Buy This Not That

Beauty Edition

I am fortunate to be given A LOT of products to try. I will try products for months before I share them with you all because I never want to give you guys a review that isn’t legit. And I won’t share something I don’t think is amazing. Every item I share is something I would buy over and over again. So, here we go…

Back in the fall, I was having some weird issues with my hair. No matter what I did; clarifying, skipping washes, washing every day, it would be very greasy underneath and super dry on the top. So, I read about a natural apple cider vinegar + baking soda to get rid of oil underneath. So, I do this, but I don’t condition (still not sure why I did that!) I proceeded to comb out my hair, and I was relieved it felt somewhat normal again. Then I start to dry it and I completely FRY the top of my head. All of the layers around my face just burnt to a crisp.

I tried everything to repair it. This product did NOTHING:

After speaking with a hairstylist they recommended K18 Mask for a week, and then once a week after that. AFTER MONTHS, my hair was finally getting back to normal. This product is an investment, but worth it for damaged hair! You put it on your hair after you towel dry, let it sit for 4-5 min, and then comb it out. No need to rinse! It also smells great.

There are a lot of expensive creams on the market. I have tried many of them! This one goes for $300.

It’s nice, but after trying the U-Beauty Super Hydrator I am BLOWN AWAY.

This one is not cheap, at $168, but it is by far the best moisturizer I have EVER tried. I feel like that is saying a lot. I have sensitive skin, and a lot of things bother my skin. But, this is great. I am obsessed! My skin is glowy and stays hydrated all day long. They have a trial size of the moisturizer + their #1 product -resurfacing compound that is a steal. Worth it to try to see if you like it.

Do not waste your money on crappy fragrances. Most of the “designer” ones are heavily synthetic, mass-produced, with not great ingredients. I have found that they don’t last and they can be highly irritating! Years ago, I switched to brands like Le Labo, Byredo, and D.S. & Durga. They are high-quality, beautiful fragrances. The prices are a bit ridiculous. But you need 1 spray in the morning. The bottle will last! Current faves:

DS Durga: I don’t know what, a fragrance enhancer but I wear on its own

Le Labo: The Matcha 26

Byredo: Mojave Ghost has been my signature scent for years

Byredo: Animalique is a recent find, delicious, but better for winter!

There is a lot of talk about Charlotte Tilbury and Rare Beauty Blush. I have tried both, and I like Charlotte better than Rare Beauty for sure. But, I have to say, I love my Miracle Balm by Jones Road, way better than both of the products above! It is PERFECT for summer. I love the shade Miami Beach which is such a nice pop of pink, looks great with sunkissed skin! It is buildable too, which I love. Just a little tap, tap on your cheek bones for a flushed, glowing, touch of pink.

If you aren’t a cream blush girl, a similar color is Sangria in a powder blush by RMS.

DO NOT spend a lot of money on a curling Iron. This $13 iron has been my go-to since college. It is just the best, and you can’t convince me otherwise!

On the flip side, I would always invest in a flat iron. The T3 has been a great investment! It is gentle on your hair and it works great. I have had for years, and it is the best.

I will never get the hype of this lip gloss, I think it is CRAP! Lol!

This is a bit of a splurge, but worth it. I feel like a little goes a long way. Love the plumping, hydrating, and subtle color. I have this gloss in the color Rose.

The big thing right now is SPF primers. This is new to me! But, I currently am using and loving: YSE beauty spf 30 primer. Honestly, it’s so good you can wear it on it’s own. It is very subtle coverage but it is something if you want a no-makeup look! I love the little touch of shimmer too. Again, its very subtle but pretty!

If you want to look tan and glowing, I really like RMS beauty Radiance Serum SPF 30. I use medium, and a little goes a long way. What it Does: Evens skin tone, boosts radiance, and corrects imperfections with a subtle, soft-focus radiant filter and hint of tint, while non-nano zinc oxide protects from the sun’s damaging rays. It is a clean beauty product, always a plus!

I have 2 holy grail products that I have saved for last. I have tried every single cleanser on the market. And THIS is the best cleanser I have ever tried. It removes all of my makeup, is super gentle, and my skin feels so soft after I use it. I don’t normally get excited about this, but this has been so worth every penny! I have had a bottle that I have used 3/4 of, and have been using since March. I would say a little goes a long way.

And, I have tried a million mascaras. Expensive to drugstore. I have been using this Hourglass Unlocked religiously since 2019. It is expensive, but I feel like it lasts! It washes off in clumps so you never have to deal with raccoon eyes or eye makeup remover. It never sheds or falls under your eyes. It is the no-fuss mascara that checks all the boxes!

I have more beauty faves, but saving them for another time!!

xoxo,

Melanie