hi everyone. i saw some folks on twitter sharing their favorite beauty products and thought i would do the same here. also i haven't been contributing much to this blog as i have been battling a chronic illness that has taken over my mind and my life, but i am still surviving and trying to thrive and that's where this beauty post comes in. sharing some favorites:
let's start with skincare as that's the most important aspect for me. if the skin isn't being nourished and tended to what's the point in packing on layers of makeup.
from L-R:
amore pacific moisture bound skin energy mist
so this keeps your skin hydrated and refreshed if you just need a pick me up through the day or you can use it right off the bat along with your regular morning routine. it contains bamboo sap, lotus, and green tea. all soothing and anti aging boosting properties. it can help protect your skin from environmental damage and basically revitalizes. can't go wrong.
shiseido ibuki protective moisturizer with spf 18
okay so SPF 18 is rather a random number and actually not enough, however i used to love this moisturizer and would pair it with the PCA skin broad spectrum you see right next to it. unfortunately my skin has gotten much more oilier over the months and the shiseido ibuki no longer works for me like it used to. it simply adds more oil to my face :( HOWEVER, on good days when my skin isn't acting up i still try to use it because it gives me a radiant glow and is really great for sensitive skin. it minimizes pores and has a great primer like effect if you wear foundation or concealer.
PCA skin perfecting broad spectrum SPF 30
okay this is my holy grail. my number one. my baby. i tried this out on a whim when i used to work at the YWCA. we got it as a gift, and i've been shook ever since. it's like a sunscreen slash moisturizer. it protects against harmful rays and environmental damage while moisturizing gently for those of us with oily and sensitive skin. it brings out the best of my skin. i get a natural glow, a minimization of pores, and it leaves my skin hydrated all day. this is an item that used to only be available at a spa, or from your dermatologist. however, they have been selling this line on DERMSTORE.COM and it is 100% valid and that's where i get mine.
lanoline argan oil skin renewal firming serum
i'm not big on serums as they're usually hard on my skin, but i know they provide a lot of deep and necessary protection to the skin. they can restore and prevent damage from aging and scarring, etc;
you can actually get this just about anywhere. from walmart to tj maxx and amazon. it has a pump which is nice as it pumps out just the right amount. it gently firms and tones skin. adds nutrients as it is an argan oil with kiwi fruit seeds. it also is supposed to improve your collagen but a lot of products claim that and i think that's fluff, but we shall see. basically it's a $12 serum to start out with and see how you do.
skinlab treatment serum
this is a hydrolyzed collagen and elastin-booster. i only use this on my neck. i tried to use it on my face a couple of times and it broke me out. again, i'm sensitive and serums are heavier. however, this works well on my neck. it keeps rings at a bay, and control the dryness and slight sagging. it has vitamins C and E to restore and protect your skin and help with fine lines and wrinkles. yay indeed.
from L-R:
amore pacific moisture bound skin energy mist
so this keeps your skin hydrated and refreshed if you just need a pick me up through the day or you can use it right off the bat along with your regular morning routine. it contains bamboo sap, lotus, and green tea. all soothing and anti aging boosting properties. it can help protect your skin from environmental damage and basically revitalizes. can't go wrong.
shiseido ibuki protective moisturizer with spf 18
okay so SPF 18 is rather a random number and actually not enough, however i used to love this moisturizer and would pair it with the PCA skin broad spectrum you see right next to it. unfortunately my skin has gotten much more oilier over the months and the shiseido ibuki no longer works for me like it used to. it simply adds more oil to my face :( HOWEVER, on good days when my skin isn't acting up i still try to use it because it gives me a radiant glow and is really great for sensitive skin. it minimizes pores and has a great primer like effect if you wear foundation or concealer.
PCA skin perfecting broad spectrum SPF 30
okay this is my holy grail. my number one. my baby. i tried this out on a whim when i used to work at the YWCA. we got it as a gift, and i've been shook ever since. it's like a sunscreen slash moisturizer. it protects against harmful rays and environmental damage while moisturizing gently for those of us with oily and sensitive skin. it brings out the best of my skin. i get a natural glow, a minimization of pores, and it leaves my skin hydrated all day. this is an item that used to only be available at a spa, or from your dermatologist. however, they have been selling this line on DERMSTORE.COM and it is 100% valid and that's where i get mine.
lanoline argan oil skin renewal firming serum
i'm not big on serums as they're usually hard on my skin, but i know they provide a lot of deep and necessary protection to the skin. they can restore and prevent damage from aging and scarring, etc;
you can actually get this just about anywhere. from walmart to tj maxx and amazon. it has a pump which is nice as it pumps out just the right amount. it gently firms and tones skin. adds nutrients as it is an argan oil with kiwi fruit seeds. it also is supposed to improve your collagen but a lot of products claim that and i think that's fluff, but we shall see. basically it's a $12 serum to start out with and see how you do.
skinlab treatment serum
this is a hydrolyzed collagen and elastin-booster. i only use this on my neck. i tried to use it on my face a couple of times and it broke me out. again, i'm sensitive and serums are heavier. however, this works well on my neck. it keeps rings at a bay, and control the dryness and slight sagging. it has vitamins C and E to restore and protect your skin and help with fine lines and wrinkles. yay indeed.
here comes the face makeup. i don't wear a lot. i don't need it and i don't want it if i don't really need it.
L-R:
bare minerals complexion rescue tinted hydrating gel cream
BB/CC cream type of product. it gives you a ...... how should i say...... a very natural put together no makeup look. it's like the lightest kind of foundation is how i can best describe it. also, this is the best shade match to my complexion i have ever had. it evens out my skintone (even though i'm mostly fine) and makes me radiant. i wouldn't recommend using this if you need actual full coverage. this is more like a BB cream.
too faced cocoa powder foundation in golden light
i simply use this to touch up my oily T zone. esp the nose and forehead. works well. smells amazing. perfect complexion match. doesn't give me dry flakes and is perfect for my oily skin. not sure how it would fare with dry skin, but their cocoa powder foundation line is great.
mac blush in eternal sun
simple and to the point.
tarte bronzer in park ave princess
use this to sometimes give my cheeks a subtle glow. i don't always like using blush and find that this bronzer gives enough of a glow without doing too much. very buildable.
beauty creations scandalous glow highlighting palette
OKAY PLEASE let's talk about this. highlighters are so popping right now (pun not intended) and every brand has some form of highlighter out. in roll on stick form. in liquid form. in pressed. in powder. i have to thank DUPETHAT on Insta for putting me on this as they're always doing comparissons of products.
scandalous glow cost me $17 and comes in 4 shades.
i know these swatches make it seem like the shades are exactly the same but trust your girl they are NOT. slight variations that make a big difference. i love these because they last all day. no retouch needed. they are incredibly pigmented and one swipe gives you the exact dose you need, but of course i add in several cause GLOW. they are also perfect for those of us with fair skin and yellow undertones. the first swatch is my favorite because it's a gold yellow and so complimentary. the last shade is definitely too dark for my skin as a highlighter but i use it as eyeshadow. basically this holds up better than my MAC highlighter, my BENEFIT highlighter, and my BECCA highlighter. i haven't used anything in the last month but this.
the finality. lipstick. life.
TOP TO BOTTOM:
huda beauty liquid matte in flirt
glides on smooth and opaque. dries fast. looks darker on application but quickly fades into what its supposed to look like. fades evenly throughout the day and does not give you chalky cake lips.
colourpop ultra satin in mess around
it's the ultra satin so you know it's comfortable. long lasting and is much better than their matte line.
ciate liquid velvet in dazed
mama this shade and texture is killer. it applies evenly. opaque as hell, the application is AMAZING and its lasting power is great. its very much a satin and comfortable matte and does not fade unevenly. it doesn't leave behind a gross ring in the middle of your lips and even with the darker shades it's safe and non blotchy.
ciate liquid velvet in oh honey
same shit. you know.
smashbox always on liquid lipstick in out loud
yes please. love this smashbox line. applicator is amazing and perfect for outlining and filling in. comfortable long lasting matte. velvety. dries down fast and does not need any primer because it is so soft and works on all kinds of "problematic" lips. only downside i've noticed is after sitting in my makeup drawer for a couple of months it has began to dry up in the tube despite being take care of very well. ..... for the cost of $24 it needs to do better in that aspect.
stila matteficient lipstick in bon bon
all the other colors in this line suck for me. they don't apply well, they're hard and drying and leave blotches. however, this color is perfect and applies evenly and lasts for hours. i don't know what's going on, but it's my go to several times a week.
lorac cream lipstick in secret agent
creamy but does not move around on the lips and lasts for a couple of hours. i would use with lipliner as it doesn't always give the most precise outline. good everyday wear.
kat von d studded kiss lipstick in hexagram
yes. my favorite red. i am not a fan of the kat von d everlasting liquids. they are too drying for me and there's brands out there with better formula imo BUT, the studded kiss lipstick is great and this red lasts all day. literally 8 hours if you don't eat anything too heavy or oily. it is easy to take off, but still has great lasting power. which is nice because you can easily reapply it if you need to without having to scrub off at work with all your towelettes looking a hot mess. it leaves my lips looking airbrushed and velvety. great pigmentation. great color choices with this line.
sephora lipliners in rosewood and molasses
creamy and long lasting.