It has been a while since we have discussed beauty on here, so it is time for a major update. If you don't mind, today I want to dish out my favorite holy grail products for makeup, beauty, and skincare. These are items that if I was to be stranded on a desert island I would NEED. If a fire, tornado, or earthquake occurred, I would make a mad dash to save them. As one of my favorite YouTubers, Jackie Aina would say, they will fix your credit and pay your student loans off.  This is going to be good one, so grab you a glass of tea or wine, get settled, and dive on in.

I was a super late bloomer when it came to beauty and makeup. It wasn't until I was good and into my twenties that I fell head over heels in love with all things beauty. Over the years I have discovered some really great products that make my skin look BOMB and help me get that good beat.

Skincare//

I used to believe that having a skincare regimen was waste of time. The older I have gotten the more  I understand the importance of using quality skincare products. Knowing what products work for your skin type is a must. I have combination skin. My face is an oil slick by the end of the day, especially in my t-zone. Also I have some dry patches on my nose, around my eyebrows, and around my mouth; whereas my cheeks and temples tend have no issues at all.  The skincare products I cannot live without help combat all of this, while keeping my skin soft, moisturized, and hydrated.

Simple Micellar Water:  I have been using Simple products for a while.  Their micellar water is a dream. You do not have to use water as a means cleansing your skin.  Depending on where you live, the particles and minerals in your tap water can actually be harmful. Micellar water, on the other hand, is composed of tiny cleansing oil molecules. These molecules are attracted the dirt and oils. They pretty much work by drawing out the impurities in skin, without taking away moisture.

Simple Micellar Wipes: Wipes with micellar water added?! Yes, please and thank you! When I am in pinch, or just super tired, I will whip these babies out. They are super handy in removing makeup and are great at cleaning the face after a workout. 

Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil

Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil: Shisedo products are newer finds of 2017. Though my skin can produce its fair share of oil, I've found that a good cleansing oil will leave the skin looking a feeling moisturized and supple. Cleansing oils work to go deeper in pores to pull out impurities.  Shisedo's  cleansing oil leaves my skin immediately feeling nourished. I normally use this as part of my night time routine.

Shiseido Cleansing Sheets: These are also apart of my night time routine and use them right after applying the cleansing oil. They help to wipe away all the crap the oil pulls up, without removing the good oil that was replaced in my skin. I will also use Shiseido Cleansing Sheets pre-work out to remove makeup and add in a little amount of hydration to my skin.

Shiseido Eye Correcting Cream: I have used my fair share of eye creams over the years. Dark circles have never been an issue, but puffiness and bags are things I have fought with. I apply this product in the morning prior to makeup and at night. After using Shiseido Eye Correcting Cream religiously for a few months, the puffiness under my eyes became non existent.




Neutrogena Oil-free Acne Moisturizer:  Since my face still thinks I'm in my pre-teen years, I will get the most random breakouts. This moisturizer has been my go to for years now. It has salicylic acid in it which helps to clear up those nasty little nuisances. I use Neutrogena Oil-free Acne Moisturizer twice daily during my morning and night time skincare routines.

Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System:  Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System is like a stater kit to world of the microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion works to remove the most outer layer of skin, leaving the skin smoother. Over time it helps to make skin look and feel more youthful. The Neutrogena System as it easy to use, there is no healing downtime, and you feel instant, immediate results. When I what to really exfoliate I will use this system.

Sugar Advance Therapy Lip Treatment: No matter how much water I drink, my lips need a little extra loving.  Sugar Advance Therapy Lip Treatment instantly makes my lips feel hydrated and is a great base for matte lippies. Bonus point that it works to makes lips more plump and smooths wrinkles around the lip area. Sugar Advance Therapy Lip Treatment comes in a few options. I like it in translucent.

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator: This products is one that I tend use more seasonably. It gets a heck of alot of use in the warmer months, when the air sucks out every bit it of moisture from my body. I also like to use it prior to putting on a matte lip. I like to use e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator in OG sugar, but they offer it in a variety of options.

Beauty//

l to r  Chanel |  Donna Karan |  MAC |  NYX |  MAKE UP FOR EVER |  Beauty Blender

Some days (i.e. all of the days) you want to feel pampered and put together. You also want to make sure that the beat you just did will stay put on your face ALL DAY. I have a few go to products that help to keep my make-up flawless and help me feel super glam. I also like to use products that make getting ready in the morning easy.

Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer  Primer:  As mentioned, my face can get pretty oily as the day progresses. Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer keeps my t-zone on point. I also use it on my lids and brows as the oil production in this area is unbelievable. The product is so great at keeping the oils at bay that I even use it on days when I go make-up free.

NYX Eyebrow Primer: As an avid brow lover, it is important that the hard work I put into getting my brows on point, stays on point. I came across NYX eyebrow primer after I attended an outdoor concert in 100 degree weather and completed sweated my brows off. I vowed then and there to never let it happen again. This water proof primer keeps your brows in place.

Beauty Blender: I have used a lot of makeup sponges and nothing holds a candle to the original beauty blender. I use the regular size and and I also use a smaller size one for my under my eyes.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

MAC Prep + Prime Fix +: Ok, honesty hour. I am completely tardy and late to the MAC Fix plus party. Like I legitimately started using it last month. HOWEVER, I am completely on the bandwagon. It makes everything, and I mean everything, look beautiful and blended together perfectly. It sets your makeup while also making you look hydrated and radiant

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle:  Nothing is more important than finding your signature scent. I typically go for really fruity and floral scents. However, Coco Mademosielle encompasses everything in a perfume I desire. It smells like grown sophisticated woman, but still has a air of youth and whimsy.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant:   Yes a designer perfume scented deodorant is a little extra, but I like to be extra. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist is what I believe all deodorants want to grow up to be. I adore the smell of Cashmere Mist, but it is a little on the strong side. However, the deodorant option gives just enough without being too overpowering.

Makeup//

l to r Clinique | Marc Jacobs | Becca | NARS | NYX | NYX

Clinique acne solutions Liquid Makeup:  For a while I was using Neutrogena skin clearing perfector. I had been wanting to find another option and wandered into the Clinique section of ULTA. I grew up with my mother using mainly Clinique products so I saw this foundation and thought I would take this bad boy out for a spin. Let me tell you honey, within just 2 days of wearing this foundation, my skin felt baby smooth and looked FLAWLESS. This product also as a salicylic acid in it, so it really works to clear up outbreaks and prevent them from coming back. This comes in 16 shades. I use it in #17 fresh deep neutral.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil: My love for this product is not new on here. It comes darn near close the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz, and in all honesty I consider it a dupe. It glides on like a dream and stays in place all day. NYX micro brow pencil comes in 8 shades. Depending on the time of year, and the color of my hair, I will use the espresso or black.   *check out this post to see this beauty in action in my brow routine*

#instamarc Light Filtering Contour Powder

Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer: I have actually have a drugstore concealer I adore, but it is not as close to me heart as Nars Creamy radiant Concealer. When I want to feel extra bougie,  I reach for this concealer. It will make you look like you never miss a full night's sleep, drink 8 glasses of water religiously, and have not a line or flaw on your face. It is soo pretty under the eye, and sets like a dream. Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer comes in 22 shades. I use caramel.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams:  These have more of a creamy consistently. They go on smooth and dry down like a dream. NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams don't dry your lips out and will not crumble on you as the day progresses. Tip, you will have to put a few coats, but once you do you are set. I like to wear these as an every day lip. They come in 46 shades. My favorites are Monte Carlo (pictured), Stockholm a pinky nude, and Abu Dhabi a more true nude.

Marc Jacobs #instamarc Light Filtering Contour Powder:  I discovered this gem in all places at TJ Maxx. Do not be sleeping on the beauty isle at TJ Maxx. Some serious deals can be found there. This kit comes with a gorgeous highlighter and perfect contour powder. I use the highlighter to set my under-eye, my brown bone, and basically anywhere I have highlighted. I used the darker contour shade daily. Marc Jacobs #instamarc Light Filtering Contour Powder comes in 3 varieties. I use the Hi Fi filter 60 which is a warm peach/deep bronze.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter Pressed Highlighter: Pictured is the travel size. I have had this for a while and have yet to hit pan. Before I do, I need to go ahead and get the full size. This highlighter comes through. It is soo pretty and soo pigmented. You do not have to use much for it give you the most beautiful glow. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter Pressed Highlighter comes in 7 shades. Their most known one, champagne pop, is super pretty, but for my skin complexion, I LOVE opal.

*honorable mention* Loreal Telescopic Mascara: I had to throw this one in there. I am currently out of this and need to make a beeline to the store to get another one. I usually keep this stocked, but I was caught slipping. Loreal Telescopic Mascara gives me all the volume my little heart desires, without clumping up and smearing all over my lids.




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