Cosmetic Jungle! Pre-Fall Beauty Buys
I'd never heard of Rahua up until a couple of weeks ago, when I received some samples as a gift from my friends at Linda Gaunt, but I became instantly addicted to the Omega 9 Hair Mask. I mean, I seriously binged and used up the whole bottle in a couple of weeks. My summery-super-dry-locks are now lustrous, shiny, and silky-soft. Now, I have to learn to taper myself off to smaller doses of this magic elixir to make the most of the $58 price tag! Oh, but it's worth it for a once-a-week hair repair indulgence, indeed. The other essentials? Nuxe Huile ProdigieuKse (I run a few drops through my wet hair before drying), and Arrojo Dry Shampoo - perfect to keep my every-day-wash tendencies at bay! Another super inexpensive (but hardly picturesque) concoction is a few tablespoons of Virgin Coconut Oil; just heat up the oil (at room temperature, it becomes solid), and run it through your hair in the shower pre-conditioner, or use it as a mask!
Let's start with skincare. My skin has been a sensitive topic for me ever since I was 12-years-old and encountered my first awkward, painful experiences of hormonal acne. At 26, I still get hormonal break-outs, but changes in my diet (I went gluten free over a year ago) and major investments in some high quality skin care alongside with all-natural assistants have made my skin turn a complete 180. After starting a strict regiment of Cle de Peau products last fall, I quickly transitioned to the Future Solutions line from their sister brand, Shiseido - seeing pretty much instant results from their eye creme, face wash, serum, and moisturizers. The entire line is packed with Skingenecell, a restorative technology that helps prevent signs of aging and diminish fine lines. My dark circles have also vanished; the eye cream is that good! Though it is extremely expensive, the full-size products I purchased in February are only just running out; considering the tremendous improvement in the overall quality of my skin, I feel like it's been worth the investment. Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is an absolutely addictive toner (and this size, at $18, fits perfectly in my makeup bag for on-the-go refreshers). But, there are other low-cost products that have made their way onto my vanity that have become total staples. After picking up Avibon on my last trip to Paris, I'm not sure how I ever lived without it. I use a tiny dab nightly and it has evened my tone and dark spots and provides mega moisture. Alongside that puppy, I've been switching up my Shiseido cleanser with some raw honey; regular, organic, raw honey - straight from the grocery store. I use it as a cleanser; it has natural antiseptic qualities which help clear up acne!
Now, that fresh face make-up? Great skincare aside, sometimes I want a little extra help getting that smooth, even glow that can otherwise only be achieved with the help of some digital airbrushing... And until Photoshop by Adobé is a real beauty product, I'm sticking with these tried-and-true beauties: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' Conceal(oh my god, you guys. I could write a love letter to this product. Ithas literally ousted MAC Studio Finish from its decade-long reign) is a major winner; OCC is all-natural, vegan, and seriously pigmented - which means a little bit goes a long way. For photoshoot days (in fact, I'm off to a shoot with Stylecaster today!), I apply some Make Up For Ever HD Foundation and translucent powder... et voila!
Even though I have read all about the expiration dates and shelf-lives of most beauty products, there are dozens that keep their place in my cosmetic drawer for years. That said, I love to recharge my beauty routine a couple of times a year with new, fresh products. The products I can't live without? A great liquid eye liner, blush, and mascara. After trying practically everything on the product, I've narrowed these guys down to my favorites; Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm; Stila All-Day Liquid Liner (if this is ever discontinued, I will seriously cry); Benefit They're Real (it can be layered with BadGal Lash for extra oomph!); Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Loose Color Concentrate and Lip Tar (lip tar can even be used as a blush - and it's perfect). I'm even starting to experiment with eyeshadow, something completely foreign to the last 10-years of my cosmetic life, and Urban Decay's Primer Potion is turning out to be absolutely essential in that process.
Next on my list? A great new fragrance (though at $495, Tom Ford's new "Cafe Rose" will definitely stay on the wishlist) and a perfect deep berry that complements my skin and hair... I'm open to suggestions on that front!