Over the years I’ve certainly found my tribe of beauty products. It hasn’t been an easy road – what with breakouts and wasted money along the way – but it has been (and will continue to be) fun to go down. So, in an effort to share what I’ve found to be my tried and true beauty products, I thought I would put together this little post. I’ve honestly been wanting to write about this forever so I’m excited to finally share it and I hope you all get something out of it!
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Summer Fridays R+R Face Mask: This is the newest member of the crew. It was only released a few months ago but easily shot up to the top of my list. It’s overflowing with nourishing oils like avocado, argan and grape seed, so it leaves your skin incredibly moisturized and plump. It also just so happens to smell like a fresh bouquet of roses, which stays with you well after using it. Major plus.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: This product has stuck with me since high school. It’s certainly one of those “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it products” because it’s been super popular right from the start. You spritz it on wet hair after the shower, scrunch it here and there, let it air dry and bam! Bombshell beach waves.
Chanel Blush Brush: I used to be someone who thought spending more than $10 on a makeup brush was asinine. That is, until I tried a friend’s Chanel brush that she has had for over 10 years. “These are the only brushes I’ll ever use,” she told me. A year ago I purchased this brush to use for my bronzer and it’s still just as sturdy as ever – not one bristle lost. Yes, it may be a little pricey, but it’s so worth it when you don’t have to replace it every few years.
Amika Dry Shampoo: It’s hard to find a dry shampoo I don’t like, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would definitely be this one. It smells amazing, it works really, really well and the packaging makes your bathroom counter look pretty psychedelic. On the flip side, my favorite budget-friendly option is Dove all the way. I feel like I’ve tried every drug store brand and nothing compares to Dove.
Dior Foundation: A little fun fact about Dior, because you’ll see several more Dior products on this list, is that a majority of runway makeup artists use Dior because of its wearability. In fact, Dior works directly with these makeup artists as they develop new products. Exhibit A: This foundation was used explicitly on the runway well before hitting retail shelves. As you can imagine, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I knew it was going to be good and IT IS. I typically just throw on Burts Bees tinted moisturizer if I’m running errands, but if I’m attending an event or shooting blog photos, I’ll use this. Most foundations, in my opinion, wear off by the end of the day. Not this one.
Diorshow Mascara: The only mascara I will ever use for the rest of my life. This expensive habit started my first year of college but honestly, it’s worth it. I tried mascara after mascara for years and for some reason, every brand I tried would flake off throughout the day, getting into my eyes and making me look like a raccoon by 3:00pm. Once I tried this mascara, everything changed. Not one flake – ever! Again, this mascara is the #1 mascara used on runways worldwide so you know it’s good. It also smells amazing which is a little unexpected surprise.
Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream: I’ve tried all kinds of moisturizers over the years. Haven’t we all? Last year, one of my best friend’s recommended the rose moisturizer by Fresh. When I went to purchase it, this one was right next to it so I went in for a quick smell (as we all do at the makeup counter) and was sold. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in love with rose scents, but this one was different. It was fresh and fruity and
Bobbi Brown Bronzer: I am your quintessential bronzer queen. I’ve been using it religiously for years and years. Ain’t no crime worse than being pale, y’all. I’ve tried everything from your drugstore beauty buys to Nars, Urban Decay, Chanel… you name it. Finally I have found one that I think has the most natural shade of bronze and stays on all day long.
Skinnydip Eyelash Curler: Eyelash curler Smylash curler. I get it. You can’t really differentiate between one over the other, but this one is cute, comfortable and my mascara also doesn’t seem to clump to the as much to this one which is a plus in my book!
Cocofloss: File this under ‘totally not necessary but nice to have.’ This floss is infused with coconut oil which is said to be a magnet for plaque and germs. It’s great for stained teeth (hello coffee and wine) and those who have puffy gums (hello pregnancy). To be honest, it actually makes me want to floss because it smells so good. It comes in 5 different flavors too!
C.O. Bigelow Lip Salve: I’ve been using this stuff for well over 15 years. This company has been around for over a century, so there’s obviously a reason why they’ve stood the test of time… a great product! It’s crazy how something so simple and inexpensive can have this kind of staying power. It’s amazing – go get one!
Coco Mademoiselle Perfume: Nothing really compares to this classic scent. It may not be the perfume I’ll wear every day for the rest of my life because I have perfume commitment issues, but it’s definitely a scent I think everyone should sport at least once! So chic.
Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask: I first heard about this from Kristin Cavallari. She had given a short interview in a fashion magazine and said this was really the only thing she used on her face. Newsflash: her skin is flawless! I was sold but it took me a while to actually purchase it because as you’ll see, it’s expensive. I was blown away by how it made my skin feel after the first time. It’s not something I’ll always keep on my bathroom counter, but when I can afford it, I’ll always have it.
Dior Maximizer 3D: I swear by this stuff. Not only does it make your eyelashes look so much longer, it also helps your lashes grow as well. You apply it to your lashes just before mascara. I’m telling you, it’s a game changer. I’ve used it for years and have yet to find another product that delivers immediate results quite like this does.
R + Co Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask: Okay, full transparency here is that I bought this for the label. I know, I know. But it’s actually magnificent! It’s a foam that you apply to overworked, colored, brittle hair before showering to give it a little extra moisture and TLC. While my hair is the healthiest it’s ever been at the moment, I really don’t find myself using it much. But I’m about to go in for blonde highlights so I know I’ll be using it once a week at the least!
Amika 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner: So many shampoo and conditioner duos out there claim to give you volume but honestly, I’ve never used one of these products and found myself saying “wow! I have so much volume. I will use this forever.” Never happened. That is, not until I found this duo! I love Amika’s dry shampoo so much that I decided to try this a few months back and I absolutely love it. My hair, especially postpartum, has so much more life thanks to this.
KNC Beauty Lip Mask Packets: Move over, lip injections. These little collagen-infused lip masks are about to be your favorite product of all time. They are all natural (no parabens, sulfates, dyes, etc.) and include a mixture of natural oils and vitamins to moisturize and plump your lips. These sell out all the time so brag you a pack while they’re in stock!
Skinnydip Makeup Bag: These are my new favorite bags. I just got this peach one and love it! They are super roomy and fit my entire makeup and skincare lineup.
Chanel Toner: This toner has been a mainstay in my routine for years. I fell in love with the smell way back when and have never found anything that compares. I also love how soft it leaves me skin after using it. A lot of toners will dry your face out but not this one.
Ouai Texturing Hair Spray: There are so many great hair sprays out there that it’s hard to really put a hard and fast label on one and say it’s my all time favorite. Having said that, I’ve really come to love this spray because it gives my hair instant body and I’ve never experienced that with a hair spray before.
Watermelon Compact: Okay so this is more of a fun addition, but who doesn’t need a compact in their purse?! I thought this one was so cute and it’s slim enough to fit anywhere. I actually have no idea where mine is at the moment, but I’d be willing to bet it’s in one of Parker’s purses in her room. Yes, the stealing of my things has already begun.
Chanel Cream Shadow: I’m not a huge eye shadow girl – mainly because I have no clue how to put it on – but if I am going for a little drama in the eye department, this is what I’ll use. The shadows are available in a variety of colors with or without a little shimmer, they’re absolutely gorgeous and they stay put!
Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil: I started using this two summers ago and while I don’t use it regularly, it’s a life saver when my skin is extra dry. It’s formulated with the magical CoQ10 so it helps regenerate new skin. I find that I use it most in the dead of winter and in the middle of summer, especially when I get a little too much sun. I love the smell too!
BeautyBio Quartz Roller: I was a total skeptic at first when it came to quartz rollers, but after doing a little research and finally getting the opportunity to try one thanks to my friends at Botanics USA, I became a believer. Since using it consistently, my skin has never been smoother. These quartz rollers claim to improve blood circulation and skin tone, elasticity of the skin, promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, wrinkled and dark under eye circles, eliminate toxins, and tighten and reduce pores. The good news? Every single one of these claims has been proven by a number of medical professionals. The bad news? Most of these benefits are short-lived, which means you would need to incorporate quartz rolling into your daily regimen to see constant results. I’m trying my best to do that but some nights I forget to even put pajamas on before passing out. #momlife
Ouai Hair Oil: I’ve been using hair oil since I can remember. It’s such a simple way to tame my ends. I always apply a drop to my ends before blowdrying and I’m good to go! Before finding Ouai, I used Moroccan oil religiously. This compares to Moroccan oil in terms of consistency and end result, but my oh my this Ouai oil smells amazing. I can’t even describe it. Almost like you’re lounging on your balcony in the south of France as the sun sets in the distance.
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Would love to know what your favorite beauty buys are! Leave me a little note in the comments below. I’m all for further curating this list the older I get.
xo
Jen