You know that game where you're asked what three items you'd choose to bring if you were stranded on a deserted island? Well, that's exactly what I felt like I was playing when I made the last-minute decision to temporarily move back in with my parents and had approximately two hours to pack my belongings. It's a long story, but essentially, my lease was just about up in NY and apartment showings were understandably put on hold for the time being. So I made the swift decision to put everything I couldn't fit into two suitcases in storage and move back home to Arizona until I could resume my apartment hunt.
Somehow packing clothing was the easy part and choosing which beauty products to take and which to live without for (potentially) multiple months was the challenge. I knew my parents would have some basics stocked, like shampoo and body wash, so after some deliberation, I landed on these 24 beauty products that lie within the haircare and skincare categories.
I immediately decided that this was my chance to color coordinate my medicine cabinet (see above) like I've always wanted but couldn't do while sharing a bathroom with my roommate in NY. It may not be the most practical choice, but lately, it's the little things that spark joy. Below are the full details on each of my picks, in rainbow order of course.
Bumble and Bumble
Repair Blow Dry
While I've been blowing out my hair less frequently as of late, I always use this heat-protecting cream when I do.
Versed
Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
I completely eliminated the use of makeup-remover wipes after discovering this cleansing balm.
Drunk Elephant
T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
I much prefer this chemical exfoliant to traditional face scrubs. However, since my skin is on the sensitive side, I only leave it on for about half of the recommended 20 minutes.
Bumble and Bumble
Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer
This spray protects hair from heat, whether it's coming from a blow-dryer or the sun.
Pai
Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
I use this face oil at night with my jade roller at least three times a week.
Amika
The Wizard Detangling Primer
My hairstylist recommended this detangler for my ultrafine hair about a year ago, and I've never looked back.
Amika
Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Another Amika product I'm now hooked on. The smell of this dry shampoo is reason enough to spend the $10.
Versed
Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
I'm so impressed with how gentle this retinol serum is compared to most others I've tried. It's a steal for the price.
I've been taking advantage of my parents pool during this time, which has led to really dry strands. This hair oil, applied just on the ends, helps so much.
Versed
Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution
For fresh-feeling skin in the morning, I apply this toner after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Youth to the People
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
I love that I don't have to wash off this rich nighttime mask.
Klorane
Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk
Oat milk may seem like a strange ingredient to find in a dry shampoo, but it adds much-needed moisture to second- or third-day hair.
Versed
Nix It Complexion Solution
If you've yet to catch on, I'm a big fan of this affordable skincare line. I was wary of its new spot treatment, but it truly works.
Coola
Classic Body Sunscreen SPF 50
I may physically be in my backyard on a pool towel, but when wearing this guava and mango sunscreen, I'm mentally on a tropical beach with a piña colada in hand.
Honest Beauty
Deep Hydration Face Cream
One of my friends let me borrow this Honest Beauty face cream once, and I bought it immediately. I've used this for years now because it's so moisturizing (thanks, hyaluronic acid) and has a soothing eucalyptus scent.
Versed
Just Breath Clarifying Serum
I've added this serum to my nightly routine (after cleansing and before moisturizing) and have noticed a major difference in the redness of my skin.
Aquaphor
Healing Ointment
My hands are so dry from washing my hands 300 times a day, so I put Aquaphor on them every night before bed.
Next: 20 Women Around the World Share Their Quarantine Self-Care Routines
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