Between changing up my products for the changing seasons, figuring out how to style a new haircut, and the Sephora sale, I feel like I’ve found a few new favorites lately that I just couldn’t wait to share. I’ve been using the shorter days/longer nights as an excuse to really take care of myself and indulge in longer, almost meditative, routines.
Amika Thicc Volumizing Base* - This has been such a huge help when styling my hair. It’s a thicker cream consistency, and you really only need a pea-sized amount to see a dramatic result. It’s formulated with Redensyl, which plumps and thickens each hair strand. The result is volumized hair that’s still touchable - I can’t deal with products that make it impossible for me to run my hands through my hair, but this doesn’t do that. It’s been especially helpful in making sure my curtain bangs don’t fall flat while I’m styling them or in between washes. This bottle will last forever! I’ve linked it on Sephora above, but you can also get it from the Amika website and use code DADMUNK for 10% off (affiliate code).
Woo Me Beauty Nail Growth Serum - I read about this on The Stripe, one of my favorite blogs, and just had to try it. Woo Me Beauty is a small, Black-owned brand, and their Nail Growth Serum has rave reviews. It uses a blend of oils as well as garlic to moisturize and strengthen the nails and cuticles, without having a garlic smell. My nails have been splitting and flaking a lot lately, I’m assuming from the dry almost-winter air as well as constant hand washing, but this has been helping a lot! It’s only been about a week (the website says you can see results in two), but I already feel like my nails are growing a lot better and stronger than usual. The bottle is also exceptionally pretty, and this will for sure have a place in my Holiday Gift Guide coming up!
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in ‘Summertime Wine’ - This was part of my last-minute Sephora sale order, and I’ve been reaching for it constantly. I had heard so many great things about these cream blushes, so I don’t know why (or how) I resisted picking one up until now. I like that it’s not overly emollient, so while it’s easy to apply and blend, it doesn’t slide around or fade throughout the day. Because I chose a deeper shade, it’s quite pigmented, but it still sheers out well and is easy to build up to your desired level of pigmentation on the cheeks. Despite the name, I find Summertime Wine is such a good winter shade - it’s a beautiful mulberry that adds the perfect “cold weather” flush on me. It has a bit of shimmer running through it, but it just creates a radiant glow on the cheeks, rather than looking glittery.
Gucci Beauty Rouge a Levres Voile Sheer Lipsticks - This is quickly becoming one of my favorite lipstick formulas. I’m just not into the super pigmented, matte lip anymore. I like that these are sheer, but they’re not particularly balmy or slippery, so they still stay put well and don’t transfer a lot. The sheer finish makes some of the deeper and bolder shades more wearable for everyday - the two shades I have are a deep cherry red (506 Louisa Red) and a deep berry (603 Marina Violet), but because they’re sheer, they look like a soft lip stain. I can’t not mention the packaging here, too - it’s so beautiful and feels quite luxe, so I have these out on display when I’m not carrying them around in my bag with me!
Byroe Bell Pepper Serum* - Byroe sent me the serums from their salad-inspired skincare line early this year, and I’m only just now getting around to testing them out. And I’m kicking myself for not trying them sooner! I’ve really been loving the Bell Pepper Serum, a watery-gel serum meant to hydrate and soothe the skin. It contains Centella Asiatica and ceramides to soothe the skin and strengthen its barrier, as well as bell pepper and Ascorbic Acid to brighten the skin with Vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s been quite effective - my skin feels instantly soothed when I’ve put this on after a long day, and I’ve noticed a difference in my skin’s texture and tone. Breakouts fade more quickly, so I’m not left with many dark marks on my chin anymore. The price is a bit steep, but I would repurchase this one when I run out! They also sell a set of minis to try more of the line.
What have you been loving lately?
Products marked with an asterisk (*) have been sent to me for consideration, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.