If you didn't know, most women are either #TeamBarSoap or #TeamBodyWash. While I enjoy the variety of scents body washes offer and the extreme lather you get when it's time to soap up, I've always preferred a bar soap to cleanse my body. That is until I tried the Klorane Cupuacu Flower Shower Cream.
I never quite felt like body washes actually cleanse my skin. They smell good and all, but I never feel clean after using them. Not to mention, the extreme dryness I feel all over from the lack of moisturizing ingredients in body washes. That's why this new body cream surprised me!
First, the scent is oh-so-enticing, yet warm and feminine with notes of cupuacu fruit, freesia blossom and cotton milk — I could douse myself in the scent alone. My second impression is how thick and moisturizing the formula is. Typically, I would purchase the $3 body wash and the formula practically oozed out of the bottle with ease. But this shower cream is exactly what it promises: creamy. Lather it onto your loofa or cloth and you'll see a creamy, decadent lather that won't dry out your skin. That may be due to the soap-free cleansing base, but it almost feels like a lotion upon application.
I never thought I'd toss my bar soap for a body wash —or encourage women to spend $14 on a shower product — but this one is worth it. For the ultimate shower experience, head to KloraneUsa.com and get yourself a bottle... stat. — Andrea Jordan
Cover image via @kloraneusa
I was lucky enough to spend two weeks at the beach in August, but it turns out that much fun in the sun takes its toll. When I got back, my skin was wrecked. So, ever since, I've been trying to baby it with lots of TLC (i.e. masks) and this one has been my favorite. H2O+ Rapids Soothing Probiotic Bubble Mask, $6, goes on as a gel and then immediately starts fizzing up with bubbles as the champagne and yuzu extracts get to work. You leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Afterwards, my skin felt super soft and looked noticeably clearer and brighter. Score!
(And FYI: These are single-use packets, but I got three uses out of this one.) — Alyssa Hertzig
Cover image via @h2oplususa
Chalk it up to disastrous encounters with early aughts-era super-strength astringents and salicylic acid-packed foaming gel cleansers that left my complexion drier than the Sahara, but I've always treated acne products with a little respectful fear.
Working as a beauty editor has gotten me to (slowly) embrace some of the harsher (yet often most effective) products like retinol serums and exfoliating treatments like glow tonics — I even consider them staples in my ever-more complex beauty routine. Still, I've somewhat irrationally continued to regard acne-specific treatments with trepidation; despite the fact that adult acne remains a daily struggle for me.
Three weeks with Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, $36, and I'm singing an entirely different tune. The creamy gel product, which is designed to be layered or mixed with the rest of your skin care routine, has helped curb my breakouts and left my skin about as clear as it's ever been, without causing any irritation or dryness. It's also helping to eradicate the PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) that's taken up a constant residence on my cheeks and chin since early adolescence.
What can I say? The stuff has already earned a place in my heart — and medicine cabinet — right next to my beloved pimple patches. — Rosie Narasaki
Intro image via @paulaschoice
Trèfle Pur, $85, is that scent. It's a crisp, green fragrance with so much depth, and it is so SO good. Translated to "pure clover," the scent contains notes of bitter orange, neroli, basil, patchouli, cedarwood and violet leaves. The mint-basil-citrus-woodsy notes are cool and refreshing, which is perfect when the climate is not. A generous spritz will transport you to a dewy park in springtime where the scent of freshly cut grass and blossoming flowers fill your nose and instantly make you happy.
This unisex scent is totally boyfriend-approved, as mine likes to steal my bottle and spritz it on himself. If you're looking for a clean, fresh scent with impressive staying power, I encourage you to try this one. The end of summer may be hot, muggy and melty, but you'll be smelling fresh as a clover! To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin
Thumb via Atelier Cologne
This summer has had more stormy and humid days than I can remember and my curls have been so out of whack. While some gals thrive on a little moisture in the air to boost their styles, humidity is not a friend of my curls. It causes my gorgeous, plump curls to separate and frizz out to an undefined strand of poofy hair. Let's just say, it's undesirable. I have been on the search for a styling product that would keep my curls intact because I couldn't stand to wear one more top knot.
And voila! I was in a random convenience store and saw Pantene Pro-V Style Series Curl Controlling Creme, $6.49. I had never seen this item on the shelf before and I thought I struck gold. The consistency is jelly-like so it moisturizes and acts as a gel with mega-hold. I was so anxious that I washed and styled my hair that night with the creme and it was glory! My curls were hydrated, defined and stayed in place the entire 90-degree day. Not to mention, my boyfriend is in love with the signature Pantene scent.
Though summer is almost over, there are still humid days lingering. Head over to buy this budget-friendly styling cream, stat!