Welcome to the Vanity Desk!
As anyone who knows me knows, I’ve had a passion for writing my entire life. Once the 2020 shutdown hit, I had flirted with the idea of trying to start beauty blogging. It hit me one day, though, that I’m a much stronger writer and I already have a bit of a platform—why not utilize that and talk about what I love the old-fashioned way?
I’m not sponsored by anyone, just someone who loves to talk about all things beauty. I figured a good way to start would be to run through my favorite, go-to products for some different categories.
It’s hard to get into the nitty gritty of all skincare products as there are so many different things and everyone’s skin is so different. But I do have a few things that I think just about everyone should keep at their sink.
Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Fizz Mask
If you have any blackhead strips in your home, please, throw them away. (Info about why they’re not good for your skin) A great alternative is this fizz mask. Helps clear blackheads and the fizz feels so fun on the skin.
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
I struggle with dry skin and while I love the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, Clinique Moisture Surge takes the top spot. While all products in the line are fantastic, I have a lot of love for the Overnight Mask. It’s a simple way to make sure your skin is getting the hydration it needs.
Sunday Riley U. F. O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil
This one’s a newer favorite, especially having to deal with the “mascne” from this past year. If you need something to clear up acne of any kind, Sunday Riley’s U. F. O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil will be your best friend. A heads up—it’ll purge your skin so it could look worse before it looks better.
When it comes to makeup, I like to use a range of products and mix things up a bit. These few products tend to be the ones I reach for on days where I either know I need to look GOOD or when I don’t want to put too much thought into what I’m going to use.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation
This is actually a newer favorite for me. I swore by the Lancôme Tent Idole for the longest time, but this foundation changed my life. Excellent for dry skin and the buildable coverage is fantastic. Plus it’s SPF 25, and everyone can always use more SPF in their routine.
Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer
I loved Shape Tape anyway but when I found out they were making an ultra creamy formula aimed toward people with dry skin, I about squealed. It has all the great coverage of the original Shape Tape, but the coverage is a little more dewy.
Lorac Pro Palettes
Okay I’m maybe cheating a bit not choosing just one, but I can’t help it. I suppose if I had to pick a favorite, the Pro Palette 3 is one I’ve panned but every palette I’ve tried of theirs is phenomenal. I swear, you just get your brush anywhere near the pan and there’s pigment on your brush.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara
I got a sample of this in a Birchbox years ago and I have been hooked since. I have other mascaras I like (including Lancôme’s other contender Idole) but Monsieur Big is consistently a strong performer for me. When you pair it with Lancôme’s lash primer it is *chef’s kiss* perfection.
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
This one’s a very new pick but it’s one I quickly fell in love with. It’s the perfect way to achieve that glassy lip look without the sticky feeling of a lip gloss. It’s also perfect for those days where you don’t have time for a full face, or it can work as a bit of a special touch on a no makeup day.
I’ve only recently started my journey of learning how to style hair, but there are a few things I fell in love with quickly. Whether it’s making my hair soft or some low-maintenance styling, these products have been my hair’s best friends.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
This is easily my favorite product to use on my hair. It’s deep conditioning and helps hydrate your hair while helping repair any sort of damage your hair might have. Plus, Briogeo is a clean brand (and black-owned!) so you don’t have to worry about any sulfates or anything like that.
OUAI Volume Spray
This volume spray is the easiest thing to use in the morning. Even if you spray it on wet hair and let it air dry, it’ll add a bit of a bounce to your hair
Drybar the Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
I took a shot at this on a whim and I don’t know if I’ll ever use a traditional hair straightener again. Granted, I have hair that tends to sway to the thinner side but this brush made my hair so sleek and shiny. I even got the travel size since I have shorter hair and that’s worked just as well!
I’m so looking forward to taking beauty with y’all and sincerely hope you enjoy anything I recommend!
From the Vanity Desk 