Because it’s cold, I’m already getting nostalgic for November! Here are some things I loved the heck out of last month…
1. Onomie Boosting Lip + Cheek Sticks ($30 each)
These are super sheer compared to some other creams products out there, like the MAC Cream Colour Bases, but don’t walk away just yet. I don’t really use them when I’m gonna be taking pics for MBB, because they’re too subtle for photography, but for regular life, like when I’m wearing the most minimal of minimal makeup (a recurring theme when you live with a demanding tabby and a toddler), they’re B-O-M-B. They add just enough color to cheeks and lips to liven things up so I don’t look totally dead, ha ha.
I blend concealer under my eyes and skip the tinted moisturizer/foundation completely, then plop on a coat of mascara, and dab and blend one of these tints on my cheeks and lips.
It’s a very Megan Markle makeup look, and I’m into it.
Comes in six shades. I wear the Berry the most.
2. Juno & Co Microfiber Velvet Sponge ($6 each, or four for $20)
You can use this soft and squishy makeup blending sponge wet or dry to apply or set foundation, powder and/or concealer. The surface of the sponge feels velvety, similar to velvet fabric, which makes a big difference in the finished look. It’s a more airbrushed and polished look than you get with the beautyblender-y makeup sponges out there.
3. R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo and Conditioner ($30 each)
You know when your hair feels coated, weighed down and heavy? UGH, I hate that feeling. It’s like living with a family of filthy forest animals on your head 24/7. Anyway, with this shampoo and conditioner, you can completely avoid that issue. They’re for smoothing, moisturizing *and* volume, and they’re made for all hair types, from fine to thick and wavy like mine, and everything in between. When I use this set, my hair is what I call, “light and fluffy.” My only wish is that they came in bigger bottles!
The scent is lovely, too. I detect lavender, pineapple, tangerines and warm, white musk.
4. R+Co Waterfall Moisture + Shine Lotion ($29)
Again for the girls and guys who like hair that isn’t coated with a thick layer of goo. (R+Co is good at that.) This intense leave-in conditioner and frizz-fighter is just as moisturizing as their High Dive Moisture + Shine Cream (don’t even ask me how many bottles of that I’ve gone through), but it retains more volume in your strands, so it flattens the hair less than High Dive.
Both are brilliant, but if you have long or medium-length hair, and you’re all about floofy marshmallow volume, this is the one you’ll want, especially if you like violets, oranges and caramel, which is how it smells.
5. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream ($47.50)
This no-frills mega-moisturizing face cream for dry skin doesn’t feel heavy and doesn’t make my combination skin break out.
It layers well with other skin care products and sits well under makeup, too, and you can get a big ol’ 4.2-oz. jar for $47.50, which is practically the same price, but double the amount of the product, as a similar moisturizer I used to buy from Clarins, which was 1.8 oz. for $48.
Sometimes I like to mix one or two drops of Fresh Seaberry Oil into it!
6. Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil ($42)
Speaking of Fresh Seaberry, this oil-based makeup removing cleanser is from the same product line, and it’s just as awesome. I didn’t think I’d ever find a cleansing oil that was just as good as the one by DHC, but this one is comparable. It’s more moisturizing than most cleansing oils (#dryskinproblems), and it completely removes all of my makeup, even waterproof eye stuff.
I love the thick, rich consistency, and I also like the slightly herbal smell.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I only tried the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, which was nice, but nothing I wanted to repurchase. My skin s still very oily though, maybe that is why.
Ooh! Once Christmas is over (and I have money again) I’m going to try that oil cleanser. I have the Sea Berry oil and so far I’m a fan! I’m starting to get ibye tested in skincare and I’m looking at Clarins to start. Any recommendations? I just tried the Vichy Mineral 89 and it’s just light enough for my skin (it’s meant for layering though) and sits well under makeup. I actually got a compliment on my skin (which I never get) which is funny because the day prior I drank too much and slept (passed out) with my makeup on! (Which I never, ever do) it must be the sea berry and Vichy!
Hi Savannah,
I’m a huge Clarins skin care fan and can offer a few recs. Are you looking for moisturizers, cleansers, body care?
Anything for the face! For reference I have combo (more on the oily) skin that can be acne prone (breakouts usually just occurr with weather, stress and bad eating) and is on the sensitive side. Anything you suggest will really help narrow it down for what I should try.
OK, here’s a quick list of things I’ve used and loved for the face:
Double Serum
Multi-Active Day Cream SPF 20 and Night Cream
Toning Lotion With Camomile
Cleansing Milk With Alpine Herbs
Extra Firming Day SPF 15 and Night Cream
I have combo skin too, but I’m more dry than oily. 🙂
I have pretty sensitive skin, too, and breakout easily, and have always had good luck with Clarins. If the line is new to you though you may want to either get a few samples or buy it from somewhere with a good return policy, just in case it doesn’t agree with your skin (I like Nordstrom and Sephora).
I just tried the Television shampoo and conditioner too. I really like it. Now I want to check out Waterfall. So far, I love everything I’ve tried from R+Co. Thanks for making me aware of the brand!
You’re welcome, Lily. I’m a huge fan of the line and I’m glad that you love it just as much as I do! Have you tried High Dive yet, btw?
I have and I love it, especially for days when I don’t want to blow dry my hair.
Yeah, I don’t even want to admit how many tubes of it I’ve gone through, LOL! 🙂
Fresh’s Seaberry is my main remover of choice. I love the oil too. It’s my winter staple. I prefer it to many other formulations.
Yes, it’s so good! Great for dry skin, especially in the winter.
Those Onomie sticks look great! Right up my alley. I love cream blushes.
Ooh, girl. If you like creams, I have a series coming up next month on cream EVERYTHING! Stay tuned. 🙂
My skin is hella dry and prone to eczema so I am HERE FOR IT.
Kinda sorta related but have you ever tried any of the Avene products for eczema? I got this cream originally for Connor because she has some dry patches on her legs and it really helps her. Then, I started using it on dry/red/sensitive areas on my face and neck (I just started using a retinol/vitamin C combo) and it is really good. Very soothing and moisturizing.
I haven’t, I’ll have to check it out! I do use the face mist but I don’t think it does much LOL
Have you used Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturing Lotion? That one broke me out. I haven’t tried the gel, but I’m dealing with dramatically dry skin LOL, so I’d try this but I worry it will break me out too (but it didn’t for you).
Hi Miki,
I did, years ago, and it didn’t break me out, but I stopped using it because I needed sooooo much more moisture. For dramatically dry skin (I FEEL YOU GIRL), I also like Clarins (in the blue jar). Drunk Elephant Lala Retro is also pretty good and a lot of people love it too.
What are you currently using now?
Oh and I’m checking out that sponge! I also am going to try the Stans Out Memory Foam sponge too.