Products
– ̗̀ Beauty ̖́-
– ̗̀ Beauty ̖́-
Products
THE LESS , THE BETTER
My opinions about makeup and beauty products have drastically changed over the years. Evolving from an abuser of the basic drugstore products to morphing into the infamous “birthday gift” fiend that retailers such as Sephora and Ulta prey upon to finally coming to the realization that my skin looks and feels better when I simply wear less, I have aligned with the philosophy that less is more for my skin. Of course, this isn’t the same for everyone. I have combination skin prone to freckling, and thus, most of my products are designed to protect and naturally enhance.
My skin is absolutely far from perfect. I have combination skin, meaning I have oily skin in some areas of my face and dry skin in other areas.
Typically, there’s a mix of oily and dry areas on different parts of your face, with the t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) being slightly to very oily. My nose has always been one of my oiliest spots (in middle school, I had a shiny nose before highlight was even in use lol). I even used prescription Epiduo for a time and had some success, but at the cost of my skin becoming itchy, red, and irritated.
Additionally, my parents didn’t have the money to spend on fancy face creams or acne treatments. I used simple products throughout puberty, and I was genetically lucky that I didn’t have too much acne. But that didn’t mean that I didn’t have any (and I still do get hormonal acne around the time of my period).
For me, problem areas have always been my forehead and chin. These areas are definitely the most dirty, whether that be from my hands touching my face or my hair rubbing against my skin and clogging my pores. I also have textured skin at times. Over the years, I have been able to predict my skin’s outbreaks and treat accordingly.
Below are some products that work for me. None of them are too pricy, and most are simple and easy to find online or in stores.
Skincare Products
I have used this product for years. My mom turned me onto it when I was probably thirteen and dealing with my first pimples. I like it because it is clear and odorless. I put it on at night with small dabs to dry out tricky whiteheads and blemishes.
Product Details
10% benzoyl peroxide – Maximum Strength – micronized non-irritating benzoyl peroxide
Proven to reduce the appearance of acne within 5 hours
Water based contains no alcohol to prevent over drying
Dermatologist recommended
Aquaphor – Healing Ointment and Moisturizer
I found Aquaphor after hearing rumors online that Beyoncé uses the multi-purpose healing ointment every night. For a big tub, it’s cheap and it WORKS! My texture improved so much, my skin was more hydrated, and dark marks even faded from my face. I love this stuff. It’s a bit thick so a little goes a long way.
Product Details
- #1 Dermatologist recommended for dry, cracked skin, chapped lips, cracked cuticles and dry feet and heels
- Uniquely formulated with 41% Petrolatum to allow oxygen to flow and help heal the skin
- Preservative and fragrance free
Hada Lobo – Anti-wrinkle Eye Cream
My family is extremely prone to getting crow’s feet from smiling, and so, I decided I wanted to hunt for a preventative eye cream. This Japanese product is designed for all skin types. I didn’t have wrinkles before, but the skin under my eyes is even smoother thanks to this product. A little goes a long way too!
Product Details
- Restores moisture, smooths fine lines and wrinkles as wells lifts and firms the eyelid
- Reduces dark circles and puffiness, brightening and illuminating instantly
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Free from fragrance, parabens, dyes, and mineral oil
LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream
This is a super light, organic retinol cream that I use before bed. I like the smell, its light and clean. It's not as intense as other retinol creams that tend to dry out skin. LilyAna Naturals is an all-natural skincare brand with a growing cult following on Amazon. I found it one the site about two years ago when I began researching retinol. Retinol boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and plumps out skin, cutting down fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin tone and color and reduces mottled patches. But it leaves your skin vulnerable to sun damage, so make sure you wear sunscreen!
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen
This sunscreen goes on white and becomes undetectable once rubbed in. It isn't oily and doesn't leave a film on my face like other sunscreens tend to do. It dries fast, is wearable under makeup, and doesn't clog my pores. Additionally, it comes in different SPF levels. I always get 50+ because I'm blonde and have fair skin even with an olive undertone. I wear sunscreen every day!
Makeup
I’m absolutely obsessed with this thing. I have never worn blush in my life, but this buttery bronze tint gives the perfect amount of color and sparkle.
The Copper Poppy Shimmer Stick is handmade, plastic-free, and 100% biodegradable. I use it on my cheekbones!
Nudi’s shimmer stick comes packaged in a biodegradable earth and ocean friendly push-up tube, and contains skin soothing dry oils like Safflower oil and Sweet Almond Oil.
So after using Aquaphor at night, my skin has been pretty dewy. But I still apply a moisturizer to my dry areas, and this Redwood Rain Moisturizer does the trick!
Redwood Rain is an unscented moisturizer designed for sensitive skin with ingredients such as Safflower, Argan, and Avocado Oil. Even though it is unscented, I think the natural ingredients have their own lovely smell! The moisturizer goes a long way, I use a peanut sized drop for my whole face.
Alright so we have all seen those fluffy and shapely brows that Glossier advertises, right? Well, I personally think this product rivals Boy Brow.
Nudi’s Lion Brow Taming Wax is a plastic free and minimal ingredient option for those who want bold brows without all the pollution and toxins.
The Lion Brow Taming Wax goes helps brush your brows into place and stay in place throughout your busy day. I bought some spoolies off Amazon to apply it and it works great, lasting all day long.
I love this little lip tint! I have never liked the feeling of lipstick, but this pinky hue really feels like a chapstick to me. With its cute biodegradable packaging and adorable name, the Coral Rust Lip Tint saves the ocean and serves a gorgeous look for any occasion!
It’s made with Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Iron Oxide, Mica, and like Nudi Good’s says “Mother nature will thank you as you and your lips enjoy the beach, hit the trail, or simply relax in front of a wood stove!”
Nudi Goods is an amazing small business with beautiful, ethical products that I am so happy and honored to support. I honestly adore everything I have ordered so far, and I will definitely be ordering more as gifts someday!
“Nudi Goods’ founder started developing plastic-free goods as a creative outlet while working for a wildlife hospital and ocean conservation nonprofit. After living plastic-free for a year and nearing zero waste living, she found it difficult to find alternatives to certain products, even in the most environmentally conscious area of the United States.
Nudi Goods believes in ocean friendly, plastic-free living inspired by our natural world and accessible to all. Nudi products are made with love, plastic-free packaging, and very few ingredients for a simple, honest approach to undefined beauty. While Nudi Goods is a small business, it’s growing due to a demand for truly environmentally responsible products and the desire to vote with our wallet, even if on a small scale. Larger companies will only follow suit and adhere to customer demands when smaller businesses take the risk first and prove it’s worthwhile – if nothing else, Nudi Goods aims to take the risk for creating a new normal for our planet.”
FRAGRANCE
I prefer delicate, complex scents when it comes to my perfume. I love something that stirs sweetness and mystery, barely detectable, but so intriguing that you can’t help but want to lean in for a whiff.
TOKYOMILK has some amazing fragrances I have been in love with for years after my sister gifted me a bottle for her wedding. This scent is like a dominant honey and and a more passive violet got married and had a beautiful baby.
Honey & The Moon Parfum
Subtly sweet: Honey, Sugared Violet, Jasmine & Sandalwood
Description
A decadently different collection of brilliantly paired fragrance notes housed in an alluring glass bottle decorated with summertime buzzing bees.
I also love Lollia’s Wish. It has such an ethereal, sweet scent of vanilla marshmallows and notes of citrus without being sugary cloying. The longevity is amazing as well! The bottle has the prettiest vintage bee print on it that will look lovely on any vanity. I
Wish Eau de Parfum
Delicate and whimsical: Sugared Pastille. Christmas at the beach butteriness
Description
Warm Vanilla Bean and Rice Flower delicately frosted with Sugared Pastille. Jasmine Leaves sweetened with Sugar Cane. Comforting Ylang Ylang and the sheerest of Amber Woods complete the scene, creating the most luxurious of fragrant escapes.
BEAT FACE TIME
Sometimes I want to wear a heavier face of makeup because I have a presentation or a party, or simply because I want to. I use some combination of the following foundations, creams, and color correcting primers to give my face an extra pop!
PRIMERS:
- Pür Green Color Correcting Primer
- bareMinerals, prime time foundation primer
FOUNDATIONS:
- bareMinerals, Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Hydrating Gel Cream
- Maybelline BB Cream, fresh
POWDERS:
- bareMinerals pressed powder, matte
- bareMinerals setting powder, mineral veil
Eye Makeup
My eyes are a hazel-y greenish brown so I try to wear eye makeup that draws out the green. This includes pinks, bronzes, and purples. I really like the Lorac Unzipped Palette and the Naked 3 Palette as well as Naked 2 as they offer versatile swatches of color that last, glimmer, and pop.
Unfaithfully, I have switched mascaras over the years. Most recently, I have used and recommend the Benefit Roller Lash Curler Mascara and Milk Mascara. Both work great with minimal amounts of clumping and flaking. I have oily eyelids, so I always use the Elf loose eye setting powder on my undereyes to prevent smudging.
Lastly, I have hooded eyelids so I only ever wear nano eyeliner. It’s extremely thin and easy to work with to create symmetrical wings.
HAIR
Pronexa Bond Repairing Complex and Conditioner for Damaged and Treated Hair
My hair is frizzy and dry underneath. This product has strengthened my hair so much, it's unbelievable. I highly recommend it if you have hair goals you're just not living up to. I use it once a week.
it's a 10 Products
Literally all it's a 10 products are miracle workers. Put it on when your hair is wet, and it'll make your hair soft and luscious. It protects from breakage and helps leave dull, damaged hair in the past and rejuvenate natural oils. Not to mention, it smells delightful.