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

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! 

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing, 1 Poundp>

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

Minimalistic Makeup

I don't know about you but I used to be a makeup hoarder. I collected eye shadows, lipsticks, eye shadow brushes... you name it, I had twenty. I was always on the search for the PERFECT foundation or the perfect mascara, or my "signature" lip color. I spent so much money and was never content in my findings. I wore makeup because I wasn't confident in my natural skin. I had blemishes to cover up and rosacea that left my cheeks red at all times. Once I found Rodan + Fields Skincare  my rosacea healed and my acne went away. It was AMAZING to be able to walk out of the house makeup free. Over the past two years my idea of "makeup" has changed dramatically. When we were packing our things to move to Hawaii, I found drawers and drawers of old makeup, barely used, that I didn't need anymore. I decided to cut my losses and throw it ALL away. It was so freeing. 

Most days I don't wear any makeup at all. When I do wear makeup, I have a few products that I like to use. I have a little more makeup than this, but honestly, I don't use much. Embarking on a minimalistic life and freeing myself from the possessions I don't need has been such an amazing journey! I highly recommend it. :) 

PS. you should go through your makeup every 6 months anyways because products can expire fast and nothing is more gross than 10 year old lipstick! (been there, threw away that).  

MY MUST-HAVES:

1. Mineral Peptide Power in Medium and Bronze :

I cannot say enough good things about this powder. It is lightweight and gives an even coverage that looks NATURAL! My favorite part about it is that it contains amino acid peptides which protect your skin from the sun and other environmental factors! I use the Medium for all over my face and then the Bronze as a bronzer. It has SPF 20 in it and so this is a must-have in my beach bag and way easier to apply then face sunscreen. 

2. Mac Painterly Paint Pot : 

I have been loyal to this product since highschool. This paint pot is just a nude cream shadow that I put on my eyes instead of eye shadow. I put it on my eyelids before putting on eyeliner or mascara and it gives my eyelids just a little bit of brightness!

3. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner :

Not gonna lie, I found out about this gem from Joanna Gaines on Fixer Upper! I don't wear eyeliner often but when i'm going out on a date night, I will line only my upper lash line with this. Its inexpensive, doesn't smear, and stays all day! I use the brown/black shade. :) 

4. L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara:

This is another favorite of mine that I have been using since highschool! I love how it lengthens but also thickens your eyelashes. My favorite part about this mascara is the WAND! Its so unique and works super effectively. :) I remember in highschool I would go through so much of this mascara and would have to buy a new one each month! Since I've been using Lash Boost though, my lashes are already so long and thick that I just put one quick coat of this on and i'm good to go! 

Thats it- My makeup routine is very simply these days but thats how I like it! I hope this was helpful for you and that you can try some of these products out! I would also encourage you to go through and minimize your own makeup collections. If you need help with your skin and want to be foundation free, just send me a quick e-mail and I can help you find something that works for you! 

Have a great day everyone!!! 

Hugs + Kissees

Lauren

My Weird Health Hack: Bone Broth

Let me just say it, NOTHING in the words "bone broth" sounds appetizing, especially to me. I barely eat any meat at all as I would much rather stick to a diet heavy on the veggies. When I started hearing about all of the healing benefits of bone broth, it took me awhile to catch on. I even googled how to make it once and I saw that it took DAYS and lots of meat/bone handling to make, which was not something I wanted to be a part of. One day, though, I was at my local farmers market and they were selling mason jars full of high-quality organic bone broth and I decided to try it. Let me tell you, it changed EVERYTHING. 

I experimented with what time of day to drink it and I found that the morning was the best time because my body seems to reap the benefits from it all day long! I put about 2 tablespoon of bone broth into a mug of boiling water and sip on it like tea. Honestly, it does not taste bad at all! It tastes kind of like a stew broth. I use beef bone broth but chicken bone broth is also really yummy too! 

My results? Whenever I do my morning ritual of bone broth, I feel more energized, less bloated, and my mind feels clear and awake and ready for the day! Bone broth has a plethora of vitamins and minerals in it along with collagen that replenishes your body with vital nutrients. Bone broth is also amazing for gut health and healing your stomach lining so that your digestive system will run at its prime! 

There are many ways you can add bone broth into your diet. If you think sipping it sounds gross (and I did too) start small! Costco now sells cartons of bone broth that you can use to replace chicken stock! Just use bone broth in your soups or as a replacement for water when cooking rice or quinoa and you will still reap the health benefits! 

What are YOUR weird health hacks? Please share in the comments below! 

Hugs + Kissees

Lauren