I’ve always been fascinated with beauty products. But not in a “I like to paint my face a bunch of different colors” kind of way. When I was younger, I loved to read the descriptions on the back of packaging/containers/bottles/etc. To this day, I often find myself lingering in the beauty aisle picking up random products and reading about them. I’m a nerd…what can I say!
Anyway, over the past few years, my focus has shifted to finding products that work for my skin/hair and give me the look I want. And after a lot of experimenting, I’ve finally found a few solid products that have become a part of my day to day beauty regimen. And because I know how hard it can be to find good quality products that do what is stated on the packaging, I’m going to share some of my favorites!
This Nivea chapstick is my absolute favorite! It leaves my lips super smooth and slightly glossy, and it’s not sticky or thick. And it comes two to a pack and costs less than $3.
I once read that all mascara formulas are pretty much the same, and that the brush matters more than anything else. Personally, I love this Maybelline Great Lash mascara because it makes my lashes look naturally full and doesn’t clump. And the brush is pretty awesome too – as you can see in the picture, the brush works with the shape of your eyes to coat lashes evenly.
I never used to wear bronzer, but when a coworker of mine mentioned how she really liked this Neutrogena Bronzer, I decided to give it a try. I’ve been using it for over a year now, so I guess you can say that I’m a fan. It’s lightweight and gives my often dull looking skin a healthy glow. And I think it’s actually helping to improve my skin (well before the whole ACV incident).
This Bobbi Brown foundation stick is honestly a life saver for my acne scarred skin. The coverage is amazing, and it brings an evenness to my skin that has never been there before. While you can use your fingers to apply, I use a brush to allow for even application. The only downside to this product is the price tag. But for me personally, quality > cost. And yes, the quality is that good!
This Laura Mercier Powder Foundation is unlike anything I’ve ever used. And trust me, I’ve tried a lot of different powders over the years. I love the soft matte coverage, which is important for skin that tends to be oily. When applied with a large powder brush, it blends beautifully. The combination of this powder and the foundation stick works extremely well to hide most of the imperfections on my face. And unfortunately, this product is also relatively expensive. But for what you get, I think it’s worth it – especially if you weren’t blessed with porcelain skin!
And last but certainly not least, you have my new favorite hair product – Garnier Fructis Blow Dry Perfector. As most of you probably know, Florida isn’t exactly a dry state. In fact, it’s humid year round. Extremely humid – like “I don’t want to put in the effort to dry and straighten my hair because it’s going to poof up the minute I step outside.” And with my coarse, slightly wavy hair type, I have the “do I put in the effort or not” debate every single morning. So when I first tried this product, I didn’t have high hopes. You can imagine my surprise when my hair stayed relatively flat and frizz free all day. And I’m happy to report that my experience since that first use has been just as amazing (and surprising). Florida humidity has nothing on me!
While it looks like my beauty routine is extremely involved and over the top, I promise it’s not! Trust me…I’m not one to waste my precious time applying makeup. And I’ve learned that with good products, you don’t have to. I’m done in five minutes tops!
Are you a beauty product lover? What are your go to essentials?
Great suggestions of new products to try, P! I’ve been using Nivea chapstick for a long time- love it! Bobbi Bown is also a foundation favorite of mine but lately I’ve switched to Dior Forever and I’m really happy with it. It gives a great finish and is ideal both day & night. I hate foundations which are too clumpy/thick and fortunately this is far from either! Another great Dior product which I highly recommend is the Dior Rosy Glow. I always feel OTT when I add blush but this adds color without making me feel like a clown!
I’m going to have to check out this Dior foundation. And when I first bought the bronzer, I’m pretty sure I did go OTT! HAHA! But I think I’ve finally figured out how to apply it. 🙂
I love hearing about people’s favorite products! 🙂 And I’ve been hearing sooo many people rave about Laura Mercier products lately! Especially the tinted moisturizer that comes in the compact. I’ve never tried any of her products and I think it’s about time I did!
I LOVE Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown products. Another favorite of mine is Urban Decay, especially for eyeshadows. I could talk about this stuff all day!
oh yea! I only use urban decay for eyeshadow, they are truly the best.
I love to try new products! I’ve been using a new moisturizer which I love – it’s good for sensitive (acne-prone) skin. It’s called Bosica (I hope I’m spelling that right).
I think I’ve heard of that brand. And you have acne?! I don’t remember that at all!
Oh yes. I have TERRIBLE skin.
I’ve bought two Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer products recently that I haven’t loved, I may have to save up and try the power. It sounds great!
Does the tinted moisturizer provide decent coverage? Once my face clears up, I want to use something a bit lighter than the foundation stick.
My go-to’s are Cover Girl Lash Blast, Aveeno tinted moisturizer, Benefit eye liner, and Bare Escentuals blush in “Beauty”
I love the Aveeno tinted moisturizer. It’s so light!
Love this post!!! I think I have an addiction to trying new mascaras. I’m currently obsessed with “They’re Real” (I think it’s from Benefit) and Lash Volume from L’Oreal. So fun trying new products!!
I seriously get a high from buy new beauty products! Who knew that a new eyeliner could do that!?
LOVE lists like this! As a fashion and beauty novice, I’m always looking to pick up tips. I’m also a bit of a chapstick aficionado, so I have to try that Nivea. Thanks!
It’s honestly the best. And I’ve tried a lot of chapsticks!
I am a HUGE fan of Almay’s new makeup line – the new eyeshadows and the smart shade foundation. I bought them before my wedding in June and I’ve loved them ever since. I am also really brand loyal to L’Oreal mascara.
I need a new bronzer, I am going to give this Neutrogena one a try.
Let me know what you think! And I love that Almay products don’t contain a lot of the chemicals other brands do. My sister is allergic to a lot of the ingredients found in makeup but Almay works for her. It’s great!
There are few things that I swore by. I cannot do without Origins Zero Oil moisturizer- both affordable and great for acne-prone skin. And I have been using Macs studio fix foundation, concealer for years now- i love it. When my skin does not need much coverage, I also use mineral makeups. I use Chi’s hair products and they are great. I am not much of a makeup, beauty product explorer because I am afraid to try new things and cause more problems than I already have.
Welcome to my world! I have a love hate relationship with experimenting. I always fear that if I do, I will pay the price later in the form of acne. Grrr…
Great post Parita. I do like beauty products, but I honestly don’t know how to do great makeup, I go with a very natural look. My favorites are Maybelline’s great lash, I’ve heard it is the BEST. I also love Nars Laguna bronzer. And I use a MAC Kohl eyeliner. That’s about it. I have to give this Nivea chapstick a try, I use the traditional Cherry Chapstick. Great picks. You’ve inspired me.
Oooh, great products! I love the natural look as well. And I feel like when I try to do more, I look odd. 🙂