My skincare and beauty routines have changed in significant ways since the lockdowns started in March. I imagine yours have too. The three biggest differences: 1) I rarely, rarely wear any makeup, 2) I only wear contacts about once a week (in the Before times, I typically only skipped contacts once a week), and 3) because I feel less rushed, I’m much more consistent about using products like body lotion and perfume. I’ve also noticed that I’ve had time to try new skincare and beauty products — and attempt to solve specific beauty/skincare issues that I would have just ignored in busier times.
So for this Skincare & Beauty Gift Guide, I thought it would be fun to share some of my tried and true favorites these days. Some I’ve been using for years, some are new discoveries, some are pricey, but most are under $ 20.
(By the way, I had some other posts in mind for this week, but have been in the zone on gift guides, and I figured why not publish them as soon as they’re ready to go? Sorry if it’s overwhelming! Feel free to skip it.)
Beuti Skincare – Organic Beauty Sleep Elixir
This was recommended by Sarah of Whoorl as a product to combat redness. I pat in 2 drops after I clean my face, and otherwise keep it bare. It’s not inexpensive, but at 2 drops per day, the bottle lasts a long, long time.
CeraVe Rough & Bumpy
I get those harmless bumps on the back of my arms called KP, and decided I would try some find a product that would get rid of them. This one is incredibly effective. I was having it shipped from the U.S., but (hooray!) I just found some at a local pharmacy.
Olio E Osso Balm (I like shade No 9)
For face makeup, I find I’m drawn to creams and balms — nothing powdery or dry. In general, I want products I can blend or pat with my fingers. This blush balm is a current favorite. It dissolves into your cheeks in such a pretty way.
Soley Organics KISStu mig healing lip balm
I randomly bought this product for the first time on an Icelandic Air flight, and it has since become one of my must haves. I use it daily, and never travel without it. It’s made for lips, and I put it on right after I brush my teeth — it’s really good at preventing chapped lips. I also use it on zits, and for puffy eyes and it works wonders!
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
I bought this product for the first time when we lived in France before and it’s still a favorite. I like it for light makeup removal or face cleaning.
Banila Clean It Zero
This one is whipped and creamy and you don’t need much to dissolve a full face of makeup. I use this for heavier make up removal. It leaves skin clean and soft. I always keeps a sample-size of this product in my makeup bag when traveling.
Berdoues — 1902 Mille Fleurs Body Scrub
My kids gave me this for my birthday this year and I love it so much. It’s feels and smells luxurious.
Gabrielle Chanel
I hadn’t tried a new scent in a many years, but I added this one in June and I’ve been wearing it daily. It feels like it’s particularly appropriate for life in France. : )
Underarmed Deodorant — lavender + eucalyptus
This is my FAVORITE deodorant. I’ve been using it for two years and buy it two sticks at a time so that I don’t run out.
Glossier Boy Brow
I don’t know why I like this product more than any other brow product I’ve tried, but I do. It’s the best.
Mom’s Stuff Protective Day Face Balm
As I mentioned, I mostly wear a bare face these days — with just a couple drops of oil. But if my skin is feeling dry, I’ll pat some of this on too. I also love using this instead of highlighter when I’m doing my makeup. It give a lovely glow without any shimmer or glitter.
W3ll People Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer
This is the best concealer I’ve ever tried. It comes in the tiniest tube, but I don’t need much so it lasts longer than I was expecting.
Body Brush for Dry Brushing
Do you follow Yazemeenah on Instagram? She’s an older model who posts in English and French and who lives in L.A. and has looonng silver hair. I watched her video on body brushing and immediately ordered a body brush. I think every single person who watches that video orders a body brush. : )
Curaprox Swiss Toothbrushes
We picked these up in Switzerland at a pharmacy, and have since ordered more. I love the colors, I love the softness options, I love how they feel in my hand. They’re just really good toothbrushes.
Honest 2 in 1 Mascara
I can’t imagine there is a better-priced ($ 17), clean ingredient mascara out there. And it comes with lash primer too.
Tiger Balm Red & Tiger Balm White Ointments
I saw Tiger Balm at a local sports equipment shop and loved the packaging of these little jars so much that Ben Blair bought me some as a gift — and neither of us even knew what they were for. Hah! It turns out they are good for muscle pain and general body soreness. I keep them in the car and rub them into my legs if I’m not getting good circulation during long drives. They work really well.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
This is one of those masks that’s not really a mask — meaning you don’t wash it off after, you apply it and leave it all day (so in my mind that’s more of a lotion?). I use this on days when my face needs extra moisture or protection — it’s a little thicker and heavier than a typical moisturizer. I also really like using it on my neck.
Bond No. 9 Eau de New York
This is the only scent I wore for about a decade (until June when I bought a bottle of Chanel Gabrielle). I still love it, and still keep in on my dresser. I think it’s the perfect, not overly sweet, not hyper-feminine scent.
Eylure Naturals False Lashes, Style No. 003
I’ve never used these before, but they are on my list to try. They’re a bargain, they’re reusable, and adhesive is included. (That reminds me, have you seen the new false lashes company from Jenna Lyons? It’s called Loveseen.)
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Your turn. Have your grooming routines changed this year? What are your tried and true skin care and beauty products these days? Have you tried anything on this list?
P.S. — More Gift Guides.
