Gold Bond ultimate hand cream | $3.50 at Target
RMS Beauty un-cover up #22 | $35 at RMS Beauty
Almond Glow skin “lotion” | available at Whole Foods
Rosebud salve
NARS illuminating finishing powder | $35 at Sephora
Lush Cosmetics “The Greench” deodorant powder | $7.95 at Lush
Lush Cosmetics “The Olive Branch” shower gel | $9.95 at Lush
Some of these are very recent purchases (the NARS powder), and some I’ve been using for years (Rosebud salve), but I thought it was time for a new beauty post/discussion. I’ve been trying very hard to minimize my “beauty” routine as well as my wardrobe, because honestly, I think my beauty products might be even more out of control than my closet!
At any given time I have about 4-5 foundations/tinted moisturizers that I alternate between. I guess I’m trying to phase out some of them (like my Bobbi Brown skin foundation that I don’t love anymore) and the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer (which does nothing for me), but eery so often I have a desire to use one of them. Since I want to get to the point where I have less STUFF and it’s easier for me to pack for traveling (skin care/makeup included), I’m really trying to stick with just a few products lately, and for makeup, that means I’m back to my RMS beauty un-cover up.
I’ve loved this since I got it a year or so ago, but it never seemed quite “perfect” so I kept searching for something new. The biggest problem I have is redness, and NOTHING covers it well enough, so I’m always searching. But I’ve decided to give it a serious go; the un-cover up feels so good going on, and if I layer it enough, it covers very well. The size is also PERFECT for traveling. Now with a light dusting of the NARS powder on top, my skin seriously looks flawless. And doesn’t feel dry, which is a problem I have with EVERY SINGLE powder I’ve ever tried.
The gold bond hand cream is the best I’ve tried, and I’ve tried them all. Trust me. Their entire line of products is good, actually, I have a foot lotion and intensive body lotion I use also. I keep this at my desk and for traveling, and then at night, I use a little rosebud salve on my cuticles and any other dry parts of my hands/arms and I wake up to super-soft skin. In the mornings I apply the rosebud salve to my lips with a q-tip and sort of exfoliate a little bit, which also feels really good, and sloughs off the flakes.
Now that I have a Lush store handy, I’ve become a convert. Which is quite dangerous, because the products aren’t cheap. I love their bath bombs, but use them very sparingly! And I will never use another shower gel after trying the Olive Branch; the smell is wonderful and it’s incredibly moisturizing (especially with the Almond Glow oil on top after a shower). It doesn’t last very long, but I’ll always have a small version with me for traveling; I hate the products that come in hotels.
Finally – I’ll address deodorant again. I’ve been using my homemade coconut oil deodorant for a long time, but recently, I’ve become fed up with the marks on my clothing because of it. It never stains long-term, but it was getting really frustrating to put on a thin blouse or shirt then moments later see oily stains at the underarms. So, I decided to give the lush powdered deodorant a try, and I do like it, but the smell is “interesting” to say the least. The rosemary/thyme combo scent goes away after a few minutes, so it’s not that bad, but I don’t love it. It seems to work okay, but I think I’ll need to apply it more than once a day. In fact, I think I’m going to try and use it in the morning before getting dressed, and the coconut oil at night before going to bed and see if that combination works.
I did recently also buy the Weleda spray deodorant because I liked the scent better and the idea of a spray more, but it does NOT WORK for me at all. And I refuse to go back to deodorant/antiperspirants with aluminum in them, anyway, those stopped working for me also.
So…trial and error continues on that front, but I do appreciate how easy it will be to travel with the powder (doesn’t have to go in my quart ziploc bag) – I just have to remember to re-apply it at night.
What beauty products are you loving (or not loving) lately? Any holy grail products to share??
I’m a minimalist when it comes to makeup, however, I’m obsessed with skincare products. Recently, I discovered Yonka. I’d highly recommend them. My moisturizer smells fantastic and really works to soften skin. On a lower price-point, I like the Boots organic line that you can find at Target. Their facial oil is light and effective. Also, I just bought Nars gentle cream cleanser at T.J. Maxx (for a fraction of its retail price), and it’s wonderful. Don’t get me started about Etsy coffee facial scrubs! I have three (and counting). I’ll save that comment for another post.
I relate. Whenever I want to “treat” myself I will buy makeup and then I have all this crap taking over. I’m on a bit of an austerity kick also.
I love products that can do more than one thing well. Right now I’m loving Dior Lip Maximizer. It’s a plumping gloss that moisturizes. It can be alone, over a lipstick, or my favorite, under.
Sephora Colorful eyeshadow in Cashmere can be used on brows, as liner, in crease or as a contour. I don’t really use it as a countour, but I have and it really is a great all around -shadow. It is actually the color of a shadow. It’s better than MAC but it kind of looks like MAC Copperplate.
Yes, there’s a deodorant from Whole Foods that actually works! Oh lordy I don’t have it with me, but I will try to remember to look it up for you…
You must try Soapwalla’s Deodorant Cream. It goes on super creamy, smells great and actually works! And it’s completely natural, no aluminum. I’ve tried them all too. This one does the trick.
http://soapwallakitchen.com/collections/all/products/deodorant-cream
oh, thanks for the suggestion! the only thing i’m now worried about with creams is the staining…do you notice if this one makes any marks on your blouses?
thanks lisa 🙂 i’ll try anything !!
this is what i do too!! i can go in and spend $30 on a lip stick or nail color or whatever without even thinking about it…and of course, i never end up wearing any of the lip “colors” i buy, but once or twice, then the novelty is over…
thanks for your eyeshadow suggestions – i have the naked palette, but i really don’t use shadow very much, most of the time if i put anything on at all it’s the urban decay primer and that’s it.
what? why save your comment for another post?? i’m curious now! 😉
Nope, no staining whatsoever. I don’t wear a lot of silks though. It does allow to sweat, but I’m cold all the time so that’s not a problem for me. It smells great and goes on fine after shaving.
Totally agree on the deodorant… I made a coconut oil based one about one year ago and LOVED it. It smelled great (thanks to a natural Amber oil scent from Whole Foods) and worked wonderfully… but left oil marks on my clothes. Hoping to try the suggestion above so I can keep avoiding the nasty chemical/aluminum filled ones! Thank you!
Okay, you convinced me. You’re James Perse biggest fan, but I’m the unofficial caffeine queen. If it smells like coffee, I’m gonna either drink it or smear it on my face/body. So after doing online research about the documented health & beauty benefits of coffee, I started experimenting with it. It’s easy to make your own scrubs but I’d rather buy them. Well, one thing led to another, and now I exfoliate with coffee facial scrubs. I do it three times weekly, and they make my skin soft. Seriously. I also tried using coffee scrub on my scalp. It sounds strange and maybe grainy, but here’s how you do it. Take a small amount of scrub, combine it with shampoo, and then wash your hair. Obviously, make sure that you wash it all away. Otherwise, you’ll have everyone wondering where the nearest Starbucks is. If anyone wants specific Etsy products, please just ask. I’m always happy to share my discoveries!
Actually, RJS, that makes perfect sense since (see how I just did that?????) coffee berries are a powerful anti-oxidant, not to mention how many skincare companies put caffeine in their eye creams to de-puff the “baggies.”
I’ve been trying to incorporate more of a European philosophy of skincare vs cosmetic/makeup products because, just as you stated so succinctly, Grechen, you need less makeup. Although I still adore my Bobbi Brown, among others, I have pared back a LOT on how much makeup I use when I go out in public (I never wear it at home!). You reminded me that I have a NARS powder I got gratis when I worked at the independent makeup boutique in MN. I’m going to pull it out!
Latest obsession: OMG, I ??these! “Bobbi Brown Art Sticks” – I got one in Dusty Pink and one in Bright Raspberry and I love the way they feel, how long they stay on, the colors, and they are HUGE (and come with a sharpener)! I also bought her new “Skin Foundation Stick” and I love it because I have rosacea and I can blend it on super-quickly, it’s portable in my bag without breakage fears, and it looks uber-natural. (I know…I should still be working for her!)
Val, are the lip colors fairly matte? I don’t like slick glosses. They sound perfect for spring. I’ll also check out the skin foundation stick. Thanks!
RJS: Yes, they are matte, but not a dry matte at all! I think that’s why I’m so crazy about them – no feathering, long wear, but moisturizing. And the colors are divine!!
Thanks, Val! They’re on my ever-growing shopping list.
wait a second, you’re telling me i need less makeup and then you say that you love BB’s skin foundation stick and that it’s good for your rosacea?? i’m totally going to go and get it now to try it 😉
i have used and loved the older foundation stick. what’s the difference?
oh… i am a serious coffee lover also, but have never tried it on my skin, or hair! i do worry about doing too much exfoliating though, because of my sensitivity/rosacea issues. i do sometimes take my makeup off with a cotton pad and feel like that’s probably enough. would love some etsy recs!!
Ok, I’m not at the counter anymore, so I don’t have all of the deets. But I’d say that it doesn’t have the “heavy feel” that the old stick sometimes had. And it never looks cakey (at least on my skin type which is combo/leaning toward dry with occasional breakouts). In fact, I think it almost “morphs” with my skin as the day goes on. It would be really easy to use to just cover the areas of your skin that need it, Grechen. I love the “slip” to it and found that, because the color is such a perfect match for my skin tone ( and Bobbi Brown has a shade for everyone! Truly!!), I barely need to blend over red areas. Here’s the link: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/products/12599/Whats-New/New-Skin-Foundation-Stick/index.tmpl?cm_sp=
You’re welcome!????
Oops. That was supposed to be a smiley face.
Grechen, I’ve tried several coffee scrubs, but here are my two HG picks. I wrote Etsy reviews on both of them because they’re fantastic.
1. The shop’s name is CoffeeScrubDelight. All she makes is this one scrub and it’s incredible! Here’s her description: “After many years of extensive research, The Ultimate Coffee Scrub is now available for everyone to enjoy. This 8 oz jar is bursting with antioxidants, vitamins & minerals that will help even out your skin tone, reduce the appearance of cellulite but most importantly help target problem skin such as acne, eczema, rashes and much much more. This coffee scrub will leave your skin feeling silky smooth with a golden glow after each use.” (Maybe this would work for you, since you have sensitive skin.) The scent is rich and you only use a small amount. It’s actually more of a mask, since it sits on your skin for a few minutes. I let it tighten, then rub it in and rinse. The owner is a lovely lady who is also a San Fransisco designer. I’d highly recommend the product. It’s more expensive than similar scrubs, but well worth the cost.
2. The shop’s name is nicolemadethisinc. This coffee scrub is wonderful too. I’m on my second jar, and rarely buy repeats. Here’s her description: “Coffee Scrub is a vegan product and is blended with creamed all-natural unrefined cocoa butter, purified shea butter, noncomedogenic fractionated coconut oil, freshly ground coffee, lemon peel, and a touch of ultra fine grain sugar for a polished finish. The cocoa butter is full of antioxidants which help to fight the signs of aging; shea butter soothes blemishes, smooths wrinkles, relieves itching & drying, can treat mild to moderate skin irritations, and evens out skin tone; the fractionated coconut oil is non-greasy and deeply penetrating to help carry all the skin loving benefits deep into your skin; and coffee offers gentle exfoliation and increased circulation resulting in glowing skin – and caffeine is a major ingredient in most commercial treatments for cellulite making this an excellent product for body treatments. Lemon peel is wonderful at clarifying skin and smoothing out broken capillaries, while clearing greasy and oily skin with blemishes.” I also use this in the shower, and it fills our bathroom with an amazing, aromatic scent. You feel like you’re standing in a steamy coffee cafe! I’ve had excellent results with the scrub, and use it on both my body and face.
Both women are stellar sellers, will answer questions courteously, and mail the scrubs promptly. If you, or anyone else has questions about a particular product, please ask. I hope that this information was helpful, albeit long-winded!
Val, maybe we’re all “enabling” each other to purchase more products, but it’s so much fun!
You’ve inspired me! I have so many beauty products I love, so I’m totally going to do a post. But I will say this – my current favorites are the Beauty Protector line, which is shampoo, conditioner, and detangler. I don’t use conditioner on my hair all the time (it weights it down) so I switch out the conditioner and detangler. The products smell great, don’t weight my wussy hair down, and are vegan. Oh, and the Supergoop CC cream with SPF 35. It’s the perfect color and coverage and feels great on my face. Both of these were samples I got in past Birchboxes, and I love them to death. And (like you) I’m forever devoted to Rosebud Salve!
man…you make me miss birchbox now! i’ve always wanted to try supergoop.
at the salon yesterday, she used a leave-in conditioner in my hair and it was fabulous – doesn’t weigh it down at all, and it brilliant at detangling.
i thought i was supposed to be paring DOWN my beauty supplies, not adding things to my list to buy? 😉
Has anyone tried Fresh Sugar deodorant? I’ve been curious about it since I have decided to buy only cruelty free cosmetics and skincare now. I’ve stopped buying some of my favorite brands, but I think it is worth it to not be supporting that. Btw, Lush is cruelty free and so is RMS!
Grechen, how are you applying the uncover? I’ve been using it for a year, but mostly as a concealer. I can’t quite get the hang of it as a foundation. Btw, I suffer redness too, a lot.
Also Chantecaille is one of my all time fav brands, mostly botanical. I highly recommend.
i used to use the fresh sugar deodorant – for many years – until it just stopped working for me. i loved it – especially the smell – but it does have aluminum in it.
i apply the uncover with my fingers – mostly just on my cheeks or other areas of redness, sometimes as an undereye concealer. it’s not fabulous for covering redness, but it’s better than some, i just layer it more! what do you use by chantecaille? i’ve thought about trying it…
Boo on the aluminum, did not know that. Thanks for the Uncover tip. I might try it with that NARS powder too.
I love many Chantecaille products! They have a couple of fantastic masks. The Jasmine &Lily Healing Mask is awesome for people with skin like ours. Very healing for redness and irritation, and you can even use it overnight, like a moisturizer. The Detox Mask is also a big favorite. I think you would really like the tinted moisturizer, Just Skin. I’ve used it for years. Very creamy, light, and full of antioxidants.. I love all their eyeshadows and lipsticks. Especially the Lip Chic..feels like a balm, and smells like marshmallow 🙂
I am in love with their Nano Gold Firming Treatment, but it is so expensive, I haven’t purchased yet. Do you gave a counter near you! They are usually generous with samples. If not, email me, and I will have a good friend of mine who works at the counter send you some 🙂
Ok, off topic, but did you ever order the JP A line tee? I’m curious about how it fits.
i didn’t order the a-line tee, but i did try it on and it’s AMAZING. the size 2 is good for me, but the upper arms are a little snug, which is true for nearly all my tops lately. they stretch though. it’s a good length on me (just at my hips), and love the slight flare of the a-line. I’d get that rose color if i did, so pretty. it is quite sheer though, especially the white one, i’d wear a cami underneath it. the rose i could pull off without anything under…
i’ll try and find a counter! thanks for the recs!!!
I LOVE the Lip Chic as well, Shannon. SO many gorgeous colors….so little $$$…
Thanks! It is pricey, and no one around me carries JP, so
I have to order everything inline. Sounds like a winner!
Ugh, I know! I want them all! The Spring colors look pretty!
OK. It’s by J?sön, but it’s the Aloe Vera, not the Tea Tree.
thanks lisa! haven’t tried that one yet…
Has anyone tried La Vanilla? It’s paraben and aluminum-free. Plus, I like the idea of a stick
Val, I haven’t tried their deodorant, but I like their other products. Vanilla is my fave scent, and their fragrance line is luscious.