August 2018 Beauty Favorites
I'm not going to lie, I've been very spend happy this summer; especially when it comes to beauty items. I've changed up a lot of my routines this summer (foundation, skincare, hair care, and body care), and most of these changes required new products. Lucky for me, I've been loving almost all of the products I've tried, and I definitely see myself continuing to use these items in the future.
Check out some of my favorite August beauty products!
1. Too Faced - Born This Way Foundation (Butter Pecan)
I picked up this foundation after hearing that Auntie Jackie expanded the shade range. I've been wanting to try this foundation out since last winter, but unfortunately there wasn't a shade match for me. I've been able to rock Maple during the summer months, but Butter Pecan, one of the shades that Jackie created, is the best shade for me during the majority of the year. Thanks Jackie! I love this foundation, and my skin loves it too. It has a natural finish, but still stays put all day.
2. Too Faced - Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer (Warm Sand & Chestnut)
Now, you know I had to pick up the Born This Way concealers along with the foundation. I use Warm Sand as my highlighting shade and Chestnut to spot conceal. Tbh, I feel like I'm cheating on Nars Radiant creamy concealer, because I haven't picked it up since I bought these. The packing is huge, it's super creamy, and it's high coverage so a little goes a long way. Such great value for the amount of product you get.
3. MAC - Strobe Cream (Goldlite)
I know, I'm late to the strobing party, but I tried this product out for the first time at BeautyCon NYC, and I have not been able to put this product down all summer! I've been wearing it on its own and it gives my skin a beautiful natural glow. Whenever I get compliments on my skin, I usually have this product on. This stuff is the bomb and I don't think I'm ever going stop purchasing it.
4. Kiehl's - Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter
This was honestly a spontaneous Sephora purchase. I really wasn't looking for a body butter, but this packaging caught my eye and I picked it up. I opened the jar and was blown away by the scent. It has a light honey-vanilla scent, and a nice whipped texture. I love body butters during the colder months because my skin gets super dry and cracky. Man does my skin love this product; it's very moisturizing! I can tell it's going to be my go-to once fall hits.
5. Benefit Cosmetics - Goof Proof Brow Pencil Easy Shape & Fill (4.5)
I've always loved this brow pencil. I've cheated on it multiple times; only to return and wonder why I ever strayed away in the first place. The shade range is awesome! When my hair was black, I used shade 6; when it was dark brown, I used shade 5. Now that my hair is ginger, I've picked up shade 4.5 and really love the neutral brown tone to it. This pencil can create natural hair-like strokes, and I've never had a problem with it breaking; which I can't say for all automatic brow pencils I've tried. This pencil is quick and easy to use, and will forever be my go-to!
6. Dose of Colors - Matte Liquid Lipstick (Knock on Wood)
Finding a nude liquid matte lipstick that looks good on brown skin is extremely hard. They are usually way too light or leaning on the chocolate brown end of the spectrum. I came across this shade in Ulta and tested it on my hand. It looked good, but still, I purchased it with every intention of returning it given my track record with nudes. I paired it with Kat Von D's Crucifix liner, and I was blown away! It actually looked great! If you're around my complexion and you're looking for a matte nude, check this out!
7. Huda Beauty - 3D Highlighter Palette (Bronze Sands Edition)
My beautiful caramel and chocolate toned ladies, this product is for you! The shades in this highlighting palette look so beautiful on brown skin! I love how it has a cream highlighter that can be applied before makeup application or mixed with foundation for a nice sheen. I even use the creamy shade on my chest and shoulder to create a body glow! I also love how I can bronze my skin with it. This palette cuts down on the number of products that you need to use, and is perfect for travel!
8. Joico - Color Infuse Copper Shampoo & Conditioner
Having ginger hair can be a lot in terms of maintenance, especially given the fact that I used semi-permanent color to dye my hair. I find my color losing it's vibrance rather quickly; resulting in me having to re-dye it every few weeks. Constantly having dye all over my hands, nails and bathroom quickly got old; so I went on a hunt for a color depositing shampoo and conditioner. I almost gave up on my search; most of the colored shampoos and conditioners I was coming across were pure red, and that wasn't the color I was going for...and then I found this gem in Ulta. Joico's Color Infuse Copper Shampoo & Conditioner is the perfect shade of ginger, and it keeps my hair soft and vibrant without the mess! There are also other colors, so if you're having trouble with keeping your colored hair vibrant, check out this line!
9. Clinique - Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator
As someone with combination skin, it's a little hard to find a moisturizer that 100% satisfies my needs. That was until I found this product! It's a cream-gel that's not too light, but also not too thick. It moisturizers my skin instantly without feeling greasy. It's also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so my sensitive skin responds well to it. I'm so happy I was able to find a moisturizer that suits my skin perfectly!
10. NIVEA - Care & Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Wash
Nivea is a trustworthy old school brand that I haven't used in a minute, but I was on the market for a new body wash and came across this lovely product. I would always reach for the sexy body washes with strong scents and pretty packaging. Unsurprisingly, most of them stripped my skin of its moisture. I just could not take the dryness anymore, so I went back to a tried and true. This body wash smells like chocolate; it's such a light and lowkey sexy scent. I love it! Not only does it smell like Hershey Kisses, but it leaves my skin feeling so moisturized. This body wash paired with the cocoa butter body lotion will be my go-to during the colder months.