Elizabeth’s Picks: The Best in Beauty
I buy a lot of products. I mean a lot. Most are a miss but when I do hit it right I am a very loyal consumer. At the beginning of every year I do a major bathroom drawer cleanout. I basically make it my hall of fame and toss the stuff that hasn’t become a favorite. Of course there is more in the drawer than the list I am going to share. But I thought I’d share my favorite picks from 2024 that I’m taking into 2025. They are from a variety of places, but of course I try to keep all my purchases local if I can.
Bellacara. First up is makeup. My goal is to wear as little as possible – which is why I spend so much on skincare, more on that later. The makeup I do like to use is Westman Atelier. I used to love the foundation stick, but it started to feel too heavy so I now use the Liquid Superloaded. It is lighter and gives just a bit of coverage. I use the foundation brush and I try so many mascaras but I keep coming back to the Westman version.
Salon deZen. Maria Elizabeth introduced me to Kevin Murphy many years ago. I like both the shampoo and conditioner. I like a shampoo that foams up so it feels clean and a conditioner that doesn’t leave my hair feeling greasy. I have tried some other Kevin Murphy products and never been disappointed.
Sarah Akram. This is where I really focus on my skin. I have gone to Sarah for a really, really long time – more than a decade for sure. I try to keep up with regular facials but it isn't as easy as it used to be. So I really try to make sure I am using all the products that I buy. Like my hair, my skin runs dry and the product that works the best is the oil capsules for Environ. My skin soaks them up. Besides having dry skin I have rosacea. The product that helps the most is the Omnilux mask. Sarah actually gave it to me after I hosted a baby shower and it sat in the box for years. After Sarah’s strong encouragement I started using it and it makes a huge difference. Last is the Vivant mask. When my skin is looking a little on the dreary side this mask makes a huge difference. It has a strong smell but the results make the smell worth it.
Sephora. I have a complete obsession with Fenty; not as much as her makeup but all of the lip products. They all smell like cherry and they all work. I can tell if I keep reapplying it keeps my cracked lips in check. I love all three and almost want to throw all other lip products away. Which is saying something because I buy anything that promises to fix my chapped lips.
Stylists at North. I have really dry hair. It probably has something to do with all the processing. The mask from Mr. Smith is a miracle worker. Next up: two makeup products from Fitglow. One is an eyebrow gel that is easy to put on, and the second is a concealer that I use when I need more coverage. Gus has taught me the power of blending so if I need more coverage, I use this concealer and blend away.
Online. I am obsessed with body scrub. I do not feel clean unless I use something with some grit to it. I love the Osea body polish. I love all their lotions and washes but it is my favorite. Then Annette introduced me to Kate McLeod. You can only use it at night because it leaves your skin a little greasy but it also leaves your skin soft the next day.
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