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Summertime Skincare + Makeup Favorites

I’ll be the first to admit: I’m no makeup / beauty guru… BUT I’ve surprisingly gotten the request for this post A LOT over the past few years and I just decided it’s time to “give the people what they want!” So, if you’re here, I’m assuming you’re one of those people. 🙂 

This post contains a little round-up of my current favorite skincare and makeup products, especially for summer. The graphic below contains clickable links to each item and I’ll provide a brief description of why I like and use each one by category.

(PS: Most of the links for these products will take you to the Ulta website where you can order online and just pick-up or choose a curbside delivery option!)

SKINCARE

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: I’ve been using this for years! It’s gentle, non-drying (for me) fragrance free and lasts forever!

Thayers Lemon Witch Hazel Blemish Clearing Toner: I’ve been using Witch Hazel since middle school, but I recently found this version from Thayers and really love it! It contains 2% Salicylic Acid to help clear + prevent any breakouts and remove any remaining makeup and and the lemon adds a *slight* fresh scent and helps to brighten and even out skin tone.

Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serums: Both of these brands have really high reviews on Amazon and have worked well for me! The Hyaluronic Acid serum helps to hydrate skin, and Vitamin C helps to brighten and even skin tone, tighten pores, etc.

Thayers Rose Petal Facial Mist: I LOVE this stuff! I’ll usually spray it on after applying the serums and give my skin a little bit of time to absorb them while brushing my teeth and before applying my moisturizer. I also use it to spray over my makeup when I’m done, which seems to help set it, and as a refresher throughout the day. I keep a mini size (you can find it at Target) in my purse or camera bag. It is AMAZING for a quick refresh on hot weddings days / portrait shoots!

Clinique Moisture Surge: I like this moisturizer for summer + the warmer months (aka: 80% of the year in Texas) because it is a gel-cream and feels lighter but still moisturizes well! I’m also a fan of Clinique because their products are fragrance free.

Clinique All About Eyes: I’ll be honest: I don’t know if this makes a huge difference, but I’ve heard you’re supposed to start using eye creams early so here I am! There are two versions: The more gel-cream one and the heavier, creamier one (all about eyes rich). I have the gel-cream version and do think it moisturizes without being heavy and helps reduce morning eye puffiness.

Origins Charcoal Face Mask: I try to use this once or twice a week whenever I feel like my pores need a little refresh! Mainly on my nose area, forehead and chin.

Boscia Exfoliating Gel Peel: I was first introduced to this as a sample from Sephora and was sold! I love it because it is an all-natural and non-abrasive exfoliant. It’s a lightweight peeling gel that gently exfoliates and leaves your skin super soft and smooth! It’s even gentle enough to use daily if you want to. I use it a few times a week and the bottle lasts me around 6 months.

Ritual Vitamins: Not pictured, but wanted to add these here! You’ve probably seen ads for them on Instagram, but if not, they are daily multivitamins formulated to help fill nutritional gaps and comes in a delayed release capsule so it doesn’t cause an upset stomach! (Anyone who has accidentally taken vitamins on an empty stomach will feel me on this!) I love that they get shipped to me monthly and the bottle contains a mint tab that gets rid of the “vitamin-y” taste and instead leaves you with a fresh taste. (PS: Vitamin deficiencies can cause skin issues — learned that one the hard way, so I’m sharing the knowledge! Once I started taking the vitamins I needed, my skin issues cleared right up and I haven’t had issues since!)

FACE

It Cosmetics CC Cream: I’m sure you’ve seen this stuff by now, but if you don’t know already, let me just tell you: IT’S THE BEST! I don’t know how it does it, but it somehow lasts me all day in the heat or rain at a wedding without creating creases like heavier makeup does. It’s lightweight and creamy vs. that almost plastic feeling other foundations seem to have. The coverage is buildable, and I’ve found applying it with my fingers like a moisturizer and then going back over any spots that need a little more coverage with a beauty blender works well for me! 

There is also a foundation version I just recently tried and LOVE as well! It stayed put through shooting a a 10+ hour wedding day and being out in the 100+ degrees Texas heat, so that’s a win in my book!

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder: This is a really great just all-around translucent powder! And the container will last FOREVER. I typically don’t use it all-over, just under my eyes and on my eyelids to set my foundation + concealer.

Milani Bronzing Powder: This is a new purchase for me. Since I don’t use bronzer a ton, I didn’t want to buy an expensive brand, so I simply looked at some reviews and landed on this one! It adds just a little bit of warmth without being too “orange-y.”

Nars Blush: I’ve used this blush for at least two years now and just bought it for a second time — it lasts forever! (Don’t get me started on makeup brands having raunchy names for the colors…), but the color I use “orgasm” and it’s a cool, peachy pink with a slight golden shimmer to it.

EYES

Tartlette 2 In Bloom Eyeshadow Palette: I don’t do a lot with eyeshadow… it overwhelms me. But I love this palette because it’s neutral and not half-filled with colors I would never touch! I also have the Make Magic Happen Eyeshadow Palette from Tarte and really like it as well!

Eyeliner + Brow Pencil: Nothing special here! These two items I don’t spend much money on. They’re both the NYX brand and seem to get the job done and don’t smudge on me!

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer: I don’t have super dark circles, but a little bit of this goes a LONG way and doesn’t come off — even after a hot, rainy wedding day. I’ve only ever bought one tube, and it’s lasted me well over a year!

Mascara: Another item I don’t spend a lot of money on! I’ve tried the high-end mascaras and honestly can’t tell a difference. Loreal Voluminous Original (with the curved brush) is my everyday favorite, and Loreal’s Voluminous Lash Paradise (pink tube) is my favorite waterproof.

LIPS

Smith’s Rosebud Salve: I love this stuff for just an everyday lip balm! My favorites are the original rose and the minted rose. 

Benefit Lip Stains: I am not big on lipstick — it feels like such a commitment to me! But I really love these lip stains from Benefit if I want to add a little color. It’s lightweight and not cakey, and adds a temporary “stain” to your lips vs. cakey lipstick / creams. My favorite is the Posietint color — it’s a cool, light pink. I also like the red / berry color!

Again, I’m no expert! But I do really like all of these products and hope you’ll enjoy some of them too! Let me know if you try any or have any favorites you’d think I’d enjoy too!

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