Cult of Pretty

Unless you’re doing a sense-less test (blind/numb/nose plugged), it’s pretty much impossible to evaluate your experience of a beauty product on the effectiveness of the product alone. What makes you perceive a product as “working for you” is, in my opinion, a product of the cumulative experience - how the packaging works, the price/value relationship in terms of size etc., how good it smells, how it feels in use, the feeling it leaves behind, etc.

So I’m here to say this product really works, because:

- I don’t like the packaging; dual-ended feels gimmicky to me
- Smells a lil’ weird
- Feels strange going on; mucus-like yellow color
- Only use the night half, so arguably not a great use of money

This dual-ended doohickey from Philosophy is indeed Full of Promise, claiming to support natural collagen for “uplifting days and volumizing nights.” Whatever with that though!

I got this in a giftbag and for some reason decided to try the night side, which is a serum-like retinoid formula, and the results were seriously just awesome!  My skin looked so smooth and flawless (/is now so smooth and flawless), with no breakouts, that I just kept coming back for more. My dog recently ate this (<- where was this dog in high school) and I’ll be going out to buy more without hesitation.

If you’re looking for a good night treatment for 30’s-older skin, especially oily or acne prone skin, I highly recommend this.

Does this: Amazing night treatment for smooth, flawless skin (don’t ask me about the day side - also, the jarred version of Full of Promise is not this night treatment, it’s more like the day side)
Is this: Philosophy Full of Promise Treatment Duo
Get this: Above
Price: $75

Image: Vogue Italia; product c/o GLAM

I have a lot of stuff in my cabinets (this is not mine, someday I will show you though) … Whenever the stakes are high and I’m trying to prepare my skin for something - an event or something involving photos - I always feel kind of stressed out looking in there. What if I use the wrong combo, break out, use too much to combat a break out and dry out … etc.

So I was kind of relieved when, pre-Fashion Week, I received the Somme Institute 5 Step Regimen.

I’d seen this line before - I love the packaging - but I never knew much about it.  Turns out it was created by a research lab after they ended up patenting their own discovery - MDT5 - which Somme says allows the products to penetrate deeper into the skin to better aid in repairing sun damage, reducing fine lines/wrinkles, and treating/preventing acne/rosacea, all while working to improve skin tone, texture and clarity.

The kit came with clinicals (photos and written derm reports) that were really impressive, which helped convince me to up my morning routine from ZERO products to 5, and my night routine from 2 products to 4.

What I love about this system is it takes the guess work completely out of how to use and layer products.  Here’s what you do:

AM: Nourishing Cleanser (Cleanses), Transport (Exfoliating Pads), Serum (Vitamin C Treatment), A-Bomb (Moisturizer) and Double Defense SPF 30+ (Sun Protection).

PM: Above - except no sunscreen.

I actually loved the ritual of it all, and the lemon-y scent of the products. After about five days, I definitely saw an improvement in my overall skintone evenness and clarity.  My skin felt plumper too - I think because I was finally moisturizing regularly. 

I won’t get into all the details but I have a pretty good understanding of the key ingredients of each product just knowing what I know about skincare … they definitely cover all the essentials.  Think of it like a multi-vitamin for your beauty routine. If you’re looking to take the guesswork out of your routine, I highly recommend switching to this system if you can afford it - at first blush it looks expensive, but if you do the math on what you’ll save experimenting on creams that don’t work (or work together), it makes sense.

Also, it looks so much nicer on your counter than the average stuff!

Does this: Somme Institute 5 Step Regimen for All Skin Types
Is this: A simple way to get everything you need in a skincare regimen - all it looks pretty too
Get this: Above
Price: $298

Image via; product via the brand

“i just stumbled upon your blog today, and proceeded to read every article on all 14 pages… needless to say, you are a guru… so i’ve come to you with a few questions. i work in a hair salon (this applies to both questions!) and my hands are forever in hot water which has lead to eczema. i’ve tried all natural creams to 2% cortisone. any out-of-the-box suggestions? also, i’ve been searching high and low for a toner for my bleach blonde hair that’ll go grey/silver (but not blue!) help?! xox” - Sybaritic

Thanks, you’re super nice.  On the hand issue, I feel you.  I have a real obsession with moisturized hands. It’s a long story but basically for the first 3 months of my son’s life I washed bottles and such 3x a day by hand in super hot water, and my hands got destroyed until I started slathering them with this:

I realized the issue was not really about healing them, it was about not letting them get soaked in water in the first place. Aquaphor does help with the healing, but more importantly it provides a barrier (even after it’s soaked in - you don’t have to walk around with greasy hands, just let it absorb).  I really recommend it for “working” hands and for overnight treatments.

Does this: Healing and protective cream for hands (or anywhere else you need - it’s a good lip balm too).
Is this: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Get this: Above
Price: $16.99 (for the giant tub)

As for your other question about hair toner, I don’t know - there’s one person I will ask for you … but if anyone knows please comment!  Oh and obvious P.S. but if your hands don’t improve you should see a derm : )

Image: British Vogue (1960’s) via

“i don’t wear makeup but feel like i need some barrier between the crap in the air and my skin. can you recommend anything that can do this while being lightweight and not super expensive? all the best.”- Wizbeff

You probably have beautiful skin so I worship you - I love a no-makeup look.  But to keep it that way I definitely agree you should probably throw on a layer to protect you - something with SPF + antioxidants to fight the enemies.

I’ve long been fan of Caudalíe’s cult Beauty Elixer mist (try that too if you can), and I just got their Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid. It’s SPF 15 and contains their signature superantioxidant derived from grape vines.  It’s oil free and works as a general radiance booster or a primer (if you do wear makeup).  My favorite thing is that it immediately feels like you’re wearing nothing, unlike even a day cream or tinted moisturizer - and it smells good.

Does this: SPF 15 anti-aging, radiance boosting fluid
Is this: Caudalíe Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid
Get this: Above
Price: $68

I co-sign the “investment” price because you don’t need a lot and it’s also an anti-aging regimen - and it’s never too soon to start.  A less expensive option would be my favorite primer, Fresh Fresh Face Rose ($36), or my go-to tinted moisturizer from Aveeno (~$14).

Image: Teen Vogue; product c/o the brand