Current Skincare Favorites

J.R. Watkins hand soap | Essie nail polish | L'Occitane Angelica Face Toner | Philosophy lip scrub | Neutrogena Naturals multi-vitamin nourishing night cream

Do you ever have those skincare or beauty products that you reach for over and over again?  That you love after using them just once?  Well, that's how I feel about these products in particular.  I decided it was out with the old and in with the new.

1. J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea hand soap ($4.99)
I was sick and tired of the Bath and Body Works Iced Gingerbread soap that'd been in my bathroom for months. I don't know what it is, but I cycle through products very slowly, so by the time Spring came around I somehow still had a winter soap scent to finish and I just wasn't digging it anymore. Cue this J.R. Watkins hand soap, which is very light and fresh in scent--perfect for the change in seasons and a nice change from iced gingerbread. There's a slew of other scents as well and this brand can easily be found in Target stores nationwide.

2. Essie "Urban Jungle" nail polish ($8.50)
While I love colors, lately I've been going through a neutral phase. Essie's "Urban Jungle" has become one of my favorite neutrals. It's from their Summer 2014 collection, so it might not be incredibly easy to find. But if you do find it, it's a great staple to add to your nail polish collection. In fact, it's what I'm wearing right now! I'd describe it as a "bone white" color; it's not too bright, but it certainly isn't drab.

3. L'Occitane Angelica Face Toner ($22.00)
I spent a few weeks looking online and in stores for a toner that didn't contain alcohol. If a toner is supposed to get rid of the last traces of oil and make up and lightly hydrate your face, then why would you want a toner whose first or second ingredient is alcohol, which dries out your skin? I found a couple of options at Target (Alba 1 and 2) and one online at Ulta (Shea Moisture), but I ultimately settled for one of L'Occitane's toners. And I absolutely LOVE it. It has a very light, pleasant scent that I'd describe as "green" and fresh. I love that it's alcohol-free and that it really does remove those last traces of oil and makeup. It's a bit pricier than I usually aim for, but given how much I like it I just may find myself repurchasing it when I run out!

4. Philosophy fresh cream lip polishing sugar scrub ($16.95)
I actually found this at Nordstrom Rack for $8.00 and picked it up on a whim since, for a lip scrub, it was fairly inexpensive and at a decent "try me" price. Unfortunately it doesn't look like Philosophy sells this scent anymore, but you can find it on Amazon for just under $17.00. I've never been big on lip scrubs. I always thought why buy one when a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice works just as well? However, the price was right, so I thought I'd give it a try. And let me tell you, this product smells divine, like sugar cookies! A little bit of this sugar scrub goes a long way, so I can see this lasting me a little while before I run out.

5. Neutrogena Naturals multi-vitamin nourishing night cream ($13.99)
I mentioned this cream previously and even though the weather's warming up I'm still using it. It's been a great product to use after returning from the dry heat of Southern California where the air just sucks the moisture out of your skin. It's light, but again, a little goes a long way for moisturizing.