Beauty Favorites - June

1. Sunscreen - Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 with PureScreen  is my goto SPF. It doubles as a pretty decent moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and is broad spectrum. I use the sensitive skin version not because I'm prone to breakouts but because as I age I've noticed my skin  is just becoming more sensitive and fragile. I don't use this every day but I use it when I know I'm going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time. 

2. Moisturizer - I have dry skin so most of my skin care routine contains products for dry skin. Sometimes it is an hour or more between when I put on moisturizer and when I do my makeup. I love to use Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream For Dry Skin right before I apply makeup on those areas that are more prone to dryness. It absorbs super fast and helps my skin be more prepared for product application. If you have dry skin, I recommend trying this. I would not recommend it as a stand alone moisturizer for dry skin though but I love it for a little extra moisture.

3. Serum - I was looking for something to work with my skin's natural rejuvenation at night and decided to try Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I had never tried it before mostly because it's fairly expensive, but I had heard lots of glowing reviews. I used my gift card to Bergdorf Goodman that I got in my Glossybox and finally bought it. This stuff is amazing. My skin looks more plump and fresh in the morning. It is a staple in my nighttime routine now and I will forever repurchase it. 

4. Eye Shadow - It's summer (in case you didn't know) and that means heat, humidity, sweat and swimming none of which play well with makeup. I love using my Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadows in the summer. They are pretty inexpensive, great quality, blends well, doesn't crease (on me), looks gorgeous and lasts forever. There are matte and shimmer shades. Both wear well alone or as a base. My favorite shade is Bad to the Bronze.

5. Cleansing Tool - If you wear makeup daily, then you know how important cleaning your face is cause let's be honest. I don't care how much makeup you put on you must, must, must take care of the skin underneath. I love my Clarisonic Mia 2 . I use the sensitive skin brush heads. It doesn't irritate my skin, deep cleans, gently exfoliates and I can use it in the shower. If you have super sensitive skin, I wouldn't suggest using this every day but every couple of days. I use it usually 3-4 times a week. 

6. BB Cream - Because it's summer, I don't like to wear heavy foundation during the day but alot of tinted moisturizers and BB creams are just too sheer. I picked up Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream in the shade Light/Medium on a whim and I just love it. It claims to have 10 beauty benefits which are smoothing, moisturizing, protecting, firming, priming and filling, perfecting, concealing, brightening, line-softening and long-wearing. It does most of those things. I still use an undereye concealer and I'm not sure how much brighter my skin is. But it does last most of the day. It is more coverage than I anticipated and I think you could go too far really easy with it but if you watch how much you use, then it is awesome.

7. Bronzer - I am super pale, mostly by choice. Because of that, most bronzers look orange or muddy on me. I found the Honey Bronzer by The Body Shop and it's basically my favorite bronzer of life because it does none of those things. It warms my skin, it's not shimmery, and I love it. I use the shade 01 Light Matte but if you have any hint of color to your natural skin tone or you self tan, it would be too light for you. I'm not sure how the darker colors translate but for fair skin this bronzer is terrific. 

8. Setting Spray - You know how scents and sounds can bring back memories? For me using this is like hearing a song on the radio that reminds you of the first time you wore a bra. No, but seriously. One of the first things I bought from MAC was the Fix + spray. I've tried other setting sprays and I use them but I always come back to this one. It just makes me feel like I am spraying luxe all over my face. I can't explain it. But the product is nice for setting your makeup, spritzing a bit of moisture onto brushes for a wet application and let me tell you, it is fantastic during the summer for removing that look of powder on your face. 

9. Lip Gloss - I'm on a 'makeup that stays on my face even though this heat tries like crazy to melt it all off' kick. The Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain lip glosses are my new favorite. I have some lip glosses that even if they manage to stay on for more than 5 minutes, your lips start looking like a snake that is shedding. My lips don't do it with these. It is moisturizing, long-er lasting than some and the colors are vibrant. It's definitely a favorite this month and you can usually get them at your local drugstore on sale. 

10. Hair Product - My hair is naturally very frizzy and curly/wavy. There is no taming the mess that is my hair unless I use a straightener which I do every couple of days when I wash it. Using the high heat on my hair makes the ends of my hair very dry. I use deep conditioners and hair oils after I wash it or at night but most of those are too heavy for daily use or repeated use. I got a sample of Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist and it is amazing. I can spritz it on the ends of my hair, it tames the frizz and leaves my hair smooth without being oily or greasy. I purchased a full size and can not be without it.