10 Beauty Must Haves, From a Minimalist Millennial
Hi there,
These are beauty products I adore, my tried and trues, holy grails, pretty much obsessed with. In order to keep this short and sweet, I’ve narrowed this list down (which was not easy) to my top 10 must have beauty products. These are products that I highly recommend. From hair, fragrance, make up, etc. I personally appreciate a beauty guide from other creators, it’s one of the reasons I do appreciate social media. The ability to connect with others and get different perspectives. I follow a few accounts simply cause I vibe with their content and enjoy their opinions on beauty products. Let’s face it, this industry is heavily saturated and there are SO many options to filter through. It’s nice to take the guess work out sometimes. Everyone has different views on what they like and why, but if you like other products I’ve shared throughout the span of this blog, then this one is bookmark worthy. I would say I am pretty minimal when it comes to beauty products. I don’t have multiples of the same thing. Fragrance is the only area where I have multiples cause, well, each day is different and my mood depends on the scent I gravitate towards, so I like to have options. But in all other categories, I am meticulous when it comes to my beauty products and do not just buy things on whim. I like to sit on it, do my research, read reviews, and try to finish something before I purchase another.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm- These are glossy without being sticky. They actually hydrate and condition your lips and do not make your lips drier, which a lot do. A good lip liner, topped with these is the best combo. I’ve never been a lipstick kinda girl, so these are perfect for if you want some color but don’t want to do a full lip. These come in multiple shades/flavors, but my favorite are Pink Sugar and Vanilla Beige. I currently have one in my bag, bathroom and desk at work.
Summer Fridays Skin Tint- This brand has mastered the art of less is more. And the Skin Tint is the definition of that. A very sheer coverage liquid, serum like foundation that is moisturizing and dries down soft and luminous, not dewy and oily. I like to use this when I want just a hint of coverage. It evens out the skin tone ever so slightly and is so easy to apply with just your hands. Sometimes I will use a damp beauty blender to apply this too. The Summer Friday’s SPF drops are a very similar consistency and truly one of the best SPFs I've tried. This tint lays beautifully over that and never causes any pilling. I use shade 2.
*Ilia Mascara- I have this set on auto ship with Amazon, which tells you how I cannot live with out this mascara. I am minimal when it comes to makeup, but I always apply mascara, if nothing else. This one is clean, and most importantly NOT waterproof. I do not understand how anyone wears waterproof mascara on a daily basis. I bought one by accident recently and taking it off is a nightmare! It’s like a whole production that I can’t mess with. Anyways, this gives the best lift and length to your lashes. It never flakes, smudges or causes any irritation. And I have very sensitive eyes and many “popular” mascaras have bothered me in the past. An honorable mention would be the Honest Beauty 2-in-1 mascara, which is also phenomenal.
*Kristin Ess Blow Dry Mist- I don’t use heat on my hair too often but when I do, I always use this heat protectant. I randomly got this at Target one day years ago and have had no reason to ever try anything else. It really helps protect your hair from heat, doesn’t leave your hair feeling weighed down and, it has a very fine mist which I love. It has a nice subtle fragrance without being over powering. I have tried several Kristin Ess products and they are all great. All KE products are paraben, sulfate and phthalate free.
*The Ouai Detox Shampoo- This is such a good clarifying shampoo. Yes, a little on the pricey side but, it will last you a long time. You really only need to use a clarifying shampoo once a month and that’s if you use a lot of products in your hair, or use harsh water on your hair regularly. I usually use this treatment once every 2-3 months since I barely use any hair products and have a filter on my shower. But everyone should be using a clarifying shampoo for the health of your hair. Healthy hair starts at the scalp and just like you exfoliate your skin, you should do the same to your scalp. This one deep cleans your scalp so well. You hair is so voluminous, soft and extra CLEAN after using this. Kristin Ess also has a clarifying shampoo which is really great as well if you are looking for something a little more affordable.
*Gisou Hair Mask- When I use the detox shampoo I follow up with a hair mask and I love, love, love this one. Also, on the pricey side, but, trust me when I tell you, it is so worth it. I was scared to commit to buying this years ago so I got their travel size first to test it out and after one use was like okay, I get the hype. It has a warm, honey scent and makes my hair so soft and healthy. This duo is my hair’s BFF. I first used this years ago when I had very long hair. After having short hair for a couple of years now I fell off using hair masks. Now that I am in the process of growing my hair out, I knew I needed this in my hair care routine. Like the detox shampoo, I use this sparingly so that it lasts a long time, cause she’s a little bougie.
Burberry Britt For Her- I have been wearing this perfume on and off for 20 years. I remember the first time I ever smelled it. I was at my best friends house, her and her mom were getting ready. They both sprayed this before we all left to go out and I immediately fell in love. I just knew, we would be together forever. And 20 years later, I still find myself smitten by this scent. Of course I have a connection with it because it reminds me of my best friend. She passed away 17 years ago so this is extra special to me. It’s like a cozy fall day. Sophisticated, regal, warm. Feminine, without being obvious. A little spicy and mysterious.
*Jane Airedale Pressed Powder Foundation- Another product I have been using for years. I was introduced to this gem when I was in Esthetician school, in 2008, and have been using it on and off ever since. This brand is not talked about enough. It is the original “clean beauty'“ brand. It’s clean but acts as a professional grade cosmetic line. You can build the coverage up with this as it is a medium to full coverage foundation. Comes in a vast variety of shades. I use Warm Silk and Light Beige. If you do not like liquid foundations but want the coverage of a liquid foundation, you absolutely should try this. I know a lot of people are hesitant to use powdered foundations because they don’t want that powdery look but, this one will not do that, and I have very dry skin.
*The Skinny Confidential Facial Razor- This is a razor specifically designed for the face. I love dermaplanning my face. I used to get it done when I would go get a facial. If you are not sure what that is, it is simply shaving your face. Shaving not only removes peach fuzz and other unwanted rogue hairs, it exfoliates the surface of the skin. Your face will feel like a baby’s bottom after. I love this once specifically because it is easy to use, never has cut me, has a sharp razor and has *replacement blades. When you do this you want a sterile blade. TSC created this one and it is genius, like all their products. Most facial razors on the market are cheap, flimsy and disposable. This one is aesthetic, high quality and will look gorgeous on your vanity. I typically use the same blade 4-6 times before replacing and ALWAYS properly clean the blade after each use.
Olive And June Super Glossy Top Coat- My favorite nails are clean, short and super glossy. After a manicure, I always apply this top coat. Whether it is over polish or just on my bare nails. It is extra glossy and has great staying power. O & J products are all wonderful. My other must have from them is there polish remover. It comes in this little pot that is perfectly convenient for removing polish on your fingers and toes without the need for cotton pads.
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Share some of your must have beauty products in the comments and let’s discover new gems together.
XO,
Char
