Weekend Mode: Zesty!

Serum for cleavage and neck, a light and breezy scent, blush that subtly enhances, and a must read treat

Hello, Gorgeous!

Are you in full summer mode or do you feel like you’re running on fumes? August has a way of doing that to even the best of us. Below are a few weekend treats to add a bit of a punch to your weekend.

Also, I’ll be back in your inbox on Monday. I’m going to indulge in summer Fridays until after Labor day.

Ready for full weekend mode? Me too.

Gentle exfoliation for your face

Last night, I met up with a work friend (Hey, Ronna!) who is slightly obsessed with sun damage. She asked for a recommendation for a face cleanser that brightens and exfoliates but isn’t in bar form like the Valitic soap bars I mentioned yesterday. Just in case any of you were wondering the same thing, Youth To The People Superfruit Facial Cleanser is a great option. It’s super gentle and jam-packed with papaya, Vitamin C, AHA + BHA. Added bonus, it removes any SPF residue, so you can head to bed with a clean face ($39, Amazon).

Travel-friendly blush

I cannot get enough of Dear Dahlia Petal Drop Blush in Taffy. This miracle of rouge has what’s described as a water serum formula. It’s sheer, it’s blendable, it doesn’t leave odd splotches of color. The soft pink is beautiful on lighter skin tones but also adds a lovely spark to darker skin as well. My favorite part is that it’s a vegan formula infused with Centalla and works for super sensitive skin like mine. Pro tip: Dot on your hand first and blend with your fingers or a sponge to see which effect you prefer. By all that is good and great, I implore you not to dot on your face directly from the tube since no matter how well you blend you’ll be left with slightly darker spots ($30, Amazon).

A woodsy gel scent

If you’re a fan of scents that remind you of hikes in lush green forests (without actually having to set foot in said forests) you’re going to love Longtake Basil & Vetiver Scent. First off, it’s perfect for summer travel since it’s a solid and not spray or dab on scent. The gel formula is definitely potent and is supposed to last for 10 full hours. Bear in mind though that if you use this in a space that isn’t air conditioned the formula can get a bit gloopy and you may end up applying more than intended. I’m wearing it now and it smells like my first corporate crush Martin, so it’s definitely a scent that isn’t too sweet or girly ($35, Amazon).

Something for the girls

Siobhan asked for a product rec for her décolletage area. This is her first time spending time in the U.S. sun after a lifetime living in the U.K. and she said she notices it when wearing scoop necks. I really like This Works as a brand and think their Perfect Cleavage & Neck Serum with Marine Algae offers a nice way of perking up your chest area. Please note that you have to massage this in, it isn’t just a spritz and go type thing. Notable, I’ve tried cleavage and neck formulations that cost a small fortune (or a fortune fortune) and this formulation worked just as well ($58, Amazon).

A great summer read

Looking for the next great lazy day read? This one has been getting rave reviews from across the pond and has just hit U.S. bookstores.

The Art of a Lie by historical novelist Laura Shepherd-Robinson looks like such a treat and perfect summer read. It takes place in 18th-century England and offers a recently widowed entrepreneurial woman trying to solve mysteries while keeping her business afloat while facing friends turned frenemies. I cannot wait to read this one ($28, Amazon).

Do you have any fun weekend plans? My mahjong buddies are still traveling, so it’s going to be low-key for me and hopefully catching up on part two of the Billy Joel Documentary. Have you watched it yet? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋