Potions and Lotions

Mirror Mirror in my hand, what are the best beauty products in the land? 

After years of testing products, both on the shows The Shopping Bags, and Anna and Kristina's Beauty Call, and now on my own, I can safely say I've tried LOT of potions and lotions.

Many might be surprised to see my beauty and make-up drawers. There's not much in them. I have a very few select products that I use day in and day out. Here's my list of favourite beauty, skincare, and makeup products. I may be fickle with some products (shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, moisturizers) but I've purchased all of these multiple times, with only two exceptions. Read on! 

CLEANSERS

I've been using Cetaphil for probably 35 years now. Dermatologist recommended and priced right, this is a light, gentle cleaner that can also double as a makeup remover. Dab onto a cotton pad and wipe.

New on my Love It list is the Riversol Refreshing Gel Cleaner. Also very light, but it's a bit more of a serious clean than Cetaphil. You can't go wrong with either. 

CREAM BLUSH

Stila's cream blush in peony has been in my makeup bag for years. (I think after a certain age, a cream blush looks better than a powder one because it gives you an extra bit of hydration.) 

Peony is a browny-pink shade. I've also used the shade Petunia in the summer, but I keep coming back to this one. I dab it on my cheeks and away I go. It also does double duty and can be used as a lip stain. 

My only beef with this product is that the compact itself is quite delicate. I hardly ever make it through the entire thing without breaking the hinge in the back. 

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EXFOLIATOR

GOOP's Exfoliating Instant Facial has a bit of a love it or hate it reputation. I'm in
the former camp. (I wonder how much of that flack is due to the product or
Gwyneth herself?)

​Put a generous layer on your face, massage in a circular motion, let sit for a minute or two, and rinse off. After, I do find my skin softer and smoother looking.

One important note: More is not more. I've used this too many days in a row, and on other occasions, left it on for too long. It has caused some temporary redness and irritation. Use only as directed.  

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​EYELINER

I like to wear eyeliner on my waterline, for a more dramatic look. For that it needs to go on easily and smoothly. The Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner (I use shade 73 - Black) delivers and is one of the very best that I've ever used.

Best of all, it's only $6. 

​Enough said.

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FACIAL SERUM

Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth every drop? Also yes. I'm on my fourth or fifth bottle now and I panic when I get close to empty. (I've even scooped it off the countertop when I spill a drop.) 
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Cult favourite Vintner's Daughter is an all-in-one product that aims to improve the appearance of breakouts, fine lines, texture, brightness, and hydration.

I can't speak to the breakouts, but I do love it for all the other selling points. I only use it at night and my skin feels dewy, fresh, but never greasy.  

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LIP GLOSS

Another constant go-to is my Fenty Beauty lipgloss in Glow. It's a fairly translucent shimmery rose nude, with just a faint hint of colour, making it an excellent choice for many a skin tone. I've gone through numerous tubes of it, and even got my 76 year old mom hooked on it! 

It's great by itself during the day, and I also like to put it over other lipsticks for some serious GLOW.

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MASCARA

I'll spend a fair bit on skin care, but much less on makeup. There are just so many great products at the drugstore, I don't see the need.

One of my favourites is L'Oreal's Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara. It performs as advertised: It volumizes, thickens, and lengthens.

​And at just over $10, what more can you ask for? 

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NAIL POLISH

I do my own nails a lot, mainly because I'm too lazy to make an appointment to get it done. After trying CND Vinylux polishes, I'm not going back to any other brand. 

The polishes last longer than other brands, and, they go on more smoothly. The brush itself is thicker, making applications (especially hurried ones, my style) sooo much easier.

When I do get a proper manicure, I love the brand's Shellac line which also goes on faster and is easier to remove than any other shellac/gel that I've tried. AND, my nails are way less damaged after. 

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​TINTED MOISTURIZER

This is a new find - BeautyCounter's Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer. (For reference, I wear shade #2.) This product delivers lightweight hydration, a hint of sheer coverage, and SPF 20 protection. 

I wear SPF 365 days a year. In the spring/summer and on brighter days, I go with a 30+. But in the fall/winter, I love this product. It's light, gives just a dab of colour, but most definitely lives up to its name by providing a dewy glow.  

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VITAMIN C SERUM

I've been using SkinCeuticals Vitamin C serum every morning, underneath a moisturizer or sunscreen, for years. It is supposed to provide protection from the elements, and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, help with loss of firmness, as well has having skin brightening properties. 
Would I be wrinklier if I wasn't using it?  🤷🏻‍♀️

​With preventative products, it's hard to tell if they're working or not. But I'm not going to risk it by stopping. It goes on easily, absorbs quickly, and I like it a lot better than many other similar products that I've tried. 

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