OUTFIT DETAILS:
Star-Print Overalls: Shein c/o | Ribbed Bodysuit: Express | Tennis Shoes: Shein c/o | Star Earrings: Lisi Lerch c/o
Hi, loves! And happy Tuesday. Y’all know that I love my makeup, but I have recently invested in some upgrades to my non-cosmetic beauty. While I am an avid serum and moisturizer user (I chat about my nighttime skincare routine HERE), I have found gaps in my beauty routine. Luckily, I have found products recently that have become holy grail, can’t-live-without-them steps in my daily routine. So I want to take y’all through some products that have elevated my beauty regime from self tanner to zit stickers to purple shampoo. And if this post is a little long-winded, it is because I am THAT obsessed with each of these! Let’s get into it…
TO CLEAR UP ZITS
Zit Stickers: I have spent so much money since I hit puberty trying to find a product that quickly gets rid of those painful under-the-skin pimples. I know I’m not alone! As I got older, small zits gave way to cystic acne (lucky, me) and I am most definitely the type of girl to pick my face and make the whole situation worse. Well, after doing some research I learned about hydrocolloid bandages. They are small stickers that absorb the pus and oil from the pimple while protecting the area from infection and further bacterial growth. I stick one on to the inflamed area and sleep in it overnight. What is pretty gross (but actually kinda cool), is you can see the clear sticker turn white as it sucks out all the icky stuff. My pimples are typically cleared up in less than 24 hours. These things are serious miracle workers! While any hydrocolloid bandages will work, my favorites are NexCare and Clearasil.
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner: I recently added toner to my skincare routine and I can’t believe I waited so long to do so. I apply it after cleansing my skin and before my serum and night cream and y’all – I made it through my.last period without one break out. This has never happened y’all! If you have been following along for any length of time than you know how much I love Dermalogica’s skincare line. Are they a bit pricier? Yes. But you get what you pay for with them.
As I move into my thirties, skincare is more important than ever before and my skin is drier than ever before. Dermalogica’s toner is packed with soothing lavender, balm mint, and arnica to soothe and hydrate my skin while prepping it for proper moisture absorption.
TO SMELL YOUR SWEETEST
Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette: For being a beauty lover, I realized recently that I was majorly slacking in the fragrance department. I had a perfume that I loved, Hanae Mori, but it didn’t seem practical to wear it on a daily basis because I work from home and it’s quite pricy. As such, one bottle has lasted me a longgg time and I have been smelling the same FOREVER. So I started the hunt for the perfect daily fragrance for me. I heard so many people rave about Philosophy’s Fresh Cream but when I sampled it, it smelled almost too edible for my liking. Luckily, Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere is literal perfection. When I wear this, I find myself constantly smelling my wrists throughout the day. With an upcoming birthday, the Warm Cashmere shower gel, lotion, and spray set (which is only $59) is top of my list!
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Love Collection: In my personal opinion, the Love fragrance is the BEST Bath & Body Works has ever released. I gravitate towards either warm, vanilla, sweet scents or soft, feminine rose scents and Love – with its combination of rose and vanilla – is the perfect harmony of these two. A little backstory – I began to investigate essential oils when my anxiety disorder was at its peak. I found when traveling, applying calming oils helped to reduce the symptoms. Although I am getting my anxiety under control, I still love aromatherapy as a way to wind down for bed. After showering, I have been applying the Love Body Oil and the smell makes me feel so relaxed.
The body oil was a gateway drug to the rest of the line. Yep – I needed to have it all! Luckily, Bath & Body Works has a gift set that includes a 3-wick candle, body lotion, body wash, and hand soap all for only $37!
Good Chemistry Sugar Berry Perfume: I know, I know… another perfume. But it deserves a mention because it is an amazing deal at $24. I was getting ready with a girlfriend in Daytona earlier this year and she spritzed this on before we headed out the door. I LOVED the scent and was willing to pay whatever it cost but I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was from TARGET, of all places! It has a similar sweet smell to the Warm Cashmere, but with the lightest hint of fruitiness.
TO GET YOUR TAN ON
St. Moriz Professional Fast Tanning Mousse: Surprisingly, the number one question I am asked over on Instagram is about the self-tanner I use. I have tried spray tans, St. Tropez, Loving Tan, etc. and nothing works as well for me as St. Moriz. Luckily, it’s the least expensive of the bunch at only $15. While the bottle suggests 1-3 hours before rinsing off, I typically wear it overnight and then shower in the morning to ensure extra dark and long-lasting color.
TO PREP YOUR SKIN
Dermalogica Prisma Protect: They did it, y’all! Dermalogica created the perfect moisturizer for layering under your foundation. So many creams sit on the skin and create a slip that makes your makeup look greasy and slide off your face. But Prisma Protect immediately sinks into the skin creating the perfect canvas. Not only that, this moisturizer has SPF30 with no white cast, boosts your skin’s luminosity, and the holographic packaging is stunning. I have had so many people recently ask what foundation I’m wearing and honestly, the only thing I’ve changed is adding. Prisma Protect.
Wet n Wild Rose Oil: I always keep a beauty oil on hand for a handful of uses in my beauty routine from addition a punch of moisture to extra dry skin to soothing my cuticles. But my main use for Wet n Wild’s Rose Oil is keeping my foundation from looking cakey. I add ONE drop to my foundation (shop my foundation HERE) and then apply the mixture to my face with a beauty blender and it gives my skin such a luminous finish.
I had previously been using Loccitane’s Almond Supple Skin Oil, which is AMAZING but at $42 cheaper, it’s tough to beat the price of Wet n Wild. I even use a few drops in my baths at night for extra hydration. And the floating rose petals are such a chic touch.
TO MAINTAIN YOUR BLONDE
Amika Bust Your Brass Purple Shampoo: I never use high-end shampoo and conditioner. I wear a ton of tape-in extensions so it would get real expensive real quick. But after I went icier and lighter blonde, I knew I needed to maintain my bright new locks. And after a few shampoos, I can already see the yellow brassiness starting to creep in. Thank goodness that my amazing hair stylist recommended Amika’s purple shampoo and for only $20, this miracle-in-a-bottle is a complete necessity. You only need to use a small amount and leave it on for a couple minutes – be careful not to dye your hair purple, this is serious stuff – but the result is shiny, cool-toned blonde hair.
