Angela’s Lab | Beauty Arsenal Update

At MSL, we are constantly on the lookout for the next best product or serum to help address our beauty woes, from patchy sun-damaged skin to dull hair. And, like computer technology, beauty technology is improving and evolving at a rapid rate. (Thank goodness!) Here are my own beauty finds as of late that I’ve become a fan of and added to my personal beauty regimen.

1 | Growing old gracefully is downright hard at times, but Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength, Line Reducing Concentrate is definitely helping soften my fine lines and wrinkles that are appearing. I love how it heats up on my skin and feels like it’s working immediately.

2 | I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors this summer in the sun, wind and water, and my hair was starting to pay the price. Dry. Broken ends. Dull. Until, that is, I had the Olaplex salon treatment that left my hair sleek, shiny and hydrated. (The Kardashians reportedly use it so it must good, right? No matter how you feel about them, you have to admit they have pretty hair.) I took home the Olaplex Hair Perfector with instructions to apply once a week to maintain my luxe locks. Ask your stylist.

3 | I’ve always felt better when I look a little tan. That coveted California girl glow. But I gave up laying in the sun back when I was in my early 20s and my skin developed brown patchy hyperpigmentation. Yuck. Enter my addiction to self-tanner. When I discovered a month ago that the product I used for years had been discontinued, I decided to audition Clarins Intense Bronze Self-Tanning Tint. It works — almost immediately — and just like that my glow is back.

4 | Okay, I mentioned the brown patches on my face that I’ve fought with on and off for years. Whenever I spend time in the sun — even lathered with sunscreen — they come back. I tried bleaching them at one point, but my skin looked pasty. Yuck. I’d rather have the patches and blend them in with self-tanner and foundation. Enter Clarins Mission Perfection Serum. I’ve been using it for just two weeks and am really noticing a difference. The spots are starting to fade and I don’t look like Vampira.

5 | I love this new polish, and you shouldn’t neglect your nails! Julep’s Zelda Bombshell has a subtle gold shimmer and is the perfect glam neutral. Be sure and use Zoya’s Anchor Basecoat first and your polish will stay put for days.