There was a time when I had allllll the products. All. Of. Them. As a former beauty editor, one of the best parts of my job was the steady stream of products I received every single day. When the very first box came, filled with my very first Kiehl’s products, I was hooked! Since then, I’ve seen some amazing lines come (Fresh, Archipelago, Bond No. 9, SPACE NK). And sadly, I’ve seen a few favorites go: Calvin Klein Beauty, Prada Beauty, Awake skincare (which pulled out of the US and is now only available in Japan) and my favorite, Nina Ricci makeup (the prettiest packaging ever, and everything smelled like rosewater).
I’m not telling you all of this because I like dropping the names of obscure products (although it does make me feel a little bit like a makeup obsessed schoolgirl connoisseur). I’m telling you to give you an idea of how many products I’ve tried. At one point, I was testing so many products that I divided my face into 8 zones. Most were okay. Some were pretty good. Only a few were game-changers. 5, to be exact. Here they are.
Vitabrid C12 Face Brightening Powder
My obsession with beauty started early. When I was a kid, I used to love mixing lotions and potions to invent my own beauty products. This is just as much fun, but so much more effective. You just shake a little bit of this miraculous powder into your regular moisturizer or serum, mix in your palm, and apply for tighter, brighter, more even-toned skin. After only a few days, my skin looked fresher and my pores looked smaller. This product is one of the many reasons Korean skincare is so hot right now.
Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum
I was going to add the incredible, must-have Lash Boost to this list, but since everyone you know is using it, I decided to include one of my other Rodan + Fields gamechangers, the brand new Active Hydration Serum. This lightweight, oil-free serum is like a drink of water for your skin. It immediately eases dryness and keeps your skin moist and glowy for hours. It’s seriously one of those products that makes every single skin type look better.
French Girl Organics Lumiere Body Oil
It’s no secret that I love body oils. I’ve mentioned them here. And here. And also here. But add the French-ness and organic-ness and an addictive floral scent, and I’m truly obsessed. It isn’t cheap, but the smell is so divine it can double as a summer scent, which almost makes it a moneysaver. You’re welcome.
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush
You know that no-makeup look that takes hours to create? No? Me neither. Who has time for that? Fortunately, with this product, you can pull it off in minutes. I love it for so many reasons, and not just because it’s all natural and the packaging is gorgeous. This subtle color is perfect for fair complexions, and it’s a great multitasker. It works on lips, cheeks and eyes (Darker complexions, like mine, should try Happy).
Confidence in a Compact
Even if you don’t use foundation, you will love this. I promise. When used with your favorite makeup sponge or brush (or the incredible Heavenly Skin Skin Smoothing Brush with skincare built into the fibers!), this incredible product lets you blot, brush and magically erase any skin flaws, and it’s undetectable. Plus, anti-aging skincare is built into it, and a physical SPF50 sunblock, so in one quick step you can be ready to face the day.
While each of the products is a splurge, they are also effective, innovative, and just plain luxurious. I hope this list has inspired you to treat yourself and mix up your beauty routine a little!
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