Today I’m linking up with Make Me Up Mia!
I’ve always been a self-labeled “product junkie”. I couldn’t keep my hands out of my mom’s makeup and product drawers when I was growing up because I was fascinated with experimenting with all kinds of beauty brands. I’m always interested in what products my friends are loyal to, so recently I reached out to a few of my favorite women and asked them what they’ve used over and over again and love! Their responses were all over the map, and I’m excited to share the products that these beautiful women (inside and out) highly recommend.
1. Philosophy -Time in a Bottle Serum
“This little miracle is an anti-aging serum and boy does it work. I originally stole it from my mom when I went to visit her for a week. Within those 7 days I saw wonderful results and I ran out and bought a bottle of my own. My skin literally looks brighter, feels softer, and laugh lines have decreased. It’s expensive but I promise you will not regret.”
2. Philosophy – Pure Grace Lotion
“Pure Grace has been my go to body lotion for a good eight years now. The scent is light and refreshing as if you just stepped out of the shower. It keeps my skin smooth but not sticky or heavy feeling. I can not even count the number of people who have stopped me in an elevator or store and asked what I am wearing. Men have literally wrote it down to by for their significant others. This product will remain in my bathroom forever.”
3. Lush – Celestial Facial Moisturizer
“I was originally recommended this facial moisturizer by another friend and I just love it. Like her, I have eczema, allergies, and overall, sensitive skin. Celestial facial moisturizer is sensitive on my face and keeps it well hydrated (but not too hydrated). Bonus: Lush products are handmade with fresh ingredients!”
4. Lush – Bath Bombs
“Are you obsessed with baths like me? Then you must try one of Lush’s bath bombs. Just fill up your tub and drop one in. They smell wonderful and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. And no, they will not stain your bath tub. If you are stuck on a gift to get your mom, friend, or significant other grab her a couple of these! My current fave is Sex Bomb.”
1. Herbal Essences Hydralicious De-Damage Boost shampoo
“Ok I love, love, LOVE Herbal Essences Hydralicious De-Damage boost shampoo. I picked it up at the commissary on a whim and will never buy anything else. I have naturally curly hair that I blow dry and flat iron almost everyday, so it’s pretty damaged. After one wash I could feel that my hair was softer and after a week of using it, several people have asked if I’ve gotten highlights because my hair looks so shiny and healthy!”
2. Mary Kay Timewise Age-fighting moisturizer
“The other one I love is Mary Kay Timewise Age-fighting moisturizer. My face tends to get oily on the T-zone, but this is light and you can hardly feel it on your face. Mary Kay also offers a 10% discount to military, so I buy all my makeup from them. The only downside is that it doesn’t contain SPF, but that’s easily solved by using a foundation with sunscreen.”
1. “Two products that I’ve continued to buy over and over again throughout the years are Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream to wash my makeup off in the evenings and Avon’s Glimmersticks Waterproof Eyeliner. I love how it stays put all day without smearing.”
1. Ole Henriksen 3 Little Wonders Skin Care System
“My skin has always been my biggest insecurity and coming off a round of Accutane for my cystic acne, I was on the hunt for a new skincare routine. This has been a miracle worker! It has dramatically reduced hyperpigmentation and overall skin tone. This is the first summer I’ve ever felt that I could feel confident without foundation. Can’t recommend this system enough!”
2. Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Treatment Spray with 21 Benefits
“This is my FAVORITE leave-in conditioner that I’ve tried. Helps reduce tangles before I comb out my hair after the shower and protects against heat damage.”
3. Sonia Kashuk Remove – Eye Makeup Remover
“I feel like I’ve tried EVERY eye makeover remover out there and this is the one I always come back to. I know it’s a pain because you can only get it at Target but it is so worth it to me. The few extra dollars are so worth not waking up with raccoon eyes every morning!”
4. OPI “Mod About You”
“As a self-proclaimed nail polish addict with a ridiculous collection, this is my hands down favorite neutral color. It’s that perfect opaque light pink which always looks feminine and goes with any outfit.”
5. Lorac Matte Satin Baked Blush in Exposed
“This is my go-to everyday blush. It’s the perfect coral pink with a sheen that just gives your face that youthful glow.”
1. Ponds West Cleansing Towelettes
“There is nothing better to remove makeup (especially eye makeup) then these original blue packet Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes. Before you begin to wash or exfoliate your face these towelettes come in handy to take off that top layer of makeup and remove ALL your eye makeup! I have tried other brands and even the other towelettes options that Ponds has on the market, but he original blue package is perfect!”
2. Victoria Secret Instant Bronzing Tinted Shimmer
“This bronzer is amazing! There are TONS of bronzing lotions on the market, but none of them work more perfectly then the Victoria Secret brand! Just one or two small squirts from the bottle is plenty to get the perfect glow! It blends so well but doesn’t make you look like you have bronzing lotion on! It really just makes you look like you have a perfect beach tan!”
1. “They’re Real” mascara by Benefit Cosmetics
“My latest must-have beauty item is a mascara called “They’re Real”. Since my former favorite mascara was discontinued five years ago, I’ve tried every mascara (from $3 tubes to $30 tubes!), and I have never been impressed with any of them. On the way to my honeymoon, I realized that I didn’t have any mascara (it had gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of the wedding), so I was forced into trying makeup from a Benefit vending machine (an appealing fancy one) in the Houston airport. Thank goodness! The only claim it makes is “they’re real”, and that statement is fitting because they make my lashes look so full! From a constantly disappointed true mascara snob, I promise this mascara will not disappoint!”
1. Sweet Almond Oil
“At 49, I’m always looking for products that will help with aging. One of my all time favorites is”Sweet Almond Oil”. This is amazing! After using your nighttime cleanser, sparingly put a few drops on your fingers and work into your whole face, including your neck area. Sweet Almond Oil is a wonderful moisturizer and has also helped in reducing fine lines. I have noticed my skin tone has evened out, and my brown spots have faded. I highly recommend this to all ages!”
“My all-time favorite cleanser is “Ponds Cucumber Cleanser”. It is a mild cleanser for all skin types. I use it when taking makeup off in the evening with a warm/hot washcloth. This product is awesome for taking off mascara. I have tried/used high end cleansers and nothing compares to Ponds. You can find at Walmart, groceries stores, drugstores.”
“My hair is my pet peeve. 14 years ago, I had breast cancer and lost all my hair! As a woman, that was devastating. When my hair grew back, it changed texture & color. Since my hair totally changed due to chemotherapy, I now professionally have my hair colored EVERY 4 weeks due to gray hair. “Pureology” hydrate shampoo & conditioner is the best! This product is amazing! It adds so much moisture to my color treated hair. The conditioner gives a tingly feeling to your scalp! The scent is awesome too!”
“I have four products that I LOVE!”
1. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
2. Smashbox Full Expose Eyeshadows
3. e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder
4. Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Sunset
“I love this dry shampoo!”
Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to two little girls (ages 5 and 2) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo
