We're going to Miami and I am packing light. I am soooo ready to chill out. You will find me poolside, champagne side, and lathered up in SPF. It's just how I roll. I am beyond excited for the wedding but am also so excited to hang with my hunnie for a few days just us two! This summer has flown by with wedding prep, launching GG & CO, and work.
So what's in my skincare bag? Since I'm packing light I am relying on one brand that I adore. I am obsessed with Drunk Elephant. I started with their Vitamin C serum after I ran out of this one, and from then on I knew I had to try more from the brand. The whole DE range is clean, fragrance-free, and they focus on using LESS. Which is so important, no filler toxins or strange ingredients. Just
The Littles set is the ultimate and most perfect travel set. It includes everything you need for your skincare collection, all in travel-sized bottles to fit anywhere! I am smitten with this set. It's their most loved goodies all wrapped up into one little blue waterproof bag to take on the go.
So, what's in it? How do you use it?
I'll take you morning and night how I use the products:
AM
*Beste Cleanser (jelly, so light but really cleanses the prores)
*C-Firma (vitamin C serum), mixed with B-Hydra (hydrating serum). I mix these two serums together. You don't have to. Decide if you want to brighten go for the C-Firma if you want hydration go for B-Hydra.
*C-Tango (eye cream to dab in the thin skin below the eyes)
*Umbra Tint (it's a moisturizer with SPF 30 and has a little glow to it)
PM
*Beste Cleanser again
*T.L.C. serum (it's a glycolic serum so it exfoliates and gets rid of dead skin cells)
*Marula Oil (Face oil to rejuvenate the skin, lock in moisture and nourishes the skin)
*Protini Cream (a decadent face cream to seal the deal for the night)
GUYS. THIS SET. It's literally everything. So worth it. Literally made me for to take to Miami, right?!
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! I tested, tried and fell in love with so many beauty, skincare and make up products this year. First of all, get out that champagne and let's toast to all the amazing products of 2018! 2018 was a serious deal in the beauty world and I really feel like I came into my own. I discovered more about my skin type and focused on what truly works for me, and not just on the hype products of the moment. There were so many amazing new brands that came out to really shake things up. We had a rise of plant-powered ingredients, tons of green beauty and I gravitated towards natural beauty and skincare. So, while I haven’t tried it all and there are some products I’m itching to get my hands on in 2019, today I’m capping off the 2018 beauty posts with the best of the best.
Here they are, by category, the best beauty products I tried in 2018.
Can you tell by my empty bottle how much I use this? This has become my number one morning foaming cleanser. I use it every single morning to prep my skin for the day. It’s green, clean and all natural so I don’t have any quaff with using it daily or twice daily. It amazes me how light it is yet how well it foams and actually penetrates and lifts dirt. I have yet to find a natural cleanser with the same results (that leaves me feeling refreshed). Definitely going to restock this come 2019.
Total game changer. This is my go-to night cleanser when I need to seriously remove makeup, open up my pores without stripping my skin, and just feel ultra luxe. With ingredients like chamomile, cocoa butter and clove you just feel soothed, calmed and refreshed in the most luxurious way. There’s a reason why it’s been named the best cleanser in the world. It’s gentle, does not dry you out and improves skin texture. It's a staple. Use it as the first step in a double cleanse, or on its own and you will not be disappointed. I'm so glad I discovered this in 2018.
For the second year in a row, Pixi wins my vote for the best toner for noticeably different results. I tried a fair few and seem to always come back to this one. It’s so gentle on the face, balances the skin and preps it perfectly for subsequent skin care products and reduces the size of pores. I’ve been trying to reduce my consumption of disposable makeup wipes in 2018 by using spray toners, but Pixi does it best. I hate how most toners have a tendency to make you feel so dry and stripped of your natural face oils, and this does NONE of that. I just love how you don't raw or overexposed after this toner (it's alcohol-free!).
Okay. I’ve been through my fair share of scary peels, where I’ve been inflamed, red for hours, and felt like my face was going to burn off. These peel pads are the most gentle, non-abrasive pads I’ve tried and there is noooooo recovery time needed. I can’t believe how gently they are on my sensitive skin and how I can go about my day with zero redness or inflammation. All your left with is perfectly buffed, texturized skin since they remove all the dead skin cells and leave visibly smoother skin. No parabens, sulfates or nasties. These will continue to be a necessity as I get older!
Eye Cream Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
Again, I've tried so many eye creams this past year and nothing does it like Origins GinZing Eye Cream. I have brought this with me on long-haul flights, across the world, and back again. It seriously reduces under-eye puffiness and smoothes out lines and creases like no other. It also leaves a little bit of illumination which I love. I came back to it all year and will continue to do so in 2019.
All-in-one Moisture Cocokind Matcha Stick
This is another life saver which I became obsessed with in 2018. Under the eyes, on dry patches, on my lips-- basically anywhere. It smoothes and soothes the skin. It's a does-it-all kind of product, and you don't need to worry about where you're applying it since it's 100% natural and organic. The ingredients are just coconut oil, beeswax, and matcha powder! Allow this one to become your BFF in 2019.
Healing Balm Huna Apothecary Nourish Skin Nutrition Balm
Guys... this stuff is a miracle worker. If you remember back in the summer I broke my foot and had to get stitches. Honestly, it was a nightmare! The cut was huge! I started applying this natural balm on the cut and it healed fast and the scar lessened! That's because it's packed with 22 essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients like camellia seed oil, pomegranate oil, chia seed oil, and the list goes on! It nourishes, replenishes and protects. I even apply it to dryer skin and on my lips. Brandon has actually stolen this product from me as his skin get's sooo dry in the winter. Looks like I need another already!
Serum SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
I have tried so many serums this year and always seem to come back to this one. It's like I miss it when I forget about it for a few days. It's that good. And you can see the results, instantly. We're talking instant skin glow and radiance, and it prevents existing skin damage and reduces wrinkles and lines. It's packed with pure vitamin C and worth every penny. Trust me.
Day Face Oil Indie Lee Squalane Face Oil
I actually went through a bottle in a few weeks, which is kinda crazy! A little goes a long way but I just love how it feels. It works on all skin types and it's green and clean! I love that it is a lightweight oil and improves texture, tone, reduces wrinkles and lines and leaves you glowing. Squalane oil is great for anti-aging, it calms inflammation and to promotes a healthy glow. Mix it in with some face cream for an even lighter application, or mix it in with some foundation for a dewy look!
Night Face Oil Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil
This rosehip oil by Pai has become a nightly addition. I love how nourishing it is and actually seeps into the skin. I lather it on nightly and wake up with radiant, glowy skin. It also makes you look a little bronzy which is an added bonus to me!
Masks
Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask
Worth the hype, 100%. It hydrates your skin in the most loving, rich, penetrating way. I love how it seeps into the skin, totally absorbs and does not leave you feeling greasy. Puffy, inflamed, dull skin be gone! It's packed with vitamin C, E and hyaluronic ingredients which not only evens out the skin but also boost hydration. It's also very luxurious feeling. I apply before bed and wake up with silky, smooth, baby soft skin! I even apply under the eyes anytime I need a little revival.
Eve Lom Rescue Mask
Man, oh man. There is a reason it's called rescue. When your skin is puffy, tired, hungover, dull, or just lacking in life-- let this be your guiding light back to life. This is my morning after mask, when I need a skin reset. It gives you that deep cleanse, does not dry you out and completely resurfaces the skin. We're talking evens out the tone and texture, too. I love that it reduces redness and inflammation too. It's thanks to the Kaolin clay, honey, and almonds. Just love this mask.
Moisturizer Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
While I'm still waiting to try La Mer, Tactcha, and Sunday Reiley, Charlotte Tilbury's magic cream is my miracle worker. It's luxe, rich, yet does not overpower your skin or feels heavy. It's light and airy and transforms the look of your skin, completely. It's collagen boosting, so gives you the ultimate hydration and plumps your skin back to life. Love the way it smoothly glides on the skin. I am obsessed with the new mini size... perfect for travelling!
Tinted Creams L'Oreal Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator
This is the best drugstore illuminator I discovered all year! It gives you serious glow and dew which I am all about! I still wear my It Cosmetics CC Cream, but I wore this one by L'Oreal all summer, brought it on vacation in the Bahamas and still mix it in with some moisturizer in the winter. Since it's an amazing price point, you can't go wrong. You could just apply it to certain areas you want to highlight, but if you're like me and love the radiance, apply all over! You'll never feel more sunkissed.
Bronzer Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
There is not a week that goes by where I don't get asked if I've just come back from vacation, or why I'm so tanned. My sly response "I do the Hoola". Seriously, this is probably my most asked about makeup product. It is by far the most perfect shade to give you a sun-kissed glow. It's matte so there is no shine or shimmer which I love as a base on my cheeks! If you need a bit of shine you can just add some highlight on top (which I do), but as your base, you cannot go wrong with the Hoola. It's great for contouring and adding a pop of colour to your face and body!
Lips Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
This one I purchased late into the year, so I wasn't sure if I should include it since I haven't given it the minimum two-month trial. But, YES! I am obsessed. I apply the moisturizing balm before bed, and every time I wake up with supple, plump and completely hydrated lips. It's amazing and completely worth the hype! It's not sticky at all, it contains berry mix complex, which is refreshingly sweet, and it's packed with hyaluronic acid to inject moisture into the lips. I even use it as lipstick primer! It's a lip saver! Also, I love the little applicator it comes with, so you don't have to stick your fingers in the pot.
Niu Body Vanilla Lip Polish
I love this lip product too! I use it as a scrub when my lips feel damaged and are cracking/flaking, and need some exfoliation. So perfect to use in the winter months! I scrub it on my lips and the natural ingredients (shea butter, sugar, hydrating oils) make my lips so moisturized and full of life. Follow with the lip sleeping mask and you are set!
Hair Care Ouai Anti Frizz Hair Sheets
I just had to try these. I was sick of applying some sticky product into my hair to tame the frizz. And, HOLY MOLY, are these a game changer! The make your hair so sleek, without altering your hairstyle and totally tame the pieces that are frizzing out of control. It's a little sheet and you essentially wipe your hair. That's all. And the frizz is gone. I keep them with me in all bags and in my car for all the moments.
And a bonus, because I can never go anywhere without bold brows.
Eyebrow Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Brow Pencil
My brow savior. I find this to be the easiest product to apply to your eyebrows. It's a one swipe does all. I love the creamy texture of the product and the angled shape. It looks so natural on the brow as you can really fill, shape and blend with the built-in spooli which is on the opposite side of the applicator. It comes with me everywhere I go.
What products did you fall in love with in 2018? I can't wait to hear!
P.S.: Stay tuned for my best post where I'll be sharing the best lipsticks I tried this year.
I rounded up the best natural skincare products that you need to try today.
Last week Jennifer Freitas, founder of The Truth Beauty Co.put on the True Beauty Talk in Toronto. Over 20 clean beauty pioneers that are taking over the industry with their latest creations came together over the span of the day. The talk offered great networking opportunities, an expert panel, and an open forum to discover new leaders in the beauty space.
The morning panels were my favourite! I listened as the panelists discussed growth and investment, sustainability, and ingestables. All I can say, is I am excited about the clean movement taking place in Canada. Clean and green is not going anywhere. As we've seen with Clean at Sephora, and the influx of clean beauty entrepreneurs, it is here to stay, as it should! There are so many brands that are pushing the envelopment when it comes to cost, plant-based ingredients (which means no chemicals or parabens!), and are eco-friendly. I caught up with some of my favourite brands and their founders and here are the launches I am looking forward to.
Graydon Skincare: Fullmoon Serum
Okay, are you ready for this one? It's a water-based, plant-powered serum, which means it feels as light as air and oh so breathable. The ingredients in this one are crazy beneficial. We're talking hyaluronic acid, collagen, vitamin c, moringa extract, and retinol. , it does it ALL! Minimizes pores, nourishes dry skin, battles environmental stressors, reduces lines and wrinkles and it soothes. I know what you're thinking... too good to be true? And it's so lightweight you can still add on an oil overtop to lock it in. It's going to become a winter staple for me. It improves your skin, keeps you looking radiant, all while reducing signs of aging.
Indie Lee: Squalane Facial Oil
This oil hydrates the skin, balances oil levels and leaves you feeling nourished, moisturized and full of life. This isn't a new product, but it's a new to me product. I tried it on my hands and I couldn't believe how revitalized and refreshed they looked and felt! It changed the look of my hands, it gave the lines a blurred out effect, which is exactly the goal of this miracle worker. It works to fight uneven tones and textures and comes in at an amazing price point (C $38). Most importantly-- it does not feel clogging, or greasy. I can't wait to try out this oil, morning and night! Face, decollete, and hands! Another bonus, it's cruelty-free, vegan, and 100% pure olive-derived oil.
Natural supplements made of organic botanicals and nothing else? Sign me up! I was immediately drawn to Well Told Health from the moment I heard founder Monica Ruffo speak. NO synthetics, no filler ingredients, just purely plant-based. They craft health boosters made from food ingredients. I'm excited the try out the sleep aid made from goji berries and lemon balm. As Monica said, sure you could eat a cup of lemon balm, but this is so much more realistic nowadays. Melatonin is a hormone, and I've been taking it a bit due to some irregular sleeping patterns so I cannot wait to replace melatonin with this booster. Other boosters include Energy (to counter stress and feelings of weakness), Anti-Inflammatory (for joint pains, minor wounds), and Vitamin D. I'll keep you posted!
Channeling the inner goddess in you and derived from nature and the Southern Ontario region, this brand is new to the space and is drawing in some major attention. They focus on gorgeous packaging, minimal aesthetic, and scents that will make you float to the clouds. I can't wait to try the Sea Mineral Soak to up my bath game.
Rocky Mountain: Face Polish
I am obsessed with this idea. It's a mineral base that you can literally mix in with your favourite agent. Water, coconut oil, yogurt, honey, avocado... the possibilities are endless! You leave it on like a mask and then wash off. Ah, so luxurious feeling!
Do you have any favourites? I'd love to know what you look for in clean beauty. All these fabulous brands can be purchased at The Truth Beauty Company.
