Beauty Favorites: What’s In My Medicine Cabinet

I receive so many questions about what skincare products I use. I've a few blog posts (here, here, and here) on my routine over the years. I am very regimented when it comes to taking care of my skin. I NEVER go to sleep without washing my face and make sure to find the time to take care of my skin. With that said I have very sensitive skin and gravitate toward brands such as Caudalie, Fresh, Boscia, Lush, and Olehenriksen that don't irritate my sensitive skin. I buy majority of my skincare products from Sephora and it has paid off because now I have VIB Rouge status which means free shipping!!!

Here are a few of my favorite products that I keep in my medicine cabinet:

Purity Made Simple Cleanser // I've been using this cleanser since I was 20 years old! This product is a 10-year Allure Reader's Choice award product! I absolutely love it. All the women in my family use this cleanser and absolutely love it. I use this in the AM and PM to cleanse my skin. I use the product in combination with my Clarisonic Mia Fit to cleanse my skin.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O // This product is a must! It is a water based makeup remover. I use this product to remove my makeup before washing my face. Just dab the product on a cotton pad and wipe off makeup before cleansing. Pro tip - if you are traveling to France go to a local pharmacy and stock up on this product! It is a lot cheaper in Europe! My sister was in Paris last summer and I had her stock up on this product for me.

Lush Tea Tree Water // I use this toner at night after washing my skin. The ingredients are all natural and the tea tree helps with blemishes. 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir // This product is extremely versatile. It can be used as a toner, to set makeup, or even mid day for that extra skincare boost. I keep this elixir in my bag during travels and spray on long airplane rides to hydrate my skin.

Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel // This is an amazing exfoliating product. I use the product about 2-3 times a week to exfoliate my skin. Be sure to apply the product on dry skin and gently exfoliate in circular motion. You can see the dead skin coming off and it leaves your skin feeling super soft.

Dove Deodorant // I've a Dove girl. I've been using their deodorant since high school!

Boscia Pore Purifying Charcoal Strips // Who doesn't love a good nose strip? This charcoal one from Boscia is amazing! I use the product once a week. 

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Lotion // This past summer I switched to this lotion for AM skincare routine. I received a sample of this with one of my Sephora orders and loved it! I have combination skin and this lotion doesn't leave my skin oily. I love how lightweight it is and a little goes a long way!

Olehenriksen Truth Serum // Ever since I added this Vitamin C serum to my skincare routine about 3 years ago my skin has been a game changer. This product works so well that I feel comfortable leaving the house with no foundation or tinted moisturizer. It's a bit pricey but a little goes a long way.

Olehenriksen Invigorating Night Transformation Gel // I loved the Vitamin C serum so much that I had to try the night gel as well. I purchased the 3 little wonders set to try out all the products. The product is anti aging, reduces fine lines, and helps with even tone. I'm all about preventative skincare thereforeI will take all the anti aging products I can!

Olehenriksen Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer  // I use this moisturizer in the PM after the Transformation Gel. I find it super moisturizing and improves my skin tone. 

Caudalie Vine[Activ] Energizing and Smoothing Eye Cream // Over the summer I had a facial in NYC at Caudalie (see here) and my aesthetician recommended this product. I have been using it since July and really like it. I don't have really bad dark eye circles or wrinkles - which is probably because I have been using eye cream since I was 23 years old. 

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion // This product is my secret weapon against blemishes!! I have great self control when it comes to acne and blemishes and don't pick it. As soon as I feel I am getting a blemish I dab a little bit of this drying lotion on at night and it zaps it away! I swear by this product and always take it with me on trips for times when my skin decides to misbehave. 

Olaplex No.3 // This is the only hair product I have in my medicine cabinet. My hair stylist recommended this hair repairing treatment once a week to keep my hair healthy. I love this product and use it a few times a month to give my hair that extra boosts it needs.

Rose Salve Lip Balm // This is one of my favorite lip balms and I've been using it since high school! I have multiple tins of the rose salve in my work bag, around the apartment, in the car etc. 

Sara Happ Lip Scrub // I have shared my love for The Lip Scrub on my blog several times (see here). This product was life changing for me. I never used to wear lipstick because I had chronic dry chapped lips. I have an entire lip care routine and it has been working great for me! If you are someone who suffers from dry lips and has used every product in the sun and nothing works - I highly recommend trying this lip scrub! 

Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy // I use this lip serum during the winter when my lips are super dry. In combination with the lip scrub and lip conditioner this product really helps in keeping my lips moisturized.

Caudalie Lip Conditioner // This is another product that I would recommend stocking up if you are traveling or find yourself in France since it is a lot cheaper! My sister got me a year supply and I can't thank her enough for it.

Clarisonic Mia Fit // I've been using a Clarisonic since 2011 and it has been a game changer for my skin. I truly feel that it is an integral part of why my skin looks as good as it does. Just like how an electric toothbrush cleans your teeth better than a manual brush - a Clarisonic cleanses your skin way better!

Caudalie Glycolic Peel // I recently received this product in one of my sephora orders and have added it to my skincare routine. I use it once a week.

Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream // This is another product I picked up over the summer and love it! Once a week, usually on Sundays, I give myself at home facial and this products is part of my regimen. I apply the buffing cream on my skin after cleansing and use my Clarisonic to buff the product out.

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask // This gold mask is so extra and I love it! I've been using it for almost three years. It is a really moisturizing product and truly hydrates my skin! It's a must during the colder winter months.

Glamglow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment // I am obsessed with Glamglow skincare products. My favorite product is the Tinglefoliate Treatment. I normally by the masks in sets and the Thirstymud is the only one that I currently have left. I need to restock my supply, I'm looking at ordering this one once I finish the product.

These products I use on a daily basis but sadly don't fit in my medicine cabinet but I have to share them since they are a staple in my skincare routine:

Fresh Rose Floral Toner // This is the toner I use for my AM skincare routine. I go back and forth between this toner and the Mario Badescu Rose Facial Spray. They are both amazing toners and should be used after cleansing. Also the rose smell is wonderful!

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream // I've been using this product since 2012! I have very dry skin during the colder months and use this product in the PM to hydrate my skin. I also use this product on tropical vacations when I'm in the sun a lot to restore and hydrate my skin. My mom also uses this cream and she is obsessed with how moisturizing it is. It's definitely a game changer!

Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil // This is another product I picked up over the summer in NYC after my facial. I use this on days when I have a full face of makeup in order to remove it all. It's really gets rid of everything and it gentle on the skin!

Avene Thermal Spring Water // I am obsessed with this product. My cousin got me hooked on it! I use it for anything and everything. Anytime I have a skin sensitivity, redness, after shaving etc. This is a multi purpose products and it's amazing. This is another product that I would recommend stocking up if you are traveling or find yourself in France since it is a lot cheaper!

I use a variety of products and these are just some products I'm currently using and love!

November Birchbox

Unboxing my November Birchbox today! The theme for this month's box is "Ready for Kickoff" and all the products are geared to helping you prep for the holiday season ahead!

I was very excited to try the Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Contour Gel-Cream since I am obsessed with anything Vitamin C related! I love the consistency of the product and have been using it non stop since I received my box. I am a huge fan of the Stila brand - I have a ton of their liquid lipsticks and eyeliner - therefore I was excited to try the HUGE extreme lash mascara. I really liked the mascara and layered it on for a dramatic look. I'm not a huge BB cream person but I liked trying out the COOLA BB+ Cream which also has SPF 30. I use the COOLA brand SPF and love the product since it's not sticky like other sunscreen products. There were two hair products in my box this month, Briogeo Rosarco Blow Dry Creme and label.m Diamond Dust Leave-In Creme. I always keep those around for travel therefore haven't used them yet!

Want to try Birchbox? Sign up here to receive your monthly box of goodies!

October Birchbox

Happy Halloween! Today I'm unboxing my October Birchbox beauty treats of the month!

The theme for this month's box is Behind the Scenes - the items focused on products that are beauty's hardworking secret weapons. The Hydromemory Cream Gel is a super rich moisturizer that doubles the dose of moisturizer which is perfect for dry skin in the colder months. The OUAI Rose Hair & Beauty Oil is a lovely oil spray that can be used from head to toe! I've been using it non stop on my skin before bed. The Lipstick Queen Lip Liner, I received in Nude, is a wonderful lip liner to add to your lip routine. I personally LOVE using lip liners to get the perfect pout and this one paired well with my neutral lipstick shades. I'm all about sheet masks therefore I was super excited to try the Purlisse Green Tea mask - it is amazing! My skin felt so rich and moisturized after using it. Lastly is the Liquid glow milk highlighter. I normally used powder highlighter but it was fun to switch up to liquid. A little goes a long way with this product and delivers a sparkly highlight!

All the items can be found on Birchbox and you can always sign up to receive a monthly Birchbox here!

Thanks for stopping by!

KORRES Yoghurt Body Butter

Firming & Anti-Wrinkle Body Butter and Berries Firming & Anti-Wrinkle Body Butter c/o

Let's talk skin! I have ridiculous dry skin during fall and winter and regular lotion doesn't cut it for me. I'm a huge fan of body butter because it keeps my skin extremely moisturized. The first KORRES product I ever bought was the Lip Butter to cure my chapped lips - thanks to my Sephora gal who recommended it. I truly love the brand and have been using the product non stop for the past 5 years. KORRES uses natural formula and their products work well with my sensitive skin.

I was very excited to try the new Yoghurt Firming & Anti-Wrinkle Body Butter. I've been using the body butter non stop since I received it and it's amazing!! First off both the products smell amazing and second a little goes a long way. I moisturize as soon as I get out of the shower and at night. The body butter is extremely moisturizing that I don't need to apply it multiple times throughout the day. If I had to choose one favorite it is definitely the Berries Firming & Anti-Wrinkle Body Butter because of the scent! 

September Birchbox

Unboxing my September BirchBox today! The theme for this month's box is "Your Time to Shine" in honor of customer appreciation month! All the products included in this month's box is about helping your routine be easier and a little more fun.

I was really excited about all the products I received this month because they are products I use pretty much every day! I'm a huge fan of Origins and love the products because it doesn't irritate my skin. I've used the Origins Frothy Face Wash before and this sample is perfect for travel size. I instantly added it to my toiletry kit for my upcoming travels. I was really excited to try the Arrow Brightener pencil. I added it to my morning make up routine and it really made a difference. I lined the inside of my bottom lashes and inner corners with the liner and it really added an extra brightness to my eyes. Especially on those nights that I went to bed late due to Netflix binge watching. The MAC cosmetics mascara was a great sample to get - you can never have too many mascara samples around! I'm not a big lipgloss person, therefore I gave the sample to my mom and she really loves it. She mentioned it was very moisturizing and long lasting.

As always you can sign up for a monthly BirchBox subscription here!

Caudalie Skincare Haul

While I was in NYC in July I had an amazing facial at Caudalie Boutique on Bleecker - thanks to my sister for treating me! I've been using Caudalie products for a few years and I love the brand!! Last summer when my sister was in Paris I had her stock up on the Beauty Elixir and Lip Conditioner for me! My aesthetician, Natasha, recommended the Vin[Activ] Glow & Anti-Wrinkle facial that focused on radiance and luminosity. Honestly my skin was radiant after the facial - I didn't even put makeup on for dinner that night! I felt all the summer pollution was lifted from my skin, everything was evened out, and I was glowing!

I stocked up on a few products and I've been using them for a solid three weeks and wanted to share them today on the blog! I promise this is not a sponsored post, I'm a huge fan of the brand and have been using the precuts for many years now. I have very sensitive skin therefore I can only use products with natural ingredients.

// Beauty Elixir // I've been using this product for about 4 years now and absolutely love it! There is no wrong way to use this product. It can be used as a toner, to set makeup, or even a mid-day pick me up. I especially love taking this product on my travels and having it on the airplane during long flights. It really gives your skin that extra boost!

// Vine[Activ] Energizing and Smoothing Eye Cream // This product was recommended to be during my facial. I haven't found an eye cream that I'm satisfied with therefore I was open to trying this one. I thankfully don't have bad dark circles or wrinkles, but I use this product as a preventative measure. A little goes a long way! I like this because it's not heavy like most eye creams normally are.

// Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil // I never go to sleep without taking my makeup off. The first thing I do when I get home from work, if I'm not going out, is actually take my makeup off! I normally use a make-up wipe before using my cleanser and clarisonic brush. This product is very easy to use and effective at getting all my mascara off! The aesthetician recommending using two pumps of it to cleanse my entire face and follow up with my cleanser and clarisonic. It really does get all the make-up off and gives me that added step of facial cleansing.

// Deep Cleansing Exfoliator // This product is wonderful for sensitive skin! You get the deep cleanse and super clean skin without irritation of sensitive skin. For an extra tip the Caudalie aesthetician recommended applying the exfoliator twice a week and going over it with a Clarisonic to really get the product to work effectively and deep clean your pores.

// French Kiss Tinted Lip Balm // I am obsessed with the Caudalie Lip Conditioner, I have one at work, one in each purse, and one on my nightstand. I have chronic dry lips and this is the only thing that works for me. I was excited to hear about the tinted lip balm that is even more moisturizing than the lip conditioner. I picked up the shade seduction, a rose pink, and love it!!

What are you favorite Caudalie products?!

July Birchbox

The July Birchbox theme is One-Two-Punch! All the products are one in two combos to get you out of the door as quickly as possible this summer. My sample choice product was the Jouer Cosmetics Lip Enhancer. The brand has amazing lip products and I was excited to try this moisturizing lip enhancer. 

Next up is the Klorane dry shampoo, which I am a total fan of. I'm not big on dry shampoos in my normal day to day but when I travel I always pack one and this one in particular is absorbs the oil and doesn't leave a white residue. The Avene Cleanance Expert is a makeup base that moisturizes and matifies during these hot summer days. I LOVE the Avene bran and this product is as amazing as the rest of ones I have. The Milk Makeup Highlighter is quickly become a favorite of mine! I normally don't like stick highlighters but this one is super hydrating and goes on smoothly for all day highlight! The charcoal detox pore cleanser was new to me and I really like trying it out. I love any product that has charcoal and cleanses my pores. After one use I felt that all the makeup and yuckiness from the hot day was striped away and my skin was glowing!

All the products can be found on Birchbox!

Vintage Rose

Velvet Lip Crayon in Vintage Rose c/o

I love a good lip color as much as the next girl. My summer makeup routine consists of tinted moisturizer, mascara, blush, and lipstick. I almost never leave the house without lipstick! I've been wearing this beautiful rose shade by VINTAGE non stop to work. It's the perfect color to get you through a 9-5 work day, and super long lasting. The lip crayon can be worn alone or paired with the sparkling lipgloss for a beautiful layering look. The best part is that the lip crayon comes with it's very own pencil sharpener which is very convenient!

Have a lovely day!

May Birchbox

Unboxing my May Birchbox today! The theme for this month's box is "Low Effort, High Impact." The products included are effortless and deliver big results!

My sample choice was the MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream. I was super excited to try this product! I've heard so many things about strobbing and really wanted to test this out. I'm not sure if I'm using it correctly, need to watch a few more YouTube videos, but I do see a strobe effect when using the product. The item I immediately used as soon as I got my BB was the pomegranate face mask! It definitely made my skin glow and feel super moisturized after using the sheet mask. I am obsessed with sheet masks and this one was fun to try. I've been using the mascara non-stop since I got it! There have been many mornings where I skip eyeliner and just go with loads of mascara on my lashes, this one definitely gives my lashes that wow factor! I really love using the OUAI wave spray. I'm not a huge hair product person, I generally let my hair air day 90% off the time. I've been spritzing this product after showering and love the texture it gives my hair. I also have to mention that it smells amazing!!

All the items can be found on birchbox! If you are new to BB and would like to sign up for a monthly subscriptions, sign up here!

Dewey Skin

Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter

I enjoy trying out new makeup products! Recently Influenster was kind enough to send me the new Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter to try out. At first I was a bit skeptical because I didn't know if my skin would break out or my pores would be clogged - I'm very picky about new face products - however thankfully none of that occurred! I've been using this product since the beginning of April and I absolutely have noticed a difference in my skin and how it "glows" when I mix in the highlighter with my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. I can notice a difference in my photos and the general freshness of my makeup when I mix in the Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter with my tinted moisturizer. I've had so many people compliment me at work that I look refreshed, even in 9am meetings! 

I mix a small bit, pea size, into my tinted moisturizer and then apply to my face with a brush. For extra highlight you can apply the highlighter with a beauty blender on your cheekbones or bridge of your nose to get that extra glow factor. A little bit goes a long way with this product in my opinion. To seal the look for all day wear I make sure to set my face with the Laura Mercer Translucent Setting Powder and that manages to keep my tinted moisturizer on all day with minimal shine in my t-zone area. 

Shop the post below!

April Birchbox

Sharing my April Birchbox on the blog today! For those of you who are new, Birchbox is monthly subscription services that sends you 5-6 products ranging from beauty, hair, skincare, and lifestyle. Each month's box has a theme, this month's theme was Inside Out. Products that were chosen for this month's box included hand picked products with superstar ingredients that help you look and feel your best - inside and out!

For my sample choice item I picked the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream. I was excited to try this cream since it is targeted specifically for redness, blemishes, and inflammation. From time to time I get random spots on my face, especially with the weather changes, and I was interested in trying this cream out. I've used it for a couple days on some red spots I developed on my forehead and it definitely has reduced the redness. The Beauty Crop GRLPWR Liquid Lipstick was a fun addition to my makeup bag. I got the Imma Bawse shade which is a nice deep red. I wore it a few times to work and received many compliments on it. I haven't had a chance to try the HUM Nutrition Powder, but I am super excited to give it a chance. I've never tried these superfood powders therefore I'm intrigued to give it a go! The Sumbody Body Soap smells absolutely amazing!! As soon as I opened my box I could smell the lavender. I've been using it nonstop! 

As always all the items can be found online at Birchbox. If you are interested in trying out Birchbox you can signup here. 

Have  a lovely day!

Must Have MAC Lipstick

I constantly get asked about my lipstick shades and which ones I use! Today I am sharing all the details on my favorite MAC lipstick shades. This is definitely not a sponsored post and all these lipsticks are mine from over the years. Majority of my lipsticks are MAC because I like the colors and they don't dry my lips out. I have a few shades from YSL and Chanel which I love but my I always come back to my MAC colors. 

MAC has a few types of lipsticks finishes: Amplified Creme, Cremesheen , Lustre, Matte, Satin, and Metallic. I have a variety of amplified creme, cremesheen, matte, and satin lipsticks. My favorites are the amplified creme lipsticks because they are rich in color and have a high quality finish to them. My number one favorite matte lipstick is hands down Ruby Woo paired with a Cherry liner, it is truly the most flattering and perfect red lip!

Pinks || Flat Out Fabulous (Matte) | Girl About Town (Amplified Creme) | Please Me (Matte) | Candy Yum Yum (Matte)

Red || Ruby Woo (Matte)

Coral || Vegas Volt (Amplified Creme)

Purples || Up the Amp (Amplified Creme) | Rebel (Satin)

Nudes || Velvet Teddy (Matte) | Shy Girl (Cremesheen)

The newest addition to my lip color collection is the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick. I picked up the shade Slipper Orchid and To Matte With Love for my sister's wedding last summer. These colors are AMAZING. They stayed on all date and I didn't even have to touch up after dinner. The color doesn't move at all. I pair the liquid lipstick with the Pro Longwear Lip Liner for a perfect combo.

The lipstick holder pictured is from Anthropologie, got it last year, this is the new version in stock.

Spring is in the Air

Spring is definitely in the air and I'm in total spring mode and revamping all aspects of my closet and beauty must-haves and exploring new local shops around the Baltimore area! B. Willow recently opened up shop their very own shop in Remington and I finally had a chance to pop in with my dear friend Katie to check it out. The store is stocked with lushes plants, succulents, citrus trees, and much much more! 

I also have a habit of updating my beauty and skincare routine based on the season, just to switch things up and get in the season. I'm addicted to eos hand lotion and lip balms. I probably have ten of these laying around between by apartment, work, and handbags. I love the spring pack pastel spring hand lotion colors and can't gush enough about the scents - berry blossom, delicate petals, and cucumber - which are just amazing! The coconut milk lip balm is by far my favorite, mostly because it's pretty and pink! They seriously are the best!! Have you tried them?! If you haven't tried them I highly recommend you run out to your nearest Target or order a pack online. eos is offering a special promo code for ADITL readers which includes free shipping, just use code "SPRINGSHIP509" 

You won't regret it!

eos Spring Packs || eos Hand Lotion Spring Set 

I'm excited about all things spring happening around the city and finally being able to ditch the boots and heavy coats! Just a heads up that Light City Baltimore will begin this Friday March 31-Saturday April 8! Check out my post from last year and stay tuned for a post tomorrow featuring all the new exhibitions. You don't want to miss this year's show - they displays are incredible!

Have a lovely day!

|| Photos by Katie Vee Photography || 

Thank you to eos for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own.