I publish beauty articles here and there, but today I’m putting together a comprehensive list of all my beauty favorites by category. Buckle up—it’s a long one!
face moisturizer
This is a timely topic because my favorite face moisturizer is currently on sale here. I swear by Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream and talk about it often. I generally prefer a thicker face moisturizer, but one that won’t sit on top of my skin or clog my pores and cause breakouts. The Charlotte Tilbury formula works brilliantly on my skin, and it’s a weight I love using all year round.
I also like InBeauty Extreme Cream. This lotion is very good for the price. I think it’s similar to some luxury creams I’ve tried, but not as thick or oily. My skin drinks this stuff up! I like the lotion but don’t care for the gel, as I don’t think it hydrates my skin as well.
Last but not least, this product is from GOOP. This is another thick lotion that applied beautifully on my skin without feeling too heavy. I also love its light, fresh scent!
The most important step in my beauty routine lately has been to make sure I hydrate not only my face but also my neck and chest.
serum
Serum is something I love to play with. I always stick with one for at least four weeks to test the results, but I enjoy experimenting and seeing what works.
One of my favorites is Dr. Diamond’s Metacin Serum. I use it in the morning before my moisturizer. It has actually given me a bit of a glow, and overall my skin texture feels much smoother. Right now, it’s on major sale here.
Vitamin C serums are always on my radar, and my current favorite is the over the counter All Bright Vitamin C Serum. This stuff melts into my skin and does wonders for my neck especially. I’ve also used the RetiNatural+ Advanced Serum, but I’ve found that my skin responds better to the Vitamin C Serum.
At night, I add this serum to my routine. I love a lot of Blue Lagoon Skinscience products, and besides their masks, this serum is probably my favorite product.
face masks
Being over 40, there can be no compromise on face masks anymore. At age 38, I also added this red light mask to my lineup, and after using it consistently for three months, I’ve become a believer. It’s almost $100 off today.
When it comes to face masks, I swear by three masks. The Skin111 mask instantly makes my skin feel less dull (try all of their masks with this deal here, too). The Dr. Barbara Sturm mask has helped reduce redness in my face more than any other mask. The Biodance mask is the best mask I have found on the market for under $5.
I usually prefer sheet masks, but if I’m going to use a cream mask, I like this Cryo-Flash Mask that you can literally feel working. It makes my skin feel alive!
I also stand by this rinse-off mask, which has helped a lot in minimizing the pores around my nose.
eye masks
That’s right—eye masks get a separate section.
YISE Dipfing Eye Masks are worth all the online hype they get. They go on quickly, and I like the stick-on application because they don’t fall off your face.
The second genius eye mask I’ve been using is this one. I keep them in the fridge so they are extra cold when I put them on. They give me lots of moisture under the eyes. I just wear them while drinking coffee in the morning.
For a little extra boost, I usually apply this cream under my eyes after applying the mask. A little goes a long way, so I use it sparingly!
on my lips
Let’s talk about the lip balms and lip products I’ve been using – not only for color, but also to keep my lips from getting chapped and dry!
This is a balm I’ve been talking about for weeks, and they’ve launched new shades here this month. It contains Vitamin E and Shea Butter to create a high-shine shine that is also nourishing for your lips. Blazed Donut is my favorite shade.
If I’m wearing clear glitter, it’s EADEM. This gloss has a great Applicator and is one of the thickest clear glosses on the market without the stickiness. ten out of ten!
For packaging that’s as beautiful as the product inside, look no further than this lipstick. I just picked up the shade “Nectar” and will definitely be back for more shades. I have my eye on Café Cream next time!
spf
Never forget your SPF!
My favorite everyday SPF, Unseen, is on sale right now here. It goes on completely transparent and can be easily worn under makeup. Supergoop makes some of the most effective sunscreens I’ve ever used – and this is coming from someone who lives in Southwest Florida year-round!
My go-to sunscreen is this. I could go on and on about it, but all you need to know is this: It’s incredibly effective, my skin loves it, and it’s the lightest sunscreen I’ve found.
current makeup favorites
Although I’m not going to go in-depth on every step of my makeup routine, I thought I’d highlight some products I’ve recently added to the mix.
I have been looking for a mascara for a long time to replace my beloved Miss Manga Rock Mascara after it was discontinued. I recently tried it, and it’s the closest thing I’ve found so far (warning it’s thicker). Afraid that it too would shut down, I bought some backups!
I’m usually not big on foundation, but this no makeup makeup foundation is amazing. It takes a minute to figure out the best application technique, but once you get the hang of it, it’s very easy to apply and provides the perfect amount of coverage.
looking ahead
This month, these are some of the products I’m currently trying—or about to try!
ula johnson fragrance // I’m excited to see if there’s a scent that could become one of my signature scents at the end of summer.
Exfoliating Face Scrub // It’ll be arriving any day now, and I’m excited to see if it helps reset my skin and create a smoother canvas so that my other products apply more evenly.
squiggs hair suit // My hair can always use all the help it can get. I recently ordered this shampoo, this conditioner, and this oil. I hope they work well with my long, fine, color-processed hair!
