Hello again, friends! I hope you’ve been enjoying these final days of summer. I took a little break from writing to soak up two major family milestones—first, we dropped off our oldest at college in Vermont (cue all the emotions!)…
…and shortly after, we celebrated my niece’s beautiful wedding on the shores of Cape Cod. It was a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t trade a second of it! (More on that soon!)
While I’ve been incredibly grateful for these special family moments, my heart has been heavy for those affected by recent natural disasters. The devastation in Houston has been overwhelming—so many families have lost their homes, cars, and even loved ones. A friend of ours has been part of a relief effort, driving an 18-wheeler full of donations from Massachusetts to Texas, and we’ve been following their journey through Facebook Live updates. Seeing the destruction is heartbreaking, but it’s also inspiring to witness people coming together to help.
If you’re looking for a way to contribute, consider making a donation to the American Red Cross to ensure your support goes directly to those in need. We’re also thinking of those in the path of Hurricane Irma, hoping it won’t be as devastating as predicted.
Let’s Talk Beauty!
If you’re in need of a little distraction from heavy news, you’re in the right place!
Today, I’m thrilled to join my co-hosts—Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles, Pam from Simple Details, and Kris from Driven By Decor—for the latest edition of My Five Favorites! We’re especially excited to welcome Cindy from Rough Luxe Lifestyle as our guest host. If you followed my Shine Home Love series last year, you may remember Cindy’s stunning wine room. She and her husband live in California, where she shares interior design projects, fashion, and lifestyle content on her blog. And just look at her garden—it’s straight out of a dream!
Cindy also writes about personal style, and her Ageless Style and Fashion Over Fifty series are must-reads for women of all ages. She is the epitome of chic yet completely down-to-earth, and I’m so happy to have her joining us today as we chat about our essential beauty and fashion products!
The Love of All Things Beauty
I love talking about beauty products with other women—it’s always fascinating to hear what works and what doesn’t. It’s funny because I consider myself fairly low-maintenance (you’re much more likely to find me browsing the tool aisle than shopping for clothes, and I have no problem running errands in paint-stained jeans with my hair in a messy bun), but I’ve always enjoyed little beauty rituals. I love a fresh manicure, a deep-conditioning hair treatment, or a good face mask. And I especially love sharing those moments with my friends and family—whether it’s painting my daughter’s nails, testing out new skincare finds, or swapping product recommendations.
So today, I’m sharing my Five Favorite Beauty Products! These are the tried-and-true items I swear by, and I’d love to hear yours! (This post contains some affiliate links.)
1. Motorized Skin Cleansing Brush
Oh my goodness, I cannot say enough good things about this little skincare tool. A motorized facial brush paired with a good cleanser is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking smooth, fresh, and glowing. I use mine about once or twice a week before bed, and not only does it leave my skin feeling ultra-soft, but it also gives me a mini spa experience right at home. There’s something so satisfying about that deep-clean feeling—it’s a small act of self-care that makes such a difference!
If you don’t have one of these yet, trust me—you need to treat yourself.
I once snapped a (very close-up, slightly blurry) picture of myself using it, and thanks to the magic of bad phone lighting, it conveniently made me look completely wrinkle-free. But in all seriousness, this little device is amazing for gently sloughing off dead skin cells and allowing your moisturizer to work more effectively.
Clarisonic vs. Budget-Friendly Alternatives
When it comes to facial cleansing brushes, Clarisonic was one of the first brands to bring these tools to the market, setting off a skincare revolution. Their devices are highly praised, but with a starting price of $129 for the Mia 1, they are definitely an investment. Since I wasn’t ready to spend that much, I opted for the Olay Pro-X instead, which costs around $30 and even comes with a cleanser.
For a long time, I was happy with it—until I learned about the key difference between these two devices. The Olay Pro-X uses a rotating motion, while the Clarisonic uses oscillation (a back-and-forth movement). At first, I didn’t think much of this distinction, but after doing some research, I realized that rotating brushes can pull at the skin, which is especially concerning around the delicate eye area (cue panic).
After that revelation, I tried a friend’s Clarisonic, and I could immediately tell the difference. It felt much gentler on my face, and it didn’t cause that subtle tugging sensation that I had started to notice with my Pro-X. While I still think both are great, I know that at some point, I’ll be upgrading to a Clarisonic for good—and when that day comes, I’ll happily pass my Olay Pro-X down to my teenage daughter!
(Oh, and did I mention these come in the cutest colors? Because, yes—choosing a fun color for your skincare tools absolutely matters!)
2. The Best Facial Cleanser
Skincare is such a personal journey, isn’t it? What works wonders for one person might not do the same for another. Over the years, I’ve tested countless skincare lines—Arbonne, Rodan + Fields, Clinique, Lancôme, and Epicuren, just to name a few. While I’ve liked several, I’ve found that if a product isn’t truly transformative, it’s hard to justify the expense.
That’s why when I discovered Nelly DeVuyst, I knew I had found something special. After a facial using their products, I was completely blown away by how radiant, hydrated, and fresh my skin looked. The standout product for me? The Cleansing Milk Cellular-Matrix. It’s, without a doubt, my absolute favorite cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and clean without any dryness, and the glow it gives? Unmatched.
At $55 a bottle, it’s definitely a splurge, but I make it last as long as possible by using just a small amount each time. And honestly, for the way it makes my skin feel, it’s worth every penny!
A More Budget-Friendly Option
Because I try to balance high-end beauty buys with more affordable options, I’ve also been alternating my Nelly DeVuyst cleanser with a mid-range favorite—the Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter ($26). I first read about it in a magazine and decided to give it a try, and I have to say, I really like it.
It has a rich yet lightweight texture that foams just enough without being too harsh. I either massage it directly onto my skin or apply it with my cleansing brush for a deeper clean. It removes impurities effectively while keeping my skin hydrated, which is so important—there’s nothing worse than a cleanser that leaves your face feeling tight and stripped. Plus, it has a subtle, pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering.
This combination of alternating between a luxury cleanser and a more mid-range option has been the perfect balance for my routine.
Multi-Purpose Skincare Must-Have
When it comes to makeup removal and hydration, my go-to is something completely natural—homemade coconut oil with vitamin E.
This little DIY beauty essential works wonders as:
An eye makeup remover—melts away mascara effortlessly
A nighttime moisturizer—locks in hydration and leaves skin feeling soft
An all-over body moisturizer—perfect for dry elbows, knees, and hands
I’ve been using this for years, and I absolutely love it! It’s simple, effective, and gives my skin a healthy glow.
3. The Best Hairspray & Mousse for Touchable Hold
When it comes to styling products, I am incredibly picky. I want hold without stiffness, volume without weight, and absolutely zero sticky residue. That’s why, after trying countless brands over the years, I can confidently say that Goldwell makes the best hairspray and mousse on the market—hands down.
I’ve been using Goldwell’s Big Finish Hairspray for ages, but this time, I decided to switch things up and try Magic Finish instead. And let me tell you—both are equally fantastic! At $20 per bottle, it’s definitely pricier than your average drugstore hairspray, but trust me when I say it’s worth every penny.
What makes Goldwell’s hairspray a must-have?
It provides long-lasting hold without making your hair feel crunchy or stiff
It adds just the right amount of volume without looking overdone
It keeps hair soft, touchable, and natural-looking
It works beautifully for keeping unruly bangs in place (trust me, I know this struggle well!)
It’s a lifesaver if you’re dealing with humid weather or, in my case, attending a windy beach wedding where hair tends to have a mind of its own
If you’ve ever struggled to find a hairspray that actually holds your style while still allowing movement, this is the one you need to try.
Goldwell’s Top Whip Mousse – The Secret to Soft, Voluminous Waves
Now, let’s talk about mousse. I know some people avoid mousse because they associate it with stiff, crunchy hair (hello, 90s flashbacks!), but Goldwell’s Top Whip Mousse is a game changer.
I love using it when I want to enhance my natural waves or create soft, loose curls with a curling iron. My go-to routine:
Apply a small amount to damp hair
Let it air dry for a bit to build natural texture
Style with a curling iron for effortless, long-lasting waves
What I love about this mousse is that it doesn’t weigh my hair down, leave behind any weird residue, or have an overpowering scent. Instead, it gives my hair natural-looking volume with a soft, touchable finish. No stiffness, no greasiness—just effortless body and movement.
4. The Tiny Grooming Tool That Saves the Day
Okay, I have zero shame in admitting this—my pen trimmer/shaver is one of my all-time favorite beauty products. And if you don’t have one yet, trust me, you need one in your life.
Because let’s be honest: unwanted hair? Absolutely not.
This little tool is a lifesaver for all the random, annoying hairs that seem to show up at the worst possible times. And I’m not just talking about my own—I’ve used it for my kids, my husband, and let’s be real, I’ve strongly considered handing them out to my parents too. If you have a dad or grandpa with visible nose or ear hair (why do men let this happen?!), do them a favor and casually drop one of these in their hands.
Honestly, I should buy these in bulk and hand them out like party favors.
Why Every Household Needs One
I first bought this for my son when he hit that in-between phase where peach fuzz starts creeping in, but a full-on razor feels like too much. One quick zip, zip and the mini mustache situation was handled in seconds.
Then I realized: this little gadget is a game changer for me too.
It’s perfect for cleaning up fine hairs around my eyebrows between waxes (just be extra careful near your actual brows—nobody wants an accidental eyebrow mishap!)
It’s a last-minute savior for missed shaving spots—you know, when you’re halfway to the beach and realize you forgot a patch on your knee or ankle? Problem solved.
It’s essential for emergency facial hair moments. Ever caught a rogue chin hair in your car’s rearview mirror? (A horror story I know too well!) This takes care of it instantly.
Yes, I 100% keep one in my car for situations exactly like this.
5. The Nail Polish Game-Changer: Quick Dry Top Coat
This product is right up there with my faux-Clarisonic in terms of beauty essentials I can’t live without. Let me introduce you to a lifesaver for anyone who paints their nails at home and doesn’t have the patience to sit around waiting for polish to dry: Essie’s Good to Go Quick Dry Top Coat.
Seriously, who has time to sit still for hours just to let their nails fully cure? Not me. Ever.
I’m constantly using my hands—whether it’s DIY projects, household tasks, or typing away on my laptop—so when I do my nails, I need a fast, reliable top coat that dries quickly and leaves a beautiful, glossy finish. This one checks all the boxes.
Why It’s a Must-Have
Dries in Minutes – I typically paint my nails right before heading out the door, whether for date night, an event, or even just errands. This top coat dries my polish in under 10 minutes—no smudges, no waiting around!
Glossy, Professional Finish – Unlike some quick-dry formulas that leave a dull or slightly uneven texture, Essie’s Good to Go gives a smooth, high-shine finish that looks like a professional manicure.
Perfect for Last-Minute Touch-Ups – If you need to refresh your nails quickly, just swipe on a coat of this, and it gives an instant polished look.
I won’t pretend that this will keep your manicure chip-free for a week (let’s be real—no polish lasts that long if you’re hard on your hands!), but if you need perfect nails for the evening, this is your go-to solution.
Just last night, I had an event to attend. In true me fashion, I remembered to do my nails right before making dinner (because why would I ever do things in advance?). I quickly applied two coats of Essie’s Merino Cool—a gorgeous muted purple-gray shade that’s perfect for early fall.
Then, without waiting, I applied Good to Go. By the time I finished chopping veggies, my nails were completely dry—not tacky at all—and looked flawless.
If I didn’t have this top coat in my beauty stash, I honestly think I’d just give up on painting my nails altogether. The time commitment would be way too much!
What Are Your Favorites?
Before you go, I’d love to hear about your must-have beauty products! Do you have a cleanser, mascara, lip liner, or lipstick that you swear by? Let me know—I’m always looking for new favorites to try!
And now, let’s check out what my beauty-loving friends have in their collections:
Jennifer of Dimples & Tangles
Pam of Simple Details
Kris of Driven By Decor
Cindy of Rough Luxe Lifestyle
Huge thanks to Cindy for joining us on this edition of My Five Favorites! I can’t wait to hear what everyone’s loving right now.
