It’s been awhile since I’ve written a favorites post (or a post in general), and I always like writing August Favorites specifically because it was my very first post on this blog in 2014. This has been the weirdest year, obviously, but I feel like it’s both dragging and flying by at the same time. I can’t believe it’s September already. Anyway, since this year has been so crazy, I’ve really settled into solid routines that I don’t stray from very much. Wearing a mask all day at work has made me really cut down on my daily makeup so as to avoid irritation/maskne (I hate that word), and I’ve been focusing more on the self-care/ritual aspect of my skincare.
EltaMD UV Elements | I noticed a few weeks into wearing a mask at work that my skin was getting irritated and breaking out. Since I always could see my foundation smeared inside my mask at the end of the day, I decided to give it up entirely, and my skin improved right away. I decided to throw a tinted sunscreen into my routine instead, just to subtly even out my skintone. I decided to go for the EltaMD UV Elements after reading Devan’s review, and I’ve really fallen in love with it. The tint is very sheer, but it does help to even out my complexion. It has a beautiful soft glowy finish that doesn’t read as greasy, and it feels like a normal moisturizer on the skin. I’ve never used a mineral sunscreen that does that! Since it can be difficult to apply the proper amount of sunscreen when it’s tinted, I apply this over a layer of my usual Krave Beauty The Beet Shield to make sure I’m properly protected.
Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser | I’m a huge fan of the original Laneige Cream Skin Toner (in fact, I have a new favorite use for that: as a body lotion!), so I was so excited to try the new additions to the line when they launched in the US this summer. I grabbed both the new cleanser and the face mist, and the cleanser has surprisingly become my favorite. It’s a true milky oil cleanser - it doesn’t have the same slip as a traditional oil cleanser, but it rinses away clean and breaks down all makeup and SPF as a first cleanse. It feels super gentle on the skin and leaves it clean rather than stripped, so I like using this as a morning cleanse as well.
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex | Yes, there’s two cleansers on this list. I was looking for a more clarifying cleanser (that still wouldn’t be drying) recently to help keep my skin clear. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen in my stories that I’ve stopped my birth control pills after being on them for over 9 years. I’ve been worried about side effects, but admittedly I’m most worried for my skin. I don’t want to have any major acne flare-ups! I didn’t struggle with acne before going on the pill and only had some hormonal breakouts every month while on the pill, so I’m hoping for the best. Anyway, I’ve heard nothing but good things about this cleanser, and although it’s a bit pricy, it seems like it will last a long time. I use it every night as my second cleanse, and I can now see what all the hype is about. It’s just a gel cleanser that gently lathers, but it’s not drying at all. My skin feels clean and clear after cleansing, but I never get that “squeaky” feeling. It contains white willow bark to help clear out pores and exfoliate, as well as antioxidants from chamomile and centella asiatica to heal skin damage. It’s a truly perfect cleanser!
Patrick Ta Major Brow Shaping Wax | These days the only makeup I really wear is brow products, a little eyeliner, and mascara. I was itching to try something new a few weeks ago and decided on this raved-about brow wax from Patrick Ta - it’s a little solid pan of wax (I have the tinted version, but there’s a clear one, too) that you “activate” with some misted water or setting spray, rub a spoolie in it, and brush it through your brows. It’s supposed to give you that ultra feathery, “brushed up” brow look that’s very in right now. It’s a little extra work than my usual brow gel but it’s worth it - my brows do not move all day long, and the wax makes them look extra full. I use this first, followed by a little bit of a brow pen to fill in any sparser areas, and it looks like I have model-status eyebrows. I have an IGTV video on my Instagram from when I first tried it.
Roen Beauty Cake Mascara | Like I said, brows and mascara are mostly all I’m wearing right now. I was really happy with my usual daily mascaras (1 coat of ILIA Limitless Lash followed by 1 coat of Glossier Lash Slick), but I was intrigued by this launch and have never been disappointed by a Roen product. The mascara is a win, too! Some of the promo images almost dissuaded me, because they showed really clumped up, editorial lashes. I bet you could achieve that look with lots of product and some strategic lash maneuvering, but when I apply this as I normally do with other mascaras, it’s not clumpy at all. It fans my lashes out, lengthens them, and gives them a really pretty fluttery look. It doesn’t smudge or flake, and it holds a curl all day for me. It’s my new everyday favorite.
Saie Beauty Really Great Gloss, ‘Chill’ | I usually wear just a clear lip balm under my mask, but when I want to feel a little fancier I’ve been loving the Saie Beauty Really Great Glosses. They nourish the lips like a balm would, and they also contain strawberry extract to help exfoliate. I feel like they do make my lips feel smoother as I wear them. They’re not sticky or slippy, just the perfect in-between for a comfortable gloss. It doesn’t have a super glassy finish, but rather more like a glossy balm. My favorite shade is Chill, a warm rose, and I really want to get my hands on the berry shade next!
Girlfriend FLOAT Bike Shorts | I’ve obviously been spending most of my time at home, when I’m not at work. I’ve been trying to motivate myself to get into more home workouts, and I found the best way to do that was to get some cute new workout clothes (oops). These bike shorts from Girlfriend in their new FLOAT fabric are hands-down my favorite. They’re comfortable and lightweight, but they’re structured enough for just a little compression and a flattering fit. I love that they don’t roll down my waist as I’m moving around, and they’re comfortable enough to double as both workout gear and loungewear. I’m dying to try more from Girlfriend now! (These are all out of stock now, but they’re worth waiting for a restock!)
RCHL Ashlyn Hoops | I’m always on the lookout for minimal, everyday jewelry. I was in the market for some mini gold hoops (I had a pair I wore a lot, but they were a cheap pair that were starting to discolor and would also turn my ears green if I wore them too many days in a row), and I stumbled upon RCHL. They have some really beautiful pieces for everyday, and I immediately knew the mini Ashlyn Hoops were exactly what I was looking for. They’re nice quality, look cute, and have been working really well as my everyday earrings.
What did you love in August?
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