CLINIQUE ACTIVE GLOW SERUM

Rating : 5/5

Price : $65.00

Size : 1.7 oz

Where to Buy : clinique.com, Ulta, Sephora, Dillard's, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue

Cruelty Free : No

I have always deeply loved Clinique. I remember as a kid my mom had several of the classic Clinique eyeshadows, I would spend hours playing with them and attempting to do my makeup just like her. Although Clinique has evolved as a brand, the quality has not changed. One of their iconic lines within the brand is their Moisture Surge. As someone with quite dry, sensitive skin I usually have to wear a thicker, cream based moisturizer to get the hydration I need. But the Moisture Surge hydrator is one of my favorite gel moisturizers that I feel works just as good (if not better) than some of the richer creams I have tried. Being such a big fan of that product, I was ecstatic to see a serum being added to the line. After using this item for over a month, I can say this is one of the BEST serums I have ever tried. And you see the results RIGHT AWAY. What makes this product so special is the unique base ingredients: lactic acid, vitamin c, and hyaluronic acid. Lactic acid acts as a gentle exfoliant to help skin better retain moisture and allows the serum to sink in deeper. Vitamin C is powerhouse brightening ingredient that boosts collagen production while diminishing the look of dark spots. And of course we have hyaluronic acid to finish. This helps boost the moisture in the skins barrier and gives a plump, gorgeous glow. The consistency of this serum is a thin, almost gel like milky type. Usually with serums that have lactic or hyaluronic acid as the base, the formula feels somewhat sticky. I think that is what I like most about this product is the unique feel. After patting it in, my skin has the most insanely beautiful appearance. It definitely gives that Korean glass skin look. I was blown away by how porcelain my skin looked. I feel like everyone needs this serum in their arsenal. With the gentle ingredients, it's also safe for everyone to use! For how well it works, I feel like $65 is a reasonable price for this item. And if you'd rather try before you buy, just pop into Sephora and ask for a sample of it to experience the magic for yourself!

OUAI SUPER INVISIBLE DRY SHAMPOO

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Rating : 5/5

Price : $30.00

Size : 4.5 oz

Where to Buy : theouai.com, Ulta, Sephora

Cruelty Free : Yes

I used to use a alot of drugstore hair products. It's not that I didn't care about my hair, it was just I would've rather spent my money on high quality makeup and skincare. But, the more ingredient research I do and the more I educate myself, I have come to discover I wasn't giving my hair what it was needing. I used to use a pretty harsh, low quality dry shampoo from the drugstore just to get me by. However, it never really worked in the way I wanted it to. The smell was so intense it about knocked me out and my hair felt gritty and almost more gross than it had before. Within the past year, I stepped up my hair care game and that includes my dry shampoo! I was really loving K18 and the MorrocanOil dry shampos, but when Ouai (who created the BEST detoxifying shampoo) finally dropped this launch, I was so ecstatic. I was going to purchase it myself, but we ended up getting it as a gratis item at work. This product comes in two distinct scents. The original Ouai scent, Melrose Place (rose, bergamot, lychee) and the new Cape Town (spearmint, ginger, and fig). I am not a huge rose scent person, but Melrose Place is so floral yet inviting it truly smells like you just hopped out of the shower. The only thing worse than 3 day old greasy hair is the stink that follows it. This product instantly eliminates any excess odors! The formula of the spray itself is incredible. It has a super fine mist that delivers the right amount of product without creating a white cast or buildup. It works great on all hair types but I think is the most ideal for finer hair since the product dispensed isn't too intense. I was beyond impressed with this release and I really hope the launch it in their St. Barts scent as well! This is definitely top 3 in my haircare favorites!

HAUS LABS COLOR FUSE BLUSH BALM

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Rating : 5/5

Price : $34

Where to Buy : Hauslabs.com, Sephora

Cruelty Free : Yes

Haus Labs was created in September 2019 by one of the most talented, creative, and unique artists of our generation, Lady Gaga. Although there has been an influx of "celebrity brands" this is one that actually made sense. Since the early days of her career, Gaga has been known not only for her talent but also her eccentric clothes, hair, and makeup. If anyone knows self expression through makeup, it's her. Haus Labs about us page on their website even states, "clean high performance, skincare infused makeup. Built to support freedom of self expression." The brand is also extremely inclusive. Their advertisements feature models who represent a variety of genders, races, and ethnicities. But they do more than just market this way, they actually have products built for everyone. Haus Labs seriously impressed consumers when they released their best selling foundation in a whopping 51 shades. Another thing people love about this brand is that they aren't afraid to launch items that most companies are too afraid to. They have neon green eyeliners, pure white foundation, and beautifully bright blushes. This line is exactly what the beauty community was in need of. Something fun, inclusive, and actually performs. Although I now have many products by this brand, this blush balm was one of the first ones I tried. When ordering this blush, I thought the color was going to be much more neutral than it came out to be. Upon opening and swatching it, I was a bit nervous to try it. But then I reminded myself that it's just makeup and it washes off. I applied a decent amount of product to the back of my hand (this helps to warm up to the skin and ensures the base makeup won't be disrupted). I used a damp sponge to then pick up the product and spread it on my cheeks. I was still a bit concerned the hot pink blush would be too much on my pale skin, but it surprisingly was the perfect pop of color! Unlike some other blush sticks on the market, the Blush Balm delivers a sheer kiss of color with a thin, glass like finish. So although it is hot pink, it seamlessly blends out to look quite natural. But, if you are looking for a bit more punch, it can easily be layered and built up for more intensity. You can also layer on top of the Blush Balm with a powder blush to ensure that stays in place all day long (I do this with any cream/liquid). Haus Labs also recently added four new shades to the collection which are perfect for fall! If you are new to cream blushes, or just need an effortless pop of color, I think this would be a great addition to your kit.