I'm starting to realize my "essentials" posts is my very own version of "empties". And I ain't mad about it.
There were quite a few empty bottles stored away in my tote bag so this time around I decided to break up my essentials into skincare, hair, body, and of course makeup. Maybe when I don't have a ton of product to review (or built up from stress-shopping) I can give my essentials more of a curated theme. What do you think?
Anyway, let's get to it!
Hair: I am head over hair in love with Viva Curl's Whipped Coconut Milk collection. The formula is super gentle and hydrates my hair from root to tip. I actually had the opportunity to meet the family and experts and learn firsthand why they use coconut oil and shea butter within their formulas. So for my curly girls out there, head to your nearest drugstore and definitely pick my top faves: nourishing shampoo and leave-in conditioner. Sebastian's Whipped Creme is another favorite I'll be repurchasing this month. The mousse doesn't leave my curls crunchy but instead touchable and frizz-free. Even on the most humid of days, the mousse does not let me down!
Face: This one is going to be a doozy since each one is so GOOD. Let's start with my Holy Grail (and consistent space-taker on my shelf), Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid. I use this first in my skincare routine to gently exfoliate my skin for even-toned skin. It also reduces redness and unclogs pores which helps clear up my adult acne. Next up is new-to-me brand Earth Tu Face's Toning Mist in Rose + Aloe. It's cruelty-free and earth-friendly (which I appreciate), but what I love the most is the scent, the refreshing feeling, and how it tightens my pores on contact.
Last year, I got a chance to learn about True Botanicals in-depth and there is a blog post coming up. But, I did want to get Pure Radiance Oil on your radar now! The oil strengthens the skin's barrier, eliminates infection, reduces inflammation, and balances blemish-prone skin.
Then, my favorite heavy-hitters from Derma e, Microdermabrasion Scrub and Firming DMAE Eye Lift are true must-haves. I used the scrub weekly to diminish the appearance of acne scrubs and fine lines. And the multi-action eye cream is one of the best I've tried within its price points ($25).
Body: Like my last essentials mentioned, I absolutely love Molton Brown and am the biggest fan of their Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise scent. I finally ran out of their Bath & Shower Gel (sigh) and but am finally considering making their perfume my signature scent. It's only available during certain seasons and holidays but if you ever come across it - GET IT. It's an incredibly light, feminine scent and reminds me of Sofia Coppola for some reason.
Makeup: It Cosmetics has been expanding their cosmetics line rapidly, some things I've been loving and others not so much. Two, in particular, their Confidence in a Compact and CC+ Skin Perfecting Brush, have simplified my beauty morning routine. Instead of doing primer, foundation, and concealer I can now do the compact and move onto my brows and head out the door. It has this fantastic dewy-finish too that I've been digging as of late too. Now, I wouldn't recommend the compact to those with oily skin as it would only call out the oily spots even more. Their new brush is also amazing and great for all skin types. And last but not least, Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Infinite mascara has an amazing bristle that coats every single lash and the formula really does make them look thicker and longer.
Any favorites you've been loving this month?
Shop my essentials below:
one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen // fifteen // sixteen // seventeen
