May Beauty Favorites

Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C BB Serum  |  philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar  |  Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser  |  Sephora Collection Precision Pore Cleansing Pad  |  Murad Pore Reform™ Skin Smoothing Polish  |  philosophy Total Matteness Oil-Free Mattifying Pore Eraser  |  Drybar Sake Bomb Shampoo  |  Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara

Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C BB Serum

With listed ingredients such as “wild Arctic Cloudberry” and “encapsulated Vitamin C”, it’s hard not to try this serum. After using the serum, I saw noticeably brighter skin and my face felt moisturized the next morning when I touched it.

philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar

I’ve been wanting to try this product forever, and I finally got around to purchasing a smaller size (to see if I liked it before splurging on the larger one). This super moisturizing product is so lightweight — I applied it to my skin and barely felt it at all. It’s also free of parabens and sulfates, so I feel good about putting it on my skin. Plus, for every product sold, philosophy will contribute 1% of sales to the hope and grace fund, which works to support mental health and well-being. 

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

I’ve never used Murad products in my life until recently. To be honest, I thought they were a brand that was only for people with really bad skin, so I didn’t feel like I needed to shell out the money to try them. But after receiving some samples, I have definitely changed my mind. This exfoliating cleanser lasted forever and kept my skin free of any blemishes or flare-ups.

Sephora Collection Precision Pore Cleansing Pad

File this tool under “things I bought because they were cheap and looked cool”. I use this pore cleansing pad every-other-time I wash my face with a cleanser. It massages my skin gently and really works to get the product in the areas I want it to. It’s rubbery and easy to clean, so I keep it hanging in my shower caddy for easy use.

Murad Pore Reform™ Skin Smoothing Polish

I’ve been using this skin polish as an exfoliator bi-weekly for the past few weeks and it’s doing the job. Although I wish it smelled better (maybe I assume because it’s pink, it should smell like candy or strawberries or something?), I can’t complain on the effectiveness.

philosophy Total Matteness Oil-Free Mattifying Pore Eraser

The one skin problem I do have is large, noticeable pores. At first I thought that I had clogged pores, but after trying a million products for that, I realized that my pores were in fact clean. But even though the pores are clean, they are still noticeable and large (however, not as noticeable as if they were clogged with dirt!) I’ve been using this product for two months now and have noticed a slight reduction in the appearance of the pores shape and size. I’ll continue to use the serum (you just apply a few tiny drops per day on your pore problem areas) until it runs out and report back on the effectiveness.

Drybar Sake Bomb Shampoo

This. Smells. Heavenly. I’ve never been to the Drybar before — I know, I’m a terrible blogger aren’t I? — but when I eventually do, I will be requesting that they use this on my hair. It left my hair feeling soft and silky, and I will definitely be repurchasing.

Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara

This mascara’s formula is thick and luscious in the tube, but doesn’t translate into spider lashes like you think it might. It left my lashes feel hydrated and super dark (blacker than usual, even though I generally used a “black” or  “black brown” mascara).