My Favorite Things: Beauty

What are your favorite products? What one product do you want to shout to the world about? Oprah has her favorite things so … why can’t I?

These are a few of my absolute favorite products, that I’ve discovered through subscriptions like Birchbox and Ipsy.

take a deep breath oil-free energizing oxygen gel cream moisturizer by philosophy

This lightweight fresh-feeling moisturizer helps diffuse energizing oxygen to the skin as needed to detoxify skin and restore a healthy-looking glow, while a blend of antioxidants helps protect skin against environmental attack and pre-mature aging.

One of the most lightweight, fresh moisturizers I’ve experienced. I use this as a daytime moisturizer, as it doesn’t feel as heavy as my nighttime cream. Cost: $34.00

frizz Nourishing Styling Cream by Living Proof

frizz Nourishing Styling Cream weightlessly smoothes, conditions and tames frizzy, unmanageable hair. It does what silicone and oils can’t: block humidity without weighing hair down, even on the most humid days.

I have a major frizz problem, between all the heat styling I put my hair through and the constant weather changes in this area. This lightweight styling cream is great for me to smooth over my finished style to make sure my flyaways stay tamed and my mane doesn’t turn into a big poufy mess. Cost: $15-$36, depending on size.

The POREfessional by Benefit

The silky, oil-free formula diffuses pores and fine lines for an “airbrushed” finish. It goes on sheer, leaving skin even and smooth. Don’t we all love instant gratification?

You guys. This is a MIRACLE Product. Even my boyfriend notices a difference in the texture of my skin when I put this on as a primer. You can’t tell you’re wearing it, there are no reactions, and it’s easy to clean off later.Cost: $30.00

Naked Shine Luscious Lip Gloss by Naked Princess

With its non-irritating formula and mirror-like shine, this gloss meets our highest standards. The non-tacky formula gives lips a subtle hint of color and shine while creating the illusion of fuller lips.

It does just that, ladies and gentlemen. I like the nude color so my lips really just look moisturized. This is the ONLY lip gloss I’ve found that doesn’t have that horrible sticky feeling after 5 minutes. Well worth the cost: $26.00

Lash Perfection Gel by per-fékt Beauty

This high-tech gel formula combines a flattering black pigment with a nourishing cocktail of ingredients to prime, condition, darken, and lengthen your lashes.

I only have used a sample of this so far, but will definitely be buying this with my next Birchbox points. The color is so rich, and it really doesn’t clump. I have a hard time with mascaras irritating my eyes and making them itchy, but this went on and stayed on like a dream. Cost: $28.50

Skinny Liquid Eyeliner by Eyeko

The precision pen tip allows you to control the thickness of the line you create and vary the intensity of your look. Plus, the fade-proof formula will hold up all day and night.

I love, love, love the way liquid eyeliner looks- but those stupid applicators that are come standard are too difficult for me to manage. This pen-shaped liquid eyeliner I can work with! This formula is easy to apply, and it stays put – I’ve even gone to bed with my makeup on (shame on me, I know!) and had most of the line remaining when I woke up, smudge-free. Cost: $16.00

Checks And Balances™ Frothy Face Wash by Origins

This creamy cleanser is a veritable plant powerhouse. Broad leaf kelp banishes excess oil, while wheat protein nourishes dry zones. Water-activated tourmaline whisks away dirt and makeup, and an essential oil blend of bergamot, lavender, and spearmint adds a refreshing touch. Skin is left smoother and more even-toned.

Not much to say, and yet I can’t say enough – it smells minty fresh, leaves my face tingling, and helps balance out my T-Zone. Hooray! Cost: $19.50

Luminizing Moisture Tint by Jouer

[The entire Birchbox team] is obsessed with Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint and we’re not alone — Allure recently gave the product its coveted “Best in Beauty” seal.  The oil-free formula feels positively weightless on but gives you plenty of even coverage. Skin looks soft and dewy and, thanks to SPF 20, you’ll be extra protected from the sun.

This works like a BB cream for me – filling in my skin, evening out the tone, making it firmer to the touch. The color matches perfectly, you don’t need much at all to go a long way, and it helps set the foundation for the rest of my makeup routine without feeling like I’m wearing a ton of makeup. Cost: $38.00

Purifying Mud Mask by AHAVA

Kaolin white clay and Dead Sea mud zap oil and draw out impurities to keep skin toned and blemish-free. Calming jojoba oil keeps skin hydrated and supple.

This works as a calmer for my face – it doesn’t dry up and crack all over my face, leaving it feel tight – it just calms it down, makes it feel even, and lets my skin breathe and rest after a long week. A treat to apply on the weekends! Cost: $31.00