Hope everyone is having a great summer. I’ve been feeling way too muggy, bloated, and drained from weekends traveling, so I decided to take extra care of myself this week/weekend. Like how would I feel if I got back to eating vegetables, no carbs, and drinking a gallon of water everyday instead of day drinking Truly’s? I’m taking apple cider vinegar shots instead of tequila this weekend. Pampering myself also comes along with that. Here’s a round up of all my go to products for body care, fragrance, random hygiene stuff, everyday lotions and all that. These are my non- negotiable products that make me smell good and feel cute.
Body
Body Scrub / I use a Salt Scrub before and after shaving, and to make sure my fake tan wears off evenly. Salt scrub seems to be more intense than sugar scrubs that I have tried. I’ve been focusing on exfoliating my chest/ neck well as well so I use the Acure Brightening Scrub for my neck, chest, and bikini area in the shower before work everyday because it’s better packaging for my gym bag.
Tan / This is my holy grail mitt and the key to perfect application. Two coats of Fake Bake Flawless Darker, two days in a row is my ideal routine. One day’s worth is fine too if you want to be less extra. Banana Boat Summer Color lotion in deep is a more affordable option and also gives great color. I use it on a more regular basis. I also like to mix the lotion with regular body lotion to maintain my color. When it comes to anything fake tan, I believe in getting the darkest shade no matter your skin tone. Why put in the work to only get a little color?!
Moisturizer / Nivea in the dark blue bottle gives the best glow and moisture you can get. I mix in scented lotions usually because Nivea isn’t the most pretty- smelling. If I want to be even more hydrated, I add in Palmer’s oil.
Body Spray / I rotate between the following: Pacifica Island Vanilla (current obsession), Bath & Body Works In the Stars & their Hibiscus Ylang Ylang (seasonal so not currently available), and Victoria’s Secret Heavenly.
Body Wash / All the above scents have body wash counterparts that I like to layer them with. I’m also currently using Olay Ribbons Shea Honey. On the topic of scents, I recently found that Ulta has a dupe for Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream scent: Brazilian Sunset. LOVE when store brands listen to feedback and give us alternatives at better prices.
Summer perfumes / Affordable pick: Pacifica Sugared Amber Dreams (vanilla heaven)
Pricier pick: Givenchy Rosy Crush
For travel or purse: Old Navy Orange Blossom & Tea
Glow / Don’t spend a ton on fancy body shimmer. This oil spray is my favorite that I bought, and sadly it didn’t make it home from my Nashville trip. I’ll be repurchasing when I get over the heartbreak, but it’s the perfect skin shimmer and smells nice too. For now I use a couple other things: Mixing liquid highlighter into Nivea lotion will surprise you at how nicely it makes skin glow. Another major gem is the Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen. It’s protective and gives literally a JLO glow- it’s what her makeup artist uses on her skin. Lately I’ve also been using my Maui Babe browning lotion on my legs to give them more color when I wear shorts. Don’t wear white with this though, it transfers.
Deodorant / Dove spray for life! Rose Petals is my current favorite scent but I always seem to find new ones I like.
Wax & Razors / For my armpits and bikini line, I use a wax warmer from Amazon. It’s been a game changer for me and way less maintenance than shaving. I use Harry’s razors for my legs and they’re the most affordable I’ve come across. Since starting my subscription in 2016, I’ve spent a TOTAL of $109. I’m always skipping shipments because I’m super stocked up on razor heads. At right over $36 per year, that is pretty awesome. To dermaplane away peach fuzz on my face, I use these razors. It doesn’t grow back thicker, don’t worry! It’s the best exfoliation and your foundation will never look better.
Hair
Dry Shampoo / Hask Coconut and UnWined, Bumble & Bumble Pret a Powder for travel.
Hair Oil / OGX Morroccan dry oil has replaced my Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser oil. I absolutely loved that one, but I’m a drugstore gal at the core and can’t justify the price tag of something I use so often. The dry oil is so lightweight and has a better sprayer nozzle than the B&B too. I’ve also been spraying Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave In Conditioner to revive my dry hair throughout the week. It brings life back into my hair to protect and hydrate my dry ends.
Shampoo & Conditioner / Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla shampoo and Bioterra conditioner from Sally Beauty.
Face
Face wash / I like a gentle cleanser for everyday like Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser because it doesn’t suds up- gotta protect the skin barrier. I also keep my shower stocked with Cerave face wash, and when I’m removing makeup I use Philosophy Purity. If you’re using makeup wipes, please stop and go try Purity!! I try to cleanse my face for a solid sixty seconds, which is a lot longer than it seems.
Face Sunscreen / Neutrogena Hydro Boost in the blue tube is good, but right now I’m using the Target knock off of Cerave AM SPF. When I have a tan I use the Jergens Face Natural Glow.
Face Scrub / I do the No.7 Boots Total Renew Exfoliant once a week. I’m a chemical exfoliant fiend the rest of the time with my Nip + Fab wipes that I don’t shut up about.
Mask / For an intense treatment I like the Aztec Clay one and think it’s a skincare must have. It’s $10 and I bought mine in 2015… I’ll literally never use it up. Mix the powder with apple cider vinegar.
Face Lotion / Ponds tub with the blue top is my morning moisturizer that I apply before work but would be good for night too. For night I switch between these Cerave (easy and reliable), Egyptian Magic (intense hydration), or Derma E Vitamin C night cream. The Derma E is my version of an alternative to the Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask. Here’s a post with more about my skincare routine.
Toothpaste / Crest Coconut oil whitening is my holy grail and I notice a huge difference in how it whitens compared to normal toothpaste.
Lip Balm / Finally tried Aquaphor and I totally get the hype.
As a major product junkie, I’ve tried SO many things. These are the products that I’m confident in recommending and repurchasing. I’m happy that most of my favorites are drugstore, and I definitely will report back if I ever find something better that becomes a replacement. I’m constantly posting on my Instagram story when I’m trying these, and showing how I incorporate these products and more into my daily routine. Thank you for reading! 🙂
-Kim