I've started to like doing these current beauty favorites posts. It gives me a chance to quickly go over something I just started playing with or talk about something I reviewed ages ago that I still love. My views on products changes all the time especially when I discover something in a similar category that I end up liking better, or maybe a product didn't work before and now it does. I'm trying to stick with posting these on Sundays. Let me know if you like these posts.
OSKIA is one of my favorite brands. I've been using the new Citylife line since it launched and I'll be the range reviewing soon. The Citylife Facial Mist has been living in my purse for a while. I was terrified at first to put a tube filled with watery liquid in my purse everyday. I had visions of the end popping open and flooding my favorite leather bag. So far it's been very resilient I must say. The Citylife range is high-tech and designed to protect your skin from the city or urban pollution. This mist is for hydrating, refreshing and brightening. I can't say it better than OSKIA does:
Our micro-encapsulated blends of Astaxanthin & Malachite, EUK 134, Co-Enzyme Q10, Vitamin C & B3, O3 Yeast Lysate, Smithsonite & Camellia Japonica work in synergy to protect against indoor and outdoor pollution and improve & brighten skin. Low molecular hyaluronic acid plumps & hydrates. Niacinamide & Vitamin B3 & C brighten, Neroli & Basil oil help relieve tension associated with city living.
It smells divine the neroli and basil scent really helps relieve some tension. I spray my face as soon as I get in the car to drive home from work. This mist actually is hydrating. A lot of mists just feel like water, this one you can feel the oils and hydrating ingredients refreshing your skin. More to come.
I ordered this Goodal Waterest Tone Up First Essence off Glow Recipe. I left it in my closet for a bit because I had others I was going through first and now it seems it must be discontinued as it's sold out or gone everywhere. I never thought I would love 'fermented watery oil' but it's really nice. Made with 86% pure, organic Fermented Green Tea Extract to provide a rich supply of moisture for the skin, reinforcing the barrier function to improve cell turnover and minimizing the level of dead skin cells. Micro-Fermented Oil such as Red rice Yeast Oil is broken down and micronized into smaller particles, enabling deeper penetration into the skin. Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract, are anti-inflammatory ingredients that increases ceramide levels and lighten hyper-pigmentation.
I love green tea as it's so balancing and I love it in my toners. This is also hydrating due to the red rice yeast fermented oil, but it also has olive, sage, jojoba and sunflower oil. This has a light watery texture and absorbs quickly. I'm sad it's gone, I discovered it too late. Anyone seen this around anywhere else or know if it's getting reformulated?
John Masters Organics Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner is not new for me. I haven't been reaching for it a lot lately and missed it. I was playing with other new ones instead. I've been happy since I reintroduced this back into my shower. It's hydrating without being heavy or greasy. Review HERE.
Philip Kingsley was a recent brand discovery for me. I grabbed a few items off of Selfridges a few months back and I will say it's an amazing line. Instant Beach is my favorite product from the line. It's a salt free hair texturizer/wave spray. It works. Very well. More on this whole line to come in the new year.
I discovered Ayuna skincare in last months Beauty Heroes subscription box. The Ayuna essence is a very interesting peel mask. Called a High Protein Cream-in-Oil Peel this has three phases: First as a proteic exfoliant, based in Alpha-amino acids (Aspartic and Glutamic acids), that releases potent renewing benefits when it comes in contact with the skin. Next, a gentle, grain-free gommage quickly and effectively polishes and rejuvenates the skin’s appearance. Lastly, the formula transforms into an oleo-essence finish that leaves the skin remarkably soft to the touch.
The packaging is nice--a weighty white glass jar, very Instagram worthy. The inside mask has a whipped creamy oil texture. The scent is minimal and pleasant. You spread a thick layer on, let it dry, buff the dry parts off, then rinse with a few splashes of water if you need it. I find I do like rinsing the last little bits off. This is a very messy mask to clean up after, so do this over the sink and be prepared. The mask leaves this slight oil behind so your skin is just glowing, hydrated, soft and happy after using. Very nice.
I've been so busy this week and running behind all the time. We've both been sick for two weeks with now four separate illnesses (thanks daycare). So I've been doing a very minimal makeup routine. Only using a small handful of products that are quick and easy to use as I need to apply and be out the door in five minutes. Urban Decay Naked One & Done has been a favorite time saver base for me since it launched. I go between Medium and Light Medium based on the season. It's easy, quick, it covers well, lasts all day & functions as both a primer and foundation in a pinch. Review HERE.
Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in shade 2 has been my favorite brown daily use eyeliner for years. It glides on like butter and blends like a dream. It lasts the day for me. For some reason I can only find shade 2 on Armani's website. I have almost hit pan on my Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes in Platinum. This is one of the only cream shadows I have ever loved. The shimmering taupe is easy to use alone for days when you are in a hurry and don't have time for a lot of makeup time but still want to look done enough for work. It doesn't crease and lasts all day which is unheard of for cream shadows and the main reason I don't normally like them. This may be pricey but it's lasted me forever and I will happily repurchase another. Review HERE.
Cle de Peau Cream Blush in Perfect Peach or #4 is the perfect peachy nude. The formula is exceptional and lasts all day. It's pigmented, easy to blend and work with. Review HERE. Also pricey but is lasting me a long time and I reach for it quite a bit. I love Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment & Nude is my favorite shade out of the current ones they have. It's for those days when you just want something but don't want to fuss. This delivers a glossy sheen of hydrating peachy nude color. I wear this a lot when I'm sick and have to blow my nose a lot. There's no point in wearing lipstick during those sick weeks. It all wipes off when you use a tissue anyway and my lips are always extra dry when I'm sick so I need the extra moisture help. Review HERE.
Top to Bottom--Armani Smooth Silk, Fresh Nude, Cle de Peau Perfect Peach, Tom Ford Platinum, Urban Decay Medium, Ayuna essence:
