The beauty industry has grown so much recently that it feels like there’s almost too much to choose from. To help anyone that’s confused or even skeptical about products that have magical claims, Sumin, Vern’s resident beauty guru, shares some of the amazing products she thinks are worth the investment.
1. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm with Echinacea GreenEnvy, $44
Let’s start with my number-one beauty rule: good skin starts with clean skin. This buttery soft makeup removing balm melts away not only your makeup but also dirt and excess oil. My skin feels super soft after washing it off, and there is no oily residue. If you have troubled skin and are scared of using oily products on your face, don’t worry — the echinacea works as an anti-inflammatory agent that will actually calm down any type of inflammation.
2. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil, $90
I actually met Tiffany the founder of Drunk Elephant a couple years ago. She shared a story about her family member who used this magical oil to treat scars from medical treatments. To be honest, I was quite skeptical about it until I tried it myself. I tend to get easily scarred from breakouts — I think it’s because of my dry skin — and it’s really hard to get rid of them. I use this pure, lightweight, non-greasy oil in combination with various peel treatments to brighten and hydrate my skin.
3. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, $112
This night serum with a blend of AHA/BHA is another hero product of Drunk Elephant. The biggest difference I have noticed since I started using this product is the texture of my skin. As I mentioned already, I have the driest skin, and I tend to get even more sensitive and dryer during winter. This helps me get rid of that without any harsh side effects of chemical exfoliation but still is so effective.
4. Ole Henriksen Power Peel Transforming Facial System, $60 for six treatments
This three-step, at-home chemical treatment may sound quite intimidating, but, trust me, it’s going to change your life. I use it once or twice a month just to deep cleanse my pores and get rid of any flakey texture. If you’ve never tried an AHA/BHA peel, spot test it on your neck or inside your arm. The citric acids will make your skin photosensitive so make sure to follow with your favourite sunscreen.
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow singles/palettes, $16 to $59
I am an eyeshadow addict. I don’t wear them every day — I totally would if I had enough time in the morning — but I get so excited by just looking at a beautifully coordinated eyeshadow palette. It’s just so satisfying. On top of that, if it has that perfect buttery, smooth, gorgeous texture? UGH, I can’t. And Anastasia has never ever let me down. She has put out so many palettes and, so far, nothing has ever disappointed me.
6. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, $25
This is so-called “car-accident eyeliner.” Never budges, never smudges, even after a car crash. The. Best. Eyeliner. Ever. Period.
7. Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $24
If you have monolids like I do and always ball your eyes out by accidentally pinching your eyelids when curling your lashes, girl, you need this right now. It’s flat enough to fit the corners of your eyes and curl even the little guys you can’t usually reach. You can also get refills of the rubber thingy to replace once in a while (like once or twice a year).
8. Too Faced Shadow Insurance, $24
Although my skin is so dry, there’s one part of my face that doesn’t suffer from dryness: Eyelids. If I don’t prime my eyes and wear false lashes, by 10 a.m. my lashes would start screaming at me and fly away in every single direction. I like the Too Faced one because it doesn’t feel overly dry or sticky after I use it. Follow with a nude eyeshadow to set it and do your thing! Trust me, it makes everything last so much longer.
By Sumin Choi.
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