 10.1 oz ($16.50)
Loaded with hydrating Argan oil, you can soften and strengthen strands with your first step. Another perk? No fruity smelling formula; we love the warm and subtle scent.
Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo; 8.5 oz ($32)
Protective shampoo with UV filters for dry, highlighted and color-treated hair.
Redken All Soft Conditioner; 8.5 oz ($18)
The conditioning partner to All Soft Shampoo, this conditioner moisturizes, detangles and softens dry, brittle hair. How? Redken's exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and illuminating Silk-Luxe Complex deliver gold camelina, avocado oil, olive oil and silk amino acid to provide intense softness, replenishment and strength. We all should be so lucky to have manageable hair with such luminous shine.
Oribe Conditioner for Beautiful Color; 6.8 oz ($37)
Seeking a rich, restorative conditioner that truly extends the life of your hard-earned color? Thanks to celeb stylist, Oribe, you can have it. He also knows the importance of soothing your over-processed, color-treated hair while protecting it with Enhanced environmental protection (those pesky color-zapping UV rays). Thank you, sir.
Matrix Colorcaretherapie Color Bloom Masque; 5.1 oz ($21.50)
A luxurious treatment mask for colored hair. Fret not, this mask won’t weigh hair down, as It’s formulated without Silicones, Synthetic Dyes and Parbens. Orchid Extract prevents fading in color-treated hair, and the impressive UV Filter helps to preserve color vibrancy.
Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense Nourishing Treatment; $88
In a word -- Intense. Without weighing hair down. Smooth, gorgeous hair. We have come to expect nothing less from Kerastase.
SUNSCREEN
As the most important tool in your beauty regimen, the price is less important than the ingredients. As we are not chemists or doctors, we relied on some to guide our research for the best – in all price ranges. This summer, we plan to slather, swim, and repeat with these:
La Roche Posay Anthelios 40 sunscreen cream; $38
We believe it was the European month-long holidays that led to one of the most effective sunscreens on the market. We live for La Roche Posay, which combines an innovative ingredient, Mexoryl™, with Avobenzone to provide the critical coverage we beach bums need -- UVA protection of short and long wavelengths;Broad UVA/UVB protection). Science lesson over.
Supergoop Save Face spf35+ am moisturizer; 90ml/3oz ($28)
Given the importance of sunscreen, you may want additional creams to layer SPF daily. Supergoop’s weightless moisturizer beautifully protects against sun and environmental damage, and acts a shield (under makeup even!) without clogging pores or leaving a chalky finish or shine behind.It wouldn’t be Supergoop without other benefits! Loaded with anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients, like blueberry extract, it helps prevent and repair oxidative damage to the skin while improving smoothness, wrinkles, texture and elasticity.
Cellex-C Sunshade SPF 30+; 60ml/2oz ($52.00)
Zinc Oxide. Not only is it a key ingredient in Cellex-C’s incredible sunblock, responsible for making it one of the best sun protectors on the market, but the words have us waxing nostalgic for childhood summers spent lifeguarding and on the swim team.Memories aside, as Zinc Oxide is a physical block which sits on the surface light is either absorbed into the sunblock or reflected away from the skin. Win - Win for us.