I’ve added a few new beauty brands into my routine, so I thought I’d share what I’m loving when it comes to skincare, make-up, and hair.
Of Note – I often choose to invest more money in my beauty and skincare products. This is primarily because I want a majority of the products I use to be clean – free of phthalates, parabens, heavy metals, etc. So, many of the items I’ve listed are not cheap. But, I consider it worth the investment for the quality and transparency you get with these brands.
Skincare – Face
Osea Ocean Cleanser – This Cleanser feels so luxurious. It goes on like a creamy lotion and thins out nicely with water. If you let in linger for just a minute or two you can feel it working its magic – creating a slight tingle on the skin. Not to mention, the scent is so refreshing.
Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum – I recently added this serum to my evening and morning routine. Its main job? Reduce fine lines and increase hydration. Like the Ocean Cleanser, this serum is indulgent. I’ve only been using it a few weeks, but I feel like my skin is more hydrated and even-toned. One drop is all you need, so despite the price, the product will last a while.
Skincare – Body
Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil – If I told you to buy one thing from Osea, it would be this Body Oil. This stuff is so indulgent after a hot shower or bath – especially in the summer when your sun-kissed skin needs some extra nourishment. And the scent! Guys, the scent is so good. I never thought I’d be one for body oil, but this is just next level.
Necessaire / Body Serum, Body Exfoliator, and Body Bar – In the world of Beauty Influencers, Necessaire looks to be the hot commodity these days. There was a promotion around the holidays for one of their gift sets, so I thought I’d give it a try. Included was the body lotion, the body wash, the body serum, the body exfoliator, the body oil, and the body bar…how many times can I say body in one sentence? Overall, all of the products are really great, but a few stood out to me.
My top two favorites are the body serum and the body bar. The serum contains hyaluronic acid and can be mixed in with body lotion for extra nourishment and hydration. It feels super hydrating going on, and I think it helps with those dreaded razor bumps and smoothing out rough skin.
I’m also really loving the Body Bar. Made up of black sand and charcoal, as well as a variety of nutrients, this is the ultimate exfoliator. With its black sand granules, this bar really packs a punch – dead skin be gone. While I like the gritty texture, I can see some being sensitive to it. If you’re adverse to coarse exfoliants, I’d recommend using the Body Exfoliator instead – my third favorite of the group. With a gel-like consistency, it is much gentler, and you can mix it in with your body wash.
The other products I received were the body wash and the body lotion. I enjoyed both of these, but given that I use body wash and body lotion everyday (sometimes twice a day), it would get a bit costly to replenish these.
The Body Oil was also good, but I much prefer the Osea Oil I mentioned above.
Make-Up
Ilia Cosmetics
Ilia has quickly become one of my go-to brands when it comes to makeup. They are a clean beauty brand and their products perform well. Below are some of their products I’ve had on repeat.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 – It took me a bit getting used to this product, as it is on the “glowy” side, but I’ve come to really like it – particularly in the winter months when my skin is needing more hydration and “dewiness”. Light, buildable coverage.
Ilia Multi Stick – I love the creaminess of these sticks, and of course the versatility. I mainly use them for blush, but they can also be used for the lips. I have the shades At Last (a rosy-cool pink) and Lady Bird (a warmer terracotta-ish pink).
Ilia Eye Products – I started with Ilia’s mascara and slowly incorporated more of their eye products into my makeup bag.
- Limitless Lash Mascara – It can be hard to find a clean mascara that also performs well. This one is great, and I don’t plan on switching anytime soon. Note it’s more separating and lengthening than volumizing.
- The Necessary Eye Shadow Palette – This palette is really nice, and the pigment is on point. I love plum, purples, and browns for my eyes, so the cool toned matte is perfect for me.
- Clean Line Liquid Liner – I only use this liner for fancy occasions or a night out. The applicator is forgiving and the line is not too severe – in my opinion.
- Natural Brightening Eye Primer – This is a simple primer that gets the job done in setting up my eyeshadow application.
Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm – If a lipstick and a lip gloss had a baby, this lip balm would be it. Like a lipstick, but more forgiving. Like a lip gloss, but more substantial. I have the shades “Runaway” and “Lullaby”. Note this is not an all-day wear lip – reapplication will be needed.
Ilia Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment – I apply this every night before bed. It’s super hydrating and not too sticky. Love!
Hair
A couple years ago I discovered Virtue Labs, and I haven’t turned back. Their products are high quality and free of many harmful ingredients.
What is unique about Virtue is that their products contain Alpha Keratin 60ku®, which is Keratin in its pure form. This protein repairs and strengthens hair. More here.
Below are some of my favorites:
- Recovery Shampoo / Conditioner – Repairs Damaged Hair
- Smooth Shampoo / Conditioner – Eliminates Frizz
- Purifying Shampoo – Weekly Hair Detox
- ColorKick De-Brassing Shampoo – Keep Your Color Fresh
- 6-in-1 Styler – Lightweight Styling Cream
- Healing Oil – Daily Moisture and Shine
I alternate between the Recovery and Smooth line weekly, and only use the Purifying Shampoo and ColorKick Shampoo on occasion. I use the Styler before blow-drying and finish with the Healing Oil – applying to my ends and fly-aways.
Lux products that keep my hair healthy!
Clean Beauty Shopping
Thought I’d also make a PSA that Credo Beauty is a fantastic place to find safe products. A great alternative to Sephora and Ulta.
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