Is it too late to do a 2023 review? Yes? Okay cool. I’m gonna do it though because my motto is better two weeks late than never. Last year I kind of swapped out some of my tried and true’s from the past years. I swapped out my very favorite cleansing balm for an easy everyday cleanser I can use in the shower. I found the best hair bands ever and I found two of my favorite skincare items that I’ve used yet. I broke everything down below by price ranging from drugstore prices to Nordstrom prices.
Under $30
Gimme Hairbands: So I like that this brand labels the different widths for different hair textures, I use the thin hair ones for me and the thick hair bands for Gemma. They are GOLD, let me tell you. They stretch and stretch without tearing and they don’t rip / tear your hair. Because they are all one piece, they don’t rip or tear apart, so they last and last (IF you don’t lose them that is.) I’ve been wearing my hair back so much lately that these are my best friends.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water: I’m sure this isn’t the most viral product, but I’ve used this on and off for years but now I’m back to it. For years I was stuck on makeup remover wipes, but I’ve switched back to this and love it. You know what I realized about this bottle last year? That I can get almost a year out of it, if you can believe.
Cerave Facial Cleanser: I’ve been on the hunt for an easy facial cleanser I can use in the shower and I’ve gone through them all. I ended up loving this one, it’s not drying for me and it takes my makeup off (except for my eye makeup which I use the micellar for!) This has about a 6 month supply, so it’s a great deal!
Essie Expressie Polish: Maybe I’m late to the party but I just found this polish last year and I love it. I’m not great at doing my nails and I’m also impatient so the fact that this dries quickly is perfect for me. My tip: add a base and a top coat and they’ll last for 2 weeks.
L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara: Okay so I got this mascara as a PR gift last year and in a pinch I used it, loved it instantly. Then it went viral viral on TikTok because a tik-toker used fake lashes in the paid reviews :/ and the rest is internet history. But I can stand by it — it holds and it does not flake which is my number one complaint with mascara. It has been my go-to for the last 9 months! One of the best drugstore mascara’s I’ve found.
Merit Lightweight Lipstick: This, in the shade Millenial Pink, is my go-to everyday lipstick. This lippie is hydrating and the color is simple but a nice pop. It’s a less expensive version of Charlotte Tillbury’s Pillow Talk in my opinion. This is a lovely, everyday option.
Rare Beauty Cream Blush: I’ve been using Nars Orgasm powder blush for YEARS but last year I picked up a cream blush to go with a lighter weight foundation and this one has been a keeper. I’m still using the same one I picked last summer, which is nice, as it lasts. But also it lasts during the day, too. Cream blush in general doesn’t stick around as long for me as powder, but this one has a lot of stay.
Under $50
Davines Oi Shampoo: I have been using this shampoo for 8 years and it has improved my hair so, so much. This paired with the conditioner, my scalp is healthier and my hair is healthier. It is expensive, regrettably so but I use it 2x a week and can usually make it last 2-3 months!
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Mask: This mask I use about 1x a month and especially if I am starting to have a break out. It draws out all the things and before I know it my face is clear in a few days. It leaves your skin soft and not dried out, I don’t know how it does it! Highly recommend as a clay mask.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation: Okay so I will be honest I am a full face fan of Charlotte Tilbury makeup and skincare and would recommend most everything from her, so I am bias to most everything she creates. I use her full coverage foundation for editorial photos because it has the best coverage, but for ‘everyday’ makeup I use a lighter foundation. I need a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and this one fit the bill perfectly. It’s very light but covers well and is buildable if you need more coverage. AND it pairs beautifully with the Rare Beauty cream blush. This bottle lasts me about 6 months.
Over $100
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream: If I had to buy one thing it would honestly be this moisturizer. I use it morning and night and I can absolutely tell when I stop using it. It goes kinda fast, like I buy about 2 jars a year which I typically use my Nordstrom notes on, if we are being honest. But it’s the base of my skincare routine and I love it.
Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum: Okay last and definitely not least, this serum is my luxury, honestly. It is second in command to the Magic Cream above, but if I had to pick between the two I’d go Charlotte. This serum I use after I was my face and I use it with my gua sha in the morning. It’s not greasy and it actually soaks into your face, it doesn’t just sit on top. It’s incredibly moisturizing and I like to use it on days where I go makeup free too. A little this and some sunscreen and my skin glows.
18 Responses
Thank you Yeyes, I use Charlotte. I’m very impressed with her.s Stuf stuff
AndAnd I like the L’Oreal mascara L’Oreal L’Oreal
Thanks for sharing your using products those also a nice blog.
Thanks for the useful blog..
That’s good suggestion!!!
I like that you include some affordable options. It really helps me as a person on budget.
Great article. For example, I don’t buy mascara for my eyelashes since I do extensions. But even if I did use mascara, I’m sure I could find great options at the drugstore or at stores with inexpensive cosmetics. Budget brands often offer good formulas and interesting textures that can easily compete with luxury products.Besides, I think it’s not worth spending huge sums on cosmetics, especially if you can find decent alternatives. For example also doing extensions for eyelashes ? What do you think ?
I also have a friend who was suffering from a problem with her eyelashes breaking, so she wanted an excellent product to solve this problem and install some false eyelashes, but they should be good and at an excellent discount so that she could buy them.
I agree with you that you can find great options at the drugstore and stores with inexpensive cosmetics, and often budget brands do offer good products. However, when it comes to eyelash extensions, it’s important to choose quality materials to avoid damaging your natural lashes.
I recommend lash extensions where they offer high quality and stylish options that can be a great alternative to luxury brands. Plus, it will allow you to create spectacular looks without spending too much.
I completely agree with you! I think it’s great that you’re savvy about finding affordable alternatives for cosmetics. Eyelash extensions are a great option too! As for mascara, I’ve also found that drugstore brands can be just as good as luxury ones. It’s all about finding what works for you and your budget.
The person who recommended Stacylash extensions to you is as correct as a person can be. My sister always buys from the Stacylash store and has never complained once. When I tell you that I buy there, I want to tell you that for more than 2 years she has been buying from the Stacylash store, so she has given you an excellent recommendation.
I completely agree. When you find a really high-quality store, you don’t want to take risks and try something new. Good materials are the key to successful work and satisfied customers. If your sister has been buying from Stacylash for more than 2 years and is happy, this is a really great sign. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I completely agree. When you find a really high-quality store, you don’t want to take risks and try something new. Good materials are the key to successful work and satisfied customers. If your sister has been buying from Stacylash for more than 2 years and is happy, this is a really great sign. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I completely agree. When you find a really high-quality store, you don’t want to take risks and try something new. Good materials are the key to successful work and satisfied customers. If your sister has been buying from Stacylash for more than 2 years and is happy, this is a really great sign. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I am looking to buy eyelash extensions and luckily I came across your comments, so is the stacylash store the best? reading your comments I see that that is what they say, I will buy at stacylash then the extensions I need, I will give it a try, let’s see if that store is as good as you say
I am looking to buy eyelash extensions and luckily I came across your comments, so is the stacylash store the best? reading your comments I see that that is what they say, I will buy at stacylash then the extensions I need, I will give it a try, let’s see if that store is as good as you say
absolutely when you find a reliable store with consistently high quality products it’s hard to switch good materials make all the difference in achieving great results and keeping clients happy your sister’s long term satisfaction with stacylash definitely speaks volumes
I agree with everyone but much more with the last comment, when you find a place where they only offer you excellent quality products, you don’t want to change that for anything in the world, right? I understand you because it has happened to me on more than one occasion.
I also have a friend who was suffering from a problem with her eyelashes breaking, so she wanted an excellent product to solve this problem and install some false eyelashes, but they should be good and at an excellent discount so that she could buy them.