Pick Six: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…

Jan 12, 2017

Last week, we were doing some New Year cleaning when I inadvertently exposed my secret shame to my boyfriend.  He opened up the hallway cupboard–also known as the “blog cupboard”– and discovered a large plastic crate filled with hundreds of beauty samples.  Next to it, was a pile of black and white striped Sephora bags.  And behind it, another box filled with full-size beauty products that I’ve either been meaning to try or give away to friends.

As I explained to him, I do not have a Sephora problem.  Sure, I check their new arrivals multiple times per week.  And sure, I get every free extra they will allow me.  And sure, I might be two lotions away from being able to open my own skincare pop-up shop, but I am completely in control.  Or something like that.

Since I’ve changed up my skincare routine a bit over the past year, let’s talk about the six other products that are the stars of my medicine cabinet (besides this one, since I sang its praises last week).

snip20161101_20

snip20170112_80

Need to remove your makeup without overdrying your skin?  This Boscia Makeup Breakup Cleansing Oil ($32) will even remove waterproof makeup without overtaxing your skin.  I’ve given up on makeup-removing towelettes (because they’re expensive, and I just end up washing my face, anyway), and I just use this cleanser and a muslin cloth to remove my makeup at the end of the day.  I like the muslin because it doesn’t exfoliate like a washcloth would.

snip20161101_22

snip20170112_79

If there’s one product that has eluded me over the years, it’s the perfect moisturizer.  My heart belongs to Tammy Fender, but I simply can’t afford to keep that relationship going.  And so I fall in and out of love without cheaper brands faster than a teenage starlet.  My latest crush is La Roche Posay Intense Light Hydraphase ($36).  It has hyaluronic acid to combat dry skin, and is formulated to provide all day moisture.  I still write Belle ❤️ Tammy on my notebooks, but this relationship should last at least until the spring.

snip20161101_24

snip20170112_81

Several years ago, my old dermatologist told me I was exfoliating too much.  So while I was enjoying my daily Clarisonic cleansing, my skin wasn’t getting the time it needed to replenish itself.  I still use my Clarisonic on my neck, décolletage and shoulders, but I’ve switched to the Luna Foreo Mini ($99) for my face.  First off, you only have to charge it every 300 uses.  Second, the silicon tips and oscillation provide a mild exfoliation without overdoing it.  And last, it is so much easier to clean, and there are no brusheads to buy.  I use it to give my gentle morning cleanser a boost.

snip20161101_26

snip20170112_82

Late night?  Early morning?  Avoid sallow, tired skin with the Tony Moly Banana Sleeping Pack ($17).  It smells divine and it really works.  I find it too heavy for every day use, but once a week or so, I treat myself.  I don’t know how this product works, but it absolutely works.

snip20161102_28

snip20170112_83

When I have a breakout that is getting away from me, Dr Jart’s Clearing Sheet Mask ($9) is the product that starts moving my skin back in the right direction.  Made with salicylic acid and tea tree oil, this sheet mask treats breakouts and nourishes skin.  I also bring one with me when I travel so that I can limit my liquids and gels to TSA approved sizes.  Also, when I’m done with it, I’ll cut it up and use the pieces on my chest if I’m having a breakout there.

snip20161102_29

snip20170112_84

This Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Firming Serum ($55) is the newest addition to my beauty routine.  My dermatologist recommended that I look for a serum with copper in it to stimulate skin renewal and firmness.  So I immediately went to the product line that I love most.  I’ve only been using it two weeks, so I’m not ready to render a final verdict on effectiveness, but I like it so far.  I’ll post a deeper review once I’ve emptied the bottle.

Ask The Edit, Style

share this post

Leave a Reply to Belle Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Sinds says:

    Don’t want to make you panic and buy 10 bottles or anything, but I’m pretty sure Ole Henrickson is actually discontinuing that particular serum! At least, according to the email they sent me today.

    The good news is that it (and a bunch of other products they’re discontinuing) is 50% off on the Ole Henrickson website.

  2. Alexis says:

    I was hopeful that this post was heading towards a giveaway due to your superfluous supply and array of beauty products. 🙂 Instead, I’m left pondering if I should ditch my make-up remover towelette habit. I end up using two towelettes, face wash, and then eye make-up remover. Pricey to put on and take off! I have two of the make-up eraser towels that you have recommended, but I’m not sure how often I should wash them so that I don’t break out. Do you wash them after each use?

    • Belle says:

      I think at some point, I will have to have a ‘Clean the Closet’ giveaway. I like the makeup eraser if I wore a full face of makeup that day. I wash mine every two days, so I have two as well. Sometimes, if I don’t have a load of laundry to do, I’ll just use a little honest co. dish soap and some hot water to give it a scrub.

    • Alexis says:

      Awesome! Thanks for the tip. That will be my new rule of thumb for the make-up eraser.

  3. Maryn says:

    I have myriad skin issues (dryness, aging, breakouts) similar to the ones you often mention and wanted to share my new favorite product. After a month of use it has completely cleared and hydrated my skin, so much so that I actually left the house for an entire day without face makeup (mascara still a must). It’s Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream, and it’s amazing. If you’re still in need of the perfect moisturizer, consider giving it a shot!

  4. Bekki says:

    Hi Belle,

    I had similar moisturizer issues until I tried two that I’ve fallen in love with. One is the Alpha H Essential Hydration Cream, and the other is by Zelens 3t Complex. I have acne prone skin and neither of these cause breakouts. Love them!

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

2

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Ask the Edit, Style, Top Posts | March 28, 2024

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

2

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 28, 2024

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty, Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO