Ok, so I did an Instagram poll in my stories asking if anyone wanted to see a roundup of my recent beauty favorites/review of my favorite products and I’m happy to report that the response was 100% yes! I always feel silly asking questions about what people want to read but I also don’t want to post something that no one wants to see… anyway, thank you for responding!

I love trying new beauty products and I’m also pretty loyal to ones that I love. My mom has worked for a dermatologist since I was a teenager so, thanks to her, I’ve always been somewhat diligent about caring for my skin (or using SPF, washing my face, and moisturizing). But, in recent years, I’ve been getting more and more into my beauty routine and more serious about really taking care of my skin. So, while I’m no professional, I’m definitely learning a lot as I go and that’s really what I’m sharing here. Some of these products are new to me and some I’ve been using for a while but I honestly love everything I’m using right now (that’s not to say I won’t be adding anything to this routine as the seasons change and as I find new products I love and/or want to try!).

FACE

Saranghae oil cleanser: this is the best cleanser I’ve tried in a long time. Saranghae did send it to me to try out, so I didn’t buy it, but this is one product I will buy when I run out. Also, I know I said in my review that my favorite product of theirs was the sheet mask, but in all honesty that was before I tried this product (they changed their formula) and now this is hands down my favorite. I love an oil cleanser because it isn’t harsh on my already dehydrated skin and because. it makes makeup removal (when I wear it) super simple. This one also has gold specks in it so my skin literally feels radiant after I wash my face with this.*

Rose Witch Hazel Toner: I’ve always used toners on and off as I like the additional step to make sure my skin is really clean but witch hazel has long been hailed for it’s natural acne fighting properties and since I’m prone to breakouts (even at 30), I thought I’d give this a try. The rose scent is an added bonus (I’m a sucker for anything rose… or lavender…or anything with anything that reminds me of the ocean… maybe we should just leave it at I’m a sucker?!)! Long story short, I really like using this product and use it every night before bed (unless I’m using the First Aid Beauty Pads below).

First Aid Beauty Pads: At my last facial, my aesthetician told me that my skin was really dehydrated and that I need to find a good balance between hydrating and exfoliating. The number one product she recommended for me was to use something with glycolic acid in it. Glycolic acid exfoliates, tones, and brightens and these ones are gentle enough to use daily, even though I don’t. I try to use them every other night or every two nights.

Caudalie Moisturizing Sorbet: I’ve been using this for a little over a year now and I really like it. It’s very lightweight so perfect for an everyday moisturizer, especially for someone with oily skin. I use this a lot and I use this Saranghae cream when my skin feels really dry but I’m looking for a more middle of the road one for days when I need some in between moisture as the heavier cream takes a long time to absorb.

Eye Cream: This is the first year that I’ve been using an eye cream regularly and I started with this Saranghae eye cream. While I do really like it, I also bought this Boscia one for Joe for Christmas and I’m really excited to try it. I’ve used their charcoal face mask and I really like that so I’m hoping I like the eye cream as much.

Sheet Masks: Ideally, I would use one of these once a week. I already mentioned that my skin is really dehydrated and I was surprised to hear it because I moisturize every day. But I also try to combat my oily skin by using drying products so I need to find a better balance (when you have oily skin and use too many drying products, it actually causes your skin to produce more oil which cause more breakouts, etc.). Hydrated skin combats acne (I breakout at least a few times a month, still) and wrinkles so it’s really important to moisturize and start young!

First Aid Vital Greens Face Mist: I just recently got this and really bought it for the spring and summer months but I’ve been using it now more than I expected. I wouldn’t say it is something you need in your beauty arsenal but I do like having it. I’ve been spraying it after doing my makeup (when I do actually put makeup on) to set it and I like how refreshing it feels. I want to get this rose one or this one, too.

*Just a quick note- I also have oily skin (anyone else have combination skin?) and sometimes break out- I don’t always use this on those days. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but oil is actually good for oily skin because it balances it out. I like to use this at night because sometimes my face is just too oily in the morning… still looking for a favorite face wash to use when I don’t use this one.

HAIR

Moroccan Oil: Obsessed… I put just a small amount on my hair after a shower. I don’t go often for trims or touch ups so I really need to take care of my hair in the in between time and this works really well.

Sea Salt Spray: I’ve used Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Spray for a really long time but recently wanted to try something new, too. I couldn’t decide between Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, the Herbivore Surf Spray, Captain Blakenship’s Sea Salt Spray or this Verb version but I finally decided to try the Verb Sea Spray. I really like it and have been using it when I don’t want my hair to feel as textured. The Not Your Mother’s makes my hair feel like I just walked off the beach so I think it’s much heavier on the sea salt content whereas I’ve noticed the Verb spray makes my hair much softer. I like both for different reasons but it’ll be interesting to compare them in the summer- my hair tends to frizz a lot so I’m hoping one of them will tame it better than the other.

Dry Shampoo: I don’t have it pictured here (it’s behind the mousse in the cabinet) but I currently use Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Dry Shampoo. A lot. I like it and I would recommend it but I haven’t tried that many dry shampoos to say that I really love it, if I’m being honest. It’s my favorite of what I have tried but it does leave a bit of white residue in my hair so I’m thinking I need to try one that is tinted.

Hair Mask: Again, because I go so long between trims, I need to make sure I really take care of my hair and keep it hydrated and healthy. Otherwise, it’s glaringly and painfully evident when I need my hair cut. Also, my hair is really thick and coarse and it literally eats moisture and product so I have to stay on top of keeping it looking healthy.

BODY

Alba Hawaiian Detox Body Lotion: This was totally a random Target purchase but I LOVE it! Finding a clean body lotion was one of my first attempts at making an effort to make my beauty products more natural and I really like this one.