The BS Files #10

All my favorites 

At 51 years old, I’ve been around a while. I have used a ton of different beauty products, and I have thrown away tons of beauty products. I’ve subscribed to makeup boxes to discover new brands and bought a ton that I was “influenced” to buy on socials. I’m always on the hunt, and I’m a fckn sucker I tell ya. I’ll drop my phone and sprint to Ulta or CVS. 

I don’t wear a ton of makeup, nor has makeup ever really been my specialty. I do believe as I age that less is more. I’m going to tell you about all my favorites (so far), because let’s face it, I’m sure my list will evolve.  

Firstly, let’s talk about skin care. I use Dime Beauty cleanser and toner BUY IT HERE It’s free of harsh chemicals and makes my skin feel beautifully clean. 

For fine lines and wrinkles, I use Tretinoin. My dermatologist prescribed it and said there is just nothing better out there. I believe her because my skin looks best when using it. Your family doctor or NP can prescribe it as well. You can find a coupon for it at CVS or Walgreens to knock some off the price. I use it in the morning and at night. One tube lasts me months because you use a very small amount. Make sure to use sunscreen because it does make your skin sensitive. 

I would love to try Korean skin care options so if you know of any please let me know. 

I use Stilla One Step Correct BUY IT HERE for primer. I discovered it from an Ipsy box. It has green in it, so it helps fight the redness in my skin by neutralizing it. It is AMAZING. 

For foundation, I have used L’Oréal True Match for years. I love it, but a friend recently told me about Bare Minerals’ foundation. I’ve used that a couple of months and love it, but I do feel like it has been settling slightly in my fine lines. So, when another friend told me about Clinique Moisture Surge Skin Tint BUY IT HERE immediately went to Dillard’s and asked for a sample. They will put some in a tiny jar for you to try. It is now my absolute favorite, especially for summertime. It’s light but still has some coverage and SPF. I highly recommend it. I bought the full-size. It’s my go-to currently. 

Blush will probably forever be NARS Multiple Stick in Orgasm BUY IT HERE It has a beautiful glow and it’s just the perfect color. It’s so easy to apply because it glides beautifully. I recently tried the Illia stick because it’s non-toxic and though it’s good, it’s not as good as the NARS. I will purchase NARS again. 

For eyeliner, I have 2 favorites. When I’m not wearing lash extensions, I use Stilla Stay All Day liquid liner Micro tip BUY IT HERE so I can do a winged line which takes me for fucking ever! I just love a cat eye. I also love Maybelline Tattoo Studio liner BUY IT HERE. I have it in multiple colors. It smudges perfectly when I want that rock star heavy liner look. 

For eyeshadow, I usually always resort to Morphe. It’s inexpensive and I just love their pallets. I’m using a gold pallet BUY IT HERE right now and I’m obsessed with it. I use my finger to make the color more saturated. 

My favorite flavor of the year for mascara is Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara BUY IT HERE. I just read on a beauty post that if you lay it between your flat iron (not touching obvi) while you put other make-up on and let it warm up slightly that it will prevent clumping. 

Fenty Beauty Highlighter BUY IT HERE is SO DAMN GOOD for extra glow. As we age our skin dulls. I feel like we need that extra glow. As a matter of fact, someone recently asked my skincare because they said I’m always glowing. I said that’s fucking highlighter babe!  

Currently I’m using MAC Fix It BUY IT HERE setting spray but sometimes I use Morphe as well. Morphe’s goes on so well. 

I’m OBSESSED with Elf lip glow BUY IT HERE at the moment. Their gloss, especially the gold glittery one is just fabulous. However, when I choose bold, I always wear MAC Ruby Woo lipstick BUY IT HERE and liner BUY IT HERE for red. I get tons of questions when I rock that one. It’s a blue red that everyone should have. Blue reds go well with every single skin tone out there. 

For perfume, I LOVE Dime Beauty. I love several of their perfumes but 7 Summers BUY IT HERE is my favorite. It smells perfectly feminine and masculine at the same time. I just wish it had more stay power. I’ll reapply for the amazing smell and clean ingredients. 

I use self-tanner and the absolute best is Beauty by Earth BUY IT HERE. It’s great for mature woman but my 29-year-old daughter loves it as well. I love their Spray. It doesn’t make my spots darker and goes on so smooth and consistent. I also use spray face tanner. 

Lastly, my most recent discovery is Wild deodorant https://www.wearewild.com/us/?discount=BRANDY20 It is all natural and the FIRST natural deodorant I’ve tried that does the job. I’m a stinky little bitch with strong hormones. I’ve made Mike smell my pits after the gym and cardio and it passed the test. The refills are plastic-free with a refillable case so you’re doing the world a solid by cutting down on waste AND by not being a stinking bitch. 

These are all suggestions from a regular Jo (literally, my middle name is Jo). I’m not a makeup artist or an expert on any of these. I don’t work with a makeup brand. I love recommendations from people I trust, so I know some of you will love seeing what I use too. 

I also linked a lot of these things to my Like To Know It SHOP MY LTK as well if you’d rather shop there. 

Drop a comment with your favorite! 

Happy fucking shopping. 

XOXO,

B