In case you didn’t already know this, Nora’s been with us since the very beginning (she worked out of Dara’s apartment back in 2011!), so we’re always wondering what she’s got in her Ayla cart.
She’s also one of those people who's always into cool things, so we’re always wondering what she’s up to outside of her skincare consultations — and she filled us in on both. Read on for Nora’s early fall favorites, from skincare to cookbooks to Stanley Tucci (the dog).

 
October is here, and if you're in Boston like I am (or other places where a new season brings a temperature change), there is a shift in the air. Leaves are falling, the days are shorter, the shoes are closed-toed.

Here are the things that are in my cart at the moment, whether an actual or metaphorical one: 

On my skin

I am loving the Dara Kennedy Sea Serum and Dara Kennedy Sea Retinal combo. The sea serum during the day hydrates, evens skin tone, and firms while the Retinal at night stimulates cell turnover and collagen synthesis to firm skin, smooth fine lines and roughness, and address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

These worker bees shine a light and work together with the greatest of ease. A yin and yang effect that I now can't live without.

I also have been alternating between the gentlest Elave Skin Balancing Cleansing Gel and the Luzern Micro-Exfoliant. The Micro-Exfoliant just might be my desert island product. I especially love using it in the shower and taking time to let it set in. I remove gently with a soft washcloth or muslin, and voilà: who needs the spa?

When my skin feels a little overworked or flushed (I logged some good beach time this summer and early fall and I happen to love hot yoga and saunas), I have been really enjoying the new Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Face to Chest Hydration Mask. Kept in the fridge and massaged in either with your hands or (bonus points) with a Gua Sha stone, the cooling and soothing feel of this gel mask cannot be beat.

For fun

I am going to try to go (out of the home) on a date with my husband in between our kids’ sports schedules and regular life requirements — and feverishly watching Perfect Couple, Will & Harper, and Nobody Wants This on Netflix — and I am definitely going to wear Manasi7 All Over Colour in Sisserou and maybe I'll wear this sweater from Sezane. They make a cardigan just a little more special.

However, if the date must be in the home, it's sweatpants, and I am going to cook from my new favorite cookbook I just received as a birthday gift: DMX: The Food of Mexico City. Chicken tinga tacos and margaritas, check, check! 

For mind-body connection

I have been loving my Fall hikes with my precious companion Stanley Tucci (not the human one — he’s my dog — although wouldn't that be amazing) and my favorite podcast episodes of all time are brought to me by Dan Harris of Ten Percent Happier. He is on a mission to bring mindfulness to the masses, and I'd say the way he normalizes what all humans are feeling with a dash of humor and wit is just what the doctor ordered. His guests are at once thoughtful and silly and real and, of course, imperfect. Just like all of us.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your day
Cheers
Nora