Suntegrity

If there is one thing you can do to suspend the relentless tick of the clock, to slow down time and ward off premature aging, experts agree it's wearing a good SPF every day. 

Look for one that's SPF 15 – SPF 30, for example isn't twice as effective as 15, we're talking about a scant 4% difference that can compromise the formula. My favorite tinted one is Suntegrity, it's a true multi-tasker and a repeat buy for me. I was first introduced to it at San Francisco's Credo Beauty following a 6am flight that turned into a nightmarish long trek with a plane delay, 2 hour wait time at Hertz, Bay Area traffic and a crying toddler. I had a headache coming on, but insisted on stopping at Credo. There, I wearily asked an onsite aesthetician what I needed, and she promptly whipped out a tube of this tinted SPF moisturizer, and a Kari Gran lip balm. She was spot on, I looked and felt more rested immediately. 

This SPF moisturizer is super hydrating; giving off the glow-y sheen of a facial oil, it blends quickly and negates any need for foundation. Just a bit of powder and under eye concealer (I love this as a day time eye cream as well), and you're done. Perfect for busy mornings or packing an overnight bag. 

(Kirsten) Kjaer Weis

The most luxe, on point, line with a range of shades where you cannot possibly go wrong would be Kjaer Weis. One of my personal heroes, Kirsten Kjaer Weis is a Danish makeup artist, who (true to Scandinavian sensibilities and priorities) enlisted a designer to create her silver, reusable packaging. Her eyeshadows, swatches of which are below, are ahead of the curve.

Long before Urban Decay blew everyone's mind with their Nude eye shadow palettes, Kjaer Weis was producing singular, interesting neutrals that look good on everyone. Her 2015 fall line up is 70's luxe, coppery shadows, poppy cheeks and golden brown lip tints. And my money is that this time, next year, Sephora junkies are going to be swaying towards that 70's Yves Saint Laurent/Halston aesthetic. 

Oh, and I was in the bay area last week and just missed meeting Kirsten in person during a Credo Beauty event. Then I received this picture in my inbox of her and Credo Beauty's lovely Sitarani and my heart swelled. This industry is made up of activists, forward thinking artists, folks passionate about environmental, health and social consciousness, and even people who will come this close to blows on a comment thread over whether phenoxyethanol is actually a carcinogen, but it's also full of the kindest people you'll ever know.