One of My Forever Skincare Favorites: Sisley’s Ecological Compound

Sisley’s Ecological Compound Advanced Formula is yet another skincare love affair I’ve shamelessly gushed about for years. I mean, are you sick of me waxing poetic about this serum/moisturizer hybrid? Well, tough. Would you rather I dance around with the latest fad in skincare that claims to "transform your skin overnight" but instead leaves you questioning whether you just got swindled out of your lunch money?

The truth is, there’s no skin savior on the market quite like this. This magic potion, infused with burdock and meadowsweet in its latest reformulation, is like a a botanical haven for your skin’s microbiome—calming, healing, and somehow making me feel like my face is wrapped in a soft, breathable shield. As I gracefully age (read: decline), my skin has become more sensitive than my feelings on a Monday, but this brew’s quiet genius strengthens my barrier and keeps me feeling as resilient as my inner resting bitch face exterior. Sure, it’s Sisley, and yes, it’s still on the high-end spectrum as far as price goes, but it’s practically the budget option in their range, so why not treat yourself to something that doesn’t make your skin cry for mercy?

Why Body Soap Is So Last Year: I Switched to This Plant-Powered Surfactant & My Skin’s Never Been Happier

Let’s be honest—keeping your skin below the neck in flawless condition is no easy feat. I use body oils and not body moisturizers. That said, between early morning workouts and those soothing nighttime showers (because, really, who can go to sleep without one?), I’m practically living underneath a stream of Los Angeles water. But here’s the kicker: we all want to feel clean, right? The sad truth is, even the most “organic” and “gentle” body soaps often do more harm than good, especially when you’re showering twice a day. Dry, tight, parched skin? Hard pass.

So, when I was introduced to OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Wash, a plant-powered surfactant, I permanently replaced my old body soap and never looked back. Made with seaweed, this product not only removes impurities but leaves my skin feeling like it’s been pampered by a sea breeze. It’s pH-balanced, so no more stripping your skin of moisture—just pure hydration and cleanliness. What really sold me? The aloe and glycerin, which work overtime to protect and nourish your skin’s moisture barrier, along with a blend of jojoba, coconut, and avocado oils that leave skin feeling like velvet.

So, toss the body soap. Seriously. You’ll have soft, revitalized skin that practically whispers "luxury" every time you touch it.

Ready for Romance: How to Prep Head-to-Toe for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is often dismissed as "amateur night" by those too jaded to partake. But in a world of hopeless romantics, especially all over Los Angeles, this evening is a celebration of love in all its forms. Whether you’re wrapped in romantic bliss, celebrating Galentine’s Day, or simply pretending you’re “too busy,” one thing is certain: this night is a chance to feel and look your best. 

Despite the clichés of overpriced prix-fixe menus and last-minute plans, Valentine’s Day invites you to embrace connection. And while you may enjoy your own company, there’s something satisfying about ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the night brings. A kiss, after all, can lead to much more—preferably after a glass of the right vintage wine. Here’s my most blunt and honest head-to-toe guide to looking and feeling impeccable, whether you're enjoying a hot date or simply luxuriating in your own damn greatness.

The Top of the Head: Hair That’s Worthy of a Slow-Motion Entrance

Let’s talk hair. If you’ve got the time and resources, book yourself a blowout with the masters. Nick Flores at Flore Hair Salon is a magician, and Maxime Salvador at Salon by Maxime will transform your hair into something you could have only dreamed of. These professionals know their craft and won’t disappoint. If you’re DIY-ing it, hats off to you. Make sure you have plenty of Ibiza hairbrushes (because it’s practically sorcery for your hair) for proper tension—and I’m recommending you try the new T3 Aire IQ Blow Dryer, which uses smart heat technology to dry your hair quickly while keeping it healthy. Don’t forget an excellent hair mask such as my never-disappointing Shu Uemura Reset Mask (rinse with cold water for shine) for softening. Follow that with a stellar hair protectant like IGK Good Behavior Blowout Balm and a few drops of Davines Ol oil for added additional shine. 

The Mind: Confidence Starts Here

Next, it’s not just about looking fabulous; you need to feel fabulous. If you're preparing for a big date, take a moment to check in with your therapist or your brutally honest friend. Trust me, you’ll need all the confidence you can muster to deal with the potential emotional chaos of Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re dating or hanging out with your goop vibrator, owning your magnificence is key. Confidence is everything, and reminding yourself of your inherent awesomeness can set the tone for the night.

Face: Polish Like You Mean It

Exfoliation is non-negotiable. If you’ve been neglecting your face exfoliation, now’s the time to make up for it. Your face mask will absorb better if your skin is a smoother palette with less debris. I would start this regimen every few nights leading up to your date (no one better than you will know what your skin can handle). Lancer’s Face Polish is the heavy hitter for serious exfoliation, but if you’re looking for a gentler option, the Sisley Botanical Buff and Wash is a superb alternative. Don’t you dare come for me about St. Ives Apricot Scrub, either. Yes, the Internet’s been throwing shade at its granules, but let’s get super real: if you’re okay with microneedling and injecting Botox (which, by the way, is essentially botulism, but we still do it, don’t we?), you can survive a little St. Ives scrub, which gives the best glow of the three. After exfoliating, treat your skin to a clay mask to absorb impurities. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Clay Mask is super effective—it feels like your pores are being purified in a spa on a mountaintop. It’s also reasonably priced and not overhyped. You’ll want to make sure that you have no last-minute blemishes, so before you apply your moisturizer, use the Skin Gym High Frequency Wand to zap away impurities like a boss. If you are planning on Botox, book it a few days ahead of time to let it settle in properly. Dr. Jessica Wu is the queen of Botox and has a steady hand. She is my go-to for when I want a smoother visage (twice a year). 

Makeup

We can go overboard here, but you know what you love. Make sure you use the products that work well on you. I don’t know your face and don’t want to recommend finishes and colors that clash with your look. That said, on the 14th, use a primer with a little sheen like the Thrive Causmetics Brilliant Illuminating Primer. Fake Lashes: sorry but I don’t care what anyone says, no man or woman wants to wake up with someone shedding fake lashes and clumps in the morning. Knock it off, just go with a beautiful mascara like Pat McGrath’s Fetish Eyes. Leave the faking to your orgasm and ditch the lashes (I don’t care how much people say they look natural—they don’t, and they will just ruin your lashes long term. You don’t want to be 60 one day and have no eyelashes to speak of). 

Your Lips

They should, of course, be irresistibly soft because, truly, nothing enhances a smile quite like a supple pout. The secret to maintaining hydrated, kissable lips begins with hydration. (Duh.) Start your morning by infusing your warm lemon and water with a pinch of Celtic Sea Salt to add electrolytes Throughout the day, keep sipping on water enriched with electrolytes. This combination is key to keeping your face and lips plump and hydrated. But hydration alone isn't enough. To protect and nourish your lips, a good lip balm is essential. Apply it frequently during the day, and at night, incorporate a gentle exfoliation routine. Over the course of the day—whether from eating or wearing lipstick—fine, invisible debris can accumulate on your lips, making exfoliation crucial for smoothness. A few days before any special occasion, I recommend indulging in a luxurious ritual using Sara Happ's products. I start with The Lip Slip (a deeply moisturizing lip balm) and follow with her Pink Grapefruit The Lip Scrub. Apply and then gently buff your lips with a dry, clean, mouth-designated toothbrush. Rinse and finish with The Dream Slip before bed, or right before applying your lipstick to go out.

Brows: Treat Them Like Crowns

Your brows are the most important feature on your face, so make sure they are on point. Groom, shape, and perfect them until they’re worthy of a W cover. I prefer Kristie Streicher’s high-quality Essential Eyebrow Grooming Kit. It is well-made and lasts a very long time. 

Skin From the Neck Down: Smooth From Head to Toe (Literally)

Exfoliate your body properly. But here’s the deal —don’t overdo it. I detest all of the daily body brush skin rituals that have been overmarketed. Pass. Why do you need to dry out your skin and deplete it of necessary oils? But you should get a monthly Korean body scrub to keep your skin soft, smooth, and glowing. Pellequr in Beverly Hills does an amazing body scrub, followed by a heavenly lymphatic drainage massage that will have you feeling more than relaxed. If you don’t have time for the full scrub, their Body Wash Towel will do the trick fast for proper exfoliation. (Always add a high-quality body oil to your skin when damp in the shower.) Now, because it is Valentine’s Day, go extra. Get the Tom Ford Body Shimmer Soleil Neige (smells divine) Body Shimmer Oil for décolleté, arms, and even in the hair—yes, a small amount in your coif….trust!

Your Heart: Don’t Let It Do All the Thinking

Listen, Valentine’s Day is not just about feelings. Your heart is important, yes, but let’s not have it make all the decisions. Make sure your birth control game is on point—whether you’re dating or simply enjoying your own company. That said, all forms of protection are also important: no glove, no love, darling. If you’re being responsible, everything else will fall into place. Take your birth control like it’s your most valuable accessory. Your future self (and your current high, perky boobs) will thank you.

Nails

Sorry, but don’t go tacky tonight, and don’t be a fool for trends. Only red (dark or medium-red hues) or a featherlight pink will do. No cheap blue, neon orange, or Army green either. You want to express yourself, go knock yourself out in the eye shadow department, but keep it beautiful on your hands. You’re not an overstimulated 7th grader. We love Russian manicures of late, too—they’re neat, better on your cuticles, and makes your manicure last ridiculously longer. 

Grooming Down There: Keep It as Smooth as Possible, No Drama

If you’re having sex on V-day night, you want to be perfectly groomed. No ifs, ands, or butts! Simplicity is key. Skip the waxing drama (it’s a recipe for ingrown hairs and pimples—no, no, and no) and use the Ulike Laser as directed for smooth, long-lasting results. If you’re late to the laser hair removal game, a good razor will do for now—but make sure you use a proper shaving cream like Kiehl’s Brushless Shaving Cream.

Your Feet: Treat Them Like Royalty

Your feet deserve the same care as the rest of your body—they should be soft to the touch (not for anyone else but you, mind you). The Serum Doctor’s Foot File will smooth out any dead skin patches, and the foot serum is lovely, softening and hydrating without grease. Plus, you can slip your shoes on immediately after. 

Self-Tanner: Sun-Kissed Glow

You haven’t seen the sun since last summer, and it shows. I’m Iranian and don’t have that problem, but my pale-as-a-ghost friends love the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops. Mix them into your favorite face or body moisturizer, and you’ll have that subtle, sun-kissed glow with no streaks, no orange tint: just a natural, radiant look.

Why Holi(mane) Is the Ultimate Collagen for Skin, Hair, and Nails

Ah, collagen. Remember when everyone and their dog jumped on the collagen bandwagon during the pandemic, hawking every “miracle powder” under the sun? Fast forward to 2024, and we’re all left swimming in a sea of overpriced, underwhelming products that barely do more than lighten your wallet. But one collagen powder has never let me down: holi(mane) by Agent Nateur—the crème de la crème, standing tall above the rest.

Why should you even care about collagen? Collagen is the cornerstone of your body’s foundation; it’s what keeps everything firm, flexible, and functioning as it should be. From your skin to your joints to your hair, it’s the “glue” that holds you together. But here’s the catch: as we age, our collagen production naturally slows down. Stress, smoking, drinking (life) all chip away at your collagen reserves, leaving skin with less elasticity than a vintage Courrèges gown that’s lost its structure. So, no, it’s not just about vanity—it’s about preserving that youthful, vibrant skin, strong nails, and shiny, full hair. Without enough collagen, things start to sag, crack, and lose their glow.

Now, let’s talk about why collagen creams aren’t the answer. I interviewed a top scientist last year who made it perfectly clear: collagen creams don’t do much for your skin. Why? Because the molecules in collagen creams are too large to penetrate the skin. As she so gracefully put it, “You’re just creating a petri dish on your face.” So, if you’re relying on that $500 jar of collagen-infused goo, you might want to rethink your strategy.

What works for me is holi(mane) and I have been using it for many years now. For the record, not all collagen is created equal—and frankly, most of what’s out there doesn’t even come close to cutting it. Holi(mane) is wild-caught marine collagen sourced from the scales and bones of cod, pollock, and haddock; pure, potent, and absorbs exceptionally well. It’s third-party tested for mercury, so you know it’s safe. This isn’t the diluted, mass-produced powder you’ll find being peddled by influencers who don’t even use the product. Holi(mane) works at the cellular level, helping to restore your skin’s strength and elasticity. And the cherry on top? It also contains pearl powder, a potent ingredient revered in Chinese medicine for over 1,000 years for its skin-healing properties.

Together, marine collagen and pearl powder elevate your body’s production of glutathione and superoxide dismutase (that’s scientific jargon that basically means your body’s natural defenders against the signs of aging).

Let’s be honest: after all is said and done, the proof is in the results. Or more precisely, in the way your skin, hair, and nails look when you indulge in this modern elixir versus when you don’t. The difference for me is so undeniable, I can’t recommend it enough. If you haven’t embraced this nourishing ritual yet, maybe it’s time to consider how much more radiant and resilient your skin can be.

Why You Need This Gentle Exfoliant for Winter

Winter convinces you that exfoliating is optional, as if your skin will simply "hibernate" until spring (spoiler alert, it won’t). Between the arid, furnace-like indoor heat and the biting, face-numbing winds outside, your skin ends up an unwilling magnet for dead cells, dirt, and moisture-stealing humectants. So, no, exfoliation isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential. Enter Sisley Buff and Face Wash; or, as it’s elegantly known, Gel Nettoyant Gommant (because why settle for basic when you could indulge in something that sounds like it belongs in a Parisian apothecary?). This refined gel is so gentle, you can use it morning or night without feeling like your face has been scrubbed by sandpaper. Infused with plant extracts like lemon, verbena, and lavender, it’s a botanical symphony that invigorates, refreshes, and leaves your skin feeling deeply nourished. Yes, it’s an investment, but your skin deserves the kind of luxury that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped out of a five-star spa, even if the rest of you is still bundled up in a turtleneck.

Botanicals, Balm, and a Better Face: The Art of the Nightly Massage

I get an endless stream of texts and DMs asking about the latest face tool or LED therapy device (and, for the record, the only one that truly works is Celluma—no, I don’t care what else is trending). But here's the thing people often miss: a good face massage before bed is one of the best things you can do for your skin. It boosts circulation, helps blood flow, and encourages your face to glow from within. When I’m not busy testing the latest products (which, let’s face it, is basically a 24/7 job), one of my go-to products for this nightly ritual is Monastery’s Floral Attar Concentrate Balm. Why? Because it’s all-natural, and, honestly, I often skip a serum altogether and use this as my everything balm. Packed with soothing botanicals like rose hip, rose extract, and jasmine sambac, it floods the skin with essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B, C, and E, while hazelnut oil adds a mild astringent effect. It melts into the skin seamlessly, leaving your face feeling repaired and glowing by morning—no tools required. And if you’re thinking, "Do I really need to massage my face before bed?" …Well, let’s just say you can keep ignoring it, and I’ll keep looking younger.

The Sublime Pink Lipstick That Will Elevate Your Every Look

I cover a lot of lipstick shades. And I can joyfully report that I’ve found the most glorious pigment, one which oozes sophistication: Sisley Phyto Rouge lipstick in the color Rose Delhi. This deep, vibrant pink is flattering on many skin tones; it’s got refined elegance and unapologetic sexiness all at once. I love this product’s long-lasting hydration and wearability, thanks to Sisley’s Hydrobooster complex, which also plumps the lips. No matter the season or occasion—whether you’re heading to a summer soirée or a snowy dinner —I guarantee this lipstick seamlessly adapts to any event (even with jeans and a T-shirt, my friends). I urge you to embrace the power of this sure-to-be-a-mainstay lipstick. The only element you need to add to enhance this look is the confidence you know you already bring to the table.

The AmazingConcealer Is More Than A Stellar Lid Base that Lives Up to Its Name

Are you looking to elevate your eye makeup game?

Whether you love a striking smokey eye or love blending two or three of favorite eye shades together, a reliable lid base is a must-have. It's the secret sauce to keeping your eye makeup flawless all day long, without any creasing or smudging throughout the day or night. My go-to lid base is the water-resistant concealer from Amazing Cosmetics rightly called AmazingConcealer. It's not just a game-changer for creating a flawless canvas; I also love wearing it solo on low-key days on my eye lids. It creates a smoother eyelid look vs having bare lids and now I won’t use anything else. Consider it a makeup essential that stretches a long way with just a dab.

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The Red Lipstick that Rivals My Very Chic All-time Favorite

I hate word “dupe." It’s a word that has been overused for far too long in the overmarketed beauty world. So, in this instance, I want to share a fabulous replica or a delightful counterpart if you will to my cherished Dior #999 Forever Rouge

REVLON’s Color Stay Matte Lipstick Crayon in Ruffled Feathers.

Several months ago, en route to NYC, and in a moment of sheer absentmindedness, I leave my entire makeup arsenal on the plane. Cue frantic searching in the heart of midtown for a quick fix before an important event the next day. Amidst the aisles of a drugstore, with makeup samples scattered like confetti, I found solace in the Revlon section. And there, amidst the chaos, lies a gem: the REVLON ColorStay Matte Lipstick Crayon. Let me tell you about this shade called Ruffled Feathers—it's like stumbling upon a hidden treasure that is delightfully inexpensive. A rich, deep hue with a hint of red-orange allure that rivals my beloved #999. But it's not just the color that won me over; it's the hydration and staying power that truly stole the show. With its matte finish and cleverly angled tip, it glides on effortlessly, no liner necessary.  I may forever be loyal to my #999, but Ruffled Feathers has carved out a special place in my heart—and my makeup bag. It's become my go-to for videos, photoshoots, or simply when I want that extra pop of color without the hassle of constant touch-ups. Trust me, this one doesn't disappoint.

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