10 Beauty Products Every Girl Should Have
We all know we have natural beauty inside and out; it’s just that the outer beauty can always benefit from a little boost, no matter how minimal.
There are a few essential must-haves out there if we want to cast that radiant glow to the world at all times. In addition, using these beauty products is a joy unto itself – a little refuge in your day when you can do something just for you. But it’s not just about the face and hair – feet, arms, legs and hands count, too!
We’ve selected some crucial items that should be in any woman’s beauty collection. The brands are up to you, but we’ve taken up the task of assembling some here by way of suggestion. Whatever your choices, relax and enjoy the process – beauty is only skin deep, after all.
Eye Cream
Perhaps one of the most important things you can do for your face is to invest in eye cream, and not just when you start to notice the first signs of crow’s feet and laugh lines. Eye creams are made just for the thin, delicate skin around the eyes to reduce puffiness, smooth lines and even lighten dark circles.
You May Want to Try: Boscia Enlivening Amino AG Eye Treatment
Combines amino acids and antioxidant to hydrate the skin and prevent signs of aging. Vitamin E works to reduce dark circles. Average price: $38
Foot Cream
Our feet can take a lot of abuse. In an average lifetime, we’ll walk 115,000 miles. To help offset the effects of life in between pedicures, slather up every night before bed with a good foot cream. Applying cream at night will give it time to soak in, since you’re not running around. For super dry, cracked feet, consider applying cream and then wearing socks. It will allow the moisture to seep in, without the interruption of sheets.
You May Want to Try: Far Above Rubies Goat Milk Skin Cream
Let’s face it – if this stuff is strong enough to stand up to cracks and dryness during an Alaskan winter, it’s bound to help your tender heels the whole year through. This cream is made without water, and is infused with olive and safflower oils, shea butter, cocoa butter and aloe. In a variety of fun scents, from mocha to peppermint. $9
Cuticle Oil
Using cuticle oil every night before bed is a great way to prevent hangnails and cracked cuticles. Most cuticle oils are a combination of jojoba, lavender, almond tea tree and vitamin E oils. This is a great way to ensure overall nail health.
You May Want to Try: Butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil
Coconut and pineapple scented cuticle oil. Smells good enough to use everyday. $15
Sunscreen
Using a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher is one of your best ways to maintain that beauty and prevent wrinkles and aging. Look for moisturizers and foundations with sunscreens built into them.
You May Want to Try: Mary Kay Timewise Body Hand and Decollete Cream Sunscreen SPF 15
Don’t forget, your hands and upper chest and neck are also exposed to the sun. This formula has Acai berry extracts and pomegranate sterols to help strengthen skin’s barrier against the sun. Reduces appearance of dark spots and gives skin a firmer look. $18
Chapstick/Lip Balm
To keep lips supple and moisturized, no woman should go without a base lip balm or chapstick. With lanolin which serves as an emollient and wax which waterproofs, lip balms provide a barrier for your lips against the environment. A perfect base to any lipstick or gloss!
You May Want to Try: Burt’s Bees Nourishing Lip Balm With Mango Butter
This balm is 100% natural, with mango butter, sunflower and coconut seed oils, rosemary leaf extract and more. Yum. Average price: $3
Moisturizer
A good moisturizer can help nourish your skin, and give it the hydration necessary to have that natural sheen. Plus, it keeps your skin from drying out and dry skin leads to wrinkles. If you have oily or combination skin, you still must moisturize. There are products out there specifically for your skin – look for oil-free moisturizers with salicylic acid.
You May Want to Try: Neutrogena Ageless Essentials Continuous Hydration Moisture SPF 25
From the No. 1 dermatologist-recommended brand, this formula is non-greasy, won’t clog pores and help skin retain moisture all day long, so it feels soft and moisturized every time you touch it. Average price: $11.99
Exfoliant
A good exfoliant helps get rid of those dry skin cells on the surface of the skin that cause skin to look dull. Hint: If you’re exfoliating your face, use a product that is specially formulated for that delicate, sensitive skin.
You May Want to Try: The Body Shop Cranberry Joy Body Scrub
Makes your super soft, and improves microcirculation. Plus, it’s in an invigorating berry scent. $20
Leave-in Conditioner or Damage Spray
Even when you plan to let your hair air dry after stepping out of the shower, don’t assume your hair is out of the danger zone. Applying a leave-in conditioner or other protectant spray helps seal in moisture and gives your hair the extra barrier it needs against the day, even if you are going for the au-natural look.
You May Want to Try: Aveda Brilliant Damage Control
Protects hair against heat styling, combing and the sun’s harmful rays. Good for all types of hair. $15
Face Mask
A weekly face mask can be a healing ritual, in more ways than one. For oily skin, a clay mask can help soak up extra oils, and for dry skin, the hydrating power of an intense moisturizing mask can give skin the nourishment it needs. Plus, you may just let go of some of your stress, while you’re at it.
You May Want to Try: DSM Facial Mud Mask
If you can’t go to the Dead Sea, bring it to you. This mask contains Dead Sea mud and distilled aloe vera to lift away dead skin cells and promote new skin regeneration. Best of all, it works for all skin types. Suggested price: $14.49
Body Spritzer
Whether you’re crawling into bed or coming in from a refreshing walk, it never hurts to have a body splash on hand, for a bit of invigorating, or relaxing scent – your choice.
You May Want to Try: Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Twilight Woods
Just in time for fall, this limited edition scent has hints of berry, mandarin and even coconut, offset with oud wood, vanilla milk and skin musk captive. $12