The Ace Edit - August 2018

By: @acevallee

We are officially halfway through Summer and the real heat has yet to hIt New York City. I’ve recently had to make some beauty/lifestyle changes to adjust to these dog days of summer. 

MAKE PLAY

We all know I’ve been barefaced most of the summer, slathering nothing but SPF on my face. Just because I’ve been minimal doesn’t mean I’m boring. I do like to play. What I live for is a good base. Lately Fenty Pro Filt’r Foundation has been supreme. just a few dots here and there and blended well. I even use foundations as a tinted moisturizer. The shade 240 just matches my skin perfectly and that is rare. I just want to enhance my natural glow honey. Once you find the perfect base everything else falls into place. For eyes , the Natasha Denona “Camel” palette is an everyday dream, no one’s shadow formula can compete with hers. For fun colors and shimmers I do live for Colourpop, I’m like an OG fan since the days of “Bae” and “Rex”. I’m not really wild with bold color yet I still like to play around with it. With Colourpop I’m not spending major coin but the quality of product is superb! 

Curls Curls Curls Curls… Curls I Do Adore

I unexpectedly went natural. I didn’t plan on it, it just happened during a dark time last year. Stress and Depression made my hair falling out in little clumps. I went into hiding for 7 months, just coming out here and there. Since I wasn’t going anywhere except work, I didn’t feel the need to do my hair anymore. I had stopped putting high heat and/or chemicals on my hair and just washing, rinsing and using hair oils and a hair gel that is free of shitty chemicals to slick my hair back and lay down my baby hurrs.  I also started cutting it more often which has been aiding in my hair growth. You know how they say you have to fall in order to rise up. Taking those months and having time to myself allowed my hair to be repaired and for the texture to improve and for my strands to become thicker and my curls... well,  actually becoming curls again. For The first time ever, I can say that I unapologetically love my hair. 

SILKY AF

The struggling battle with my Keratosis Pilaris is ongoing and I’m looking for new products everyday to get it under control. Currently it has been super uncomfortable in this heat. Frank Body came all the way through with their Coconut Body Balm. My Skin Soaks it all up while leaving me with a silky gleam. 

The skin on my face has been silky smooth thanks to Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial. Smoothing out my texture and renewing my skin leaving me with a pretty perfect radiance. I use Glossier’s Solution for daily exfoliation, while using this treatment once a week or bi weekly. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU ALWAYS FOLLOW UP ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING AHA/BHA WITH SUNSCREEN!

Vital Beauty 

A good night’s sleep can actually set you up for a much more positive day. It all begins with preparations like investing in the right sheets (Find out if you’re a hot or cold sleeper… it has helped me out in finding the perfect material for me to snooze in). I’m a hot sleeper so cotton percale sheets from Parachute and Brooklinen have been amazing. Plus, the less that I sweat at night, the less breakouts I wake up with. I prefer my sheets in a calming shade and/or clean, uncomplicated prints. 

Setting up the perfect nighttime routine, from using a soothing lavender body wash, a dreamy bath bomb, a drop of Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil to a relaxing cup of té de manzanilla. 

Clean, sleek PJs make me so excited for bed. I love bralettes  and sleep shorts from Aerie, They are affordable and make me so excited to get ready for bed. Preparing for bed makes me look forward to getting some rest and waking up more positive, motivated and ready to take on the day. 

GOALS

I Love Starting fresh. It makes me feel like I can achieve anything. I’m entering a new chapter with a new job and with it I want to just start fresh from the inside out. TRACKING MY WATER INTAKE BECAUSE DEHYDRATION IS REAL EATING CLEAN AND HEALTHY. COMPLETELY CLEANSING MY BODY AND FILLING IT WITH NUTRIENTS. Taking my daily vitamins, being active, even if its the bare minimum. Let me clarify, This isn’t about size. Slender, Pudgy, Plus… You can actually be healthy at any size. You don’t have to be skinny to be considered healthy (Have you seen Ashley Graham, Iskra Lawrence, Jessamyn Stanley?) Just being pro active in your life regardless of the number on the scale or on your jeans. Taking action and making healthier choices that are perfect for YOU, so that YOU can be the best and healthiest that you can be and most importantly… HAPPY.

My Ride or Die Beauty Products of 2017!

By: @acevallee

Hey guys, it's your friendly neighborhood glow queen! Happy 2018! Better late than never, I'm posting my top standout products from last year that is sure to remain in heavy rotation this year. Come to the celebration that is obviously on my Top Shelf as you can see. Some brands are repetitive but I honestly can't apologize for it because it is truly the products that got me through the past year and I refuse to eliminate them because of repetition. There are some dry skin warriors on this list so make sure to take notes if you're a fellow parched gal. Also theres a product that I forgot to take a photo of because it has been lost for 3 days but I MUST mention it. OLEHENRIKSEN BANANA BRIGHT EYE CREAM. LIFE CHANGER!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not even going to talk about it, just go run out and get it... NOW. It's my top recommendation. Thank me later. 

FOREO LUNA PLAY has been a crucial addition to my skincare routine. It helped me deep cleanse in the most gentle way possible. Unlike a Clarisonic this gentle silicone, vibrating tool doesn't need carry and bacterial residue which is a plus for those like me who fear germs. The battery on the brand's tiniest cleansing device does run out but it did reassure me to upgrading to the Luna Mini 2 which can be recharged. 

SUNDAY RILEY JUNO face oil has been my ace this season. I double dose before bed after cleansing and before my moisturizer. I put enough to make me look like a greasy strip of bacon. My parched skin needs all of this goodness to drink up during the hours that I'm asleep. 

FLOSS GLOSS nail polishes are hands down the best. "Disco Dust", a nude-ish rose gold holo compliments my skintone perfectly and I'm sure my manicurist is tired of me using the same polish. The shade "Lipliner" is basically MAC's classic lipliner "Whirl" for your nails... enough said. Universally flattering, The go-to for my pedicure. 

Of course I had to include FENTY BEAUTY on my list. That KILLAWATT HIGHLIGHTER in "TROPHY WIFE" is bold as F*CK and it is the standout product of the brand's entirety. The effect is like shattered purely gold glass and can be used as an eyeshadow as well. The richest glow of all time. GLOSS BOMB is also one of the best glosses on the market and is truly universally flattering on each and every single skin tone. When in Doubt with what lip to wear, pairing with a smokey or neutral lid, Gloss Bomb will come in clutch.  

BUNNY MOON JELLY MASK Move over Oatafix, This is now LUSH's most hydrating face mask that I have ever used. It is such a treat, perfect for boosting hydration in this harsh NYC winter weather. With calming ingredients like rose and chamomile to sooth and honey to generously moisturize dry, sensitive skin, this newbie is a winner! 

In 2017 I turned 30 and started using sunscreen on a daily basis. GLOSSIER INVISIBLE SHIELD doesn't irritate my skin or make me breakout like just about every other sunscreen on the planet, and it's more like a serum and its super light and soaks in seamlessly. Also works well under makeup which is a plus. (Glossier, please make a waterproof version). This was my got to protection after using exfoliants and products like Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial to protect my freshly renewed skin from the sun. 

COLOURPOP was one of my top 3 brands this year. Most of my money went to ordering highlighters and also Face Products. I was addicted to their SUPER SHOCK CHEEK HIGHLIGHTER "Flexitarian" which became my signature glow a while back (here's my past review on this formula)  as well as "Off Tropic:" which is the warmer version of my signature. Their Powder Bronzers and Blushes were also some of my most used products as they go on silkily with no skipping or patchiness. BTW, Not one product in this photo cost more than $8!!

This is the greatest product from Glossier since Haloscope. GLOSSIER CLOUD PAINTS are a great multi-use product for eyes, cheeks and lips. I was using this for a majority of the year mixed with highlighter to get a pretty glow. (which is now called "draping"). They're insanely pigmented so very little goes an extremely long way. The shade "Dusk" is my favorite. 

Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is worth every ounce of hype it is given. After using it once a week for a month, I've noticed a difference in texture and clarity of my skin, leaving it renewed, radiant and subtle after each use as if I went and got an actual professional facial done. 

HERBIVORE COCO ROSE has become a staple in my bedtime shower routine! It makes my skin baby soft and heavily moisturized with a pretty sheen. The scent is subtle and divine! This is like my 4th jar because I'm truly obsessed. This Dry Skin's Bff. I actually have a review on this here. 

My top 3 brow products that are in heavy rotation are GLOSSIER BOY BROW in clear for everyday grooming. COLOURPOP BROW BOSS pencil in light brown to define. CHARLOTTE TILBURY LEGENDARY BROWS in Supermodel because of its tiniest most precise brush that applies the perfect amount of pigment to tint your brows and make them feathery.

You will always find a GLOSSIER BALM DOTCOM somewhere around my room, bag or coat/jacket. I have every single flavor but the standout this year was the BIRTHDAY BALM DOTCOM. The pretty glittery sheen is an adult version of the Vanilla Frosting  Lip Smackers that I was obsessed with as a kid. Thanks to the brand's collab with MILK BAR and you can actually use this as a fun glossy, glittery highlighter. I always say these are great multi use products. from lips to cheeks to cuticles.

EXFOLIKATE GLOW MOISTURIZER has been my go-to moisturizer all season to give my skin the hydration and radiance it needs, especially since I mostly skip makeup for work. it gives me a healthy glow and mimics a good night's sleep. 

GLOSSIER YOU fragrance has become my signature scent of the season, which is odd because I prefer more masculine scents. This warm, comfortable, crisp, peppery concoction captivated me each and every time I wore it. It sinks into my skin to give me a scent that adapts and belongs solely to me. It doesn't smell the same on me than it does on anyone else. I am the base note! It amplifies my natural scent in the best way possible. it lingers on my clothing as well which I love. 

My palette of the year is COLOURPOP YES PLEASE! As you can see, this beloved palette was my ride or die for a pretty, neutral warm lid with that beautiful pop of yellow that I entered my 30s with. YES, I said yellow! This palette helped me be a little less boring with my eye looks. For $16, you can't go wrong. 

Another COLOURPOP obsession came late this year with their LUSTER DUST LOOSE HIGHLIGHTERS. The effect they give alone or on top of their Super Shock Highlighters is to die for!!!

How I Hydrate and Accelerate Problem Areas On My Skin During Harsh Winter Months

Written by @Twist.It.Tea

Thanks to the severe change in weather these last few weeks, and much love to the bomb cyclone this past weekend, my face has really needed all the attention it can get.  In the beginning of the winter season, I was washing my face with BAD SKIN Milk Bomb Eraser and then following up with a hydrating face mask.  But since my face has needed an extra boost of hydration these last few weeks, post face wash I follow up with this amazing little piece of luxury by Eau Thermale Avène, aka my secret weapon.  I use their  Thermal Spring Water Spray  to soothe my skin after a cleanse when my face is feeling very tight.  Not only is it soothing my skin, it eases the redness, irritation and whatever else it feels like doing that evening.  This is my go to when my skin needs some TLC ASAP!  At first I was like, “Ummm, do I really need a face water spray for $18.50??”, and the answer was – yes, yes I do.  This magic water has a low mineral content meaning it doesn’t dry out the skin, which is perfect for these winter months when all my skin needs is some surge of moisture especially before bed when I know my heater will kick on and ruin my skin’s life.  It also has a neutral pH of 7.5 which helps with restoring balance and reducing sensitivity.  I’ve been taking notice of painful little dry spots on my cheek bones and this spray really helped with the burning and inflammation I was experiencing.  Also, side note, before you call me crazy, Avène has been in the skin care game for over 270 YEARS, so I’m going to go ahead and personally decide they know what they’re talkin’ about. I know women who have travelled to NYC to pick this product up when they’ve run out (luckily Amazon has your back if you don’t feel like being extra). 

I wish I could control my skin 24/7, but instead I have been finding new and interesting ways to relieve my skin when problems do pop up. Which leads me to my favorite winter time clay mask from Glossier, the Mega Greens Galaxy Pack.  This lovely piece of skin care is described as a juice cleanse for your face.  This cleansing clay mask is jammed packed with all this natural stuff (that I didn’t even know you could put in a clay mask) that particularly helps protect my skin from the nasty NYC pollutants.  The formula is a rich and creamy form of kaolin clay, with various extracts like parsley, spinach, and cress sprout extract. There is also a nice orange peel exfoliant that helps with oil balance, which is good for my combo skin. I noticed in a lot of other reviews that it’s recommended to test this out on a small patch of skin before hand because of a sensitivity issue.  I enjoy the bits of orange peel, it’s not rough at all, but it gives you a nice, clean feeling after rinsing off your face.  For me, this mask has been nothing but positive experiences.  Because you need a moist face to apply this mask, the thermal spray is the perfect face prep.  My only issue with this formula is that I personally need to use more than the recommended dosage of a thin layer.  I prefer a nice thick, green coating, so I know it’s working.  It does give me a little bit of a burning/tingling sensation when I first apply it, but it doesn’t bother me at all and eventually subsides after a few minutes.  I’ve heard of people using this mask as an over night spot treatment, but I usually just lather my whole face and let it sit for 20-30 minutes depending on my mood. If you’re familiar with clay masks you are prepared for the tightness while the clay dries on your face.  By the end of this mask I’m hoping my skin has been thoroughly detoxified with the cleanest of pores and the softest of skin.  Although my skin does feel tight, after using this mask three times a week for the last two weeks I have been able to rely on it to keep my skin hydrated during the winter.  The conditioning element after I rinse off my face is huge for me because I don’t want to take a clay mask off and feel like my skin needs to be shocked back to life. I do need a cooling property after I remove the mask and I immediately tone with my Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner, which has aloe Vera, rose and sea water *heart eyes*.  The final step of achieving the glow up from dull, tired and dehydrated skin is ….

I need a trusted moisturizer.   So I am either reaching for Dr. Jart’s Tiger Grass, or my new friend – Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream.  First of all, before I move into the formula, I love love love this little container.  It keeps the formula sanitary as opposed to dipping your fingers in a jar, and it’s fun to use.  I wouldn’t take it traveling with me that is the only downside.  But the lid does come off so maybe I can repackage it because I do love to use it AM and PM.  I love when I can find a deep moisturizer that keeps my skin balanced and is versatile enough to be used day and night.  There's no real reason for this besides that fact that I'm cheap, and also running out of room on the surfaces in my room to hold all of my different creams.  But seriously after two weeks of using this moisturizer I’ve noticed a difference in my skin. Thanks to the plantain extract my skin is brighter, and firmer. And also sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer for effortlessly soaking into my pores to release long-lasting hydration.  It contains 6 rare African oils that do everything from nourishing, brightening, soothing and combating against environmental aggressors.  This facial cream is whipped into silky, goodness that feels luxurious on your skin.  I just want to keep applying it over and over again, but the best thing about this product is a little goes a long way. This formula is the perfect balance between powerful and breathable which is what I look for in a moisturizer during this harsh winter season.  This skin routine is heavily geared towards hydration, brightening, factoring in environmental issues and repairing of the skin which is desperately what my skin needs to survive these next few months in NYC.