Pumping at the function, sunscreens I bought in London, and Aveeno Oat Gel in a GLASS JAR!

Mainly discussing product today.

Selfies from the twin abyss

I recently returned from the most excellent business trip in London. I’m lucky that I love my job, because I can understand how being separated from your newborn children by an ocean for a few days would be anxiety-inducing and potentially horrible, but I felt like I was on vacation. Pumping between meetings, while a headache, also made me feel connected from afar. Actually, when I’m having a “bad mom day” (this could mean anything, from being easily frustrated to focusing a little too much on work to looking in the mirror too closely at my pores STILL even though I have children to care for), the fact that I have to step away and pump makes me feel like I’m doing something for them while also recharging my own batteries a bit. Speaking of those batteries, I came back from London reinvigorated, reminded of the multitudes I contain, etc., etc.

During this trip, I was also reminded of how much exploring product in person inspires me. It had been since early pregnancy that I traveled and longer since I’d done any real boots-on-the-ground product discovery. We didn’t have a ton of free time, but the time we did have was spent at Boots — a beloved UK retailer that we also work with at Spate — poring over their K-Beauty selection and Euro-formula sunscreens. Perhaps I am biased, but I genuinely love their assortment.

<3 Trending on social

I walked away with Laka Fruity Glam Tint in Cherry, La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Air Serum Sunscreen in Light Tint, my new HG spot treatment that is The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Powder to Cream Concentrate, and a spray Garnier sunscreen marketed for over-makeup application. The La Roche-Posay ss is my new holy grail as long as it doesn’t break me out over the next couple of weeks — the texture, the tint, are gorgeous. I really can’t tell you how many sunscreens break me out. It’s absurd. My beloved Koa tinted is now being reformulated/rebranded after our 6-year relationship into whatever WATTZ is. Sad, but also probably a blessing in disguise as I’m now forced to experiment with some more advanced SPF filters.

The juicy, shiny lip tint from Laka is emblematic of K-Beauty lips right now (though, ironically, something I tried first by way of French brand, VIOLETTE_FR’s Lip Nectar). It’s a favorite new format of mine. Pictured below.

I laka it a lot

Beyond Boots, I also ended up spending a bit too long in the WHSmith at LHR and nearly missed my flight. BUT finding the Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer in a glass jar was absolutely worth it. In the past, I’ve actually written about the packaging conundrum of my all-time favorite moisturizer. I am thrilled to have this option. I’ll be stocking up when I return.

Twin mom life is very exciting and nonstop and overwhelming (but, after all, isn’t all motherhood?). All of this even though I’m blessed with the privilege of a stellar and encouraging co-parent, a nanny who enables me the freedom to work, and a job that empowers me through flexibility. Childcare is such a privilege. Flexibility is such a privilege.

With twins, you go back and forth so quickly between them that the sweet and quiet newborn bonding moments once imagined are few and far between. Caring for twins is like caring for one baby with someone standing over you, yelling, “Hurry the hell up!” It’s a lot, but we’re taking it day by day.

The babies are starting to stir. It took me only four weeks to write this! I hope to be back in another four! — <3 Addison