Apart from my shampoo bars and bar soaps, here are some of the skin and hair care products I’ve purchased. I’ve been trying not to hoard beauty products lately, but after my recent acquisitions, I decided to take advantage of the sunlight that peeks through my curtains and do a mini shoot.
Some of these I’ve already been using between two weeks and a month or so, and some I have yet to incorporate into my routine (was debating on whether to put this under Life Lately or Favorites because of this, haha). I figured I’d talk about them, anyway.
Ouai Wave Spray
Let’s start with the only hair care product in this skin and hair care haul. This was part of a trio of travel-sized products I purchased in Sephora when we had a bit of free time in Singapore after a cruise I went on for work. I have a small collection of wave sprays, and I thought the travel-friendly package would be a good addition.
I’ve used this a couple of times since I got it and I love that it creates that beachy texture (the one you get when you’re actually by the ocean) without weighing down your hair. That said, I noticed my hair has gotten straighter since I started using shampoo bars, so it’s not as wavy as it usually is. If I spray this onto damp hair though and twisting my locks while my hair air dries, I do get some semblance of beach waves.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Cream
Another travel-sized purchase from Sephora. I’ve always wanted to try Sunday Riley, but the price tag usually makes me step back from the display. I figured this wouldn’t be such a splurge and if I end up not liking it, I won’t feel too bad about it.
I have yet to try it but I’ve been loving products with Vitamin C lately (Aesop’s Lucent Facial Concentrate is my current jam), so I’m hoping this will be a welcome addition. I’ll probably pack this when in my kit when I’m traveling (just booked my birthday trip!).
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This was from my small Beauty MNL loot when they went on sale. I really loved Glossier’s Super Pure serum (purchased it twice and then they went out of stock), so I was looking for alternatives until I saw that The Ordinary had a similar serum. I’m currently testing out some serums for work though, so I haven’t had the chance to use this yet. Plus, the Lucent Facial Concentrate also has niacinamide, anyway. Will report back once I’ve opened this.
Thank You Farmer Back to Pure Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser
Full disclosure: I got this sample to test because I’m currently freelancing for the company that distributes the brand. I’ve been using this as my second cleanse in my nighttime routine for about a month or so now.
I use Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser in the morning, so I wanted to try using this at night. So far I haven’t gotten any breakouts from it and it hasn’t dried out my skin either. The fragrance is a bit stronger than Glossier although it doesn’t really bother me. I imagine though that people who are sensitive to fragrances might not like it. Unlike the Milky Jelly Cleanser, this one lathers up into micro foam. I still use a cleansing oil to remove my makeup but this does the job for light makeup.
Would I purchase it? Maybe if I ran out of my go-to gel cleanser. It’s a bit pricey but it is paraben-free and sulfate-free.
Huxley Secret of Sahara Toner: Extract It
This was also part of my Beauty MNL sale purchase. I was looking for a new toner because I finished the Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner. I’ve been meaning to open this already, but I’m still finishing the last of my Bare Essentials Primer Water from Althea. Planning to transfer it into an atomizer so I can spritz it on and not waste any product.
Thank You Farmer True Water Deep Emulsion
Again, something I got because of my current freelance work. This True Water line is really meant for hydration. I’ve got combination skin (my T-Zone usually gets oily while the rest of my face can go between normal to dry on any given occasion), so I thought it would be okay to use this. The brand is formulated so that it can be used on sensitive skin. Like the cleanser, though, this has a faint fragrance. I’m not sure about other people’s preferences, but I like my skin care products to smell good especially the ones I’m using at night. Makes me feel like I’m indulging in a spa treatment except in my own bathroom.
Really love the pump dispenser because you don’t end up squeezing out too much product. Plus, you don’t contaminate the rest of the product with your fingers. I imagine it would work best with the Deep Serum from the same line but so far, it also works with the serums I have on rotation.
What are your recent purchases in skin and hair care? I don’t claim to be an expert on these things, but I do enjoy the process of a routine. Would love to discover new brands and products to try!
