Monday, February 21, 2011

Beauty Products I Cannot Live Without!

Hi Everyone!

I know a post has been so long overdue, so I thought I would make it up to you by sharing the beauty products that I absolutely cannot live without! I tried not to include items that aren't too specific or unique to my own tastes because not all shadows or foundations will work for everyone. The items below I truly feel will work for all people and they'll have the same FABULOUS results as I have. The results are more objective than subjective.

If you'd like to read about my favorite products that are a bit more unique and subjective to my own taste let me know! That list would be a fun one to write too! :)

Hair Products

1. Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

At this point I am on my third or fourth of this brush. I've been using it without fail for about five years now and it's a love like no other. I've been using it on my WET hair as well as dry for all these years and I have absolutely no damage to my hair because of it. If you're looking for a new everyday hair brush I highly recommend it.





2. It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product

I spray this product on my damp hair before I brush it out. For under $15 my hair receives 10 benefits! It repairs dry/damaged hair, adds shine, detangles, controls frizz, seals and protects hair color, prevents split ends, stops hair breakage, creates silkiness, enhances natural body, and acts as a heat protectant. It does not leave my hair oily or greasy at all. That is such an important factor to me because my hair is very fine and almost everything makes my hair a bit too greasy.




3.  Conair Compact Ionic 20-Roller Hair Setter

For just over $20 this set saves me time and hassle. In about 15 minutes I can have my whole head rolled. I leave them in for about 20 minutes and in that time I can get dressed and put my makeup on. After only 20 minutes I have a head full of curls. I absolutely love this as an alternative to sitting in front of a mirror with a curling iron for 45 minutes. This is also great if you want curly or wavy hair for school or work; set your hair as soon as you wake up and when you're ready to walk out the door take the curlers out!

Skin Care Products

1.  GoClear Clarifying Cleanser AM/PM

Lately work has got me STRESSED OUT! I find that my t-zone has become a literal mine field of tiny little blemishes that I can't seem to get rid of using my tried and true face washes. After doing some research I decided to go for this GoClear product. It's definitely more expensive then I'd usually go for, but after a week of use I can totally see a difference. According to the description, "This oil-free lathering gel removes excess dirt, oil, and makeup thoroughly without stripping skin of its essential moisture, perfectly preparing skin for additional steps in your skincare regimen. Its gentle action helps balance and restore hydration (key to preventing breakouts since dry skin car lead to overproduction of sebum) with high-grade nourishing botanicals. Gentle exfoliating granules dissolve to release antioxidants onto the skin. The light, natural fragrance is the product of water-based, aromatic botanical extracts, sans oils and synthetic chemicals. Powerful green and white-tea-derived antioxidants protect against free-radical damage." -- Basically, it gets your skin so freaking clean that blemishes do not stand a chance! It's also super organic and without a ton of chemicals that are usually found in common face washes. I definitely recommend it if you're experiencing the same issues I am.


2. Sonia Kashuk® Eye Makeup Remover 

Without this product I would absolutely die! A lot of the makeup removers I've used have left this disgusting residue on my face that I feel like I can never get off. With this product I can just use a makeup removing face wipe and this product on a cotton round and be off to bed in 5 minutes - this method is for those nights where I just can't bear the thought of doing a whole face washing routine - C'mon you have those nights too- haha! This product is under $10 and I usually don't say this, but YOU NEED THIS PRODUCT. You will love it! Not only is it residue free, BUT it really does take all your makeup off. This is a wonderful investment.


3. Olay Complete Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 -  For Sensitive Skin

Every few months or so the next great moisturizer comes out and we all drop $30-$50, at least I do. And although there are plenty of these products that I think were money well spent, when it all comes down to it this is the moisturizer that I reach for. I love how it never makes my skin feel greasy at all and I don't feel bad using it on my hands, throwing in my bag, or hell - even losing it! If you're looking for a great and simple face product this is definitely it!

 



Face Products 

1. Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I have a fondness for Aveeno products because of their work towards creating products for sensitive skin. This has definitely become one of the products I reach for every single day. I often use this product before my foundation as an extra layer of coverage and hydration, but on the weekends I usually use this product on it's own and then just set with powder. It's very hydrating and I have never experienced a breakout because of it in the six months that I have been diligently using it. As for the price, it varies but you can find it at Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc.  







2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden

If you're anything like me then you have tried a ton of primers. This one is my favorite and I use it every single day. It helps my shadows from creasing and does help my eye products last all day.  This is a little bit expensive, but for something that you're going to use every single day I definitely think it's worth the money. Urban Decay has FOUR varieties of the primer now. Eden, which is a matte primer, Sin, a shimmering champagne, Original, a sheer nude and the new one - Greed, a gold tone. Greed is a Sephora exclusive, so if you're interested in the primer consider that one.



3. Sigma Tapered Blending Brushes - Large & Small (E40/E45)

Girl, brushes are expensive! Damn! In the summer I bought the Complete Kit with Brush Roll and I've been so happy ever since. If you're going to put makeup on every single day (and it happens to be hobby you adore), it's important to invest in great brushes. I'm happy I paid $99 for a lot of quality brushes, but if that's not in your budget - you'll survive! If you were going to invest in any brushes I'd recommend crease/blending brushes. I love these two by Sigma and they're a fraction of the Sephora or MAC Cosmetics prices. I use these two every single day. I promise that these two will not disappoint! *Side note - A great alternative to expensive brushes are definitely the E.L.F line of cosmetic brushes!


Eye Products

1. Maybelline Stiletto Liquid Liner - Black

This has been my favorite liquid eyeliner for a few months now. It's cheap, cheap, cheap and totally worth it! I love the fine line that this product can create, however if you're going for a thicker cat eye affect it can do that too! I know that eyeliners can be a bit subjective, but so far so good for me. Maybelline is probably one of my top three drug store brands.

For under $6 what do you have to lose? :)



2. Maybelline The Falsies Volum'Express Waterproof Mascara - Very Black

THE BEST MASCARA I'VE EVER USED! HANDS DOWN! This mascara is ridiculous! For months stiletto lash was my favorite, but this wins! What can I say? My lashes look fuller and longer and they never clump! I love this product and use it almost every single day!

Go.Buy.It.Now -- haha :)















That's it... for now!

If you'd like to know what blushes, lid colors, and lip products that I cannot live without make sure to leave a comment!

I hope you enjoyed this list and check out some of the products that I mentioned above! :)

Thanks for reading and I hope I sparked some good ideas!

Let me know what you think :)

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xo - A


1 comment:

  1. My mum has good skin. So I just briefly took one of her SKII to use, which I assume is a moisturizer. It's good man I tell you! She gave me a small bottle of eye cream before but the effects weren't that great and I stopped using. But my mum's eye cream is good! I can feel it reacting once I applied it

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