Strong Girl Summer 2016 Skincare & Beauty Favorites!

I can’t believe how fast summer is going by! How is it already almost mid-August! My skin has been going through many ups and downs these last couple of months that I’m thinking has a lot to do with all the traveling I’ve done and probably stress, as well! Not to mention, the weather and summer sun, of course! I have found many amazing products, though, that I love, and want to share with you, in case you’re looking for a switch and just need that recommendation. If you’re like me, I’m more likely to try products if they’ve been recommended, referred or have great reviews! So, here’s my list of 12 products! Of course, I have other favorites that I like to incorporate, as well, but these are in my rotation right now.

#1: Natura Bisse: Diamond Extreme 

I love the way this creme just smooths onto my skin. I only apply to my under eye area and can see how my dark circles do not appear as dark after applying. The texture is rich and thick and the creme is very hydrating. This was a gift, so if it is something you can add to your budget, I recommend.

#2: SkinCeuticals: Hydrating B5 Gel

I just started using this gel about 2 weeks ago. I apply a layer to my face after cleansing and before moisturizing. My skin does look and feel more hydrated, especially when I wake up in the morning. Dermstore offers a lot of SkinCeuticals sales, which is a great time to stock up!

#3: Burts Bees: Facial Cleansing Towlettes

I discovered these towlettes during a photoshoot when the MUA used them to take off my makeup after the shoot. First of all, they smell AMAZING! I love their scent! They’re also 99.1% natural, with white tea extract, which is great, since a lot of product we apply to our faces is not all-natural. They take off all of my makeup at night and leave my face feeling refreshed.

#4:Opalescense: Tooth Whitening Trays

Here’s a fun weird fact about me….I do not like mint (gum and candy too!). It groses me out and makes me want to gag. I can’t even stand certain mint smells. I know…it’s so weird and I’ve only met a few people in my life that don’t like mint either. So, obviously finding a toothpaste that I can withstand and whitening trays that don’t make me gag can be a challenge. Luckily, I’ve been using Listerine Toothpaste since I was a kid. This is the only toothpaste I can use. I’ll admit, I had a freak out moment when I thought they discontinued the line. I can only find this toothpaste at Target, now. Back to the whitening trays… I used to use the Zoom Take Home gel once in a blue moon that I would add to my personal trays… a. I was able to handle the mint and b. it does work and brighten teeth. I had the opportunity to try Opalescense and I can see a big difference in the level of whitening just from 2 uses of 30 minutes already. As far as the mint taste, it’s definitely borderline…I have to really try not to think about it. But, I can definitely say that they work, so for now I’m just sucking it up. Highly recommend- you do have to get these from your dentist!

#5: COOLA: Eco-Lux Sport SPF 50 Guava Mango Sunscreen Spray

I LOVE everything about COOLA- the company & the products! I’ve had the opportunity to try most of their product line and this sunscreen spray is one of my favorites! Not only does it smell like you’re on a tropical vacation, it’s easy to apply and it’s very effective. No sunburns with this spray as long as you use correctly and reapply throughout the day! You can read more about how to properly apply sunscreen here! 

#6: Meyer’s: Lavender Hand Soap

I love that this hand soap not only smells great, it’s also about 98% natural and is made with essential oils, aloe vera gel and olive oils! My hands don’t feel dry after I wash them now!

#7: Lavanila: The Healthy Deodorant-Pure Vanilla

You can read up on natural deodorants here! I love Lavanila and highly recommend! The smell is delicious, too! You can find it at Sephora, but I prefer to order on Amazon. I have received a few that were dried out upon opening, so a. make sure you order before you’re completely out and b. it’s usually easy to exchange for a newer one.

#8: Nature’s Gate: Coconut Lotion

I was given a sample of the this lotion to try a few months back and fell in love with the scent and the way it moisturized my skin. It has a coconut water base, so it’s not oily at all. It’s lightweight and makes your skin feel super hydrated–basically like baby skin. By now, you can tell that I love tropical scents that make me feel like I’m on vacation! It took me months to find this Coconut Lotion online or on the shelf! I ended up picking up a bottle that I keep on my desk at Sprouts. I should probably stock up on more ASAP! It’s Vegan, Non GMO, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Mineral Oil Free, Petrolatum Free, Butylene Glycol Free, PEG Free, Cruelty Free.

#9: Colour Pop: Clueless Ultra Matte Lip Gloss & Contempo Lip Pencil

Colour Pop is manufactured by the same company as Kylie Jenner’s Lip Kits and sold at a fraction of the cost! Colour Pop Lip Gloss and Pencil costs $11 plus shipping, but they offer Free Shipping on orders over $30. I am not a big lip stick or lip gloss person. I don’t like the feeling of something on my lips and especially if it’s flavored! I recently tried Colour Pop at my friend’s Bachelorette Party in Vegas and loved the way it made my lips look! I’m obsessed now! My friend had me try Bianca and the BFF lip pencil in Vegas and I loved it! Unfortunately, when I went to order that color was out of stock, but I got Clueless, Solow and StingRAYE instead and like them all!  They instantly dry on your lips and will last all day even through meals and drinks! Whenever I wear lipstick, I’m always self-conscious (especially, if it’s through a lunch or dinner) that it’s running all over my face, but not with Colour Pop! I like how they also recommend they right pencil that goes with the gloss, which is something that you don’t get at the drugstore when you’re shopping for lip colors.

#10: SkinCeuticals: Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

If there is one thing I don’t mess around with it’s sunscreen for my face. Sun damage causes premature aging, sun spots and it’s something that can definitely be avoided with the use of a daily sunscreen. I’ve been applying sunscreen daily for about 6 years now and with all the sun exposure I get just driving around, I can definitley tell it’s been working! I’ve been using this SkinCeuticals sunscreen for the past year and love how smooth it glides on. It’s not thick or oily and since it’s tinted, you don’t have a “white” ghostly layer when you apply. The SPF of 50 is perfect and I’m more confident knowing I’m protecting my skin from major damage with it. One thing to note is that a lot of BB creams and primers also have SPF protection, as well. Personally, I prefer to apply a product like this one that has one purpose–to protect your skin from the sun. Any other products or makeup I apply after I just see as an added plus!

#11: SkinCeuticals: Daily Moisture

I started using this moisturizer back in June and just love how silky smooth it is. I apply morning and night, now after the B5 Gel and before applying the sunscreen above (#10). I can tell how hydrated my skin is especially during these warm summer months. A little goes a long way, so it’ll definitely last me about 3 months. Skinceuticals has amazing products that I do believe are a step up from what you may find at Sephora or at department stores.

#12: Too Faced: Born This Way Foundation

I love the coverage this fundation gives me. It applies on super smooth and doesn’t cake unless you over apply! I had been using Makeup Forever HD for a few years and wanted to switch to something with more coverage, but that was still lightweight. Thanks to fellow Trojan and Beauty Guru, Teni Panosian, and her recommendations, I decided to give this foundation a try and love it! I was in between two colors and went with the lighter one back in May. Since my face is tanner now in the summer, I mix it together with a slighter darker Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, which works for me. I should go get the darker shade of Born This Way, but I’ll wait until I run out of my current stock!

I hope these Strong Girl recommendations help you if you’re looking for new products to try! Please share your favorites with me or if you love any of these above in the comments below! xoxo