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What has EARNED my recommendations as a Licensed Esthetician.
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items Welcome to Wendy Approved, where beauty recommendations are earned—not bought. As a licensed esthetician who developed Type 2 (papulopustular) rosacea and new product sensitivities during perimenopause, I understand how frustrating changing skin can ...
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Make-up for Sensitive Skin
Skin care for Sensitive Skin
SPF (Tinted & Non-tinted)
Lips lips lips!
Self Care Must Haves
Body Recs
Make-up for Sensitive Skin
I did a massive DUMP of so much make-up in the past year due to new chemical & botanical allergies. I post these recommendations with so much HEART.
This is “chemically approved” for my uber reactive skin.
2.02 oz Dewy Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ...
My go to for blending blush, bronzer and & highlighter!
Beautyblender
This “cleanser” is great and easy to use with no irritation on my skin.
Blender cleanser Tool Scrub Exfoliating Solid Soap - Beautyblender
Doesn't affect my ocular rosacea!
GrandeLASH™ - MD Lash Enhancing Serum - Grande Cosmetics
Exact formulation I offer in my treatment studio.
GrandeBROW Brow Enhancing Serum - Grande Cosmetics
Works well for my finicky skin!
Mini Filter Fix Prep Set Blur Setting Spray - Iconic London
I have tried this and really liked it. Just keep a gloss nearby to “freshen” up your tinted lips.
Wonder Blading All-Day Lip Stain - Wonderskin
I love using this on the highest points of my cheekbones.
L'Oreal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick - 610 Glassy Pearl Eclat - 0.25oz: Brightening Makeup Stick
Love the “tubing” part - all you need is water to remove!
tartelette™ lengthening & tubing mascara - tarte
Skin care for Sensitive Skin
I never expected my own skin to become my biggest challenge. After developing Type 2 (papulopustular) rosacea and new product sensitivities during perimenopause, I began rethinking everything I recommended and used. As a licensed esthetician, I've cr...
If you can't afford prescription strength, this is a good starting point for Type 2/papular pustular rosacea. It's where I started. :)
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Excellent for rosacea
BRIOTECH Pure Hypochlorous Acid Spray 8.5oz
Works well on sensitive skin.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin - Unscented - 8 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Dye-Free, Hypoallergenic, Vegan
A decent cleanser for reactive skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin for Normal to Dry Skin - 16 fl oz
Due to the nature of how sensitive and reactive my face is, I always travel with my own “towels” no matter where I am headed.
Clean Skin Club Disposable Face Towel for Improved Skin - XL - 50ct
Better than just using a hand sanitizer.
Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes Travel Pack - Fragrance Free - 20ct: Hypoallergenic, Dye-Free, Paraben-Free
I've ditched the anti-perspirant and have been using this (blue label) for several years. I LOVE it.
Megababe Geo Deo Eucalyptus Mint 2.6oz
SPF (Tinted & Non-tinted)
Find ones that I regularly grab depending on the day.
My tinted go to for every day in the treatment room. Leaves a perfect glow. This is NOT full coverage but will lightly provide a soft but glowing coverage.
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 32 Tinted (1.7 fl. oz.)
While this is marketed as great for Acne & Rosacea, it does have a chemical SPF which I'm not truly a fan of. But I do have it in my bathroom and occassionally use it without issue. So choose wisely.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - Tinted (1.7 fl. oz.)
Feels good on the skin provides light coverage.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40- Tinted (1.7 fl. oz.)
My go to when I’m not wearing tinted SPF - I will also layer this with tinted when I’m going to be outside for a duration of time. This goes in like silk and does NOT leave a white cast.
Protect repair all mineral spf 45 wendy bowden brows skincare
A tinted SPF I’ve really enjoyed—lightweight, easy to wear, with just enough coverage.
HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
Lips lips lips!
I am sort of a lip balm/gloss junkie.
I have tried the Blush color and it is really pretty! Bonus that it has SPF 30. Not tacky at all.
Prequel Lip Visor Sunscreen Lip Balm - SPF 30 - Blush - 0.34 fl oz
I've tried the colors champagne & pink. Both are subtle and add just a hint of color.
Colorescience Peptide Lip Shine SPF 30 24g (Various Shades)
This is a glossy lip gloss providing more color than a traditional lip gloss. Really pretty and no tackiness at all.
Lip Gloss
This is a sheer, non tacky, lightly plumping gloss for any occassion. I'm not a fan of feeling the plump happening so this is not like that!
Plumping Lip Gloss
What I like about this is the gloss look and feel (not tacky) and SPF factor. If I had to rate the flavor of Vanilla Soft Serve, it would be a 3. Supergoop needs to work on that one!
Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm with Peptides and Shea Butter - Supergoop!
This is pretty, not heavy or glossy by any means.
Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint 10ml - Benefit Cosmetics
Self Care Must Haves
As a licensed esthetician, these are things that I use and recommend daily to my clients.
I use this every other night religiously. It's a wonderful addition to help with my rosacea.
Medical-Grade LED Light Therapy At Home by Omnilux
I have purchased these pillowcases multiple times. They launder great and don't lose their silk feeling. Love that they have a zipper so your pillow is not exposed.
Mulberry Silk Pillowcase 20x26 Haze Blue
Water run down your forearms when washing your face at the sink? Not anymore!
Up & Up Spa Headwrap with Wristlets
Body Recs
Just a few of some of my go to's for my body. Having chemical allergies, the body fragrances added here don't give me adverse reactions on the areas I use them on.
If you like a light scent that won’t leave a lingering effect when you leave the room this is great. My week day go to.
Body Mist
I love, love, LOVE this perfume. Think woodsy and earthy. My go to outside the treatment room.
Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense - Jo Malone London
A good daily moisturizer for the body. It’s in my current rotation.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Face and Body Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin – 16 fl oz: No Fragrance Added, Hypoallergenic, Noncomedogenic
A thicker option that I enjoy in the winter/drier months.
CeraVe Moisturizing Face & Body Cream with Pump for Normal to Dry Skin - 16 fl oz
Believe it or not, this is better for me than Cetaphil.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Body Gel Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Normal to Dry Skin - 16oz
Water run down your forearms when washing your face at the sink? Not anymore!
Up & Up Spa Headwrap with Wristlets
Hair Anyone?
These are products that have earned their place in my personal recommendations as I personally use them each time I want my locks to look like I have had a professional blow out! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE seeing a stylist who gives a great blow out but this is the second best.
I LOVE this device! Never leave home without it.
L'ANGE HAIR Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Blow Dryer Brush
Took some getting used to but works great for a no fuss smoothing tool.
L'ANGE HAIR Le Vite Ceramic Straightening Brush
I have this one too! It works great - does take some getting used to when trying to “curl or wave” your hair.
L'ANGE HAIR Le Duo Grande 360° Styler
Yes, I also have this one. Remember the old fashion “curling brush” from the 80's? Welcome the reformed version - it's wonderful!
L’Ange GlamWave 38mm Infrared Ionic Brush
This is not heavy at all, just a light protection while using your hot tools. I accidently used it on wet hair my first time and it still worked great! LOL.
L'ANGE HAIR Rival Heat Shield Spray 4oz
Currently in my shower now. Love the way it leaves my hair feeling clean - a little goes a long way.
DAMAGE SHIELD pH Protective Shampoo - K18 Biomimetic Hairscience
This companion is also in my shower. If you love a thick feeling conditioner that leave your locks feeling soft when rinsing, this is wonderful.
DAMAGE SHIELD Protective Conditioner - K18 Biomimetic Hairscience
I LOVE this product. This does do what it says - so give it a whirl!
COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
I love love love this spray. It is NOT sticky or has any strong hold. It simply adds a bit of texture to your hair without weighing it down or feeling like you have hair spray. It is a very workable spray that is my go to without feeling the need for...
Style on Steroids Color-Safe Texture Spray - COLOR WOW