Last month, I packed up the car and headed to Palm Springs with my family for a week of sunshine, slow mornings, and endless pool time. We stayed at one of our favorite mid-century homes in the Las Palmas neighborhood—a sprawling oasis with just the right amount of space for six adults, two little ones, and plenty of laughter echoing across the desert. With its sun-drenched pool and lush grounds, it felt like the perfect retreat to hit pause, recharge, and, of course, indulge in some beauty rituals I’d been testing all summer.
Because we drove, I had the luxury of packing freely (read: everything I wanted, plus the extras). And that meant I could lean fully into skincare, beauty devices, and a few makeup staples—enough to feel polished but never overdone. What follows is a peek into the exact products I reached for daily, plus the exciting return of one of my all-time favorite lip shades.
The Return of LA: A Lip Color Worth Celebrating
While I was away, Au Naturale relaunched their cult-favorite LA lip stain, and I could not be happier. This shade has been a handbag staple for me for nearly three years—a perfect peachy pink that toes the line between playful and sophisticated.
The formula itself is magic: the lasting power of a stain, the comfort of a creamy lipstick, and the peace of mind that comes from 100% clean ingredients. Produced sustainably in small batches in Wisconsin, it glides on effortlessly and even enhances the look of lip volume. I love pairing it with a nude liner for a fresh flush that instantly brightens my face, though it’s equally stunning worn alone.
Au Naturale recently moved into a new lab and production facility, which temporarily put LA on pause, so the fact that it’s back feels like a personal victory. If you’ve yet to try it, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s the kind of shade that earns a permanent spot in your beauty rotation.
Bedside Beauty: Nighttime Rituals That Travel Well
Travel doesn’t mean abandoning my evening routine. I like to corral all my nightstand essentials into a Dior pouch from Miami Buy the Bag, a small business I adore that transforms designer fabrics into functional, everyday treasures. Inside, you’ll always find these favorites:
- Cymbiotica Topical Magnesium Oil – I spray this on my feet before bed, and the difference in sleep quality is undeniable. Deeper rest, no grogginess, and a surprising side effect: I no longer need deodorant. Apparently, magnesium helps regulate odor, and I’m living proof.
- Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape – Controversial? Yes. Effective? Also yes. Training myself to breathe solely through my nose at night has left me with brighter eyes, better sleep, and even a subtly more sculpted jawline.
- LYMA Laser – My ride-or-die device. I’ve been consistent with this and my skin shows it: firmer, brighter, and noticeably more lifted.
- ZIIP Halo (code: ZIIPWITHBP) – A close second to the LYMA in my device arsenal. It delivers both instant and long-term sculpting benefits, which makes it perfect for travel when I want visible results on the go.
- ReVive Advanced Perioral Lip Serum – One drop nightly works wonders on fine lines around the lips. Luxurious, but worth every bit.
- Anfisa An-Gloss – I’ve gone through three tubes of this rich, glossy treatment. It’s hydrating, volumizing, and keeps my lips feeling healthy.
- Olivia Umma Lip Gloss – Shiny, sheer pink perfection. The kind of gloss that makes you feel instantly put-together.
Daytime Staples: Polished Yet Protected
Our Palm Springs days were mostly spent in swimsuits, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats, but I still leaned on a few multitasking products to look fresh and pulled together:
- Manucurist Active Smooth + Active Shine – This pairing is my secret to strong, glossy nails. The beige-toned finish looks clean and chic, and I haven’t reached for anything else since May.
- Lightweight tinted SPF for protection without heaviness.
- Cream blushes and bronzers that double as eye color—because when you’re by the pool, simplicity is the name of the game.
The result? Effortless, low-maintenance beauty that still felt intentional.
The Joy of Packing Without Limits
One of the luxuries of road trips is being able to bring everything. Instead of editing down to a bare-bones kit, I got to indulge in devices, masks, and multiple lip colors, which made my week in the desert feel like a true extension of home.
Palm Springs has always been a place of restoration for me, and this trip reminded me how seamlessly beauty can weave into travel—not as a chore, but as part of the joy of slowing down and taking care of yourself.
What’s Next
Stay tuned, because this little beauty diary is only part of the excitement. I’ll be making an on-air appearance soon (details to come!) and hosting a special event at Neiman Marcus later this month. More on both very soon, but for now, I’m still savoring the memories of a sunlit week in the desert and the comfort of beloved products that came along for the ride.