Favorite Beauty Products of 2018
Photo by Brittany Neale on Unsplash
Here are my favorites for make-up, skincare and hair from 2018. I was pretty light on make-up favorites in 2018 but skincare is definitely something I invested more money in than I have previously.
Make-up
RMS Uncover Up Concealer (Shade 55) | This is a nice creamy concealer that blends in really well and can be used with foundation but most days I just dot any blemishes I have and swipe some under my eye.
Alima Pure Highlighter (Dolce) | I really like this highlighter for a glow to the bridge of my nose and my cheekbones.
Maya Chia Highlight of the Day Highlighting Serum (After Hours) | This product gives your face a nice glow so I use it as a facial oil before layering foundation on top.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara | I feel like finding the perfect mascara is a never ending quest, but this is the one I’ve most consistently gone back to in 2018.
Body
Everyday Oil | I use this oil head from head to two to moisturize my skin and add shine to my hair when I take down my twists each morning.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray | I’m not super sporadic with it, but I try to remember to apply this magnesium spray before bed since many of us tend to be deficient and not getting enough from diet. It’s fairly inexpensive and I like the idea of at least using one supplement I don’t have to actually ingest.
Raw Shea Butter | Shea Butter is life! I typically make my own whipped shea butter and add in some oil. I’ll then Melt a chunk of solid shea butter + coconut oil in a bowl over a pot of simmering water and mix in your favorite essential and carrier oils (almond oil, jojoba oil, rose hip). Then whip it into a cream. Super easy and hands down the best winter moisturizer.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil | I purchased my first bottle of this in a drug store in Paris last summer. Really nice oil particularly for the summer months. The shimmer version is also great for summer to add a little more glow to your arms and legs.
Weleda Skinfood | I love this cream, it keeps my skin moisturized and I love to keep it in my purse at all times.
Kopari Deodorant | I cycle through deodorants but this one is my current favorite. It lasts all day without needing reapplication unless you are getting sweaty and doesn’t have baking soda which irritates my underarms.
Lush Breath of God Solid Perfume | I bought this ages ago but recently rediscovered it. I forgot how much I liked this solid perfume’s smoky scent. A little goes a long way which explains why I’ve had mine so long. I’ll definitely repurchase when I run out.
Peppermint Essential Oil | I keep this in my purse for those moments when I get an afternoon slump but don’t want to have more caffeine or if I have a headache, I apply it to my temples.
Herbivore Botanicals CALM Dead Sea Bath Salts | Most of the time I just use plain epsom salts I purchase from the drug store, but occasionally it’s nice to use these bath salts.
Skincare
Nectarome Argan Oil | I purchased this argan oil while in Marrakech and love it. It’s pretty easy to find argan oil in the US now, but it’s so cool to have some that was actually made in Morocco.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm | This was an impulse purchase in the duty free shop in the London Heathrow Airport en route back home from my Marrakech trip, but I love it. I brought a travel size so I’m rationing out my use of it.
Vow Beauty Vitamin C Serum | I love this serum and it doesn’t sting when applying like some other Vitamin C serum’s I’ve tried.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask | I was skeptical about this mask but actually love it for the winter months or when doing air travel because that can be so drying to your skin.
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel | I like this inexpensive face wash that works nicely after doing a first cleanse with oil.
Pixi Glow Tonic | I like using this exfoliating toner a few times a week but I also use it in the summer under my arms to make my natural deodorant last longer and not quit on me mid-day (FYI any acid will tame odor causing bacteria).
Thayer’s Witch Hazel - Rose Petal | This is my go-to toner I use everyday after washing my face. I am very loyal to it and it works well for some of my DIY skin and body care concoctions.
Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator | I don’t use too many physical exfoliators, but I do like this one which I also purchased from a Parisian drug store last summer but can be purchased easily wherever they sell Caudalie products.
Hair
Kreyol Essence Haitian Black Castor Oil | I love castor oil but this brand is a favorite to apply to my edges or serve as a sealant or hot oil treatment to encourage hair growth.
Oyin Handmade Juices and Berries Leave-in Hair Tonic | This is a perfect all around leave in conditioning spray that spells great. I’m forever loyal to it.
Natty Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar Hair + Scalp Mist | This is a product and brand I just started using in 2018. I love this spray as a mid week refresh to cleanse my scalp in between washes.
EdenBody Works Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash | This is also a good mid week pick-up if I want to do a quick co-wash in between shampoo washes. I’m
Alodia Nourish and Heal Organic Black Soap Wash | This product really cleanses well without drying your hair. I’m so happy I learned about it at last year’s Project Beauty Expo.