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BEAUTY

My Ride-or-Die Beauty Products

It’s no secret that as a blogger I get to sample a TON of new beauty products every month. Sure, it’s AMAZING and so much fun – but it can also be hard on my skin! Which is why I’ve become extremely picky with what I decide to try and what I decide to giveaway to you guys, friends + family!

Over the last few years I’ve developed quite an impressive collection, but I’ve also narrowed it down to my true favorites.

I NEVER share things with you guys unless I absolutely L-O-V-E it and would buy it for myself over and over again, so I thought I’d do a refresher and show you what’s on my shelf these days!

It’s been a hot second since I walked you through each item piece by piece, so grab a glass of wine and get ready.

I’m deep diving into my medicine cabinet, and pulled out everything that I’ve been rotating through the last few months.

Below you’ll find links to every product, facts from the site, and reasons why I keep coming back to these products even when my free sample runs out!

must have beauty products


TOP SHELF

Dermalogica Skin Clearing Kit

I just got this in the mail a few weeks ago after letting my girl at Dermalogica know that I’ve been struggling with acne and breakouts lately (I blame it on WORK STRESS ugh). She immediately recommend I try this kit and after a few washes I already started noticing results! It’s specifically FOR adult acne (AMEN) and helps treat, clear and prevent the triggers that lead to more breakouts. Is meant to be used morning & night, and it’s only 4 different products so it’s not overwhelming!

mediBac Clearing Skin Kit includes:

  • Clearing Skin Wash (1.7 oz)
  • Sebum Clearing Masque (0.75 oz)
  • Overnight Clearing Gel (0.5 oz)
  • Oil Control Lotion (0.3 oz)

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum

I’ve had this serum for a while and I just started using it after my Micro Needle roller (which helps the serum penetrate quicker). It helps increase collagen renewal, hydration, firmness and dermal strength, lock in moisture and increase elasticity. I also love that it contains Rose Hip Seed Oil, which helps minimize discoloration while helping to boost cell renewal.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

This is one of the newer items in my beauty routine, but I love it! I just found out you can use it on dry skin to dissolve away makeup and grime, OR on wet skin as you start your day. Another cool fact is that “its cleansing power comes from the same gentle cleaning agents found in contact lens solution, so it’s tough on impurities and still safe to use on your eyes.”

COOLA Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum

If you’re nervous about applying self-tanner to your face, then you NEED this daily tanning anti-aging face serum. The texture is extremely light, gentle enough to use daily, and “offers a potent blend of argan oil, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and plant stem cell cultures for smooth, glowing skin.” WHAT more could you want in a daily buildable tanning lotion for your face? Also helps with uneven skin tone and firming – WIN WIN. I also LOVE that COOLA is formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Not to mention it’s eco-certified cosmos organic, non-GMO, vegan, cruelty tree, and formulated WITHOUT perfume, retinyl palmitate, and synthetic colorants. COOLA just gets it.

Kopari Lip Glossy

“A petroleum-free, clear-colored, and coconut-flavored lip treatment that isn’t sticky.” If that description doesn’t do it for ya, just know that this is hands down, the BEST lip gloss I’ve ever owned. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to use anything else (unless it’s Kopari’s Lip Love, of course). FREE of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Vegan, non-GMO, cruelty-free, and formulated without silicone, gluten, and synthetic fragrances.

it Cosmetics CC+ Cream

This is a product that I’m SO happy I finally started using / can’t believe it took me SO dang long to finally start trying! Since I incorporated this into my beauty routine, my other foundations have gone completely unused. I feel like the coverage is good enough for a night out, and light enough for a lazy day. I also love that it’s not JUST makeup. It’s doing the work of 7 products!

  • Full-coverage foundation
  • SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen
  • Brightening color corrector
  • Hydrating anti-aging serum
  • Poreless finish primer
  • Dark spot concealer
  • Moisturizing day cream

If that doesn’t convince you enough, click on the link and read the product description. It’s legit the BEST makeup product to invest in…I promise.

Container Store Bobby Pin box

Who doesn’t love a cute tiny container to wrangle their unruly bobby pins? I’m also a sucker for anything acrylic.

Dr. Brandt Luminizer Primer

This is a new product that I got in my BoxyCharm that I’m loving! It’s the same color of my skin, which for some reasons makes me feel like it helps with coverage, and it wears so well. It’s good for all skin types, and helps with dullness and uneven texture (BOTH of which I struggle with). I’m alllll about that natural glow, girl. FREE of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. (PS You can also use it as a highlighter!)

FATCO Myrrhaculous Face Oil

I was recently introduced to this brand and I’m really excited to keep exploring their products! This face oil is a “blend of nutrient-dense, plant-based oils, plus essential oils, all of which have anti-aging and healing properties.” The more I try out essential oils, the more I’m becoming with CLEAN beauty products. The thought of putting anything synthetic directly onto my face is starting to freak me out, so I’m taking baby steps! Cleaning up my skincare routine makes me feel more in-control of how my face looks, which feels good.

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque

This mask is one of my GO-TO’s. I have loved it since the moment I first tried it, and am nearly out! It’s an all-in-one treatment mask that instantly detoxifies troubled skin. More scientifically speaking: “Activated binchotan charcoal powerfully adsorbs impurities while 5% sulfur promotes cell turnover for dramatically brighter skin. Volcanic ash, sea silt, bamboo extract and alpha hydroxy acids further accelerate skin brightening with dual-action exfoliation. Niacinamide helps reduce congestion and calm the skin while Chilean wild mint helps refine pores.” Yes please!


MIDDLE

Baies Diptyque Candle

This candle is an investment, but as you can see here – it’s the candle that keeps on giving! Once it’s finished burning, the glass jar makes for a great container on a countertop or in a medicine cabinet 😉

Beauty Blender 

Everyone loves a good beauty blender! I don’t have to say much about these babies, but they’re the only way I apply my it Cosmetics CC+ Cream. I’ve linked a bundle that includes 2 blenders and one liquid blendercleanser in case you haven’t discovered it yet!

Esqido Lashes

I’m a sucker for lashes, and typically you’ll find my cupboard stocked with lashes from CVS, but I just got my hands on these Esqido lashes and they’re works of art! Not to mention their easy-to-apply lash glue. They’re worth checking out if you’re a lash lover!

Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème

FULL DISCLAIMER: THIS PRODUCT IS EXPENSIVE AF!!!!! To be fair, I was gifted this product in exchange for blog work – so, don’t hate me for including it in this (mostly) budget friendly roundup. The packaging is just too gorgeous not to include, and after using it…I totally understand why people pay big bucks for beauty. My skin honestly SHINES with this moisturizer and I’m mourning the fact that it’s almost gone. It’s #1 in J-Beauty right now, and it gives me allllll the luxury vibes. For one, it has silk and pearl elements that help to moisturize and retexturize skin while reducing the appearance of damage caused by environmental stress – isn’t that amazing? I’m all about it and when it’s empty I will surely tear up. Dramatic, but we’re talking about silk and pearls here. I feel like that makes it justifiable.

Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Eye Contour Cream

And yes – you guessed it. Related to the product above and also, expensive AF. This is one of the only eye creams that I can actually see working in less than 24 hours. It has seemingly brightened up my under-eye area, and has really made my smile lines lessen. Not only does it help with overall brightness around the eyes, it also “helps prevent the decomposition of collagen while firming skin around the eyes.” Star fruit leaf (did you even know that was a thing?!) extract and intensive brightening ingredient 4MSK improve the appearance of darkness, dullness and discoloration.” And FINALLY, not only is this miracle product effective, it also “comes with a specially designed beauty massage tool coated in pure platinum that helps increase surface circulation during massage and improve overall tone for more well-defined eye contour areas.”

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

This is a fan-favorite that I like having on-hand in case of a nasty breakout. It kinda freaks Brennan out when I apply it on all of my pimples, but he’s learned to deal with it!

Pixi Rose Oil Blend

If you haven’t tried Pixi yet I highly highly recommend it! It’s sold in Target stores and it’s an AMAZING clean drug-store option. This rose oil is an amazing oil to use day or night. Not only does sit smell like roses, but it’s also extremely moisturizing and preserving. It’s the perfect product to create that elasticity and glow we’re all after, and it won’t break the bank! It’s phthalate-free, Sulfate-free, butylparaben-free, formaldehyde donor-free, formaldehyde-free, nonylphenol ethoxylate free, propylparaben-free, sodium lauryl sulfate-free, dye-free, aluminum-free. Yes please!

OLAPLEX Hair Perfector

This product has been a huge game-changer in bringing my hair back to health. It’s a once-a-week treatment that you apply to wet ends, leave on for 20 minutes, and the wash/condition as usual. It helps to strengthen and protect hair structure, and restores healthy appearance and texture. There are no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, and I linked it here for under $20!

Saje Roller

The one featured above is from my new Saje Pocket Pharmacy. It’s THE BEST and comes with rollers that address many different ailments – but what started this Saje obsession originally was my Peppermint Halo roller. It’ the ONLY thing I’ll use for headaches anymore because it’s an all-natural treatment and doesn’t cause any harm to my body, plus it works almost instantly. If you are not an essential oils believer yet, you will be after trying this product out, I promise!

Reverie CAKE Restorative Scalp Tonic

I’ve been hoarding this product for probably over a year now because I don’t want to run out of it. This restorative scalp tonic promotes hair growth, balances the scalp’s pH, hydrates, and revitalizes. Paraben, sulfate, and phthalate free. “This product is formulated without silicone and gluten. Made with 100 percent natural ingredients, it is vegan, cruelty-free, and safe for color-treated hair.”

Key benefits:

– Delays aging of hair follicles and supports growth
– Restores balance, hydrates, and soothes the scalp
– Protects scalp against skin damage and environmental stressors

This leave-in treatment, suitable for all hair types, is powered by active ingredients such as Swiss apple stem cells that have been shown to delay the aging of hair follicles and hydrolyzed protein from the sweet white lupine plant, which has a restructuring and regenerating effect. A blend of rosemary and rose hydrosols combined with eight essential oils—including frankincense, sandalwood, and ylang ylang—complete this intensely hydrating formula.”

Stacked Skincare Derma Roller

I’m excited to finally have a Derma Roller in my beauty collection, but I haven’t been using it long enough to report back on what I think! I DID share this on InstaStories already though, and a ton of you had positive feedback! This product is safe to use at home 3-5 times a week, and is said to refine fine lines, increase firmness, and smooth the skin. So excited to check back in with you guys once I’ve used it for a while!

FATCO Fat Stick

This product is from the same brand I mentioned above; it’s their go-anywhere-do-anything product. “It can be a lip balm, cuticle repair and lotion stick packed into a single tube. Combat dry lips, apply to rough, dry patches on your face, rub onto your elbows and knees and beyond!”

Dermalogica Eye Lift

This is a great under eye cream that will NOT break the bank! It “lifts, brightens and de-puffs the delicate eye area. Wild indigo seed extract brightens dark under eye circles, sea water extract counters the look of puffiness and hyaluronic acid firms to lift the skin.” The best part is that the applicator is cooling and helps to massage the under eye area, which helps with puffiness!

Lush R&B Hair Moisturizer

The smell of this ALONE is a reason to buy it. I love putting this in my hair before bed as a hair mask to sleep in – it is also great to put into your hair when you’re wearing it naturally wavy and need to help with frizz. It’s theeeee best.

BOTTOM SHELF

Kopari Coconut Rose Toner

I just got this product last week after working with Kopari on-set and it’s amazing! It’s so refreshing to spray on after a long day, or to wear around the house when you want to go makeup free. It’s “a vegan, alcohol-free, and multitasking toner to keep redness at bay—that can also be used as a face primer, setting spray, and a quick refresh throughout the day.” It also helps prevent blemishes (it contains witch hazel) and helps to balance uneven skin tone! It’s Paraben, Sulfate, and Phthalates free; it’s also vegan, non-GMO, cruelty-free, noncomedogenic, and formulated without silicone, gluten, and synthetic fragrances.

Kopari Coconut Face Cream

This coconut oil based face cream is just as amazing as the toner above. It’s extremely hydrating, but light on the skin! It makes you feel really dewy and glowy (in a good way). “This includes coconut oil, sunflower oil, organic aloe, and a new smart emulsifier that adapts to the climate and your skin’s needs. In dry climates, it functions as a rich buttery moisturizer and in humid tropical climates, it transforms into an ultra-light moisturizer.” HOW COOL IS THAT?! It’s Paraben, Sulfate, and Phthalates free; it’s also vegan, non-GMO, cruelty-free, noncomedogenic, and formulated without silicone, gluten, and synthetic fragrances.

Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment

This leave-in oil-cream formula tames frizz and creates silky soft hair (amazing). It also helps to repair damage and enhance shine. It’s infused with 16 essential oils and can be used by men AND women. I’m a fan. “It’s Paraben, Sulfate, and Phthalates free; it’s formulated without silicone and gluten. The vegan-friendly formula is handcrafted in California in small batches using wild harvested, sustainable, and certified organic ingredients.”

e.l.f. Beauty Shield

e.l.f. is a well-known drugstore brand that is extremely affordable, but oddly enough this gel-cream is one of the BEST overnight treatment creams I’ve ever used. I’m obsessed with the massaging applicator (who doesn’t love a face massage while applying product?) and I wake up with noticeably different results. It’s formulated with Vitamin C, Pomegranate Extract, Argan Oil, and Carrot Seed Oil.
Formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, or Alcohol. You can also put it in the fridge for an increased soothing sensation!

Skylar ‘Arrow’ Perfume

I was JUST introduced to this natural perfume brand and I am hooked!!! I have all of their scents (minus their brand new ‘Capri’ scent) and Arrow is definitely my favorite. It’s warm, spicy, and seductive (their words not mine!) and is “memorable with notes of midnight jasmine, warm patchouli, and vanilla.” I’m so excited to find a perfume brand that is all natural, hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.

Ouai Wave Spray

I’ve been dying to incorporate The Ouai products into my daily routine, and this is the first product that’s making that desire a reality! I’m not usually a fan of wave sprays due to the crunchiness they cause at times, but this one truly is SO soft on your hair. It also smells soooo good. And there’s no denying the product packaging is worthy of display.

Davines Oi Oil

Okay you guys – if you buy ONE product from this post…let it be this one. I’ve been using hair oils since I was in junior high and I have NEVER owned one that is quite this powerful. I noticed an immediate difference in texture and my hair is like night and day since I started using it. I cannot recommend this product enough and I truly hope you will give it a try!

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

“A dry shampoo that actually cleans hair, eliminating oil, sweat, and odor.” Not to mention this is THE BEST smelling dry shampoo I’ve ever used! (I honestly got it just for that reason). I wouldn’t recommend it for brunettes because it is a little more powdery than I expected, but since my hair is light it’s easy to blend in!

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2 thoughts on “My Ride-or-Die Beauty Products

  1. I absolutely adore your blog posts! They’re so inspirational! I love what you do, and the things you post is exactly the kind of things I’m interested in. 💋

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