A Luxuriant Life

Lifestyle Blog

My Favorite Mascara

As a passionate collector of makeup I’ve have tried many different types of mascaras over the years.  Everything that could have been labeled “lifting, volume adding, waterproof, sweatproof, extending, ultra-black, jet black” I tried. I experimented with luxury brands and drugstore brands and still struggled with running mascara, clumpy lashes, fallout, dry and brittle lashes, and minimal volume. I fell in love with the Marc Jacobs mascara and have been using this brand for almost three years. It’s $26 which is still a great price for premium brands, it has a curvy wand and reaches the tiniest lashes for major drama. Its super-concentrated black pigment creates the greatest visual impact along with smudge-proof length and volume.

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My Skincare Routine

The key to beautiful makeup starts with a good skincare routine. As someone who has tried many different products, I think I found the best combination so far which has been working great! Now that I’m in my thirties, I am more mindful of what types of products I use on my face. I love products that have double duty like exfoliating cleansers, anti-aging moisturizers, or primers and foundations with sunblock.

I live in Houston (Texas) where it is super hot and humid for about 98% of the year. In this heat, makeup can slide off your face and moisturizer can get clumpy and clog your pores. 

There are a few things about my skin you should know:

  • I have very large pores 
  • I am susceptible to hyperpigmentation and dark scarring
  • My skin is oily year-round, but I have more dryness in the winter
  • I still experience acne and breakouts related to ingrown hairs
  • I usually use several shades for foundation and concealer as I get really tan in the summer and very light in the winter
  • I have two routines, one for morning and one for night time

Morning Routine

I wash my face with this foaming face wash, its gentle on my skin and hasn’t caused any breakouts or dryness.

I use this toner 

I use this face moisturizer

Night Routine

I usually wear makeup and prefer to have a deep clean. I have fallen deeply in love with this cleanser that erases all traces of makeup. I really wish I had found this cleanser sooner as I may have avoided a lot of breakouts related to clogged pores and leftover makeup! Before using this cleanser, I was really unaware of how much makeup was really left on my face at night. There’s a reason why this cleanser wins awards every year!

I follow this routine with my morning moisturizer followed by a gel eye cream with hyaluronic acid.

One beauty tool that I cannot live without is my facial cleansing brush that helps to remove dirt, makeup, and oil. I bought a package with the standard size and smaller size which is great for traveling!

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My Favorite Hair Products

Hi Dolls! Today I am sharing my favorite hair care products with you! As you can see, this post is devoted to all things hair! Regardless of the climate you live in, these products can work wonders. I live in Houston, and the humidity is unforgiving and Mother Nature really doesn’t care about your hair. It doesn’t matter how many hours you spend curling or straightening it, she will have her way! I like to use products that smell good and work great in your natural hair or if you use extensions, these will work great too.

1) Dry Bar- Dry Conditioner. I actually discovered this gem with the help of my mom who is a Dry Bar regular. I have heard of dry shampoo but never dry conditioner! Who knew!? What I love about this product is that it doesn’t leave that white or powdery film in your hair that makes your dark roots look great. Traditionally, these types of products work great people with blonde hair, but now girls with dark hair can celebrate!

2) Dry Bar- Dry Shampoo. This dry shampoo also has a great smell and doesn’t leave that weird film that makes your hair look ashy and dry.

3) Dry Bar- Hot Toddy and Heat Protectant Spray. Whether you straighten your hair or if you use extensions, this product will protect your hair and style.

4) Its a 10- Miracle Leave-in Plus Keratin. I have used this product for almost five years now. It smells wonderful and dries fast so that you can move on with styling.

5) Hairfinity- Nourishing Botanical Oil. A little bit goes a long way, but it works! I typically use this late at night after a deep conditioning session. The dropper that comes in the bottle makes applying the oil easier and it’s more effective. This product also works well with women who wear protective hairstyles! 

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