While students on the semester system have all been back to school for a while now, and that marks the end of summer vacation for them, I always remind myself that summer doesn't end until Autumn arrives on September 22. Enjoy the remainder of summer, I plan to!
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Week in Review
Terri from Our Good Life says that beauty isn’t about chasing youth or perfection—it’s about caring for ourselves, expressing who we are, and finding pleasure in the little rituals that make us feel beautiful.
Wearing black may be slimming, but it’s not flattering to most complexions and can be boring without plenty of texture. That’s why the proverbial pop of color is so popular. Angie from Your True Self Blog has a simple style tip on how to spice up a black outfit that really makes a difference!
Friday, September 11, 2026
Kiss New York Skin Plump Vita Hydra Serum Review
Manufactured in Korea and designed in New York, Kiss New York is a K-Beauty brand that just launched their skincare line on Amazon, and their products are effective and affordable.
According to Kiss New York,
Transform dry, dehydrated skin into a dewy, glowing complexion with Kiss New York Vita Hydra Serum. This multi-vitamin powerhouse is expertly formulated to deliver intense hydration deep into the skin's layers while strengthening the moisture barrier Featuring a proprietary Deep Hydration Complex of 5 types of Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide NP, it instantly relieves tightness and locks in moisture for a plump, smooth finish. Enriched with Centella Asiatica, it soothes sensitive skin, leaving it balanced and refreshed without any sticky residue.
Features & Claims:Multi-Vitamin Skincare Power: Each serum in the KISS NEW YORK Vita line is formulated with essential vitamins and skin-benefiting actives to target toned skin, hydration, or firmness with visible results.
Deep Hydration Complex: Featuring 5 Types of Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Centella Asiatica, this serum deeply hydrates multiple layers of skin for a plumper, smoother, glass glow appearance.
Lightweight & Fast-Absorbing: The silky, emulsion-type texture glides smoothly onto the skin, absorbing quickly without stickiness, perfect for layering under makeup or daily moisturizers.
Gentle Formula: Gentle formulations suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Free from harsh alcohols and parabens.
- 5 Hyaluronic Acids: hydrate multiple layers of skin.
- Ceramide NP: helps lock in moisture and repair barrier.
- Niacinamide: improves smoothness and tone.
- Centella Asiatica: soothes and calms skin.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Bubble Tea Scrub Review
Gently exfoliates, refines pores, calms and soothes skin, reduces redness, supports skin barrier, and controls sebum.
Inspired by bubble tea, adjust exfoliation by mixing matcha pearls as desired. A naturally derived konjac gel base gently refines texture, helping remove up to 84.9% of dead skin cells without irritation.
Infused with 5,000ppm Jeju-derived Vegan Matcha PDRN and green tea catechins to visibly calm stressed, irritated redness of skin while supporting collagen and skin renewal.
A 6-Ceramide Complex and soothing 5-TECA known to help reinforce the skin barrier, keeping skin hydrated, comfortable, and resilient even after exfoliation.
Maintain your skin's natural harmony with a low pH of 6.6. Balanced exfoliation refines pores and smooth uneven texture without disrupting your skin’s natural balance.
Reduce excess sebum by 29.06% after one use, leaving pores looking clearer and skin feeling fresh, smooth, and refined.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum for the Face Review
- Prickly Pear Cactus Extract – Calms.
- L-Glutamine – Restores.
- Ceramides – Strengthens Moisture Barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid (4 Types) - Plumps, Hydrates.
- Niacinamide - Evens Tone, Targets Pores.
- Peptides - Firms.
- Noni Fruit — Repairs.
- Fermented Algae — Boosts Radiance.
- Adenosine — Smooths Lines.
- L-Arginine — Restores Bounce.
- EGCG — Neutralizes Free Radicals.
- Probiotics — Strengthens Skin’s Defenses.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 Review
According to manyo.
As Korean skincare continues to shape the U.S. beauty conversation, manyo is bringing a skincare-first approach to daily sun protection with the launch of the Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream. FDA registered as an OTC sunscreen in the U.S., the formula is tested to deliver SPF 50 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while feeling lightweight, hydrating and comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Designed to feel more like skincare than a traditional sunscreen, manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream delivers broad spectrum SPF protection in a lightweight, hydrating formula that leaves no white cast, no stickiness and no greasy residue. The silky, air-light texture melts into skin for a soft, bare-skin finish, making it ideal for seamless makeup prep. The formula also offers a more comfortable sunscreen experience overall. Instead of an overpowering, greasy sunscreen odor, manyo provides an elevated user experience with a refreshing, spa-like scent. It was also created to feel comfortable around the eyes, with a no-sting finish even when applied generously or worn during sweating or outdoor activities.
The formula is powered by Solv-mate Technology, an advanced UV technology that helps blend UV filters evenly with less heavy oil. By swapping heavy oil for a lighter specialized agent that holds UV filters, Solv-mate Technology helps deliver strong UVA/UVB protection with a smoother, lighter feel that absorbs quickly and leaves skin moisturized and residue-free.
Beyond sun protection, manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream is infused with a skincare-focused trio of Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to help visibly improve the look of dark spots, support a more even-looking complexion and replenish moisture depleted by UV exposure. The formula also includes Tocopherol, which helps reduce oxidative stress that can contribute to visible discoloration.
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Propanediol, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethiconol, Butylene Glycol, C11-13 Isoalkane, Dipropylene Glycol, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Tromethamine, Polyacrylic Acid, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Atlas Cedar Bark Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyether-1, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Clary Sage Oil, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tranexamic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate.
Overall Assessment: manyo is such a wonderful K-Beauty brand, and this sunscreen is very effective at protecting the skin from the sun, and it is hydrating. It definitely feels more like a skincare product that happens to contain an SPF, than a traditional sunscreen. I am quite impressed by this sunscreen.Monday, September 7, 2026
Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum Review
- Suprême Skin Bio-Complex: Exclusive blend of Oligopeptide-1, Peptide Duo, Niacinamide. Jumpstarts skin renewal; smooths fine lines, brightens dark circles, firms.
- Vitamin K1: Brightens dark circles, helps prevent sagging and fine lines, soothes.
- Alfalfa Extract & White Lupin Protein: Helps reduce puffiness; tones eye area.
- Ceramides & Triolein: Helps restore skin barrier; deeply hydrates.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Firms, plumps and hydrates.
- Pullulan: Helps instantly lift and firm.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Hydrates and soothes.
- Alkanet Root Extract: Helps hydrates; gives formula its light pink hue.
Westman Atelier Serum Duo ($180.00. A $270.00 value. This is a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale exclusive that is still available): This includes a full size Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum and a full-size Westman Atelier Activator Serum.
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Happy Labor Day Weekend with a Few Sun Safety Tips
1) Make sure to have plenty of high SPF sunscreen on hand, and be sure to reapply it frequently. It might be worth using an SPF that is water-resistant or waterproof if you will be swimming, or sweating a lot in the hot sun.
2) Remember a wide-brim hat and sunglasses to give yourself more protection from the sun.
3) Consider UV protected clothing. SPF/UPF garments will bolster your SPF protection– and they are particularly useful if you will be outdoors for long periods of time.
4) If you are going to be celebrating Labor Day in an area with mosquitoes, then you might consider a good bug spray. I reach for DEET-free, water-resistant and non-flammable varieties.
5) Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated!
6) Consider using a hyaluronic serum before you leave the house to add, and retain, hydration to your skin.
7) If you are going somewhere like the beach or a park, and you will be in an area without shade, then it is worth investing in a portable beach umbrella– you will be glad that you did!
8) Have a wonderful time!
Saturday, September 5, 2026
The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Holiday Weekend in Review
Lola's Secret Beauty Blog features a WYLYS Skincare routine– using all 5 of their amazing products– to achieve healthy and glowing skin.
Terri from Our Good Life says that fragrance can be the invisible accessory that transforms even the simplest outfit, adding personality, polish, and a sense of intention.
It’s the end of Summer and you might have some skirts that you haven’t worn yet despite how hot it has been in the past few months. Angie's from Your True Self Blog has style tips so that you can take full advantage of your special skirts now!
Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style is an Autumn type, but she also wore the warmer, richer colours in summer with this two-piece skirt suit. Fall colours in summer really work well!
Friday, September 4, 2026
WYLYS Sage Verte Makeup Bag Review
The perfect pouch for all of your skincare products, this sage green, pebbled vegan leather bag carries and creates a convenient way to bring along your skincare ritual while you travel. It doubles as makeup bag, cord carrier, or even as a sleek clutch if going out to dinner. Featuring a water repellent lining, secure metal zipper, and subtle debossed logo on the front.
After many samples fine-tuning texture, color, and shape, we love the functionality of this bag coupled with its sense of beautiful, understated luxury. Soft and pliable to fit into different travel totes, extra lining to maintain its structure. Naturally waterproof. The ultimate multipurpose piece.
- Dimensions: 9.25” x 5” x 2”
- Great for: Holding skincare, makeup, and other essentials
- Material: Soft vegan leather with silver metal zipper and puller
- Texture: Pebbled and soft
Cleaning Instructions: Give a delicate sweep with a dry cloth. Use a non-abrasive material such as microfiber soaked in water or with a gentle soap to wipe clean. Never wash in a washing machine.
































