13 products that got me through the month

I know, I’m a tad bit late in posting this, but it took a while to really figure out what products I’ve been going back to again and again in the past month. And looking at them at once, I’m realizing there’s problem a reason my skin hasn’t been acting up as much as usual: I really loaded up on some quality skin products this time around. Plus, I found some other gems along the way. Hope you enjoy this month’s round up of my faves!

1. GlamGlow Youth Mud Mask, $69
Celebs are crazy about GlamGlow I finally know why. It’s worth every bit of the hype. I have been hearing about GlamGlow’s mask for so long, I finally decided I had to see for myself. It has a pretty interesting ingredient list: volcanic rock, volcanic mineral ash, French sea clay, green tea, grape seed, cucumbers, and no artificial colors or fragrances. It’s supposed to leave skin glowing, exfoliated, and pristine. You just stir a little to liquify, and apply. I didn’t expect all the tingling that ensued (if only I read the packaging right in front of me…it was something I found a tad uncomfortable but got used to very quickly). Then you let it sit and tighten and dry, and scrub off with water in circular motions (it has little particles that help exfoliate your skin). My skin was left glowing and continued use kept breakouts at bay. I highly recommend giving it a shot. It costs a pretty penny, but so worth it.

2. St. Ives Lotion Spray, $7.50
A fairly new habit I’ve started in the past few years is never ever forgetting to use lotion after a shower. I’ve become a lotion freak. My skin is so much softer for it. I thought the idea of lotion sprays, like this one from St. Ives, was a cool concept. I just thought it would make the process so much quicker. The pros are they all smell great and they are so easy to apply. If you’re used to really lotioning up though like me, just be prepared that this just gives you a super light veil of moisture on the first go. You still have to rub it in, and it’s actually a little more precise than I assumed it would be. But it’s definitely made my mornings a little quicker and is nice to have when I want to switch it up (plus, no getting stuck in tights right after! If you know what I mean, then you just know what I mean).

3. KnockOut nail polishes, $14 each
My friend Lara recently reintroduced me to my first love: KnockOut nail polishes (I remember writing one of my most early posts on the brand that the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O rocks too). They truly, truly started the trend on matte nails so it’s nice to see them not only thriving but killing it in some parts of the world. Flatte Black, Plaster (taupe), and Lili (lavender) have been front and center in my nail polish collection.

4. Laura Geller BB Cream All-In-One Perfecting Beauty Balm, $34
Laura Geller can do no wrong in my book. Some people say BB creams are played out, that they had their time. But honestly, I feel like companies are really improving on them and making them so easy to use that I rarely feel like I need anything more. Most BB creams have kind of a matte finish but if you’re looking for one that will make you all glowing and dewy, check this one. I was so impressed with it from the very first time I used it. It gives just a tinted veil of color, keeps skin soft and protected with SPF 21, plus it contains antioxidants like ginseng root and gingo biloba extracts.

5. IT Cosmetics IT-O2 Ultra Repair Liquid Oxygen Foundation, $38
I’ve been a fan-girl of IT Cosmetics since they launched and for good reason — the whole line boasts quality products that helps improve your skin at the same time. Their concealer is amazing, their brow pencil is what dreams are made of, and now their foundation is just as high quality. This foundation specifically is suited for more mature skin, since it contains skin-plumping peptides and hyaluronic acid as well as antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. It has a light finish, so you really have to use a lot for people to even tell you’re wearing any makeup. Also, check out the website b-glowing.com, which has a awesomely curated selection of beauty products. They really know their stuff, and the fact that they carry IT Cosmetics (which is where I found this foundation) is reason enough for me to keep looking for new gems on their site.

6. Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Vitamin C Wipes, $15
As a dedicated Ole Henriksen Truth Serum advocate, these new wipes just made everything come full circle for me. I’ll never travel without some sort of makeup wipes on hand, and the best part about these are they’re formulated to not only wipe off all your make up, but also to brighten with vitamin C. Plus, it smells like orange sherbert.

7. Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow, $20
If you’re as into brows as I am, you have to have this in your kit. These will last you a lifetime. Literally a dot of this gel from Make Up For Ever is all you need to perfect your brows. Make sure you’re extremely light handed with it so you don’t look over done, but for truly flawless brows give Aqua Brows a try.

8. Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray, $24
When I want major volume but still a flexible hold, I’ve started turning to Living Proof’s Flex Shaping Hairspray. The best part is, you can use it on wet or dry hair to get a really sleek style (plus the humidity protection keeps my hair from frizzing up after drying it). I love it especially for when I’m setting my hair in waves.

9. Zensation Light Therapy Device, $245
I know, the price tag is ridic. But it’s a professional grade light therapy device you can use at home so if you think about cost for this versus facial and doc treatments, it’s worth it. It helps improve skin tone and texture with 8, 20 minute treatments (read: you have to be dedicated to your skin). It reaches down to the collagen level with its 3-in-1 LED light energy to help smooth skin and keep your complexion staying bright. I’ve only started using it at the end of the month (to be honest, it was sitting on my table for months because I was too intimidated to use it!). But there’s no pain or scorching involved. Just a face massage with amazing results.

10. Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream, $42
I think the direction I’m moving towards, I have less qualms about using the more expensive stuff in my skincare routine because honestly some of them are SO legit. The more I learn about Jurlique as a brand, the more intrigued I am by them, like the fact that they have their very own biodynamic farm in Australia where they source all their organic ingredients. This moisturizer is great if you have dry skin (ie me, all winter). It has avocado oil and shea butter to keep it baby soft and I love its light, delicate scent too.

11. Laura Mercier Eau Gourmande fragrance set, $45
I really hope Laura Mercier never stops selling these three as a gift set, because these perfumes are everything. I always find a day and occasion to wear Mercier’s scents in vanilla, fresh fig, and almond coconut milk. The best part about these three is you can layer them and mix and match to create unique scents, and their so small and travel friendly, I’ll never leave without them now.

12. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, $22.50
There’s a reason this is a cult favorite. I feel like I may have written about these a million times, but I still can’t find anything that rivals the smooth, buttery finish of these lip balms. The tint is so natural and beautiful too — trust me, you’ll get hooked so fast.

13. Juara Invigorating Coffe Scrub, $37
If you love the idea of taking a shower in coffee and chocolate, this is kinda the best thing ever. It’s an amazing scrub made with walnut shells and real Indonesian coffee beans (a clinically proven skin tightener!) that will leave your skin baby smooth.

What got you through the month?

x
Shy
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