Hey there, happy Monday! How was your weekend?? John and I spent the majority of ours trying to figure out our next living situation and I’m hoping to have more to share very soon! Until then, it’s more of the same over here as we try our best to navigate getting back into a routine. More stuff has been opening up here, but we’re still being cautious about how much time we’re spending in public and all that. I also indulged in my current self-care kit and experimented with a couple of new beauty products, which made me realize I should share favorites as of late. Like many of you, I had a lot more time indoors over the last few months and I was able to try several new beauty products. And while I’m always trying new products, without wearing as much makeup lately or styling my hair as often, I was able to really see how these current products worked.
I probably sound like a broken record with some of these products as I know I’ve mentioned them many times … but they truly are my go-to products lately. With that, here are twelve products I’ve tried and loved during lockdown!
Saturday Skin’s Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser
I started using this gentle cleanser about a month or so ago as I was just curious if it was effective. I’m not going to lie … the pink bottle and the adorable branding is responsible for the curiosity. I usually stick to my ride-or-die TULA cleanser but, there have been quite a few requests this year to provide additional skincare products for those of you who aren’t as keen on TULA. So far, so good! I find that it gives me that ‘squeaky clean’ feeling after washing which is something I personally like. If you have extremely dry skin, this probably isn’t your best option but I haven’t had any issues with it drying me out. This product is also part of Sephora’s Clean section which means it’s free of over 50 harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and so on. This is one of those beauty products that is just great all around!
Saturday Skin available in the UK HERE
Ouai Body Wash
Ouai is one of those brands you seem to see everywhere! The products of theirs that I have tried, I’ve loved and this new addition to my shower routine is no exception. Their body wash is saturated with balancing probiotics and rose hip oil and I find it soothing and hydrating. And … let’s talk about the smell because it’s incredible, you guys! It’s a mix of musky rose and citrus and it’s honestly a highlight of my morning at this point … ha! I live for a good smelling product and this is one of my favorite fragrances to date. Plus the bottle is chic and it’s not overly ‘girly’ as John would say. It’s aesthetically pleasing like the rest of the brand.
Available in the UK HERE
Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub
Okay, when I first read the label of this product, a Scalp & Body Scrub, I was a bit perplexed. A scalp scrub? Well, it turns out that just like our body, our scalps deal with dry skin and buildup, which makes sense when you think about it! While I was already using this product to exfoliate my body, usually before I apply my self-tanning routine, I’m now also using it on my scalp every week for a scalp detox. I love the texture of my hair after using this too, and as Jen Atkin [celebrity hairstylist to the Kardashians and many more] describes it, it gives you that ‘tousled French Girl texture’. I definitely still need to style my hair after using it but I do like that there’s a soft grit to it.
Available in the UK HERE
Olaplex Shampoo, Conditioner and Bonding Oil
Olaplex products have quite the cult following and have been something I’ve heard my fellow bloggers rave about for quite some time. I’ve been married to other haircare beauty products in the past and would buy them in bulk so purchasing these just never made sense for me personally. I know it’s part of my job to try things out to let you know if they’re worth it but, for me, I just felt it was expensive and a bit of a waste of product being that it wasn’t a need. However, I had to leave the rest of my bulk shampoo and conditioner products back in Florida to a friend because I couldn’t travel with open bottles that big, obviously. So, I decided to give Olaplex a try and see what all of the fuss is about. I can understand now why they are so popular as I find my hair to feel stronger and look healthier as lockdown has progressed. It definitely needs some type of ultra conditioning treatment, I’m sure, but these products are taking really good care of my hair and I do recommend them if you’re looking for quality haircare products to switch to. I use the shampoo, the conditioner twice a week and the bonding oil on wet hair after washing and on dry hair after using heat on my hair to style it.
Available in the UK HERE.
Tula’s Deep Exfoliating Blackhead Scrub
I’ve been using TULA‘s products for years now and am constantly blown away with their level of diligence in producing products. I honestly can’t remember a product I didn’t like, if not love. Well, let’s file their newest product, this Deep Exfoliating Blackhead Scrub under that love category! I’ve personally found exfoliators to be very hit or miss and I’m pretty picky about the consistency, level of grain, intensity, etc. I like something gentle but effective and this hits all my requirements! It removes blackheads and cleans out pores, all while balancing your skin with probiotics, raspberry leaf, and pomegranate. It obviously smells amazing as well and I use it 1-2x a week. P.S. You can always use code ALYSONHALEY for 15% off your order with TULA!
Tula Daily Sunscreen Gel SPF 30
You’ve probably seen a lot of influencers talk about this product lately since it’s newish and people are loving it – myself included. I’ve always been selective about SPF on my face because for years it felt like products lagged in this department. Wouldn’t you agree? Luckily, brands started figuring it out a couple of years ago and TULA is on that list. This everyday sunscreen is light enough to wear under makeup and it actually serves as somewhat of a primer. It sets a nice glow without being too thick or sticky after and I like that it has a higher SPF than most combination face products. On top of the UV protection, this product also protects against damaging pollution and blue light! So cool, right? As TULA says, this product isn’t just sunscreen – it’s skin care. Love that! If you missed it above, use code ALYSONHALEY for 15% off your order with TULA!
Shani Darden’s Retinol Reform
Right before lockdown happened here in the UK, I ran out of my usual Colleen Rothschild retinol. And while I did love that product, I wanted to test new retinol as I do feel like not all retinol products are created equal. It’s also one of those beauty products that is an absolute must-have in your skin care routine. With that said, it was imperative I found a replacement. After hearing loads of rave reviews for this product and brand during the Sephora sale, I wanted to give it a try. If you don’t know much about retinol, it’s one of the best things you can do for your skin in terms of aging, according to the professionals, and I did a whole blog post about it last year. It stimulates your collagen production, which is something we all naturally lose as we age, and the lack of collagen can lead to less youthful-looking skin. This specific retinol is said to be on the more gentle side which I was into since I know a lot of retinol can be intense, especially if your skin isn’t used to them. So far I’ve been loving it and I’ll keep y’all posted on long-term effects!
Available in the UK HERE
Tan-Luxe Gradual Tan Lotion
Y’all probably know by now that I’m a Tan-Luxe girl. More so than ever, I’ve been relying on the brand to keep up with my tan, especially now that I’m in the UK and seeing the sun less and less. Also, I’m just much more conscious about sun damage these days and appreciate that this brand gives you that sun kissed without compromising a natural look. After I apply my full tanning routine, I finish things off with this lotion. It sets the tan really well! Then, throughout the week, I apply this daily to keep my initial tan going. It helps to continually tan your skin while also providing softness and hydration. Definitely worth trying out, in my opinion!
Available in the UK HERE
Tan-Luxe Face Drops
When I first used these drops, I wasn’t sure if they worked but I’m thinking it was because I just was being too conservative on the number of drops. This stuff really does work and now, I’m obsessed! I’ve always had trouble matching my face color to my skin color, especially when I’m wanting a more tanned body, and these are the answer. It’s really important to protect your face from the sun and these drops really allow you to look sun-kissed without the damage the sun brings along with it. I’ve used them for several months now and no complaints. Simply mix them in with your nighttime moisturizer and you’ll wake up with a beautiful, healthy looking tan. I’m currently using TULA’s hydrating day and night cream, if you’re curious!
Available in the UK HERE
Tan-Luxe Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum
Okay, I added this one at the very last minute because I actually started using these last Friday and … wow! They are so effective. I mixed these in with The Gradual lotion by Tan Luxe [about six drops for every nickle-sized amount of lotion] and it basically takes the place of me needing to apply tanning mousse every week. It is so much easier and feels less sticky! I apply it in the morning and it doesn’t transfer on your clothes. It’s formulated with a high grade hyaluronic acid, as well, so it does a great job of moisturizing and plumping up your skin at the same time! Very impressed! I’m so happy to have discovered more of their beauty products during the lockdown because they have quickly become staples!
Available in the UK HERE
Alright friends, now that I shared my favorite quarantine beauty products, will you do the same? What products did you find while spending more time at home? Any face masks or more self-care type products you’ve been introduced to? Please let me know!
Hope you have a wonderful start to your week. xo.
