All of my selections have one thing in common: they are EFFORTLESS. It’s crazy to think that my new baby is due to arrive in less than seven weeks, so I’m definitely focused on finds that are easy, effective and, of course, clean. Whether you’re expecting a new kiddo yourself or just on the hunt for new seasonal products, I guarantee you’ll be inspired as you scroll. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Lano 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Fruities Trio – There’s nothing Lano’s ‘101 Ointment’ can’t do. It keeps lips soft, hydrates cuticles, restores cracked heels, soothes insect bites and even keeps your eyebrows in place. Each formula in this ‘Fruities’ trio is packed with Vitamin E and Lanolin to mimic lipids naturally found in the skin. The texture is like Aquaphor, but leaves a glossy and not-in-the-least-bit sticky shine.

Susanne Kaufmann Detox Oil Scrub – Organic, plant-based ingredients sourced in the Alps valley, Bregenzer Forest were used to create this supersonic scrub. It’s formulated with healing sesame oil, soothing Bisabolol and gently exfoliating poppy seeds to stimulate circulation and invigorate dry-looking skin. It also contains alkaline apricot kernels to help your skin retain its natural PH. I use it on dry skin and I swear my skin hasn’t felt this soft from a traditional scrub EVER.

True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster – This reparative treatment features vitamin C in its freshest, most potent form mixed with ferulic acid, which has been proven to stimulate collagen and brighten skin. It’s in powder form to retain potency until the moment it’s used. Mix with serum, mist or water to activate. You won’t be disappointed.

Kate Young Ally Cat-Eye Sunglasses – Okay, okay, this isn’t technically beauty, but it’s a major trend you have to try for summer. I know, it’s everywhere, but why not jump on board and have a little fun? These super-flattering sunnies will be perfect with a white off-the-shoulder top and frayed denim or patterned summer dress. I’ll be living in them. Plus, sunglasses help protect the skin around your eyes from sunburns. Fun fact. They come in black and white.

Memo Paris Tamarindo Perfume – This legit smells like Tahini in a bottle. Pineapple and vanilla dreams linger softly behind patchouli and bergamot. The scent really blossoms like a flower beneath the summer sun. You have to try it.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Ampoules – This is an intensive treatment for an instant skin refresh and hydration boost. These give a similar effect to the SKII masks, delivering firm dewiness in minutes. I also traveling with these and put one on before I go out or at the end of a long day. Long-chain hyaluronic acid moisturizes intensively plumps fine lines, while short-chain hyaluronic acid rehydrates the skin’s deeper layers. Purslane extract is also involved and is rich in antioxidants. It protects sensitive cell membranes against attacks by free radicals.

Rebecca De Ravenel Claudia La La Hoop Earrings – Nothing livens up your look like a pair of fresh statement earrings. I’m loving this pair from Rebecca De Ravenel. It’s an update to her signature tiered babble style and I am craving one in every color. I don’t have my ears pierced, but I’m able to wear these babies. Perk: they are really light and don’t kill yours ears. PS – They are on SALE!

Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50 – How cool is this? An oil and an SPF combined. This water-resistant, non-greasy (can you even imagine?) formula protects your complexion, diminishes signs of damage and even enhances skin hydration. I love that its SPF 50 because I never mess around with that 30 nonsense. The meadowfoam seed oil also reinforces your skin’s natural lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss from the sun’s rays. Boom.

Kosas Color & Light Crème Blush in 8^th Muse – I kinda forgot about crème blushes, but now I am back on board. This completely organic version by Kosas is one part blush, one part illuminator and serves as a shortcut to a sun-kissed complexion. Enhanced with nourishing face oils including marula, rosehip seed, grape seed, green tea, and myrrh, the creams offer effortless, blendable layering and the smoothest finish.

SKII Overnight Miracle Mask – Get the look of a full night of sleep without actually having one with this brilliant mask. It’s filled with Pitera and all of the same glorious benefits of the famous Facial Treatment Mask, but in a travel-friendly and super easy to use overnight version. I am going to take these little capsules with my on all my travels (and on international flights!) to ensure my skin always looks super plump and hydrated. I think these are going to come in really handy – especially with the new baby.

Spacemasks Self Heating Eye Mask – I am obsessed with these! Each single pouch contains a self-heating eye mask that basically transports you to another dimension. These babies relieve relieve eye strain and restore a restful glow. Pro tip: I love using these when I fly!

8 Faces – finally got my hands on this! 8 Faces is an all-in-one balm that is truly one of a kind. Made with Amla Berry, a super-fruit rich Vitamin C, this transformative solid oil boosts collagen, fights free radicals and brings a fresh glow to the skin. I absolutely adore the smell. The grapefruit, geranium and lavender blend is super calming. I use it right after masking to lock in the moisture.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil – I am using this oil just about everywhere. Jessica Richards of Shen Beauty got me really into Rosehip and I’ve been addicted ever since. I add a few drops to my moisturizer and a few drops into my stretch mark oil. This beauty oil is totally clean and clinically proven to improve skin evenness, add brightness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Patyka Intensive Moisturizing Mask – I popped into the coolest French beauty store Oh My Cream! and asked them what the best facemask is. This was their answer. This French brand is totally new to me, but I have been super happy with the results of this intense mask. It’s the kind of mask that you can use bi-weekly to plump and firm the skin. Highly recommend.

David Mallett Hair Serum #DM027 – another recent Paris find. David himself recommended this product to me (right after he told me that I remind him of Jennifer Connelly!!!). The serum is great for girls with not-so-thick hair. Apply to wet hair post-shampoo and conditioner. It’s also a dream for taming flyaways.

Tata Harper Crème Riche – I honestly don’t think there is a better nighttime moisturizer out there. If you do, can you please let me know what it is? This super rich cream is formulated with sixteen sources of hydration and twelve sources of age-defying botanicals that lift and plump the skin. Hyaluronic and essential fatty acids help lock in moisture for an instantly soft, supple, youthful appearance. Pro tip: make sure to really massage the product in your fingers before applying it to the face. (You know, it’s the same with La Mer.)

RMS Beauty Myth Eye Polish – I just picked up this baby in Paris last weekend and how was I living without this for so long??? UGH it’s good. It’s flesh colored so it gives the lid a slightly darker, more dramatic look. It feels a little 90s in the best way ever and gives that wet look too. I use it without any liner both day and night.

The Nue Co. Plant Protein + Gut Food – I was devastated to learn that the Clean Program shakes were a no-no during pregnancy. I emailed them myself and they said that Vitamin A levels were too high. During my 1^st trimester and pre-pregnancy, I was following a strict TCM diet and so I gave up smoothies. Starting this year I am back on them and NOTHING makes me happier to get out of bed in the morning. This pea/ hemp mix has been the perfect replacement.

Tata Concentrated Brightening Essence – Pre-pregnancy, I was addicted to the SK-II Facial Essence Treatment (who knows maybe I’d still be using it but I literally just ran out). I used it for years and I still swear by it. In place of the SK-II version, I starting using Tata’s. I’ve been using it for about 3 weeks and it too is incredible. The lightweight essence is infused with Alpha and Beta Hydroxy technology and gives the complexion a toned and refined look, helping minimize the appearance of dark spots for a more even, luminous glow. It also boosts the performance of whatever serum I’m using. Need I say more?

Anything by Dr. Barbara Sturm…ok, her Glow Drops – Ok, so I know that this isn’t technically clean, BUT, I did watch Dr. Sturm apply these products onto her very own child and she used all her own products on herself when pregnant. And if anyone knows what is in them and the effects of this, it’s Dr. Sturm. Im going to take her word and incorporate her Glow Drops into my routine for added dewiness. It’s something I could really use a little more of right about now (hello, pale me). The point of her newest product is to transform and revitalize tired, dull skin and restore its radiance. Light reflecting pigments instantly create a visible youthful radiance and even cut out irregularities in complexion. I am mixing a few drops in with my serum and applying all over my face, eye area and neck. Voila.

Images, Bella Badid by Ben Rayner for Wonderland September / October 2015.

While embarking on this little reset, I figured I would share the details with all of you – both what I’ve learned over the years and how the pros have guided me. Finding a routine is actually pretty easy once you master the fundamentals. In 5 steps, you can create a stellar skin-changing routine. Seriously. Here’s what you need to know…

Step 1: Cleanser

In a nutshell – get all the gross stuff off your face

Cleansing isn’t optional, especially at the end of the day. Clean skin = clear skin. I’d say that out of the whole routine, the washing part is probably my least favorite, which is why I look for cleansers that quickly get the job done and leave my skin feeling sparkling and plump. You’ve got to find one that feels the best to you. Here are a few all-stars by texture:

Lotion – Even thought I’m personally not a lotion girl, I do really like Pai’s Gentle 2-in-1 Cleanser and Eye Makeup Remover. It’s great if you have red or sensitive skin and the packaging makes it perfect for travel.

Oil ­– My favorite oil cleanser is by One Love Organics. It’s a really like oil and it smells like pineapples and it dissolves everything. Tatcha’s one step Camellia Cleansing Oil is the runner up in the oil-cleansing department.

Sudsy – I love Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser because it creates a rich lather to wash away the day. It’s packed with antioxidants and rose hip (one of my favorite ingredients), so it leaves your face super tight after.

Double Cleanse – If you feel like you still have a bit of makeup from the day, I HIGHLY suggest Erno Laszlo’s tried and true Light Controlling Lotion. It gently exfoliates and tightens pores. I am obsessed with the smell. It reminds me of my childhood. It was the first skincare line I ever used, as introduced by my mom.

Step 2: Serum

In a nutshell – a concentrated potion aimed at treating your specific problem areas.

Serums are the key to retaining that youthful glow as long as possible. There are all different kinds of serums geared towards a host of issues: anti-aging, acne, dullness, fine lines, age-spots…You get the point, right? Here are my favorites by type:

For Hydration – You will love Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyluronic Acid Serum. This plumps skin and gives you a dewy finish.

For Targeting Redness & Acne – Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Calming Serum is also amazing. It’s good for just about anyone dealing with redness, uneven skin tone, acne. It does what it says and calms the skin right down. It’s a miracle product.

For Plumping – Tata Harper’s Concentrated Brightening Serum is still one of my favorites, because it makes my skin feel really tight and leaves a flowing finish. Also, you can’t not mention serum these days without mentioning Vintner’s Daughter. It’s won dozens of awards and is coveted by just about every beauty editor.

For Glowing – Odacite makes amazing serums. My favorites are the Wild Carrot Seed and the Rosehip Ylang Ylang.

Step 3: Moisturizer/ Cream

In a nutshell – lock-in hydration to keep your skin plump

Right now I am using Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream. It’s pretty no nonsense. It sinks right into the skin and leaves my skin looking hydrated and gets rid of the general redness. I’d say the holy grail of moisturizers is Blue Cocoon by May Lindstrom. It’s one of my all time favorites and it ails almost any kind of skin issue. Some claim it’s a miracle product and the smell and texture is so luxurious. From the French pharmacy comes Avene and it’s Skin Recovery Cream. I really love their creams, and this one in particular, for hypersensitive skin. And last but not least, Pai’s Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream is ideal for redness-prone skin. The gentle formula calms flair-ups of redness and irritation while hydrating delicate skin.

Step 4: Eye Cream

In a nutshell – keep your eyes bright and youthful

Yes, you need one morning and evening. Use your ring fingers to dab it into the delicate area around the eyes. I love Dr. Sturm’s Eye Cream the best. Followed by One Love Organics Eye Balm, which is so light. Royal Fern I actually just started using and it’s meant to reduce the effects of genetic aging. I feel like after only a few days, I can totally see a difference!

Stop 5: SPF

In a nutshell – protect your skin against harmful UV rays

I don’t like to use lotions that are made with SPF, I like to mix it in my day cream. It stays longer and doesn’t leave a weird residue. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Sun Drops are intended for this exact purpose and make using sunscreen really easy. Avene’s SPF  is also very clean and mixes into my lotions really nicely. Goldfaden MD Sun Visor SPF30 is also super cool. It’s hypoallergenic and dries with a clear, matte finish. It’s made from organic, natural ingredients, free from mineral oil, alcohol, parabens and gluten and blends so easily into the skin. Also – make sure to use SPF that is oxybenzone-free. This is just the worst ingredient. Seriously, it’s pure poison. Oh, Susanne Kaufmann relaunched her SPF and it’s incredible. All the ingredients are harvested and cultivated organically from Austria’s Bregenzer Forest – I’ve been there and you can read my interview with Susanne here.

I am still feeling skincare over makeup, and can slap on my daytime makeup in less than 5 minutes. I am addicted to essential oils and keep little bottles of them on me at all times. I have just switched to Dr. Barbara Sturm cream just in time for the cold and am using her super-rich body cream as well.

I discovered a new cheek and lip tint in the most perfect (and totally universal) tone and I am really into a red eye shadow situation for evenings when I want to look a little vampy. What else… Oh, perfumes and candles! Fall is all about finding your scent and creating a warm, cozy place to come home to. Read on for the full September beauty edit of the best products to try for the season ahead.

Ellis Brooklyn SciFi EDP

Raaw in a Jar Blue Beauty Drops

CAP Beauty Matcha Match Stick Box

Glass Dharma Glass Straw

001 Skincare London Pure Active Peel

Byredo Rose Of No Man’s Land Roll-On EDP

RMS Beauty Garden Rose Eye Shadow 19

 Charlotte Tilbury Matte Lipstick Amazing Grace

 Pursoma Earth Bound Body Mask

 Susanne Kaufmann Nourishing Herbal Whey Bath

Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream

Living Libations Rose Glow Complexion Mist

 Olio E Osso No. 2 Balm in French Melon

 Rituel de Fille Ash and Ember Eye Shoot in Viscera

True Botanicals Antioxidant Booster

Instead of covering it all up, aim for a natural glow. Enhance your best features and subtly disguise your problem areas. To do this, all you need are a few essentials.

Invest in a summer perfume, a new lip gloss and fun convo-starting sparking earring. You can put away (for now) your heavy eye shadows, crimson nail polishes and your contouring creams in favor of a light translucent powder, a skin perfecting anti-aging mist (that can go on-the-go) and of course a luminizing SPF. These are the products you need for the warm weather season ahead.

Bobbi Brown Gel Liner

This eyeliner doesn’t budge, even in the balmiest of summer nights.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

This corrector creates a soft, diffused radiance that evens and brightens your skin tone. Use on top of your concealer. This was a tip was one of my besties.

Dyson Hairdryer

The is THE ultimate hairdryer. Every girl needs it because it will forever change your hair styling game. It’ll leave your locks smooth, not stringy.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Perfume Oil

This rollerball (one that a lot of my editor friends wear) is the perfect little pick-me-up to keep on your body at all times. Smell like peony and tender musk.

 Gypsy Water Hair Perfume

One spritz of Byredo’s hair perfume will last all day – the scent subtly diffuses as you move, which is perfect for summer strolls. This fragrance is an uplifting, slightly woody blend of juniper berries and incense with a base of vanilla and sandalwood.

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino Eau de Parfum

This scent was inspired by the abundant white flowers of the Mediterranean White Acacia tree. Think: Calabrian Bergamot, Sicilian Lemon and Tangerine. At first, it’s a light mix of citrus and florals, then it transitions to a comforting vanilla and honey base. This is my go-to summer scent.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer, Fluorescent Beige 142

Fluorescent Beige is a soft pink hue with rich mauve undertones and an iridescent finish that creates that wet look… like you just stepped out of the pool.

Chanel Nail Polish, Pirate

The newly renovated 5-free formula actually improves the quality of your nails. Pirate is a Chanel original and is “the only red that matters,” according to Jess King.

La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation SPF 20

Two of my friends had this on over the weekend and it gave them the prettiest and glowiest complexion. It’s super light, covers redness and sunspots and contains the brand’s famous “Miracle Broth.” This foundation leaves your pores refined and your imperfections virtually gone, while SPF and antioxidants help protect your newly flawless skin.

Herban Essentials Assorted Essential Oil Towelettes

Keep em in your car, beach bag, on your bathroom counter or in your kids’ bedrooms. These all-natural towelettes clean up the stickiest of fingers and the dirtiest of faces.

Sanitas Skincare Brightening Peel Pads

Recommended by the women of Dangene, so you know it’s good. They’re great if you suffer from acne, eczema, rosacea or just want sparkling skin. These super easy-to-use pads are made with this perfect cocktail of acids: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic Acid and witch hazel.

RMS Beauty Champagne Rose Luminizer

RMS’s newest luminizer is like the original but this time with a blush-pink champagne tint. It’s avant-garde and rosy.

Zara Pearly Strappy Sandals

They look just like the Chanels. Just trust me, you will get 1000 compliments.

Tatcha Water Cream

This oil-free, anti-aging water cream releases a burst of skin-improving Japanese (so you know they mean business) nutrients that help you achieve pore-less-looking skin. Once applied, you skin is left with the most beautiful sheen!

Sachajuan Hair Cleansing Cream

By now, you should already understand our obsession. Read about it here.

Bite Lip Pencil

Finally, a lip pencil that matches the exact color of your lips. I like to fake a better pout with shade 010.

Coqui Coqui Beeswax Candle Coco-Coco

The milky coconut fragrance, infused into the black beeswax of this hand-poured candle is soft and sensual, with a subtle, bitter, green edge. Think sexy summer nights.

Eres Strapless Bathing Suit

This is one of the most classic Eres suits and it’s truly the most flattering. I always want to put on. You instantly feel chicer. The problem is that I want one in every color.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50

This liquid sun umbrella feels more like a lotion and is this summer’s lip, hand and eye MUST.

After about of a week of using it, I’m beyond hooked. It feels very watery at first, but when you apply it to that delicate eye area, its blends right into the skin and feels really rich and creamy. I use it mostly at night, but when I do reach for it during the day, it makes my concealer go on so smoothly.

I also noticed that my eyes are less puffy in the morning and appear tighter around the eyes. This eye cream is unique because it’s part serum, part cream. It’s been specially developed with Purslane and Skullcap to lift, firm and reduce darkness and puffiness. It’s also infused with active omega fatty acids that help skin retain moisture.

I especially love this eye cream because its perfect for girls with sensitive skin. No burning sensation here.

Have you tried Dr. Barbara Sturm? You can read my full recap here.

Image, Elle Fanning for Vogue US June 2017.

It was my first time in Munich. Germany’s vibrant city was extremely charming. All of the buildings were painted in different colors, which created the the most quaint look. Before my meeting, I only had time for a quick beetroot latte (think matcha latte but with beets instead) and a matcha bowl at Bite Delite. After my power lunch, a few selfies and a super fast shopping spree at Theresa, I hopped in a cab headed for Dr. Barbara Sturm.

Her main clinic is in Duesseldorf, Germany and in Munich she runs a small office right inside her home. I showed up promptly at 4 o’clock for my appointment, (not a minute too early or too late, in typical Swiss fashion), and her longtime Practice Manager Uli kindly let me in. I was also greeted by Pepper, her 2-year-old daughter. I was led inside her apartment into a tiny and very sterol medical office. I had barely sat down before out popped Dr. Sturm. Dressed in skinny jeans, chic black ballet flats in a thin white tee, she looked more like a friend than a doctor. Her hair is one of those short manageable looks that one could only dream of pulling off, and bright blond. I knew this was going to be good.

Dr. Sturm’s Story

“I’m not a beauty junkie. I grew up in the forest, climbing trees. I had never seen eyeliner until I was 24 probably. I didn’t have highlights. I was wearing jeans and t-shirt and guys’ shoes probably. I was 24 and a designer friend at my ex-husband’s company said, ‘We need to go shopping.’ I got a manicure and pedicure and my first blond highlights. I bought short leather skirts and heels. And all of the sudden, I mean I was 24 and all of the men were paying attention to me.”

Sturm began in pediatric medicine and then transitioned into sports medicine and orthopedics. In 2000, she helped develop a procedure called Orthokine with a team of researchers. Also known as the Kobe Procedure, named for the former Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant (who needed it for his problematic knees), the surgery involves using the patient’s own blood cells to produce proteins that help reduce inflammation and stimulate the healing process.

She didn’t get into the world of beauty until years later when a friend invited her to Bavaria to learn about aesthetic injections and wrinkles. With her scientific background, she didn’t like the concept of constantly injecting someones face again and again. This led her to her own idea. “It didn’t make much sense. I wanted to do something on the cellular level so I transferred the knowledge of my study in orthopedics to the skin and that’s how I started. This worked really well. I did loads of reports and case studies.”

Around the same time, she was experiencing major issues within her own skin. She was seeing a facialist every 3 weeks for a cleaning. “My facialist who was working out of the little drugstore was giving me La Prairie and all these super expensive products to use and nothing was working.”

“And so I said to Uli, who was already working for me, we need to come up with our own cream. And I said that I want to do a gene cream or something. My Grandmother was a Pharmacist and she had told me what used to be in the creams. I took that knowledge to my own pharmacist and we created a base cream and added cells from my blood. And ever since then I never even need to go and see a facialist. All my skin issues stopped. It’s really the only thing I use morning and night and on my eyes. I am also very lazy, I just want to have something that works. Most people have all these allergies and skin conditions, redness, this is all from over using products that are overly aggressive. A lot of people are super sensitive so they just need something simple that works. Their skin can’t handle the multi-step skincare routine.”

“I’m very proud of what I developed. The cream worked for me, so I started giving this to all my patients. I was already working with all these Hollywood people, but they were already used to a whole regime of stuff. They’d ask what cleansers would work for this and that, but I couldn’t really recommend anything. Whatever I tried, I never really liked it. So I decided to make a couple of products in addition to the MC1 cream.”

Dr. Sturm’s Favorite Products

“I always wanted to have a hyaluronic serum in my products, because I was injecting this in the wrinkles already with my patients. And at the time, nobody had it. The company I worked with (and still do) have the highest technological standards, so we use the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid possible. It has the short chain and the long chain molecules. The short chain molecules really go deep and the long chain molecules they stay on the skin and they give instant hydration and glow.”

“So I just started with a few products… The cream, the hyaluronic acid serum, a cleanser and a scrub.This was my little routine that I recommended to all my patients.” Now we have added more products. We have this anti-aging primer with no silicones and these really cool sun drops, have you tried the sun drops? You have to.

She also told me about her eye cream and calming serum… “Try this eye cream, put it on your eyes now, even over your makeup. Cher says it’s the best stuff she has put on in her life. I also have a calming serum. I have patients who come to me and they have red faces and roscea and whatever is going on with their skin, they put on the calming serum on and I tell you 10 seconds later you can see the redness come and you can see this huge difference in their face. It’s crazy.”

MC1

And then out of nowhere, those magical words, “SO. Should we take your blood? For the blood cream?” Well she did and we kept talking. I met her older daughter too, Charlie who is 21 and we all chatted. By the end of the convo, I left like I was in Munich to visit an old friend.

It only took a few days before a tiny package arrived from Munich. It was my very own blood cell cream. In the meantime, I successfully stopped using all of my other products so that I could experiment with her line only. While I know that I will always be someone who uses all different kinds of products from a variety of lines, I wanted to test this out Dr. Sturm’s line to really see the effects.

Dr. Sturm’s Motto

Dr. Sturm’s motto is “less is more, but from the less, the very best.”

Her line is perfect for the modern day girl because each product is concentrated with high-performing, high-quality products that will keep your skin plump and youthful. She believes in letting the skin heal, free from peels, glycolic acid and lasers.The whole idea behind MC1 and the rest of the line was to replicate naturally, the effect of fillers and cosmetic procedures. So, the goal is anti-aging, longterm healthy skin and to put it bluntly, less fillers. This isn’t to say that her line is only for 30-somethings and up. In fact, it’s for everyone. It’s even safe to use when pregnant and I watched her as she used the face cream on her 2-year-old.

Her skin philosophy regarding anti-aging is using products that take care of the cells. She believes in the power of reducing inflammation to prevent cells from naturally occurring cell death. She warned against using to much retinol and suggested using it only in the winter just for 3 or 4 weeks, but very carefully and never too often.

My Takeaway

With or without the MC1 Cream, Sturm’s line is worth the investment. Each product is filled to the brim with really good, clean ingredients that are all free from fragrance, parabens and mineral oils. Within days of using her Hyaluronic Serum and her Face Cream, my skin is smoother and visibly more hydrated. I swapped her face cream for my very own MC1 and I hate to say (because of the massive price tag) that love it. Like the rest of her products, the cream is oderless. The color is bright white and the texture is rich and creamy. It reminds me a bit of the texture of the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid that I love so much. It goes on smooth and it absorbs right away. And all her products are really good for pre-makeup application! Her Hyaluronic Serum is one of the lightest serums I’ve ever used. It glides on like silk. The Eye Cream is part cream, part serum and it too is incredible. Next to the MC1 cream, it’s my favorite products from the line. You can apply makeup immediately after and there is no flaking or balling up. I also need to mention how much I love her Anti-Aging Primer.Think makeup and skincare in one. It’s has the pearlized effect (made with pearl pigments) and Hyaluronic Acid, so that makeup looks way better. Also, her Sun Drops are super cool. The idea here is to mix 2 to 3 drops with your moisturizer, serums or foundation for a super potent anti-aging shield of protection.

Have you tried her line and what are you favs?

I thought it was about time to share what I’ve learned and practiced over the years with you. Some of my current faves are new and some are old. Consider this list your ultimate cheat sheet to no-fuss day (to night) makeup. These are the 8 essential makeup products that every girl should take for a spin…

Primer – This is the barrier between your skincare and your makeup. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Aging Primer is my newest and my most favorite discovery. The whole point of this tiny tube is to enhance the look of makeup while caring for your skin. It’s enriched with antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid and Pearl Pigments that give you the perfect glow.

Concealer – It All. Starts. Here. I consider this one the most important – if not the most important – of all the makeup products. Always look for a formula with a natural finish. Concealers can be heavy, cakey and dry. Steer clear of these. Go for something lightweight. For me, I switch between RMS “Un” Cover-up and Omorovicza’s Mineral Concealer with Vitamin C.

Mascara – I’m really into thick, bushy lashes and only apply mascara at the base of my lashes. I like to make the lash look full as opposed to long. This leaves me with a cool French girl vibe. Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir mascara delivers just this.

Eye Brow Pencil – This is essential for filling in holes and perfecting the shape of your brows. Bold brows (more on achieving that here) are essential to pulling this entire fresh-faced look off. I still can’t find anything better than Surratt’s refillable brow tool.

Eye Brow Brush – After filing in your brows, brush them up and out. This ups the fullness factor and gives you an effortless finish. Boy Brow is the best. We all know it.

Eye Liner – I love a thin liquid line during the day. It’s just so chic – and also French. I like Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen because one side has a micro brush for super easy to manage application and oh, Maybelline’s version which is also one of the best.

Setting Powder – This keep you from looking greasy without compromising on your lit-from-within-glow. It will also make all of your makeup last longer. RMS makes a lovely version and it comes in clear or tinted versions for a hint of color.

Lip Balm – Dry lips are just a no no. Enough said. I discovered the BEST balm you guys by Image Skincare. It legit looks like I got lip injections and it tastes delicious and doesn’t leave any of that weird taste. All I can say is this is best world’s best lip balm. For something matte and for a little color, Dior Matte Lipstick in Classic is my favorite and it’s what I am wearing in these pics.

Whether you want to give your living room that Hygge aesthetic, or you want to simplify your beauty routine, these are the best Scandinavian beauty products for you. Think: clean, quality ingredients and minimalist-chic packaging. Get some Nordic vibes in your life. You’ll be so glad you did.

SKANDINAVISK CANDLES 

Lighting and candles are two of the main Hygge hallmarks and this smart Danish candle line nails it. My favorite scent is even named Hygee and mixes fireplace-esque elements with rose petals, mint, and strawberry cake. Cozy, right? They are sold online at the Finnish Design Shop which I also love for home decor. I just bought this and this.

VERSO

Straight up addicted to this WHOLE line. The sleek exterior alone practically screams Scandinavian design, but it’s the potent dose of retinol housed inside that I’m really interested in. The line’s claim to fame is minimizing fine lines and boosting collagen production. It’s all totally non-irritating, so even those with sensitive skin can partake. My top picks are the Super Face Serum, the Super Eye Serum and the Reviving Eye Mask with Retinol 8.

BYREDO

Byredo dominates the luxe perfume market for its culty-cool fragrances, hand cream and candles. The scents are never overtly feminine but always ooze sex appeal. My picks are Gypsy Water (duh), Rose of No Man’s Land and Mojave Ghost.

REN

I have been using the Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask for over 10 years. Like many Scandanavian beauty brands, Ren is clean. This mask is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances/dyes, and petrochemicals. Lactic and Glycolic acid work together to leave your skin bright, happy and tight, without a hint of irritation. Perfection, no?

ESTELLE & THILD

Estelle & Thild’s products are made of super luxurious ingredients. Everything is free from pesticides and toxic residues and are certified organic by EcoCert. My picks are the BioCare Bio Pregnancy Oil and Biodefence Multi-Nutrient Youth Oil.

RUDOLPH

A new find for me is Rudolph, a collection of exclusive beauty products, embodying pure luxury and enhanced by active ingredients that help nurture and care for your skin. Developed and produced in Denmark. Isn’t the packaging pretty too? My favorite are the body products, like the Acai Body Balm Limited Edition which is divine.

SACHAJUAN

When you want really good hair, Sachajuan is the answer. I love the Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo and Conditioner because they are the secret to super full-bodied locks. Designed to rebuild, plump and fortify each fiber, this repairing formula creates volume and leaves your tresses with a healthy bounce.

SJÄL

Each product in the själ range is charged with precious minerals including gold, silver, copper, platinum and germanium in both liquid and solid form. Known as electro-stimulants, these minerals function as semi-conductors, increasing cellular productivity, performance, repair and penetration. I am really into crystals, so it’s no surprise that this line is one of my favorites. The Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask calms redness, oxygenates and plumps. It’s one of my newest must-haves.

Foreo (you know that super slick Swedish brand behind the culty-cute toothbrush and badass face polisher) has launched an illuminating eye massager, the Iris. And it’s amazing. The best part about this fab little machine is that it’s like taking your eyes to the spa or for a workout. I like to use it after applying my eye cream or serum (I’m back on Verso these days) because it improves absorption. Love it. It also reduces my crazy morning puffiness. On top of that, it can also reduce dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and crows feet. I have not been using it long enough to verify these claims, but I will say that I enjoy using it.

It only takes two minutes to use on both eyes. I use it in the morning right before I get out of bed (while scrolling through Instagram), in the middle of the day at my desk and at night while applying my eye cream. I literally want to take it with my in my car, but my husband stopped me. Whatever.

Have you all tried the Foreo Iris? Let me know what you think in the comments!