Q:Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?
Ever since high school, I’ve relied on my friends who are beauty product addicts to help me in the makeup department. I didn’t even start wearing mascara until I was out of college, if you can believe that! (Dark lashes are a blessing.) Only in the past few years have I really become more aware of beauty products and trends. When it comes to skin care, I really like to stick with what I love. But, I also know it’s good to switch things up, so I try to experiment here and there with new products. I love samples! I think they hate me at Nordstrom – I’m forever asking for little trial sizes of everything.
Q:What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?
I basically have combination skin, so I look for products that really moisturize but aren’t oily. Which sometimes feels incredibly impossible. I also have to adjust all my products for the different seasons, which makes things a bit complicated! I try to go fairly natural with most of my products when I can.
Q:What is your top beauty secret or product?
Well, facials are always a fantastic thing, but as far as a product goes, I would say my favorite ‘secret’ is Face Oasis by H2O(1).
When I spend a serious night out on the town (as I will be doing this weekend in Vegas!) I slather this on to ensure my skin wakes up not only hydrated but actually feels more firm: I swear it’s magic!
Q:Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?
I’ve always been a fan of Origins, and I swear by their Checks & Balances Facewash(2). Every time I switch to something else I regret it. It’s an absolute must for anyone with combination skin.
I also love anything from Dr. Brandt. His products are fantastic, they smell soooooo yummy and they work! ALL of them! But they are a little pricey. So, if you’re going to indulge, I recommend the microdermabrasion(3). It’s the best I’ve found.
One of the biggest issues with my skin is that it does get super sensitive from time to time and that means redness! My favorite product for fighting those days is from Rodan+Fields ‘Soothe’ line(4) – it’s a wonderful anti-irritant cream. I’ve also found that Aveeno’s Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer(5) can do the trick on a more daily basis.
Q:If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?
My Laura Mercier liner(1)
My Hourglass lipgloss in Verse (or any fairly nude colored gloss)(2).
And, even though I’ve had a million people tell me to stop using it, I’m addicted to BareMinerals foundation(3). It just works well on me. Other ones get soooo greasy by the end of the day!
Other than that – I just layer on black mascara and I’m good to go!
Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?
Laura Mercier Satinee Creme Eye Colour makes for a fantastic eye base with just a bit of shimmer(2).
I didn’t really mention any hair products (that’s a whole other category for me!) But, I really do love the Frederik Fekkai Glossing Spray(3). It really creates a shiny finish without being oily. It’s a must for putting the final touch on my hair, whether I’m wearing it curly or straight!
Thanks so much Cassandra for joining us today and sharing your beauty secrets! I absolutely love the Origins Checks and Balances too & will definitely put the H2O Face Oasis on my wishlist, it sounds divine!
(images from corresponding links)
