I'm linking up today with
Kelly's SUYL to bring you my favorite beauty products! I used to be a product junkie. I remember going to Bloomingdales NYC in the ninth grade on a choral extended field trip. I went straight to the makeup counters and saw so many things that were way more fun than what they had at Rite-Aid. I left with Urban Decay glittery eyeliner, eyeshadow, and Stila lipglass, feeling like the coolest, un-cool ninth grader ever.
Today I tend to stick with what I know than experimenting with tons of different products that are on the trendy side. I'm not the Bath & Body Works fanatic that I used to be; I feel a little more grown up now. I'm very picky about scents and do not like putting three different strong scents on in one day (i.e. scented lotion, body wash and parfum (oh la la). So, here is my list of my absolute favorites.
My makeup life was completely changed when I was introduced to Bare Minerals. I was in the middle of a terrible breakout and my sister had just started working at Sephora (lucky me). My mom and I went to visit her at work and she said you MUST try this new powder foundation that is Bare Minerals. I told her up and down and sideways that nothing of the sort would work for me. I need coverage! Well boy was I wrong! I left that day with a starter kit and have not put on liquid foundation since April 2005 (yes, I remember the month, it was that life-changing!). It covers so well and looks so natural. I absolutely love it. They came out with a Matte version but I do not recommend it. The color is actually darker when you buy the Matte version, so stick with the Original. I use the foundation, mineral veil and warmth powder. Warmth powder is the most natural looking powder that gives you a pretty glow without looking over-bronzed. If you have been skeptical about Bare Minerals, just go give it a try. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Makeup I also use includes: Bobbi Brown eyeshadows and liner, Clinique brow pencil, High Lengths mascara (love!), Lancome and Mary Kay lip gloss (love MK's Fancy Nancy color), and Clinique lipstick.
My favorite shampoo and conditioner are Bumble and Bumble Thickening. It is pricey (I got my latest for Christmas) but leaves my fine, limp hair very soft and bouncy. The smell is also divine! I have tried so many volumizing shampoos and this is just by far my favorite. I love this stuff! I also use Aveda's Blue Malva shampoo on some days to keep my blonde looking bright and fresh. I kick off the routine with the Aveda shampoo and then re-shampoo with Bumble. The smell of the Blue Malva could be bottled for body oil. So, so amazing!
I use Pureology's Root Lift for leave-in volume. You spray it into your roots before you blow dry and, voila, instant pouf! There have been so many products that I have tried to pouf up my hair, but this one is currently what I've found to work. Plus, I've bought it a few times so I can say I am a repeat user. It really works! Ulta usually gives out coupons and discounts at their store, so I never pay full price for it ($20). I blow dry upside down and then straighten with my Chi flat iron to zap the frizz.
And when worst comes to worst, I'll load this Oscar Blandi dry shampoo into my roots. The smell is not the most pleasant to me (especially when travelling) but it does the job. I'll use it on my roots to absorb shine when I can't shower (which rarely happens) and throw my hair back into a semi-messy ponytail. I'd prefer taking a shower every day because my hair is so fine it needs to be washed, but in the most dire situations, I'll use and carry on!
When I'm done with my shower, I use Neutrogena's Body Oil. It is so light and absorbs almost instantly, leaving you feel so silky and moisturized. One thing I absolutely can't stand is putting sticky lotion on, so this is my alternative. Sometimes I'll even get in the bath and pour some into the water so my whole body gets super soft. The scent is also very light and pretty. I highly recommend!
To get squeaky clean in the shower I use Dove soap. As boring as it may sound, it leaves me feeling so clean and the smell is just enough for me. We buy this stuff in bulk and I still seem to go through it really fast. It never dries you out and always leave you so fresh and clean!
And call me crazy but I use Clinique's M lotion for men to moisturize. Why? It's the same exact formula as what they put in the women's version, but it's cheaper. I guess they figure women will pay more when it say for women on it. But they are the very same thing! Plus I like squeezing it out of a tube rather than pumping it out of a little bottle.
I also really enjoy Mary Kay's Satin Hands set for smooth as can be hands. The rough winter months can leave your fingers cracked and dry, but with Satin Hands they look and feel better. I love having soft hands! Plus the soft peach scent is really pretty and leaves you smelling like you got a professional manicure.
Do you have any beauty products that you can't live without? I would LOVE to hear about them. I'm always willing to try something new (as long as it isn't super duper smelly).
