My fave beauty products
Hi! How’s the morning going?? Any fun plans tonight? I have a couple of barre classes later, and am excited to make cookies with Liv for cookie decorating tomorrow.
In addition to the fitness questions I get for the blog, I also get a ton of makeup and hair product questions. Since my faves have changed over time, I thought I’d post an updated list. I always love reading posts like this to get new ideas of things to try (and some of my all-time favorite products were recommended by friends). I hope you enjoy the little roundup, and I’d love to hear your faves in the comments!
–Fresh toner. I like plain rosewater during the day, but this toner helps to clean and brighten my skin. Even after washing my face, I use this toner and am always surprised by the makeup it helps to remove. It’s gentle and smells glorious.
–For hair that doesn’t grow past a certain length. Julie first told me about this hair product about 6 months ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since! It really does work, but you have to continue to use it. It helped my hair grow out after I cut it short (and regretted it about 10 minutes post-chop) and has helped to keep my hair healthy as it continues to grow. It works like a deep conditioner: you put in an egg-sized amount after shampooing, leave it in for 5 minutes, rinse, use conditioner, rinse, and you’re done. It smells great and makes my hair feel super soft. I’ll usually get it from Amazon, but Ulta had a buy one, get one 50% off sale Black Friday weekend, so I stocked up on a few.
-The diva cup. This is quite a personal product to add in here, but it really was a lifechanger. Caitlin wrote an informational post about it if you want more info! I’ve been buying my feminine products at Whole Foods (because they have the non-bleach options) for the past few years, but became more aware of my environmental footprint over time. I decided to give the diva cup a whirl about a year ago, and while there is a bit of a learning curve, once you get the hang of it, it’s awesome.
–Rosewater. I almost always have a bottle in my purse, or this refreshing rose facial spray. It’s great for brightening skin, and the scent is so energizing. Every time I close my eyes and spray my face, I get a little moment of “spa” even if the world around is a little crazy. 😉
–Somethin’ Special body butter and fragrance oil. I can’t gush over these enough. The sweet petals fragrance smells EXACTLY like my beloved Rose Jam shower gel from LUSH, and I love that Sue doesn’t use any creepy ingredients. They’re handmade with love, and so many wonderful scents to choose from.
–Anastasia Brow kit. When I started to fill in my eyebrows a little, I was surprised to see the impact. I am totally guilty of over-tweezing back in the day, and realized that full brows help to frame the face and also give a more youthful look (which is always appreciated haha). I get my brows done here at the Anastasia Salon, and while it’s a little pricey, I think it’s worth it. They measure your brow angles, wax according to your face’s shape + teach you how to fill them in with this shadow. I use the wax pencil, some powder, and finish with clear gel. Even on the days I don’t wear makeup, I feel more put-together if my brows are done.
–Moroccan oil. I’ve been a huge fan of Moroccan oil for a couple of years now. I have a wild lion’s mane of hair, which takes forever to dry. The oil helps to smooth is out and decreases drying time. We also use it on Liv’s hair and, knock on wood, have never had to deal with tangles.
–Yes To CC cream. I love that this CC cream is light, lightly tinted, and also has SPF. My skin breaks out easily from foundation and powders, and I’ve found that by using this CC cream, I can even out with skin tone without causing breakouts.
–This natural tanner. I had been looking for a more natural self-tanning option, and this one fit the bill perfectly. It doesn’t streak and is a lovely brown shade; no Oompa Loompas.
–The Naked 2 Palette. I knew I wanted a Naked palette, but took a while to figure out which one would be the most versatile. In the end, I decided on the Naked 2 palette because I found the original to be too dark, and the third version to be too pink for my skin tone. I definitely recommend hitting up Sephora or Ulta to check out some of the colors before you decide! For the past year, I’ve used this eyeshadow palette pretty much on a daily basis.
–This night cream. It smells GLORIOUS (like roses) and is gentle on my skin. I like to rotate out my skin care products, and always make my way back to this one.
-Coconut oil. When I transitioned to using coconut oil as a beauty product (in addition to a baby product!), it changed my life. I like it as a lip gloss and used it on my stomach post-baby to help with stretch marks.
–The Clarisonic. I can see a difference in my skin tone when I use the Clarisonic to exfoliate. The bummer is that after a long life, mine died! The battery won’t hold a charge anymore. 🙁 I asked Santa for a new one.
Are there any beauty (or health!) products that have changed the game for you?? See ya later today with an Orangetheory-inspired workout and a new recipe.
xoxo
Gina
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I’m interested in that toner because I always feel like I can’t get all the stuff off my skin but most toners dry me out way too much for winter. Also I heard of the diva cup years ago when tracking my cycle to get pregnant, but totally forgot about it since!
I’ve never tried this toner but I really love TJ e seaweed toner at the body shop. It has a very mild, pleasant smell and it does a fantastic job without drying me out. Most toners dry me out too much and end up not being very helpful but this one has changed my skin’s life!
*that should say “the” seaweed toner not TJ
I love my Naked pallet, it was a big investment but totally worth it. The colors are gorgeous and are amazing quality.
My game changer is coconut oil and First Aid Beauty face wash and moisturizer. My skin is so smooth!
Clairsonic is one of my mine too. Discovering the First Aid line of skincare has been my bigest revelation. They have such great products that work well for me.
Love this! Does the rosewater smell like roses?
yes!!
I tried the diva cup once and it didn’t exactly go well. I need to get the courage to try again! I’ve been debating purchasing one of the Naked pallets, but I think I need to go to the store and see them in person before I decide which one! My game changing product is Say Yes to Cucumbers make up remover wipes. I love them!
I have a Clarisonic too and I absolutely LOVE it!!!
I also love glo therapeutics conditioning hydration cream. I have super dry skin and the winter doesn’t help but this really helps keep my face moisturized.
I’m a complete Lushie.
I also love coconut oil as a moisturizer! I used your recipe for whipped homemade body butter and absolutely love it! I left the essential oils out because I am sensitive to fragrance and have very sensitive skin, but it still has a light coconut scent and is perfect!
Also If you have sensitive skin, Cover fx is an amazing makeup line! Their products do not contain fragrance, parabens or a bunch of other nasty ingredients including gluten. They have changed my skin! I have never had a reaction to their foundation products and they cover like a dream. They can be pricey but they really do last!
Thank you for this post! So fun and some awesome recommendations!
i will definitely check out that line- thank you!!
happy to hear you liked the moisturizer, too!
I actually LOVED your hair short! Thought it was so so flattering!
aww, thank you friend!
Thank you for the natural self-tanner recommendation! I’ve been looking for one of those. My favorite beauty product is the Covergirl mascara in the orange tube. I know it’s been around forever and pretty cheap (not that I’m complaining) but I have not found any mascaras that beat it – and I’ve tried a lot! It makes my lashes feel 10x longer.
I couldn’t agree more about the Clarisonic. I didn’t take it to my in-laws with me over Thanksgiving because I was afraid my nieces would get into my stuff. And I honestly saw a difference over just that five day break! I also love Bliss products. A hotel we stayed at on our honeymoon had them as their samples and I’ve been hooked ever since!
I second the Diva cup. I have used one for ages. And I have recommended it to three other women and they all have said it was indeed a life-changing thing to learn to use one. And one of these women (in her early twenties) said she found the learning curve quite steep.
My other absolute fave is baby oil. I live in a cold climate and during the winter my skin and hair dry terribly. I discovered the moisturising power when I had a baby and was too sleep deprived to remember to buy lotion and thought, if it works for the baby, it’ll do. And it did! I have a bit of a sensitive skin and finding gentle moisturizers has been tough for me until I made this discovery. I do have to try coconut oil, too!
This is an awesome round-up! I definitely echo that coconut oil is everything. I’ve been using it as my main lotion/moisturizer for years and love it. I also love mixing coconut oil with honey and a bit of conditioner for an intensive treatment. Just mix the three together, apply to dry hair then let sit for at least 30 min. Wash and condition like normal and voila! Totally changed my hair and helped me recover nicely from a bad haircut 🙂
I also love the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette (perfect for natural eyes), Physician’s Formula organic wear mascara (in the pink tube), and oil cleansing to remove my makeup (castor/jojoba oil make my favorite blend).
Oooh I’m excited to try some of these!! The only products I’m super hooked on is my Paula’s Choice skin clearing treatment. It’s made such a huge difference for my oily skin!
I started the oil cleansing method a year ago and using only essential oils for my face and it was the best thing I did. I also use Rose Petals rosewater and love it.
I need that hair stuff in my life. I have extremely thick hair and it takes FOREVER to dry. I usually don’t wash it much because it’s a big chore. Honestly I love simple Oil of Olay. All their products are so gentle and nourishing for my skin. I would like to try that toner you recommended though.
Sweet!! I am probably the only person on earth who doesn’t own an UD Naked Palette! Would you recommend the 2 over the 1?? It’s so hard to decide. Also, Moroccan oil = life changing.
xx Jill
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it depends on what colors you prefer! i felt like the 2 was lighter and more natural; the 1 was more dramatic.
Hi Gina! I just bought some eyebrow conditioner that is supposed to make my brows grow in thick (also due to some over-plucking), and it hasn’t started working yet, but I’ll let you know if it does!
THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!!! I went to Ulta the other day for the first time- I know right-where have I been? LOL and found it fun but sooooooo overwhelming when it comes to haircare! Yikes- too many choices! I am going today to get that lee stafford hair growth treatment. I am not trying to grow long but am having breakage and split ends- I just got 2 inches cut off last Friday to try to help get it in a healthy condition. Im trying not to blowdry -hope this is helpful! I must ask WHAT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER DO YOU currently use?- so much info out there- sulfate free etc. My hair is about your length now and has layers. It is medium thickness. thank you again for the helpful info and products!!!!
i think the growth treatment has made my hair much healthier!
i alternate my shampoo and conditioner between the pureology brand, nexxus, and giovanni 2chic
xoxo
Eminence skin care products are my favorites! I buy them from amazon and they have made a big difference on my skin. And the products have great ingredients!
i love the eminence brand too, but it’s hard to find! i had no idea you could get it on amazon. they have an awesome lemon face spray
I have long layered hair that takes forever to dry too! Two things that have cut my dry time from about 40 minutes to 15 minutes have been investing in a ionic hair dryer (they are more expensive, but I’ve had mine for years; Chi brand) and the Kenra blow dry spray which you can get at Ulta. It’s amazing how much less stressful mornings are now, and the extra sleep doesn’t hurt either 🙂
looooove the kenra products! and yes, a good hair dryer makes a huge difference. amen to extra sleep 🙂
I just got the Naked2 palette as a gift last week (after wanting one for months) and I’m still a little intimidated by it, and am trying to figure out how to use it without looking overdone or like I have a black eye! Any tips??
Those Urban Decay Naked palettes are hugely popular. You can probably do a Google or a Pinterest search and find tons of tutorials. I have the 1 and the 3 and that’s what I’m planning to do. 🙂
yes! here ya go! http://fitnessista.com/2013/11/everyday-eyeshadow/
Perfect, thanks Gina!! 😉
Love my Clarisonic!
Moroccan Oil is great. My hair is much healthier since I started using the products. I use the shampoo, conditioner and oil regularly. Also use a few other hair and body products.
I am so low maintenance with my beauty routine compared to a lot of people, but one thing I splurged on recently: http://usa.loccitane.com/divine-cream,82,1,53640,456394.htm#s=29206
This cream is amazing, my face feels like a baby’s butt after using it for just a few weeks now.
Have fun making cookies 😀
ahhhhh i will definitely look into that!
I have the same eyebrow situation, over plucked when I was younger. I keep wanting to figure out how to fill them in but that’s great to know it takes a few different tools. And that rosewater is something I need.
Wow the price for the hair growth treatment is so much better at Ulta than anywhere else! Too bad it’s out of stock 🙁
I learned about Rapidlash eyelash and eyebrow enhancing serum from Carrots n Cake. I’ve been using it for about 2 months now and it really works! I highly recommend for both lashes and brows.
http://www.amazon.com/Rapidlash-Eyelash-Eyebrow-Enhancing-0-1-Fluid/dp/B002WTC38O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418929392&sr=8-1&keywords=rapidlash+eyelash+%26+eyebrow+enhancing+serum&pebp=1418929395647
i would check in store; they usually have it!!
i’ll look into that, too! my eyes are super sensitive so i haven’t had much luck with products like that
When I read this post, I realized that I do not have any favorite beauty products, because I don’t use any! I am actually overwhelmed by it all, and I have no idea what to do with any of it. I don’t know how to use makeup, and I have no idea what a typical beauty routine looks like. Maybe you can help me. Do you know of any resources that could tell me what I might need to do, how, and with which products? I am wary of getting advice from people who sell products because they would just want me to buy their products. Is there a good, recent book or website? Can you post a basic outline of the beauty stuff that you do every day, week, etc.? I know it sounds like I live under a rock, but all I do is the hygiene-related things–bathing, brushing and flossing, bathing, and washing my face. I have this same overwhelmed feeling with clothes, so I end up just wearing jeans and T-shirts. Where do women go to get this basic knowledge?
There are tons of beauty channels on youtube. My current favorite is Tati (GlamLifeGuru). Here is a video she did on a makeup starter kit for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kQhUy9aWVM In this one she doesn’t go into how to actually use the products, but there are lots of tutorials you can find. Maybe it’ll help you get started. 🙂
i could do a basic outline for sure. it’s nice that you don’t have to use any!! if i don’t wear makeup, people are like “wow, you look tired” haha.
cupcakes and cashmere has some awesome everyday makeup posts!
Nah–it’s not that I don’t need it. I just don’t do it! I’m also very pale (with light brows and lashes), and when I got married three years ago, my wedding photographer told me that I needed to wear makeup or the pictures would look washed out. I didn’t have a clue what to do, so I had a professional makeup artist do my makeup. She even did fake eyelashes! I looked really good in the pictures, but I felt like a clown in real life that day, and it took forever to wash it all off!
I found out about that hair mask from reading Julie’s blog and it’s become my favorite product by far. Thanks for sharing!
Even though the Clarisonic is a big investment, it’s been well worth it. It dramatically changed the condition of my skin and I refuse to go a day without it! Mine also lasted a really long time. I had my first one for around 5 years before having to replace it which apparently is a really long time for them to last!
that is a long time! i’m stoked to get a new one; i miss it!
Great post! Why do we love seeing what other women use so much? 🙂
I LOVE my Wen Hair and Body care. I use Wen to replace shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser (with my clarisonic too), shave cream, and in a pinch moisturizer. My nails are even better from ditching the harsh shampoo. My face is softer and looks younger. I don’t get rough elbows or heels in the winter. I’d hate to be without it. I use the whole line. But I buy it on QVC when they have specials on it because otherwise it is too much $$. The seasonal scents are the best by far IMO and have skin care ingredients too. Right now I’m using Fall Tuscan Pear – light and fresh!
I’ve also started loving a few things from the “iT Cosmetics” line – the mascara, cc cream and brow pencil specifically so far. Their stuff always has to treat and improve skin / lashes etc as well as look good. Love that.
i had been looking at the wen products per your recommendation, and still haven’t gone for it! need to check it out again.
xoxo
Looking forward to seeing the Orangetheory-inspired workout! I also love Moroccan oil and am a fan of the Diva Cup. Coconut oil, as my as I wanted and tried to love it, I just could not get totally on board with. I think I’m pretty much alone in this, but I just find so many other things work better.
Totally saved this post because I NEED to try that hair growth/leave-in conditioner product. I was JUST thinking the other day about how my hair has hit a standstill. It’s long, but I feel like it can never go past the point it’s at now! I also need to use my moroccan oil that I have. I got a sample a while back but forgot what to use it for! And the diva cup. I heard about it years ago and it’s always been in the back of my mind. Just checked out Caitlyn’s post and am so getting it for my next period (I just finished it yesterday, so luckily I have some time to get it). Great post! Love learning about other products people are using 🙂
Love posts about favorite beauty products! I’m going to have to look into the hair growth deal, I feel like as I’ve gotten older my hair growth is turtle speed! I also recommend these: http://jadeandpearl.com/sea-pearls-reusable-sea-sponges/#.VJTf_aAFAA I like diva cups too, but these are even better (more comfortable I think)
game changer: Nerium AD night and day cream! I have always had an issue with bigger pores and thanks to turning 30 have noticed some fun crinkles around my eyes… I have now been using this cream for 2 weeks and my skin tone is tighter, my pores look smaller and my coloration has evened out! Miracle! If you haven’t heard of it, email me and I’ll send you a short video… Trust me, I am usually skeptical about these things and this stuff really works!!
Thank you for this post Gina!!! These are my favorite posts you do. I discovered this blog, a year or so ago, by googling “clarisonic reviews” ha ha! Not even fitness related, but here I am, a year later enjoying your thoughts!
I scribbled down a few of your fav items I’m interested in trying, and my Husband took off with the paper. *giggle*
that is so awesome! happy you got some new goodies out of it, too 🙂
hope you and your sweet fam are enjoying the holidays!
Omggg, I bought the diva cup with a Luna Pad starter kit and have yet to get used to using it. I tried it 2 or 3 times, but it would suction to me, and pop! when I tried to remove it, which was…unsettling, lol. Not to mention I spilled the contents all over the floor. You should do a post on the diva cup and your tricks and tips 🙂
hahah yikes. there definitely is a learning curve. the first time i tried to take it out, i was like, “oh no. what is happening?” hahaha
my only tip is to read the instructions and to give it some time 🙂
Love cc and bb cream, morrocan oil, and coconut oil. Will have to try the rest of the list!