I think it’s time for a change of pace. Instead of another post full of oats, eggs, cheese, avocado and bowls of randomness, let’s get crazy talk beauty. I thought it would be fun to share some products I have recently discovered and am loving. I don’t know about you but I find it really helpful to receive recommendations on products before I try them. There are just so many options!
Here are five beauty products that I’ve started using in the past few months and want to share with you!
Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation – I am a makeup loyalist and it’s one of the things I believe in splurging on since I wear it every single day. I used Bobby Brown products for over five years but recently made the switch to Laura Mercier. I am completely obsessed with this Creme Smooth Foundation. It feels hydrating and provides excellent coverage without looking heavy. I love the “glow” it seems to give my skin.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage – staying with makeup, Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage is the most amazing concealer. It works for everything from under eye circles to blemishes and comes with two shades. One is supposed to mimic your skin’s undertone and the other provides a closer match to your actual color. You can create a custom blend of the two to cover various trouble spots. This concealer paired with the foundation totally covers some of the faint acne scars that I still have from the crazy breakouts I was having last year.
Organix Moroccan Argan Oil – I have been using various smoothing/defrizzing oils in my hair for years. Recently, a friend recommended that I try Moroccan oil. Traditionally, it’s pretty pricy but I heard that this brand was a great value and picked it up for $7 at the drugstore. It is amazing! First, it smells wonderful. Second, it is better than any oil I have ever used. I apply a little bit to my hair after I shower and then dry and straighten it. I can tell a definite difference in the texture of my hair when I use this product. Bonus, it protects your hair against heat styling and UV rays.
Jason Restorative Biotin Pure Natural Shampoo and Conditioner – my mom actually introduced me to this line of products. I have been trying to go more natural with my hair and skin products and this shampoo and conditioner is free of lauryl/laureth sulfates
and is enriched with marigold, ginseng and chamomile for natural hair care. I find the shampoo very effective for cleansing my hair and scalp and the conditioner leaves my hair soft and manageable.
South of France Lavender Ultra Moisturizing Liquid Soap – you would think that since I am constantly placing cold lavender towels over my yogis eyes during savasana that I would be sick of the smell but I’m not. Keeping with the natural product theme, this soap is infused with organic herbs and smells so good. I know this sounds silly but there’s something about not using my plain old Dove soap that seems to take my shower to a different level!
Please share in the comments if you’ve made any great beauty product discoveries lately!
Have to recommend the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System… Around $20 for the battery-operated (with batteries!) scrub brush and sample wash or $32 with the product at Target! Great bargain version of those fancy exfoliation systems everyone is raving around that retail around $100-$200. I bought mine YESTERDAY and my skin feels so much softer and smoother already–I hope it helps clear up some of my breakouts!
P.S. I always love your posts, Jen, but I think it’s fun to mix it up! Have an amazing day 🙂
i have been so interested in trying one of those brushes. thank you for letting me know about the cheaper option. and thank you so much for reading and commenting! 🙂
I blab about these two products constantly but I couldn’t live without: Philosophy Hope in a Jar and Chi Silk Infusion. I know Philosophy has been around forever and I’m late on the train but my skin has never felt this smooth and fresh! And the chi oil makes my hair silkier and healthier looking than it ever has before.
I’m in need of a new, natural shampoo/conditioner. Right now I use either Aussie or Garnier, but I used to use Trader Joe’s tea tree shampoo/conditioner and I miss it a lot (no TJ’s in Florida!).
The first one just opened in Naples! I’m in Sarasota and one is opening here soon! Not sure where in Florida you are, but they are coming here, finally 🙂
oh, i used to use hope in a jar. it is so amazing!
I’ve been using Suki products since high school and love them. I also use raw honey face masks and coconut oil during these dry winter months. Fun post, Jen.
I forgot to mention! I used to work on a lavender farm. I didn’t even get tired of lavender, just more discerning 🙂
that is so cool! 🙂 (and random…but very cool!)
I recently purchased a heat-protecting liquid for my hair… by BedHead. I’m trying to protect it when I iron it. I’ll have to keep that oil in mind. Sounds like a nice option as well!
I am an addict for Garnier Fructis Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk. I put a little on my hair after a shower and it makes my hair dry in a soft effortless wavy way as a opposed to the normal stringy looking frizz.
I also swear by Mary Kay mascara, but I don’t feel compelled to pay the premium price for any other MK stuff.
Also, on the cheap cheap end of the scale, I LOVE Clean ‘n’ Clear Advantage Acne Control Moisturizer. Couldn’t go one day with out it.
OH!!! AND ESSIE NAIL POLISH IS TOTALLY WORTH THE PRICE. I used to be a non-believer when I saw the ads dominating magazines, but then I tried it and now I buy nothing else even though I can’t help but feel that $7.50 is a little pricey for a small bottle of polish.
i also love, love, love essie nail polish. it stays on for days and their colors are great.
I haven’t tried Essie but the ones I buy are expensive, too, but as my husband pointed out, it’s A LOT cheaper than getting a mani/pedi profesionally, so the bottle isn’t expensive at all! 😉
OK I have to get on this train because I am a TOTAL makeup/skin care junkie….
LOVE the Korres line of makeup but I recently started using the Quercetin Oak primer. It’s lightweight, has anti aging properties and is silicone free which is the main reason we break out with heavy makeup products…by the way, Jen…ALL Laura Mercier products are silicone free!!! I also LOVE the Korres foundation.
Next I am IN LOVE with the Make up Forever High Definition Powder. It’s also silicone free. It’s white in the jar but it’s obviously translucent and has a slight shimmer. Doesn’t settle in the fine lines, but instead give a shimmery finish and glow. You can get a smaller version at Sephora for only $15!
Lastly, did you know that Sephora gives samples??? Yes they do and I use this option frequently! If you want to “try” a foundation, primer, skin care product, etc, they will give you a little sample and it usually has about 10 uses! I’m still using the sample of the Korres foundation and primer I was given over a week ago!
i have never heard of korres and i had no idea about the laura mercier being silicon free – bonus! i will most definitely pick up some of that powder. maybe i’ll ask for a sample of it at sephora! 😉
My mom got me on the Laura Mercier train last year!! I also love her hydrating primer–you just use a little bit and it makes makeup last all day. Seriously, it is liquid gold. I never have to reapply!
Also, Olay 7-in-1 facial cleanser is the only thing that makes me not get terrible breakouts. I don’t have zits ever when I use it, but if I take even a few days off, I break out like crazy.
i will have to splurge for the primer. the sales girl went on and on about how much i needed it but i didn’t believe it would make that much of a difference. now two people here have recommended it!
i will check out that olay cleanser!
Love this post! I keep meaning to do a post like this because I LOVE beauty products!! I think you just gave me the boost I needed to get on it! 😉
totally agree with you on the laura mercier products….her foundation primer is AMAZING and worth the investment! as is paul mitchell awapuhi shampoo and diorshow iconic mascara 🙂
gosh, i’ve been resisting spending the money on the primer but i am going to have to do it. i have been dying to try diorshow. need to make the splurge! sounds like it might be a makeup buying weekend for me! 🙂
I love posts like this…it’s a nice change every once in a while. I’ve also been trying to switch to more natural products. I definitely want to try the moroccan oil and the Shampoo/conditioner.
I am in love with coconut oil (expeller pressed virgin coconut oil…I buy mine at whole foods). I use it as my facial moisturizer before bed and my skin is baby soft and glowing in the morning.
Have a great evening! 🙂
you HAVE to try to moroccan oil. it smells so good and makes my hair so shiny.
i’ve been hearing/seeing a lot of using coconut oil as a moisturizer. interesting to hear that it works as a good face moisturizer for you.
I love this post! I’m such a girly-girl and when I zone out, if I’m not thinking about running or yoga, I’m thinking about my hair and newest eyeshadow.
After reading rave reviews, I finally splurged and got the NARS orgasm blush – and it is as good as claimed! So flattering. I’m also a devotee of bare minerals make-up as I prefer a more natural look – but not toooo natural if ya know what I mean.
oh i have been meaning to try that blush for years. i’m definitely going to get it.
I am a HUGE fan of Laura Mercier too…the concealer (which I think is the same as the one in your duo) and pressed powder are awesome. And the LM Bleu Marine eyeliner is one of my favorite makeup products ever. I don’t wear it that often, but I love it whenever I do!
i’ll have to check out that eyeliner! i always feel so much more dressed up when i wear it! 🙂
Like commenter Jennifer said above, I, too, LOVE Korres products. LOVE.
must check them out then!
You place cold lavendar towels over your yogis eyes? Wow, I need to come to one of your classes! Unfortunately in Europe they lack those little extras in yoga class. I’m lucky if I find one with music! Needless to say, I miss the yoga culture in the States.
As for beauty products.. I use coconut oil as a natural moisturizer. I smell like a cupcake before bed and its all natural 🙂
yes, it feels so good at the end of a long, sweaty practice. we are so spoiled with our yoga here in charlotte.
i have heard of using coconut oil as a moisturizer. love that – it does smell amazing!
I am in live with the urban decay NAKED palette. I bought it at Sephora and it cones with an assortment of good quality eye shadows that all blend with each other. About $50 and worth every penny. As for moisturizers, I love Oil of Olay serum. It’s so silky. Great post Jen 🙂
thank you for the recommendation on the naked palette. i love neutral makeup colors!
Jen- i’ve been DYING to try the Organix hair care line! I’ve picked it up a number of times while shopping, but always put it back last minute. Do you think it is best for a certain hair type? My hair is rather fine, so have to be careful with anything that might be too heavy. I know they have a volumizing line, so considered trying that. What would you say your hair type is?
i have only tried the moroccan oil and i’m not sure how it would work on fine hair. my hair is pretty thick/coarse. i would say to try the volumizing line though. sounds like it might be perfect for you!