My 5 Favorite Face Masks + Moisturizers

I had a reader request to share some of my skincare favorites.  I have done a post on my daily make-up (you can read it HERE) but it has been awhile since I shared some skin favorites.  I have a few tried and true favorites but I always like to try new products as well.  I alternate between several different masks, creams and oils.  I can be a bit of a beauty junkie but it is so fun to try new products. I am on the hunt for some new natural lines to add to my rotation so I would love any recs outside of BeautyCounter and Tata Harper which I already use and love! 

F A C E  M A S K S 

These are my 5 favorite face masks.  I typically do a face mask 2-3 times a week.   I alternate between these 5 depending on my mood that night.  Mondays are always my "detox" night.  I do a face mask, whiten my teeth and drink detox tea (I like the Pukka detox tea or I make my own with lemon and ginger).  Then I do another mask Wednesday and one weekend day.  

T A T A  H A R P E R  R E S U R F A C I N G  M A S K 

I have been using this mask the longest.  I love all Tata Harper products.  This one is not heavy and feels a little tight when you apply it.  My skin feels so soft and moisturized afterwards.  It really does make your skin glow.

C O L L E E N   R O T H S C H I L D  D E T O X   M A S K 

This one is great for "detoxing" your skin.  The charcoal and clay really help to pull out impurities.  It also helps to brighten and sooth skin. 

BeautyCounter Charcoal Mask

This thing works wonders, especially for zits.  If I ever get a zit I put a dab of this on it at night and it dries it right up.  This mask purifies, absorbs oil, and helps to draw out impurities.  It gets super tight when I apply it which I love, makes me feel like it is really working!

H E R B I V O R E   B L U E  T A N S E Y  M A S K 

I ordered this after my girl Gwyneth recommended as one of her top 10 favorite natural face masks. This mask clarifies and gently exfoliates with blue tansey, willow bark and fruit enzymes.  

GlamGlow Youth Mud Mask

What I love about this mask is it really exfoliates your skin.  As soon as you put it on your skin tingles.  This was originally designed as "the 10 minute facial " for celebrities.  It really works to help smooth your skin, exfoliate, brighten it and make it super soft.

M O I S T U R I Z E R S

Beauty Counter Nourishing Day Cream

I use this everyday. I have been using it about 2 years now and love it.   It is lightweight, not greasy and really moisturizes.  

N I G H T  C R E A M S

I alternate between these 3 creams at night.  I like that they are thicker and really moisturize your skin.  I have fairly dry skin so I need the extra thickness and moisture.

BeautyCounter Rejuvenating Night Cream

I love BeautyCounter because you don't have to worry about harmful ingredients and this cream works really well. 

Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme 

This one smells so good and makes my skin super soft.  It is really hydrating.  

Colleen Rothschild Extreme Recovery Cream

This cream is also thick and makes my skin feel baby soft afterwards. 

O I L S,  S E R U M S + O T H E R

Face Oil

I have mentioned this face oil a few times on here but I love it so much.  It is the first thing I put on every morning.  It is not greasy and I feel like my skin drinks it up when I apply it.

Colleen Rothschild Age Renewal Super Serum

This super serum helps combat the 6 signs of aging : texture, dehydration, elasticity, fine lines, radiance, and tone.  I apply this at night before my moisturizer. 

BeautyCounter Rejuvinating Toner Pads

This is another BeautyCounter product I have been using from the beginning.  I use these right after I wash my face.  Not only do I feel like they help get the extra grit off my face but they minimize your pores as well.

RMS Beauty Coconut Wipes

These are all I use for removing my makeup.  They are the best and they moisturize your skin at the same time and are not harsh.

Obsessions | Under $100

Today I am sharing some Spring Beauties all under $100.

Camo Dress

I have an almost identical version to this tee shirt dress and love it (see below). This one is under $50!

Peplum Top

So cute and under $40.  I like that it is a longer Peplum, sometimes they are too cropped on me.

Cold Shoulder Top

I just ordered this in the stripe and will share soon! 

Midi Dress

I have seen this dress on a few people and it is so flattering!! It comes in a really gorgeous blush color too that would be perfect for Easter.

Pearl Studded Sandals

Zella High Waisted Capris

I love this new high waisted style. These are the best workout leggings.

Sarong

I love the classic black/white stripe combo.  I am a huge fan of sarongs because you can wear them so many different ways.

Cold Shoulder Top

This comes in several colors and is only $35.

Embroidered Cover-Up

Pom Pom Tank

This comes in 3 colors.

Camel Heels

I have a pair of heels almost identical to these and wear them all the time!

Earrings

Floral Dress

Ruffle Dress

This comes in 4 colors and is under $50.  You could easily dress this up or down.  I love the neckline.

Cold Shoulder Tie Blouse

This looks identical to the Tibi version but is a fraction of the cost.

Ruffle Sleeve Blouse

This comes in several patterns and solid colors as well.  I think this one would look great with white jeans.

Tassel Earrings

I am obsessed with these.  I feel like the colors would go with so many outfits!

Flip Flops

The perfect neutral flipflop - also comes in black and silver.

Baby Shower Food + 2 Outfits

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Frances got the stomach bug Friday night so we had a super low key weekend at home.  I was supposed to help host a baby shower for a good friend Saturday but skipped it in case I was contagious and to take care of Frances Moon.  

Several of you wanted the recipes for the food I made for my friend's baby shower (that I shared on instastories) so I wanted to share those recipes today along two outfits.

..........................................

Major love for this romper.  In all honestly I am not a big romper person but I really liked this one.  I loved the fact that it was black and the cute scallop details.  I am wearing a size small.  It also comes in a gorgeous red color. 

Use code MOREISMORE to save up to 30% on the romper.

Romper | Sandals

This off shoulder tee is under $25!  It comes in several colors and it so soft. I am wearing a small in this as well. 

Off Shoulder Blouse | Earrings | Ring

Now onto the shower recipes!  All of these can be made ahead of time and then pulled out to come to room temperature when you serve them.  

T O R T E L L I N I   P A S T A  S A L A D 

- 1 large package cheese tortellini

- 1 pint cherry tomatoes

- 2 small cucumbers diced

- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

- 4 oz crumbled feta 

- 1 bottle Italian dressing (I love the Good Seasonings Italian packet you mix yourself) 

Cook tortellini according to package.  Drain and place in bowl with other ingredients.   Drizzle with dressing.  You may not need the whole bottle just add as much as desired.  Toss and serve room temperature.  I like to sprinkle the top with extra feta and parsley.

B L T   C H I C K E N  S A L A D   C U P S 

via Spices in my DNA

INGREDIENTS

½ c. plain Greek yogurt 

1 tsp. dijon mustard

¼ tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

juice of ½ a lemon

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

2½ c. cooked, shredded chicken

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus extra for sprinkling

1 T. chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish

diced cherry tomatoes

butter lettuce/lettuce of your choice for serving

** I added in 2 tablespoons vegan mayo

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, dijon, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until combined. Add in the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and chives and stir until evenly coated.   Sprinkle the tops with extra bacon, chives, and diced tomatoes.

C U C U M B E R  D I L L  T E A  S A N D W I C H E S 

- 2 packages cream cheese room temperature

- 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill

- juice of one lemon

- 1 english cucumber thinly sliced

-  1 loaf thin white and wheat bread (I like Pepperidge Farms)

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature.  Add in chopped dill, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.  Mix well.  

Use a mandolin to thinly slice the cucumber.  

Spread both sides of bread with cream cheese and layer with cucumbers.  Cut in half and then in half again.  Each sandwich should make 4 mini triangles.

P R O S C I U T T O  M E L O N  S K E W E R S 

These are pretty self explanatory.  Just skewer cantaloupe, prosciutto, and mozzarella.  I will say if you can get the prosciutto fresh sliced from the deli it makes a big difference.  It tastes so much better than the packaged kind. Optional you can drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

B R I E   B I T E S

The pic above was taken before these were baked.  

mini phyllo tarts
Ile de France brie cubed
brown sugar
chopped pecans
honey 

Preheat oven to 350. Place a cube of brie in each phyllo tart. Sprinkle each tart with approximately 1/2 tsp brown sugar. Top with approximately 1/2tsp chopped pecans and a dollop of honey. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until brie is melted. (use more or less of each ingredient according to your preference).

If you make these ahead of time I assembled them with just the brie and brown sugar.  Then I added the honey and nuts right before I baked them.  

This is 37.

Last Friday I turned 37.  Most days I still feel like I am 21 so I have a hard time comprehending the fact that I am rapidly approaching 40.  But as the saying goes you are only as old as you feel right???  I don't mind getting older,  in fact I love my thirties so much more than my twenties.  I know everyone says that but it really is true.  You learn so much about yourself the older you get,  and take less bull shit from people.  You realize what is important and what is not.

The truth is 36 was a tough year for me.  As many of you know I went through a separation from my husband Matt.  There is nothing easy about separating especially when kids are involved.  It has been a heart breaking experience and has made me question so many things. We all have an idea of what we want our life to look like in our head and when it doesn't turn out that way it is sometimes hard to process.  

What I have learned is life is short.  It is way too short not to be happy.  Sometimes you have to go through a lot of shit to even see a glimmer of light.  Sometimes you have to make your own light and convince yourself things will get better- and they will.  We only get one life and you have to make the most of it.  I am trying to embrace this messy and unknown time in my life.  I am fully relying on my family and friends who have lifted me up and shown me so much love and support it has blown me away- that is true love.  When you go through something like it becomes very clear who your true friends are.  

I am hopeful for what the future holds.  We have to be don't we?

I am also so incredibly thankful for all the blessings in my life, especially Sterling and Frances Moon.  They give me a reason to strive to be the best version of me I can be.  

I recently read a new book that was amazing and resonated with me in so many ways, called The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.  I posted this quote on my instastories and so many of you wanted to know what book it was from and this is it.  I highly recommend it.

I wanted to share a few things I have learned at the ripe old age of 37.

- Quality over quantity when it comes to friends.  I have a small circle of good friends who are my life line these days.  Once you have kids it is hard to maintain friendships because you are so busy.   That is why I have a small handful of friends that I can give my all. 

- That being said time with girlfriends is good for the soul.  It is so important to carve out time with your girls.  

- You can't trust everyone.  This one was a hard one for me.  Be careful what you share with others because not everyone has the best intentions.

- It is ok to say no.  This was another hard one for me to learn.  I used to feel like I had to yes to everything.  Every event I was invited to,  every company that wanted to work with me,  I felt like I had to say yes.  Once you start saying no more often it becomes easier and easier and it is so liberating to do what you actually want to do.  I wasted so much time in the past trying to make others happy and not myself.  

- Hot sauce makes everything taste better.  Total personal preference but I love hot sauce on everything. 

- It is ok to buy store bought treats for class parties.  I used to bust my ass trying to make homemade stuff for the kid's class parties but it doesn't matter.  The kids could care less.  

- Peeing alone is a luxury.  It is still rare that I actually get to pee alone,  someone always needs something the moment I sit down to pee or shower for that matter. 

- Spanx and high waisted jeans are always a good idea.

-  Make a point at the end of day no matter how hard it was to remind yourself of the blessings in your life and all the good in your life.   

- It is good to have alone time.  I had a really hard time with this one.  I like to have company and be surrounded by people.  But I am learning to be alone and appreciate the quiet and time to focus on myself.  

- Your parents are usually right and if they are not right they always have your best interests at heart.

- Netflix and wine are a pretty damn good end to a day.

- Exercise is crucial to mental happiness.  I feel so much better when I leave the gym not just physically but mentally.  

- Age is just a number. 

A few quotes that I love.

Have a fabulous weekend! 

xoxo