Hello, 2020! I’m so excited and ready to start blogging consistently. Last year, I felt so overwhelmed and tried playing catch-up with the blog, work, and life which led to me burning out.
Since we last spoke, my skin has gotten dramatically better and I became more conscious of the food I was ingesting and the products I was applying to my hair, skin, and nails. Not everything I use is clean or green but there have been transitions and thoughts.
Can’t wait to share them all with you!
Hair: If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you may have seen me testing out different curl products and brands over the course of two-three weeks. I’m doing this for two reasons: 1. make sure it lives up to the hype and 2. to ensure I’m sharing products I stand behind. It’s so important to me that everything I introduce to y’all WORKS.
A brand, Sebastian Professional, I’ve slightly worked on and then followed closely came out with a curl-specific line called Twisted. Everything that comes from Sebastian is 100% amazing and they’re always relying on science to enhance their products. I’ve used the entire collection and love it but my try favorite is their Curl Magnifier - it defines, fights frizz, and feels weightless. You don’t need any other styler but the one.
Face: So many goodies when it comes to skincare! I used to be on a micellar kick but sometimes my eyes get a bit irritated so I’ve slowly stepped away from that trend. Instead, I’ve been relying on La Roche-Posay’s Respectissime. It’s incredibly gentle and gets rid of the most stubborn liquid liners and waterproof mascaras. You can find it at most drugstores too! Another goody is Naturopathica’s Lavender Honey Balancing Mist - it’s so relaxing. I use this during my AM skincare routine to hydrate dry-from-the-radiator skin and to calm my senses during a stressful workday. I have no idea how Fitish found me but I am so happy that they did! Their Dewing It cream has CBD and green tea leaves for an ultra-moisturizing feel and dewy finish. I have combination and acneic skin and it made it more “calm” if that makes sense. This cream has turned into a re-buy for me and I can’t wait to see how the brand expands.
At the end of every skincare routine comes SPF (if you aren’t already including this please start today!). I’ve been alternating between mineral and chemical SPF to see which ones I like most and can withstand my training runs. Not many can but Derma e’s Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen can. It’s a lightweight, non-greasy formula that doesn’t sweat off, pill, and layers nicely under makeup. They have a slew of other good for you and the earth products so make sure to browse their shop! Lastly, Skinfix was once known for having some of the best hand creams in the market until they expanded into skincare…and you guys everything is so GOOD. In particular, their Calm & Repair Sleeping Mask, now called Redness Recover+ Antioxidant Redness Treatment Overnight Mask, has been saving my skin after outdoor training runs and hot yoga classes. The mask is made with 97% natural ingredients and helps with hydration, calms blotchiness, and soothes inflamed skin.
Makeup: Technically not makeup but I’m including my Vaseline Lip Therapy here because it does create the perfect base for lip application. I finally finished my tube of L’Oreal Infalliable Pro-Glow and I could not rave about it enough! It provides glowy (not greasy) buildable coverage and stays on all day long. Because the coverage was so good it was my go-to when my acne was rearing its ugly head. I wore the shade, Natural Buff. And for times when I needed just a little bit more coverage or perky eyes, Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind worked flawlessly on my skin. I can completely understand why so many beauty vloggers stan behind the product. I used the shade Light.
Next up is Marc Jacobs’ Twinkle Pop in Three Shakes. This caught my eye because, BECAUSE, @makeupbymario loves and swears by this product. He uses it on Kim K. and says it helps illuminate her eyes, blends easily, and creates a lasting effect. Another product I’ve been getting into more heavily are setting sprays. They help highlighters pop, keep eyeshadows from drooping and generally keep everything in place. One that’s been getting repeated use is Urban Decay’s De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Settiing Spray. My t-zone gets pretty oily and needs powder reapplication every so often so I really like how it helps control that while keeping my skin looking matte.
Any favorites you've been loving this month? Anything I should check out?
Shop my essentials below:
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