Love Your Skin This Summer
links + loves guest curator, Anna Liesemeyer
Well, I entered my 30s recently. Just a few weeks ago, actually. I feel better than ever since starting an intense fitness routine a few months ago, so it was nice to enter into the next era feeling stronger and healthier! I don’t really feel any older, but I will admit I began noticing more crow’s feet around my eyes when I smile. I’ve also seen a few more noticeable dark spots, which could be the start of age spots, but could also be from sun exposure this summer since I’ve gotten more than usual. I struggled with a bit of pregnancy melasma after I had Luke, so I think my skin simply doesn’t bounce back like it used to 5-7 years ago!
I’ve always described my skin as dry, a little sensitive, but otherwise pretty normal. In the summer, I am outside with the boys as much as possible so I’m diligent about applying sunscreen! I’ve never been overly concerned about wrinkles, as I feel that it’s just a natural part of aging, but if there is something extremely simple I can do to help lessen the severity, I’m game. It’s hard to go back once wrinkles settle in, so preventative care is super important.
It’s so humid where I live that I skip moisturizers altogether in the summertime and stick with lightweight oils and serums. This No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum melts into my skin immediately and has a very subtle aroma. It works to protect your skin with advanced peptides and an antioxidant combination of Vitamin C, mulberry extract and ginseng to restore, leaving more youthful skin as a result. If you need additional moisturizing, just add a moisturizer on top of the serum, but make sure to do it in that order. Always apply the serum first, as it will penetrate deeper than a moisturizer.
And did you know you should sweep your fingers upwards when you are applying it? Try to avoid pulling down on your skin when you can!
I watch quite a few beauty vloggers that live across the pond, so I’ve been familiar with this line for some time. It’s actually the UK’s best selling anti-aging serum. You can easily find it here, in the states, at Target or Ulta. I’ve been known to order beauty products from the UK before after seeing them in a beauty haul video on YouTube, but No7 can easily be picked up on my next Target run.
This post was created in partnership with No7.
comments
Can you do a post on sunscreen for the face? I’m interested to know what you use since you have been spending more time at the pool and in the sun. I have trouble finding something that isn’t greasy and actually sinks into the skin! Any advice would be appreciated. This serum sounds perfect for summer.
I’ve been loving Tarteguard by Tarte!
Clinique City Block is great and also Neutragena for the face. The problem with Clinique and the other high end ones is that they are very pricy, and if you are out a lot as I am, using them all the time isn’t the cheapest!! I put Clinique on if it’s just a regular work day, and my time out will be house to car to patient’s homes. But if I am going to be out in it and will need to reapply, I use Neutragena. Both are great.
I’ve been looking for a BB/CC cream with built-in SPF, but recently bought ELF brand foundation with 20 SPF (light-medium coverage). I know ELF isn’t a high end product, but the price was right on point. What is your opinion in the effectiveness of SPF in a foundation?
Hi Lisa,
My understanding is that it’s not quite as effective in that you really need to use a lot more than we typically do when putting on foundation. But it’s probably better than nothing. I’ve actually started to skip the moisturizer and use a nicer (read- less stinky, sticky and oily) sunscreen (I like the supergoop everyday) and then layer my bb cream. That way I know I’m protected. Hope this helps!
I’ve been really interested in the IT CC cream you’ve been talking about more recently. Can you tell us (and by US, I mean ME) if you’d use that as a moisturizer UNDER your regular foundation or AS your foundation? I use a really light CC under my foundation, but would love to streamline my makeup routine if I could use one product as my moisturizer/sunscreen/foundation.
I use it as a foundation. And you don’t need to apply face cream beforehand. So a serum like I used in this post is the perfect prep for a hydrating CC cream!
Thanks so much!
Goat milk skin care products are an even better option, especially for delicate or damaged skin. I have been using goat milk soap, lotion and bath salts for years now and I have noticeable improvement in fine lines and dryness. I wouldn’t use anything else now. I love it so much I even starting making my own products!
So glad you like No 7. It’s won so many beauty award in the UK and I was so pleased to see it in Target so I didn’t have to import it via family members. I have always found there masks very good also, if you wanted to try some other items. Fab article as ever! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kate
I have been following you for a few months. I live “across the pond” as you say hehe . The no7 products are really good, I use the foundation every day.
They do an amazing dry oil which is great to pop on your legs just after a shower (although they have just changed the scent ,I have tried the new one yet).
Best wishes Jenn x
Stunning post, as a beauty blogger “from across the pond” I can vouch for the popularity of the No7 line haha, they have some fantastic makeup and skincare. Moisturisers with a high SPF are a must for me, but it’s hard to find one worth the money and that will sit well under makeup. Any recs?
ALittleKiran | Bloglovin
Thank you for posting this. I recently started using IT Cosmetics No. 5 Anti-Aging Serum and Primer because it came free with an Ulta purchase and I love it! At $50 per ounce I was hoping to find a similar serum that isn’t quite as expensive to use on days when I’m not wearing much makeup (which is more often than not as a fellow work from home mother of two toddlers) so I’ll be sure to give this a try.
Hi Kate,
Just wanted to say .. LOVE your glow!!! Not sure if it’s the makeup, the lighting, or just a little more sun on you than usual, but you look extra great:)
I was just thinking the same thing. Such a lovely glow!
I have been using the whole No.7 line and loving it!!
I really like the light scent it has and how it doesn’t feel greasy!!
I bought the No 7 serum at Target a while back and I loved it. Great price point for a great product. I am now back to my Clarins Double Serum, but it’s a bit pricey, so may go back after it runs out.
I’m also curious what you use for daily sun protection if you aren’t using moisturizer. It’s humid where I live also and I often feel like my face is melting off – even with very light makeup. Maybe it is due to my moisturizer? Thanks!
Thanks for the post. I’ve been curious about No. 7 products. I’ll have to try this out! I’m also loving your nail and lip color for summer. Can you share brand/color info?
Also, love your posts. You are my regular read with my morning coffee!
Hi! I’ve got some pretty bad melasma on my upper cheeks and am wondering if what have been the most effective products you’ve tried to treat yours. I saw your burts bees post and just wonder if that is still your go-to treatment. Thank you!!
I’d be interested in this information, too. I do find that the IT Cosmetics CC cream covers my melasma spots pretty well, though.
I might have to try this stuff soon. I’ve been using the Boots Organics (also at Target) super age defense serum and it is SO lovely.
I just purchased the morning and night cream and this serum in a kit on Saturday and my mailman just delivered it! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for the post. I’ve always been curious, yet never tired this brand.
I like you, Kate, so please don’t take this the wrong way because I’ve been reading your for years. But… what is going on with your arms in these pics? There are all sorts of blobs and dents happening that look like they might be poorly Photoshopped. If so, please just show the real you. We know you had two babies close together and are just now getting back into the swing of getting in shape. Following your journey to better health would be really inspiring, but you’d have to show the real “before” pics! And if it’s not a matter of badly-edited pics, you might want to reconsider using that mirror in future shoots! 🙂
Wonder if it is the screen you’re viewing through? I went back for a second look and didn’t notice anything. So it could be your screen or may be the lighting that was used? Or it could just be these old eyes?
Hi Joanne,
I agree with you, went back for a second and third look, Kate looks perfectly ‘herself’ to me, no Photoshop. You look stunning Kate!
Hi Shelley, nope-all those apparent blobs and dents are just my natural arms.
Why so critical and mean? Ugh. This is so discouraging : (
Honestly, that looks like what muscles look like in a mirror to camera picture to me. She has been working hard on building up her fitness so maybe you could give her the benefit of the doubt here.
I’m so sorry Kate that someone like Shelley had the nerve to post such a hurtful and irrelevant comment.
As the old saying goes…”If you don’t have something nice to say….” you know the rest (or send it in a private message if you must).
Sorry…I just feel so bad for Kate who is such an inspiration to me and to others!
Hey! I love your hair in today’s post. Did you use a curling iron or straightener to make the waves? I like the look I get with a straightener but the waves don’t last no matter how much Kenra hairspray I use! But the curling iron makes it too curly! Any advice?
Yes to vitamin C! Last year at my dermatologist annual visit, she said, “You need to start using a serum with Vitamin C on a daily basis at your age.” Well, I’ve been using one for many years. I use philosophy when hope is not enough. I’ve had it on auto-delivery for years. When it runs out, I think I’ll try this Boots since I’ve eyed it for a while. Glad you like it!
This product may claim that it is anti-aging, however it contains ingredients/toxins that will actually age your skin. The first ingredient listed is also water, so it’s not very powerful for anti-aging properties. If you really want to use great organic products for anti-aging, stay away from all sulfates, plasticizers, parabens, and other toxins. Check out my organic skincare line made with essential oils to heal your skin from the inside out: http://www.ballerinabotanicals.com
As I’m starting to inch my way to 30, I’ve been more and more concerned about taking care of my skin. As I’ve gotten older, my skin has become more and more dehydrated. I’ve never tried this serum but have noticed using serums make a huge difference in keeping the moisture in my skin. I’ll have to check this one out!
Brittany | thechicette.com
Hi Kate. I need to get some of this and try it. Thanks for posting. Can you please tell me what lipstick you are wearing here. I love it.
Hi Kate could you share your lip color and nail color in this post?
Thank you
Yes I too would like to know lip and nail colors
I saw you (this) on glamour.com before I read it here, congrats!
super fun, thanks for the tips, inexpensive is the best part, have a great weekend.
Any hints for sunblock in the eye area? My eyes are very sensitive and most blocks make me tear up for hours.
Ladies! Walgreens Boots Alliance (Stores are known as Walgreens in the States) carries Boots) No 7 (and Soap & Glory). Just call your local Walgreens and see if they have it as it is only in store at stores that have Beauty Consultants. If they don’t they can tell you the closest. The Beauty Consultant can do a skincare consultation for you. These specialty stores usually have the full lines of both brands!