The 3 beauty products 3 of my friends swear by.
It seems as though the friends and suggestions never end! I am so lucky to have such a diverse and dynamic set of close friends who are interested in everything from blow dryers to skin care to lipstick. I love talking with my friends about their latest finds, having them dig through their drawers to share with me their favorites or put on a “haul” for me of what just came in the mail. Thank you for putting up with me and fielding all of my beauty questions pals. (Stay tuned next week for three more friends and three more finds!)
Pamela Mukiza
#1 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
I have been using this face wash every night for the last 2 years. I like to use their Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser together with their face wash three times a week, or when I am wearing heavy makeup, or when my face is feeling particularly dirty (usually in the summer when I tend to feel and get very sweaty). This combination leaves my face feeling super clean and soft. The trick is to let the enzyme cleanser sit on your face for about a minute after massaging it in for 60 seconds, this really allows the enzymes to eat away at the dead skin. I also try to massage the cleanser into my face for 60 seconds but sometimes I get lazy or am in a rush.
What you like about the product
It gets my face clean without drying it out, it is super gentle and hydrating, and it also smells amazing. Normally, items that have a fragrance irritate my skin but this doesn’t.
How you found it
I was looking for a new everyday cleanser for a while and a friend of mine who I consult with on virtually anything I buy recommended it to me. She had gotten a trial sample for free, loved it, and ended up buying it (along with the whole product line), so I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.
#2 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
I use it on my blemishes as soon as I spot them, I dab a bit on with my finger (you can use a q-tip), and it dries it right up. I usually use it at night, it’s the last thing I put on my face when I am getting ready to go to bed. Be careful not to use too much and not to get it too close to your eyes, I made this mistake one too many times. It stings!
What you like about the product
All you need is a little bit, use it a couple of days, like 2 or 3, depending on the size of your blemish, and the blemish pretty much disappears without a trace.
How you found it
#3 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
I use this every day in the morning all year round. When I know that I will be out in the direct sunlight all day, I will swap this out for Avene Reflexe Solaire 50+.
What you like about the product
Sunscreen is tricky for people with a darker complexion, most tend to leave a white cast. I try to look for a sunscreen that won’t make me look ashy, and with the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15, I am moisturizing and protecting myself from the sun.
How you found it
My favorite Instagrammer, Melissa’s Wardrobe, recommended this product. She always recommends the best stuff. She has a hashtag #melmademedoit, anything she recommends on her stories usually sells out fast. Also, her stories are HILARIOUS, literally watch them like a t.v show, check her out! So yeah, she recommended it and I tried it and loved it. I have been using it every morning for the last 3 years? Maybe longer.
Alana Sivo
#1 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
What you like about the product
It’s an amazing serum for the hair. Whether you have curly, straight, or wazy, all hair types can benefit. It adds shine, softness, and makes your hair look and feel healthier. Definitely a ride or die product.
How you found it
I was searching for a hair oil, and I saw this one got great reviews. I have also loved the brand KERASTASE, as I prefer salon-quality products for my hair. I bought it and fell in love, and it has always been a product I repurchase.
#2 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
I use it every time I wear makeup.
What you like about the product
Everything about this product is amazing. The pigmentation, blendability, shade range, and finish are incredible. As someone of color, it can be difficult to find a bronzer deep enough, and with a warm undertone. ABH’s have bronzers for all skin tones, and this product can be used in multiple ways and is fantastic all around.
How you found it
I was shopping in Sephora, and ABH is my all-time favorite brand, so I went over to look, and I saw they just released their bronzers. I decided to buy one, and it became one of my cult favorites.
#3 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
What you like about the product
I love this product because it is so easy to use, and non-damaging on your hair. As someone with thick, coarse hair, blow-drying normally takes forever, and it takes a lot of effort to smooth your hair in the process. With the Dyson, it is extremely powerful, yet gentle on their hair, making the process fast, and leaving your hair look great.
How you found it
When Dyson’s first hair dryer launched in 2016, it quickly grew and received hype as Dyson entered the hair industry. I held off buying it for a while because I didn’t think the price point was justified. However, I quickly got sick of my current blow-dryer and decided to purchase it.
Ola Szymanska
#1 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
Dr. Jart moisturizer in the morning & the Rose cream at night
What you like about the product
The Dr. Jart moisturizer is fabulous for the day because it has SPF 30 to protect you from the sun and helps soothe redness. It’s perfect for the days I bravely enable the video feature on Zoom meetings because it provides light coverage. I like the Rose cream because it’s very hydrating and you will wake up looking like a glowing bébé.
How you found it
I found the Dr. Hauschka Rose Cream just perusing Whole Foods and the Dr. Jart cream was recommended to me by a blessed Sephora employee.
#2 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
What you like about the product
The color Fenty Glow looks amazing on everyone! Additionally, the formula is long-wearing enough so you don’t have to reapply all the time but not too sticky.
How you found it
#3 Favorite Beauty Product
How often you use it
What you like about the product
The Seanik shampoo bar gives the hair great volume but Lush also sells other types that cater to a wide variety of hair goals. There is no plastic packaging and you can just store the bars in a metal tin which is a good way to reduce some waste in your personal care routine. I love the Briogeo conditioner primarily because I have curly hair and the product is very rich and moisturizing. As an added bonus, it smells like a tropical island paradise and is vegan, cruelty-free and deemed “clean” by Sephora’s standards. These two are just a brilliant pairing.
How you found it
I learned about the shampoo bars from a friend and heard about Briogeo through a podcast! The founder Nancy Twine just did another podcast episode for “How I Built This” & I highly recommend listening to her story!
Ursula D. 