What to Buy at the Credo Friends and Family Sale 

Credo’s annual Friends and Family Sale is here for clean beauty enthusiasts. It’s a sitewide sale, featuring clean beauty brands that rarely go on sale, including Westman Atelier and Tata Harper. You do not need a promo code to take advantage of the discount. The 20% discount will be applied automatically to your cart. Shop your favorite brands or update your makeup routine with a clean beauty favorite. They offer a wide range of options at various price points. These are my recommendations on what to buy at the Credo Friends and Family Sale. Use the code Friend25 for early access.

One of the things I love about shopping on the Credo website is the extensive amount of information they share about each product. Below each Credo product, you will find details on the ingredients, the brand, usage instructions (KEY), and the skin type it is best suited for. This is a game changer, as I have always struggled with knowing when to apply a product in my skincare routine.

The Credo clean standard stands for product, packaging, people, and the planet. They have sustainable packaging guidelines. This is how I discovered we had a store in Chicago, as I was looking for a place to recycle my empty bottles.  

Makeup To Buy at the Credo Friends and Family Sale 

Iris and Romeo Weekend Skin 50 SPF with a vitamin C serum. I have the warm glow color and love it. It is similar to the Glow Screen from Supergoop, but this version includes Vitamin C and Zinc for added protection. Suitable for all skin types, this product can be used both day and night for a radiant look and sun protection. This is one of those hero products that I have multiples of for backups, so I’m never without it. Use it as a primer under makeup or on its own.

Iris and Romeo Weekend Skin Moisture Lip Balm comes in three colors (ALL great) and has SPF 30. I love them all, and it goes on smoothly with the perfect hint of color. Packing one of these for Paris.

Peptide Lengthening Mascara by Soshe. I bought this for $32 last year and loved it, and I was so sad when it was finished. This is on my list to rebuy this year with the sale. I loved the applicator and how it lengthened my lashes.

What to Buy at the Credo Beauty Sale: Tata Harper

The resurfacing mask is a cult-favorite product by many, including me. It will give you an instant glow after use. 

Tata Harper is rarely on sale and includes a 20% friends and family discount. Additionally, I would like to note that you can currently find this brand in Paris at Oh My Cream, a clean beauty shop similar to Credo. It is a trending, clean beauty brand in Paris at the moment.

Clean Beauty Brands to Shop: Westman Atelier 

Westman Atelier Complexion Drops. These do have a distinct smell, and a little goes a long way. The drops will give you a dewy and beautiful glow.

Squeeky Clean Lip Balm, I have the bright brick, and it’s not as bright as you’d think. These are under $40 and fit perfectly in an evening bag for a night out.

Baby Cheeks blush stick applies smoothly and delivers a healthy, vibrant pop of pink.

The Vital Skin Foundation Stick is similar to the Merit Beauty product.

ROZ Haircare

I purchased the Roz leave-in conditioner on a whim last summer after seeing it on the Credo site. It’s perfect for warmer days when I want to air-dry my hair, as it adds a little extra moisture and a slight curl. Amanda, who does my hair, recommended the shampoo and conditioner, so I am now fully obsessed with the entire Roz line.

Enjoy free shipping on orders over $50. Check online to see if there is a Credo location near you. I stopped by the Wicker Park/Bucktown location in Chicago for the first time and was overwhelmed by the many incredible, clean beauty favorites. 

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission from items purchased from my links. Merci!

Credo kindly gifted a few of the items mentioned in this post. This is not sponsored. I’m sharing this sale because I love these brands and the concept of clean beauty.

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Earlier this year, I shared my five favorite French beauty brands to buy. I hope it inspired you and helped you navigate the French pharmacy. One of my favorite featured brands, Avène is having a flash sale this week for 20% off, and I wanted to share some of my favorite items. The brand has been buzzing lately between my dermatologist, esthetician, sister, and neighbor. Skincare and sunscreen are essential, and I love that we can share tips and product recommendations. Avène has a lengthy product selection, and this post was designed to help you narrow it down with my five favorite Avène products. Identify your skin type and concerns, and you can choose what is best for you.

Avène Friends and Family Discount Code

Use the code FLASH20 for 20% off your order.

Avène thermal water is a French girl staple product. I recently read this article on the French pharmacy secret to cleaning your face that will convince you to add this to your skincare routine if you don’t already own it.

Avène Hydrance Cream

I discovered this Hydrance Rich Cream at Citypharma in Paris; the one I picked up had sunscreen SPF 30. Even in the winter, I need to wear sunscreen, and I love a richer cream with sunscreen protection. The US formula does not offer sunscreen, but that can easily be added with the tinted compact or an additional cream at the end of my beauty routine. My skin is very dry, and I enjoy this rich hydrance cream in the colder months. There is a lighter version for spring/summer.

Avène XeraCalm A.D.

XeraCalm A.D. is a dream moisturizer for dry skin, and I use it year-round. The large bottle sits in my medicine cabinet, and I apply it right after a shower. XeraCalm A.D. is a richer, thicker formula that soaks into your skin, hydrating it with a mild scent that isn’t florally or perfume-based. It is perfect for him, too.

5 Best Avène Products Cicalfate Restorative Corrective Cream

I highly recommend having Cicalfate Restorative Cream in your medicine cabinet. This cream will amaze you at how much you reach for it after seeing this cream’s magic healing wonders. Cuts, burns, scrapes, you name it, cicalfate cream has got you covered. I also have the hand cream on my desk and in the kitchen; it was the one product that helped heal my chapped hands during the winter months.

Avène RetrinAL Eyes

RetrinaAL Eyes is a three-in-one product that helps with under-eye lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Everything I am looking for in one product. I recently switched to using this nightly after a recommendation from my esthetician. This is one of the products I will ensure I have a backup so I don’t run out. When using this product, use sunscreen during the day.

I also alternate nightly using their RetrinAL 0.1 intensive cream for anti-aging.

Avène Mineral Tinted Compact

This compact is a dream for those who want more coverage and sun protection. Several readers and my sister included, asked me about this one. Beige is the best color for me, so if you have similar coloring, that is which one you will want to choose. If you have a darker skin tone, then honey is your color. I also love their mineral sunscreen, which I will bring to Italy this summer.

Photo of me is by Magda for Katie Donnelly Photography

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links at no cost to you. Merci!

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Merit Solo Shadow

It’s time for Merit’s biggest launch of the year. Eye shadow is the most requested product from Merit beauty customers.  Eight colors total make up the assortment of the solo shadow line by the clean beauty brand. Four neutral shadow shades are designed to work with your minimalist perfecting complexion stick. The other four Merit solo shadow shades are wearable shades that range from green to navy. Merit Beauty is also launching a new Brush No. 2 brush alongside the new solo shadows. 

How to apply the Merit Solo Shadow

Solo shadow are designed to be applied with your fingertip or Brush No. 2. The new Merit brush retails for $20. 

Merit Beauty Brush No 2

Merit’s Brush No 2 is dual-ended with extra-soft vegan bristles and a 100% recycled aluminum handle. The fluffy end of the brush is used to apply just the right amount of product. Solo shadows from Merit are made to be buildable, so apply as little or as much as you desire for the perfect coverage. Use the tapered brush end along the lash line. 

How to Decide Which Color Solo Shadow is Right For You?

Solo shadows are $24 for each color. The neutral shades work with the foundation stick, The Minimalist. This is one of my favorite products from the brand and one I use almost daily. Merit’s minimalist is a foundation and concealer stick in one. Merit’s buildable formula allows you to use as much or as little as you want to create your desired look. Solo shadows are the perfect addition to the Merit makeup collection. 

Find your Minimalist shade match and pair it with the suggested shade range.

Brun is a deep brown for use with shades Chestnut-Umber.

Midcentury is a warm brown for use with shades Sand- Amber.

Vachetta is a warm beige for shades Ecru-Bisque (my shade).

Studio is a cool taupe for shades Bone – Dune. 

Wearable Merit Solo Shadow Shade Colors

Nelson is a soft grey

Social is a soft mauve 

Viper is a warm green. I love this color contrast with my brown eyes and selected to try it. I used this as a liner close to my lash line for a pop of color.

Midnight is a classic navy. This deep color looks great as a liner using the smaller end of Brush 2. 

Key Ingredients in the Solo Shadows

Merit prides itself on being a clean beauty makeup brand. The key ingredients in the new solo shadows are enriched with antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula extracts to soothe the eye area and help reduce skin damage. Peptides are added to reduce fine lines and nourish the skin with sunflower seed oil.

My Merit Makeup Routine

Now that you have learned about the newest products from the Merit team. I would love to share some of the other great Merit beauty products I have been using and loving.

My Makeup Routine is simple and easy. The Minimalist stick foundation is great for using under my eyes to hide dark circles. I apply it to different spots on my face and blend it using the Brush no 1. blending brush. This helps blend in and even out my complexion. 

When I am looking to dress up for a night out, I will enhance my eyes with eye shadow and eyeliner. The price point of the solo shadows makes it easy to play around with color and have a few different options in my makeup bag. Merit Day Glow gives me an extra highlighting glow on my cheeks. This is the number one favorite product from EDP readers. 

My 5-minute Merit Makeup Routine

The clean lash lengthening mascara is tubular and helps my lashes look long and full. Tiny tubes cling onto your lashes with each application, making it buildable with reapplication. The tubing mascara takes a little adjusting, and I will admit it wasn’t my favorite when I first tried it, but I learned to love it after using it multiple times. Remove it with warm water and a cleanser. The price point of the mascara is a fraction of my Sisley mascara at $26, allowing me to afford a backup mascara in my drawer. I recommend replacing your mascara every couple of months. 

The flush balm is excellent for a cheek tint. Flush balms are a cream blush that blends and stays all day. Cheeky is my favorite flush balm cheek color. It fits my skin tone perfectly and gives me a natural look. I bought Raspberry Beret, but it didn’t pop as much as the cheeky color. 

Merit Clean Beauty Lipstick and Gloss

Lipgloss is always floating around my evening bags. I toss one in on my way out for the evening and have one to reapply. Pink beet is a favorite of mine from Merit Beauty. The shade stick is a tinted lip oil but isn’t sticky. Maraschino cherry is a fun shade slick gelée with a hint of color and adds hydration to my lips. 

One of the things I love most about the Merit products is that they are perfect for everyday wear with the ability to customize and build. Use the new solo shadows to update your day look to a more defined evening look with shadows and liners using the brush. 

Your first order includes the Merit signature makeup bag. This is perfect for keeping all your favorite Merit products in one place. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $40 and free returns. 

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links. Merit kindly gifted a sample of the new shadows and No 2 brush. All opinions are my own. I hope you love the shadows as much as I do!

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Dermstore is a fantastic online retailer for all things skincare and beauty. It has been a site I have shopped on for the past year. When I found out they were having an anniversary sale, I wanted to share the site with you. I rounded up some of my favorite brands available on the site. Savings go up to 25%! The sale runs from August 8 – August 17th. Use the code CHEERS at checkout. It also helps to be a Dermstore member to collect points. If you spend over $200 you get an additional gift with your order.

Here is the official best-seller list via Dermstore. Below are my selections from the sale.

What to Buy at the Dermstore Sale

Skincare has become a passion of mine since I lived in Paris. I am constantly looking to try new products and testing what works best with my skin. My skin tends to run dry, and I do my best to buy clean beauty as much as possible and anti-aging products.

Sunscreen at Dermstore

Sunscreen is always a must, even on cloudy days. It has become part of my routine and something I can’t leave the house without. I purchased Elta MD sunscreen per the recommendation of my dermatologist and a few readers. It has worked well for my skin, and I ended up signing up for a subscription with Dermstore. They deliver a new bottle monthly at a discounted price. This is a great way to always have sunscreen on hand and an excellent reminder to keep using it! The sunscreen is part of the Dermstore sale and worth checking out! I also, of course, love Supergoop and use that as part of my regular rotation too.

Avène What to Buy at the Dermstore Sale

If you want to buy Avène skincare (one of my favorites), this is a great time to take advantage of the discount. The Retrinal eyes is a product of my regular rotation along with the thermal water.

Dermalogica

Dermalogica was one of the first brands I used after college. I don’t talk about it often, but I had terrible acne throughout college. My high school skin was perfection, and the minute I stepped on campus for college, I broke out, and it continued for years. Dermalogica was the brand offered while getting a facial, and I fell in love with the products which got me out of the terrible acne cycle.

I am using the daily exfoliant in the shower with my face wash. Exfoliating is vital to help serums work their magic and to maintain a healthy glow. Recently, I purchased the Peelfoliant, a new product from Dermalogica, and I am using it a few times a week. The smell isn’t my favorite, but the product works great! I packed the Dermalogica SPF 50 Skin Recovery Cream for Italy and loved it. I ordered a travel size and a few other products for the trip. Dermalogica is included in the 20% discount using CHEERS at checkout.

French Skincare Brands to Buy at Dermstore

Dermstore offers a wide variety of skincare brands. It can be overwhelming, so I pulled this list together. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything you can’t afford or don’t need. This is all a suggestion and guidance from my personal experiences with skincare. Feel free to comment below and share your favorite skincare finds or brands you are currently using.

Caudalie What to Buy at the Dermstore Sale

Caudalie is one of my favorite French skincare brands. I love their Premier Cru brand for anti-aging and just ordered more eye cream. The price point is affordable and even better in Paris. If you can’t make it to Paris, the next best thing is ordering Caudalie on sale. The Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is great for hydration and dark spots.

P.S. I loved the brand even more after experiencing their spa and vineyards in Bordeaux. It’s a bucket list trip worth exploring.

Try the Caudalie beauty elixir, their best-selling product for a healthy glow.

Use the code 25% discount with the code CHEERS. Caudalie is one of the few brands offering 25% off with this sale.

French Trudon Candles

Trudon is a classic candle brand. Their stores in Paris are a dream, and you will want to smell every candle. I have seen Trudon offered at a few boutiques recently, and I was thrilled to see them on Dermstore and included in the sale! These candles are an investment but also beautiful on a styled shelf, and their burn time is 60 hours. Try the Mediterranean candle, the leather and tobacco candle, or the Moroccan mint is my favorite.

This post is not associated with the brand or sponsored. There are affiliate links in this blog post, and I do make a commission off of items purchased from my links. Merci!

Photos of me by Rebecca Tyler and Madga for Katie Donnelly Photography

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5 Favorite Lipstick Colors

I recently reorganized my makeup drawer, and there is a small but mighty collection of lipsticks. Regarding makeup, I am pretty minimal with a few essential products. Lipstick is one of the makeup items I cannot live without. These are my top 5 favorite lipstick colors. 

I have always stuck to neutral colors for lipsticks, and Paris pushed my comfort zone with color. Parisian women wear red lipstick effortlessly, and it makes a statement. It’s an easy way to look pulled together before you step out of the house. I will reach for lipstick more often than a spritz of perfume. 

For my evening bag, when I go out to dinner with my husband, there is always lipstick in my bag to freshen up and reapply.

Poppy Sisley Paris

Poppy was a color I wouldn’t have usually reached for when it came to lipstick. After a facial at Sisley in Paris, they recommended this color when they did makeup on me. It is the color of poppies in the summer and turned out to be a lovely shade of red lipstick. It is the one I reach for in the summer when I want a pop of red for my wardrobe and makeup. The Sisley lip twists make color so much more approachable. 

Merit Pink Beet

One of the questions I get asked about most often is my lip color. The Merit Pink Beet color is a neutral pink with the perfect pop for almost everything I wear year-round. My sister and mom have always loved lipsticks in this similar shade, and I carry the trend. It is applied with a lipstick wand and goes on smoothly. The Merit lipstick isn’t sticky but has a small shine to it. Plus, it’s affordable, which makes it easy to order multiple shades of Merit and play around with the best color for your skin tone.

Merit Maraschino 

The Merit Maraschino is a tinted lip oil that was way out of my comfort zone regarding color. I was so worried it would be too bold for me. The sheer red makes the application and color more subtle than I expected. Think of it as a fun lip gloss with a tiny hint of color. It is surprisingly not sticky like you think it might be—another Merit favorite product. 

Sheer Rosewood Sisley 

I loved this color so much that I bought a second as a backup. This is a beautiful color and one of the lipsticks EDP readers love the most. The formula of the Sheer Rosewood from Sisley is hydrating and long-lasting. Sheer Rosewood is a best seller and it sells out fast!

Sisley Burgundy Lip Twist

The Burgundy Lip Twist from Sisley is the color I turn to in the fall/winter. It’s a bit warmer than a solid pop of red and is a gorgeous burgundy color like a glass of wine. This is a Sisley lip twist, and for some reason, I feel the twists make color easier. It isn’t lipstick. It is a lip balm that hydrates like chapstick with a fun pop of color. Your lips will keep the color for hours. I have had meals, and the color has stayed strong throughout. 

​

Caudalie Lip Conditioner

​My lips tend to get dry often, especially in the winter. I always have one in every bag or jacket I own. You can buy this at almost every Paris pharmacy and directly from Caudalie. It tends to sell out quickly so I stock up on multiples. 

You can read about my 5-minute makeup routine here and my favorite Merit products here, which is a more affordable routine. 

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links. Merci

Photos of me taken by Katie Donnelly and her team!

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Over the past 10 years, French skincare has become a passion of mine. When I arrived in Paris in 2013 with a suitcase full of clothes and no toiletries because I assumed I would buy my skincare at a French pharmacy instead. The amount of brands and skincare products I have tried is a bit insane. My medicine cabinet rotates on the regular with items I use and love and some I have phased out. While I am not an expert, I do have some experience and can help guide you on French beauty brands and what to buy. The number of products can be overwhelming at French pharmacies, my advice is to try one product at a time and see how your skin reacts.

5 French Skincare Brands to Buy in Paris

Save this post for your next trip to Paris, and feel free to pass this on to your Francophile friends that love skincare or are curious about trying French skincare brands.

French women are known for having a natural look when it comes to skincare and makeup. It has become a trend in the US and less is more when it comes to makeup. Healthy skin and a glow are what so many of us are looking for.

My Skin Type

To give you a little background on my skin. I have dehydrated skin, and dark spots and fine lines are my top concerns when buying skincare right now. My skincare routine includes a cleanser, multiple serums, an eye cream, a day cream, a night cream, face masks, and an oil. It is a running joke in our house because my medicine cabinet is filled to the max with products, and I have a backup of reserved products in my closet. The passion I have for French skincare is real.

If you have any specific skin concerns and are currently working with a dermatologist, it is best to ask questions before trying something new.

5 French Skincare Brands to Buy: Caudalie

Caudalie is one of the best French skincare brands based in Bordeaux, which uses vine and grape extracts as the key ingredient in its products. Essential oils and floral and botanical waters are also used. I have been using Caudalie for years and spent my bachelorette party of one in the south of France at their spa in Bordeaux last year. You can read about it here. It was the dreamiest escape from Paris.

Their instant detox mask is one of their best sellers and something that is always available in my beauty cabinet. It went viral on social media and was sold out for a bit. The face mask is great for detoxing the skin, tightening the pores, and taking out the oil. If you have oily skin, this is a great product to own and use a few times a week.

When using face masks, it is important to exfoliate beforehand. I have learned this from getting multiple facials and everyone has recommended that I exfoliate more often. This is easy to do in the shower with this gentle buffing cream. My facialist recommended that I use this brightening glycolic peel mask from Caudalie twice a week. It gives you glowy skin and takes away the dead skin cells and evens your complexion.

For a moisturizer, I use their night cream, premier cru for my eyes, and their overnight recovery oil on occasion. Their lip conditioner is something I cannot live without, and have it in every pocket and purse.

Caudalie’s shower gels are a staple for us. I love both the green and purple scents and it makes the shower smell so good and refreshing.

French Skincare Brands to Buy: Avène

Avène’s flagship product is its thermal spring water. This is one of the best French beauty brands highly recommended by dermatologists and estheticians. Their Cicalfate products are incredible and so great for dry skin. My hands were so chapped during the lockdown from handwashing and this was the only product that saved my hands. The hand cream is now always out in the winter months, next to the hand soap. Their Cicalfate cream is essential and you will be surprised how many times you will use it for a cut or burn after you see how well it works. I have been using and loving their RetrinAL eyes and Retrinal creams for anti-aging. (make sure to use these just at night and sunscreen during the day.

For my body, I love using their xeracalm body balm right out of the shower, it makes my skin hydrated and so soft.

Other French pharmacy products by Avène that I love include these antioxidant sheet masks which are very fun to do but can scare your significant other if you don’t warn them in advance. Their hydrance cream is incredible for dry skin, they also have a light version if you don’t need the heavy moisturizer. I was lucky enough to find this with SPF when I was in Paris in January which is a French exclusive. If you find yourself in France, I highly recommend picking up the hydrance cream with SPF.

Avène is a brand that is high on my list in terms of favorites, and I keep exploring and trying new products. This is the one brand I purchased on my last trip to Paris.

You can see more of my favorite Avène products here.

Best French Skincare to Buy : La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is a dermatologist-recommended brand with a range of products for sensitive skin. If you are looking for anti-aging products hyaluronic acid found in their serums is one of the active ingredients that will give you a plumping effect on your skin. I found the prices to be fairly comparable to the US when I was last in Paris so keep this in mind if you have your heart set on La Roche Posay items while you are in France.

Try their B5 hyaluronic acid serum, their vitamin B serum gets rave reviews, and daily sunscreen and also their mineral sunscreen, they have a daily serum with SPF which I love.

This is a very popular brand that is available in the US at places such as Target, Walgreens, Ulta, and Dermstore.

French Beauty Brands to Buy: Klorane

You are probably most familiar with the brand Klorane for its plant-based dry shampoo. This is one of the cult-favorite products of French girls. The trick is to use it before your hair gets greasy. Just a quick spray before bedtime should do the trick and let it work its magic. My hairstylist uses it to give me extra volume when she blows out my hair. There is a non-aerosol version as well which is easy to travel with.

I have been using Klorane products for years and truly love their Mango shampoo and conditioner. You may have heard me talk about their eye patches for dark circles and puffy eyes. These are great in the fridge and pull them out to use when you are getting ready. These were given as a gift to all the ladies that attended my wedding and my mom, sister, niece, and I did them together.

French Skincare to Buy: Bioderma

Bioderma is famous for its micellar water which has a cult following from makeup artists and models. During fashion week, this is one of the most purchased items at pharmacies. French girls swear by it. The water can be used to gently remove makeup from your face, and clean, and tone your skin. I always have a bottle in my cabinet and love the Bioderma wipes with the same formula for cleaning my face on the go. These are great for travel freshening up and cleaning your face from makeup before bed.

You can purchase this brand at any pharmacy in France and is very easy to find anywhere, this is one of the most popular French skincare brands. They also have other products to try including serums, lotions, and cleansers. Their intensive balm lotion is really great for my dry skin.

French Pharmacie Tips

Pro tip: Visit a French pharmacy and share your skincare concerns with a staff member. They will be able to recommend the right products for your skincare concerns. These are all my personal recommendations but if you had different skin than me, it’s best to ask a professional. A French pharmacy may not always speak perfect English, but you should be able to navigate around the key concerns of dry or oily and if you are looking for antiaging products.

Which Pharmacy is Best to Shop in Paris?

CityPharma is always a top-mentioned pharmacy in Paris for its prices and assortment. I have been here a few times including my last trip to Paris and find it hard to move around with tight aisles and crowds of people. My time is valuable more than saving a few euros and I prefer to visit a pharmacy that is less crowded and where I would get more personalized service. Just remember, if you are purchasing a large bag of items you will have to carry it around with you until you are back at your apartment or hotel if your destination isn’t close.

There are pharmacies on just about every corner so don’t go too far out of your way. I find some of the ones on the Left Bank to have higher prices close to the Eiffel Tower and St. Germain if you are trying to be cost-conscious. Pharmacie des Archives just across from BHV has always been a personal favorite. Monoprix can also have some great prices on French skincare.

Bonus French Skincare Brands to Shop

Favorite French Skincare: Sisley Paris

Sisley Paris is a brand I have loved and used for years now. The prices are higher than some of the drugstore brands in this post, but I can honestly say their high-quality products are worth it. The brand is well respected in the beauty industry, and they work hard to ensure their effective formulas are the best they can be by spending years of scientific research for each product. They just relaunched their ecological compound this year, one of the brand’s best sellers. This is still a family-owned company, and I love their passion for always making their products better.

I could write a whole blog post on just my love for Sisley products. Their mascara is a favorite of mine with organic ingredients to condition your lashes. Also, I love their face masks, including the black rose mask and their velvet sleeping mask. This new exfoliant is great for the shower on your face and works in just a minute.

Pro tip to buying Sisley skincare in Paris. If you are interested in trying the luxury brand but are still budget-conscious, buy them duty-free at the airport. This is where I find the prices to be the best, and it is a lot easier to grab before boarding your flight. Plus, even if you have just a carry-on bag, you will be able to take the creams with you in the duty-free sealed bag.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission at no cost to you for items purchased from my links. Merci!

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I am all about the 5-minute makeup routine. A while back, I wrote about it here. Last year, I discovered Merit after seeing advertisements for it everywhere between other blogger friends and beauty articles. Seeing something a few times takes me the nudge to try something. Merit is a clean beauty brand that is affordable and minimalistic regarding design, packaging, and product.

5-Minute Merit Beauty Routine

Merit Beauty: Clean Lash Mascara 

I didn’t love the clean-lash mascara when I first tried it. It was the first product I bought from the brand a few years ago, along with lipstick, and it just felt so different from my Sisley mascara. It’s a tubular mascara that leaves tiny tubes on the end of your lashes, making it also buildable. It took a few attempts to fall in love with the mascara. Tubing mascara takes some adjustment, but I genuinely hope you love it as much as I do. I have also been using this lash serum, and the combination of the two is insane. So many people have asked about my lashes. You could use this and nothing else and feel so much more put together. The clean lash mascara is the perfect black, which I typically use when it comes to mascara.  

The Minimalist Concealer Stick

The minimalist perfecting complexion stick is a concealer and foundation stick that I love! My color is Bisque, and it’s a perfect color match for my skin tone. There are several color options available online for you to choose from. A shade matcher is available if you need help finding the perfect shade. The price point is too good to pass up on this one. I use the concealer stick under my eyes, nose, and chin for my 5-minute Merit makeup routine. This is where I ensure I have coverage and red undertones that need to be evened out. The blending brush makes a huge difference and is so easy to use. If I were to choose one product, this would be my favorite thing that Merit offers. The brush blender helps so much in making sure it is an even blend on your skin.

Merit Flush Balm

Merit’s flush balms are a favorite product I wouldn’t like to live without. It’s a cream blush that glides on so well you don’t need to use any applicator. Hold it in your hand, and swipe up on your cheekbones where you smile. Cheeky is the creamy cheek tint I prefer most; it pops for me and gives me a natural flush. I recently ordered the raspberry beret cheek blush, a darker shade that didn’t appear as much as the cheeky color. You can also use brush no. 1 and blend in color to your cheeks a bit. 

Merit Instant Glow Serum

The great skin instant glow serum is a product I have been using and loving and plumps up your skin to give it a healthy glow. I use this under my makeup. Make sure to shake the bottle before using to get the product solution activated.

Merit Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil 

Pink Beet is my favorite go-to color for their lip shade slick and the color I wore in Paris on repeat. Merit recently introduced a lip oil that I ordered in the Maraschino. I have to say I was nervous about the color and thought it might be too red, but it ended up being much more subtle and just a hint of color. Their lip oils are not sticky or heavy like you might think for a gloss but have a good pop of shine. 

Merit Clean Beauty Makeup Kit

Another great option is to order one of the various makeup kits. Currently, they are offering some great summer kits. These give a bit of bulk discount instead of purchasing individual pieces. Each set offers various Merit products, and you can choose which colors you love the best in your makeup set. This is an easy way to do your 5-minute Merit makeup routine and feel beautiful.

Merit Beauty Review

Other favorites from the brand that didn’t make the top 5 worth mentioning include the brow pomade. I rarely use brow gel, but it makes a difference when I do. The day glow will give you a radiant, healthy glow, which I use on my cheeks. The other day, I was on a Zoom call, and Alyssa commented that I was glowing. It was because of this! 

Your first order gets an adorable tie makeup bag to keep everything in if you spend $40 or more, which is easy. I hope you love my five-minute makeup routine and you are inspired to create your own 5-minute Merit makeup routine. I would love to hear which products you enjoyed the most in the comments below. 

*Merit was kind enough to send me some of their products at the end of 2022. I have since been a paying customer after loving what I was originally sent. 

This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission at no cost to you for items purchased from my links. Merci!

Photos of me by Katie Donnelly Photography

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Summer Skincare Routine

I thought this post would be a simple post with 5 steps but as I started collecting creams and serums in my bathroom I wanted to share, it got a bit more complex. My financé will be the first to admit I have too many skincare items. He makes fun of me for my collection of creams and an overflowing medicine cabinet. Below is my summer skincare routine.

After living in France and using the local Pharmacie as a resource for French skincare my curiosity for the best creams and anti-aging serums has grown year after year. I first started with Filorga then Caudalie, and Avène and now I have learned about some great brands like Biossance, Farmacy, and Korres.

My summer skincare routine is a bit different than my winter skincare routine because of the constant sun and warmer temperatures. This routine is subject to change at any time but this is my current routine that I love and rotate.

Facewash

I currently am using and loving the Korres Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser. I use this day and night and it doesn’t dry my skin.

Toner

For my toner, I alternate between one from Klorane which is great at taking makeup off too, and this one from Caudalie. The one big feedback I have gotten from many facials over the years is that I needed a toner. I also love this one from Sisley if I want to splurge. It smells so good and lasts a while.

Serum

I have been loving and using this Retrinal corrective serum from Avène. I also really enjoy this serum from Biossance for hydration. I typically rotate between the two.

I should share that my skin is very dry even in the summer so there will always have to be some sort of extra hydration for me with serums and creams.

Moisturizer

For the nighttime, I use this Caudalie cashmere cream. During the day, I will use the day cream from Biossance. At night I will also use this rose facial cream from Korres.

Eye Cream

Ah, I have so many and this is my weakness. This is the first place I have seen wrinkles and now I am fixated on finding the best eye creams and ways to reduce bags and puffiness. I use this eye cream from Biossance, and I am currently testing this eye serum from Korres.

I always keep these eye patches from Klorane with me when I travel. In the summer, you can pop them in the fridge for extra cooling.

Sunscreen

This is a daily step at the end of my routine and so important. I have really gotten used to and love the Glowscreen from Supergoop. It’s SPF 40 and is tinted. It’s a nice glowy coverage for running out for errands. If you plan on being in the sun for longer than a few minutes, it’s always good to use a better sunscreen. I like the Supergoop Play which is 50 SPF. You can put this under makeup if you want. I just let it be the last layer on my skin if I am outside. I also like the Glowstick which is always in my bag for easy application to throw on my face if I end up being out longer than anticipated.

Night Creams/Oils

This makes a huge difference in the way my skin looks when I wake up. I use oil either one from Korres that is the Velvet Skin drink or a vitamin C oil. Biossance also makes a great rose oil that smells so good. Make sure to rub it in well. My skin drinks it up pretty fast.

In terms of masks, I love this Black Rose mask from Sisley and also this sleep mask from Sisley. Both are splurge items but are really great for hydration. For a budget-friendly option, this Korres Rose mask is great.

* This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission at no cost to you from items purchased from my links. Merci!

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I am excited to share my love of the French beauty brand Avène. Avène is a classic French beauty brand you will find at all the pharmacies. It has been a solid and reliable brand over the years using the thermal French water as the special ingredient. One of the most well known products from Avène you may know is the thermal water spray. My grandma was a big fan of this and I remember seeing her have it in her beauty cabinet growing up.

Avène Giveaway

I am partnering with Avène to give one reader 5 of these amazing anti-aging products that I have added to my beauty regimen as I have recently turned 40. I would love to share my love of French beauty with you.

To enter the giveaway, comment below with your name and favorite anti-aging tip! I will choose one winner on Sunday, May 15th. Make sure to have signed in with your email so I can contact the winner.

NEW RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

This serum just launched last week and I got my hands on a bottle. I have been using it day and night. It’s a 3 in 1 daily serum that minimizes the signs of aging and brightens your skin. One of the things I love about it is the bottle and applicator. It dispenses the perfect amount of product every time. There is just enough to cover your face and neck. It is plant-based which I really like.

The serum plumps and hydrates your skin which is essential in making you look younger and a give you a youthful glow. One bottle lasts 30 days so the 15% discount with REBECCA15 is a great opportunity to try this one.

RetrinAL 0.05

The RetrinAL 0.05 is great for deeper wrinkles and lines. I am just starting to use this but the reviews on sensitivity are great. I suggest starting slowly using this a few times a week to see how your skin reacts. Use this in the evenings and make sure to have sun protection on during the day.

RetrinAL Eyes

The RetrinAL eyes a must for anti-aging. Eyes show the first signs of aging. My future sister in law was the one that mentioned this product to me first as her dermatologist recommended it. I couldn’t wait to try it. I use it as part of my nighttime beauty routine. As with all RetrinAL products, make sure to use suncare during the day as your skin will be more sensitive. You will want added protection.

Thermal Spring Water

The thermal spring water is essential for the warmer months. I love a cool spritz on my face on a hot day. It helps restore the skin’s natural PH balance.

Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+

I brought this sunscreen to Italy with me last summer and I fell in love with it. Mineral sunscreens provide broad-spectrum UV protection and works great on sensitive skin. One of the things I loved about the sunscreen is that it didn’t burn my eyes as most sunscreens do and it never felt too heavy on my skin leaving a filmy residue at the end of the day.

You can use the code REBECCA15 to save 15% through Saturday, May 14th on the Avène website.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased through my links. Avène is hosting the giveaway. This is not a paid partnership just a partnership with a brand I love.

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Spring Makeup Favorites

When it comes to makeup, I don’t do much. I like to take the French approach with a few key items and healthy glowing skin. My favorite brand is Sisley for makeup and it is pretty much all I wear. Sisley Paris is what I have been wearing for my spring makeup look.

If I had to choose one thing that I couldn’t live without, it would be mascara. It is pricey, but it lasts a long time and really goes on well and strengthens, and helps my short lashes stand out. They just launched a new mascara which I have been enjoying called So Stretch. Otherwise, I have been using the So Intense.

Mascara

When it comes to my eyelashes, I don’t think I was given the same gift as my mom and sister who have amazing long lashes. I work hard to get mine with nightly lash serum, a primer from Dior, and mascara from Sisley.

Blush

The Sisley blush is great! They just launched this new one that I really like and it lasts all day long. I have been using the blush twists for a few years now which are also great. It just depends which you prefer to use. I am currently wearing the Berry color for the twists.

Powder

I love the look of dewy, fresh, healthy skin. If I have a blemish or I look a little red, I will throw on some powder or bronzer. I will also add in the Glow Screen from Supergoop. It has a tint and gives you a glow and sun protection.

Eye Liner

The eyeliner is amazing and lasts all day on my eyes. I am not an expert at applying it but this liner is very forgiving. You can sharpen the liner through the sharpener that is on the bottom of the liner. You just pop off the bottom to access the sharpener. My favorite colors are mystic green and navy.

Concealer

I have had the same tube for a few years now. The metal applicator helps with any additional puffiness you may have around your eyes. I use the #2 shade by Sisley. I recently purchased a new tube in Paris.

Lips

I love the lip twists and prefer Poppy #13 in the Spring to be my color. If I am going for a nude lip, a good gloss overtop will do the trick. I am also really into the Rosewood sheer shade of their newest lipstick. It’s always in my bag for a quick touch-up.

Everything is stored in my favorite Cuyana leather bags.

The items featured in this post have been gifted from Sisley Paris over the years. I personally love these products and use them regularly.

This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased through my links. Merci!

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How to Use Dry Shampoo

I am excited to share a giveaway with my favorite dry shampoo brand, Klorane. To enter, you will have to follow the directions on my Instagram account.

I have been using Klorane shampoo for years now. I typically use the Mango shampoo and conditioner but when I can’t jump in the shower for a quick refresh, I grab a bottle of their dry shampoo. It has become a game-changer in keeping my hair fresh after a blowout and also refreshing my bangs.

If you don’t know how to use dry shampoo, it can be a little intimidating. So here are a few tricks I have learned over the years. It takes a little practice and you have to figure out what works best for your hair and routine.

For a little extra volume in your hair, you can use Klorane’s newest dry shampoo formula to add a little extra volume. My hairdresser uses dry shampoo at the end of a blowout to help keep it lasting longer and for a little texture and volume.

Shake The Bottle

Before applying, make sure you shake the bottle to mix up the formula.

Aim High and Start Slow

You want to separate your hair into small sections and get the product in your roots where your hair is most oily. Make sure you are 10-12 inches away for an even distribution of the product.

Massage and Fluff

I would say the process is a mixture of massaging the product in your hair and fluffing it with your fingers.

Some Pro tips:

Use a colored dry shampoo if you have dark hair. The white product won’t show up on blond hair but it will really show on dark hair.

If you are looking for a non-aerosol container for traveling, you can use this one.

Spray and sleep on it. If you want to skip the wash and dry in the morning, use dry shampoo the night before. Let the oils soak up the product overnight and your hair will look refreshed.

If spraying the dry shampoo intimidates you as it did me, spray it directly on your hairbrush and then run the brush through your hair. It will give the same results.

The Klorane dry shampoo smells amazing so if you need to cover up a not-so-fresh smell, you can use the dry shampoo.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links. Merci! This post was not sponsored. I am proud to be a Klorane ambassador for a brand I love!

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My Skincare Routine

My beauty routine has grown over the years and now with more time at home, I feel have a few minutes to add those extra steps that I would have been more tempted to skip if I was in a hurry.

I should mention, that I have very dry skin and I feel it immediately if I don’t hydrate. I had oily skin in college so it feels funny to go from one extreme to the other. Anti-aging is always my top concern when it comes to skincare. When I feel my skin is dry or tight, I grab a beauty mask to hydrate. Dehydration leads to wrinkles and I want to keep my skin looking youthful as possible. I am a few years from age 40.

Face Wash:

I bought this Sisley Milk Cleanser about a year ago and it is still going strong. I went with a milk cleanser because it keeps my skin hydrated vs drying me out as regular soaps do.

Exfoliation:

I do this in the shower twice a week. There are a few that I rotate between. Sisley has two great ones. Buff and Wash Face Scrub and Creme Gommante.

I also use this one from Caudalie that is gentle on my skin, I keep it in the shower.

Toner:

This is the step I have skipped in the past, but I see such a difference now that I have included it in my routine. I recommend this Moisturizing Toner from Caudalie or this Sisley Botanical Toner for dry/sensitive skin. I use a cotton pad morning and night and cover my face with this after washing and drying.

Serum:

Here is the other step I used to skip until a few years ago. Not sure what I was thinking as this is huge when it comes to locking in moisture throughout the day. I feel I have tried so many over the years too. Sisley Hydraglobal is my top choice. It is pricey but a little goes a long way. For a more affordable option, I love this Biossance serum and Farmacy Vitamin C serum.

Face Lotion:

I have tried so many different face lotions and the one that works the best on me is this Intense Moisturizer from Caudalie. Even in the Summer, I notice a difference in tightness if I wear a lighter moisturizer.

Eye Cream:

Don’t skip this one! It took me until my 30s to use a daily eye cream and I regret not starting sooner. I switch between Sisley and this one from Farmacy. (currently using)

I use this eye contour mask from Sisley. I never fly without it. It goes on under my eyes and stays put until I wipe it off when I land in Paris. It fights dark circles and puffiness.

Face Oil:

If you told me 10 years ago I would be using oil on my face, I would have thought you were crazy. But now, this has been such an important part of my nighttime routine. A little goes a long way and make sure to get your neck and chest.

The fragrance of this oil really helps calm me and get me ready for bed. I put a few drops in my hands rub them together to get warm, take a big breath, and then cover my face from top to bottom. You can also use this one from Biossance for a more budget-friendly oil. I use this one too!

Masks:

I recommend using a mask at least once a week, twice if you can. This beauty detox mask is from Caudalie. I use it right out of the shower. Recently, I haven’t been getting regular facials so this really helps minimize my pores. Other favorites include the Sisley Black Rose Mask.

Lips:

Don’t skip the lips. For daily hydration, I keep this Caudalie lip moisturizer in. every bag I own and in my nightstand drawer. Once Winter hits, this Sisley hydrating balm is essential.

Sunscreen:

I love Supergoop for the fact that it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky on my skin and it is clean. (no chemicals)

This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links. Merci!

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