My Top 10 Favorite Beauty Products

Usually my blog is filled with posts about my adventures, poetry or that which inspires me - but today, I am switching things up a bit. So, secretly, I love makeup. I know, I know, that sounds so high maintenance - but I'm really not!! I just enjoy trying different products (especially in the highlighter department... guilty) and trying out the newest fads and techniques that still keep a simple face.

SO, I have listed my top 10 favorite beauty products that are currently in my makeup bag listed in the order that I use them (except for the last two)...

1. Physician's Formula The Healthy Foundation

I recently discovered this product by complete chance. After finishing a bottle of my previous foundation, I was looking for something quick in the drug store to try. Honestly, the only reason I tried this one was because of the packaging - simple and elegant. It is definitely a minimal coverage formula (which I like because I do not want anything heavy on my face) and is definitely buildable. What I like most about this formula is that it blends well with my favorite product #2... which I mix with this foundation while applying.

2. Cover FX Custom Cover Drops in "Sunlight"

This is one of my favorite products... EVER. I stumbled upon this when I was looking for a highlighter and, like I mentioned above, fell in love with the packaging of this product so figured I would give it a try. Now, although I originally intended to use this as solely a highlighter to give a little glimmer on the cheeks, I discovered a completely different use for this product which I like way more... and that is to mix a few drops with the foundation above and then blend for a glowy coverage.

3. Laura Mercier Transluscent Loose Setting Powder

Until about 3 days ago, I was completely against the whole "baking" thing - where you apply translucent powder on top of your foundation and concealer and leave it there for 5-10 minutes before brushing it away. But then I tried it. And maybe it's the "placebo" effect... but I do notice a much smoother finish.

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Sun Dipped Glow Kit

If you are looking for a creamy powdery highlighter... try this. Now, it is a bit expensive, but definitely check it out if you ever find it on sale. The only reason I bought this was because I had heard incredible things about it AND because it was discounted at a decent price during Ulta's daily sales around Christmas time... I couldn't say no! The two darker shades on the left can be used as contour and the two shades on the right for highlighter.

5. Bare Minerals Eye Shadow in "Bare Skin"

The shade in the picture above actually looks a little darker than the real product, but this eyeshadow is my go-to when I want a no-makeup kind of look. With a subtle netural glimmer.. this adds a touch of "bare-skin" color to your eyelids for a soft glow.

6. L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Rock Mascara

This is one of my favorite mascara's of all-time and I honestly can't even remember how I discovered it. Full disclosure: I am not sure if this product is still being manufactured and sold because I bought a bunch of them for $1 at a drug store (because I loved it so much)... BUT, if you are looking for a mascara that gives you full lashes in one or two sweeps, this is definitely one to check out.

7. NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

Again, maybe the placebo effect here? But I think it makes a difference and besides, a little spritz on the face always feels nice anyway. I actually use this product twice when I am getting ready. The first time I use it is just before the highlighter.. I think it enhances the effect of the highlighter and helps it go on smoother. Secondly, I use it at the very end to help the products blend with each other and then set it for the day.

8. Lorac Optimist Lipstick/Buxom Pink Champagne Lip Gloss

I discovered these two shades in discounted gift sets during Ulta's 'Days of Christmas' sales and fell in love. The Lorac Optimist lipstick, a soft pink, when paired with Buxom's Pink Champagne lip gloss, another soft pink, creates the perfect shade of soft pink for an every day look. Not sure if these two shades are sold separately (you never know with the ones sold in gift sets), but might need to find out soon as my supply is running low!

9. Coconut Oil

I just chose a picture of coconut oil on Google.. the one pictured above is Nutiva but any brand will do! The one I have been using is just the generic brand from Aldi's... and it works wonders (in my mind) for my hair. Being that I have hair that is naturally straight and on the thinner side, I am constantly looking for products that give my hair a little more volume and thickness. The day after washing my hair with coconut oil, I can notice a huge difference in the way that my hair feels. It feels much healthier with more volume. Again, placebo effect? Perhaps - but I look forward to using coconut oil in my hair at night so I'm just going to carry on with it.

Tip: Apply coconut oil when hair is wet. Put hair up in a bun and leave for no less than 30 minutes (sometimes I leave the oil in my hair for hours). Then, before washing your hair out with water, apply shampoo first (this will help the coconut oil rinse out). After the shampoo is in your hair, then rinse with water, conditioner, etc.

10. L'Oreal Smooth and Glow Grapeseed Pure Sugar Scrub

Facebook advertising got the best of me with this one. Has anyone else's newsfeed been overtaken with L'Oreal's ads for their new kiwi seeds face scrub?! Anyway, tried this product for the first time tonight and only one word comes to mind: WOW. First of all, it smells great. At first, I was catching the scent of Fig Newtons.. but then as I was applying, I got a succulent citrus smell. This product is truly a treat for your face. The sugar particles make for a soothing exfoliator and your face truly feels replenished and refreshed after using. Definitely looking forward to applying this face scrub again!

So this concludes my top 10 favorite beauty products blog post. I change my makeup look like the wind changes direction - one day I might be in the mood for a more dramatic look, a softer look, a natural no-makeup look or just in the mood to not wear any makeup altogether.

Bottom line: if you use makeup, find what works best for you and have fun with it!!