Why hello there! It’s certainly been a long time since I’ve posted on the old blog.
I’ve felt a little all over the place the past few weeks when it came to creating blog content. In fact, the thought of sitting down to write felt like a disastrously mammoth task. As if I’ve been busy out and about with grand plans that have been keeping me from working. Nope, I’ve been firmly tucked into my sofa, watching Netflix films (highly recommend Love, Wedding Repeat btw).
Sometimes, when you have all the time in the world to do something, you realise that a lack of time was never your problem after all. I’m simply not motivated when I’m not motivated and that’s the truth of it. Things that do motivate me right now? Animal videos. Browsing Pinterest. Online shopping.
And it’s been my love of online shopping right now that’s led me back to some keyboard writing. Finally. You see, I came over to the states over a month ago. I wasn’t expecting to be here for longer than three weeks. When it came to packing my essentials, I went for minis and half-empty bottles. Big mistake. Huge!
I soon realized that being stuck in America meant that I needed to reinvest in my beauty and skincare stockpile because let’s face it. I’m not sure how long we’re going to be here. The good news is that even though in person stores are closed, Sephora, my savior, is only a quick click away. My recent purchases have ranged from skincare, to hair to beauty. I essentially needed to stock up on everything… so here it goes. My ultimate top 21 products that I keep repeat buying.
These are the products that I use on a daily basis. Sure, I usually have others thrown into the mix too. Trust me, I love mixing up my skin and beauty routine, but these are trusted favorites that I have ordered and bought time and time again. And good news, Sephora’s VIB sale is coming up this week on the 21st April… so if you’re in the mood for new products and makeup to try, most of these can be found there at a good discount. Hurray!
THE TOP 21 LIST
Skincare
Is there anything better than feel good skincare? Here are my must haves for the year (and then some).
1. Laniege Water Sleeping Mask in Lavender
Laniege feels super hydrating and I can’t get enough of it. I pop in on about 3-4 times a week before I go to sleep (though recommended use is 1-2 times a week – unsure if this matters). It feels wonderful on my skin and seems like it hydrates it. Skincare, eh? But let’s cut to the chase, it smells heavenly – hello lavender – and feels nice to put on so I will keep buying this.
2. Glamglow Brightening Mask
I hadn’t actually bought one of these masks in awhile, but Glamglow are one of my firm favourites. My skin has felt quite dull during this isolation and sometimes I feel like it’s nice to use a mask with a bit of grit, so I’ve always loved using these mud ones.
3. Drunk Elephant Moisturizer
This feels like a guilty pleasure skincare purchase. I usually use Clinique Moisture Surge for my moisturizer… but I got a sample size of the Drunk Elephant ages ago and I haven’t looked back. I make sure to have this is my skincare regime even if I don’t use it daily. Basically, I savour it so I don’t use it all at once. Does that sound weird? Anyways. I love how good this makes my skin feel.
4. Isle of Paradise
Two skincare products here that are my favourites, their Tanning Drops and the Dark Mousse. I have been exclusively using Isle of Paradise for all my tanning for the past year and really, I haven’t needed to look anywhere else. The products work, look natural (when I apply it correctly) and they actually smell good. I actually met their founder once at an event before he ever launched his company and he was really lovely so I’ll happily keep on supporting his business!
5. Daisy Perfume Marc Jacobs
There’s not much to convince about here, I love the scent it’s floral, light and flirty. I am so glad I decided to bring a full size perfume with me!
6. Sephora Makeup Remover
I usually use Micellar water to take off my makeup but I had this already at my mom’s place where we’re staying right now. This has worked perfectly, and I’m ordering another in the VIB sale.
Makeup / Beauty
I know we’re in isolation and lockdown, but sometimes you just need to have a little bit of makeup on to get you through the day. It makes me feel like “normal” and every bit helps.
7. Bobbi Brown – Natural Brow Shaper & Hair Touch Up
I think I’ve found something I love more than Boy Brow! I’m using the Bobbi Brown brow wand and it is absolutely phenomenal. I have it in the brunette color because I like a darker brow. But gosh – such a fave and seriously, I like it more than the cult fave Boy Brow.
8. Toofaced Chocolate Gold Palette
OK, I was actually sort of gifted this product (I say sort of because it was in a goody bag full of treats at an event I went to so I’m not really paid to talk about it) but ANYWAYS. I bloomin’ LOVE this palette. My makeup routine is not in any way experienced or risky. I basically recreate the same bold, brown, gold, dark look every single day. I use a mix of these palette colors and while I haven’t repeat bought this yet because it hasn’t run out – I fully plan to.
Zoella X Colourpop Brunch Palette
I’m actually sorry, this was fully going on the list… but I’ve realized you can’t actually buy this product anymore! Totally gutted. I was sent this when they launched and oh my gosh, I am devastated that I won’t be able to buy it again. So, honorable mentions go out here to the Brunch Date palette because I love it so.
9. EM Pretty Lipsticks
You could say I’m a little biased by favoring this Buffalo based brand but their lipstick shades are phenomenal, the colour lasts for ages and the ingredients are anti-viral, anti-aging, you name it. I actually have a bunch of their lipsticks but me, thinking I would only be stateside for a little while didn’t bring them all with me. Also, I love the EM Pretty Shimmer eyeshadow palette too.
10. Glossier Birthday Lip Balm
It smells like a birthday cake. Enough said.
11. Yves Saint Laurent Velvet Cream Liquid Lipstick
This is my favourite liquid lipstick for when I pretend I’ve had my lips done (I haven’t). The shape of the wand allows you to contour your lips very precisely which I love. My friend Allie and I bought these together in the same shade ages ago and it’s still lasting but I will 100% rebuy.
12. Yves Saint Laurent Highlighter
This is my second tube of this highlighter. I LOVE IT. Obsessed with it, best beauty highlighter I’ve ever used. In fact, with two of YSL’s beauty products on my favourite repeat list, I’m thinking maybe I should explore more of their range. Will keep you posted.
13. Milk Bronzer
My friend Jaye introduced me to this bronzer and I haven’t looked back. This is my second tube as well. What can I say? I love a good bronzer.
14. Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara
Another Jaye beauty recommendation here. I love how big and full this mascara makes my lashes look. I have semi-blonde lashes so I always need a big impact with my mascara. This is a very good one.
15. Any mini mascara
Here’s my trick – and I’m not particularly picky when it comes to these. But I always have a mini or travel size version of a mascara in my makeup bag. Why? They’re perfect for applying mascara to your bottom lashes. Some people aren’t big on bottom lashes, but I always apply it. And minis make it so much easier!
16. Glossier Pro Tip Black Eyeliner
I used to wear eyeliner all the time. Every single day. I ended up stopping years ago because I couldn’t get my eyeliner even. I just couldn’t. On a whim I picked up this Glossier one back in December and holy smokes, what a find! I’ve started using eyeliner again – not all the time – but sometimes. And somehow, this is so easy to use and my eyes look good? Like, maybe it’s a sign of me aging and getting better at makeup. But let’s be real, it’s probably just an effing great product.
Hair care
I used to neglect my hair in a major way, but I’m starting to come around to the facts. If you want to keep it healthy, you have to treat it right.
17, 18, 19. Olaplex – Shampoo, Conditioner & Hair Mask
Fucking hell, Olaplex is a game changer of a haircare situation. I’ve spoken about this briefly but about a year ago I had my hair bleached and it overlapped resulting in a layer of my hair breaking off. Not great! But I’ve finally gotten it to grow out a bit and I’m conscious of making sure I’m using products to protect it.
So the Olaplex Shampoo + Conditioner is what I’m using daily. And then once a week I’m popping on the Olaplex Treatment No 3, which is essentially a beauty of a hair mask. You can leave it on for 10 minutes before washing out or leave it on overnight. I haven’t done the overnight leave in yet – but I’m sure that is lovely too.
20. Kérastase – Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo
Confession. This is a first time buy for me. I did a lot of reading up on it though and think the results are going to be good ones. I’ve used it a few times while I’m working on lifting some brass out of my hair. I think it’s working but it’s still early to tell. I’ll keep you all posted.
21. IGK Beach Club Texture Spray
Does exactly what it says on the label. Beach spray vibes without making your hair feel too heavy or greasy afterwards. I usually will curl my hair, use hairspray, comb it out into waves and then spray this on after. Excellent 10/10 beauty buy and will keep buying again.
And that’s a wrap on all things 2020 beauty, skincare, hair and makeup. Do let me know if you make any Sephora VIB purchases this week! And you can follow along on my Instagram here for everything I’m repurchasing and maybe even a new product or two. Happy shopping!
