By: Dr. Meridith Lowe Carter By: Rachel Benavides
To say life at my house is busy would be an understatement. With my four-year-old son Joshua, three-year-old twins Duke and Leila, and my daughter Madison, who will be graduating in May from Georgetown University, things are never dull. Along with being a mom to my crazy crew, I am a reading therapist for dyslexic students and have a team of consultants in both the beauty industry and the health industry. Looking and feeling beautiful is important to me. I love sharing products I’ve discovered or learned about from the beautiful women in my life.
Did you know your skin is only 20 percent determined by our genes? Our daily habits are responsible for 80 percent of our aging. The earlier you start, the better – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of filler. Two of my crucial tips are: Don’t smoke (female smokers are at a greater risk for developing wrinkles than male smokers; I know, it’s not fair), and protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. If you don’t believe the sun is aging your skin, look at your arm and compare the outside to the inside. Truly, the best gift you can give your skin is to wear sunscreen every single day.
My newest beauty revelation on the best order of applying makeup comes from my friend Danielle, a professional makeup artist. Complete your eye makeup before the rest of your face. I cannot count how many times I have been working on my eyes only to hit my face with a dab of mascara or have shadow fall along my cheek bone. Since I am usually in a hurry, I lose precious time having to redo my highlight, foundation, and blush.
Another vital tip I have is to find the right skincare routine and stick with it. Everyone has different skincare concerns and needs and there is no one skincare routine that is right for all skin types. Prioritize your main problem areas; acne, hyperpigmentation, aging skin, or redness. Choose products that contain specific ingredients to address your concern. Beyond these tips, there are a few “must-have” products I highly recommend.
ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Ageless
There are lots of great sunscreens for the face, but my latest find, thanks to my sister, is this tinted sunscreen with a blend of peptides and antioxidants to help repair existing sun damage while protecting against it in the future. Eryfotona Actinica is a fast-absorbing, ultralight emulsion providing all-mineral broad spectrum sun protection. This product has a smooth and even finish with lightweight coverage.
Available at ISDIN.com
Vasayo Eternal Gel Packs
You’ve probably noticed recent beauty articles hailing glutathione, collagen, CoQ10, and polyphenols as the fountain of youth to combat premature aging. These ingredients help by maintaining a healthy immune system, repairing cell damage related to stress and pollution, promoting the body’s natural regenerating abilities, and maintaining collagen production. I have found a daily squeeze-pack with these key ingredients. The most potent known antioxidants and polyphenols are featured in Eternal “very berry” gel packs. Taking my daily dose of goodness is so yummy I find myself hiding in the pantry to suck it down before my little ones have a chance to beg that I share with them.
Available at meridithcarter.vasayo.com
Rodan + Fields Lash Boost
Who doesn’t love long lashes? Lash Boost is one of my all-time favorite products! If you have concerns with thin, short, or sparse eyelashes, Lash Boost is your answer. This nightly conditioning serum gives the appearance of fuller, longer, darker-looking lashes in just 60 days. Prepare to be amazed!
Available at meridith.myrandf.com
In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara
My current favorite mascara for my longer-than-ever lashes is Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara by MAC.
Available at Dillards or MAC
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase (and other sleeping tips)
Beauty sleep is no myth. Get 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night, all on your back, maybe with a pillow designed especially for back sleepers. When you sleep, the cells turn over slightly faster, helping your skin look bright and refreshed.
A silk pillowcase helps prevent wrinkles and frizzy hair. Plus, silk fibers are significantly less absorbent than most fibers, so they help keep your skin’s moisture and expensive products on your face and your hair, as opposed to your pillow. Since the silk reduces friction, this also protects delicate facial skin from stretching and tugging. I recently purchased a Slip Pure Silk pillowcase from Nordstrom, and I felt luxurious and royal. Unfortunately, the feeling was short-lived because I have a brood of small children who migrate to my bed throughout the night and always seem to take over the best pillows.
Available at Nordstrom
Rodan + Fields Brow Boost
Eyebrows are one of your most prominent facial features. They frame your face and draw attention to your eyes. Brow Boost is a tinted, multi-tasking gel with Lash Boost Technology, which helps moisturize and condition for the appearance of fuller, thicker eyebrows. One of the great things about Brow Boost is that you can choose your shade.
Available at meridith.myrandf.com
Radiant Defense and Younique Touch Spray Foundation
When it comes to foundation, I use two different options. For everyday wear, I use Radiant Defense from Rodan + Fields, because it is a derma cosmetic product and is actually good for your skin. For a special events or glam foundation, I use Younique touch spray foundation. This is the foundation for full coverage and a flawless finish.
Available at meridith.myrandf.com and youniqueproducts.com
Rodan+Fields Lip Serum
Darn it! Lips age too! Hydrate yourself to keep your lips hydrated. During these dry months, you may need to use a lip serum or balm. My go-to lip serum is Rodan+Fields Lip Serum, but if I am in a pinch, Vaseline works wonders. Don’t forget to lightly exfoliate your lips – with a product, not your fingers – when you are exfoliating your face, too! Refrain from picking at your chapped lips, because that will always make them worse.
Available at meridith.myrandf.com
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Liner
My favorite product for my lips (when I am not donning a mask) – I maximize my lips by lining on the very outside edges. Then, I color my entire lips with the pencil. Finally, I give a slight smudge with a small brush on the edge of my lips so the line isn’t too severe.
Available at Charlotte Tilbury
