FIVE RECENT SKINCARE FAVORITES

With less than three weeks until our wedding, I’m extra focused on taking good care of my skin to avoid breaking out before the big day. This summer that’s meant getting regular facials and, thanks to Ali’s encouragement, drinking way more water than I’m used to. Why am I so bad about this?! I read that a good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water (so if you weigh 120 pounds, you should drink at least 60 ounces) so that’s been my daily goal. Honestly I get pretty annoyed at having to go to the bathroom so often, but fingers crossed the habit will stick!

design darling tata harper skincare

Another perk of living with Ali this summer (besides adopting her healthy habits, benefiting from her literally-always-happy outlook, sharing clothes, having a workout buddy, the list goes on…!) is being introduced to new skincare products. She and I are both big fans of Tata Harper (I sang the praises of her purifying mask in my nighttime skincare routine) and I was excited to learn more when Ali showed up this summer with a cosmetic case literally full of Tata Harper goodies for us to try. I’ve since ordered several of them for myself so I can use them after summer is over and Ali returns to Dallas (don’t remind me). I promise this post isn’t sponsored — just a huge fan of Tata Harper and as someone who’s struggled on and off with acne for the better part of my life, I’m eager to share what’s working for me as I discover new favorites!

tata harper regenerating cleanser on design darling

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

This is first on my list for a reason. This exfoliating cleanser isn’t cheap, but the 4 ounce bottle lasts months and the light exfoliation is perfect for summer months when I want to get rid of sunscreen/makeup/dead skin but still don’t want to dry out my skin. Like all Tata Harper products, this cleanser has a slightly earthy smell (refreshing and not chemical-y if that makes sense?) when I apply it in the shower and before bed. I’ve raved about the Goop exfoliating instant facial before (which I still use and love) but think of this cleanser as a much milder version that won’t burn your skin if you happened to leave it on while you shave your legs. You can even apply it to dry skin for a deeper exfoliation but since I have sensitive skin that’s prone to dryness, I tend to apply it in the shower or while washing my face before bed.

tata harper smoothing body scrub

Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub

I’ve never done much in the way of body scrubs (I guess I just thought soap and water did the trick?) but consider me a convert after trying this product. It comes in a large tub and the scrub has the consistency of sea salt (fitting since that’s one of the five ingredients). It’s been a godsend for scrubbing off sunscreen and patchy remnants of spray tan (which I find seriously hard to get rid of!). I use it on my arms and legs and it makes them so smooth — I now notice if I’ve gone a few days without using it.

tata harper clarifying spot solution

Tata Harper Clarifying Spot Solution

In a perfect world, I’d rather treat the root cause of acne than invest in products to treat breakouts once they’re happening, but it seems inevitable that I’ll have an unsightly pimple at least a few times a month. (Please tell me I’m not the only 28-year-old still worrying about acne while wondering how to stave off wrinkles… Ugh.) When this happens, I apply a small dot of this spot solution overnight and wake up to a much smaller and less inflamed breakout. It’s not a magic eraser, but if you only have a day or two before a big event, this is a great product to have in your skincare arsenal. P.S. If you’re new to Tata Harper products and don’t know where to start, this daily essentials kit could be a great way to start experimenting with what works best for you. It would also make a great gift!

supergoop cc cream on design darling

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen

As I watch multiple members of my family struggle with cancerous and pre-cancerous skin concerns, I get more serious about protecting my own skin from the sun, particularly this summer on Nantucket. I’ve sworn by this Neutrogena sunscreen as long as I can remember, but I was recently introduced to Supergoop! and have only good things to say about their products. I even tested out their CC cream and have to say it gives amazing coverage that’s not too heavy for summer, plus SPF 35 protection.

st. tropez bronzing mousse review on design darling

St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse

Does this qualify as a skincare favorite? It may or may not have been a mean blog comment about my pale skin that first introduced me to the world of sunless tanning, but I guess I’ll call it constructive criticism since I’m now obsessed with getting a sun-kissed look without actually laying in the sun. I love the treat of having a professional spray tan, but if I’m in a pinch (or to extend the staying power of a spray tan) I turn to this St. Tropez self-tanner, applied with this applicator mitt. I’ve tried a bunch of different formulas and this is by far my favorite color — not orange at all but also not too brown — and the mitt helps with getting seamless coverage (and avoiding unnaturally tan palms).

tata harper review on design darling

I’ll also mention that I still love many of the products I featured in my nighttime skincare routine and this post about my favorite products to use in the shower. These Neutrogena makeup remover wipes have been a daily must of mine since I was a teenager, and I imagine the Tata Harper purifying mask, Goop exfoliating instant facial, Caudalie moisturizing toner, and Vintner’s Daughter face oil (reviewed here) will also be skincare staples for years to come. Do you have any new skincare favorites lately? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks!

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