As far as my beauty routine is concerned April was all about hydration and sun protection! My April Beauty Essentials were pretty much all products that I brought on vacation with me earlier in the month to protect my skin from the sun, products that hold up well in the heat and finally products that helped my skin and hair recover and stay hydrated! If you follow me on Instagram (if you’re not you should be), then you’ve probably heard me rave about a couple of these on Instagram stories, but here are the full reviews of the 13 products I couldn’t stop using this month…
BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette $13.99 (30% off original price under 5/6/2017) – I’ve actually had this palette for a while and while I used it a couple of times when I first got it, I didn’t full fall in love with it until recently. First off BH Cosmetics makes super pigmented eyeshadows and blushes, you don’t need a lot of product to get a really bold look. Secondly I’m really into warm pink and red toned eyeshadow right now and this palette is literally perfect for that! It gives you pretty much every single warm blush shade you could ever need and it’s extremely affordable.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Selfie Foundation Blurring Brush $6 – For about two years I’ve been applying my foundation exclusively with a beauty blender, until I got my hands on this foundation blurring brush! One day I gave it a try and literally haven’t looked back since. It flawless blends both liquid and mousse foundation perfectly and delivers on it’s claim of being a “selfie foundation blurring” brush. Plus it’s only $6 and cruelty free so you pretty much have nothing to lose! Skip tomorrow’s coffee run and go pick up this makeup brush instead, I promise you won’t regret it!
Paula’s Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster $49 – I’ve been reading a ton of beauty articles that suggest adding a Vitamin C serum to your skincare routine so when Paula’s Choice reached out about sending me this new product I jumped at the chance to try it. I’ve been adding 2 drops of this super booster into my moisturizer in the morning and at night and I’ve definitely noticed that my skin is brighter and more radiant and I haven’t had to wear as much foundation. It says you can apply this right to your face, but I felt like it applied better when I added it to another skincare product. Just a personal preference and it doesn’t change the effectiveness of the product, I would apply it whatever way works best for you!
Clarins Multi-Active Eye $45 – I’ve been using this product religiously since my Five Ways to Fake a Full Night of Sleep post (where you can read my full review) and I’ve definitely noticed a decrease in puffiness and an increase in hydration around my eyes. I get lazy when it comes to skincare sometimes, but the ease of applying this product gives me no excuse not to use it. Plus the cooling tip feels great on your skin, you can even pop the product in the fridge for extra cooling sensation! (Free deluxe sample with any Clarins purchase at Ulta until 5/14/17)
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 $30 – Calling all my readers who burn their scalps every Summer this product is for you! It’s a mineral powder sunscreen with SPF 45 that you literally just brush on to any area that you need coverage. This baby goes with me everywhere in the Summer and on every vacation! I mostly use it for my hair line and part, but I also dust it on my face throughout the day on really hot, sunny days. I obviously apply regular sunscreen on my face first, but you’re suppose to reapply sunscreen every couple hours and this powder makes it so much easier (because lets be serious…who wanted to apply more sunscreen over makeup??). Plus this powder mattyfies your skin, so if the sun is making you shiny this solves all those problems.
Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips $7.99 – I have large pores on my nose and am prone to blackheads so pore strips and masks are my best friend! Biore was one of the first brands I ever tried, many many moons ago, and in my opinion they’re still one of the best! Plus how cute are these floral printed ones??
Garnier Whole Blends Replenishing Leave-in Conditioner $5.49 – I’ve been wearing my hair naturally curly for the majority of the month and after going away let’s just say my hair showing the effects of the hot sun. I’m all about the deep conditioning, but sometimes you need a little more. I’ve been putting this leave-in conditioner in every time I wash my hair then I wrap it up in a cotton t-shirt and let it air dry overnight and my hair has looked a million times better and more hydrated! I’m a huge fan of the entire Legendary Olive line and this product is a must if you’re looking for hydration and softness!
Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation $5.49 – I have true combination skin and during the warmer months my nose and forehead can get very oily and shiny so I switch over to a matte foundation to prevent it! I’ve tried a ton of products, but this under $6 option is hands down the best! It’s a lightweight mousse formula and blends perfectly into my skin. I’ve been applying it with the foundation blurring brush I mentioned above, but you can easily apply this with just your fingers too. It works so well you don’t even have to set it with powder if you don’t want to! (Buy 1, get 1 at 50% off at Ulta!)
Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Sun Damage Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 $14.99 – I’m just going to come out and admit that I don’t wear sunscreen all year around. I know I should but from November to March I usually skip this skincare step (don’t hate me). But come April I’m back on the sunscreen train and I apply it every morning before my makeup. This Garnier one is probably my favorite because it’s lightweight and a moisturizer and don’t have a scent (which is a huge pet peeve of mine). (Buy 1, get 1 at 50% off at Ulta!)
Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon $17 – I’ve had this lip shade for a couple years and without fail every Spring I bring it back in rotation! It’s the perfect sheer coral color for days that you want to wear a fun lip color, but don’t want anything too crazy! Plus I’m a huge fan of the formula of Clinique’s Chubby Sticks, if you don’t have any I highly recommend them.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose $3 – If you watched my e.l.f. Snapchat takeover a couple weeks ago then you know I wore this matte lip color for the first time and became hooked ever since then. SO many of you asked me about it and it quickly became a favorite of mine and I’m sure a ton of you. e.l.f.’s matte lip colors aren’t drying at all and though they deliver that perfect matte look, they don’t look chalky or cakey like a lot of other matte formulas! Plus this tea rose shade is so perfect for Spring.
e.l.f. Hydrating Water Sheet Mask $3 – I’ve been raving about sheet masks for a few months now and e.l.f.’s is just as amazing as all the other ones I’ve tried out. I can’t recommend the entire e.l.f. skincare line anymore! Every single product is so great, and is SO affordable! (Get a FREE Smoky Eye Set valued at $12 with every order at elfcosmetics.com over $35. Use Code: SMOKY)
e.l.f. Hydrogel Under Eye Masks $8 for set of 3 – I’ve never been a fan of under eye masks until I got a chance to try these e.l.f. ones and now I’m hooked! Ones I’ve tried in the past were just never comfortable for me and often felt like they were pinching the skin under my eyes, but these are so comfortable and light and barely feel like I’m wearing anything. They instantly plump up your skin and make you look refreshed! (Get a FREE Smoky Eye Set valued at $12 with every order at elfcosmetics.com over $35. Use Code: SMOKY)
What products did you love in April? Do you change up your skincare routine each month like I do or do you stick with the same products? If you’re looking for more reviews check out January, February or March posts or you can shop all my current favorite products from my Beauty Essentials page!
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