You guys! This was my last weekend as a “single” medical school wife! For now at least. After today, Vishnu will be done with his boards and a free man! I can’t wait to have my husband back.
I used this weekend to prep for our upcoming trip to Turks and Caicos. I can’t believe it’s almost here! You better believe we’re ready to lay by the pool/beach and sip on some cocktails. More on that to come!
So today I want to showcase a few of my new favorite beauty finds because they’re pretty awesome. I’ve actually found a lot of my favorite makeup and hair care products via blogs, so I thought I would do my part and (hopefully) return the favor.
First up we have the Desert Essence Coconut shampoo and conditioner. As you know, I’ve been using a few Desert Essence skin care products (one of them being the face wash in the back of the picture) for a while now and absolutely love them. So when my cousin told me about this particular shampoo and conditioner, I knew I had to try it. This stuff has the same effect on my hair that the coconut oil treatment I do has, especially with prolonged use. The combination of Jojoba and Olive oil leaves my hair silky, soft, and super moisturized all without weighing it down. And the smell? It’s out of this world! I think I need to buy the Coconut Hand and Body Lotion so that every inch of me smells like paradise.
Next we have Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil. Honestly, the only reason I bought this was because I had a coupon. I didn’t have high hopes for it because I’ve heard that nothing comes close to the “real” stuff. Well, I was wrong. This stuff is liquid gold. I apply about three pumps to damp (just washed) hair and style as usual. My hair is noticeably smoother and softer to the touch. And I think using this before heading out in the humidity is helping to tame the frizzies. Also, this stuff smells incredible as well! I think the Desert Essence + Suave combo is perfect for my hair (which is naturally wavy and coarse).
And last but not least we have the Revlon ColorStay Foundation for combination/oily skin. I know I’ve blogged about my love for more expensive foundations, and while I still think the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick is a great product, my wallet doesn’t necessarily agree. After a little bit of research, I settled on this particular drugstore foundation. I was looking for something with good coverage and a matte look and feel. Oh and I also wanted something that didn’t aggravate my acne prone sensitive skin. Too much to ask? Not really because this foundation fit the bill in all respects. It’s comparable to the high end stuff, has a soft finish, and keeps my skin shine free for over eight hours. And for anyone who cares, I use a foundation brush to apply because I don’t like the idea of using my fingers.
The only problem with drugstore makeup is being able to find the right shade. Luckily, the Target associate working in the makeup aisle let me try on a few different shades. All of the bottles I wanted to try ended up having broken seals, so before she tossed them in the damaged pile, she let me experiment. She even helped me pick the right shade. I love Target!
Well, there you have it – my three new beauty product favorites. Share some of yours in the comment section!
Happy Monday!
Ohh I need to keep an eye out for the morrocan oil! That sounds like just what I need!
I think it’s great for almost every hair type. I’m sure you’d love it!
I’ve been meaning to try the colorstay foundation, everyone loves that foundation in both this one and the whipped variety. Since it’s full coverage i think I will wait until the fall to try it, so that gives me time to decide if i want the liquid or whipped! 😉
I may try the whipped kind next. But honestly, it’s amazing. I still can’t believe I bought it at a drugstore.
Ooh that Suave oil has me curious! I have the MoroccanOIl stuff, but I always use it AFTER I blow-dry my hair to help keep things smooth and frizz-free, but then it ends up making my hair looks a little oily at time (then tames out by midday). I should try applying this BEFORE blow-drying and see what happens – thanks for the tip! I also need to find a better foundation 🙁 I was so dependent on the L’Oreal True Match powder, but it isn’t ideal for oily skin I’ve come to realize. Or my skin wasn’t as oily before when I first started using it. I bought the Dream Mousse matte from Maybelline, but it’s the wrong shade and I can’t take it back 🙁 I wish there was a good guide to help me out! 🙁
Glad that little tip worked out for you, my friend!
I’m using this new L’Oreal shampoo/conditioner (can’t remember what it’s called) that is supposed to stop your hair from shedding as much. I always have to vacuum after washing and drying my hair because so much falls out, but after using this stuff for about a week there is hardly any hair on the floor any more. I’m impressed!
I just looked it up. It’s called Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo and Conditioner. Love it!
I NEED that shampoo in my life. Although my hair feels thicker than it has in the past, I am shedding way more than before. So annoying!
I’ve heard really awesome things about that shampoo and conditioner – I think I may have to pick some up when I’m out of mine. And isn’t that Revlon foundation amazing? I tried it on a whim for pretty much the same reason as you, and completely fell in love. It seriously IS comparable to the high end stuff, and it doesn’t seem to break me out either, which is always a win. Another beauty product that I recently came across was the Tarte Amazonian clay blush. I always have a problem with my blushes fading throughout the day, so finding a long-wearing one that seems to stick is always welcome. I really want to try their bronzing powder too.
I bought the Sonia Kashuk (?) blush at Target (on a whim) and absolutely love it. The staying power is great, and it adds the perfect pop of color without being too much. Definitely worth checking out. 🙂
I have not tried anything new lately but still in love with MAC foundation, concealer. I currently am using YES to Carrots – night cream and its making my skin really smooth and clearing all the blemishes. I have to try that Moroccan hair stuff soon. Thanks for sharing and cant wait to hear about your upcoming trip 🙂
I’ve heard great things about the YES to Carrots brand. Will definitely check that out. Thanks!
I’ve heard such great stuff about that Moroccan Oil! Especially with the monsoons in full swing right now in Mumbai, I am all the more tempted to purchase a bottle- my hair is ALL over the place and lord knows I could use any help I can get in terms of the frizzies 🙂
That’s how I feel about Miami…I will try anything to calm the frizzies!
I love Moroccan Oil, I use just a pump when my hair is damp and it’s noticeably shinier (in a good way!) and tame. What type of doctor is your husband interested in becoming?
Right now he’s thinking radiology. But he has another year to make up his mind!
Turks & Caicos sounds fantastic. I cannot wait to see pictures from the trip 🙂
PS: I use that same foundation for non-fancy days and I love it!
I still can’t believe it only cost me $14!
Turks & Caicos sounds amazing! Wish I was going! 😉 I’ve heard so much about the Dessert Essence. I think it’s about time that I give it a try! I love the BareMinerals products, especially the foundation. It goes on so nice and looks very natural on the skin.
Ahh! I can’t wait. We are so excited!
Oooooh P, I’m so excited for your trip to T&C, this way I can get all my input. 🙂 Clearly you have good taste since you sent me to Yardbird. Just pray we both don’t face hurricanes.
You’ve posted so much about Desert Escence, I think I need to check out some of their award winning stuff. OMG, if you wanna smell like coco, at TJ, buy the Coconut Body Butter cream, it is $5 and it smells like coconut frosting.
My favorites – i love nars laguna, i wear that for going out though, and I love Estee Lauder’s Time Zone SPF 15 moisturizer. I also like the Moroccan Oil hair oil, original formula.
🙂
Don’t you worry! I will be sharing all the details. 🙂 And definitely check out DE…all of the products are so great.
I need to invest in a good shampoo – thanks for the recommendation! Do you happen to know how ‘green’ it is? Like whether it is paraben free or not?
The entire brand if very green! That’s why I love it. The facewash has made a huge difference for my skin and now I’m seeing similar results for my hair.
From the website and packaging:
No: Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates, Phthalates, Artificial Colors, Silicones, EDTA, Glycol or Petroleum-based Ingredients, Phosphates, Animal Testing
I love love love that foundation, but am even more in love with the whipped version!
How is the coverage with the whipped kind? I need something that’s heavy or buildable at the very least.
definitely full. I use the Real Techniques Expert Face brush to apply it and it’s like the most amazing coverage ever.
Hey! I know I’ve come to the party late but just wanted to tell you, my skin story has bern exactly like yours – and following The Japanese Skincare Revolution book (with Hada Labo products) and cutting out all sugar and flour made a huge difference for me. Probably everyone tells you their own ” miracle cure,” but it was just so unique to see someone with my exact story that I thought maybe our skin would respond similarly. It’s still not perfect, but far better.