Abby’s Favorite Things: Skincare Edition
At Bellacara, we all constantly get asked, “What is your favorite?” Whether it be foundation, lipstick, moisturizer, eye cream, etc. All of the gals have their go-to items, so we decided to do a series on our favorite things in the store.
Here are mine…
Pre-Cleanse and Cleanser:
The first step is an oil cleaner to destroy grime and makeup. Both Pre-Cleansers from Dermalogica are great. One is a balm; one is more liquid. For cleansers, I like the Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser for daily use. The thick cream-like lather will leave your face squeaky clean and moisturized. On the days where I need a little more action, I use the Dermalogica Skin Refining Cleanser, which is full of chemical exfoliants and really brightens. I recommend only using it three times a week because it can be a little aggressive.
Toner:
I also get asked, “Do I need a toner?” Yes, you need a toner. It is especially important to whisk off whatever gunk your cleanser may have left behind. My skin can be reactive sometimes, so my favorite toner is the Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner. It is excellent for sensitive skin, and it rebalances and preps skin for skincare.
Eye Serum:
The first place that ages is the eye area. The skin is thin and delicate, and we do a lot of damage by squinting, rubbing, and tugging at the eye area. The best thing to use to reverse and prevent is retinol. The Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic and Retinol Eye Serum will reverse lines and signs of aging as well as prevent future damage. Don’t forget sunglasses or eye cream with SPF to protect!
Retinol:
I love my retinol. It prevents and reverses. Maya Chia recently came out with The Straight A Advanced Gentle Retinol Treatment and I am in love. No redness, peeling, or irritation and all the benefits of a retinol.
Vitamin C:
An antioxidant in the morning is your first line of defense against pollution and environmental aggressors, which cause free radical damage. Of course, CE Ferulic is the best, but my skin just does not tolerate it. I use Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum. It protects and infuses my face with collagen amino acids, which we all need.
Moisturizer:
My favorite moisturizer goes without saying. Augustinus Bader is the holy grail of face creams. We have tons of other great creams, but I will use this forever. Please ask us about the 27-day challenge!
Face Serum:
Ok, I cannot go without mentioning one of my absolute favorite things in the store. The Maya Chia Pressed Serum is the most amazing balm for instant gratification. Every time I use it at night, I wake up to brighter, softer skin. Augustinus is incredible, but Maya Chia really delivers that radiance in the morning – and it’s organic!
SPF:
And last but not least, SPF. You can use all of the best skincare in the world, but if you’re not using SPF, you might as well not be doing anything. I have two favorites. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 – a no-frills moisturizer that softens and protects. My other favorite is the Soleil Toujours SPF 45 Mineral Sunscreen. It does not leave the white cast like other physical blocks and is non-greasy and reef safe!
Stay tuned for favorites from Angela, Jennifer, and Anna.
Be well Bellacara Beauties!
- About the boutique
Located in historic Old Town Alexandria, for more than 17 years Bellacara has been Northern Virginia's preeminent boutique for high end cosmetic, skincare and haircare products. At Bellacara you will find premiere beauty products that have been carefully edited by the store’s owner, Angela Sitilides, who personally tests all the products sold in store. The boutique carries only the best product lines – Kiehl’s, Jouer, Dr. Dennis Gross, Christophe Robin, Moroccan Oil, Bumble & Bumble, Fresh, Molton Brown, Skinceuticals, Smashbox, Stila, Mario Badescu, Clarins, Dermalogica, Kevyn Aucoin, Kai, Child, St. Tropez, Smith and Cult, and many more.
1000 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.299.9652
