CURRENT BODY-CARE ROUTINE

Good morning, everyone! Hope you're enjoying your week so far! In honor of Healthy Skin Month, I've partnered with Dove to talk about my body-care routine. But before I get into specifics, when it comes to body-care, I firmly believe that consistency is key! 

Now, I haven't always been as diligent about body-care as I am now. In the past, I've let my schedule get the best of me, and let my routine slide. The result? Well, if you've been "blessed" with dry skin like I am, I'm pretty sure you know what happens when you don't take care of it properly! Basically dry, flaky skin, especially around knees and elbows! When things got really extreme, I'd resort to lotions and potions, which did provide a temporary solution, but as soon as my skin started looking better, I'd get lazy again and stop taking care of it! This went on for a number of years, until I got tired of this yo-yo skin care plan and developed a routine thanks to which I've been dry skin free for about a year now. My current body-care routine consists of 4 key ingredients, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, proper diet, exercise and dry brushing, all of which are instrumental to maintaining a healthy looking skin!

Using a great body wash can change your life! Seriously, if someone told me a year ago that a body wash can change the way my skin looks, I probably wouldn't have believed them. And yet, a year after I started using Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, which just won Allure 2015 Beauty Award for best moisturizing body wash, my skin is completely transformed! From the very first time I've used it, I noticed that my skin felt much softer and smoother and it only got better with every subsequent use. What I like about this particular product aside of course from the way it makes my skin look, is the fact that Dove takes a dual approach to healthy looking skin by repairing it also by maintaining it's protective layer during cleansing. In short, basically an ideal solution for dry skin!

You are what you eat! We hear this phrase all the time, but I've actually had an opportunity to test it personally and I can tell you that healthy diet is crucial! My first year of college was insane! I was in school from 8 in the morning to 8 at night and was too tired to think about proper diet! Forget fruits and vegetables, I lived on coffee, pizza and fries for weeks at a time! Not surprisingly, my bad habits took a tall on my skin! The good thing to come out of that whole experience is that I've learned my lesson! Now, I make sure to drink plenty of water, and eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables! Whether it's a fruit smoothy or yogurt with berries in the morning, acai bowl for lunch or a mandatory side of salad with dinner, for me fruits or vegetable are an essential part of every meal!

Exercise and healthy skin go hand-in-hand! Obviously there are numerous reasons why one should exercise, but aside from the obvious benefits, I noticed that the more active I am, the better my skin looks! The truth is regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin healthy! Aside from improved circulation, exercise helps to remove toxins from your body and also lower stress which is often responsible for congested skin and breakouts! Right now, I am absolutely crazy about biking, hiking and swimming! I've always loved being outside, so I guess it's not that surprising that I enjoy outdoor-related sports. I also love switching things up so that I don't get bored of my routine, which is why alternating between swimming, hiking and biking keeps things fresh and exciting for me!

Dry brushing is a great way to exfoliate your skin and to improve circulation! Aside from the fact that dry brushing helps to remove dead skin cells, and gently exfoliate your skin, I noticed that for me, it also helps with tone and texture of the skin. Right now, I dry brush before getting in the shower every morning. Normally, I start at the bottom of my feet and make my way up using a firm bristle brush to massage the skin in circular motion for about 10-15 minutes! Super simple practice, the results are actually visible from the very first time you dry brush, and tend to get even better with time! 

P.S. As always, if you guys have any questions, please feel free to email me anytime! I'll be happy to answer! 

A FEW CURRENT FAVORITES

Good morning, Everyone! Hope you week is going well so far! I wanted to take this opportunity to say a quick hello and share a few things which are making me very happy at the moment! 

1. EOS shaving cream! One word - AMAZING! I know I raved about it on this blog before, but honestly, the more time we spend to gather, the more I appreciate all the wonderful things it's doing for my skin! Love the fact that I can use it on wet or dry skin, love the yummy scent but most importantly, I love how moisturizing it is! After trying a few different products, this one is the only one that leaves my skin soft and smooth.

2. I am completely addicted to pretty florals! I simply cannot help it! Something about a beautiful pastel bouquet lifts my spirits no matter what! Though I love flowers in general, lately it's been all about roses in various shades of pink and of course hydrangeas. When it comes to roses, I like a very simple, monochromatic bouquet, but with hydrangeas, I take a slightly different approach. I like to pair hydrangeas in various pastel shades, ranging from a very soft pink to a deep lavender to create an ombre-like effect.

3. Macarons! In one of my recent posts, I bragged about coffee being my only vice. As I was writing said post, I discovered that I am also a little more than partial to croissants. Well, in a spirit of full disclosure, apparently I have 3 vices in life: coffee, croissants and macarons. I am sure there is more, but those are the only ones I can think of right now:) Secretly, I call macarons little bites of happiness. Really, can you have a bad day if you start with a nice cup of coffee in the morning followed by a macaron? I think not! :)

4. Off-the-shoulder tops! I think shoulders are pretty much one of the sexiest and most beautiful parts of a woman's body and I can't think of a better way to accentuate their beauty than by wearing a pretty off-the-shoulder top. Sexy, yet rather elegant, there is something particularly feminine and romantic about them! Oh, and don't get me started on how versatile they are! So good with jeans or denim cut-offs yet equally appealing paired with more tailored pieces like structured skirts or culottes!

5. Rose-gold jewels! I don't know what it is, but I think I am becoming more and more girly with each passing day:) Right now, I am borderline obsessed with rose-gold jewelry! Partly because it's oh-so very pretty but also because it pairs so beautifully with my beloved pastel palette! Gorgeous on it's own, yet equally amazing mixed with white or yellow gold pieces. There is literally no wrong way of wearing rose gold! Love that!

SUNSHINE ESSENTIALS

As I have mentioned before, Emil and I decided to relocate to Malibu for a little while in order to escape the blazing heat of LA. As I was packing for this little escape, I thought it would be good to talk about some of my beach ready favorites and essentials. So without further ado, here is my absolute must-have list:

1. A bikini. Duh! When it comes to bikinis, obviously a good fit is a number one priority yet what I also look for in a bikini are those special little details that add a bit of drama, like scalloped edges, fringe or beading. You know me, I'm not particularly fond of plain:)

2. Cover up. Normally, I look for something comfy enough to through over my bikini yet special enough to take out to dinner later. I am particularly fond of anything in white or pastel colors because they tend to accentuate bronzed skin in the most amazing way.

3. Sunnies. A good pair of shades is not just a cute beach accessory but an actual necessity to protects your eyes against long-term sun exposure. Normally, I opt for darker lenses or mirrored shades which in my experience offer maximum protection.

4. A cute hat. Especially a wide-brimmed one! The one thing that I have learn the hard way is that hair and long-term sun exposure don't mix well. In the past, I've tried putting oil in my hair or doing a deep conditioning mask after, but the truth is, nothing works quite as well as simply covering your hair with a hat. Btw, this is especially true if you tend to color your hair like I do.

I've also been getting a few questions about my summer body care lately, so I though I'd take this opportunity to answer a few of them:

Though I have used tanning creams in the past, this Summer the glow is all natural. We've been spending quite a bit of time on the beach and in Palm Springs lately, so I guess the results show:) 

As far as body lotions are concerned, I am completely addicted to organic body oils. My all time favorites are coconut and olive oil. Though it may take some getting used to, because obviously they don'y absorb as quickly as regular lotions, the results are worth it, because my skin has never been softer. 

I prefer shaving! When it comes to shaving I learned two very important things. First, I never shave as soon as I get into the shower. I wash my hair, condition and let the moisture and steam work it's magic, i.e. open up the pores and soften the hair. So, basically shaving is my very last step. Simple, yes! But makes the world of difference! Secondly, I stopped using regular soap to shave and switched to a shaving cream. Aside from the fact that it moisturizes the skin, it also helps the blade to glide without scraping and prevents nicks and razor bumps. Currently, I'm using EOS shaving cream, because it smells yummy and leaves my skin really soft and smooth.

Hope you find these tips helpful! And as always, shoot me an email if you have any questions!

LOVESHACKFANCY dress { sleeveless option here, also love this options } | MELISSA ODABASH Jemima hat | WANDERLUST & CO Trio Stack ring set | GORJANA Gisele ring 

SUNDAY SKIN PREP :: BEAUTY READY ROUTINE

Those of you who read my blog on regular basis probably know how important skin care is to me. Though I haven't always been as diligent about taking care of my skin as I am now, once I realized the connection between proper skin care and the state of my skin, I've been religiously giving it the attention it needs. In the past, I've talked about my day-to-day skin-care but I haven't really talked about my weekly skin recovery routine. And so, I would like to take this opportunity to talk a little bit about my Sunday beauty ready routine and about how I prepare my skin and hair for the week ahead.

Since I color my hair, it tends to be a bit dry, so in order to keep it shiny and healthy I start by applying a home-made oil mask all over my hair, paying special attention to the scalp. To make the mask, I simply mix castor oil and extra-virgin olive oil in equal parts, adding just a few drops of lavender oil for a wonderful scent. Next, I cover my hair with a plastic cap and wrap a warm towel over it for better absorption.

PHASE ONE: While I wait for the oil mask to work it's magic on my hair, I move on to phase one of my skin care routine, i.e. Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel. The reason why I like this particular one is because it's very gentle and doesn't make my skin red, tight or dry but instead effectively removes dead skin and helps to prepare my skin for phase two and three of my routine. To use, I simply apply a thin layer of Pure Revival Peel to clean, dry skin, leave on for a few seconds, then massage gently in circular motion paying special attention to my t-zone.

PHASE TWO: I always had really sensitive skin which is prone to redness and irritation. So, of course I was looking for a product to help address these concerns, but I also wanted something that could prevent damage and signs of aging. The reason why I started using Skin Inc. My Daily Dose products is because they are uniquely customized to address the specific needs of my skin and also because I am able to address multiple issues with a single application. Currently, I am using the three following SERUMS: 

- REPAIR, which contains antioxidant-rich French pine bark to help protect the skin from damage and signs of aging caused by UV rays

- REINFORCE which helps to strengthen, hydrate and sooth sensitive skin 

- RELIEVE which contains a combination of antioxidants, licorice and green tea extracts to help calm, reduce redness and irritation and protect the skin from UV damage. 

To use, I simply blend all three serums and apply 2-3 drops all over my face. Since I started using My Daily Dose, I've noticed a really big difference as far as dryness and redness is concerned and my skin is definitely more even looking and feels so much softer to the touch.

PHASE THREE: Moisture is the key to beautiful skin! Though I am pretty good about drinking plenty of water and eating well, ever since I moved to California I find that my skin needs a bit of help staying moisturized. I've tried a few different products, but Skin Inc. Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask is the one that works best for me. Aside from the fact that it keeps my skin hydrated, I also find that it helps to clarify and brighten it as well. A huge plus in my opinion, because more than a few hydrating products simply made me break out:( To use, I apply a thin layer of the product all over my face, right after applying My Daily Dose serums including under eye area to help seal in all the goodness and hydrate, and leave it on overnight.

Next, I like to use a trick my mom swears by, which is taking a hot bath to make my hair and face mask absorb even better. Reason why this trick works so well, is because the steam from the bath helps to open your hair follicles and pores for better moisture absorption. Because multitasking is basically my middle name, I also add two cups of epsom salts to the water to help soften my hands, feet and everything in between:) I usually soak for about 30 minutes, but if you are pressed for time, even 15 minutes makes a world of difference.

Lastly, depending on how dry my hair is I either wash off the hair mask with a gentle shampoo and let my hair air dry or live it on overnight. I also slather olive oil all over my body paying special attention to hands and feet, since they tend to need a bit of extra moisture. 

Hope you guys enjoy these tips and as always, if you have any questions, please email me any time I'll be happy to answer!

Skin Inc. products available HERE or at Sephora stores. Take a simple 3-minute online test to identity the unique needs of your skin by CLICKING HERE. 

ELIZABETH ARDEN PREVAGE SWEEPSTAKES

If you read my blog on regular basis, you know skincare is a bit of an obsession for me. Normally, I am very good about taking care of my skin. I eat well, I exercise, I try to get plenty of sleep and use good skincare products. Yet, no matter how diligent I am about taking care of my skin,  the damaging effects of certain environmental assaults such as sun exposure, pollution and stress are simply beyond my control.

Take my recent trip to Palm Springs for example. Though I certainly tried to hide my face from the blazing desert sun under hats and massive amounts of sunblock, the result of spending hours in the sun was nonetheless quite obvious and damaging. 

As I was staring at yet another freckle, i.e. sun spot in the mirror, I received an email from Elizabeth Arden about the PREVAGE® skincare line designed specifically to prevent damaging effects of environmental assaults, and to help support the skin’s natural repair process. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to personally test the line! 

The PREVAGE® set arrived on the day of my friend's wedding, just as I was leaving for the Bel Air hotel, our home away from home for the duration of her pre and post wedding festivities. Since my face hasn't exactly recovered from all the abuse I put it through in Palm Springs, I decided there was no time like the present to deal with the damage. 

I started by cleaning my face with PREVAGE® Anti-aging treatment boosting cleanser. Next, I massaged PREVAGE® Anti-aging Daily Serum onto freshly cleansed face, and followed with PREVAGE® Anti-aging eye serum, by gently patting a small amount around the eye area.  I finished by lightly brushing PREVAGE® Anti-aging Moisture Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 across the face.

Though, I certainly didn't expect to see results right away, I have to admit that my face did look smoother and brighter right after application. In fact, even though I was expecting to go a bit heavier on the make up that day, I was actually able to skip eye concealer completely. A very good thing considering I am not a huge fan of heavy make up and eye concealer in general:) 

Overall, though I just started using the PREVAGE® line, I am very impressed with the results so far. I am noticing a lot of improvement in the texture and clarity of my skin. It's definitely much more even looking and the redness around my nose is slowly disappearing. YAY! I am planning to continue using the line and keeping you guys posted on my progress! 

Now, here comes the best part! One lucky VivaLuxury reader has a chance to win a complete Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE® skincare giftset. 

All you need to do to enter is:

1. FOLLOW @ElizabethArden on Instagram by CLICKING HERE

2. REPOST THIS IMAGE to your Instagram page, tagging @ElizabethArden #PREVAGE #SWEEPS

3. Please leave a comment below, so that I may contact you if you win 

The contest will end on April 29 and the winner will be announced on the following day. I wish everyone the best of luck!

Find Rules & Regs HERE

This post was brought to you by Elizabeth Arden, all opinions are my own. 

TIBI one shoulder wrap dress { also love it in white here } | CHELSEA PARIS Ava pumps | STRATHBERRY OF SCOTLAND Mc Nano powder blue bag | FORD + HARRIS The Vicious upper finger ring & The Charlie slit ring | SARINA SURIANO Moonrise white pearl ring | MY JEWEL BAR earrings