I’m calling it, spring is here to stay (in Kansas City, at least!) which means one thing: there is no better time than now to clean out your beauty bag. It’s time to ditch those half empty bottles that have been staring you down in the medicine cabinet for god knows how long and add a few products to your arsenal that will carry you into the summer months and beyond. Lucky for you, I’ve been testing out a few things that will have you looking and feeling your best. I’ve broken it down by face, hair and body down below!
FACE – About a month and a half ago I decided it was high time I ditch the Neutrogena face wash that I’ve been using since I was a tween and graduate to something a little more…adult. You know, since I’m 27. One Love Organics sent over their Easy Does It Cleanser, Brand New Day Masque and cleansing sponge. Their manifesto states, “We embrace the simplicity and the knowledge that you can achieve more with less.” Yes, please.
Aside from a stress flare up a few weeks back, things have been pretty smooth around these parts. I use the cleanser each night with my Clarisonic Mia 2 (it lathers up quite nicely!) and I’ve incorporated the masque into my routine once a week. The masque isn’t as heavy duty as some of the others I’ve used in the past, but that also means there was no irritation, tingly or burning, which is a plus in my book. When I’m home, I really like to use my Clarisonic. It’s a workhorse, backed by the fact that I’ve been using it for the past 4+ years and haven’t had any problems. I took the OLO sponge with me went we traveled to Houston and it was really nice not having to bring my Clarisonic along and it got the job done!
I’ve had a bottle of the Mario Badescu Collagen Moisturizer on deck for months and since I just polished off my drug store moisturizer, I’m finally giving it a try. So far, so good. It isn’t greasy and I really like the fact that it has SPF in it (that paired with my foundation gives me a decent amount of coverage, even when I’m not thinking about being effected by the sunlight). The jury is still out on whether or not it’s going to be life-changing, but as far as moisturizing goes, it fulfills its duty.
I wear minimal makeup during the week and only if there is something really, really exciting happening on the weekend will you find me in anything more than foundation, blush, mascara, eyeliner and now, lipstick. I’ve been trying out all of the essence products and I’ve found that the Nude Love and I am Yours! lipsticks win when it comes to adding a hint of color to my lips during the week.
HAIR – I figured with all the change happening in my life, I mine as well go big, right? So I did and I let my sister give me new ‘do. Snip, snip, snip! Not only am I excited about how light I feel, but I’m ecstatic about how quickly I can get ready in the mornings. Bye-bye blow dry time. My Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray isn’t going anywhere. I’ve sang its praises before and it’s still the perfect product to spray at the roots for extra volume or all over for a refresh on day two (or three) hair. Heaven in a can.
BODY – This natural bristle body brush, recommended by Helena, just came in the mail and I’m ready to give dry brushing a go. Have you heard of it? If not, Helena breaks it down here. She says, “Dry skin brushing will not only help increase circulation and the elimination of toxins, but it will be a a HUGE difference in the quality of your skin.” SOLD. I’m not sure how I’m going to like it, considering the fact that I’m a texture freak in every sense of the term, but my skin took a beating this winter and a little extra detoxing never hurt anyone. I’ll be sure to report back on any miracles that might happen as a result!
SHOP THE POST:
One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser c/o // One Love Organics Brand New Day Masque c/o // Mario Badescu Collagen Moisturizer // Clarisonic Mia 2 // Kingsley Natural Bristle Body Brush // Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray // essence lipstick in Nude Love and I am Yours! c/o
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS RIGHT NOW?
I seriously need to get my hands on that Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray! Your sister used that for my wedding and it smells SO good, and I loved the way it made my hair feel!
xo Emily
http://www.fashioncolumntwins.com
I want to try the Oribe spray- it’s just so darn expensive! I might try the small size first justtt to make sure I like it before buying the big one. Although you raved about it, so I assume it’s good!
Trust me, I thought the same thing, but I promise it’s worth it!
I think you’ll like dry brushing. It takes a while to get used to but feels pretty amazing! Love OLO and Oribe. Everyone should give them a try 🙂
Kira
Okay, the new ‘do is JAMMIN’. I love it on you. And that Oribe spray neeeeeeds to find its way into my hair product bin (yes, I might have a bin…) because it’s amazing.
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I love texturizing spray! I never use actual hairspray on my hair but I use the texture spray!! Thanks for all the beauty suggestions!
-Kara
http://www.everydayk.com
Love that lip color and I adore Mario Badescu products!
xoxo
Kaley
My Closet Life Blog
They say dry brushing is super good for your lymphatic system. While I do not claim any boost in mine (not sure how I would know) haha… I certainly do love the way dry brushing has made my skin feel so incredibly soft! I think this should be a must for all gal this summer as we start to flaunt our legs! 🙂 Also, I need that Oribe spray in my life. Once I am done with the Alterna caviar version, I am going to give it a whirl!
Hey, if the only thing I get is super soft skin, then I call that a win haha. You will have to let me know what you think of the spray. It’s SOOO good.
Yay! I actually think that the spray will help me when it comes to some wedding updos I need to do this summer!
http://www.theadoredlife.com
I’m loving all things Bare Minerals right now. Up until about a year ago, I never owned any makeup other than mascara and lip gloss, but then my skin got all kinds of weird (and so tired looking), so I decided to try out Bare Minerals and I love it.
I still need to give that texturing spray a try! My hair is so straight that it takes a small village to get it to do much of anything!
Annica
http://www.lifemodifier.com
I need to get the clarisonic and I was planning on try dry brushing thanks for the reminder 🙂
xo
PinkSole
I’m interested to hear how you like dry brushing. I haven’t tried it either but my legs and arms look so beat up after this horrible dry winter.
And enough is enough! I need to buy the Oribe Dry Texturing spray! I’ve heard amazing things from far too many people 😉
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
I’ll be sure to give you the lowdown 😉 Seriously, the spray is addictive. I can’t wait for you to try it!
i need a new face wash! thanks for sharing this, xx!
Yay! You will have to let me know what you think of it!
That bristle brush sounds amazing! I have also really been wanting to try the clarisonic but can’t ever seem to just make the leap and purchase it!
Rachel’s Lookbook
It’s such a good investment! Like I said, I’ve had mine for four years. I think of it like I do my big ticket clothing items and break things down into cost per use. By now….we’re talking pennies 😉
Great round up lady! I’ll for sure have to check some of these out 😉
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com/
Hi Jess!
This might be a rather odd question but: Do you just happen to have that marble background incorporated in your kitchen / house? I am seeing so many Bloggers lately using that as a background and I really like it opposed to the simple white. I am living in a very old house and there is no pretty background place to do product shots besides a white cardboard.
Have a great day!
http://www.lovealwaysliv.com
I’m going to email you 😉