How often do we buy a new product hoping it will become a new favorite, yet, like clockwork, it ends up under the bathroom sink for guests to use? I can honestly say that happens quite often in our household but once in a while there is a rare gem of a product that continues to find itself in the medicine cabinet in the master bathroom instead of under the sink! 

I’ve tested a lot of different products over the years and decided to round up my favorite products that I continuously use to the last drop. Some are brands you may have already heard of, while others are not. One thing I cannot stress enough is that humans are all created differently – we have different skin, different hair, a different genetic makeup that can react differently to products. Take me for example: I am a fair skinned 25 year old woman whose skin has more sensitive, dryer tendencies and is prone to hormonal acne. My hair is thin, and damaged from heat tools, but trust me when I say there’s a lot of it! This round up of products are approved by dermatologist for my skincare needs, and these hair care products have worked wonders for my hair. I hope one product on this list, even if it is just the mascara or concealer, provides you guys the same results and happiness it provides me! 

HAIR PRODUCTS

 

 

Head and Shoulders Smooth & Silky Shampoo and Condition

I’ve tried a lot of different shampoos and conditioners over the years, mostly ones that claimed to reverse the effects of dry and damaged hair. The absolute best shampoo and conditioner I continue to use is Head and Shoulders Smooth & Silky. It keeps my hair silky smooth, my scalp healthy, and it smells great! 

DryBar Prep Rally

Some people dislike Prep Rally because of the strong and sweet scent. If you don’t mind a perfume scented spray, this spray can and will work wonders on your hair. This product detangles, protects from heat and preps hair for styling. My hair feels softer when using this product. 

Bumble & Bumble Invisible Oil Primer

I especially love this UV heat protectant spray in the summer when my hair feels extra dry. I spray some on my hair before styling, or for a boost of texture to my natural summer hair. 

Nick’s Pick: American Crew Men’s Forming Cream

Nick’s coworker recommended this brand of hair gel and let me tell you – Nick was immediately sold. Nick claims this forming cream has the hold and strength of gel, without the sticky and hardening feel. The best way he describes it is “natural.” Our money saving tip: purchase it on Amazon to save a few bucks!

SKINCARE

 

Garnier Micellar Water

My dermatologist recommended using micellar water as an inexpensive makeup remover before washing my face. Unlike other makeup removers, micellar water isn’t oily. To remove eye makeup, dampen cotton pad with the formula and hold over closed eyelid to break down mascara and eyeliner. 

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

After years of using acne cleansers, from ProActive to other drugstore brands, my spots of acne never cleared, my redness was always there and my skin was unbearably dry. My dermatologist told me that while I get hormonal acne flair ups, I don’t have acne prone or oily skin. So those years of using Benzoyl Peroxide was causing more damage to my sensitive skin than good. This Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel has been a go too for the last few years, keeping my skin clean without over-drying. 

MadHippie Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C Serum is a great addition to your skincare routine, for many reasons that I listed in one of my first blog posts. This serum is inexpensive (Amazon Prime!) and provides moisture to my skin during any season. Plus, my dermatologist approved the ingredients making me feel better about what’s going on my skin.

Clarity Call Me in the Morning Moisturizer

As you might have already noticed, I am obsessed with the Clarity skincare line. While a little pricy, I feel these products have made a difference to my skin – especially keeping them moisturized. This specific moisturizer keeps my skin hydrated without that oily feeling, and was the first Clarity product that I purchased. 

Clarity Feel Better Moisturizer

I used to be a one moisturizer kind of gal, but now I use multiples (who am I!) I added Clarity Feel Better to my skincare routine over the winter months when I was feeling extra dry, and my skin was definitely less flakey after the first few weeks. I use Feel Better at night and Call Me in the Morning in the morning (duh!)

Clarity Fix It Serum

When I have acne flair ups, I use Clarity Fix it Serum once or twice a week to dry and clear up any spots. For me, Salicylic Acid is less drying and damaging to my skin than Benzoyl Peroxide but I still use the product sparingly. A little goes a long way!

Clarity Rehab Mediterranean Detoxifying Mud Mask

After years and years of using CVS green masks and other $1 mud masks, it was time to upgrade my mask routine to something more beneficial for my adult skin. I love that this detoxifying mask is filled with vitamins, pure herbal extracts and nourishing oils to purify and moisturize my skin. I use this as a full face mask or for spot treatment. 

MAKEUP

 

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Matte Rescue Mattifying Gel Primer

This primer is my favorite for many reasons, but honestly the most important one is that it works! I love that the gel texture moisturizes my skin, while mattifying shine and reducing my pores! I don’t recommend the original cream formula. Always go with the gel. 

Lancome Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

Lancome Monsieur Big has been my favorite mascara for the last two years and has stuck with me (on my eyelashes) through happy and sad tears. This mascara makes my lashes look large and voluminous, and stays on through any form of water situation, be it tears, rain, pools, oceans – you name it! If waterproof mascara isn’t your thing, I recommend the traditional Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara. 

NAKED SKIN Weightless Concealer

I always have concealer in my makeup bag or handbag, and I’ve definitely tried my fair share of different brands and types, from creams, liquids, sticks. I tried this NAKED concealer after grabbing it in-line at Sephora and I love it. It provides great coverage and works especially well for under-eye bags. 

Kat Von D Lock-It Makeup Setting Spray

I never appreciated the value or need of a good setting spray, until I started using one. Honestly, this product is a game changer, especially during summer months when your makeup sweats off of you. This product keeps my makeup set all day long. While you can use this product every day, I make it last by using it sparingly for occasions, hot days, or when I am wear more makeup than usual. 

ColorStreet Nail Polish Strips

Last but not least, I am 100% obsessed with ColorStreet Nail Polish Strips! I’ve always been a nail polish girl (O.P.I and ESSIE forever) but I am noticing that ColorStreet nails last longer than my average manicure, and they are so much easier for my busy lifestyle. What started out as a one-time trial has turned into an addiction, and I don’t mind it. Plus, they’re a clean product and toxic free product! 

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So there you have it – a complete round up of the products I use on a regular basis and feel 100% comfortable to share. Most of these products are sensitive on skin, weightless for hair and can be added to your every day routine. I would love to hear what your favorite products are, especially any foundations you recommend! I am in desperate need of a good foundation. Comment below your favorite products and let me know if you try any of my recommended products! I’d love to hear from fellow Clarity skincare lovers!