May 2015 Favorites
1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, $26 / 2. beautyblender, $19 /
3. Biore sunscreen, $10 / 4. Rose shade from LORAC Pro 2 (Pocket, $15 or Full, $42) / 5. Playtex Dish Gloves, $3
It’s that time again – time for my May 2015 Favorites!
After wanting this for a while, I tried a teeny tube and loved it enough to splurge on the full size. My skin drinks it greedily, but then feels happy, which makes me happy. It’s a holy grail for many people for a reason.
I got a new beautyblender! My first was a beautyblender.pro, the black one – there’s no difference other than the color. This is what I treated myself to after a successful April No Buy, and I’m glad I did – nothing beats a fresh, original beautyblender. (My original was older than I should probably admit).
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 PA++++ – I mentioned this facial sunscreen in my Sunscreen Saga post and queue the choir of angels – it doesn’t make my skin crazy. It doesn’t have a stupid smell (or any smell!), it is colorless, it glides on easily and doesn’t give me an awkward white cast. I am thrilled and will very happily rebuy. You should be wearing sunscreen any time you face sun exposure – even if it is just in the car. Skin Cancer and Melanoma are real concerns.
This isn’t a beauty item, not is it exclusive to May – but some of my friends have wondered how my manicures – both RNP and gel – last so long. The real, “secret?” Minimizing my hands’ exposure to water and chemicals. Lacking a dishwasher, I do my dishes by hand while wearing gloves (to the amusement of my friends and family). Prolonged exposure to water makes your cuticles wonky and can lead to drying your skin out. These gloves are thick, sturdy, and otherwise last longer and perform better than others I’ve tried.
I don’t think I’ve ever chosen a single shade from a palette before, but hey – I can do what I want. Rose from LORAC’s Pro Palette 2 is just such a pretty neutral-neutral that is neither warm nor cool, and despite being called what it is called, it isn’t too pink. It is one of those universally flattering shades and I’ve been reaching for it a lot lately when I can’t decide on a look. Be careful, though – it blends out SUPER easily, so you might need to go back in and pack more on to re-intensify (if desired!) after you blend.
I have to admit that the gloves during dishwashing thing is a complete revelation to me. So THATS HOW people prevent damage to their polish!!!!! I think I need a pair too.
Really, re: gloves? The manicure longevity was an afterthought for me! I just hate having my hands in dishwater, getting all pruny, etc. Then I realized that my manicures were lasting longer…and yeah. Absolutely worth $3-5 a pair every 3-6 months or so.