A Vintage Blonde

Mar 29

Mar 29 Summer Dreaming & Product Review

It’s been a prolonged winter here in New England. We seemed to have waltzed through December through February with little to no snow. Then March came in ferociously with ice and snow and angry blizzards of black ice and freezing rain. I feel like this past month has been damp and overcast and it’s been keeping me indoors wishing for summer. Growing up, Mansfield Grove – an enchanting private beach enclave was my home for the summer. My grandparents' had a beach cottage then renovated it over time. It always smelled like summer. They decorated it with jars of sea glass, blue and red lobster print seat covers, framed maps of the Florida Keys and gorgeous sea shells with those natural rolls and chambers of pale pink echoing the ocean.

I miss those summers spent with my cousins and grandparents and my dad. I really do. I know there is a season for everything and this season will soon past and give way to warmer winds and blossoms, bikinis and brunch in the sun. I'm tired of my boots and jackets and ready for sundresses and sandals.

I'm sure this desire for change led me into trying new makeup and skincare.

Where I work, I get to talk to many people (I work at an luxury apartment complex) and get to know them. One of our residents is this gorgeous young woman who I couldn't help but admire her skin. I noticed she sold BeautyCounter products and I was intrigued. When I learned about it, I knew I had to try some products out. Beauty Counter creates safer products. They've banned the use of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals through their "Never List"—all while making sure their products are luxurious and efficient.

I tried the Color Pinch Cream Blusher in Hibiscus. It brightened my cheeks and my skin felt hydrated. It went on smoothly and added a dewy glow. The only problem - I'm so pale, so as much as I adored the color, it was just too bright for me. I would have chosen a lighter shade to brighten my cheekbones. Other than the shade, I think the cream blusher is fabulous and I'd truly recommend it over the harsh blushes of yesteryear.

I also opted to try their sunscreen. A couple of years ago, I asked a friend what her secret was to her soft, youthful skin. She's in her late 30's and looks about 19. Her secret: sunscreen, everyday. I jumped on board. But, I ran into problems finding sunscreens that weren't oily, that didn't dry my skin out or feel like I was coating my skin in chemicals.

The truth is, so many sunscreens have harmful chemicals so I was elated to know Protect Skin Sunscreen for Face was made with organic ingredients. When I glided it over my face and neck this morning, I loved how it glided so smoothly without leaving any residue. It also comes in a sweet, cocoa butter summer-y scent called Sweet Tooth. I'm 100 percent happy with it and would absolutely recommend it.