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Body & Beauty Products I Repeat Buy | Unless They're Discontinued, Then I Repeat Cry
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items working in cosmetics, you get exposed to a lot of different products, and somehow many of them follow you home. these are the ones I highly recommend adopting.
Sections
3
Beauty
Bath & Body
Tips & Tricks
Beauty
a few of my top makeup go tos - maybe you'll discover new brands and products!
The One, the Only, the Legendary! I have been blessed with oily, hooded lids - shadow doesn't last 20 minutes. A tiny dab of UD primer and my shadow stays put all day, no matter how creative I get with it.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Original
[DISCO] Gone, but not forgotten, you rose to the challenge of oily skin in a sub-tropical climate. Is there some unwritten rule that a product has to be pulled if it performs too well?
Urban Decay De-Slick in a Tube Mattifying Gel
I once wore full face costume makeup for 18 hours and it. didn't. move. Does what it says on the box, brilliantly!
U.D All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Can't afford face primer or don't use it often enough to justify the purchase? Milk of magnesia works - honestly fr I swear. Don't use it too often as it is drying, and make sure you buy the original, not a flavoured one.
Bayer Phillips Milk of Magnesia Liquid
I don't often wear foundation, but I have tried a lot of them, and the Dream Matte Mousse is still my favourite. I have oilier skin and this doesn't slide off like liquid foundations do.
Dream Matte® Mousse Foundation Makeup - Maybelline
Another mousse foundation that works way better than it has any right to! Give it up for drugstore budget makeup.
NYC Smooth Skin Mousse Foundation
[DISCO] You love it, or you hate it. I think it had a lot to do with skin type, and for once I wasn't the problem! Topped with the powder pearls, its as close to “ethereal glow” as you can get.
Guerlain Météorites Baby Glow
I am old and set in my ways. All other finishing powders are invalid.
Urban Decay Razor Sharp Finishing Powder
Provocalips is still the BEST long-lasting lipstick I've ever tried You'll know this when you go to remove it - it doesn't budge (let it sit with oil, the Garnier micellar water. Repeat if necessary). Be sure to use the balm after application, or you...
Rimmel London Provocalips 16HR Kissproof Lip Color
I fill my lips completely with these lip pencils and even regular lipstick lasts for hours.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lip Liner
Lancome's “Rouge In Love” line of lipsticks have stunning colours across a wide range - including purple, which is so not a Lancome bold colour - and different finishes (gloss, pearl, matte). 322M is my <3
Lancome Rouge In Love Lipstick
Oh, this is the most delicious colour (I even have a backup), and there are many more - including an orange for my fellow crazy-old-ladies-in-training. The formula really is velvety soft and fairly long lasting (fill your lips completely with liner f...
Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet 19 Jolie-De-Vin
This was a palette I HAD TO HAVE so severely, I was in the store the day it launched. The shadows work wet as well - just dampen the brush slightly. Use a little more water (you can use it right in the pan) for a more watercolour effect.
SWATCHES & REVIEW: Urban Decay Electric Palette
A colour-shifting metallic dark blue-black, that can be foiled with a damp brush. Very dramatic.
Barry M Dazzle Dust - 98 Petrol Black
A shimmery red that is more vibrant than depicted here. Finding red eyeshadow is an ongoing quest! Blush isn't technically always eye safe, but I've yet to go blind so it's all good.
Barry M Dazzle Dust - 84 Cherry Red
Sometimes I swap the neons for nude - I'm far more likely to use then for highlighting. The pink in this palette makes a lovely blush.
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Eyeshadow
Absolutely brilliant. Lengthens and curls, and you can use the white primer by itself for a frosted look.
Loreal Double Extension Mascara - Black Carbon
This is a deep burgundy that isn't immediately noticeable unless you layer up, but it's enough to give green eyes a little emphasis.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous - Deep Burgundy
This is quite a wet mascara, so give it time to dry before you wreck your makeup. The brush gives spectacular definition - the first time I wore it I had people asking what I'd done to get such separation without clumping.
Revlon All-In-One Mascara
[DISCO] Why must this cruel world take everything good from us?? The pink mascara was so pigmented and the formula so thick. Sigh.
Anastasia of Beverly Hills HyperColor Brow & Lash Tint
The best eyebrow pencil I've found, even though it's a pencil tip, rather than a fine twist-up. The light brown has a hint of ash to it, so it blends much better than a straight brown, and the brush on the end actually works for blending the colour i...
Shiseido Natural Eyebrow Pencil
The only eyebrow powder I'll ever use, at least until it's gone. I cannot believe this was discontinued! Luckily you only need the lightest tap of the brush in the powder, so I'll probably be grey before I run out!
Shiseido 2-Colour Eyebrow Compact
The pink gives a delicate hint of colour, while the coral works very well on my neutral skin tone. The red I use as eyeshadow, and the off-white as sheer face powder.
InnerGlow Cheek Makeup - Blush & Highlighter - Shiseido
My pale skin and bronzer aren't a good mix, but this powder is gold rather than brown, and sheer enough that you can build it up. I like to brush a little over the bridge of my nose, as if I don't burn to a crisp in the sunlight.
Giant Sun Powder 001 Metallic Gold - GOSH
I was given this product as a gift and it gives the perfect “invisible” shimmering light finish, brightening your whole face. Sometimes I even wear it on its own.
Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Pearls
This was the product that launched the Bourjois brand nearly a century ago. It produces a very similar effect to the Guerlain pearls. Lovely soft scent.
Bourjois Poudre De Riz De Java
Limited edition and for special occasions only! Occasions such as, “I feel like it”, “Feeling cute, won't delete later”, and “Smell. Pretty.”
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Shimmering Perfume Powder
Bath & Body
wet & dry care for all of the skin
Every xmas I buy a couple big bottles of Rose Jam (sadly, the perfume doesn't work). This is the only LUSH product I like, and I like it a LOT.
LUSH Rose Jam Shower Gel
I cannot convey how DELICIOUS these products smell! Sweet and tangy, they remind me of all the best parts of Summer holidays. If you can't make it to the Tropics, bring the Tropics to you.
Sugar Crush Lime Fragrance Collection | Soap & Glory
I received a small bar of Sapone de Melagrano - all the way from Italy - for xmas and... the scent... It smells like woods, low key florals, and the ancient tradition behind it (the perfume house was established in 1221!) I'm using it to perfume my b...
Melograno: Sapone Profumato - Santa Maria Novella
Been using this shampoo for years, and the improvement in my hair's “behaviour” was noticeable. No parabens, and no silicone, so the scalp build up that some shampoos cause isn't an issue. Very pleasant light citrus scent.
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair, 650 mL
This is a product where all the argan oil claims aren't pure garbage. I get the prettiest little consumptive Victorian heroine ringlets when I soak the lower half of my hair in this. I sleep them flat, but they're so sproingy while they last!
OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil
I have trichotillomania, so my brows and lashes are regularly decimated by my own sinful hands. These serums work! Probably the only reason my hair still grows back at all :(
RapidBrow Eyelash & Eyebrow Serum 2-Pack
The shower gel and body lotion are great, but it's the hand cream that sends me. There's nothing better than falling asleep with my hands scented like mint and sandalwood. Limited Edition which makes me sad :(
The Body Shop Wild Pine Essentials Gift Set
This little tin of salve lasts forever. I carry it around with me like a delicately rose-scented security blanket.
Smith's Rosebud Salve - Tin
We stan an absolute legend. Pretty sure you can put this on all your parts (untested). Some people don't like the smell, but that's the smell of magic, baby. Tip: works as hair gel for flyaways and definition of small sections.
Elizabeth Arden Miracle Balm, 8 Hour Cream
Foot cream, sure. Massage cream, ABSOLUTELY. It doesn't absorb too quickly, and the extra menthol helps sore muscles and migraines. And never forget that foot cream makes the best hand cream! It's a thicker formula, designed to penetrate, and cheaper...
Gold Bond Medicated Pain Relief Foot Cream... and Massage Cream!
The whole Glysomed line is good, but I specifically like the hand cream that comes (or came) in a round tin. It's thicker and smells lovely.
Glysomed® Regular Hand Cream
You know when the advertising says you'll see improvement in an unrealistic amount of time? With this serum it's true! And I'm not the only who has noticed these results. Biotherm doesn't get enough love.
Biotherm Life Plankton Anti-Aging Serum 50ml
“Waters” might sound like a scam, but there a few that really make a difference. This is one of them.
Biotherm Life Plankton Watery Essence 125ml
Gorgeous packaging, gorgeous product. Another essence that really works. I used it in a hot climate and it reduced shine, helping my makeup stick. Very pleasant smell.
Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence for Women
Don't be fooled by the anti-acne label, this work brilliantly on normal skin too! The very few regular break outs I got cleared up completely. It's not harsh at all and a little goes a long way - I don't even use a full pump when I wash my face. Very...
Vichy Normaderm Oil-free Anti-Acne Gel Cleanser
I have two of these - one for my face (it's very gentle for every day use) and one for cleaning my brushes!
Quo Beauty Silicone Pore Refiner
I love using this cleanser once a week. It has a soft, pleasant scent and leaves your skin so soft you can't stop touching it. Best results if you splash just a little water on your skin first. You need very little, so it lasts a long time.
BIotherm Biosource Balm to Oil Cleanser
No other exfoliator compares. Leaves your skin feeling like you've bathed in angel tears (wish I could scrub m soul with it lol ha ha…) Be advised: It is a rougher formulation - the “microdermabrasion” bit isn't an exaggeration - so not for every day...
No7 Total Renewal Microdermabrasion Exfoliating
(Also comes in unscented) When I stopped using toner and started using witch hazel, my skin started cooperating again. Bog-standard witch hazel from the pharmacy works just as well - you'll probably find it in the first aid aisle.
Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
The BEST eye makeup remover, even on the heaviest, darkest shadow and mascara. Soak a makeup pad and gently press and hold it on your eyelid for several seconds. Swipe slowly down, and carefully up under the lashes to remove remaining mascara. The sa...
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 700ml
Another incredible makeup remover, especially for eyes. This is what I was using before I switched to Garnier (purely price difference).
Marcelle Makeup Remover
Whether or not the claims are true, all I know is 1) I love the smell, 2) it prevents ingrown hairs, and 3) that shit sells itself. And it's a little scent of home I can fall asleep to.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Would you like your hair to stand straight up and touch the sky? No problem (partial blow dry, gel, blow dry holding in place, hairspray). Do you want your hair to lay flat against you scalp and Not. Move. Done (same technique as previous). A little ...
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Spiking Glue
Use it with the spiking gel for hair that's hurricane proof. Tip: rinse the top under warm water after use and shake dry. This will prevent (or lessen) the nozzle from becoming glued shut.)
got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray
This silver-grey dye is meant to even out the mess that salt & pepper hair can turn into - and it works! My result was a medium-light ash brown, which looks completely natural (my natural colour is medium-dark ashed brown). It's not silver (if yo...
Clairol Nice'n Easy 8S Soft Silver Hair Dye
The only bleach that removes red, and blue! You can never bleach these colour out of your hair completely, but this bleach removes the majority of it - I went from bright turquoise to a very light pastel blue. It takes non-process black down to a lig...
Clairol Born Blonde Home Bleach Kit
The second best bleach I've used, after the Clairol Born Blonde. Left my hair feeling really good!
Got2b Bleach It Platinum Bleach
If you're platinum blonde, this is the toner you need. It's a deep blue based in-shower treatment that keeps the lightest of light hair looking bright and fresh. Honestly, better than salon treatments and easier to use than DIY from the beauty store....
Dessange California Blonde Color Correcting
Punky Color is the ONLY colour brand I'll EVER use - and I've used almost the entire color range, including yellow! Manic Panic washes out quickly, Splat destroys your hair, Colorista isn't bright and washes out very quickly - Punky lasts months. Lea...
Punky Colour - the WHOLE Range
Smells fresh and clean - washing your hands has never been so mood-boosting! The household cleaner is excellent too.
Mrs. Meyer's Hand Soap - Lemon Verbena, 370ml
Me dabbing this on every soft surface in the house
Rose Geranium Oil 100% Therapeutic Grade
From Fragrantica: Aphrodesia was launched in 1938. Top notes are Fruity Notes, Neroli, Bergamot and Lemon; middle notes are Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Rose, Cloves and Honey; base notes are Amber, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Civet and Musk. In a word - HEADY. Tip: ...
Song of India - Aphrodesia Perfume Oil and Solid in Carved Sandstone Container
The colour and smell of my childhood (I fell down. A lot.) Mothers slapped that pink goo on e v e r y t h i n g . (The second picture is uh kinda obscene)
GERMOLENE Antiseptic Cream with Local Anaesthetic
When I didn't smell like Germolene, I smelled like Wondosol, usually courtesy of my grandmother. It kinda worked for everything? Don't ask me what emu oil is, I don't want to know.
Wondosol Ointment (Wonderlike Groen Salf)
Tips & Tricks
Taping for sharp and precise shadow and liner isn't new (and absolutely invaluable for those of us with hooded eyes!) but using tape that isn't low-tack causes irritation and premature aging. This tape sticks properly, but comes off very easily.
Nexcare™ Gentle Paper Tape