Where has the year gone?! It feels like yesterday I was celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. And now with Thanksgiving 2019 just a few days away, I thought it would be a good idea to round up some of my favorite beauty products. These are the products in skin, hair, makeup, nails, and fragrance that I could not stop applying, spraying, and painting. Some brands I mention more than once, but I just couldn’t help myself. Yes, I know, it’s a pretty lengthy list, but what can I say? Once I love a product, I need to use it again and again. Is one of your favorites on my list? Let me know in the comments! And now without further ado:
Doctor Rogers RESTORE Healing Balm
With only three ingredients (glycerin, castor seed oil, and castor wax) this is such a great alternative to Vaseline. This year I got a few ear piercings and one of them became a little angry. I sent a DM on IG to Dr. Rogers herself (we met while I was working at Family Circle) to get her dermatology input. I asked, “Can I use the balm on ear piercings that are healing?” She replied, “Yes! Perfect use.” So I applied it and lo and behold, the irritation I was experiencing subsided. I also use this balm on my spontaneous eczema/contact dermatitis flareups and it definitely helps with the itching. Love!
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
I got a sneak peek of this moisturizer before it hit stores a few months ago and loved it. This new and improved formula now has macademia and kukui seed oils to keep skin hydrated and it has a higher SPF (30 to be exact) to protect skin from the sun. I like that it is lightweight and blends in so nicely. I’ve been wearing this almost every day. It’s so easy for those mornings when you just don’t have enough time. * I use the color bisque*
Farmacy Very Cherry Bright Vitamin C Serum
Little by little I’ve been incorporating serums into my routine and I know how important vitamin c is for the skin. This one is gentle and doesn’t sting. I like that it goes the extra mile by containing not one but four different types of vitamin c, (and hyaluronic acid as an added bonus). The slight scent of cherries makes it fun. I like to apply this in the AM before going outside (although sometimes I apply in the PM too) and my skin has been looking brighter.
Last year, I attended the event for the launch of this mask, and I couldn’t wait to try it. One of my new year’s resolution for 2019 was to create a habit of exfoliating twice a week. I’ve been really good about it, and when I do exfoliate I use this. It smells just like pumpkin pie, and it keeps my skin from looking dull with its apricot seed powder. If you have sensitive skin this is great option since it feels gentle.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
There’s just something about a cleansing balm that I am simply just obsessed with. It’s the smoothness my dry skin feels when I cover my face with it. This one smells fresh and takes off all of my makeup (I double cleanse and use a cleansing oil right after just to be extra sure). It doesn’t feel greasy or sticky, and it leaves my skin hydrated.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
I got my hands on a travel size version of this cream and once I applied it to my face it felt like a serious dose of hydration. I couldn’t wait to reapply it again! My skin is dry and this added the perfect amount of moisture. When my travel size finished, I ended up getting another travel size courtesy of Sephora (Beauty Insider birthday gift) and I was thrilled since it is pretty pricey. This cream also saved my face when I traveled last month. Traveling makes my skin feel even dryer and I’m so glad I packed this with me.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
I think I wore this lipstick almost every day this year! So good! It’s creamy, but has a matte finish, but it doesn’t feel like a matte lipstick. And the color! The color is the best nude pink I’ve come across. Tilbury packaging is always on point and I love pulling this lipstick out of my bag—it looks so fancy and pretty!
Stila Cosmetics Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Rose Gold Retro
I love love love these liquid eye shadows! They’re so easy to use and pack major bling. Whenever I went out on dates or dinner or whatever, I more often than not applied this color to my lids. The pinkish, silvery color makes it so fun to wear and I always get compliments, even when wearing my glasses. I’m building my own little collection of these and I definitely tend to grab this one the most.
Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows in Perfect Brow
Am I the only one who likes a bushy brow? After lining my brows with a pencil, I sweep this tinted gel and just like that I get defined, bushy brows. Not too extra and not too understated. It really gives me the perfect brow. Serious staple in my beauty stash!
Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Roseland
These lip colors are bomb, seriously! There was a holiday gift set that Nars made exclusively for Ulta and the set contained mini versions of all of their nude velvet lip glides. The first one I used was Roseland and I used it so much it already finished. Whenever I wore the Pillow Talk lipstick (mentioned earlier), I would add Roseland on top of it for extra color. After Roseland finished, I’ve been using the color Swing as a replacement and it actually works perfectly. These feel super smooth on your lips, they’re long lasting, and the color options are great!
IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Mascara
This collab with IT Cosmetics and The Dry Bar was so cool. From the packaging being reminiscent of a hairbrush to the wand which coats each of my lashes, this black mascara is one to try. My reaction after first applying was “whoa.” It made my small eyes look so big!
Maria Nila True Soft Shampoo and Conditioner
I met with the Maria Nila team earlier this year and learned that their Swedish haircare line is 100% vegan and the brand supports projects like Take Root, which helps with replanting and climate change. When packing for two different trips this year, I made sure to pack this shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo didn’t strip my hair and the conditioner left my hair super smooth. I could thank its argan oil, which helps cut down on frizz. I really like this brand and its aesthetic. Check them out!
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls 3x Moisture Curl Control Styling Jelly
I’m always hesitant about curly hair products. They’re always a hit or miss for me—okay, almost always a miss. This gel however was a hit. It’s not sticky and leaves my curls defined and frizz-free. I like to apply this one on wet hair and then I follow with a few other products. It gives me good hold and makes my curls looks hydrated. Win!
Briogeo B. Well Organic + Cold Pressed 100% Castor Oil
Confession: I have spot of thinning hair. I’m not even sure if I ever had hair there, but it drives me nuts. It’s right on my hairline and I sometimes overthink whether it’s noticeable. This castor oil encourages hair growth and since I’ve been testing it, I have noticed a difference in my little ‘ol bald spot. I can see tiny baby hairs sprouting and I couldn’t be happier. I apply the thick oil directly on my hairline and massage in for a couple of seconds. Consistency is key so I try to apply it daily (not going to lie—sometimes I forget, ugh), but it works!
Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer in Medium to Tan
Self-tanning: You either love it or you hate it. I love it. I like how my skin looks when it is tanned and not just in the summer—I prefer my skin to be tanned all year round. Although I have some picks of my favorite self-tanners, this one from Jergens is an absolute no frills option. I apply this every day after I shower and it leaves my skin so soft and glowy. You apply it on your wet skin and just pat dry with your towel. No streaks, no mess, no DHA stink. You’ll get a moderate tan after one use. This is also great to maintain a tan you’ve already gotten from another product.
Dove Body Wash Mousse With Rose Oil
I don’t use this as a body wash (I’m a total old-school bar soap girl). Instead I use this to shave. And there are a million and one things I would rather do than shave. This mousse, however, does make shaving a less daunting task. It smells just like rose (one of my favorite scents) and it lets my razor glide seamlessly through my legs and underarms. All I’m left with is smooth skin.
Dermelect Transfix Nail Restore Base Coat
After several gel manis and not soaking my nails to remove the polish (I’m more of a peel it off girl) my nails were a hot mess. Brittle, weak, a little yellow, it was awful. I started using this base coat alone or before regular nail polish (I decided to take a break from gels) and after a couple of months of using it my nails made a turnaround. They looked so much healthier! I mean this has some very good moisturizing ingredients like vitamin e and sunflower seed oil, plus keratin protein peptide to strengthen. If you got nail problems, don’t feel bad about yourself and just try this.
Mugler Cologne Run Free Eau de Toilette
Look at that pretty purple bottle! Mugler knows how to do fragrance there’s no doubt about it. The brand released a line of unisex fragrances some time last year and I tried all five of them, but Run Free resonated with me the most. It smells woody with purple ginger and Akigalawood. I wore this all summer long and would get compliments all the time. It smells masculine but a little bit sweet. It’s simply a scent I’ve never smelled before. It’s also great for day and night.
What products are you obsessed with and thankful for this year? I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving)!
Leave a Reply