Shelfie

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Everyone knows that the stuff you may have in your bag are the things that you use quite often, from essentials to emergency supplies. Everyone has to know what's in your bag! Makeup bags to travel bags, gym bags to toiletry bags. What about what's on our shelves? The shelves in our bathrooms and/ or bedrooms contain the items we REALLY use on a frequent basis. For me that's certainly true, the items on my shelves are my secret weapons for beauty enhancing without covering up. 

Many of the items on my shelves are the preparatory products that I use before applying makeup or just to give myself a natural glow throughout the day. Most importantly, one's beauty routine should consist things to compliment one's own beauty rather than augment it, because it's important to be naturally you. 

1) One of my favorite skin care brands, Glossier, is all about beauty being fun, easy and imperfect because beauty is objective. I use several of their products but my absolute favorites are the Soothing Face Mist, Coconut Balm Dotcom, Priming Moisturizer, and Generation G. Sheer makeup that looks good on anyone and skincare that makes us feel good, Glossier gets a major A+ from me! With Glossier, their philosophy is "Skin first, makeup second, smile always." I try to live up to mantra everyday, it's a way of thinking that I feel everyone should adopt because being naturally you is the best!

2) Kumari Luxury Oil, I've been using this for years and it still delivers! It works well for both my hair and skin. I tend to use it in my hair upon washing it and on my skin after showers to lock in moisture. Vitamin E, coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil and many other great essentials to nourish our bodies, no wonder it's called a luxury oil! 

3)  I'm a sucker for cute packaging, anything with a well thought out package will capture my eye and if it benefits my skin then it's a win- win situation! Tony Moly does just that with it's adorable products, my favorite as of late, is the the Sleek Bunny Pocket Mist. It smells absolutely amazing and leaves your face feeling refreshed, I use it after long hours spent outdoors as a pick me up. It uses French Celtic water and pearl extract to revitalize the skin and give you a healthy glow. 

4) Primer's are all the rage lately, but many don't do the job correctly. Skindinavia's oil control primer spray has been my go to for years, it's the only primer that actually deliver's and doesn't make me break out. I spray this on my face first as a base and then apply my bb cream after to ensure longevity throughout the day. It can also be used alone as a matte finishing spray.

5)  Sun protection is a must have because that time of the year is coming and it's good to be prepared for it. Clarins sunscreen care oil spray is my go to, it has an spf of 30, it truly nurtures your skin with a lightweight formula without leaving you feeling greasy or unprotected in the sun. It also has a light scent and shimmer that makes you feel like a goddess while wearing it! It also works well with your hair too, I'm guilty of forgetting to protect my hair too but this makes it easier. 

Next time someone asks about what's in your bag, redirect them to whats's on your shelf because everyone knows that's where the actual products are located! My shelves contain my holy grail products, or at least the ones at the moment that i'm loving. Beauty products shouldn't have to cover up your natural beauty, only enhance it because you are beautiful! Dear readers, I'd love to know what's on your shelf?