Everyone has their tried and true; the everyday things they cannot live without. In my thirty years on this earth, I have tried so many different products that just a couple months ago I finally had to clean out my bathroom cabinet because there were so many miscellaneous items hidden in the back that I either never used or hated. Below are the top five things I use on an almost daily basis because I think they are pretty much the bee’s knees of the beauty world.
SEBASTIAN SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
The one thing I will not do, at least not consistently, is use drugstore or low-brand shampoo and conditioner on my hair. Now I know that there are some drugstore brands out there that can be good, but attempting to find those is like finding a needle in a haystack. Before Sebastian, I was using Kenra and before that, I was using I do not remember because #mombrain. But… I have been using Sebastian for about four years now and when you think about it, that is a long time to remain dedicated to a single product. Especially in the beauty world when they are constantly coming out with new items.
I typically wash my hair every other day or every two days. Since I workout so much I really cannot go any longer or else my hair will start to smell. If you see me wearing a hat I am likely on day two of not washing my hair. Hallelujah hats!!
My absolute favorite Sebastian combo is their Trilliance Shampoo and Conditioner. It makes my hair shine like it has never shined before and makes it silky smooth. I swear every time I use it people ask me how I got my hair so shiny. I typically have two bottles of shampoo and two bottles of conditioner in my shower at the same time. One set of Trilliance and one set of Volupt, which gives all the volume (I also dry my hair upside down for even more volume)! I have tried their Drench and Penetraitt combos, as well. While I love them both they do not satisfy my hair craving like Trilliance and Volupt do. I tend to use the Penetraitt more in the summer months since it strengthens damaged hair due to environmental elements, among other things. I am outside a lot in the spring/summer and I find that it brings life back to my hair.
One thing I think that I can safely attribute to using a quality brand shampoo and conditioner is – my hairstylist friends are about to cringe – that I have not had my hair cut since June of 2017. That is an entire year. But my hair is still extremely healthy, and long!! I think it also helps that I have used a curling iron maybe five times in the past year and a lot of times I let my hair air dry. The less heat you put on your hair the healthier it is going to be. It is just a fact. If you don’t kill your hair, it will live a nicer, happier, and much healthier life.
Note: My favorite time of the year is coming up at Ulta. The jumbo-sized Sebastian shampoos and conditioners are normally $40.00 but starting July 1 they are going to be $14.99!! I always stock up because I love getting a deal!
BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO
On those days that I do not feel like washing my hair or I just don’t have a reason to, I reach for my Batiste Dry Shampoo. Besides covering up all the oil that might be in my hair it also gives some serious volume. I spray it on at the roots, let it sit for about five minutes then run a brush through my hair. Sometimes I spray a second time, but that depends on the hairstyle I am going for. If I want a bit more volume so my hair isn’t flat when I put it up in a ponytail I go for a second round of dry shampoo. I literally could not live my life without this product and I am not sure I truly lived before I discovered it. I love that it comes in different colors, because have you ever tried regular dry shampoo on dark brown hair? Your hair becomes a nice greyish white color which really isn’t the look I am going for. Despite the fact that dying your hair grey is now the “cool” thing to do. However, I do use regular white dry shampoo at night before going to bed sometimes because by the time the morning comes around, the white is gone.
NEUTROGENA FRESH FOAMING CLEANSER
This little blue bottle has been part of my makeup and skincare routine since before I can remember. It is the total package: makeup remover and foaming cleanser in one. If you’re like me and go to bed with your makeup still on more often than not, you need to get some of this! One stop shop for removing makeup and cleansing your face quickly at night. It leaves my face soft and smooth, doesn’t dry it out, and even removes waterproof mascara.
KIEHL’S MOISTURIZER
An old co-worker of mine introduced me to Kiehl’s brand products a few years back. I needed something that would help with the redness on my face but was not going to break the bank. Long story short, back in college I fell asleep in the tanning bed without covering my face and woke up with a severe sunburn that looked like someone had drawn all over my face with a Crayolayola marker. Yeah, that happened. Not my finest moment. I now have a permanently more-red face than I used to because of it.
Ever since I started using the Kiehl’s daily moisturizer the redness on my face has gone down quite a bit that I barely wear makeup on a daily basis anymore. It is mostly just mascara and brow liner. It does not go on oily and smells great. A little goes a long way and it is affordable at only $29.50 for a 1.7oz jar.
I pair my moisturizer with the Kiehl’s Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate which I put on before I go to bed at night. This goes on smooth and despite being an oil, it does not go on oily. It completely hydrates my face and I can see a noticeable difference in the morning even after one use.
Note: if you go to Nordstrom to purchase your Kiehl’s ask for samples at checkout. They have tons and it will give you the opportunity to try out a few different products that they offer.
BENEFIT BROW POWDER
For the last four years, I have been using Brow Zings Tame & Shape Kit and I have loved it. I recently ran out and when I went into Ulta to get a replacement they showed me the Foolproof Brow Powder. I decided to go with the newer version because I barely used the wax side of the ‘tame & shape kit’. I have only been using the Foolproof Brow Powder for a few days but I am already loving it and know it is going to become one of my favorites!
I pair my brow powder with the Benefit Gimme Brow which adds fullness but also tames your brows since it is a gel. This is perfect for morning application when your brows might be acting crazy after a good nights sleep and you dont have time to shower!
*Note for makeup: most places such as Sephora and Ulta will allow makeup returns, even if the product was used. This is great for when you want to try a couple different foundations or makeup products but do not have time to try them in store!
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