I didn't know what i was missing.... ".When it comes to a routine, whatever you can commit to is best "
So many people seem to have such INVOLVED skincare routines. Two cleansers, toners, facial mists, serums, oils, drops- my mind couldn’t conceive of all the uses for every product and how necessary they were. When it comes to a routine, whatever you can commit to is best; so if you’re going to add another product you better know why and it better be worth it. These are the products that made me want to add another step to my regime.
1. Eminence Stone Crop Cleansing Oil I used to think that doing a double-cleanse was a trendy way to get me to buy even more makeup removers, but this cleansing oil made me change my tune. Not only does this oil help loosen makeup, sunblock, and debris from my face after a long day, but it also has antioxidants from their “Microgreens Complex” and oils rich in vitamin A, D, and E to help repair skin and prepare it for my nighttime skin treatments. Plus, Eminence has their own organic farm they source their ingredients from and they plant a tree for every product they sell! Eminence Stone Crop Cleansing Oil $58 at Eminenceorganics.com
2. WonderGloss Face Apertif: Hydrating Facial Mist As someone who often deals with dehydrated skin, a hydrating mist adds what oils and serums don’t- the water your skin cells are thirsting for! I find this product so necessary to use on clients first thing when they sit in my chair as most people have dehydrated, but not necessarily dry skin. This gentle spray packs a power punch of humectants Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin to rehydrate and plump skin cells before serum or moisturizer application. This is also perfect for a pre and post-flight mist to prevent “plane face” and works well under and over makeup. WonderGloss Face Aperitif: Hydrating Facial Mist $40 wondergloss.com
3. HydroPeptide Firma-Bright 20% Vitamin C Booster It can be hard to find a vitamin C product in a medium and packaging that keeps it fresh (and therefore potent) and this one also has a healthy dollop of niacinamide to firm skin and tighten pores, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and resveratrol to calm inflammation. This product is one to add to your routine if you have uneven, sun-damaged skin and if you are looking to amp up your defense against aging. Just add a few drops to your current moisturizer or serum to boost its benefits! HydroPeptide Firma-Bright 20% Vitamin C Booster $124 at dermstore.com and hydropeptide.com
4. Paula’s Choice CBD Oil + Retinol It’s impossible to talk about anti-aging skincare without bringing up Retinol. Retinol is the superstar ingredient that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and can retexturize skin, making it look visibly younger faster and more effectively than any ingredient on the market. In this product it is combined with the oh-so-trendy hemp oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid and the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. It also is a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin E, making this the perfect combination of the seasoned professional ingredient and the ingenue.
5 Paula’s Choice CBD Oil + Retinol $54 PaulasChoice.com Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil When you have dry skin, at some point you are going to have to add an oil that helps compensate for the oil your own skin doesn’t produce. There are so many choices and so many that are good, but what are the best oils to replenish the skin? I personally love this Rosehip Oil from Trilogy. The oil is wild-harvested, cold-pressed, and packed with a minimum of 80% essential fatty acids that help restore the skin barrier. Rosehip is my oil of choice because it is gentle enough for sensitive skin and has antioxidant properties to prevent free radical damage. Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil $29 ulta.com Whether you decide to add one or more new products to your skincare lineup- make sure it’s something you feel is worth adding for your skin concerns, and don’t rush into it. I recommend using products to fight your biggest concerns first, then when you see the results you will have even more inspiration to stick to the additional products you might add.

There’s nothing quite like the dazzle of finding your perfect highlighter, no? Whether you like big chunks of glitter that will shine to the gods, or prefer a soft focus, blurring, barely there glow, there’s a highlighter out there for everyone. Luckily, not only do they come in different variations as far as glow levels, there’s also many options of the format they are available in. Is a stick highlighter right for you? Or maybe something liquid? Of course, there’s always the usual powder option too. Regardless of which you prefer, it’s still hard to know which to choose, right? Well, as a working makeup artist, I’ve been lucky to be able to test out many different kinds on many different skin tones and types, as well as ages, and I’m here to talk about my favorites!

• Cream Highlighter- Cream highlighters are my favorite because, unlike powders, there are so many different ways you can use them. You can place your highlight under your makeup to give a glow-from-within-look, or you can put it over your makeup, or even just use it by itself. I also feel like they tend to photograph better and look flattering in any kind of lighting, as well as look good on all skin types and textures, regardless of how dry or oily your skin may be. I have a few favorites when it comes to cream highlighters, but none as much as the Glow Perfect Cream Highlighter Palette by Danessa Myricks. This waterproof formula is to die for, and it really does not budge...even in high humidity areas! Effortless to apply since it just melts into the skin, this palette is the only one you’ll ever need, regardless of your skin tone or type. With high levels of pigment, this 8 shade highlighter palette is great for both artists and consumers alike. A little bit goes a long way too, so you’ll likely have this palette for some time before hitting the pan. This product is also vegan and cruelty free, which means no cute little bunnies had to suffer for it to get to you! YAY! Side note: this particular palette was created by Danessa specifically for LimeLife by Alcone, which means you won’t be able to find this palette anywhere else, so grab it before it’s gone! I know I grabbed 2 more haha! Glow Perfect Cream Highlighter Palette $88 is available at https://www.limelifebyalcone.com/salsa/product/LLDCHLP
• Powder Highlighter- The most popular type of highlighters, these are a great option for those who like their makeup to be matte but still want a little glow in targeted areas to go with it. Meant for all skin types, this buildable highlighting powder provides luminosity with its blend of sheer powders and pearls. Ultra refined and soft to the touch, these are a great option for those who still want to use a powder highlighter but are suffering from dry skin. Available in multiple shades, ranging from opalescent gold all the way to a warm bronze, these cult favorite highlighters are suitable for all skin tones. Blendable and easy to use, Nars highlighters are something that belongs in every beauty lover’s bag! Highlighting Powder $38 is available at www.narscosmetics.com
• Liquid Highlighter- Liquid highlighters may be something you avoid because it seems messy, but it’s all about knowing how much to use and how to use it. Once you get that down, the options are limitless to the glow you can achieve! The key to using a highlighter that’s liquid is to use a little bit at a time to build to the level of saturation that you desire, and it’s best to use your fingers to press it in as opposed to using a brush that may suck up a lot of the product or even cause your makeup underneath to smudge. My favorite thing, however, about liquid highlighters is the fact that you can put a pump or two to mix with your body lotion to get a lovely all over glow to match the one you have on your face! I love the Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter by Marc Jacobs Beauty for this, because not only is it an amazing glow getter, it’s also great for those obsessed with makeup products that have skincare benefits to them! With coconut water to hydrate and Provitamin B5 to nourish, this really is liquid gold! Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter $45 is available at www.marcjacobsbeauty.com

1. A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth Winter, M.S. This is a great book to have for any person, regardless of if they are a beauty product lover or not. This is because this gem of a book breaks down everything (and I mean everything!) when it comes to cosmetic ingredients found in products, including those found in things we all use like shampoos, fragrances, and soaps. It also addresses how companies use marketing to condition us to believe we NEED to have certain products in our lives, as well as tackling issues like how the FDA works when it comes to cosmetic ingredients, and the lack of regulations. Simple, easy to read and understand, this book is an absolute must have for everyone, and will change the way you purchase products. A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients $18.99 is available at www.barnesandnoble.com
2. Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin, This is a book that I’m sure you’ve heard of, and if you haven’t, I’m sure you’ve heard of the author. From famed celebrity makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, this book is an essential for any makeup lover and working artist alike. With easy step by step instructions on looks as well as an unconventional take on the worlds of beauty in the past, present and the future, this book is one you will find yourself rereading over and over again. Face Forward $22 is available at www.kevynaucoinbeauty.com
3. Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge, Being a bit of a history buff, I have to say that this book is, perhaps, one of my favorites. Informative and all about the history of makeup, but in a fun and easy read! This book covers everything from ancient civilizations like Egypt to Old Hollywood and everything in between. Chock full of fascinating stories and breathtaking glossy illustrations, this 8 x 10 inch hardcover masterpiece is the only coffee table book you’ll ever need! Face Paint: The Story of Makeup $29.95 is available at www.lisaeldridge.com
4. skinCARE: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide by Caroline Hirons, Being one of the leading authorities in skincare, this is the first time Caroline Hirons is sharing her knowledge with the world in a tell-all book. This book tells you what you need and don’t need, and helps you get the best skin you can...on any budget! It explains the facts and debunks plenty of skincare myths, and has so many simple tips and tricks to get the glow you want. It also comes with her signature cheat sheets, as well as breaks down ingredients and how to choose products that are right for you, making this book essential for any beauty lover! skinCARE: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide $29.99 is available at www.harpercollins.com

Now, I could make this article just like any old “How To Switch Up Your Routine For The Summer Months” kinda article, but this summer is a little different, isn’t it? With a current pandemic in our lives, having to wear masks and other protective gear, not being out and about as much and being quarantined, our summer skincare routines are all going to need some minor(or even major!) tweaking to adapt to the new normal, no? Well, I’m here to help with that! I’m going to be breaking down these tips based on issues/concerns instead of just listing them at random to better help you find the tips you need based on what your skin is currently going through...sound good? Let's get to it!

1. Your Mask Is Making The Skin Under It Break Out Due To Chafing

This is completely normal and expected, so there’s no need to freak out! With proper measures and skin care tips, you can absolutely get this issue under control. Here are some things I’ve done that work for me, since I suffer from cystic acne and need to be very careful what I put my face through:

• Line the mask with some thin pantyliners. This helps prevent chafing due to the soft material, and is also a great option for those who have to be out and about all day and don’t have access to surgical masks that are easy to switch out when they get grimey. I use the liners meant for thongs, and I cut out the sheer part and line the edges of my mask, or even just place it on the inside of the mask as is. When you do this, you can strip off the pantyliner halfway through the day, which is great because all the buildup, dirt, and sweat doesn’t stay on your mask(or end up on your face!) Barely There Liners, Thong $3 are available at www.ubykotex.com
• Another great option to place in high impact areas, such as the bridge of your nose or along the jawline, would be a thin Hydrocolloid Dressing by Dynarex, which can be found on Amazon for $12.99. They come in a pack of 20, and you can cut them to any shape and customize easily to fit any mask. These miracle patches not only protect your skin from chafing, but also help to heal any breakouts!
• Keep a packet of cleansing wipes handy! These are different from makeup remover wipes, which are designed to break down makeup. Cleansing wipes are designed to cleanse sweat and bacteria from the surface of your skin, so using them often throughout the day prevents your mask from building up the bacteria from your face, thereby preventing breakouts. (Side tip: stick the packet in the freezer or the fridge overnight...it’ll freshen you up like no other on those especially hot summer days, or those weekend getaways to the beach!) Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths $15 are available at www.skyniceland.com

2. Your Mask Is Making Your Lips Dry

Considering that you’re breathing into your mask, this comes as no surprise. Dry, flakey, cracked lips can be exceedingly painful to endure, and drinking water and using products like Vaseline sometimes doesn’t cut it. This is where proper lip treatments come into play, and I don’t just mean WHILE you’re wearing the mask! In order to maintain hydrated lips, using multiple treatments and products at all hours is key.

• Use a treatment that’s meant to heal your lips, like the well known classic Carmex Original Tube Lip Balm, which can be found for $5.99 for 1 pack of 3 at www.mycarmex.com
• Use products that coat and “seal” hydration in your lips, like the Agave+ Intensive Lip Mask by Bite Beauty, which can be found for $26 at www.bitebeauty.com. I know this may seem like a high price tag for something as simple as a lip balm, but a tube of this really does last FOREVER. 
• Exfoliate your lips once a week to help get rid of the dead skin on the surface. I like using the Sugar Lip Scrub by Hanalei Company, which you can find for $25 at www.hanaleicompany.com. (Note: Please do not do this step more than once a week like you may do when exfoliating your face...your lip area is more delicate from the rest of your face, and similar to your eye area. It may feel really good to use every day, but resist the urge! Your lips will thank you in the long run!)
• Use a sleeping mask at night for your lips, and I mean EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. When you wake up, gently brush off the softened layer of skin to expose your lip’s surface, and then coat with a treatment like the ones mentioned above. My top pick is a popular favorite that you may have heard of: Lip Sleeping Mask by Laneige, which can be found for $20 at www.us.laneige.com(Side note: it comes in 5 different blends, so there’s something for everyone!)

3. Your Skin Is Dehydrated Or Flakier Than Normal From Being Inside With The AC On All The Time(And/Or Also From Wearing A Mask)

Two words: Facial Mists! 

4. You Feel Like Your Skin Looks Dull Or Is Lackluster

Being at home during the summer with the air conditioning blasting at a whopping 63 degrees can cause your skin to lose quite a bit of much needed moisture...and without moisture, skin can get dull looking. That’s why replenishing the hydration that gets stripped away from your face with the right kind of moisturiser is key. You can use facial sprays, but I would never replace a moisturizer with only a spray...I always use both!

One of my favorite moisturizers for when I’m at home and want to give my skin some love is one that is great for all skin types, tones, and ages. It’s called Lait Crème Concentré by a company called Embryolisse. This award winning classic is a multi-purpose holy grail, considering it can not only be used to moisturize both face and body, but can be used as a beauty mask or a cleanser/makeup remover(similar to a cold cream). With a thought out and effective formula containing multi-beneficial ingredients like Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, and Soy Proteins, this treatment restores moisture in the skin’s barrier without leaving any traces of greasy residue. Lait Crème Concentré $28 by Embryolisse is available at www.us.embryolisse.com

5. Your Hands Are Severely Dry From Washing/Sanitizing All The Time

It’s bad enough worrying about making sure your hands have enough sunscreen on them for protection during summer months, now we have to worry about cracked cuticles and tight, painful skin from excessive washing and use of sanitizer. Unfortunately, given the current circumstances, this is unavoidable. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to relieve your hands.

Similar to how your lips need to be treated, the key to healthy hands this summer is consistent care at all hours. Here are some things I do regularly to hydrate my hands after a long day of constant cleansing:

• I use a hand mask once or twice a week and leave the gloves on overnight to wake up to smooth, younger looking hands. My favorite are the ones made by Sephora. They are a great all vegan and easy to use, and oh so soothing! They come in a few different variations, and all have a little tab so secure the glove for a custom fit. Hand Mask $5 by Sephora is available at www.sephora.com
• Make sure to exfoliate your hands once or twice a week. And for that, you can always use my hands down favorite: Sexapeel! 
• Add some skincare to your hand lotion! This is something I do often, especially with the really rough areas that need more love. I’ll add a drop or two of any of my beauty oils and serums to my lotions when putting them on my hands and feet, and even with my elbows! It may not seem like a lot, but it does make a difference with consistent use. The more emollient the oil, the better! 

I admit that I jumped on the beauty subscription trend pretty late, but I have a few and I love the ones I do have. But not all subscriptions are the same! There are some I like more than others, and I’ll tell you why! But one benefit is pretty universal, regardless of which one(or ones!) that you end up going with: you get to try out products that you may have never heard of, as well as get some popular ones that you already love!

Ipsy Glam Bag

This subscription was the first one I ever tried, and is probably my favorite. I started before they had all the additional options like Glam Bag Plus(5 full-size products for $25) and Glam Bag Ultimate(8 full-size products for $50), and just have the regular Glam Bag(5 travel-size products for $12). All categories have the awesome option of choosing 1 product that you want each month. You can cancel anytime with no penalty, which means you can try it out for a few months to see if you like it without worrying about paying any additional fees to cancel. Here are some additional tips to best utilize this subscription service:

• Fill out the reviews and the personalization quiz! I didn’t do this the first few months, and I ended up getting stuff that I didn’t really like or use. Once I started reviewing them, and filling out my skin type, tone, and the kind of products I like, I started receiving more treatments that fit my tastes. Plus, you earn points for every review that you can redeem for even more goodies!
• Check out the Ipsy Shopper category each day! They have amazing deals on so many brands and free shipping with every order! I regularly snag some $80 Viseart palettes from them for the low price of $30! How amazing is that?
• Be sure to check out the Add-On category at the beginning of each month! They have additional sale items like my favorite brushes from the brand Luxie for as low as $3! But I’d jump on it quick...these tend to sell out FAST!
• The Shop Brands option is also a great resource for when you’re buying new beauty products. As an Ipsy member, you get additional discounts as high as 50% off of brands like Youth To The People, Aveda, and First Aid Beauty!

Ipsy Glam Bag, Glam Bag Plus, and Glam Bag Ultimate are available at www.ipsy.com and you can use this code to get a free month: https://www.ipsy.com/nmefq8wy

Birchbox

This beauty box is perhaps one of the most famous ones, and with good reason! You can select from a few different plan lengths from a 3 month commitment, all the way to a whole year commitment. They also have some great deals when joining like grabbing two boxes for the price of one, as well as gifting boxes to your loved ones. Similar to Ipsy, they have value sets, sale items, gifts with purchase and limited edition boxes. With a variety of products you can receive each month, from hair care to clean beauty, this subscription also has a loyalty program as well as an affiliate program. Plus, they have an extensive brand list, making it easy to find the companies that you love to buy from! Some of my favorites that are available on Birchbox are NEST Fragrances, Milk Makeup, and Perricone MD...I’m sure you can find your favorites here too!

Birchbox is available at www.birchbox.com

Scentbird

Not your typical beauty subscription, this one caters to those obsessed with fragrances! With a selection of over 500 fragrances to choose from, this subscription sends you a month worth of your favorite fragrance in a sleek and stylish atomizer. Plus, if you don’t end up using all of it, you can skip a month, making this program super flexible. In addition, you can also add on skincare, makeup, and wellness products to your monthly fragrance! With brands like Gucci, Tom Ford, and Cartier, it will be very hard to go back to buying full size fragrances that you just can’t seem to use up before they expire! Want to try it out and get your second month free? Use this code and we’ll both get a free month: https://www.scentbird.com/referral/d/scentbirduser10336409?utm_source=viral&utm_medium=v iral_direct

 

I don’t know about you, but I am ALL about big hair these days. Just give me a good old 80s rocker vibe anyday! However, when trying to achieve the bouffant mane of your dreams, it should be noted that if you’re going to do something, you gotta make sure that you’re going to do it right. And to do big hair right, you’re going to need patience, time, a small prayer to the gods...and a few handy beauty products and techniques to help get ya there!

• Play Harder - One of my all time favorite hairsprays is, by far, this baby! I’ve gone out dancing all night with the perfectly coiffed pompadour with it still looking flawless and full of volume by the time I got home in the wee hours of the morning. This super firm, volumizing spray gives unbelievable hold while giving you the lift you want with a side of shine, and provides up to 72 hours of humidity resistance...which is a must have if you get sweaty on the dance floor! It should be noted that this spray is pretty heavy duty, so it’s not something that would be recommended for daily use. Big SexyHair Spray & Play Harder $19.95 is available at www.sexyhair.com 
• Mousse...And Not The Chocolate Kind! - In order to achieve truly big hair without the weight or crunchiness of hairspray, a mousse is in order. As recommended by Oribe, the Master of Hair, you want to apply some volumizing mousse to freshly washed and slightly damp hair, then work it through from the roots all the way down to the ends of your strands. The reason you want to do it this way is that when you use this product on damp hair, it will build body and help it hold the style without any signs of crunch or gunkiness for touchable, sexy volume! Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse $39 is available at www.oribe.com
• Get Messy - You never want to blow dry the traditional way when trying to get big hair. In fact, you want to do it haphazardly and use your hands to shake out the strands, and even blow dry it in the opposite direction of where you want your hair to be. When you do it this way and eventually style the strands in the intended direction, they’ll be set bending towards the other direction and give your roots the lift you really want. 
• Rollin, Rollin, Rollin - You may think hot rollers are a thing of the past and only used to create those poodle-like curls, but they are actually very useful when trying to get big hair! Since you’d be rolling in larger sections, you’ll end up getting lots of body while still maintaining a healthy shine with the slightest bit of added curl. T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers LUXE $119 available at www.t3micro.com

With so many bloggers and youtubers promoting their beauty routines, it’s hard to know which practices to follow, right? Luckily, there are some really good bloggers who look at facts and try to separate science from what’s currently trending, which is something many tend to not take the time to do. Luckily, there are some basic rules for beauty practices, and I’ve done the legwork for you as far as what you should, or shouldn’t, be doing when it comes to your beauty routine!

Do

• Moisturize Everyday- This one is kind of a no brainer for some, but it’s a very important rule when it comes to beauty. Everyone needs moisture, regardless of their skin types. It’s just important to find the right one to suit your needs, but it is still something that you should be doing everyday regardless. Throughout the day, our skin loses some of the moisture that it needs, be it from dry heat or standing in an air-conditioned room all day...that’s why it’s important to replenish the hydration in your skin to maintain a healthy complexion at all times.
• Throw Out Cream Or Liquid Products When You're Supposed To- Now this is a hard one even for myself to remember...never with my kit products for clients though, of course! But oftentimes I will stay using that same lipstick I had for years and then wonder why it smells funky(whoops!). But it is very important to understand why cosmetic products have expiration dates and recommended usage times from the moment you open the product. Ingredients can tend to become less stable past their predicted expiration dates, which is why it’s important to pay attention to them and toss them out when it’s time to. But this rule also makes it easier to use up a product one at a time as opposed to opening/buying multiples and then not knowing which you opened first, only to have some go to waste.
• Clean Your Tools Once A Week- Another important practice that is essential to having healthy skin is washing your brushes and cleaning your tools often. It may seem like it may be fine to go prolonged periods without cleaning these tools, but this is vital to eliminating the buildup and spread of bacteria.
• Wear Sunscreen 365 Days A Year- Yup, you read that right. Wearing sunscreen even on cloudy or rainy days is just as important as wearing it on bright and clear days. The harmful rays can penetrate through clouds and also reflect off surfaces, so it’s important to protect your skin at all times from the damage it can do.
• Research- I cannot stress this enough, but it is very important to do your due diligence and research what is really harmful for you and what isn’t. Too many trends are emerging, such as the fear mongering fiction that silicones are bad for you, so it’s important to research the facts when it comes to your beauty routines and not just follow what is “trending” at the time.

Don't

• Share Your Mascara Or Lip Products With Loved Ones- Even I am guilty of having done this in the past, so don’t beat yourself up too much if you have done this before like I have. But what is important is that you are aware of the damage it can cause, and to move forward with the knowledge that sharing beauty products can get contaminated...even with your family members! Cream and liquid products harbor bacteria, so sharing mascara or lip glosses/sticks is a definite no no when it comes to maintaining not only your beauty, but your health too. A myriad of problems can develop from doing this, like staph infection, so it’s important to remember that sharing isn’t always caring!
• Bake- A technique used for stage performers, this actually does more harm than good, and I’ll tell you why. The reason this technique is used is for performing under hot lights and strenuous conditions while on stage. It is not meant for daily use for many reasons, the biggest being that it causes extensive damage to the sensitive skin around the eyes and mouth, causing your skin to age at an accelerated rate. Also, it increases texture issues due to so much product being used. What you can do instead is set the areas you wish to with a light dusting of your favorite setting powder, pressed into the areas you want and then softly smoothing out the excess product.
• Stick Your Fingers Into Your Skincare Jars- Even if you just washed your hands, it’s best to use a tiny spoon or spatula to get out the product you want to use from a jar. This prevents bacteria from building up in your skincare products, and the last thing you want is to get damaged from the treatments that are supposed to be helping you, right?

Facial oils have finally become all the rage, but there’s still a lot of misconceptions surrounding them, like that they cause breakouts or clog your pores. This is actually a huge myth, and in this article I’m going to be breaking down all the facts from fiction, as well as making some recommendations for a few really great ones!

Myth: Beauty oils clog your pores, not allowing your skin to “breathe”, resulting in breakouts.

Fact: First of all, your skin doesn’t need to “breathe”. Your skin’s essential function is to prevent things from entering your body...skin’s cells are nourished by our blood, not by air. The lower layers of skin get their oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply, or from what you put in your body. The top layer of skin is dead, so it doesn't “breathe”. When people talk about skin “breathing”, they’re usually referring to whether the skin is occluded or not.

Secondly, beauty oils are actually beneficial for your skin, and, more often than not, can help balance and regulate sebum production for anything from oily skin and hormonal cystic acne, to hydrating skin for texture issues and dryness. It’s important to find the right type of oil for your individual needs, and not just use what your second cousin’s best friend says is the holy grail for their skin...because while it may work for them, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for you, especially when you aren’t aware of what other active ingredients they may be mixing into their skincare routine.

Myth: You can skip moisturizer if you use facial oils.

Fact: Not true. Facial oils are entirely composed of plant-derived fats that have adequate lipid content needed to build a barrier and create a waterproof seal that prevents moisture from evaporating, while moisturizers attract water to your skin. A well rounded skincare regimen should always include both.

Myth: Oil free products are better for your skin.

Fact: That’s a big NOPE. Oil free products don’t exist...if you look at a label, you’ll see some sort of oil. The reason so many big companies can claim that their products are oil free is because “non comedogenic” isn’t a FDA regulated term. You need some oil in your products to properly hydrate and better protect the skin, as well as possibly stabilize the formulas of whatever you're using.

Now, onto the fun part: my favorite facial

Water Oil Skin Prep by Sonia Roselli Beauty $54

Available at www.soniaroselli.com

I cannot say enough about one brand’s products the way I can with Ms. Sonia’s stuff! Not at all greasy, this dual phase facial oil is both hydrating(water) and lubricating(oil). Ideal for all skin types, especially acne prone or mature skin, this oil balances like none other! With a quick dry time, this is a great option for use under makeup, and I use it on every single bride or model whose makeup I do...and on myself too! With Squalane Oil(which is great for those suffering from eczema), Japanese Camelia Oil, and other easy to understand ingredients like Avocado Oil, your skin will thank you even after just one use! Cruelty free, vegan, paraben, fragrance and nut free, this product is great for both your skin AND the environment!

This Is Everything Facial Oil by Wondergloss $65

Available at www.wondergloss.com

Everything you need to know about this oil is right there in the name! With a velvety texture and an exotic, rich scent, this oil will make you feel oh-so-pampered in all the best ways. This nourishing treatment has a unique blend of superfood seed oils like cranberry, pomegranate and marula which provide fatty acids and antioxidants to give a youthful, radiant glow to the skin...and helps restore your skin’s natural barrier. That’s a huge plus from anyone suffering from the wear and tear of improper skin care. It’s also vegan, cruelty and gluten free, as well as free of any parabens that you don’t want in your skincare.

Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil $48

Available at www.herbivorebotanicals.com

It doesn’t matter if you like emeralds or not...you’re gonna love this one! Deeply moisturizing with quick absorption makes this formula(packed with ingredients like hemp seed oil, shiitake mushroom, and ashwagandha root) gives your skin exactly the nourishment it so desperately needs. It helps clear your skin, as well as helps with fine lines to and provides a youthful glow without looking oily. Plus, if you have rosacea, it’s an absolute must have! This oil is also vegan, cruelty free and gluten free.

Many beauty lovers think that quality products HAVE to come with luxury price tags, but that’s not necessarily true. I, myself, used to be like this in thinking that I had to spend a certain amount on a product in order to deem it “quality”, but over the years as a working makeup artist, I’ve discovered that spending more on a product doesn’t really mean it works any better. Sometimes it’s just the brand name that you’re paying for, and not quality ingredients or effective results! I’ve managed to find some amazing and pro recommended beauty buys that won’t break the bank, and I’m here to share them with you! Now while these finds can be available at your local drugstore, I’ve included the websites that you can purchase from as well. Happy shopping!

• Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick- Available in 35 shades, these intensely saturated liquid lipsticks give you a flawless finish and up to a 16 hour wear. With the unique arrow tip applicator for precise application, these babies glide on easily and flawlessly with no need for a lipliner...plus they smell yummy too! And with the price point of under $10, you can grab more than one! SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick $9.49 available at www.maybelline.com
• Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water- Very few micellar waters can come close to this one made by Bioderma, which happens to be the first and only dermatological micellar water perfectly compatible with the skin. Fragrance free and suitable for even the most sensitive of skin, this micellar water is a must have for, well, pretty much anyone and everyone! Sensibio H2O Micellar Water $9.90 available at www.bioderma.us
• Real Techniques Setting Brush- This brush is one I’m sure you’ve heard of by now, and with good reason! Comparable to much more expensive ones similar to this one’s design, this micro setting brush is the key to completing any and every makeup look. With a feathered shape designed to help you dust a setting powder without disturbing the makeup underneath it, this brush is so amazing that I have a few in both my professional kit as well as my personal stash. Personally, I love using it to apply concealer as well as highlighter, and even to brush on blush or blend out eyeshadow. Setting Brush $7.99 available at www.realtechniques.com
• Opi Nail Envy Original Nail Strengthener- As someone who used to get their gel tips done every month, this nail strengthener is, honestly, the only reason that my paper thin nails are not ripping and cracking at the slightest provocation. With hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium for harder and stronger natural nails, even the most weak and damaged nails are no match for this treatment! Nail Envy Original $17.95 available at www.opi.com