The Beauty Cabinet:: Beauty Savers

We all have those beauty products out there that we tout as being 'life-savers'. Whether it is a mane than needs tamed, skin that needs perfected or lips that need to feel baby soft, there is a product out there that you can do the job.  It is just finding it out there in a sea of beauty products, which is the hard part.  Here are some of my 'cannot live without items' that I deem, life savers.

Ole Henrickson Firm Action Mask:: This skin perfecting mask not only smells amazing, but it also really works.  Unlike traditional masks, this one stays put on your skin for up to 25 minutes and leaves you with some seriously glowing skin.  I have used this product for years and it has really improved my overall skin tone, as it sucks out all of the impurities in it's path.  

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15:: During the summer or winter, this lip treatment never fails me.  It has a sweet citrus fragrance and really protects my lips, plus now it comes in a multitude of flattering shades.  

Renee Furterer Fioravanti Shampoo:: I discovered this silkening shampoo when I was living in Paris.  I would frequent the pharmacies, if only for the beauty products.  When I use this shampoo, I rarely need to apply styling products, as it works miracles to prevent frizz.  

Juara Candlenut Hand and Body Balm:: This cream practically melts into your skin and has been another favorite for years.  This is one of my staples throughout the year, especially during winter, as it prevents chapping on both the hands and body.  

PHYTO Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm:: This is my go to styling product when I want to ensure a smooth blow-out.  You only need to apply a small dollop before drying and you will quickly see why this has one so many beauty awards.  

The Beauty Cabinet:: Face and Body Oils

I have been using a blend of essential oils on my face and body for years.  I love how they add a bit of aromatherapy to my skincare routine without having to go to a spa.  Today, every beauty company seems to be adding these to their product line-up quite rightfully so, as oils are great to massage into your skin before you layer on your moisturizer.  Oils are a great addition to your regime especially as the temperatures begin to plummet leaving the skin more susceptible to chapping due to harsh interior (dry-heat anyone?) and exterior (blustering, sub-zero temperatures) elements.  

Another important fact to know about oils is that oftentimes people with oilier skins think that adding an oil into their regime will cause them to break-out, but that is not that case. There are different oils for all skin types, and one thing to remember is that you need oil to combat oil, it is an oxymoron of sorts, but it is true.  

{Face}
Dry/Mature:: Fresh Elixir Ancien - A luxurious blend of oils that truly leaves skin soft and supple. Using this during the harsh winter months is an essential to keep skin moisturized and glowing. This oil is even hand-blended in a monastery, just like the Crème Ancien, it's cream counterpart.
Combination:: Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil - This oil is suited for skins that are combination (oily t-zone and dry everywhere else). It is also infused with Rosehip Oil, a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to help prevent and reduce wrinkles.  
Oily:: AROMESSENCE Ylang Ylang Oil - This oil is heavenly scented and targets skin that tends to be more oily.  I love to use this during the summer, as it provides enough hydration to layer under my SPF, but doesn't let my makeup slide off my face either.  
Nighttime::Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - This oil is intended to use at night, as it has features an intense blend of oils that repair the skin, but during the winter, I use it under my moisturizer during the day.  I really think that applying this oil before I go to bed helps me sleep at night and I always wake up with more vibrant skin.  

{Body}

 Elemis Exotic Frangipani Manoi Body Oil - An exotic cocktail of amazingly floral frangipani. This oil is absorbed directly into the skin without leaving anything but soft skin behind. 

Nars Manoi Body Glow II - A wonderfully intoxicating aroma of gardenia that can double as a great base for perfume. 

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil - If I could drink this oil, I would.  It has the addictive fragrance of almond oil and it also comes in a shower oil too that is just as divine.  
Burt's Bees' Lemon & Vitamin E Bath & Body Oil - This dual-purpose oil is lightly scented with refreshing citrus oil paired with the healing powers of Vitamin E.

The Beauty Cabinet: Hair Powder

Hair powder is one of those genius product inventions that I cannot live without, especially if you are short on time, and aren't we all?   I have tried so many over the years, but there are always a few that I come back to again and again. I prefer options that do not impart a color, but I find that pretty much any of these options has the ability to really brighten up your, ahem (dirty) hair.  

Oscar Blondi Pronto Dry Shampoo 

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo

Bumble and bumble White Hair Powder (comes in a few colors)

On another note, I just wanted to say happy birthday to my little sister Janie, I love you and miss you!