Heather: what peel pads and retinol do you use again? I’m thinking of starting retinol and don’t know where to start.
You can check out my entire skincare routine in this blog post but I use Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads 2-3x a week paired with the retinol + Ferulic serum from his line as well. I do retinol 4-5x a week. Retinol is a pretty intense product so you want to introduce it slowly and only use it at night. If you wear it during the day, make sure you’re applying a healthy amount of SPF (which you should do anyway) because your skin will be very sensitive.
What watch do I wear with my yellow gold engagement ring? Is two-tone ok? If so, what are some nice options…budget of $250.
Two-tone is ALWAYS ok in my opinion because then you can pair your silver and gold jewelry. I am one of those people who wears silver and gold at the same time no matter what so you can seriously go with a silver watch + your gold engagement ring. But here are some two tone options I love: one (it’s a tiny bit over budget but looks like a Rolex!) | two | three (again, tiny bit over budget but it’s a great option if you want a rectangular shape! Could seriously pass as a Cartier watch)
Would you recommend matcha from Starbucks or prepared as a drink anywhere else? What brand of matcha powder do you recommend?
Good question! So the matcha used at Starbucks does have sugar as part of their matcha blend and I believe they add syrup to their matcha lattes as well (I could be wrong- ask them). I just looked up the nutrition info and there is 32 grams of sugar in a grande with 2% milk. That’s a lot 😏 Local type cafes might have better quality matcha that doesn’t have the added sugar so you kind of have to be annoying and ask and also ask if they add syrups or sweeteners. I like the Kiss Me Organics matcha. Sun Potion and Vital Proteins makes one as well. Fun fact: the brighter the green color the better quality the matcha. Yellow and grainy is lower quality.
How bad do you think dairy is? Ok in moderation? Or avoid it altogether?
This is a controversial topic, but I think cows milk is fine in moderation. If you tolerate it and enjoy it then I think go for it. It’s a good source of protein, fat, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin. I would say 1-3 servings/day is totally fine. I have been cutting it out only because I believe it is contributing to hormonal acne. I miss it!!
Alix tell us more about the micro-needing procedure you had done and the Skin Medica product you posted about in stories?
I had my first of three micro-needling appointments this week mostly to help with acne scars and skin tone. Skin Spirit does a nice write up here about the specifics. Benefits of micro-needling include: increase collagen products, improve acne scars, improve skin tone and texture, reduce pore size, tighten skin, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. They put a numbing cream on my face, so it really didn’t hurt at all. Afterwards it looked like I had a bad sun burn on my face and neck. I’m on day 3 now and my skin kind of feels like sandpaper and is starting to flake a bit. I’m doing a super minimal skincare routine for 7 days then I can go back to my normal routine and products.
First of all the Skin Medica TNS Recovery Complex is ridiculously expensive and I had no idea I was going to “have” to purchase that as part of the procedure, but I figured if I’m really going to do this then let’s do it 100%…that’s what bday $ is for right?! It is basically a growth factor cocktail for your skin. Why that’s important…growth factors communicate with your cells to create more collagen and elastin (tightness!)…helps keep skin smooth and firm 😉
I am seeing culottes everywhere right now.. are they back on trend and can you link a few inexpensive pairs to me to try?
Heather here and to be honest, I was having a hard time getting on board with this culotte trend until I saw my girlfriend Brianna wearing them and was like OK.. those are CAAAUUUTE (Hi B!). So naturally I went out and bought some (see the feature pic above) but I didn’t want to spend a fortune on something that I’d wear a handful of times.. cuz they are pretty outfit specific. Like, I am in athleisure everyday. A culotte outfit is for something particular.. like brunch or date night. So long story short, I went to H&M and got this pair and this pair. I do recommend trying them on in store to make sure you like the length.. I am tall so they work on me but for my shorter girls, you’ll want to try them first before pulling the trigger. Also, if you’re still unsure check out this inspiration pic.. CUTE right?! Are you sold? If Fashion Jackson is wearing them.. you should be too (if you share similar taste.. which I do!)
Do you like the Daily Harvest cookies you posted about and do you think they are worth the cost? I’ve been eyeing them and just haven’t pulled the trigger.
I had been eyeing them for awhile too and every time I went to order I reeled it back in thinking $50 for cookies was ridiculous. To be fair you do get 36 cookies (3 boxes) for that cost and they are frozen so you can bake them off individually when you want them (or eat them raw which I recommend!). Anyways, I like something sweet after dinner and figured it was worth the investment to have a healthy option on hand. I ordered a box of each (3 total) flavor so I could try them all. The chocolate chia is my fave so far, but I also really like the cacao nib raw (cooked wasn’t aaaas good IMO). My code doesn’t work for cookies sadly, but if you’re wanting to try 3 free smoothies or Harvest bowls (which I’ve been living on lately #lazy) my link is here.
Heather I LOVE the Free People sweater you wore wine tasting last weekend. Can you link it and similar sweaters for me please?! I’m loving this look!
Thank you! Picked up this Free People sweater last week and it’s my new staple. SO soft, comfy and lightweight for Spring. Literally perfect as a house sweater or dressing up a date night outfit. Similar options here, here and here!
I need a good recommendation for a protein powder to add to my smoothies. Thank you!
Here is a list of brands I like: Aloha, Tone it Up, Garden of Life, and Vega!
Thanks for sending us your questions this week! Send us more at champagnetheory@gmail.com or DM us on Insta! Have a great weekend 🙂
xx, A&H
