Besides running this blog, one of my other projects I focus on is an Instagram page called Cross Reviews. On this page, I review and talk about various health and beauty products. I try and be honest with all of my reviews so readers can make informed decisions about what they buy. I have dry and sensitive skin, so it’s always a risk with trying new products.
For now, I’m going to talk about some of my recent go-to beauty products. I’m sure this will change later on, but here’s what I currently reach for in my makeup and skincare routines.
Cleanser: Garnier Micellar Foaming Cleanser
This cleanser never irritates my skin and does a good job of removing my makeup after a long day. I’ve tried other cleansers, but they never seem to do the trick (or keep my skin calm). I also wash my face with a Nooni Pore Cleansing Dual Brush. The microfibre bristles are SO soft!
Favourite Exfoliating Face Masks: Elemis, Julep, and Nip + Fab
I LOVE face masks! I try so many of them, but I just want to highlight a few of my favourites. The Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is a non-irritating, super-soft-skin-making, heavenly-scented, exfoliating mask. The first time I tried it I could not get over how soft my skin felt. It’s a little pricey for full size, but I believe it is worth the investment. The Julep Break Out The Bubbly Sheet Mask is a fun sheet mask that bubbles up to pull out the nasties from your pores. You can feel the bubbles work their magic as you relax. It doesn’t irritate my skin and you can see the results! Lastly, the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Scrub is a gentle exfoliating scrub that removes your dead skin without turning yourself into a tomato! I received this scrub in an advent calendar and was really impressed with it. I love how non-irritating and effective it is for my skin.
Toner: Pixi Beauty Rose Tonic
For a non-irritating, nourishing toner, I reccomend Pixi’s Rose Tonic is your go-to. I had heard a lot of people raving about Pixi’s Glow Tonic, but I wanted to try something that might be less irritating to my skin. It works really well after cleansing to help continue to calm skin. It smells lovely too!
Moisturisers: GlamGlow Glow Starter and Clinique Moisture Surge
I have two moisturisers that are my go-to’s. I use GlamGlow’s Glowstarter in Nude as a moisturiser before putting on my makeup. It has a subtle glow to it that helps enhance the look of your makeup. I’ve been using this tinted moisturiser for years and it does a fantastic job. The other is more of my day-to-day moisturiser that I’ve been obsessed with for a few months now – Clinique Moisture Surge. A little goes a long way with this moisturiser! It packs so much moisture it helps my dry skin! It’s also fragrance free, so it’s non-irritating.
Primers: Too Faced and Ciaté London
A primer I have used for years has been Too Faced’s Hangover Replenishing Face Primer. It’s super hydrating and does a great job of holding my makeup (without making my face dry up!). I’ve also been obsessing over Ciaté London’s Watermelon Burst Hydrating Primer. It’s just as hydrating as Too Faced, but seems to do a slightly better job as a primer.
Perfume: Gucci Bamboo
This is my all-time favourite scent! Gucci Bamboo has been my go-to perfume for a few years now. I have it as a rollerball so it is easy to take it with me on the go. The scent can be described as woody-floral.
Setting Spray: Urban Decay All-Nighter
If you’re big on beauty products, then you know how much of a must-have this is for anyone! This setting spray makes your makeup last and won’t budge. I’ve used this to set my makeup before internships, presentations, and sweaty nights out at the club. My makeup artist for my wedding even used it to set my makeup! I used to think setting spray was a “gimmick”, but this really helps!
Mascara: Lancôme and Tarte
There are a few mascaras I cycle through for when I wear makeup. My go-to for the longest time has been Lancôme’s Hypnôse Drama in Waterproof Black. This is the high volume waterproof mascara you need! It’s curved brush makes it easy to apply and prevent clumping. I’m also loving Lancôme’s Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara. This mascara provides a lot of definition and is also waterproof! For a non-waterproof mascara, I love Tarte’s Maneater. It makes my lashes so long and beautiful.
Eye Makeup Remover: Lancôme Bi-Facil
This is the only eye makeup remover that has worked with my waterproof mascara. It’s gentle for my sensitive eyes, but does the dirty work. This has won many awards and has lots of great reviews. Highly recommend!
Foundation: Lancôme Tient Miracle in shade 010
As you can tell by now, I am a huge fan of Lancôme products. I’ve been using this foundation for ages. It blends in well to my skin, is hydrating, and even has SPF in it. I love my skin looking as natural as it can, and this foundation does the trick.
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Those are just some of my favourite beauty products that I highly recommend! In the future I will talk about more makeup products or things I’m hoping to buy/try in the future! Be sure to check out Cross Reviews if you would like to read more reviews or chat about beauty.
xx Hannah
Disclosure: I was not paid by any of these brands mentioned. These are all my opinions and photos.
Idealistic Iowan 