My Keepers

I travel light, a minimalist in pursuit of the most efficacious health and beauty products. A recent wonderful stay at The Island House in the Bahamas reminded me how much I love the products I've curated. 

Some I’ve been using for years: Alchimie Forever Gentle Cream Cleanser, Shiseido 60+ Ultimate Sun Protector Clear Stick, Augustinus Bader Body Cream and Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara. A few are recent discoveries.

Alchimie Forever Gentle Cream Cleanser Introduced by Ada Polla, it's the cleanser and make-up remover I always return to! It's antioxidant, non-foaming and has the company's signature European blueberry extract that brightens the skin. It's pH-balanced so no toner is necessary. I love the texture, the non-eye-irritating formula and the squeeze bottle. 

Shiseido 60+ Ultimate Sun Protector Clear Stick I use other sunscreen too but this one I aways have with me. It’s perfect for face, lips and neck because it’s non greasy, never runs and is small enough to fit in my purse. I've used it for so long that it used to be 50+. The new version has increased broad-spectrum SPF 60+ protection and provides 8 hours of hydration. Powered by SynchroShield™ technology, the sunscreen's protective veil is strengthened with exposure to heat, water, and sweat.

Oral Minoxidil By prescription and takes a few months for results to show. It works by entering the bloodstream, where it is metabolized and delivered via blood circulation to hair follicles. It opens potassium channels in cell membranes, widens blood vessels, and increases blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the scalp. This process extends the hair's active growth phase and enlarges shrunken follicles. That's the scientific explanation. I call it a miracle. I've tried every hair growth product on the market for many decades. This one actually works. I now have as much hair as I did when I was 18.

Guerlain Jasmin Bonheur Parfum After my favorite Dior perfume, Grand Bal was discontinued several years ago, it took me a while. And a lot of sniffing. It’s the jasmine I crave and this is THE ONE!  A very colorful jasmine it is, tinted with orange, apricot, violet, iris and rose, drawing inspiration from the palette of Henri Matisse. 

Dyson Supersonic r™ Hair Dryer Introduced by my stylist, Kate Dinia, it’s a game-changer! A beautifully designed lightweight precision styling vacuum-like hair tool (yes, that Dyson). Five intelligent attachments are preset to the right temperature and airflow and RFID chips remember my last used setting. Reduces static to reduce frizz by up to 46%⁰⁰ and control flyaways using negatively charged ions. No, I didn’t take it to Nassau but when I go away for more than a week I will because, with all the attachments I don’t need a straightener.

Bluelene Introduced by Jennifer Romm and recently reviewed here, I am amazed at how much I love these four products: Serum+, Night Plus+, Eye Plus+ and Fit+Firm Serum. No, Bluelene does not replace injectables but it makes me much less obsessed about Botox and fillers.

Augustine’s Bader Body Cream When the company launched in 2018, I tried and loved almost all their products. The one that I’m still using regularly is the Body Cream. I use other body creams too but none plump my skin better especially after being out in the sun, and it's fragrance free.

Victoria Beckham Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator Golden  A joint venture with Augustinus Bader, it has their clinically tested, proprietary skin cell-renewing TFC8® technology and the Golden version gives a warm glow without the need for a foundation.

Vida Glow Pro Collagen Introduced by Ada Polla, this is the collagen powder I plan to continue using. I've become convinced that collagen is a supplement I need to keep taking and this one is proven to be 5x stronger than standard collagen peptides with a single daily dose. Flavorless too.

Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara I try every mascara out there and always return to this one. It separates lashes well, doesn’t clump and I prefer the travel size because I like to use a fresh tube as frequently as possible.

LivFresh Absolutely the best non-abrasive gel toothpaste. Uses Activated Edathamil on a molecular level to reduce plaque 250% better and improve gum health 190% better in 4 weeks. Totally eliminates plaque.

Kyoord Olive Oil Introduced by Kristen Coffield, it’s the best olive oil I’ve ever tasted and since it contains up to 5 to 10 times the polyphenol and antioxidant levels of standard extra virgin olive oils, I don’t need to try any others. It has a robust flavor, herbaceous notes and signature peppery aftertaste. I drizzle it on almost everything! 

Still searching for a fragrance-free natural deodorant that works. If you’ve got one, please let me know.