Just the other day I was having a conversation about why I love my mascara so much with my sister and it got me thinking about my essential beauty product must-haves. I grew up on a farm and was always more concerned with playing with my animals than trying to dress up or do my makeup, making me very lazy when it comes to this aspect of being a girl, so having a few great products really helps me out.
1. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara.
Mascara is my No. 1 go-to item. It adds that little extra something to your face even when you don't feel like applying any other makeup or doing your hair for that matter. I went through quite a few mascaras while working at ULTA until I figured out which was the best. Lights, Camera, Lashes really extends and spreads out my eyelashes without any clumping and stays on all day without any problems. It also looks very natural, which I love. If you are a swimmer or beach person you should also check out their waterproof version, Lights, Camera, Splashes.
You can purchase the product here.
2. Bare Minerals.
I'm sure by now, if you are a girl, you've heard of Bare Minerals. I was skeptical at first about this little jar of powder but after a quick demonstration and a week of using the foundation, I was in love. It is so easy to use and never feels like you have makeup caked on your face. Just a little bit on a brush and some swirling around on your face gives your skin an even, smooth look. I wear it almost every day and have never had any problems with breakouts. Just make sure you ask someone at the store which color you are!
You can purchase this here.
P.S. Their blush is also awesome!
3. Urban Decay eye shadow.
Now I'm not sure about you, but I am someone who loves to have all kinds of eye shadow just in case I feel like adding a little extra oomph to my eyes. Urban Decay is the best. They have all the colors you could ever need with strong pigments and you can get all kinds of different palettes from them. I have their Electric Palette for when I'm feeling adventurous but my go-to item is the Naked Palette. It is definitely worth the investment as it is something that can give you all kinds of looks from natural to smoky. Their shadow stays on really well, but if you're feeling like taking an extra step for a big event, then just add some of their eye shadow primer to your cart as well.
You can purchase the Naked Palette here.
4. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Sea Salt Texturizing Spray.
Well there's a mouthful! I went back and forth about adding my favorite curly hair product, but wanted to put in a must have that everyone can use for quick styling no matter what their hair type is. The sea salt spray that Not Your Mother's makes is amazing. I would say that my best friend and I both swear by it. It has a great beach smell that stays with you all day and all you have to do is spray a little bit into your hair when it is wet, damp or dry! It gives you that great beach wave you get from being in the ocean and only takes a second to use.
You can find this product here.
P.S. My favorite curly hair product is Redken Curvaceous Ringlet. Just a little squirt and scrunch will do the trick to help keep your curl in place all day long.
5. Saphira: Mineral Mud & Mineral Treatment Oil.
A two for one! Saphira is an amazing new hair company that uses minerals from the Dead Sea to create an all-natural, great smelling hair product line. They have all kinds of great products and a wonderful story, but my favorites are the mineral mud and oil. The mud is my best friend for those days after the beach or boat when my hair is all tangled up. I just put a bit of the green goo into my hair for a few minutes (in the shower) and it is suddenly smooth and detangled. The best part is that your hair stays smooth for days from this and feels so healthy. The oil is something different for me. I normally hate adding oil to my hair for the fear of looking greasy but adding just a droplet to my dry hair helps keep the frizz away and add shine and makes it so much easier when I want to straighten my hair. It also smells amazing, which is a huge plus.
Check out the Saphira website here.
6. EOS Lip Balm.
I am not a big lipstick person as I always feel goofy with a bunch of color on my lips and remembering to find a little tube of chapstick can always be a nightmare so I have come to rely on having my EOS balm. After my mom got me a six-pack of these little balm balls I put one in every spot I could think of. I think right now there is one on my night stand, in the bathroom, by the couch, on my vanity, and in my purse. They give great moisture so you don't have to constantly apply and they taste delicious on your lips. My favorites are the blue, green, and purple. Just be careful having them around your dog because they seem to love to play with and chew them apart.
You can purchase them here.
7. Hemp Herbal Body Moisturizer.
Hempz lotion is the best lotion you'll ever find. I have a large bottle in both my bathroom and on my vanity. It is smooth and silky and won't leave you feeling all sticky like some lotions. I put it on my whole body after every shower to help give a little extra love to my skin. Hempz lotion also comes in other varieties such as Pink Berry Chiffon, Exotic Green Tea, Pomegranate, and more. All of these lotions are great depending on what your scent glands love, mine just happens to be the Vanilla Plum.You can buy any of them here.
I hope these products help you out. Some may seem a little pricey but you won't regret the purchase. They all last a long time and work really well and the best part is it only takes a minute to use each of them. You don't have to add hours to your routine to look and feel beautiful!