Sure the headline sounds a tad hyperbolic, but when it comes to skin and hair I believe you can never be too meticulous. And with the abundance of beauty products available (and reviews to back them up!), there’s almost no excuse to stand by idly as the weather wreaks havoc. So, go out and indulge in a beauty haul, you don’t just deserve it – you need it. Here’s a few pointers by yours truly: a roundup of some of my favorite skin products, all of which are part of my beauty routine, and all of which I would save if I had to escape a burning building (ok that last part might be a bit of an exaggeration). But in all seriousness these products are must-haves for everyone.
Must-have #1: A sulfate-free body wash.
Sulfates are like the beauty industry’s gluten – an icky, toxic ingredient (also found in laundry detergent) to be avoided at all costs. But as with gluten in food, sodium lauryl sulfate is present in a lot of beauty products, most notably body wash. While it makes your skin squeaky clean, it also strips it of natural essential oils, leaving you with parched skin that feels like sandpaper. Even those body washes that claim to be highly moisturizing only further dry out your skin if they contain sulfates (talk about false advertising). So, if you’re like me and tend to take long hot showers that can leave your skin dry, you’ll want to go sulfate-free. My favorite body wash is by 100% Pure, which I first sampled through Birchbox. The creamy wash is so gentle I even used it on my face – and I didn’t break out! It’s also one of the few body washes that actually makes my skin feel moisturized. Honorable mentions: OGX Moroccan Argan Creamy Body Wash, Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash, and Yes to Blueberries Hydrating Body Wash (which has a great scent) .
100% Pure Gingerade Shower Gel, $15
Must-have #2: A sulfate-free face wash that also removes *waterproof* eye makeup
Yes, such a product seems too ideal to be realistic, but it does exist thanks to Liz Earle. This creamy consistency of the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish cleanser and the addition of the hot muslin cloth actually makes me look forward to washing my face (it kind of makes you feel like you’re getting a facial). The condition of my skin dramatically improved since I’ve used this – I break out much less, I have smoother skin, and fewer clogged pores. You’ll be happy to know that works on ALL skin types. There’s a reason this product has won so many awards.
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish with Muslin Cloth, $24.50
Must-have #3: A hydrating, collagen producing face oil
A not-too-oily face oil that smells like rosewater and help fight aging? Sign me up! I’ve tried many face oils (if you remember, I’m pretty obsessed with them), but none of them makes me glow like Boscia’s Tsubaki Beauty Oil. It satiates my parched cheekbones without irritating my oily t-zone. Honorable mentions: Seventh Generation (best for oily skin) and Olie Biologique.
Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil, $46
Must-have #4: Eye cream that conceals even the wildest all-nighters
A few months ago I was selected to be a Murad Ambassador (be jealous!), which is how I discovered my new favorite eye cream. As promised, Murad Renewing Eye Cream minimizes puffiness after nights of staying up too late and waking up too early, and brightens eyes giving the illusion of 8 hours of sleep. It also promises to decrease crow’s feet but I’m still waiting to see if that theory holds true.
Must-have #5: Moisturizer that fakes a sun-kissed glow
I’m not a huge fan of bronzer (or tanning lotion for that matter), so if I want to create the illusion of a sunkissed glow I’ll opt for a product with Vitamin C. This moisturizer from Murad (also, gifted by the brand) has been my go-to for brightening my Vitamin D-deficient skin. Bonus points for its addition of SPF 30 since I always forget to wear sunscreen in winter.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $60
Stay tuned for part 2 with my must-have hair products, especially if you have curly hair! xx.
