Every time I go to any big box store, pharmacy or department store, it inevitably sucks me in. I spend way too much time contemplating and testing before eventually walking away with an expensive purchase that I’m not sure will even work for me. I’m talking about the beauty aisle. There are so many choices at so many different price points that it’s hard to know what is actually worth your hard earned cash.
So, after years of sampling and some polling of fellow mamas, I’ve come up with my top 10 list of tried and true beauty products. These are what I’m calling beauty classics. Items that you, your mom, your aunt and even your grandma will love. No particular order, in my opinion all of these products are worthy of five stars. Finally, my hours of time spent in the beauty aisle and scouring beauty mags are being put to good use!
- Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover
This stuff rocks! I wear contacts that I keep in for weeks at a time and I’m still able to use this morning and night with my contacts in. You don’t need much to do the job and it never irritates me eyes. I’ve gotten friends and family hooked on this one by including it in a gift with a few other products and cute makeup bag.
- Mary Kay Satin Lips
While we are on the subject of Mary Kay, I can’t not mention their Satin Lips combo. I get super dry lips all year round. They flake and it can make it tough to wear a pigmented lipstick. Enter Satin Lips. It’s a quick, two-step process. Throw the lip mask on as soon as you get out of the shower. It only needs to sit on your lips for about two minutes. Then, rinse and use the super soft lip balm after you apply your face moisturizer. That’s it. I do this a few times and week and my lips are never flaky anymore! This is another product that makes a great gift for mamas because it’s a quick way to pamper yourself (hint: Mother’s Day is coming).
- AVEDA botanical kinetics Skin Firming/Toning Agent
This one is great for the whole family. It’s another product that will make you feel like you’re at a spa with just one spray. You can spray it on after washing your face to “tone” your skin or as a makeup refresher in the middle of the day to add moisture and refresh your makeup. Not only is my sister hooked on this, but my hubby is too. He loves to apply it right after shaving. It’s gentle, refreshing and doesn’t have an overpowering scent. Trust me, you’ll become addicted to this and have one in every bathroom and gym bag you own.
- AVEDA Beautifying Composition Oil
This is one that I’ve become a fan of just recently, but it’s had a loyal following of women for decades. It’s a miracle oil that can do it all. I love to put a few drops in the tub for a wonderfully scented bath that leave my skin so soft I don’t need any lotion! I also use it on my hair and let it soak for 15 minutes or so before washing my hair. It’s also amazing on dry hands (because I know you mamas are washing your hands a million times a day) and a great cuticle oil. This one does it all and it’s NOT greasy. I promise you’ll love this and multitasking miracle oil and find a million ways to use. Plus, you can feel good about supporting a Blaine, MN based company!
- Brevena Restore & Hydrate Overnight Cream
Speaking of Minnesota based companies, I’m obsessed with Brevena’s ultra moisturizing overnight cream. If you don’t want a super complicated skincare routine but are like me and started noticing the cheap drugstore moisturizer wasn’t cutting it anymore, this is the product for you. All you need to do at night is wash your face with a gentle cleanser and then apply this. I pay extra around my eyes — no need for an eye cream then! I’ve noticed my skin is smoother and my dark circles and fine lines faded after just a few weeks of use. I gave this to my mom, aunt and sister too and they are all addicted now too. It was first developed for burn victims to restore damaged skin but then the nurses who applied it noticed how youthful their hands were. Thus, the skincare line was born and is earning rave reviews from Minnesota to even Hollywood. It was featured in several award show goodie bags and is quickly developing a cult following online.
- TRESemme Freeze Hold Hair Spray: Mega Firm Control
I’ve tried dozens of expensive hairsprays and keep going back to this one. It’s also a favorite of a lot of the on-air talent that I work with at my day job. That’s because it works and it’s cheap (running only about $4 a bottle). You can brush it out and restyle and it won’t leave your hair feeling crunchy or soaked in product.
- Epsom Salts
If you haven’t taken a bath with scented epsom salts you’re missing out. It’s a fab way to feel rejuvenated after a long day chasing kiddos. It’s totally safe for pregnant woman too and was my go to way to relieve back pain when I was expecting (double check with your OB before using since every pregnancy is different). There are several varieties (my favorite is the lavender but the spearmint is also very refreshing) available near the bubble bath in a big bag for around $5. Throw two cups into the bath and soak for at least 12 minutes to receive the maximum benefit. Epsom Salt baths have been proven to improve circulation, relieve swelling and soreness and help with absorption of nutrients (just to name a few benefits).
- L’Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara
My mom and I both swear by this little grey tube. I have very light lashes that are long but thin. This mascara doesn’t clump and makes my lashes literally look fake. It doesn’t flake off and it’s only around $8. I’ve tried expensive mascaras with fibers, fancy brushes and multiple steps and every time I go back to my L’Oreal classic. PS – I like the curved brush better than the straight brush.
- IT Cosmetics CC Cream
This is a busy mamas best friend. CC creams are all the rage and I’ve tried my fair share of them. This one is by far the best coverage and it has SPF 50+ plus an anti-aging serum. The reason I love this one so much is it actually covers blemishes (the creator has rosacea on her face and wanted to develop a CC cream with full coverage), but it still goes on light and feels like you’re not wearing makeup. And it lasts all day and gives you a natural glow. Buyer tip: I’m pretty fair skinned and I use the LIGHT color not the FAIR. The FAIR made me look washed out. Also, I prefer to the classic CC cream to the “illumination” version.
- Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder
Finally, it wouldn’t be spring without the perfect bronzer. This one is my all time favorite. It’s expensive but comes in a huge size that will literally last you for six months even with daily use. It’s the perfect color for most skin types and never looks orange. My sister-in-law and I joke that everyone looks better with a little bronzer and hairspray, and this is the one that will make people ask if you just got back from a fab beach vacation!
