Hi all! I haven't posted in this thread for a few months, but I do peek in occasionally. I read some of the posts on favored cosmetic brands and facial care and I wanted to add a few of mine, just in case anyone was looking for some new products to try. I really enjoyed reading your suggestions.
I will start by saying that I have sensitive skin that is on the oily side and a light-to-medium olive complexion. I do my best to only use products that are either organic or at least where I know what each of the ingredients is.
For skin care I currently use: in the morning, a cleanser by NUDE, it is a balm, in the evening I use a different cleanser by Andalou (citrus kombucha something), it is a gel.
AM: Cleanse with NUDE (I use a clean wash cloth each time I wash my face, I keep a stack specifically for facial cleansing), Sukin Facial Recovery Serum, Mychelle Ultra Hyaluronic Serum, REN Flash Defense Mist, Lapis oil by Herbivore, for eyes, Sukin Eye Serum and Creme Ancienne by Fresh (not crazy about all of the products by Fresh, but this one is very thick and I like a thick eye cream, it works very well). Occasionally, if my skin feels like it needs it, I will use Sukin Rose Hip moisturizer. I have used a physical sunscreen every day since I was 13, I was loyal to Clinique City Block (for many years) and then to La Roche Posay, but now I use one by Andalou topped off with Jane Iredale powder that also carries an SPF.
PM: Cleanse with Andalou, toner also from Andalou (willow bark, only in T zone), Pai Rose Hip oil, Dr. Alkaitis Night Creme, occasionally I will cover these with Phoenix oil from Herbivore. I use the Fresh Ancienne on my eyes and cover that with Evan Healy Wild Carrot eye balm. I use Mychelle Deep Repair Cream instead of the Dr. Alkaitis twice a week.
During the week I use various masks and treatments (I have no schedule as to when I use them, I go by what it seems like my skin needs); Uncle Harry's clay bar, Sukin detox and charcoal masks, Herbivore Blue Tansy and Pink Clay masks, REN Flash Rinse and their enzyme mask as well (I can't remember the name, it's orange and comes in a pump). I have a scrub by NUDE that I enjoy, and one by Sukin. I also use a laser by Tria, it is supposed to stimulate collagen, I don't use it as often as instructed.
In the shower I have similar brands as above, but I love Josh Rosebrook for haircare. My best friend is a stylist, so I have tried many brands, but I keep coming back to Josh Rosebrook. I do recommend Virtue (my friend has a hand in this brand) for the days when you want to straighten your hair...if you have curly hair. Basically, natural days: I use Josh Rosebrook...groomed days: I use Virtue. Windle & Moodie styling cream is amazing for wavy/curly or straight hair. I use organic cold pressed non-hexane coconut oil on my skin before my last rinse and blot off with a towel. Be careful as this can make the tub slippery. Body lotion, right now I am using various oils and/or a frankincense lotion by Shea Moisture.
My makeup brands are Andalou, Well People, Kjaer Weis (Lipstick & blush. Try their cream blush, it is the absolute best), Sunfood lip balm, Pacifica mascara, Troy Surratt lash curler, RMS and Ilia (various items). Conventional brands I use are NARS (various items) and Laura Mercier (eye pencils). I have dark, thick-ish brows and mainly use Zuzu clear gel (aloe based) or BBrowBar (conventional) colored gel. Nail polish, I only really use Ella + Mila, although I have one or two from other brands that are supposed to be 7-free.
I hope that this was helpful to someone, it's so much fun to try out new products and even better if you can get an honest review beforehand. I worked in fashion for most of my younger years and have found the above products to be very impressive for minimal-style makeup and honest, effective skin and hair care. (Oh!!! BTW I am 40, I wanted to add that just to be mindful that what works for me now might change with time...as it has in the past!)
Take care all!
