Monthly Archives: August 2020

My skin is definitely on the combination/oily side, however when I’m going through a major breakout I tend to bump up the glycolic acid and other powerful acne-fighting yet unfortunately drying ingredients. A few of these products I’ll incorporate into my routine for 2-4 days as a barrier while my skin heals. And others I’ve listed, I would not personally use for my skin type as they be a bit heavy on my sensitive combo skin.

Pangea’s Organics Facial Cream Dry & Sensitive Skin

The Rose Otto Essential Oil in this facial cream is calming and deeply nourishing for all skin types, even sensitive & mature. Argan Oil is all the rave right now, and for good reason, it's glow inducing benefits with antioxidants like Vitamins A + E and complexion-loving omega-6 fatty acids and Linoleic Acid make it worthy in a woman's beauty wardrobe. Argan actually absorbs rapidly and in turn boosts cell turnover, which is crucial in any morning routine for bringing out sustainable supple skin. Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil further enhance the glow and even help with sun damage. Marshmallow plumps the skin and soothes unwanted dryness and premature aging. Read more

Hey Sara! Tell us a little about yourself & your journey.

Hi there! I’m a photographer, blogger, and interior decorator based in Los Angeles. From New York originally, I moved to California for college and never left! I live here with my partner, Eddie, in our lil two bedroom cottage I fondly call “The Hobbit House.” A few of my passions include plants, cozy interiors, sustainability, and travel - all things I discuss on my Instagram and lifestyle blog, Black & Blooms. I’ve been a creator for 4 years now, and just went full time last November. This first year of being self-employed has been quite the adventure!

How are you taking this all in right now? Are there activities you've been incorporating to stay motivated?

Working from home I’ve found that establishing a daily routine helps me stay motivated. Enjoying slow mornings before starting to work, taking lunch breaks, getting some fresh air and a change of scenery when I’m feeling stuck. I’m taking everything day by day and trying to give myself a bit of grace when some days aren’t as productive as others during this time. Read more

We’re going through a strange time. And for many of us, it’s taken a toll on our mental health, and for others still, the health state of our skin. My skin is particularly prone to breakouts, and in all of my years of constant trial & error, I have found a nighttime bath routine with a candle, Himalayan pink salt & a good face mask.These are just a handful of MANY I’ve used, my most-trusted mask bffs.

Bodhi's 2-In-1 Cleansing Glow Mask

This soap-based clay mask gives the skin a deep purifying cleanse that promises glow power. It’s blended with Rice Bran and Sugar Crystals for exfoliation, Bentonite for pulling out all the yuckies that clog our pores day in & day out, Coconut Oil, Fair Trade Shea & Jojoba to retain moisture, and Matcha for glow enhancement.

Acure’s Seriously Soothing Biocellulose Gel Mask

This sheet mask, yep, rinse-free, is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Ideal for thirsty skin needing a little hydration boost with its star ingredients fermented Coconut and Hyaluronic Acid & Plant Peptides, but also a go-to when relaxing in the salt-bath on good skin days.

Acure’s Radically Rejuvenating Sheet Mask

Ultra-hydration for any skin type. This sheet mask contains nourishing Argan Oil and Hyaluronic Acid for skin-deep GLOW. Other key ingredients include Vitamin C, Vitamin B5 and soothing Cucumber Extract - perfect all-purpose facial treatment for your skin before the day is done. Read more

InstaNatural is a personal care brand we can't get enough of over here. Their mission to empower consumers to recognize that they have a choice in their beauty and wellness routines is one of many reasons we love their products, especially their 100% clean skin-saving serums.Yes, you can thank us later.

Serum #1 InstaNatural's Skin Brightening Serum

Feel a lack of luminosity and major glow in your skin? We have just the cure for that, this Brightening Serum is a winner in our opinion. Even out skin tone, bring out your brighter healthier complexion and reduce dark spots with InstaNatural's Skin Brightening Serum. Its potent power lies behind the beauty of its gentle and safe ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide. Shape Magazine says this is the best option for restoring skin's youthful glow - and we say Amen to that.

Serum #2 InstaNatural's Glycolic Acid Serum

Want a shortcut to glowing, radiant beautiful skin? Then this Glycolic Acid Serum by InstaNatural is your everyday skin treat. Blended with Argan Oil and Rosehip Oil for an intense dewy moisture. No tricks here, just pure Glycolic Acid Serum goodness. This gentle formulation by InstaNatural exfoliates to bring out your natural glow. They've added in healthy plant-based ingredients (shea butter, raspberry seed oil, avocado oil and orange peel) to smoothen and even out skin tone.

Serum #3 InstaNatural's Age Defying & Skin Clearing Serum

For that timeless beauty. InstaNatural's Age Defying & Skin Clearing Serum makes you forget that another year is yet to add in your age. This all-in-one serum is generously crafted from the gentle balance of Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Squalene and a plant-based infusion of ingredients. Super lightweight, just the right add-on to your skin care routine. The Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Niacinamide protects your skin and visibly reduce the appearance of uneven tone while Retinol increases cell turnover. Lifts, brightens up and smoothes your complexion. Read more