Shen Dove

personal style, musings and inspiration

Current Favorites – Winter 2018

Here are my favorites that got me through a seemingly long winter, 2018.

Bordeaux Faux Leather Jacket // My favorite layering piece of the moment. I wear it under dresses for work or over jeans on weekends.

Pixi Glow Mist // A make-up setting spray that gives my face a nice finish for the day.

Thayers’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel // This is year-round favorite! I love putting this in a spray bottle and spritzing my face before moisturizing and applying make-up.

Leuchtturm1917, Berry // Since I’m trying this Bullet Journal thing again in 2018, I chose this as my 2018 bullet journal.

Gaia Herbs RapidRelief™ Echinacea Goldenseal  // I’ve been taking this supplement for a boost to my immune system wince it seems like everyone around me is getting colds, flus, etc.

Hi-Wildflower Candle – Mojave // I bought all of the scents of the trio I purchased and will definitely go back and order larger sizes of my favorite, Mojave.

Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant // I tend to rotate my deodorants and I really like this deodorant by Primally Pure because it’s formula doesn’t irritate my underarms (that are sensitive to baking soda), but it’s still effective.

Spirulina Powder // I’ve taken to adding Spirulina into my daily morning Matcha for a nutritional boost.

Hex Ferments Glow Sauerkraut //  I’m not that consistent with taking a probiotic on a daily basis, but I am pretty consistent as having spoonful of sauerkraut as an after lunch snack. This one is my favorite. I purchase it from DC area Whole Foods or the Dupont Circle Farmers Market in DC.

Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt with Lavender // My favorite winter time ritual is to take Epsom salt baths in the evenings. It’s a great way to decompress from a long day and has other health benefits.

Current Beauty Favorites Winter Edition

I’m a beauty and skincare loyalist: I find products that work for me and I don’t really deviate. When the seasons change, I evaluate what works and add or subtract things based on the weather: Winter means more moisturizing and trying to add a bit of glow to my skin during these cold winter months. With that in mind, here are the current products in my rotation.

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My Go-To Oils for Hair and Skincare

From a very young age I remember seeing my mother apply oils to her skin on a regular basis. I never really thought much of it. But as I get older and more aware of the toxins in many skincare products, I find myself resorting to using primarily oils for all of my hair, face and body moisturizing needs. Something else that I have been seeing a lot of lately that I would like to give a mention to is cbd oil. I’ve noticed the growing popularity of cbd skincare products and I watch a number of YouTubers who swear by oils like this, especially when it comes to skincare and managing the buildup of dandruff on their scalp. The good thing about wanting to experiment with various skincare products is that because of the internet, it has never been easier to get your hands on what you want. A quick look into finding cbd oil online is all you need. When it comes to trying out natural oils, they may do more wonders than you think, but you won’t know unless you try. You don’t have to wait until you head into town to pick up what you want, especially as products such as cbd oil cannot be found just anywhere. If this is something that you think you would like to give a go, these are the best CBD oils in the UK. It’s worth doing your research into anything new that you are not familiar with, especially when it comes to your skin and hair. Anyway, here is a list of the go-to oils I use on a regular basis on my skin and hair.

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January Recent Beauty + Skincare Buys

I’ve been on a quest to find beauty and make-up products I’m really excited about this winter. I’ve also been trying to find some mens skin care products for my husband too. I’m really into my skincare but my husband isn’t, so I thought a few new products might excite him a little! Of course, I had to treat myself to a few new bits too! It’s an added bonus if they have less toxic ingredients since your skin absorbs so much as your largest organ. Sometimes in the winter people will want to supplement their regime by going into a clinic for some extra help – this service has great reviews – but finding brand new products that can make a serious difference to your skincare routine is a genuinely great feeling, which is why you may want to have a look at a site like ReviewingThis for some hidden gems that you’ve never come across before. Products such as the Tree of Life Retinol Serum get a comprehensive review that could potentially help you get your hands on a product that can benefit your skin massively. There are also skincare tools that can help you achieve perfect skin. A friend has recommended looking into the best derma roller out there as many users have claimed that using a derma roller has drastically improved their complexion. Here are my most recent beauty and skincare buys.

Glossier Priming Moisturizer – I really like the richness of this primer that adds a barrier to protect my skin from the harsh elements before applying my tinted moisturizer or foundation for the day. It also makes whatever make-up I put on last longer.

Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara – I cycle through mascara’s and this Josie Maran one is currently rotation. I like that’s it’s easy to do a few coats before it gets too clumpy.

DeVita Under Eye Repair Serum – The media practically shouts to women 25 and over that we should be using eye creams and serums as soon as possible. I haven’t managed to be consistent with applying eye creams and serums in the past, but my latest effort involves this serum. We’ll see if I can stick to it but I like it so far. I can’t speak to the serums effectiveness yet…stay tuned.

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub – Scrubs and masks are an easy way to take a few moments for self-care on a regular basis. Exfoliation is another skin care task I’m not super consistent with, but I like this scrub so far and have enjoyed including it in my routine lately.

Current Winter Beauty and Skincare Favorites

Winter Beauty Favorites

Alba Hawaiian Facial Wash | Freeman Pineapple Enzyme Face Mask | Sephora Sleeping Mask – Rose | Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist | Burt’s Bees Acne Solution Spot Treatment Cream | Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme | Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer | M61 Hydraboost Eye | S.W. Basics Cream | Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil | Anastasia Brow Definer | Josie Maran Argan Oil | Josie Maran Highlighter Stick | Laura Mercier Concealer – Color 5 | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – Walnut | Essie Nail Polish – After School Boy Blazer | Nars Blush – Coral with Shimmer| Benefit Rollerball Mascara | Sephora Highlight Lowlight Face Countour Duo – Deep | Smashbox Under Eye Primer

Here are my winter skincare and make-up staples. Some items are tried and true, some are newer.  The ongoing quest for a tinted moisturizer that matches my skin tone is paused for now, at least until the summer when I’ll need a darker shade.  Laura Mercier Walnut is a great match for this time of year for me.  Olive Oil and Coconut Oil are not pictured but remain my favorite night time moisturizers and make-up removers. Magnesium Oil is more of a health addition than beauty but I included it because it’s a topical.  More info on the importance of magnesium here.  My beauty favorites from last summer are here.