MY NEW NIGHTLY ROUTINE WITH CLARINS HYDRA-ESSENTIEL

The Steele Maiden: Nightly Skincare Routine with Clairins Hydra-Essentiel

Things in my life have been fairly stressful lately. And this Winter weather just isn’t letting up (as I write this they’re calling for snow again in New York tomorrow). Combined, those two things can wreak absolute havoc on skin. Which is why after returning from my trip to Wyoming last month I knew I needed to switch up my nightly routine in order to help combat all of the factors that are working against me.

The Steele Maiden: Nightly Skincare Routine with Clairins Hydra-Essentiel

I first tried out Clarins’ Hydra-Essentiel skincare collection last year (full post here) and quickly became a total convert to their Silky Cream Moisturizer (I still use it regularly!). So when they offered me the chance to try a couple of their latest products, I was ready and willing.

Their latest Moisturizing Reviving Eye Mask and Replenishing Lip Balm are great for my routine right now because they’re super targeted. While I’m happy with my nightly cleanser and moisturizer I was finding that the skin around eyes was looking dry, dark and tired by morning and my lips were dreadfully chapped (is there anything worse?).

The Steele Maiden: Nightly Skincare Routine with Clairins Hydra-Essentiel The Steele Maiden: Nightly Skincare Routine with Clairins Hydra-Essentiel

So I’ve been making a conscious effort to set aside an extra 15-20 minutes each night to really devote to my skin and my general well-being. That means a cup of hot tea, a good book and a generous helping of the Replenishing Lip Balm each night (it leaves my lips feeling plump and smooth almost instantly!). And then a couple of times a week I’ve been using the Moisturizing Reviving Eye Mask as an overnight mask. You can also just apply it for 10 minutes and remove, but I’ve been really noticing a difference in the texture of the skin around my eyes (less puffiness and dryness) and the overall brightness of skin tone when I leave it on overnight. Plus, that way I can apply it and then crawl right into bed without having to worry about getting up again to wash off. Win, win!

My plan is to stick to this new routine and by the time Spring finally rolls, my skin and I will be looking just as lively.

The Steele Maiden: Nightly Skincare Routine with Clairins Hydra-Essentiel

*A thank you to Clarins for sponsoring this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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TOP 12 HAIR AND SKINCARE FAVORITES

The Steele Maiden: Top 12 Hair and Skincare Favorites

In 2017 one of my goals was to really get serious about my beauty regime. I turn 30 in a couple of months and felt like it was high time I ditched some of the random drugstore hair & skincare products that I’d been using without any real direction in favor of a few more quality products that I’ve truly put to the test. Below – the top 12 products I’ve been using daily and loving these past few months. If you have more specific questions feel free to reach out!

Anddd as a fun little add-on – I’m giving away a small bundle of some of these products so that you guys can try them too! To enter – sign up for my newsletter here or if you’re already signed up, like and comment on this Instagram photo. See exactly what I’m giving away on my Instagram stories. (US Only – will announce the winner this Sunday 3/19 at 9PM EST). Best of luck!

HAIR:

I have lots of fine hair – which means it tangles easily, plus fall flats and attract static in the winter. So I rely on lots of product that add volume and texture (in the Summer the humidity helps do this naturally). Lately I’ve been shampooing with this Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, towel drying then adding a small handful of this Mousse and a quick spray of this Thickening Tonic. Then I blow dry and use this Texturizing Spray before styling along with this Paste for touch-ups. Later in the day (or for second day hair) I use this Dry Shampoo later in the day.

SKIN:

I have combination skin (sometimes oily, sometimes dry) – that tends towards the super dry in the winter. On my body, I’ve been exfoliating twice a week with this Body Polish and using this moisturizing Deodorant. On my face, I’ve been using this Daily Superfoliant every evening to clear my skin of the day’s pollutants, then following with this Serum 1-2 per week and this Moisturizer both day and night.  And a few times a month I use this Eye and Face Mask to look fresh faced after a late night or early morning.

A DAY IN THE LIFE WITH DOVE ADVANCED CARE


The Steele Maiden: A day in the life with Dove Advanced Care

If you’ve been noticing that I’ve been a bit scarcer around here and a bit busier in real life (a concept I would have told you wasn’t even possible in 2016…) than you’d be right. I accepted a promotion to Art Director at my full time job in the beginning of the year, started training for a half marathon last week and have been making sure to still carve out time for Adam, family and friends. In short, my days are LONG. So I was in desperate need of a deodorant that could keep up.

Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant came to the rescue. Boasting NutriumMoisture that provides extra moisturizer and softness and 48-hours worth of odor and wetness protection – you kind of can’t argue with a product that has so many 5-star reviews. The one I agreed with most? “This deodorant protects all day long. Noticed a difference in the softness of my skin in one use.” – Jasmine 0112 . The switch from my old more than lackluster brand seemed simple.

Below – I take you through what my Wednesday looks like, truly putting Dove Advanced Care to the test.

6:45 AM: First alarm goes off, immediately hit snooze.

7:15 AM: Roll out of bed and quickly change into workout clothes and apply Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant . Walk to the gym for cross-training. According to my half marathon training Wednesday means I get a break from running, so it’s arm weights and a cycle ride.

8:35 AM: Back home for a quick shower, pack a lunch and run out the door.

9:00 AM: A brisk 20 minute crosstown walk to the office, picking up a large iced tea along the way. Settle into my desk to check emails and review web orders from the previous day.

The Steele Maiden: A day in the life with Dove Advanced Care

11:30 AM: Take a quick break to make a cup of hot tea. I don’t drink coffee at all so tea (and lots of water) is what keeps me going throughout the day.

1:45 PM: Time for lunch. While I try to pack my lunches (healthier and cheaper!) I always step outside for a bit of fresh air. I’ll take a stroll down Fifth Avenue or walk through the Union Square Farmer’s Market.

3:30 PM: Jump on a weekly conference call with marketing strategists. Talk spring campaign ads and influencer outreach.

4:45 PM: Meet with potential partners for an upcoming in studio event. Walk them through our studio and discuss event set-up ideas.

The Steele Maiden: A day in the life with Dove Advanced Care

6:30 PM: Dash out of the office and take the subway downtown for a Fohr Card blogging event in Soho. A great chance to chat with other bloggers and pick up a few tips and tricks along the way.

8:45 PM: No matter what else I’ve got on my plate, Wednesdays are always me and Adam’s midweek date night. I freshen up with a quick swap of accessories and touch of extra make-up but shockingly no need for a deodorant reapply. Phew! We switch turns planning these Wednesday dates and tonight is my turn. We meet at Spaghetti Incident – a cute little Italian spot in Nolita.

10:00 PM: Make it back home to our apartment in the East Village. Quickly check a few blog emails before settling on the couch for some Netflix. We’re watching Black Mirror lately but since it’s date night, we’ll watch the far sappier This is Us.

11:30 PM: Tuck into bed for the night. A good night’s sleep and I’ll be back up and ready to go again tomorrow. Thanks for keeping up with me Dove!

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

MUST HAVES: SUMMER BEAUTY STAPLES

Summer Beauty Staples

We’re at the point in the Summer when heat and humidity, long days in the sun, pool/ocean/lake dips all have started to wreak havoc on my skin and hair. Here, the products I’ll be using to get me through the rest of the season.

FACE: I typically don’t wear a ton of makeup in Summer, so this lash lengthening mascara and lip balm are my go-to’s. If I want to add a bit of color, I’ll use a thin line of these aquatic eyeliners or a stay all day lipstick. And on newly tanned skin, a hint of highlighter on my brow/cheekbones.

HAIR: If I’m drying naturally, this sea salt spray gives me beachy waves. If I’m blow-drying this smoothing cream fights frizz and softens dry ends. And either way, I use this detangler on the regular.

NAILS: Summer usually wreaks havoc on my mani/pedi but Essie polishes last longer than any other brand I’ve tried. And my real secret ingredient? This instant dry top coat. No scratches, dents or chips and it’s dry… instantly. I never paint my nails without it.

SKIN: First things first, skin protection. I just tried this mineral sunscreen for the first time and it feels like velvet. This serum is great for lightening up sun spots or other damage and this eye repair emulsion.. well I have no idea what that even means but it brightens, firms and reduces puffiness around the eyes. So I’ll just call it magic.

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