#pro-vitamin b5 eye mist

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House of Folk / Relume / Pro-Vitamin B5 Eye Mist / Packaging / 2022

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What Are The Best Skincare Products For Pregnant Women?

What are the best skincare products for pregnant women?

Pregnancy can give you that beautiful radiant glow. Or it can play tricks on your skin that leave it blotched with acne, melasma or heightened sensitivity (as if morning sickness weren’t enough).

The worst part? Your old trusted staples won’t do. Retinol, Benzoyl peroxide and everything else you were using to deal with all the skincare drama before pregnancy is now banned from your skincare routine. They’re not safe for baby.

So what is? Here are the best pregnancy-safe skincare products to deal with aging, dark spots and more during this special time in your life:

Prevent Antiaging With Antioxidants

Retinoids are off limits during pregnancy. Studies show they cause birth defects in mice. Sure, we’re not mice but… why take the risk?

Keep retinoids on the shelves till you’ve done breastfeeding. In the meantime, fill your skincare routines with as many antioxidants as you can find.

Think of antioxidants as your body’s police. They patrol your body, looking for free radicals, the nasty molecules that destroy collagen, elastin, cellular DNA and everything else they find on their path. When they spot one, they destroy it before they can give you wrinkles and dark spots.

Best Picks:

Mad Hippie Hydrating Nutrient Mist ($19.99): A hydrating mist loaded with antioxidants to fight dryness and premature aging. Spray it on after cleansing instead of toner. Available at iHerb, Ulta and Walmart.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum ($33.99): The best option for acne-prone skin, this serum uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a derivative of Vitamin C that reduces sebum oxidation (a main cause of acne and inflammation) by up to 40%! Plus, it fights wrinkles and hydrates skin. Available at Free People, iHerb, Ulta and Walmart.

Paula’s Choice C15 Booster ($49.00): A dupe for Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, it uses Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) + Vitamin E + ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant combination that boosts collagen, fights free radicals, brightens the skintone and enhances the sun protection of your sunscreen. Its texture’s so lightweight, it’s suitable for every skin type. Available at Feel Unique, Nordstrom and Paula’s Choice.

Paula’s Choice Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum ($39.00): From Vitamin C (it has 3 forms!!) to Ferulic Acid and superoxide dismutase, this hydrating serum is loaded with every antioxidants you can think of to neutralise as many free radicals as possible. Available at Dermstore, Feel Unique andPaula’s Choice.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Serum ($95.00): This serum uses a derivative of Vitamin C that penetrates skin better than L-Ascorbic Acid – and is way gentler, too. It fights wrinkles, brightens the skintone and hydrates skin to boot. Ideal for sensitive skin that can’t tolerate L-Ascorbic Acid but still wants fast results. Available at Anthropologie, Beauty Bay, Dermstore, Revolve, Sephora and Ulta.

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% ($7.90): If you’re using a Vitamin C serum without ferulic acid, this is a great way to sneak it in. Ferulic acid is an antioxidant on steroids: it destroys THREE types of free radicals. Together with resveratrol, it also helps prevent sun damage. Available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Escentual and Feel Unique.

The Ordinary EUK 134.01% ($8.80): A mimetic of superoxide dismutase and catalase, it destrooys superoxide free radicals, the worst and most damaging types of free radicals out there. If it’s missing from your skincare routine, it’s a good idea to supplement with this. Available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Escentual and Feel Unique.

Related: Common Antioxidants In Skincare Products: Which Ones Are Best?

Exfoliate With Lactic Acid

The jury’s still out there on whether exfoliating acids are safe for pregnancy. I personally believe that it’s only peels that are dangerous. In the small concentrations used in cosmetics, glycolic & co should be fine.

But what if you don’t want to take the risk, however small? Stick to lactic acid. It’s gentler than other acids out there. Plus, your body makes a lot of it already, so it won’t cause your baby any harm.

Best Picks:

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% (£5.50): Suitable even for the most sensitive of skin types, this exfoliant contains a very low concentration of lactic acid to smoothen and brighten the skintone. Plus, it’s hydrating. Available at Asos, Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Feel Unique.

The Inkey List Lactic Acid (£7.99): A hydrating exfoliating with 10% lactic acid to remove those pesky dead cells off the surface and unveil smoother, softer and brighter skin. Available at Cult Beauty and Feel Unique.

Related: How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Protect Skin From UV Harm With Mineral Sunscreens

Did you know that avobenzone get absorbed by your body? We know this because it’s been found in urine (eww!). That’s good news: it means your body’s getting rid of it so it can’t harm you.

But just because it’s safe for mama, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for baby. That’s why it’s best to avoid chemical UV filters (yes, avobenzone ain’t the only one that gets into your body) during pregnancy.

So what can you use? Mineral UV filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They tend to be a little thicker and sometimes even leave a white cast behind. But they’re super gentle and 100% safe for mum and baby.

Best Picks:

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($36.00): Unlike other sunscreens on this list, this one has an added tint to neutralise the white cast. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants and oils to fight free radicals and hydrate skin. Available at Cult Beauty and Sephora.

EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 ($25.00): A lightweight mineral sunscreen that even oily and sensitive skin will love. It’s resistant for up to 80 minutes in water and doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind. Available at Dermstore and Walmart.

Mad Hippie Facial SPF ($24.99): A bit thicker than other sunscreens in this list. But if you’re looking for an all natural sunscreen, this is it. It’s packed with zinc oxide and antioxidants to boost your sun protection. Available at Free People, iHerb and Ulta.

Supergoop! 100% Mineral Smooth & Poreless Matte Sunscreen SPF 40 ($38.00): Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, this sunscreen has a translucent formula that dries down to a soft matte finish. Available at Dermstore, Nordstrom, Revolve and Sephora.

Related: 3 Reasons Why Mineral Sunscreen Is Better For Sensitive Skin

Fight Dryness With Hyaluronic Acid

Is your skin dry or dehydrated? You need hyaluronic acid in your life. This moisture magnet attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water!

All that moisture instantly makes your skin softer, plumper and smoother. It gives it a dewy glow, too! The best part? It’s so gentle, it’s suitable for ALL skin types.

Best Picks:

La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 (£37.00): A no-frills hydrating serum with two forms of Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate every layer of skin. Available at Escentual,Feel Unique and Look Fantastic.

Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster ($36.00): This concentrated booster uses two types of Hyaluronic Acid plus ceramides to deeply hydrate skin and strengthen its protective barrier. You can use it alone or mix it with your fave moisturiser. Available at Dermstore, Nordstrom, Paula’s Choice and Selfridges.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum ($65.00): A hyaluronic acid serum enriched with probiotics to deeply hydrate and soothe sensitive skin. Available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Sephora and Ulta

Related: Why You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type

Reduce Hyperpigmentation (& Acne) With Azelaic Acid

Retinoids, glycolic acid peels, hydroquinone… It seems like everything that can fade away dark spots is banned during pregnancy!

Worry not. You’re not doomed to blotchy skin just because you’re having a baby. Turn to azelaic acid. Safe during pregnancy, this baby exfoliates skin, fades away dark spots and even helps treat acne!

Best Pick:

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (£5.50): A basic, no-frills azelaic acid cream that helps you fight acne and dark spots. It’s suitable even for sensitive skin. Available at Asos, Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Feel Unique.

Related: The Battle Of The Skin-Lighteners: Which Is The Best Alternative To Hydroquinone?

Keep Shine At Bay With Zinc

Does your skin keep pumping out sebum like there’s no tomorrow? Zinc comes to the rescue. This metal regulates oil production and reduces inflammation, two of the main causes of acne.

The catch? You won’t find it in many skincare products yet, so keep an eye out for it!

Best Pick:

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (£5.00): It pairs zinc with niaciamide, an antiaging superstar that hydrates skin, soothes inflammation, treats acne and even prevents wrinkles! Available at Asos, Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Feel Unique.

Related: Does Zinc Help Treat Acne?

What do you think are the best skincare products for pregnant women? Share your picks in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams - even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

What Are The Best Skincare Products For Pregnant Women? syndicated from Beautiful With Brains

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14 Best Drugstore Makeup Products

New Post has been published on http://healingawerness.com/getting-healthy/getting-healthy-women/14-best-drugstore-makeup-products/

14 Best Drugstore Makeup Products

Esha Saxena December 14, 2018

It’s no secret that some of the best makeup products are stocked on the shelves of your local convenience store. In fact, drugstore makeup can sometimes get the job done just as well as its high-end alternative. If you are on a budget and still want to look like a million bucks, browse through these bargains and thank us later. From mascara to blush, we’ve put together 14 of the best drugstore beauty buys that are worthy of a spot in your makeup bag.

14 Best Drugstore Makeup Products: The Sweetest Steals

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer

L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup

Milani Rose Powder Blush

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation

e.l.f Makeup Mist And Set

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eyeliner

Maybelline Master Prime Primer

Flower Beauty Glisten Up Chubby Highlighter

L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow

1. Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer

Whether you need to cover dark under-eye circles or brighten up the eye area, you can’t go wrong with Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer. Its concentrated formula is infused with the goodness of goji berry and haloxyl that treat and conceal puffiness, crow’s feet, and dark circles. We also love how incredibly lightweight this concealer feels on the skin. If your goal is to look well-rested and fresh all day long, your skin can count on this concealer like you count on your morning espresso.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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2. L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup

L’Oreal’s True Match Super Blendable Makeup is formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E to perfect and protect your skin. It also contains titanium dioxide that acts as a broad spectrum SPF 17 sunscreen. With its wide range of 45 true-to-you shades, you’ll definitely find the perfect shade to match your skin tone and undertone. This oil-free formula melts into your skin, making it a breeze to blend and apply.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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3. Milani Rose Powder Blush

When it comes to blush, it really doesn’t matter if you’re buying a drugstore formula or a high-end one (unless it’s a special stain formula). The Milani Rose Powder Blush looks gorgeous in the compact and even prettier on your cheeks. Its natural-finish powder shapes, contours, and highlights your face. It comes in both matte and shimmery shades to complement every skin tone. You’ll find yourself reaching for this blush again and again – that’s a guarantee!

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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4. L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

This concealer from L.A. Girl is undoubtedly one of the best drugstore concealers out there. Even makeup artists swear by it! Its crease-resistant formula, opaque coverage, and lightweight texture beautifully camouflage dark under-eye circles, redness, and skin imperfections. You can choose from its wide range of over 40 shades that also include a bunch of color correcting concealers.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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5. Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation

If you’re looking for a lightweight foundation that offers fantastic coverage, the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation has got to be your go-to product. It is perfect for daily wear, and it won’t look heavy or cakey as the day goes by. With its range of 40 super-saturated shades, you can find the best match for your skin easily. Even makeup artists agree that this is one of the best drugstore foundations on the market.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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6. e.l.f Makeup Mist And Set

If you’re going to put all that time and effort in doing your makeup, a setting spray is the ultimate must-have for you. This mist by e.l.f holds your face and eye makeup in place all day long and revitalizes your makeup color with just a few spritzes. It is formulated with the goodness of aloe, green tea, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and E to soothe and hydrate your skin through the day. For the price you pay, this is the sweetest bargain you’ll get!

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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7. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream smells like a batch of freshly baked cookies, and it lasts forever. Its velvety smooth formula delivers a burst of pigmented color with just one swipe. We love how this lip cream is super lightweight, durable, and delightfully creamy. Find your favorite shades from its range of 42 shades.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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8. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

If you are all for gorgeous, kohl-lined eyes, you’ve got to try the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner. This smudge-proof formula offers up to 12 hours of wear. It is extremely easy to use and will help you create the perfect smokey eye look with minimum effort. It comes in a bunch of shades to choose from. Be it wine, black, purple, or gray, you’ll definitely find your favorite.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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9. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is a cult-favorite for a reason: it lives up to all the expectations one can possibly have from a mascara. Its formula is incredibly long-wearing, and its exclusive fanning brush reveals all the layers of your lashes for a sensational full-fan effect. You’ve got to try it to believe it!

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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10. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Ladies, this bronzer from Physicians Formula hits that sweet spot between makeup and skin care. Here’s how: its formula is infused with murumuru butter, essential fatty acids, and pro-vitamins that not only deliver a radiant Brazilian Goddess glow but also condition and moisturize your skin. Find your match from its range of four shades.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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11. Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eyeliner

This party-proof liquid eyeliner from Milani is great for beginners. Its easy-to-use felt tip allows you to create a thin, medium, or thick line just by switching the angle you hold it at. We can’t get over how long-lasting this eyeliner is. You can bid farewell to any kind of eyeliner fails when you have this product on!

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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12. Maybelline Master Prime Primer

This weightless primer from Maybelline blurs away all your skin concerns and creates the perfect base for your foundation. It is formulated with a water-soluble base and active ingredients that refine your skin and control shine all day long. You can also wear it alone for a luminous effect.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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13. Flower Beauty Glisten Up Chubby Highlighter

This stunning highlighter from Flower Beauty makes it super easy to create a beautiful, healthy-looking glow on your skin. You can use this chubby stick to highlight or brighten any area of your face, from your eyes to the tip of your nose and cheekbones. It comes in three splendid shades.

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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14. L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow

If there’s one drugstore eyeshadow palette that you absolutely need to own, it certainly is the L.A. Girl Nudes Eyeshadow Palette. This killer palette is filled with 12 seriously pigmented shades that let you create a bunch of stunning looks. It does not fall out, transfer, or fade through the day. It stays in place, looking fab!

Purchase Link www.amazon.com

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Drugstore makeup is all about accessibility and affordability. No matter what your beauty needs are, you’ll find yourself picking up a drugstore version of your favorite upscale makeup brand at some point. Besides, more often than not, certain products are equal to luxury brands in terms of quality.

That was our round-up of the 14 best drugstore makeup products. Which one are you looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments section below.

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2016 Beauty Favorites. Oh hey!! It’s Deb. ‘member me?!?

Apologies for being M.I.A. on the blog. Work, RIACW restrategizing and new projects kept me away from you, my beloved Rosedolls. I’ve been so busy these past couple of months and I don’t think things plan on slowing down anytime soon. I’ll just have to learn to handle my time better ;)

The reason why I didn’t post monthly faves this past year is because I had to use up the products that I share with you. That is why they’re my preferred items after all! Yet as we enter the few days of the year I thought I would compile the bits I haven’t been able to put down in 2016. Let’s get started, shall we?! We shall.

When I tried Kat Von D’s Everlasting liquid lipstick it was love at first swipe. This lip paint applies smoothly and creamy but dries matte, making my lips feel unexpectedly velvety given its subdued nature. The formula, finish and feel are not drying at all. It is so light that I catch myself checking if I still have it on! That’s how comfortable it is on the lips. The shade I have is Lolita, a chestnut, (terra cotta) rose. This puppy is particularly opaque, pigmented and long lasting. One slap will do but it is very buildable.

The Photo Finish primer water from Smashbox took me from skeptical to believer. I purchased a trial size at Sephora and plan to buy the full size once I use this baby up. I love how it prolongs my whip up wear. As opposed to its suggested name I apply it as a setting spray rather than on my bare face prior to my makeup. It makes a fabulous finish for whatever I apply on, be it a bb cream, a concealer or a foundation. Its perfect mist provides a diffuse effect all over my face. Moreover, it is a lovely “wake up” spritz that feels so nice and refreshing, thanks to its lightweight formula.

It’s never too early to use anti-aging products. We all know that it’s easier to prevent than trying to reverse skin aging signs. I am on a mission to outsmart aging by using tightening, lifting and firming items. I like to apply the *Lotus Aroma Anti-Aging day-night firming cream night right after my serum. It is specially formulated to rejuvenate skin and visibly intensify its radiance. Its Alpine rose-marine fennel extracts and baobab-moringa-acai berry oils concoction helps fight the 👀 wrinkles and other aging signs (fine lines, spots, leathery skin..ugh🚫✋🏾) Moreover, I really love its fresh, clean and fruity aroma (!) This formula is utterly rich and creamy but not thick. Plus it sinks in to my skin rather quickly, which is great for my morning routine! It might not be the best for my oily skin but I’ve already reaped the smoothing benefits. Therefore I will keep incorporating this babe into my regimen. It leaves my face visage feeling hydrated, soft and supple. My skin texture is much smoother and I owe it all to this puppy.

Too Faced’s Better than $€* mascara is on my beauty guest list as top shelf status. I bought this guy off of YouTube peer pressure. Now, I can’t work with any other rimmel. It’s great for a natural look and can be easily built to great volume and length for a more dramatic look. A few brush strokes of this collagen-fueled formula will do ya. One coat and lashes are full, defined and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coats and they’re reaching unbelievable heights of drama. The formula doesn’t smudge. The color is one the richest, deepest, most intense black I’ve ever owned. It gives me such voluminous, longer lashes. The itty bitty lash committee member that I am really appreciates. This is by far the best high end mascara I’ve come across. Once you use this, you can’t go back.

*The Estée Edit Pore Vanishing Stick by Estée Lauder is basically perfect skin in a portable rod format. No muss. No fuss. Blotting paper? Not needed. Setting powder for retouch? Bye. Oil peaking through your makeup? See you later! What I like about this bad boy is that it is so light. It doesn’t feel tacky or silicon-y. I roll it around my face and pat it up with my ring finger, insisting on my cheeks where my horrible crevices inhabit. Not only does this work as a primer, it prolongs my foundation and makes everything else that’s on top look less cakey. It glides on smoothly and gives a fresh, invisible pore look either in the bathroom (before applying makeup) or on-the-go (throughout the day). It can be worn alone, under and over my beat. It literally gives me an airbrushed look. This is an absolute dream, an oil slick’s best friend!

The *Terracotta Pause d'Été bronzing powder duo for face and décolleté from Guerlain is the most intense highlight in my collection. I was fortunate enough to snag one off of the Summer by Terracotta limited edition range, a meticulously curated selection of beauty must-haves. To start, the polished wood packaging is absolutely stunning. The inside of the cap contains a sizeable mirror, making application quick and easy. I found myself heavily reaching for it this past sunny season. It was ideal for that I-can-see-you-from-out-of-space shimmer effect I cherish so much. The finish has a bronzy, copper-y undertone that suits my skin tone perfectly. I just swirl my brush around and that’s when the magic happens. The formulation is not too glittery. The application goes on oh so smoothly. It’s not patchy nor is it chunky. It doesn’t fade like most of my cheek products. It stays on all day and curiously looks better as it blends in with my natural oils. My only downside is that it has a strong perfume-y scent of iris and warm sweet white musks. I must say it is quite overpowering. It is not for everyone but thankfully (depending on one’s preference) it easily dissipates.

Mary Kay’s oil free eye makeup remover is an absolute must when it comes to my nighttime routine. It quickly dissolves the oils contained in my makeup and loosens it in order to discard it from the skin more efficiently. Love this product. it doesn’t leave any oily film. It is very gentle but don’t be fooled: this guy wipes away EVERYTHING: any trace of liner, shadows, mascara, brow products.. YOU NAME IT! And you don’t need an obscene amount or a lot of effort; a couple of drops for each eye does the trick, and just a gentle swipe will get it all off. This just works really effectively and quickly. A top-shelve product in my book. Finally, an eraser that works without having to tug or pull. I love this puppy so much and you can get a chance to beauty test it for yourself! Details on the official RIACW *Facebook* page. Check out the highlighted post ;)

When it comes to oily skin, the reflex to combat it is to stay away from oleagin infused products. The reality is, this is the actual opposite. A greasy skin needs more moisture. Yes, you read me right. Us grease ball girls need to put that back in to our face because our skin is thinking that it’s not getting enough. So it produces more and more oil. I’ve been experiencing less breakout since using the precleanse cleansing oil from Dermalogica . I love it because it doesn’t have a particular smell and most importantly, it doesn’t hurt my eyes. This is my next step in makeup removal after MK. I just drop a few pumps onto a cotton round and gently work it onto my face or I directly apply it to my dry face, massage it and watch the makeup dissolve. I then follow up with my usual skincare regimen. It breaks down my face beat in an instant and gives me the oil benefits that my slick face needs. Two skincare functions in one? Doesn’t get any better than that!

Hand cream is a handbag staple of mine. At first I was intrigued by this EOS perfume-looking package until I discovered its content. This Evolution of Smooth (EOS) hand lotion is phenomenal. For me it was all about that cream’s refreshing essences. The one I got, Berry Blossom, is a soft, delicate blooms and sweet fruits composite. Plus I truly enjoy its non-greasy composition. This travel-friendly companion is packed with nourishing shea butter, aloe, oats and antioxidants to help keep my hands soft and smooth. I am not quite sure it holds up to its 24-hour moisture claim but I sure appreciate its fast-absorbing properties. It may not be as thick or rich in texture as I wish it could be but hey, it said hand lotion after all..

Biotherm's Biosource hydra-mineral toning mousse is an absolute dream of a cleanser. This fella contains a complex of 70 minerals and balancing zinc to cleanse and soften normal to combination skin (even though mine is on the oily side of the spectrum) without drying it. I love its foamy texture. It is very pleasant on my face. I put a small grape size amount and apply it to my wet face in a circular motion before rinsing. When in contact with water, it turns into a light, silky mousse. It gently removes daily dirt and gunk. Immediately, my face feels fresh, firm and comfortable.

The Maximum Growth cuticle pen by Sally Hansen is the best invention since sliced bread for a (clumsy) nails fanatic like yours truly. This is a moisture treatment that nourishes dry and rough claws. It contains aloe as well as vitamins E, A, C and Pro Vitamin B5, which helps promote healthy nail boost. I love its mess-free package and its subtle almond oil scent. I did notice that it helps my mani last longer and keeps the chipping at bay. This bad boy simultaneously moisturizes and strengthens my rough cuticles. I get the best of both worlds!

When I saw Sally Hansen’s Insta-dry ’Re-teal Therapy’ from afar in the drugstore aisle I couldn’t help but to take it home with me. This petrol, turquoise color is absolutely dreamy! I’ve used and abused this guy during the last leg of the summer. It is the perfect season transitional shade. Moreover, it is fast-drying, it doesn’t chip nor crackle. The brush is nice and wide. It gives me an even, creamy and beautiful coverage so I don’t get any streaking. No waste of time or product here! Only one coat will do ya thanks to its rich, pigment-fueled finish. I like to go in with a top coat for a luster texture but it has an outstanding shine payoff by itself.

Being a skin rejuvenator, this Glycolic Peel mask from Caudalie wonderfully addresses dull complexion. Its creamy consistency remarkably penetrates my skin and deeply purifies it from impurities. Either freshly out of bed or before going out, it transforms my skin and effectively revitalizes it without irritating it. In just 10 minutes, this 85.7% natural ingredients pick-me-up works like a charm and leaves me feeling like I have a brand new skin after using it.

The Vanilla CollectOR shimmering body lotion from Yves Rocher is the ultimate body highlighter. I absolutely love the feel on my skin and it leaves a nice glimmer, thanks to its tiny little flecks of gold. I like to boost the shimmer factor sometimes and use in conjunction with my *Jergens Shea beauty oil* and literally douse in this golden glitter concoction. The two combined give me a velvety, smooth skin. It was perfect for that summer glow I was going for all along! The consistency is not extremely thin but is very lightweight and most importantly, not greasy! It sinks in in a matter of minutes. And please let’s have a moment for its amazing vanilla cupcake smell!

Continuing in the oily side of things, This Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C active brightening oil one is the best! I’m talking top shelf status. It is now an integral part of my routine. Since it has lightening properties - and I happen to like my brown skin - I use this guy as a spot treatment. I take the dropper that comes with it, dab it on and spread it around with a qtip. A few drops go a long way and they soak right into the targeted areas of my face. I love, love its rose petals smell, it’s like aromatherapy. It feels light, airy and moisturizes brilliantly. Moreover, the littlest goes a long way so it is great value. I’m a literal oil pipeline and this is just a bit too much for daytime so I only use it at night. This product delivers real results. The morning after I had applied it my skin feels so soft and reinvigorated. After just a few nights my visage had immediately started to even out. My acne scars and dark spots are slowly clearing up. Plus my hyperpigmentation seems to be gradually disappearing. I couldn’t be happier! It’s really made a huge difference in the appearance of my skin. I just love the changes I am seeing in my complexion. I was kindly gifted with this guy but Korres has found a new fan in me. I will for sure be repurchasing it! (I rarely do that).

Introducing the latest member of the Wella’s ELEMENTS paraben-free, sulfate-free care range. This hair strengthening serum boosts each hair fiber up to 85% firmer. This leave-in, no rinse product is said to be used after conditioned hair but I like to spritz it while styling my mane and use it as a finishing sheen. I noticed that I get so much volume that way. It gives my signature curled up hair a beautiful pop and makes it look alive, almost cloud-like fluffy. It gives a little (lot!) bit of hold even. Its tropical fruits-y mango/apricot-like scent is absolutely divine. The smell is not too overpowering but being Caribbean I might be a little biased here =) This kind of smell turns off be some but it lingers for a little while. It does go away eventually (sadly for me).

I am the ultimate snacker so you know I had to slip these two in :D

If you follow me on snapchat (@daconcreterose) then you shouldn’t be surprised that the Black Pepper-flavored Snapea Crisps made it to my faves. I discovered these yummy munchies while grocery shopping on an empty stomach - which I would not recommend. Chips and puffs usually have little to no nutritional value for the amount of fat and sodium they contain. These dehydrated green peas crisps are a great alternative to greasy potato chips (which I shamefully love) they definitely help me stay on a {somewhat} healthy track. The peas are ground up and mixed with rice into the mold of a snap, creating this delectable grub. A bag of these gets easily destroyed in just one seating.

On the not so healthy but oh-so-delish end of the tidbits spectrum are these Ice Cream Creations Dulce de Leche Chips Ahoy! cookies. I literally finished this box in 3..ok 2 days. Following the deliciousness of its chocolate chip flavor, I wasn’t at all surprised to find that these were going to give me all of my life, AND more. SIDENOTE: Milk is a great companion to these wafers. Trust and believe. Not only does it offer the cozy taste of frozen cream, it’s also a nod to another of my dessert faves, dulce de leche! Can someone say the best of both worlds?! They feature the classic soft-and-chewy cookie that I love. This time, however, it’s jam-packed with the creamy caramel sauce chunks. I.cannot.deal. The first bite transports me to a walk in the streets of Bueno Aires, something I’m desperate for as the hot weather is long gone. Don’t walk to your grocery store’s cookie aisle for this, run!

And that wraps up my holy grail products from last year. Please do share the items that you couldn’t put down throughout 2016. Any food you’d think think I’d like? Sound off in the comments section below!

DISCLAIMER: Some items were purchased with my own coinTs, unless marked with a (*) then these are products that were sent by mail or gifted to me at an event without any pressure for review. Thoughts/opinions are as always my own (how boring to take someone else’s ;P)

SOURCES: cocooncenter.co.uk, www.foodeducate.com, http://www.webmd.com.