Disclaimer: I know nothing more than my own experiences.
So, I thought it might be fun to share some of my favorite beauty products, for anyone interested in my humble opinion. Ever growing and evolving– this my current self-care routine:
Skin:
SEBAMED https://www.sebamedusa.com/
- Why: Products are catered to the skin’s natural state. Lotions and cleansers help the skin maintain its natural pH of 5.5. No soaps to dry the skin or any other chemicals, etc. to damage it. Not tested on animals. Amazing scent without having fragrances for those with sensitive skin.
- Favorites:
- Liquid Face & Body Wash –> I prefer this one to the olive oil one. I think it lathers easier.
- Moisturizing Face Cream–> Don’t skimp on this one! The body lotion on the face is just not enough.
- Moisturizing Body Lotion–> Great smell. Feels amazing. And a lot goes a long way. Instantly absorbs so no oily layer left over.
- Feminine Intimate Wash–> To maintain the natural pH of the downstairs area, 3.8. Smells great. Non-irritating. External use only.
- Cons:
- On the pricey side. I believe in investing in myself, though!
- Mostly available online. Some products are in stores but it’s hard to figure out which ones where.
ST. IVES https://www.stives.com/
- Coconut and Coffee deep exfoliant
- Why: I love this product because the smell of coffee is so invigorating and my skin is left so smooth. Not dried out at all.
- Cons:
- The particles are large as it is a “deep” cleanser. Consider choosing a “moderate” or “gentle” exfoliating cleanser with smaller particles if you find these to be too big.
- Not the cleanest list of ingredients; would prefer something a little more “natural”.
- NOTE: Contemplating trying Sebamed’s facial exfoliant but it hasn’t been available online the times when I have wanted to purchase.
LALICIOUS https://www.lalicious.com/
- Endless Summer Whipped Sugar Scrub
- Why: One of my favorite products of all time. Leaves skin silky smooth and hydrated. Smells (and tastes 😉) amazing. Small particles really help with in-grown hairs.
Make-up:
JUICE BEAUTY – phyto pigments collection https://juicebeauty.com/
- Stem Cellular CC Cream–> This liquid foundation creates a super smooth and even surface. 30 SPF protection included. Easy to mix with other tones if tanning puts the skin in that frustrating in-between-shades state.
- Perfecting Concealer–> Great for spot treatment and dark under-eyes. I usually apply with just a tap of the finger. A lot goes a lonnggg way.
- Ultra Natural Mascara–> Easy to apply, minimal clumping, and easy to remove.
- Brow Envy Gel–> Creates an even brow without looking like you’ve painted them on; a very natural look.
- Why: this product is unique. Plant-based with no additives, chemicals, or animal cruelty involved. I love how smooth it is, how well it blends, how good it feels after applying, how easy it is to come off at night, and how it aligns with my core values.
- My Technique: Daily application of Stem Cellular CC cream for a smooth complexion and SPF protection– apply with a firm brush. Concealer under my eyes and on other blemishes– I just dab with the smallest amount using my finger. Next I apply brow gel, mascara, and eyeliner as I see fit, depending on how dressed up I want to be. See blush below.
- Cons: On the pricey side. I choose to keep using this product despite the price tag because a lot goes a long way for me and I get comments about how good my skin and make up looks every time I wear it– and I mean every time!
BARE MINERALS https://www.bareminerals.com/
- Blush–>Â Saturated application so minimal amount needed for full cheekbone coverage and able to wipe with tissue to achieve desired intensity. Zero parabans. Zero animal cruelty. Only bright colors and positivity!
- Why: Soft product with a variety of colors.
- Cons: Colors are concentrated, meaning a very little goes a long way– so don’t rub a ton on that brush, you’ll be wiping your cheeks with tissue for hours!
NOTE: I don’t have eyeshadow, bronzer, highlighter, etc. included in this blog because I don’t use them. The above is complicated enough for me :p
Hair:
DEVA CURL https://www.devacurl.com/
- No-Poo Decadence Cleanser–> A no-lather shampoo that detangles and moisturizes while it cleans. I find that if I try to jump past this step and go straight to conditioning that I will have a significantly harder time trying to comb through my hair.
- One Condition Decadence Conditioner–> I comb through my hair in the shower after running this conditioner through it with my fingers. Pairs really well with the cleanser.
- Heaven in Hair deep conditioner–-> I use this as a leave-in conditioner as well as a topper to tame the people of “frizz-ville” who reside at the very front edge of my hair. This is a rowdy bunch that responds only to a stern product and a firm hand!
- Coconut Curl Styler–> After using Heaven in Hair, I apply a few pumps of this styler, head still bent forward/upside down. I run it through with my fingers and then scrunch.
- Ultra Defining Gel–> on top of and throughout my hair just before leaving the house for extra taming.
- Why: This product is by no means new news. Several people have raved about this product line’s ability to manage and create curls of all styles for all curly hair-types. From twists to waves, Deva Curl is able to do it all without leaving the hair feeling stripped.
- My Technique: Wash with No-Poo cleanse– rinse thoroughly. Condition with One Decadence Conditioner– comb/brush through with conditioner in and then rinse thoroughly. Apply Heaven in Hair and the Coconut Curl Styler with my hair flipped forward while still standing in the shower. Run through with fingers and scrunch. I find that this plumps the curls and locks in the moisture. I then absorb any excess water with a micro-fiber towel. I find this absorbs the water with the least amount of friction, which in turn creates the least amount of frizz. Ultra Defining Gel comes last. I apply it with my hair still flipped forward as well as on top and throughout frizz-ville.
- Cons: Can’t think of any. I guess a con could be that the cleanser/shampoo doesn’t lather. They do have a lightly-lathering option but I find that dries out my hair too much. I’d argue that not lathering is what draws people to the product– clean and detangle without drying out. Also, maybe a con is that the product is geared towards curly hair so isn’t necessarily for everyone. I’d argue that at the very least the cleanser, conditioner, Heaven in Hair deep conditioner, and gels are for all hair types, though.
Hair removal:
- For this one, there is no product link. My hair removal routine includes monthly waxing and shaving my armpits/legs every few days. If you’d like me to suffer a slow and painful death, take me to wax my armpits/legs. I’ve tried several times and can’t believe I am here to tell the tale. Just not worth it to me. Unbearably painful. Sweating profusely. Haven’t come up with a better way or found a product that I like better than a good ol’ razor and shaving cream. I’m open to suggestions, though!
- Favorite Razor: Honestly, I find men’s razors with at least 3 blades to be most effective/ produce fewer nicks. My first and only metal, reusable razor with a single blade broke after only a few months and I have not yet found a replacement I am willing to invest in.
- Favorite Shaving Cream: Satin Care by Gillette. Again, any cheap one from the grocery store tends to do the trick. The expensive fancy ones have not proven superior in my opinion. But, for mean, shaving cream is still better than soap and water.
- Favorite Waxing style: soft wax mixed with essential oils; pro tip: ask your wax specialist to apply pressure directly onto the site where hair was just removed– immediately minimizes the pain.
- Cons: All of the above involve the hair growing back which equals hair bumps. I’m not in a place mentally or financially where I am considering permanent hair removal but I am very open to hearing what has worked for others!
