My 9 latest products discoveries-slash-obsessions

Whether it’s keeping hydrated or fighting the frizz, these 9 products have been helping me get through my summer so far:

AQUAFINA FLAVORSPLASH LIP BALMS ($5 FOR 4)

Aquafina FlavorSplash Lip Balms

Aquafina, better known for their bottled water, is working hydration from the outside-in. I suffer from constantly-chapped-lips syndrome (*not a real condition, but that’s besides the point). These FlavorSplash balms have a fresh, light flavor, and keep my lips full and smooth with its jojoba and almond oils (especially important if I know I’m going to be wearing matte lipstick later on…these have definitely come to the rescue). And they’re so tiny, they literally fit in my pocket. I take one of these wherever I go. Comes in Original, Raspberry, Wild Berry, and Citrus Blend.

POND’S WET CLEANSING TOWLETTES ($5 FOR A 30 PACK)

Pond's Morning Refresh Towelettes

Microbeads

I’m in the school of thought that you should always have some sort of pre-moistened cleansing towelettes always on you. For one, they make traveling SO much easier since you can pack it on your carry on, and is a safer bet than liquids to pack since they don’t leak. And finally, when you’re dead-tired, these are a God-send since they help you get to bed that much quicker. I’ve used Pond’s towelettes before (they were actually the first ones I’ve ever used…my life has never been the same after), but I was sent their Morning Refresh to try and I think the quality has somehow gotten even better. They have these little microbeads that helps to polish away any grime. I use it to wipe away my eye makeup too and it doesn’t irritate my eyes at all. Each sheet is pretty thick and soft too to help do a thorough job.

CASCADE ICE SPARKLING WATER

Cascade Ice flavored sparkling water

I’ve never been a huge fan of sparkling water, but these flavored ones from Cascade Ice are so refreshing. The only problem is, they’re not widely available in NY. I was sent them from the company to try, and I was surprised how much flavor is packed in the ones like Blueberry Watermelon and Pomegranate Berry (plus they’re only 2 calories). If you’re the type that stocks up though, they’re available to order through their eStore. They’re perfect companions for your summer picnics and barbecues.

L’OREAL EVERSLEEK INTENSE SMOOTHING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER ($7 EACH)

L'Oreal EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner

I’m constantly on the hunt for great drugstore haircare, and sometimes it’s my roommates who find them for me. In this case, it was L’Oreal’s EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner. I had heard about it before at work — touted mostly for being sulfate-free. When a shampoo is sulfate-free, it essentially means it’s free of surfactants (which only cleanses the surface but is also harsh on your scalp). This combo is wonderful not only for that, but it helps seriously lessen frizz. In humid NYC-weather, it’s a must.

CARESS FINE FRAGRANCE ELIXIR BODY WASH ($4)

Caress Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Washes

I was sent Caress’ new Fine Fragrance Body Washes to try, and woah — it’s SERIOUS when it comes to scent…like there was a crazy flower bomb that went off in your shower. Sheer Twilight is infused with black orchid and juniper oil, while Scarlet Blossom has red lychee and patchouli oil. The silk blends are incredibly softening, and the amazing perfumes follow you out of the shower too. I can really smell it on my skin hours later. There are no microbeads or exfoliating action though — just straight up moisturizing with intensely great scents.


BUMBLE AND BUMBLE THICKENING HAIRSPRAY
($26)

Bumble and bumble thickening hairspray

If your hair tends to fall flat, try Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray. A little spritz of this on wet hair and it gives a nice boost around the crown of your head. You can apply a little more on the ends if you need thickening all over, but I love this because it won’t leave my hair stiff either.

NEUTROGENA WET SKIN SUNBLOCK AND SUNSCREEN WITH SPF 85+ ($11.50)

Neutrogena Wet Skin with SPF 85

I’ve mentioned this product before in my Practice Safe Sun post, but last weekend was the first time I actually tried Neutrogena’s Wet Skin Sunblock and Sunscreen. And I put it to the ultimate test — I used it during a day trip under the scorching sun at Six Flags. This one in particular can be used on wet skin (perfect if you know you’re going to be near water or if you tend to sweat a lot…umm not me obviously). I applied this on myself and all my friends, and I kid you not — it was the first time I didn’t even have any tan lines to speak of. And we’re talking ALL DAY in the sun. Probably not great if you are trying to get a tan (you shouldn’t be getting it from the sun anyway! So bad for your skin), but just a testament to how protective it is. The mist is easy to apply, just spray and rub it in. I need to stock up — I already ran out of mine!

JOSIE MARAN R.E.M. PEN ($32)

Josie Maran R.E.M. Pen Eyeliner

In general, any product that can muli-task will earn my love. If you don’t know already, every product in Josie Maran‘s line is infused with skin-benefiting argan oil. I may be a nerd when it comes to this kinda thing, but I thought this pen was the coolest thing when I came across it at a QVC event. It’s a skinny pen, that has a long-wear argan oil gel liner on one end that you twist off to find a spongey eyeshadow brush and eyeshadow…the other end also twists off for the gel liner brush. All in one…totally brilliant and easy to carry if you’re constantly on-the-go. This one is the black+brown combo but it comes with a whole lot of coordinating colors. Plus, it comes without any of the bad stuff (no parabens, sulfates, or petrochemicals).

OJON SWA+ RARE HARVEST HAIR FORTIFYING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER ($27 each)

Ojon SWA+ Rare Harvest Shampoo and Conditioner

I’ve come to really like a lot of Ojon‘s products, and if I’m going to splurge on haircare, it’s either on this line (or Philip Kingsley, but I’ll save it for another post). I just used Ojon’s Swa+ Hair Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner for the first time and feel like it kind of does it all — strengthens thin hair, adds shine, and eases frizz. Just overall happy hair.

What are your latest product obsessions?

x
Shy

3 Comments

  1. Jessica wrote:

    Love Bumble and Bumble thickening spray too!

    I did not however enjoy aquafina’s lip care at all 🙁 the taste/smell was too artifical and they were overall ineffective for me

    nice fave though! gunna try some others!

    Posted 7.13.11
  2. shyema wrote:

    Aww really? I don’t know, I feel like it’s so hard to smooth my chapped lips and this one really works for me. Which lip balms/chapsticks do you prefer?

    Posted 7.13.11
  3. Renee wrote:

    I absolutely adore the Caress Sheer Twilight Black Orchid & Juniper Oil body wash. The smell does last well into the day and is one of the best scents I have ever smelled.

    Posted 10.26.11

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