Let's get shallow

Some product recommendations

If you’ve been following me since my Twitter era (2016-2023, fuck you Elon) you know that I used to frequently recommend all kinds of products. I’m not really into that anymore (with the obvious exception of perfume), partly because it makes me feel like a despicable shill and partly because I’ve thought for some time now that the economy is on the verge of crashing. It’s not exactly wise to fritter away your money on unnecessary items at the moment! However, we all need day-to-day things like face wash and it’s fun to splurge on frivolous beauty products from time to time, so I thought I’d share my favorite such items with you. Some of them are from the drugstore and most of the rest can be found at Sephora (wait for a sale or a gift card). For reference, I’m a white woman with relatively “normal” skin who’s about to turn 42. The serum/sunscreen/night cream that I use are all melasma-centric, and since that’s a niche concern I won't delve into them below (they’re all from the Eucerin anti-pigment line and I order them from Portugal because the insanely effective active ingredient hasn't been approved by the FDA). Okay, enough preamble!

Face scrub: Acure Brightening Facial Scrub ($12)

I prefer physical exfoliants like this to chemical ones. I recently started using it 3x a week and it’s working out well so far. It smells a little odd but will leave your skin feeling smooth.

Face wash: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15)

Simple, gentle and reliable. I don’t think there’s any need to spend a fortune on face wash.

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($12)

Another cheap workhorse. You don’t need an expensive makeup remover.

Hair treatment: L’Oreal Elvive Wonder Water ($12)

You leave this on for a matter of seconds and BOOM, your hair is shiny as can be. It’s kind of shocking.

Shave oil: Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil ($9)

I prefer a shave oil to a cream or gel, and this one doesn’t leave you feeling sticky or greasy. They make it in a wide variety of scents, so you’re sure to find something that appeals.

Body wash: Dove Almond Milk & Green Apple ($12)

Another recent find. This smells just like a green apple Jolly Rancher and is gentle on the skin.

Eye treatment: ROC Multi Correxion Vitamin C Eye Balm Stick ($30)

Recommended for my fellow 40+ year olds. This is really soothing on the undereye area and you can wear it under makeup if you use a light hand. My eyes are pretty sensitive and this doesn’t make them sting at all.

Hair mask: Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy ($42)

A new find that’s pricey but worth it. Detangles like a dream and leaves your hair super soft. You don’t need to use much, either.

Hair lotion: R+Co Waterfall Moisture & Shine Lotion ($36)

This is the only frizz treatment I’ve found that doesn’t leave my hair clumpy and disgusting. I buy it at my hair salon. A little goes a long way!

Foundation: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation ($49)

I hate how expensive this is, but one pump is plenty for the whole face so a bottle lasts a long time. It’s medium coverage and extremely natural looking. Great shade range, too. I apply it with a Real Techniques foundation brush ($10).

Kosas Cloud Set Face Setting Powder ($36)

This mattifies nicely without ever making your makeup look cakey. My absolute favorite setting powder is actually from Charlotte Tilbury, but I ran out of it and it’s even more expensive than this one.

Brow gel: Merit Brow 1980 Volumizing Tinted Eyebrow Gel-Pomade ($24)

I didn’t realize that my once-lush brows would begin to thin with age, but they sure have! This makes them look even and full and is a breeze to use.

Blush: Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick ($34)

It’s extremely hard to fuck up your blush application with this. Use your fingers, a brush, a sponge, whatever. It’ll look good. I use the shade Glassy Hibiscus.

Mascara: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara ($33)

I ran out of this a while ago and have been using Caliray Hell or High Water mascara in its place, but this is the GOAT. It’s absurdly expensive but the results are gorgeous, even on my sad little lashes. It’s a tubing mascara (rinses off easily in sizable clumps with just a little water), which is the only kind I’ll use anymore.

Eyeshadow: Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick ($32)

I have very hooded eyes and am nearly blind in the left one, so eyeshadow has never been particularly easy for me to apply. This is the exception. I have it in the shade Nymph, a matte lilac. I want it in seafoam green, too.

Lip liner: Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil ($24)

I use this in the shade Wherever Walnut, which is a classic - and for good reason! The perfect neutral.

That’s more or less what I use on a daily basis. And nobody is paying me for this!! 🫡