Unsung Heroes from My Shelfie
Here’s something different for you today! Instead of focusing on a single product or a brand review, I wanted to share a few products that I love but rarely talk about. I admit, my shelfie is kind of a mess right now, and at least half of the products you may see in the background are situational, meaning I don’t actually use all of them every day. Instead, I keep them at arm’s reach in case I need them throughout the week. Without further ado, here are some of my current faves that don’t get mentioned often!
The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid
1 // The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid* ($14.99) – This is a step up from the traditional hyaluronic acid formulas, and you can actually mix the two if your skin is in need of some very serious hydration. Like HA, Polyglutamic Acid is a powerful humectant that helps draw water to your skin and thoroughly quench those parched areas. The pump is designed to not dispense a lot of product at once, this is intentional! Since the formula is so concentrated, you only need 1-2 pumps max for your entire face and neck. It’s a very small amount, but the serum spreads easily and instantly moisturizes the skin. Definitely worth a try if you have dry skin or it’s dehydrated as a result of chemical peels or treatments.
Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence
2 // Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence* ($39) – I like to say that it’s a toner that’s more than just water. It has a thicker, slightly stickier feel and my skin always feels so nice when I use it. In my routine, I use this essence right before my serums, ideally before something with HA or PGA, so it can add both actives and water to the skin. There are several good ingredients here, including but not limited to brightening Niacinamide, humectant Glycerin, moisturizing Bamboo water, and skin-smoothing Saccharomyces ferment. If your skin normally responds well to ferments – mine loves them!! – you might enjoy this essence as well.
Lord Jones Bump & Smooth CBD Body Serum
3 // Lord Jones Bump & Smooth CBD Body Serum* ($60) – Have you tried using topical CBD for relief? The response to cannabinoids varies from person to person so no two experiences are alike, but for me CBD has been nothing short of magical. I’ve been using various CBD creams and ointments on sore areas and mild localized pain spots, but some products tend to pill if I already applied body lotion earlier in the day. This body serum solved that issue for me. By combining the benefits of soothing whole plant extract with nourishing and resurfacing actives, I can use just one product as a pain reliever and also enjoy the skin-smoothing benefits of a traditional body lotion. I only wish the bottles were bigger!
Rahua Hydration & Detangler + UV Barrier
4 // Rahua Hydration & Detangler + UV Barrier ($32) – I went through so many heat protectants before I found a few that don’t weigh my hair down and don’t completely flatten all the volume. This is one of them, and the fact that the brand makes their products sustainably makes it even better. In the bottle, this milky spray looks thick and heavy, so it’s kind of shocking to see how light, airy, and silky it makes my hair feel once I apply it on slightly damp, towel-dried hair and either blow dry or let it air dry on its own. If you usually skip hair conditioners because they’re too rich for your fine hair, try this one instead – I can’t recommend it enough!
Botavikos Delicate Cleansing Milk Basil & Lemongrass
5 // Botavikos Delicate Cleansing Milk Basil & Lemongrass* ($16) – First of all, did you know that we now have a new Russian beauty retailer here in the US? I’m so excited! Fun fact: Russian women are known to take really good care of their skin, and always prefer to use products with botanical ingredients. “Clean beauty” was a trend in Russia decades before it was even a thing in the West, so naturally, you can find some really sophisticated, reasonably priced offerings that provide outstanding performance paired with beautiful textures. I’ve been really loving this creamy cleanser from Botavikos, especially on the days when my red spots flare up and I can’t use anything else. It’s not designed to dissolve waterproof makeup, but the formula is perfect for removing excess oil and soothing sensitized skin. Definitely check out Rumore Beauty if you want to try something different from across the Atlantic!
COUPON: Right now Rumore Beauty is running a promotion where you can get 10% off your order with the code RUSSIANBEAUTY10. Expires on 10/31/21.
LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe
6 // LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe* ($14) – This might be the closest thing to an antiperspirant performance I had with an aluminum-free deodorant. This particular formula was designed for sports activities, and while it still won’t stop you from sweating completely, it does seem to reduce the perspiration better than the brand’s other deodorants. This stick smells like clean laundry and has a balmy, slightly sticky texture that helps it stay on the skin longer, so you won’t “sweat it off” in an hour. If you prefer aluminum-free deodorants, you should definitely give this one a try.
Have you tried any of these products? What are some of your unsung beauty heroes?
