Hi y'all! Today's post will deviate from the norm. The world of baking, cooking, and recipes will be temporarily replaced by a glimpse into some of my favorite beauty products. A conversation on the phone with my mom today prompted me to make a list of some (or many) of my favorite, holy grail items. I decided to share some in hopes that you will find one or two that make as big of a difference in your life as they have in mine.
Let's start with the eyes (window into the soul?)...
1. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in #60 Illuminator/Brightener
~ I love, love, love this stuff. I use the spongey applicator to apply a few swipes/dots under each eye and gently use the tip of my finger to blend before applying my eye make up. It smoothes, illuminates, and is just overall a great product.
2. Neutrogena Age Defense Under Eye Cream
~ I started using this little guy about a month ago. I felt like the skin under my eyes was beginning to look tired and dull, which was aging me a bit. I started using a few dots of this underneath my eyes and toward the outer corners, and have noticed a major decrease in fine lines, and just an overall more awake appearance.
3. Maybelline Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black
~ I have tried other mascaras time and time again, but keep coming back to this mascara. I have used it fairly religiously since high school. Plumps and lengthens.
Next for the hair...
1. Suave Dry Shampoo
~ Looove this stuff. I have gotten my hair used to only being washed about once every 5 days. I know, I know. It sounds gross. But I had been hearing how much better it is on your hair to wash it less frequently, and it's true. I gradually got my hair used to being washed less, and just spray a little of this on my roots for the "off" days and brush it through. Smells fresh, and absorbs any excess oil.
2. Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque
~ Can you say, magic? I use this deep conditioning mask predominantly on my ends (from the nape of my neck down), comb it through, and let my hair naturally dry.
Skin care...
1. Neutrogena Daily Defense Moisturizer with SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin
~ I use this as my daily moisturizer under my make up on my face and neck. It works wonderfully as a primer for my make up, as well as being a light moisturizer.
2. Equate Healthy Face Lotion with Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (compare to Neutrogena Healthy Skin Lotion with SPF15)
~ This lotion is too heavy for use during the day for me. It tends to make me look oily if I use it under my make up. However, a pump of this for my neck and a pump for around my mouth and forehead a few times a week sloughs off the dull skin and replaces it with bright, younger looking skin.
3. Neutrogena Oil-free Acne Stress Control Face Wash
~ I have been a Proactiv user for years. However, as I have gotten into my twenties I have noticed my skin doesn't consistently need such a strong product, and in fact has been getting dry and flaky. I started using two pumps of this morning and night based on another blogger's recommendation, and LOVE it. It removes make up wonderfully, and cleanses skin without overdrying. I only use Proactiv face wash about twice a month (around my period) mixed in with a pump of the foaming wash for an added boost.
4. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF
~ Living in Florida, a lot of people back North think I should have a tan. Quite the contrary, as I purposely avoid much sun exposure. I would much rather get an occasional glow from a tube than succumb to premature aging or skin cancer. Rant over. I apply this daily lotion to the tops of my hands, ears, and feet if exposed.
Last but not least...make-up
1. LOreal Colour Riche Legloss - I like a lot of the colors but prefer Nude Touch
~ LOVE this gloss. Just a dab of it stays in place, moisturizes, and gives lips a subtle glow.
2. MAC Studio Fix Powder
~ This is a splurge product, but my skin honestly breaks out from most other similar products. Plus, one compact lasts me about 4-6 months. I simply apply my under eye concealer and conceal any blemishes, then put a thin layer of this powder on top.
3. MAC Blush in Pink Swoon
~ Another splurge, but totally worth it. I have tried SO many bright pink blushes that look great upon application, only to quickly disappear throughout the day. This MAC blush is a winner. I apply a small amount over my bronzer just to the apples of my cheeks for a sweet, youthful-looking glow.
That's all folks. Trust me, there are a LOT more products I could recommend, but these are the ones I have incorporated into my daily skincare routine and recommend most highly. Hope this helps someone :)
xoxo,
Emily
