Love and Olive Oil
Beyond the Kitchen: Skin Deep Edition (Beauty Favorites)

Beyond the Kitchen: Skin Deep Edition (Beauty Favorites)

It’s it just me, or is the world skincare-obsessed these days?

Or was I just oblivious to it before?

That may very well be, as just a few years ago I could barely be bothered to wash my face twice a day and balked at an $11 drugstore cleanser. My how things change, which would be obvious if you saw the sheer number of products in my bathroom…

Needless to say, I went through a bit of a skincare frenzy last year, spurned by the onset of some pesky acne. We have to deal with enough sh*t as adults, but acne AND wrinkles at the same time? So annoying. Luckily, I feel like I’m finally on the other side of it. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what my skin likes and doesn’t, learning what ingredients to avoid for acne-prone skin (and moreso, realizing that throwing all the products at a problem isn’t the solution), but I feel like I’ve finally settled into a routine that works for my skin, and am excited to say my acne is finally, mostly (if not entirely) under control.

But more than that, I actually enjoy washing my face now, and look forward to my nighttime routine (except flossing, I still hate that).

 

Some of my favorite skincare & makeup products!

Look, I know this is a food blog, but it’s also my blog, and since skincare is right up there with black sesame and caramelized white chocolate in terms of my recent obsessions, I wanted to share some of my favorite products with you (just in time for round 2 of Sephora’s Holiday Bonus event which begins tomorrow! If you don’t yet have Rouge status, VIBs and Insiders should get their own sales in the coming weeks.)

I mean, skincare is basically food for your skin, right? Totally appropriate.

Click through for more!

(Psst…. there are affiliate links in this post).

Skincare:

Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil – This is my absolute favorite oil cleanser. It’s the one thing I’ve been using for years and will continue to do so until the day I die. It takes off all the day’s dirt and oil without leaving me feeling tight or dry. I mean, you really can’t go wrong with anything Tatcha makes. I also love The Deep Cleanse in the morning and The Water Cream moisturizer which absorbs so nicely and is perfect for oily skin. Might I suggest this travel set to try these lovelies out for yourself (wink wink)?

Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser – I’ve been using this cleanser in the morning and quite like it. The texture is a bit… boogery (ew?) but it turns into a light lather that doesn’t feel harsh or stripping. Plus the price point is much more manageable than some of the other cleansers (which seems silly to spend $$$ on since you just wash it off!) I also love Krave’s Kale-lalu-yaha exfoliator, which I use about twice a week. My skin isn’t a fan of a strong acids, but this one is just right. Would be a great option for someone with more sensitive skin or who is new to acids.

Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme – This synthetic-free moisturizer cream is absolutely lovely, especially during my dry spells when my skin needs a bit of extra moisture. It seems thick but doesn’t leave me feeling sticky or greasy and plays well with whatever I put on top of it. The more I use it, the more I love it.

Cicapair Tiger Grass color correcting treatment – This is an spf and color correcting cream in one. The cream itself has a light green color that matches your skintone as you rub it in, magically reducing redness and evening out skin tone so much so that I barely feel like I need foundation after. It’s pretty amazing in that respect. You definitely want to be sure you moisturize/prime first. A moisturizing face mist works well, or something like the Coola Daydream SPF Primer.

Weleda Skinfood – I can tell this is going to be a game changing product for me this winter, when lighter moisturizers just don’t quite cut it. This one is super thick, like diaper cream thick, but surprisingly non-greasy feeling. It also makes a great base for that ‘dewey skin’ look under makeup. Also can’t complain about the price point!

Glossier Super Pure Serum – Niacinamide is a miracle ingredient, especially for those with acne-prone skin. It brightens and soothes redness and calms inflammation. This serum is practically weightless, which makes it perfect for wearing underneath other products.

Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner – My current favorite moisturizing toner, with a rockstar list of natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, sage, and papaya enzymes. A lot of toners feel very harsh and acidic, and this one does not. I’m coming to believe that skin pH is a huge factor in tackling acne, and so a toner like this one helps to keep everything clear and balanced.

EltaMD UV Clear – I prefer physical sunscreens, but it’s super hard to find one that doesn’t feel like you’re slathering a thick layer of sticky, greasy sunscreen on your face. This one is the best I’ve found, and it also contains niacinimide and other acne-fighting ingredients is an added bonus. Avoid the tinted version (which contains 2 potentially comedogenic ingredients), but the un-tinted version is good to go! Yay SPF!

Coola Daydream SPF Primer – If you’re looking for a silky smooth primer, this is it. Bonus that is has SPF. Yes, it’s pretty much solid silicone, so I don’t use it everyday (and be sure to use a good makeup remover at the end of the day to get it all off) but it goes on so smooth and provides a smooth matte base for whatever you put on top of it.

Supergoop Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 – I bought this portable powder as a way to reapply SPF on the go without having to goop up my hands or my face. I’ve had it in my purse ever since. The brush applicator isn’t my favorite (it’s hard to know how much product you’re getting), but it’s still a great way to be sure you’re protected all day long.

Sugar SPF Lip Treatment – I love a lip balm that has spf and just a hint of color, and this one is my favorite. It goes on smooth and lightweight (I can’t stand the feeling of thick sticky balm or lipstick) and leaves my lips feeling moisturized. Rosé is my favorite color, a perfect hint of color for everyday.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask – Absolutely love this for overnight lip moisture. Not to mention it tastes like candy! It’s a bit sticky so I wouldn’t use it in the daytime though, but a tiny bit before bed works wonders.

Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask – Face masks are fun, and this one might just be the funnest. If you were one of those kids that liked to peel glue of your hands in preschool, well, let’s just say you’ll love this. The black goo dries into a rubbery layer that you peel off (in a single piece if you’re super skilled) leaving behind super soft and super clean skin.

Curology – I’ve been using this customized prescription cream for almost a year now. I started with their gentlest formula, and it took a few months for my skin to balance itself out, but my skin is looking better than ever. I just recently switched my formula to one containing Tretinoin (prescription retinol). I’m taking it nice and slow to allow my skin to adjust to this powerful ingredient, but I’m optimistic for the long-term results!

Makeup:

I really don’t wear much makeup, only now in my early 30s can I actually say I own blush and highlighter. I’ve been using the same drug store bronzer palette (that I actually use on my eyes, lol) for years, finally tracking down a replacement last year since my other was probably nearing 10 years old and starting to disintegrate. So, yeah. I’m probably not the one to be giving makeup advice, I have a lot to learn! But I do have a few new favorites I’d like to share nonetheless.

Bare Minerals Loose Powder Foundation – I’m a powder girl. I’ve tried and tried to find a liquid foundation I like but they never go on smooth enough for me. The powder is a nice light coverage that evens out my skintone without making me feel like I’m wearing a mask. Years ago my sister got me a Bare Minerals starter pack (with the Mineral Veil and Warmth powders in addition to the foundation) and I’ve been using it ever since.

Bite Beauty Multistick – My sister turned me on to this product, my first foray into cream blushes, and I have to say it’s quite lovely. I have this one in Cashew and it adds a perfect amount of color to my cheeks.

100 Percent Pure Lip Stain – I hate waxy lipsticks, so this lip stain is perfect when I want a bit of color! I usually apply a thin layer, let it dry, then layer the Sugar Lip Treatment over top of it. So it feels like I’m just wearing a bit of lip balm, but with a nice bold red that lasts a surprisingly long time.

100 Percent Pure Maracuja Mascara – This natural mascara is made from fruit pigments and black tea. I don’t wear mascara regularly, but when I want a little bit of drama this one (in Black Tea) is just right. I love that it smells like berries!

Body & More:

The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion – I’m pale. And I have no desire to sit outside baking in in the sun. And I’ve never had luck getting an even, natural looking color with sunless tanners (which are either uneven or too dark for me). So this lotion is the perfect way to get a subtle, natural color. I start to notice a difference after about 2 uses, and the color lasts about 5 days or so. I’ve been using it a few times a week on my legs and arms and definitely enjoy not looking so pasty all the time.

Ella+Mila Soy Polish Remover – I don’t know why I waited so long to find a natural polish remover, but it’s so nice to be able to use it and not feel like I’m suffocating in my own bathroom. I love their polishes as well, which are formulated without all the nasties that are found in most nail polish brands. (Bonus: you can usually find Ella+Mila products at Target!)

I am still on the hunt for the perfect sulfate-free shampoo as well as an aluminum-free deodorant that actually works. Will certainly report back if/when such unicorn products actually exist (recommendations gladly accepted!)

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15 Comments

  1. I’ve been loving the Schmidt charcoal deodorant! It smells wonderful and I haven’t had any issues with stains on clothing!

  2. I love seeing what skincare products other people use and recommend, so I’m going to check a few of these out. As for the aluminum free deodorant, you can easily make your own. I have tried so many natural ones that just didn’t work very well or left a residue. Just mix together 2 TBS baking soda, 2 TBS cornstarch, 1 1/2 TBS solid coconut oil, & 5-6 drops essential oils. (I like a mix of lemongrass, stress away, & purification)

  3. I just bought the Skin Food with your link (so cheap, even if I use it on my feet, who cares at that price) because I have the world’s driest skin and that sounds like something that would help me.

    I’m going to the mall this weekend and am going to check out the Pink Cloud cream and the Cicapair in person. Thanks for this post!

  4. Love Living Proof “full” shampoo, conditioner, and the cream! Their products work great to give my flat hair volume.

  5. I am a cosmetic junkie! Always on the prowl for something new. I love Sephora and put a few of your suggestions in my Sephora shopping cart. Thank you so much for this “food” blog! Love it!

  6. Great post! You introduced me to some new brands to try.

  7. Ohii beauty (randomly Urban Outfitters in House beauty brand) makes an amazing natural charcoal deodorant. It comes in a rose and citrus tea scent and it’s only $12 (much cheaper than some other brands I’ve come across) but best of all it works really well!

  8. Lume deodorant! So obsessed. Blocks odor, doesn’t irritate my skin, and leaves no residue. Can be used on other stinky parts, too.

  9. I use Native deodorant, it works very well for me but I’m not very sweaty to begin with. Got my friends hooked on it too!

    • You know I actually used it for a while, and felt it worked well, except I feel like it leaves residue on my shirts. Trying to see if switching to something different fixes that…

  10. Lindsay,
    This was such an interesting edition! I found it informative; though I was surprised to learn you use all these products as I remember you with a perfect natural complexion. Maybe that’s your secret to always looking so natural. I’d love it if you did a guest column on natural beauty products for the mature woman — ask your mom to pen it!

    Love your writing, even though most of the recipes are waaaay over my skill level.
    My best to you and Taylor.

  11. Thanks for sharing some of your products! I think I’ve definitely become skincare obsessed in the past year :D Always love discovering some new natural products to use. Right now I’m on the hunt for a good natural body lotion that will REALLY moisturize for the dry winter months!

  12. Love this list!! For shampoo, have you looked at Ethique’s solid bar shampoo? Amazing ingredients and no plastic packaging. I use Trader Joe’s peppermint shampoo as a clarifying shampoo every few weeks. The combo is magic!!

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