Beauty Arsenal

Over the past year my skincare routine has become highly important to me. Luckily, my mom stressed the importance of daily sunscreen (thanks, Mom!). While that's a good start, there were still a few more things I knew I could add. Below are the products I'm using now.

First, Loreal Youthcode Serum has been in my cabinet for about a year. I used it sparsely at the start then it fell to the back of the cabinet and I forgot about it. Luckily it resurfaced about 2 months ago and my skin has been glowing ever since. I apply it in the morning right after my toner and same thing before I go to bed. As far as serum's go this one is a pretty thrifty drugstore option at $25. I recommend it.

 

 

Let's talk toner. Before this July I had never used one. I thought they would sting and dry out my skin inducing that horrible tight feeling. Luckily, I was introduced to the Nars Skincare line. I'm a big fan of Nars makeup line so I gave it a try. It's a moisturizing toner that leaves my skin feeling soft and absorbs that last bit of grim at the end of the day.

 

 

After applying serum and toner I turn to my eyes. Sephora recommended this preventative care eye cream from First Aid Beauty. The company actually started with products for burn victims, so they are incredibly gentle. It's been a good run, but I think I'm going to try Clinique's All About Eyes when I run out.

 

 

 

Now sunscreen! I am not loyal to sunscreen moisturizers. I like to use one with an SPF 30 but often find that they have a heaviness to them which I don't appreciate. Right now I'm using a Sephora brand SPF moisturizer with an SPF 20. I like it well enough, but will probably switch it up as usual.

 

 

 

 

 Lastly, while I typically don't use foundation I do like to use a spot concealer. The YSL Touche Eclat pen is well known for it's multi purpose benefits of highlighting and concealing. It's super lightweight and fits in every bag. I love this pen.

 

 





Naked 2

It's always good to do a little spring cleaning in the ol' makeup bag. It's no good to pull out some funky mascara wand or crumbled-to-pieces eye shadow. So I did a little makeup update a la Urban Decay.

First up, this eye pencil, in bourbon. I usually like to keep it simple, and this rich brown with just a hint of sparkle is perfect.

I've been hearing rave reviews about the new Naked 2 nude eye shadow pallete. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The shadows are a great mix of nudes and browns that look great on any color eye. I somehow managed to get the last one in the Sephora by me. Oh, and it comes with a double sided eye brush. I love it.

Finally, I tried out this lipgloss pencil (!) in Lovechild. I seriously felt like a kindergartner who found her favorite crayon and was not about to let it go. I applied and reapplied about 500 times Saturday night (with my lovely friend Stacy below).