BEAUTY FAVES 2015

The new players for 2015

FACE:
I don’t wear a lot of makeup, at least not in my opinion. I have some friends with such gorgeous sick and who don’t wear a lick of makeup. I wish, but I’m not one of those. But I do think my makeup regimen is quite conservative. It consists of primer (I’m a primer addict), foundation (good coverage one which means I skip concealer), eye liner, mascara, lip balm, lipstick (I recently upgraded from 1 lipstick to 2 lipsticks- yay me and lastly a mattifying powder. As I get older, I realize I would love to at some point skip the foundation step. And in order to do that, I need to get my skin as healthy as possible. Picking on my pimples when I was younger sure wasn’t a good idea and I basically just didn’t do myself any favors.

Now, my skincare regimen consists of the following: good cleanser, a toner, daytime and nighttime moisturizers and serums.

Pictured below are some of my new loves. For primers I have to give it to (#7) Becca Ever Matte Poreless Perfecting Primer . If you have shiny, oily skin then you’d like to give it a try. It’s so good and my face (in other words makeup) literally stays put forever. It’s on the pricey side and was a recent splurge for me. A lower priced and almost as good option would be the Rimmel Stay Matte ($6.99) option which comes quite close but may require a touchup during the day and doesn’t have the lasting power. The (#5) Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer by Pacifica is a new fave because its glides on to your skin and you get this perfect canvas for everything else.

A girlfriend recently introduced me to Korean Beauty products. Even though I had heard all the hype- it’s much different when someone you’re close to and who has beautiful skin makes a direct recommendation. So I made an impromptu stop at Nature’s Republic location not far from my job and happened upon a sale which was great cos I was able to get #1 and #2 Nature Republic Original Power Hydro and the Aloe Vera Essence, both essential moisturizers that have left my skin feeling hydrated and soft but not greasy. I’m hearing the hydro might be discontinued and that’s no bueno.

The Skin Inc serums were actually an insta discovery that peaked my interest due to their packaging and concept of serum mixing- which is something I already play around with. I do wish you got more for the buck but I do like the results I’m seeing. Of all the products, I have used them for the least amount of time, but I’m happy enough to consider another re-up.

Finally, would be my nighttime, before bed regimen. I started using Origins products about 8 years ago, but back then I only used one thing, their Origins Clear Improvement charcoal mask. I don’t use that anymore- but I sure do live for their rich but not heavy night cream (#8) Origins Night-a-Mins. On some nights, because I must be trying to confuse my skin and keep it on its toes, I use the Ole Henriksen night gel.

HAIR:

On the hair side, to be quite honest- not much as changed since I shared these. Almost all those players are still in rotation and I love them all. However, a few new players have joined the party.

For Masques or treatments after my hair has taken a bad beating, I use the Shea Moisture Superfruit 10 in 1 Hair Masque. I remember reading a review somewhere saying that this wasn’t all bad and I wouldn’t have even bothered with it until my girl MissT1806 brought hers over when she was helping color my hair and made me use it after the color. That was 4 months ago and I can’t be without this. I also recently discovered Mizani products as I was invited to their launch event for the new true textures line. Two things from that line have worked for me. I am already on a second bottle of the Style Refresher milk. However, because I’m working on repairing my hair (due to recent color and cold air) the intense moisture treatment has been the best thing for my hair these days.

Most of my styling begins with putting my hair in 2 strand twists and while twisting I add Carolina B Shea moisture nourishing cream to my hair and Garnier’s Split end treatment to my ends to help with breakage. Carolina B is a Paris based brand that takes natural hair products and ingredients very seriously. Did I mention their shampoo feels like honey in your hair? I’ll save that for another time.

Last but definitely not least, is Davines Oi All in One milk. I use it almost as a daily moisturizer because it makes my hair smell and feel good. It’s really not much deeper than that with this one.

And that folks is beauty in 2015. That’s a Wrap. Till next year.
Any Questions? What are you using or no longer using?

VIVRANT BEAUTY

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