HAIR, SKIN , FACE
Last year, I did a writeup of my fave beauty products. I thought I'd update that list with some of the things I've been using lately that are sure to become regulars in my regimen. They are a combination of drugstore cheapies and some are a tad pricier but well worth it IMHO.
So let's start with makeup. Not much has changed from before. I'm terribly sad that my fave concealer (3) Cover & Clear from Black Opal, the only one that matches my skin perfectly and works on my acne has now been discontinued. I actually walked all over Manhattan trying to see if any Duane Reade still carried it to no avail. You can find them on ebay but I don't really trust ebay for beauty products, I'll be using this temporarily until I find a new option.
MAKEUP: My biggest makeup issue has always been oily skin, give me 30 minutes and I'll give you supershiny face. So I'm always looking for stuff that minimizes shine. After trying samples of more high end brands from Sephora, I was shocked to find that (4) Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Anti Shine Primer (only $5.99) actually really works for me. It doesn't feel as luxe on skin as my other favorite primer, Tarte Clean Slate Poreless, but the Tarte one doesn't work as well for keeping the shine away. For extra anti shine help, I found the uber affordable (1) E.L.F. powders work well, just be careful, a little goes a long way and if not used properly, it can leave dark skin looking ashy- no bueno.
SKIN: It's no secret how much I love all things citrus scented, lemon or lime to be most specific. So I purchased (1) 100% pure lemon essential oil which I can add to most anything. I also discovered C. booth. I mean I have seen them around for ages, but it wasn't until Rite Aid was having some ridiculous sale that I decided to give it a go. At around $5.99 for the (2) body butter and $6.99 to 8.99 for the 32oz lotion, they're a great deal. Anyhoo, the honey & almond body butter is so thick and buttery on my skin, its total ash prevention. I highly recommend.
HAIR: I'm so very settled into my regimen at this point that it shocks me when I find something new that I like. I had mentionned a few weeks back that belk.com had some crazy 50% off sale so I used that as an excuse to try some Carol's Daughter products. To be completely honest, I have never really used their products, I had no opinion on them really. Well, this (1) Monoi split end sealer was a pleasant surprise, me likey alot. Also, I've been in the habit of adding a little rosemary oil to my scalp oil, just didn't really share that before.
Now, if anything made my hair feel ridiculously amazing, it would have to be this (3) brazilian butter damage reverse treatment from Mahogany naturals. Full disclosure it was gifted to me and I have to admit its not the cheapest thing out there mostly because the company is UK based, so factoring exchange rate and shipping, its not exactly cheap. However, if you are UK based or have spare cash, I'd recommend it. Remember, different things work for different hair, I can really only speak about my experience. I get sent many hair products and to date, this is the only one I want loads more of and the only one I have shared on here so far, which is saying something. Lastly is the elucence conditioner, this one I ordered cos I heard so many great things, I didn't want to be left out the loop. Funny thing, my friend didn't love it as much as I did, which goes to show again, different strokes for different folks.
FACE: Saved my pricey's for last. I'm on a face oil binge right now. Lucky me, I received a Macys giftcard and was actually headed to grab something else when for some weird reason, I ended up at the Beauty section. I heard some ladies raving about Clarins Lotus oil and I figured, hey why not. If you don't like greasy face, this is not for you. Many reviews say it's not greasy but I don't quite agree. What I do like about it, is that I use it at night instead of day and I love the scent and my skin feels soft as do my laugh lines (yup, i laugh a lot and with soul darnit), so I have laugh lines. The Tarte Maracuja works similarly but I feel I can wear under makeup as its less oily.
With all this oil and makeup and crap on my face, what do I use to take it all off, but more oil. I had tried the OCM- Oil cleansing method a few years back and I actually ended up breaking out. I now use the OCM sparingly and I think this (3) Josie Maran version has actually helped my acne. I may need to use a little longer to say this with 100% certainty, but so far so good. Promise to keep y'all updated.
Whew, that was LONG. I guess we'll do this again, same time next year.