New trends and products are constantly popping up in the beauty industry. While I was still learning how to contour, everyone had already moved on to strobing. Before I even figured out what strobing meant, the dramatic cut crease on the eye lid was in, then ombre lips, matte lips and, and, and… Trying to keep up is enough to make your head spin, and empty out your bank account. I would like to hit the pause button and take a break from all the new trends, products and techniques. Let’s go back to basics and let me share my favourite beauty products of all time. Regardless of what trend is in at the moment, these products are always on high rotation. Let me know in the comments section what your cult favourite beauty products are.
- Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Skin Protectant | This is by far my favourite beauty buy. When I was on Roaccutane it helped sooth my dry chapped lips, keep my brows in place and moisturize dry, ashy knees and elbows. In the past I have tried using the lip balm version on my lips but because I apply it so often it finished really quickly, so I just stick to the large tube. Elizabeth Arden has introduced a fragrance-free version, which I’ve also tried but ended up defaulting back to the original. There’s something about that almost medicinal smell which I love. I’ve been using this for years and haven’t found anything half as good to replace it.
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer | The first time I tried this primer I had received it as a sample. You know a product is good when you try to stretch that sample as much as possible. Before using Smashbox Photo Finish Primer I didn’t even know I needed a primer. It is oil free so it creates a moisturized, yet matte and velvety smooth canvas on which to apply your foundation. A small bit goes a long way in ensuring my makeup stays put all day long.
- Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick & Liquid | I’ve tried multiple foundations and have been hard pressed to find a brand with a color that melts into my skin quite like Bobbi Brown. Most foundations may match my skin color, but the undertones leave my face looking ghostly and lifeless. Then I find myself having to layer on the concealer, highlighter, bronzer and blush just to add life to my skin. My Bobbi Brown color is Golden 6, which has warm, yellow/golden undertones. The stick offers more coverage but I feel it tends to finish quite quickly so I use the liquid when I’m not looking for a full-on face beat.
- MAC Ruby Woo | A bright red lip colour with blue undertones that somehow seems to look great on most skin tones? I’m not sure how MAC got this color and formula right but it’s my favourite red ever. If I'm wearing red lipstick, there's a 80% chance it's Ruby Woo. I have other red lip colours but have not found a red that pops quite like Ruby Woo. It is extra matte, highly pigmented, universally flattering and long lasting. If you haven't tried it and you're on the market for red lipstick, give it a shot.
- MAC Velvet Teddy | My every day, default “nude” lip color is Velvet Teddy. It is has a matte beige color and goes on smooth. This gets the most use out of my nude lip colours because of its versatility.
- The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil | This is perfect for giving my arms and legs a warm, summery glow with a little shimmer and sparkle. I use it when I’m wearing short shorts and skirts because bronze legs look more toned and defined than pale ones. Plus it has a long lasting scent which is absolutely devine!
- Maybelline Great Lash Mascara | With short, stubby lashes which curl into a tight c I need a mascara with a small brush to elongate and add volume. Trying to find a mascara with the right brush and formula is not easy. I’ll experiment with something new, but always seem to default back to my trusty Maybelline Great Lash mascara. And it’s affordable.
- The Body Shop Body Butter | Rich, intensive and super moisturizing but doesn’t leave my skin oil slick because it absorbs easily into skin. TBS body butter’s come in a variety of flavours and cater for normal/combination skin, as well as very dry skin. My favourites are Mango, Shea Butter, Coconut and Blueberry.
- Gelish Soak off Nail Polish in Queen of Hearts | Not necessarily a buy but this is my go to red nail colour when applying gelish. It has a little sparkle in it but no large glitter pieces.
- MAC Prep + Prime | I discovered this a little late in my makeup journey but it has quickly become a firm favourite. It’s not a setting spray but instead a moisturizing mist that hydrates and finishes makeup. It works wonders when I’m wearing powder on my face, which often makes me feel as though my face is flat. It gives me a natural glow and dimension while making my bronzer and highlighter pop.
So true about that Ruby Woo. Love it.
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It’s amazing right? Best red ever!
Great post. With all these trends that come and go its always good to remember what the cult faves are. Love Ruby Woo & the Fix + Spray