Cult of Pretty

Oh hai. Can I haz an exfoliator that doesn’t involve sanding my face?

Yeah, ok, sure. I’m sort of a no scrub no love type of gal, but I’ll continue my series on exfoliation with another new favorite of mine which is, in fact, a mask … from the recently revamped, forever iconic brand Nude.

This Miracle Mask is an ideal weekly treatment if you want a little refinishing without the manual labor.  It’s full of natural AHAs - just apply a thin layer and leave on for five minutes to feel them working their sloughing thing - but it also has gentle rice beads to polish skin as you remove the mask.

I use it every Sunday night now, and it’s really one of those products that makes you ask yourself why you would waste your money on a facial when you can do something simple and effective at home in the comfort of your own shower while testing how much of Azealia Banks 212 you can rap from heart relaxing.

Does this: A great weekly mask treatment to reveal new skin
Is this: Nude Skincare Miracle Mask
Get this: Above
Price: $48 

Image: Cosmo Australia

Currently.

via

Happy 4th, if that’s geographically relevant to you!  If not … hope you’re enjoying the summer.  We’re in Maine - this is not a picture of me, but it’s how I feel!

Image: Nirrimi Firebrace (if you don’t know who this is, please explore!!!)

When I see something that would make a great hostess gift I always wish someone would invite me to their beach house already I could be like Oprah’s buddy Colin Cowie, who has a closet in his pad that’s stocked with pre-wrapped candles and little gifts for those unexpected invitations [dahling].

Anyway, these are not rocks, they are soaps made with soya bean, sesame oil and other natural goodies.  They’re gentle enough for face and body.  And SO PRETTY for the fancy pants that invites you to their beach house this summer.

Does this: Beautiful gift; item you put in your guest loo and then burn with annoyance when someone actually touches it
Is this: Matahari Rock Soaps
Get this: Online at Tauk Montauk above
Price: $12.00 each

Images: Heather Marks by Enrique Badulescu for Velvet via; rocks via House Beautiful

Hi Ann!
I landed a summer job on a boat and was hoping you could give me some product suggestions. I’ve never spent a summer without a hairdryer, so I’m not sure what products would be best for my (long and straight) hair after spending a day in the sun. Waterproof mascara? Sunscreen favorites? My mom is going on a beauty supply hunt this week so she can bring me products when she visits from the U.S.A. (did I mention that this boat is in the Agean?). I hope you had a lovely time in Cyprus. I’m a huge fan of your blogs!
-Emma

Did I mention I hate your guts love boating? Here are my cult beauty favorites, from my many MANY trips on a boat* over the years.

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock ($11.39) The sun reflected from the water  + the wind = the most painful skin ever, so start an intimate relationship with the quickest, easiest sunscreen ever.  Spray it in your hand and apply to your face.

2. Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque ($26.00) You will need to quench your hair like crazy.  Smells and feels amazing; use it daily instead of conditioner.

3. Clarins Double Fix Mascara Waterproof Seal ($22.00) One of my favorite cult lash products - lets you waterproof your favorite mascara- FOR REAL (you can also use it to waterproof liner).

4. Organic Surge First Class Mask ($9.99) Your face really does get parched on the water; this is a great moisturizing mask that refreshes without being heavy … great even for acne-prone skin.

Seriously though, have an amazing trip and thanks so much for your kind words.  Bring/use a lot of SPF lip balm as well.  Lips get crazy chapped at sea. 

P.S. MEMORIZE THIS NOW.

*This.

Image credit: Harper’s Bazaar

Vaycay in a bottle

via here and here