When we embark on a new year, we all tend to reflect on the past. If you're a beauty junkie, you think about all of the glorious products that helped you feel like your best self through the course of the year. That's exactly what we are going to talk about today! It seems only proper to start with hair-care. I have two favorite shampoos this year and the first is a long time love, Nioxin 3 Cleanser. Nioxin Cleansers are meant to cleanse the scalp and create the ultimate hair growth environment. They are not stripping, and Number 3 is safe for fine, color treated hair. I often mix it, half and half, with AG Hair Care's Sterling Silver Shampoo. The Sterling Silver line gently cleanses, while toning out golden or brassy tones in the hair. When I want ultimate toning and moisture, I use the AG Hair Care Sterling Silver Conditioner after cleansing. I recommend leaving it on for at least 3 minutes, and you'll experience intense (but not scary) toning and deep hydration. I'm really happy to support a brand like AG because they are gluten and cruelty free, as well. To add shine and moisture to my hair's mid-lengths and ends, I spray a bit of Bamboo's Kendi Dry Oil Micromist on them. This aerosol makes it easy to apply a veil of shine and hydration to your hair that will protect it from heat and environmental factors. I've used this on fine to coarse textures, and it can be used during and after the styling process. To extend my blow out, I've been reaching for the Bamboo Cleanse Extend Dry Shampoo all year long. This dry shampoo obliterates oil on the spot, and you can use it on the ends of hair to add body and dry texture. So versatile!
When it comes to makeup, I feel like I've finally figured out my vibe. I'm a girl that loves the concept of ultra-glam looks, however, it's just not practical for me, and I don't feel my best that way. I like to see my skin through my foundation, a fresh color on my cheeks and a natural, nude lip. Is that too much to ask? For my bases, I've been loving these two from Glo Minerals. The Tinted Primer is nice for easy days because it's best applied with your fingers and gives a subtle amount of evenness to the skin. If I'd like a bit more coverage, I then apply the Glo Minerals Protective Liquid Foundation in Satin 2. This foundation allows the skin's natural radiance to shine through while providing medium coverage. If I need to spot correct, I reach for Urban Decay's Naked Concealer, it's just so easy to work with, and can cover up under eye circles or blemishes. To give my skin some glow and color, I first swipe Becca's Moonstone Shimmering Skin Perfecter on the tops of my cheek bones. I think this absolutely stunning and can double as an eye shadow, as well. To give my cheeks that extra bit of color, I use Glo Minerals Blush in Sweet. This fresh, pinky, coral shade gives life to my skin and blends out easily for a natural flush. I'm always trying different eye looks, however, these next three products are key for all of my looks. My eye shadow will slide right on off if I don't use Urban Decay's Original Primer Potion. I've tried most of the eye shadow primers on the market, and I just think this one is the best for oily girls. To keep my brows looking fresh, I've loved the Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil. Color 2 is just a touch lighter than my natural brows and the formula is easy to apply, but won't slide off your face half-way through the day. That's a win, right? When it comes to mascara, I'm committed to my L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara. The brush adds volume, but not too much product, and I've never had an issue with it flaking or smudging. This mascara is just a well- rounded, take home to Mom kind of mascara. This year, I tried a few new lippies, and these next three take the cake. My favorite lip salve is the Glossier Balm dotcom. It's a universal skin salve that is extremely hydrating and lasts on my lips all night long. When I need moisture, but would like a bit of color, I reach for Fresh's Sugar lip treatment in Honey. Just a swipe of this balm hydrates the lips, and leaves them kiss-ably soft. When I'd like my pout to have a little more impact, I swipe on this fresh nude by MAC called Modesty. It's their cream sheen formula so it wont dry out your lips, and is a perfect everyday nude.
Obviously, hair and makeup are a passion of mine. However, I had to include this one non- beauty favorite in the list. The Five-Minute Journal created the biggest change in my attitude this year. Several months ago, I was feeling stressed, negative and just generally frustrated. The kicker was that I couldn't really pinpoint what was causing this frustration, meaning that nothing was really wrong in my life. I was just focusing on the negative. I remembered hearing that journaling can be great for "brain dumping", but what do I write? Where do I start? I was discussing this with a client one day and she recommended The Five-Minute Journal. 2 days later it arrived at my door, and I've used it ever since. This is a guided journal that focuses on the good, and helps you see that you, and your mindset, can take control of your day. Taking time to reflect on my day with this journal has helped me with my perspective on life, and has helped me to become more grateful for the beauty that I get to experience everyday. It feels good to finish a year and feel growth. Whether that growth be mental or simply refining a beauty routine, I'll take it!
For more thoughts on these favorites, check out our most recent YouTube video. You may find a little surprise in there as well!
~Shana