I have some reliable items in my make-up bag (you know, the ones I order in twos or threes from Ulta to qualify for free shipping because I never want to run out), but also love giving new beauty products a try. I’ve discovered some great new finds recently that I wanted to share. (Who knows? Maybe some of these will be added to the ole tried and true list.)
Biore Self-Heating One-Minute Charcoal Mask. I was interested to give charcoal products a try after reading so much about them recently. Since charcoal is a purifier, it makes sense that the same would hold true in charcoal-turned-soap (or, in this case, face mask). It naturally draws impurities and excess oil from the skin, which sounds quite appealing. But it also kind of looks scary (since it looks like, well, charcoal), so I was happy to see that these Biore masks come in a four-pack tester. That way, I could dip my toe into the world of charcoal beauty products, rather than diving right in. The verdict? I’m a believer. I love the way this mask begins warming instantaneously, and it doesn’t harden so it’s easier to wash off than other masks I’ve tried. Plus, after three uses my face really does feel more cleansed. I will definitely be purchasing this again!
Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Eyeliner. An Ulta just opened in Winston (my fave place to buy Benefit products), so between that and the Zoe’s Kitchen that just came to town, things are pretty great. (Plus, there’s a Publix slated to open in early 2015, which will kind of be the best thing ever. Basically, Winston is becoming more awesome every day.) But back to Benefit. And this super great new eyeliner. TECHNICALLY it won’t be released until June 27, but I signed up for this Benefit promo and got some in the mail last weekend. Amazing! Who doesn’t love a little exclusivity? This liner is worth waiting for, though. I’ve never been a gel eyeliner user, but this one is awesome. It has a flexible tip, allowing for a super precise application, so you can get the liner to line up perfectly with your lash line.
Benefit High Brow. I’ve been using this in place of eyeshadow recently and really like the look. I put it on just beneath my brows and smudge it in a little, and it really does brighten up my eyes and make my brows look more defined. Score!
New Nail Polish Loves. You didn’t think I’d leave you without some great new nail color recommendations, did you? Have you met me? My latest loves include Butter Toff and Molly Coddled as well as Watermelon by Essie (thanks for introducing me to this one, Anna C.!). I hadn’t tried Butter before, but had always heard good things and can confirm that the glowing reviews are well deserved. This stuff is awesome!
Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner. Until relatively recently, my hair was easy to deal with. I could use different brands of shampoo and conditioner without seeing much change. But about a year ago, my hair started feeling weighed down no matter what shampoo and conditioner I tried using. Feeling rather desperate, I started giving the No Poo Method a try (where you ditch shampoo and conditioner completely and start using baking soda and apple cider vinegar in their place). It sounds weird for sure, but I loved this approach and it really helped my hair start to feel more normal and healthy. After about four months of No Poo, I wanted to enter back into the world of shampoo and conditioner, and found that this Aveeno Pure Renewal line was a perfect way to do that and keep my hair feeling great. (Another habit I adopted during the No Poo stage was going a few days between washes, which I’ve kept up. My hair feels so much healthier and I haven’t experienced any more issues with it feeling too heavy and full of product.)
Victoria’s Secret Instant Bronzing Tinted Body Spray. I first read about this product on a friend’s blog (thanks for the recommendation, Emily!) and then started reading some other reviews. People LOVE this stuff, and after trying it, I can totally see why. Spray, lightly rub it in, and voila! Instant, light, not-fake-or-crazy-looking color. That’s great news for this pale gal. (Plus, it doesn’t smell weird like so many sunless tanners.)
Have you tried any of these products, too? If so, what did you think? Any new beauty products you’ve been loving lately?
Oooh great stuff! Will have to try that liner – I loooove the benefit mascara! Glad you love the tanning spray too – it’s so easy!
That is great to hear about the Aveeno Pure Renewal. I almost snagged it once at Marshalls but just wasn’t too sure without knowing if it was good or not. Next time I see it I may have to snag some!