ALL my beauty must haves in one post

Hey everyone! Sorry I have been completely MIA lately on the blog; I’ve just had so many things going on and have found myself a little uninspired lately…so I’ve been taking a slight break from it all.  I have been trying to be super active on instagram, so if you follow me over there, PLEASE say hi! I love connecting with y’all. And I’m not just saying that!

So, now, the long overdue post is here! I am sharing not just my current beauty favorites, but my ride-or-die MUST HAVES that have truly stood the test of time. I love bargains, y’all know that, but with these items, they last me such a long time and have truly changed my game so much that that is a bargain in itself. So, without further ramblings, here are my beauty essentials.

Skin Care

I get asked about skin care a lot and to be perfectly transparent, my skin care routine is not #goals. I take off my makeup every night, but sometimes that is all I do! So, in January of 2018, with the new year came new goals. One of my goals was to start a GOOD (and not lazy) skincare routine. I have dramatically changed my skincare routine since then and I am so proud of myself. Do I still have lazy days? Of course. BUT, overall, my skincare routine is so much better now! I have noticed changes in my skin too, so that is even more motivation to keep going!

1. Water. This goes without saying but I feel like it is SO overlooked. We often try to find remedies outside of what we can control. Ex: New face wash, new moisturizer, new new new! But, before you dive into some new products, try looking at your water intake first. The more water you have in your body, the better your body can flush out any toxins and buildup that can cause uneven skin, those unwanted pimples, and even just tired-looking skin. I definitely see my skin looking more youthful when I get a gallon of water a day.
2. Facial Scrub: This facial scrub is my FAVORITE. Not only does it smell like oranges (Yum!), but it is so gentle on the skin. I feel like I am scrubbing the dead skin cells from the day away without cutting my skin. Have you ever had a facial scrub that felt that way? Not good! This one is amazing. My skin feels light, fresh, and healthy after using it. I aim to use it once a day.
3. Facial Moisturizer: This is from the same line as the scrub, so the two pair very nicely together. I love this moisturizer because it, again, smells like oranges!! Not only does it have a good scent, but it is a gel moisturizer. If you have more oily skin, like me, then a gel moisturizer is perfect for you. It leaves my skin feeling soft, fresh, and clean without leaving a layer of slickness to my face. I use this once a day (sometimes twice!).
4. Facial Spray: Lastly, the best investment I have done for my skin is get this facial spray (lol…it’s only $7!). I spray this after I wash my face to give it some more life back into my skin before I apply my moisturizer. THIS STUFF ROCKS. I thought maybe it was overrated…but boy was I wrong. It just leaves your skin feeling refreshed, healthy, smooth, soft, literally all the good things. It has aloe in it, so it is sooooooo soothing. This will come in handy in summer for sure. You can apply it after you wash your face, like me, after you apply makeup, throughout the day…. anytime you want extra soothing moisture! I love this stuff and can’t go a day without it now!
5. Makeup Remover: If you aren’t removing your makeup before you go to bed…. GIRL. Even if you are out late at night…REMOVE. YOUR. MAKEUP. Not removing your makeup will clog your pores. AND, who wants to then remove that nasty-slept-in makeup the following morning? NOT ME. I love this makeup remover because, if you are like me and the ultimate #lazygirl, this remover not only takes off waterproof makeup, but it also gently cleanses your face. It smells refreshing and lasts a long time. I have been using it for years. I love it so much and constantly add more to my cart.
6. Self Tanner: Some people love it, some people hate it. There aren’t very many people in between. Personally, I love it! I have been SO into my skincare lately that I just don’t even want go lay out in the sun without a ton of protection! So, in order to get that gorgeous summer glow, I have been loving this stuff. It is cheaper than St. Tropez, lasts longer in my experience, goes on so evenly, AND SMELLS SO GOOD. Every time I apply this stuff and I hang out with my sister, she always comments on how I smell so good. Can you say that about your current self-tanner?! LOL! It smells like the beach. This stuff is also great because it dries almost instantly. With other self-tanners, I have to walk around (in a robe lol) for at least 30 minutes until my skin doesn’t feel tacky anymore and I can put on loose fitting shorts…. so I don’t mess up the tan. With this stuff, I can apply it all over my body and then instantly put on leggings. Not kidding. This is perfect for anyone on the go!

Makeup Essentials

So, with these products, I am only listing things that I use every. single. day. These products have stood the test of time. I would only recommend products to y’all that I genuinely LOVE. So, if you are in the market for some good makeup, keep reading!

1. Anastasia Eye Shadow Pallet: If you know me, you know how obsessed I am with this. So, funny story; for months I had had my eye on this pallet. I wanted it soo much. So, for Christmas, we had a gift exchange party and I bought this pallet for the gift! After seeing the pallet myself, the very next day I bought one for myself. Now, I can’t live without it. The pigmentation is amazing and the colors are soooo blendable. I’ve never experienced a pallet with colors that are so soft to the touch but such high pigmentation you only need a little bit on your brush to make a big impact. LOVE this one too much.
2. Brows: I have never been into the super crazy eyebrow trends, but for once I have found the perfect brow utensil for me! This one not only has amazing color and formula, but it doubles as a moisturizer for your eyebrows. No more flaky skin!!
3. Primer: I have used this primer off and on for years and it has stood the test of time. It feels like you are putting nothing on your skin. SO SOFT and makes applying foundation so much easier and streak-free. I also get oily skin throughout the day, and this stuff saves my makeup!
4. Budget friendly pallets: This eyeshadow pallet and this bronzer/blush pallet is actually SO good. The pigmentation is great and the colors all blend together so well. It was also designed for all skin types. SO good and amazing for travel!
5. Favorite blush: If you are looking for a good blush, I highly suggest this one. It has just the right amount of shimmer to add some life into your complexion without being a “highlight”. The color is gorgeous on and looks great on so many different skin types. I can wear this blush when I am super pale or even tan. Chances are, if you see a makeup selfie on my instastories or you like my blush in a picture I post, it is this one!
6. Perfect & Easy Eye Liner: I love liquid eye liner, but sometimes it can be so hard to apply. To me, pencil eye liner only looks good on the bottom; at least when you are trying to do a wing. This eye liner is a game changer. It is soon smooth when applying and the color is very pigmented. Sometimes with other eye liner brands, I have to go over the same line a couple times for the color to show up well. With this brand, one stroke is all you need for the perfect liner!

Hair Essentials

Lastly, my favorites for my hair. I am constantly trying new things for my hair, but these products are always my go-to. When you find something you love, it is hard to change the game up!

1. BEST Shampoo & Conditioner: I buy these in the HUGE sizes so they literally last me an entire year. I wash my hair every 3-4 days, so that helps too! This line smells amazing, feels the best in the shower, and my hair is so easy to brush out when I get out of the shower. Whenever I try new shampoo/conditioner, I always regret not using this. PLUS: My hair feels soooooo healthy when using these products.
2. Heat Treatment: If you are not using a heat protectant before you style your hair….. girl you need some ASAP. This stuff is my favorite. It not only smells AMAZING, but I feel like it truly protects my hair. And, it is kind of like hair perfume. So…. why not?!
3. Hair Oil: Scared of putting oil in your hair? You need to try this stuff. I had been wanting this for years and I finally got it in December. GAME. CHANGER. My hair feels so healthy, soft, and shiny. I even had some friends comment on my hair the other day saying it looked so healthy and shiny (in a good way…not oily way hahah!). It is all because of this stuff. I put it on when my hair is damp before I blow dry and also before I go to bed. Only apply it to the ends-mid of your hair and you won’t have an  oily scalp! A little bit goes a long way with this stuff, so it is definitely worth the money. I have had mine since December and have barely made a dent in it and I use it 1-2 times a day!
4. Hair Perfume: I only wash my hair 3-4 times a week, but I work out every day. Sometimes if my hair has been up in a pony tail all day, it kind of gets that…old product smell. Anyone else notice  this? When this happens, after I work out I will spray 1-2 sprays of this on my hair and then brush my hair through. It smells like the beach. I get so many compliments when I wear this! AND, it is designed for your hair, so it is not going to dry out your hair like regular perfume will.
5. Hair Spray: Now, this is for blondes but they have some for brunettes too! hehe. THIS STUFF SMELLS SO GOOD. I am typically a tresseme hair spray girl, but this one might just be my new go-to. It provides shine, hold, and smells amazing. Perfect 3-in-1!

Random Essentials

1. Nail polish: Not kidding, this nail polish is the best brand I have ever tried. I wore it for 2 weeks WITHOUT ANY CHIPS. The only reason it started to look ugly was because of my nail growth. This polish applied with the top coat is absolutely amazing. WORTH IT. So much better that OPI, Essie, Zoya….literally I have tried every brand. I workout daily, open boxes a ton, wash the dishes every day, do household chores….y’all. If it lasts on me it will last on you too!
2. Perfume: I have my nose set on this one. Subtle rose smell, and lasts so long! I spray it on myself when I go to ulta in the morning and I will still be able to smell it before I take off my makeup at night. CRAZY good.

WOW, that was a long post. If you are still here with me, thank you for reading all of this! I hope you found some new beauty favorites. Let me know it the comments if you have tried any of these or what you favorite beauty essential is! Let’s help each other out!