Empties Edition: 12 Beauty Products I Used to the Last Drop
With the amount of beauty products I receive to test out on a monthly basis, it is rare that I finish one to the very last drop (and go back to buy more myself!) When this happens, it is worth celebrating and, of course, mentioning to you.
This post is not sponsored in any way, but I did receive many of these products for the first time as a gift.
I have shared my makeup, skincare, and haircare must-haves on Instagram stories many times, however I wanted to create more of a permanent space on the internet for these incredible products to live.
These 12 beauty products are so good I guarantee you’ll be scraping the bottom and raving about them to all of your friends in no time. If you want flawless skin and luscious, healthy hair continue below for my full breakdown and to shop my favorite items!
In case you missed it: Read 25 Nail Art Designs for Spring That Aren’t Tacky
Makeup
Over the years, I have tested out countless makeup products, from designer brands to drugstore finds. These days, I may swap out eyeshadow palettes, brow pencils, and lipstick shades, but there are 5 items that I use no matter what. These are my makeup essentials whether I am doing a quick 5-minute natural makeup for the day or a full evening glam look.
In my opinion, once you start with an excellent base (primer, foundation, and concealer), your makeup is basically guaranteed to look flawless. Having a no-fail mascara to provide volume and color, and a setting spray to keep everything in place even on the hottest day is the cherry on top.
Georgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
(shade 4), Sephora $64
Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer
(shade 20NN), Sephora $29
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
(shade very black), Ulta $9.99
Skincare
Skincare in particular is an extremely important element here because throughout the many, many hormonal and diet changes (from balancing my thyroid to pregnancy and postpartum) over the past 2 years, my skin has never looked better than it does right now. I attribute this to doing a full overhaul on my routine and minimizing the amount of products I put on my skin.
As a new Mom, it is important to keep my skincare routine quick and simple. Over the past several months, I have zeroed in on 3 skincare products that I use daily: Good Genes, C.E.O Vitamin C Serum, and Auto Correct Eye Cream. Generally, I use the Good Genes in the mornings and after showers, and I use the Vitamin C Serum in the evenings followed by the Eye Cream.
If I have a particularly sweaty day or wear makeup, my go-to makeup remover and cleanser is the Bioderma Micellar Water which I use with reusable makeup removing pads (a NEED; I am obsessed).
Not to brag, but I have been feeling extra glowy, smooth, and even-toned lately despite my lack of sleep (hi, newborn life). Although 3 out of the 4 products are pricey, in my opinion they are 100% worth the investment. Wave goodbye to your 15-step routine and grab these 4 products for your best skin yet.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley C.E.O Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream
Bioderma Micellar Water
Haircare
From my Julianne Hough-style bob last Summer (a major mistake on my part) and it falling out in clumps during my thyroid crisis to now, I am truly shocked by how much my hair has improved in just 1 year. Prior to chopping my hair nearly 2 years ago, I was always known as the girl with the long blonde hair. I virtually never got my hair cut in high school or college, so after my wedding I decided to switch things up. Now, after getting that out of my system, I’m happy to report that I will be #TeamLongHair for the foreseeable future.
I know that I could have easily gotten hair extensions to speed up the hair transformation process, however I never have because I’ve always been afraid that they would damage my hair. Instead, I decided to play the long game and invest in haircare to truly get the results I wanted.
With the help of Olaplex (a longtime favorite) to conditioner that makes my hair feel like silk, and a tasty collagen supplement that I put in my coffee every morning, I am amazed by how healthy my hair looks and feels and how long it has grown already in less than 12 months.
p.s. The photos in this post are from 9 months ago; head to my Instagram now to see my current length.
Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Kenra Platinum Luxe Shine Conditioner
Dose & Co Dairy-Free Vanilla Collagen Creamer
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Want more beauty inspiration? Read Lip Filler, Botox, and Nasolabial Folds Filler: What You Need to Know.
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xo Anna Elizabeth