5 Winter Beauty Favorites

Hello friends, Happy Tuesday! How was your weekend?

Can you believe it? I finally went to Six Flags! I've had my annual membership (same as annual pass, except you pay monthly) for about two years now and I didn't go once! Terrible waste of money... But every time I thought about canceling, I would tell myself, I'm gonna go, I'm gonna go. And I didn't... Anyways, it was great to be back, although my tolerance for roller coasters has decreased significantly - I was screaming like a baby! We also didn't check park hours, since it usually closes at 9PM on Saturdays. Turns out, they closed at 6PM, so we only went on 4 rides. Good thing they are now open every day this year, so I guess I'll have to hold on to my membership a little longer to go on more rides, right? ;)

Although it rarely feels like winter in So-Cal, my skin seems to demand more attention this time of the year. So today, I rounded up 5 beauty favorites that keep me moisturized and glowy in the winter months. Btw, if you haven't read last week's posts on beauty lessons I've learned in my late 20's, you can scroll down the page or click to read Part I and Part II here!


1. Heritage Store Activated Charcoal Toothpaste Paste ($8.34 via Amazon):
Credit: Amazon (left)
I'm pretty familiar with charcoal face products in terms of deep cleaning, but I've never thought I could use charcoal on my teeth! With all the wine I've had during the holiday season, I sure need some teeth whitening! ;) Before this toothpaste, I was using this My Magic Mud Activated Charcoal Tooth Powder, which I saw at my local TJ Maxx one day. Oh my goodness, it gets all over the sink! Okay, maybe I wasn't used to brushing my teeth with a powder. The results were nice, but I think it's time to look for a less messy option.

I came across this toothpaste ($5.99 at TJ Maxx) a few weeks ago and it's so much better! It foams up and has the same minty flavor like a regular toothpaste, except it's black. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly and check yourself in the mirror after, or use it in the shower! I use it every night (regular toothpaste in the morning) and I've definitely noticed a difference. Unfortunately, this is the only charcoal toothpaste I've ever used, so I can't comment on how it compares to others. But it works well for me and I would repurchase if TJ Maxx still carries it!

I saw this was new from Josie Maran and picked it up during the November VIB Rouge sale (after trying out a sample of course!). Fun Fact: Josie Maran is one of the first brands I used when I switched to more natural/clean products. Anyways, it's perfect for this time of the year to add a little moisture and a nice sheen to your skin. It's mostly argan oil with some shimmer (mica) mixed in, so you have to shake it up before use. It also has a little bit of lavender oil and lemongrass oil, which smells very zen to me. I apply this on my face after sunscreen and also bring it down my neck and collarbone. Just remember, like any oil, a little bit goes a long way! :)

3. Becca Après Ski Glow Face Palette ($46, on sale!):
Credit: Sephora
Credit: Sephora

First of all, the packaging is beautiful. Secondly, I think it's a versatile palette that can work for the holidays and year-round. These shades are pigmented, easy to blend, and you are getting a good amount of product here. I like the two new highlights in this palette. "Rose Quartz" is a little more subtle than other shimmering skin perfectors and "Icicle" really gives you that icy, frosted sheen. For blush, I like using "Winter Berry" on its own, or mixing it with "Blushed Copper" for a more bronzy look. I already own "Blushed Copper" in the full size.and it's one of my favorite blushes for summer. There are so many ways to play around with this palette and you can also use them as eye shadows.

Like the videos I shared about Becca at the end of my last post, this isn't going to be vastly different from  the Chrissy Teigen palette ($46). Only the two highlighters are truly "new" here. Overall, I enjoyed this palette and think it's a good buy at the sale price, but it's up to you to decide if you need this in your collection.

4. Lano Rose Hand Cream:
1oz: $15 via AnthropologieUlta; 4oz: $20 via AnthropologieUlta

Credit: Anthropologie
A good hand cream is a staple for me in the winter months. I got this hand cream duo gift set ($24) from Anthropologie towards the end of last year and I've been carrying it in my bag every day. It sinks in fast and instantly plumps your skin. The packaging is long and skinny, perfect to carry in any handbag. This hand cream is a savior for my hands and I've got my mom and a co-worker addicted to it too! I recently saw it also comes in a bigger size (4 oz) for only $5 more, so I'm considering getting one for the office.

5. The Innate Life Rose Hair Elixir ($15 for 10ml; $32 for 30ml):

Full size (30ml) shown
I discovered this product (the mini size) from a past Vegan Cuts Beauty Box. I'm not subscribed to them anymore, but I still browse the site occasionally and get any past box that has products I want to try. My first impressions were: Well, I knew I was getting 10ml, but this thing is tiny! How is it worth $15? It won't last me more than 2 uses! And boy, was I wrong...

First of all, the scent is divine! It smells like real roses, maybe because they use evening primrose oil in it. Secondly, it's a combination of 15 organic oils, so it's very concentrated. I find 3 - 4 drops are enough for me and I have quite a bit of hair! Whether I use this as a last-step for my overnight curls or just smoothing out my hair before a top knot, it tames any frizz, adds a little moisture and shine, and leaves a nice subtle rose scent. I've been using it every day since I got it and I'm obsessed!

Side Note: I've only used this on dry hair in between washes. I've been using the Briogeo Rosarco line , so I use this oil and this leave-in conditioning spray after I wash my hair. 

So now, I use the mini one for traveling and I still have half left. I ordered the full size and some other products to try during their Black Friday and after-Christmas 20% off. If you are interested in trying out the brand at a discount, I recommend following them on Instagram, which is how I knew about the 20% off.


So these are the products that I've been using and loving for the winter months. I hope you'll give them a go, if you are looking to try something new!

Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day! :)

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