Summer is almost halfway over (can you believe it?) and I find I keep reaching for some of the same skincare and makeup items over and over again. I don’t use all of them at the same time, but the following 8 items have become those I can’t live without.
1. IT Cosmetics CC+ Eye Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream SPF 50+, $29
I have written about this product a few times, that’s how much I love it! It became a favorite while I was in the hospital and rehab recovering from my recent spinal surgery and has stayed in rotation because it does everything you need to care for the delicate skin around your eyes. It looks and acts like an under eye concealer but it also has SPF 50+ and optical blurring pigments which creates an instantly brighter look. I don’t think I will ever stop using this product because there is nothing else like it.
2. CARGO Cosmetics Limited Edition Summer 2015 Gel Lip Colors, $20 in Chelsea
The 4 lipsticks in this collection are packed with antioxidants and the moisturizing gel texture glides on like a tinted lip butter but lasts all day! It has a subtle shine and semi-sheer coverage. No added gloss needed. The shades are named after famed neighborhoods; Brooklyn, Tribeca, Soho, and Chelsea and set in CARGO’s new iconic skyline packaging.
3. Supergoop!® ‘AcaiFusion’ Lip Balm SPF 30, $8.50
Since this lip balm protects my lips and doesn’t taste icky like most others I have been keeping it in my makeup bag. Why shouldn’t my lips be glossy and protected all day long? This balm provides a unique high UV-protection solution to protect against broad-spectrum UV rays in a super-antioxidant and regenerative glossy formulation. Super berry açai hydrates lips, fights free radicals and helps repair oxidation damage.
4. NARS Blush & Bronzer Duo, $24
This duo is hardly new, but I still can’t live without it during the dog days of summer. My preferred combo is Orgasm Blush and Laguna Bronzing Powder. Since I no longer tan I have to fake it till I make it. So I use the bronzer to contour and add some color to my normally pale face and a touch of the blush to make me look equally undead and to highlight my cheeks.
5. Murad ‘Invisiblur™’ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++, $65
Recently (in the name of research) I literally tried over a dozen SPF’s for the face and while I loved several, this one by Murad became my favorite. At least it’s the one I am continuing to use every day. Murad’s Invisiblur Perfecting Shield brings provides flawless skin in one easy step. The invisible (clear) skin-perfecting shield replaces your serum, primer and SPF to immediately blur and correct while combating signs of aging. The gel-like texture applies thinly and evenly so it’s amazing under makeup.
6. Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen, $32
On the days I don’t need or want heavy foundation coverage (which is most during the summer) I find myself reaching for this CC cream. Since I prefer more coverage than probably most I find Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct covers my (ahem) imperfections flawlessly. It also protects from photoaging, and provides clarity to the complexion in an easy one step. Blended with light-diffusing mica, it instantly softens the look of lines, wrinkles, and pores. It even lasts through a day at the pool.
7. M·A·C ‘Pro Longwear’ Nourishing Waterproof Foundation, $32
Now on days or evenings I need a little more coverage I reach for this waterproof foundation from MAC Cosmetics because it can take a beating and it does not budge…for up to 16 hours! I wrote about how much I adore this foundation earlier this spring and I’m still in love with it. It’s oil free and neither rain. sleet, swimming nor tears can budge this watertight product that actually repels moisture from the surface of the face.
8. Nip + Fab Viper Venom Wrinkle Fix, $19.99
I love this serum because it’s accessible (affordable) and I can feel it pulling my skin tighter the second I apply it. It costs less and works better than a lot of other products I have tried that cost 10 times more! It sorta pulls everything together – all day long. So does Botox.
I also can’t live without waterproof mascara, but I am in the process of testing a bunch which I will be reporting on very soon. Stay tuned.
– Lauren Dimet Waters