Monthly Beauty Buys: August 2016

It’s been a couple of months since my last monthly beauty buys post. I have been trying out a ton of new skin care products lately. My makeup finds will be next month’s edition.

Today, I am sharing a few skin care products that I have been loving these past few months. All have been great with my skin, providing extra hydration, cleansing and sun protection. A couple of new brands I wasn’t aware of until they were recommended (isn’t that the best!). A couple I have been using for a year or so, but forgot to share with all of you.

One of the ways I discover new products and brands is by word of mouth, social media, other blogs (yay!), online reviews on sites like Sephora or Makeup Alley or chatting up another customer while in the store. Asking for samples is another great way to try something before committing. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for a sample, sometimes they may not carry one, but they might have something different instead.

Monthly Beauty Buys: August 2016

I love these sheet masks from The Face Shop. Inexpensive, a variety of different options for skin type or effect. They also carry the popular character masks like the pig one above. Really cute!

They are so easy to use, I always have a few on hand for those times I’m lazy and want extra serum. Curtis also loves using these because he could care less about washing away a face mask. This way, he can apply the sheet mask, remove it and rub in the extra serum. As I like to tease him, couples that face mask together, stay together haha.

My go-to masks from The Face Shop are the honey, bamboo or acai berry. But this is for my skin care needs, they have many more for anti-aging, dry skin and acne to name a few.

This multi-action hydrating toner really lives up to it’s name from NARS Skin. Instantly feel refreshed, and my makeup glides on.

I use Shiseido Facial Cotton to apply it, I highly recommend these. They are 100% natural and have this wonderful soft, smooth texture. I like to think I would only want the softest, less irritating textures to touch my delicate skin. This applies to face towels and my pillow case, side note, invest in a silk or satin pillowcase. Does wonders for your skin and hair!

Another great product recommended by Amanda at Glow Dermal Therapy. It’s now my daily moisturizer that provides a slight tint (or untinted if you prefer). I take skin care and sun exposure seriously. This to me is a no-brainer product to use.

Elta MD UV Daily Tinted SPF 40 also has hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention and diminish fine lines. And of course it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic.

And lastly, the face mist that I’ve fallen in love with this summer. The Etival Ener-C Mist is found in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart.

It uses MULTI-PRO™, Vitamin C Ester and Ginseng Extract to stimulate cell turnover, improve cell function, facilitate the removal of toxins and increase oxygen availability to the skin. I use this in rotation with my Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Being in my early 30s, I have my anti-aging concerns and this product does the trick.

It also provides a nice moisturizing mist when I’m at work under those fluorescent lights. I seriously wish companies took into mind our anti-aging concerns!

That’s August’s Monthly Beauty Buys! Please share your favourite skin care products with me below in the comments. I love finding new brands to try out, high-end to drug store brands!