My favorite base products (2021)

So, it turns out that blogging with a full time job is…challenging and not something I have done a great job with maintaining. (Who would have thought?! 😉 )To get back in the swing of things, I want to break down some of my favorite face products that I reach for every single morning. Enjoy!

A few tips I live by for base makeup products:
1. SPF is crucial. Every. Single. Day. Finding SPF that feels moisturizing, doesn’t smell like sunscreen and doesn’t clog my pores has been critical to me choosing to include it in my daily routine. My perfect SPF (that I have used for YEARS) is by Josie Maran. I’ve tried many other brands and I always come back to this one based on how hydrating it is, how well it layers with other products, it’s ingredient list AND how it feels on my skin. Overall, I think it is a good value as well.

2. SPF Cocktails. I blend my own ingredients (seen below) to create my own tinted moisturizer with SPF. *NOTE* if you add a ton of products to SPF it could render them less protective. Below is my SPF ‘recipe’: I add these ingredients to the palm of my hand, mix together and apply to my face and neck. Any extra goes on the tops of my hands.
1. 2.5 pumps of Josie Maran SPF 47
2. 2-4 drops of Josie Maran Argan Oil (depends how dry my skin is feeling)
3. 1 drop of Cover FX custom enhancer shimmer drops in Blossom
4. 1 pump of Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi serum *NOTE* Drunk Elephant has changed the D Bronzi packaging so it is no longer a pump. I am still using up my D-Bronzi older packaging so I can’t estimate what exactly the amount is that I would use in drops of the new packaging style.

3. Dewy finish is everything. It’s important to know what your preference is for a skin finish. I love the dewy look. Over the years I’ve ranged from matte to dewy/luminous skin finishes. As I age, I find that the hydrated look is my favorite and so I have truly embraced that dewy finish. The products below give me hydration and a radiant/dewy finish.

4. Foundation isn’t for me. I have spent a good deal of money over the years thinking that foundation is essential to my routine. My beauty routine is entirely based on what makes me happy–not what is most popular at the time. I don’t find that foundation improves the look of my skin. I have found that keeping my skin hydrating and spot concealing under my eyes is how I can feel the most polished.

5. Becca under eye corrector is Holy Grail. And as most holy grails come and go, this product will be no different. Becca Cosmetics announced they are closing up shop this year (September 2021). I’ve stocked up on two correctors and am considering buying one more but…I don’t advocate for stocking up on cream products. They absolutely will go bad quickly and ideally, I need to look for a replacement product that I won’t need to hoard. This product is so unique and works so well. I’m terribly sad to see Becca close up shop.