Best Beauty Buys of 2019
11:51:00 AMThis was a good year for beauty. I discovered many new products - many that I'm running into 2020 with because I cannot not use them! I must preface with this: I'm the gal that will try almost anything, especially in the skincare/makeup/clothing arena. I believe it's important to switch up our routines, especially in accordance to the season you are in...not just the season during a particular time of year but the season of life you are in as well. I don't focus on the same skin or hair concerns areas I focused on a few years ago. I'm older, and my body has changed so my routine must as well.
I am focusing on these areas for my skin: evening skin tone and texture, brightening, anti-aging, hydrating. And for my hair: exfoliating, damage protecting, and thickening. It's important to work not he targeted areas that you have concerns about. While I have yet to find one product that does it all and is a miracle worker - my new combination is pretty close.
Skincare:
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser: Thus far, this is the best cleanser I have found that doesn't strip my skin. I have oily/combnination skin (mostly oily) and most cleansers, even ones made for sensitive skin, strip my skin leaving it tight and dry. I have tried it all: Neutrogena, Dermologica, Clinique, Mario Badescu, Liz Earle, Clarisonic, All-Purpose, Aveeno, Bioelements, Origins, and the list goes on. That's not to say I don't love any cleansers but in the season I'm in...this one is working the best. This cleanser removes dirt, debris, and makeup and does not leave my skin feeling tight or dry but hydrated and clean - big win!
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream: I like to switch between my favorite Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer and this Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. In the winter, I need more hydration. I'm outside daily with my pup and my skin will get chapped from the wind and cold - just as well, the air is dry and sucks all the hydration out of my skin. This moisturizer does a great job at moisturizing without leaving my skin oily.
- Drunken Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: I call it the protein shake for your face. This is the best cream for loss of elasticity and firmness, uneven texture and tone as well as dryness. I will typically use this in conjunction with my Ultra Facial Cream and nighttime rituals. *Cruelty-Free
- Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate: Part 1 of my two part superstar DUO, the midnight recovery concentrate. Ya'll, if you've followed me for a long time then you know the backstory, if not, here's the short version: I used to have FLAWLESS skin, no pores, no pimples - it was magical. I went to Alaska for 4 weeks, developed a horrific skin infection and since then, it's never been the same. I was looking for nighttime products that were working on "fixing" while I was asleep. In short, this concentrate will replenish skin for visibly smoother, more radiant skin by morning.
- bareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Sleeping Gel Cream: Part 2 of my two part superstar DUO, the nighttime cream. I swear by this cream. I have yet to try any other skinlongevity products but I know I'm missing out. To preface, I've used bareMinerals for years and truly believe in the quality of their products so choosing this product was easy. The key ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid - you will wake up with a healthy glow, even tone and texture and super soft skin. *Cruelty Free
>>It's never too early to start using anti-aging products, I cannot recommend this one enough. <<
- Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment: In all the skincare madness, don't forget about your under eyes! I use this cream, a very small amount, in the evening and wake up with a reduction in dark circles and puffiness.
- Mario Badescu Special Mask For Oily Skin: I will always be the biggest cheerleader for Mario, the company has contributed largely to saving my skin. Among many other products I still use religiously - this one is greta for those that have oily skin. It helps lift debris and clogged pores and reduces oil production. *Cruelty Free
- Schick Touch Up Razors: I did my first "at-home" dermaplane session two weeks ago. I cannot believe it has taken me this long! I'm thinking this may be an interesting post to write about - in short, it sloughed off all the layers of dead skin and peach fuzz and my oh my, my skin is so soft!
Body:
- Granado Exfoliant: Shameless European plug, the products there are just somuch better good. We were wondering the streets of Paris this year (literally) and walked pack this adorable boutique that smelled heavenly. This is hands down the best exfoliator I have ever tried. Not just that, the body creams and scents are terrific. TERRIFIC. I wouldn't share this if you couldn't get your hands on some of the products too, don't worry, they ship to the U.S and let me tell you - it's worth it! You can actually buy it on Amazon, you just may have to use Google Translate to determine which scent is best 😂. I went with Lavender as that's universally appealing. I would buy the set, exfoliant and body cream combo - so good. *Cruelty Free
- Secret Essential Oils Deodorant: I had to add this in. If I'm being honest, deodorant is gross. I hate talking about it, buying it, etc. Who wants to talk about sweat lol? Well, I was on a work trip in September and we were shamelessly walking the aisles of Target at 7am stocking up on Emergen-C and we walked past Secret's new line with essential oils. Being the "tester" that I am, I threw one in the basket and kept walking. I love it. Like love it! I work out on average 5 times a week and walk my dog every day, twice a day so I get my share of exercise and a lot of times I go from walk to errands to work, etc. I need no stank. I haven't ventured into the au-natural deodorant yet but this was one step closer for me!
- (Not pictured) Hair, Skin, & Nails Supplements: I love sugarbear hair or Olly. I was in Europe and completely bamboozled by how much my hair and lashes grew on the trip. Either it was the European air (which very well could've been) or the vitamins I was packing 😂.
Hair:
- it's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner plus Keratin: I've talked about this product before. I will use this or MorrocanOil year round - both are exceptional and I definitely notice if I go without. My hair has one texture, smooth! I have to add products in to get extra volume, texture, etc., but I attribute the silky smoothness to this leave-in conditioner. It protects against just amount everything, especially heat so if you are using heat on your hair - use protection first😉. *Cruelty Free
Skincare:
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser: Thus far, this is the best cleanser I have found that doesn't strip my skin. I have oily/combnination skin (mostly oily) and most cleansers, even ones made for sensitive skin, strip my skin leaving it tight and dry. I have tried it all: Neutrogena, Dermologica, Clinique, Mario Badescu, Liz Earle, Clarisonic, All-Purpose, Aveeno, Bioelements, Origins, and the list goes on. That's not to say I don't love any cleansers but in the season I'm in...this one is working the best. This cleanser removes dirt, debris, and makeup and does not leave my skin feeling tight or dry but hydrated and clean - big win!
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream: I like to switch between my favorite Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer and this Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. In the winter, I need more hydration. I'm outside daily with my pup and my skin will get chapped from the wind and cold - just as well, the air is dry and sucks all the hydration out of my skin. This moisturizer does a great job at moisturizing without leaving my skin oily.
- Drunken Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: I call it the protein shake for your face. This is the best cream for loss of elasticity and firmness, uneven texture and tone as well as dryness. I will typically use this in conjunction with my Ultra Facial Cream and nighttime rituals. *Cruelty-Free
- Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate: Part 1 of my two part superstar DUO, the midnight recovery concentrate. Ya'll, if you've followed me for a long time then you know the backstory, if not, here's the short version: I used to have FLAWLESS skin, no pores, no pimples - it was magical. I went to Alaska for 4 weeks, developed a horrific skin infection and since then, it's never been the same. I was looking for nighttime products that were working on "fixing" while I was asleep. In short, this concentrate will replenish skin for visibly smoother, more radiant skin by morning.
- bareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Sleeping Gel Cream: Part 2 of my two part superstar DUO, the nighttime cream. I swear by this cream. I have yet to try any other skinlongevity products but I know I'm missing out. To preface, I've used bareMinerals for years and truly believe in the quality of their products so choosing this product was easy. The key ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid - you will wake up with a healthy glow, even tone and texture and super soft skin. *Cruelty Free
>>It's never too early to start using anti-aging products, I cannot recommend this one enough. <<
- Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment: In all the skincare madness, don't forget about your under eyes! I use this cream, a very small amount, in the evening and wake up with a reduction in dark circles and puffiness.
- Mario Badescu Special Mask For Oily Skin: I will always be the biggest cheerleader for Mario, the company has contributed largely to saving my skin. Among many other products I still use religiously - this one is greta for those that have oily skin. It helps lift debris and clogged pores and reduces oil production. *Cruelty Free
- Schick Touch Up Razors: I did my first "at-home" dermaplane session two weeks ago. I cannot believe it has taken me this long! I'm thinking this may be an interesting post to write about - in short, it sloughed off all the layers of dead skin and peach fuzz and my oh my, my skin is so soft!
Body:
- Granado Exfoliant: Shameless European plug, the products there are just so
- Secret Essential Oils Deodorant: I had to add this in. If I'm being honest, deodorant is gross. I hate talking about it, buying it, etc. Who wants to talk about sweat lol? Well, I was on a work trip in September and we were shamelessly walking the aisles of Target at 7am stocking up on Emergen-C and we walked past Secret's new line with essential oils. Being the "tester" that I am, I threw one in the basket and kept walking. I love it. Like love it! I work out on average 5 times a week and walk my dog every day, twice a day so I get my share of exercise and a lot of times I go from walk to errands to work, etc. I need no stank. I haven't ventured into the au-natural deodorant yet but this was one step closer for me!
- (Not pictured) Hair, Skin, & Nails Supplements: I love sugarbear hair or Olly. I was in Europe and completely bamboozled by how much my hair and lashes grew on the trip. Either it was the European air (which very well could've been) or the vitamins I was packing 😂.
Hair:
- it's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner plus Keratin: I've talked about this product before. I will use this or MorrocanOil year round - both are exceptional and I definitely notice if I go without. My hair has one texture, smooth! I have to add products in to get extra volume, texture, etc., but I attribute the silky smoothness to this leave-in conditioner. It protects against just amount everything, especially heat so if you are using heat on your hair - use protection first😉. *Cruelty Free
- Aveda pure Abundance Hair Potion: Stated above, I have to use products to give my hair a little more oomph. This hair potion is just that, a magical potion of volume in a tiny little green bottle. It's actually a powder that you tap into your roots, let it marinate, then shush and work into your hair and let sit for awhile. *Cruelty Free
- Aveda Damage Remedy: In conjunction with the it's a 10 product, I always use Aveda Damage Remedy, especially on the ends of my hair. I try to let my hair air dry as much as it can before blow drying. Wonderful heat protectant! *Cruelty Free
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