My Favorite Products- 2014

For a change of pace, I thought I'd list the products I couldn't do without this past year. I guess you could say I'm high-maintenance even though my everyday look is casual. The right products for your hair, face and body will make a significant difference in your overall look. It's taken me years to find what works best for me, but this year I've found some keepers. Hopefully these products will work for you too if you have similar beauty concerns and preferences.







 

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap in Almond Hemp

I use this as body wash. It gets your skin squeaky clean without drying it out and it smells like "bakery almonds".

 

 

 

 

 

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Body Wash

I no longer use synthetic face washes. Instead I've switched to this. It is very mild, yet it cleans deeply, which is great for my super- sensitive skin. It's hydrating and helps to clear- up breakouts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light Brown Sugar

Yes, this can be found in the baking aisle in your local supermarket! It makes the best exfoliator for your face when mixed with a facial cleanser.

 

 

 

 

 

Heritage Store Rosewater

Great for moisturizing and toning skin. Its also nice to add to hair conditioner for a softening affect. And no, the water isn't pink, that's just the bottle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Witch Hazel

Sorry for the terrible picture quality! I use this daily as an astringent. I have combination skin and this helps with the oily spots without irritating the dry spots.

 

 

 

 

 

Reviva Labs 5% Glycolic Acid Cream

 I've been using this to clear up acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Three weeks in and I'm seeing a difference. Some people prefer the 10% version, but if you have sensitive skin you should start with the 5%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nestle Toll House Cocoa Powder

 Add this to your bathwater for the yummiest dead skin sloughing experience ever. Your skin will be soft, smooth and you'll need less moisturizer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EOS Visibly Smooth Lip Balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew

If you haven't tried EOS yet you should. I've suffered with dry, peeling lips for most of my life. I've tried everything and nothing worked. I heard about this lip balm on heyfranhey.com a couple years ago and decided to try it since its all natural. Its all I've used since because it actually works!

 

 

 

 

 

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Lip Gloss in Coconut Cream

To give my lips a little (okay, a lot!) of shine and to keep in the moisture from the EOS, I love Alba's lip gloss. The flavor is subtle but nice and the ingredients aren't dangerous which is important since you inevitably ingest what goes on your lips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curls Passion Fruit Control Paste

Yes, I'm a curly girl. This product is great for smoothing over my ends when they're frizzy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kat Von D "Ladybird" Palette This palette boasts super smooth colors that last all day and help your liner last, too. The shades are gorgeous (the picture's not doing them justice) and versatile. Sadly, Ladybird is no longer available, but there are other palettes by Von D that are equally stunning.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner in Cosmic Black

 I love that this liner seems to meld with my skin. Plus the ingredients are less caustic than most drugstore (and high-end) brands. Its also perfect for doing my winged liner and I don't have to sharpen it!

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely Me by Escada

Okay, I know Escada's not on trend and the packaging could be fancier, but I love the scent. I've heard it compared to the smell of a Barbie doll when you first unbox it. Maybe. To me it's candy, fruit and champagne and I always have to spritz on more time before I head out the door because I can't get enough! 

 

 

 

*All images were collected from company websites and independent review sites.