Being stuck inside for several months really made me take stock of my beauty collection. I looked around at all of the products and samples I’ve accumulated and challenged myself to streamline my products and routine. However, I really wanted to try out some of the endless samples I’ve collected yet never used. In going through everything I discovered new products I loved and discarded ones that didn’t work for me. As a long time, makeup artist and cosmetics/skincare junkie, that’s proven to be quite an undertaking. Many of us are still working from home, in multiple Zoom meetings, taking part in webinars, homeschooling children, cooking with our families, and helping others. Our normal skin & makeup routine is either obsolete or has definitely taken a backseat.
Of late, I’ve been wearing very little makeup. This has made me realize how refreshing it is to keep it simple. In addition, I had completely forgotten how freeing going “au naturel” can be.
With these revelations in mind here’s a shortlist and breakdown of products that I believe should always be kept in rotation. Wearing less makeup (again, if any at all) allows us to focus on giving our skin the love and self-care it deserves while in the comfort of our own home. We can remove complicated, time-consuming routines and products we rarely use.
Back to Basics
Carve 5 to 10 minutes out of the day, light a candle, lock the door, and get to pampering! I promise it’ll do wonders for the way you feel.
Now Brand 100% Pure Peppermint Oil 1oz
This product’s incredible! I keep it with me at all times. It has multiple uses as an essential oil. It works well applied at the temples for a headache, sore neck, an upset tummy or to cool you off in the hot weather. It can also be diluted in a water-filled container to spritz on your skin for an instant refresh.
At Whole Foods and Sprouts Markets ($8)
Dr Teals Pink Himalayan Mineral Soak, Restore & Replenish
Pure Epsom salt eases aches, soreness, and muscle pains. Mineral-rich pink Himalayan salt will replenish & recharge. Bergamot & sweet orange essential oils help provide relief from stress. Helps you sleep better. The royal treatment! Add 2 hands full into bathwater soak 10-20 minutes. ($6)
drteals.com
Little Seed Farm Botanical Butter
Made locally in Tennessee. Great for body, hands or cuticles. We all need moisturizing after sanitizing our hands so much. Organic Shea Butter reduces redness and inflammation while helping smooth fine lines and wrinkles by utilizing naturally occurring antioxidant superheroes, vitamin A and E. One container lasts for months! ($15) Find it at Poppy & Monroe.
littleseedfarm.com
Avené-A-Oxitive SOS Antioxidant Sheet Mask
Infused with an energizing antioxidant complex and a high concentration of soothing and softening Avené Thermal Spring Water, this Antioxidant Sheet Mask provides an immediate radiant glow to the skin and hydration! ($12)
At The Cosmetic Market aveneusa.com
Revision Papaya Cleanser
This is a great cleanser for men and women that gets you clean and detoxes with a little enzyme action to help dissolve any dry surface skin. Find it at Karee Hayes Skincare.
revisionskincare.com
Little Miracles
These are the hero products that offer an immediate boost for your face, skin, and hair – definitely things to have on hand to keep the glow going at home.
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum
Vitamin C is key. It is a must year-round to give your skin antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. It also helps with collagen production. Ferulic acid is incredible for the skin by reducing the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Use every morning before moisturizer or sunscreen. This is hands down one of the best Vitamin C serums on the market (and I have tried them all) and worth the splurge. ($166).
Available at Elan Skin, Woo, and Private Edition
Omorovicza Face Glow
This citrus-scented self-tanner gives the face a natural-looking golden glow overnight. Once tan develops, the complexion appears healthy, rested, and youthful. It’s powered by the brand’s Mineral Transference delivery system along with a potent blend of mineral-rich healing waters, vitamins, essential oils, and natural ingredients sourced from across the globe. Free of all sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, silicone, synthetic fragrance, and coloring.
Available exclusively in Nashville at Private Edition ($45)
Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Pads
Available in sensitive skin or extra strength. (Box is 1-month supply) This is a fast fix quick peel to exfoliate & resurface your skin, even skin tone, refine pores and brighten. Super easy, quick, and delivers great results. Use daily on clean dry skin. (* you can cut pads in half to last 2 months). At Sephora, The Mall at Green Hills ($80)
drdennisgross.com
Skin Better Science Sun Better Sheer SPF 56 Sunscreen Stick
A translucent 100% mineral active protecting sunscreen stick that glides on beautifully and gives the skin a healthy glow. I also like Skin Better Science Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact. The tone adapting compact that provides a hint of color. Works great under makeup. Compact makes reapplying easy for on the go or at the beach! ($45-55)
skinbetter.com
Ogee New Organablis CBD Sculpted Lip Oil
This Vermont-based luxury organic skincare brand has launched a new CBD version. This lip oil is a blend of jojoba oil and full-spectrum CBD from a 100% organic Vermont farm. Moisturizing and the CBD have anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Ogee also makes tinted lip oils that can be used on cheeks too! Try Azalea for a bright pink or Camilla for a soft pink. ($34)
ogee.com
Latisse®
Who needs mascara when you can get your own lashes growing healthy quick and full with this miracle lash growing serum! Can also be used on brows. Try getting your lashes tinted for an alternative to mascara. Use Latisse nightly. ($180)
Available at SkinRN, Elan Skin, Trace Skin Care
Glossier Brow Flick
Microfine detailing pen More brow for your brow. Easy to use brow pen that looks incredible. Available in 3 colors ($18)
glossier.com
Therapy Systems Perfect Skin Moisturizer
This Nashville based skincare brand’s best-seller delivers just that – perfect skin! This technologically advanced plumping cream delivers visibly firmer-looking skin while delivering ultra-hydration. It smells nice and clean, is paraben-free, and great for all skin types. ($69)
therapysystems.com
Oribe Root Touch Up
Instantly cover grey and recolor roots or revive highlights between appointments. Microfine pigments blend seamlessly with your natural shade when—and where—you need it. The quick-drying powder formula also absorbs dirt and oil to refresh hair between washes. ($32)
thecosmeticmarket.com and oribe.com
Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Soothe and Illuminate Cream
A skin-soothing and illuminating moisturizer. Gives the face a flawless, luminescent look. Green tea, willow bark, and bisabolol reduce redness and calm the skin while luminescent pearl pigments instantly enhance a dull, tired complexion for the appearance of a natural, healthy glow. Wear alone or apply as a makeup primer. So pretty on the skin! Dermatologist-tested for all skin types. Gluten, Fragrance, Parabens, PEGS Phthalates, Silicones, and Sulfates free. ($95)
Available at Private Edition and Nordstrom
Pixi 24K Eye Elixir
This multitasker is infused with powerful age-defying ingredients to refresh eyes & prevent signs of fatigue. Gold stimulates circulation, Peptides plump fine lines, and raspberry tones the skin. ($22) At Target stores
pixibeauty.com
