Skincare for Spring

Welcome back! We haven’t talked about skincare in a little while, so I figured this would be a great requested topic to start off May with! Today I’m sharing some tips to consider while adjusting to the new season. Obviously, this will depend on what the season change means for your specific location, so take that into account as well.

1. SPF:

   Did you really think I wasn’t going to start this post off talking about SPF? haha While it’s important to wear it all year round, yes even in the winter…I wanted to start by reminding you that it’s very important to wear an SPF that is separate from your moisturizers and makeup, during the warmer months. ALSO, say it with me….REAPPLICATION! Often times we can be really great at applying it at the start of the day, but reapplying is key to staying protected. My favorite SPF for awhile has been this one by Amavara.

2. Hyperpigmentation:

   If you dealt with some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from recent maskne (don’t worry, so many of us did), it’s important that you protect yourself in the sun. Generally, it is pretty easy to fade post-acne hyperpigmentation with vitamin C, but it’s crucial that you don’t let the scars be exposed to sun. Layer on that SPF, wear a sun hat, and I guarantee you will see those scars fade quicker! The more sun they get, the darker (more melanin is produced for protection) and the longer they will take to fade.

3. Moisturizer:

   I live in Michigan and it’s no secret that our weather can be a little crazy and unpredictable during the spring. One day it can get up to 80 degrees, and then you can wake up with frost the next morning. For this reason, I think it’s really important to be able to have a couple moisturizers on hand, if this fluctuation affects your skin. You may find yourself being a little oilier as it warms up, and need a lighter moisturizer some days. You also may find your skin becoming more dehydrated as you spend a little more time outdoors, so it’s important to find a moisturizer that also replenishes the hydration of your skin. Regardless, learning how to read what your skin needs, is the best way to keep it balanced during this unpredictable season.

   I personally love using the Weleda skin food moisturizers throughout the year. I use the Skin Food Light during the warmer months, and the Skin Food Original during the colder months.

4. Chemical Exfoliating:

   You probably already know what a BIG fan of chemical exfoliating I am. However, here’s my reminder that if you are chemically exfoliating, even once, it’s vital that you wear your SPF and protect your skin. Recently exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun, so while you normally might think you can avoid a sunburn, you may be surprised how quickly it can happen. Obviously this depends on multiple factors since everyone’s skin is different, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

5. Masks:

   If you don’t currently have a good hydrating mask, the transition into warmer weather is a great time to grab one. My personal favorite the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask because it’s great for dehydrated skin that needs to be soothed. Also, if you tend to be maskne prone, I recommend keeping a clay or charcoal purifying mask on hand to help clean out the pores. I personally love the Pixi Glow Mud Mask for this purpose. Also, don’t forget that multiple masks can be used as spot treatments all over the face if you have combination skin and need different products in different areas.

Those are my helpful reminders as we transition into a new season. Remember, your skin can change on a daily basis during season changes, so do your best to cater to what your skin needs every day. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to visit my Contact page and send me an email!

Have a wonderful spring,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty

Top 5 Spring Lip Picks

I love when the seasons change because it inspires changes in makeup looks. While I love lip products year round, I especially love to switch up the ones I keep in my purse when a new season comes along. I love lipstick because it can change your whole look in 30 seconds. Below are my Top 5 Lip products that you will find in my bag so that I am prepared for every lip situation this spring.

1. Drunk Elephant Lippie Balm:

   This is my current favorite lip balm. I bought it in this set, but you can buy it on it’s own too. I love the shape of the Lippie Balm and that it’s petroleum free. Since spring weather can be so bipolar (we woke up with snow on the ground earlier this week and it’s going to be 70 tomorrow…) it’s important to keep my lips moisturized. I especially love this Lippie Balm because it doubles as an eye balm. If you’re traveling or running late and need some extra moisture on your eyes, it’s awesome! You’d think it would feel oily and too heavy but it absorbs well and works nicely.

2. Maybelline Matte Lipstick in ‘Red For Me’:

   I was sent this lipstick to try from Influenster and I am obsessed with the formula. I’ve always loved Maybelline lipsticks, but this is the most comfortable matte I’ve ever tried from them. It goes on so smoothly but has great lasting power. This red is the perfect shade because it’s intense and has a blue undertone (my fave).

3. Maybelline Matte Lipstick in ‘Clay Crush’:

   After trying the red shade above, I ventured to my local drugstore to check out if there were other new shades to try in this formula and while I didn’t like any of the other new shades in this line (most weren’t matte but glossy), I did glance at the nudes and stumbled upon this one. It’s my favorite type of nude for my skin tone. It’s a very neutral nude pink which doesn’t lean to the blue or orange side.

4. Glossier Generation G Lipstick in ‘Cake’:

   This is probably my favorite lip product of all time, or at least top 3. This shade is so flattering and you might be sick of me talking about it right now but I couldn’t make a spring top 5 without it because I wear it most days and even without makeup on. It’s what I’m wearing in the photo above. It just makes your lips look awesome. I love pairing it with the Lippie Balm on top if I want a glossier look (no pun intended lololol).

5. Lancome Matte Shaker in ‘Beige Vintage’:

   This is a fun product that I picked up last year and I forgot how much I love it, but brought it back out this year for spring. I love how light these are on the lips. They are so hard to describe, so I recommend going into a Sephora to swatch it to see. This is a little bit of a bluer pinky nude that is fun for spring because it gives you just a little pop.

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

11 Things With Andrea #2

Let’s just jump right into it!

1. I recently tried Fabletics for the first time and overall I loved my first purchase. I got two pairs of cropped leggings, one full length pair, and a sports bra that zipped up the front. I was really hoping to find a sport’s bra that was thick and good quality (the zipper ones usually are for higher impact sports), but unfortunately the fabric is just too thin to be super supportive. I LOVED the leggings though. The trinity high-waisted leggings are amazing. I highly recommend them. I asked you guys on IG your thoughts on Fabletics and most of you said that it’s not really great for sports bra, but the leggings and tops are awesome! While it is a monthly subscription I don’t think I’ll be purchasing every month (you can skip months), because I’m pretty set with leggings for now!

2. I have been reading a lot recently (I’m on my 6th book for the month if that tells you anything). I did a book post recently (click here to check it out) and I’m excited to have some extra time next week to relax and read because the families I nanny for are on spring break! I picked up ‘The Shape of Water’, ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Devil in the White City’ from the library and you all voted for me to start with ‘Big Little Lies’! I’m excited to read all three of these so make sure to check back in a little while to see my review on them.

3. I currently have a GIVEAWAY going for a $100 Gift Certificate to JORD watches! If you haven’t entered it yet, CLICK HERE to check out the watch I was gifted for Mikey (my sweet watch obsessed other half). You don’t want to miss out on this awesome chance to win! You also get a 10% off code for entering so what do you have to lose?

4. Wedding season begins this Saturday. While I had one wedding in January, this weekend starts the doing something almost every weekend for weddings and I AM SO EXCITED! I love my brides! I only have 2 Saturdays left and many Fridays and Sundays available so if you’re a 2019 bride who still needs a makeup artist, please contact me ASAP! (Click the CONTACT tab in the menu on the left).

5. I’m really excited to be on track to be under $10,000 in debt by my 29th birthday this May (my goal is to be debt free by 30, which I am also on track for)! I know I don’t talk about it a lot on here, but for all of you working your butts off to become debt free, I AM WITH YOU! It’s probably my biggest goal that I’m working towards every day and if you’re also going through it, I know the struggles and tough work it takes. WE CAN DO IT!

6. Please send all Netflix/Hulu/Prime recommendations my way. Like I mentioned before I have spring break coming up and am going to attempt to watch something since I suck at it. Working on learning how to be comfortable being relaxed and lazy, but it’s a process.

7. I’m happy to report my anxiety is much lower than it was in January and February. I know I talked about it a lot on my IG and a little here, but if you don’t see me talking about it as much as I was, just know it is always something I am dealing with and working with. You are not alone. Always message me if you want to talk to someone.

8. I’ve been trying a lot of new to me products from Drunk Elephant, Herbivore Botanicals, Tarte, Mad Hippie, etc and I’m excited to put together a post devoted to what I liked/ didn’t like.

9. Cookbook writing is still coming along well! Every week I feel like I see the vision of my final cookbook becoming a little stronger which is really exciting. To all of you who consistently ask me how it’s going and are as excited as I am…you will NEVER know how much I truly appreciate your support and love. I am writing this cookbook for you and I think you’re going to love it! If you haven’t already signed up for cookbook updates, please click here to be added to my email list!

10. If you’re in the Midwest, you’ve been experiencing some lovely SUN the last few weeks and it’s been AMAZING! Am I the only one who’s always constantly amazed at how much it affects our mood. We are different people when the sun is out and I love it! Spring is my favorite season so I’m excited to return to running outdoors and stopping to check up on all the blooms.

11. If you caught Samin Nosrat’s phenomenal Netflix series, ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat’ you might have checked out her cookbook of the same name. If you checked out her cookbook you probably oo’ed and aaah’ed at the beautiful artwork in it. I preordered these TO DIE FOR prints from the cookbook and if you need some extra kitchen art (I’m planning a beautiful kitchen gallery wall) you NEED to order these prints. They are so inexpensive for what beauty they really are!

12. BONUS: This last one isn’t about me. It’s about you. You’re great. And I hope you’ll keep coming around to read what I write. I still get such amazing messages from you all about how my content is inspiring you and lifting you up and all I can say is, YOU are the one inspiring and lifting me up when you say these things. You are great! Thank you

Have the best weekend you tootie cutie patootie people,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.