The Top Shelf: Fall Favorites

Instagram now, blog later is the latest philosophy. Isn’t there a saying that champions saving the best for last or later? Which, by best, I interpret as meaning the details (toot thy own horn, you shalt not), because the details are always the best stuff. That’s logic for ya.

Philosophy Hazelnut Espresso bath & shower gel. It’s no longer available (sorry ladies!), meaning I’ll be hoarding every drop while I can. It’s hazelnut. And espresso. Two of my favorite things in the whole wide world to make bath time that much more delectable. Trust.

MB Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. Two words: game changer (phrase stolen from Nicole!). Twice a week I’ll supplement my usual cleanser (Cetaphil, because I’m fancy like that) for a deep clean. I could go on about the benefits of Glycolic Acid, but I’ll spare you the details and give you the sound byte version. Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid known to help promote cell turnover by loosening dead skin cells and buildup from the surface. In doing so, it minimizes the appearance of hyperpigmentation or scarring and keeps the complexion clean to prevent any future breakouts. In a nutshell? This is the secret to achieving and maintaining brighter, clearer, smoother skin.

MB Vitamin C Serum. Let me throw two more words at you: Holy Grail. When I love something, I love something – and this, I love. It’s been a little over a year now and there’s not a week that goes by without someone asking me how or what I use that makes my skin look flawless and/or glowing. I’ve had my fair share of skin care woes back in the day, so I don’t believe in luck or coincidence. Call it a congratulatory high-five for getting over the hump of the hormone-raging teen years, but I think it’s the result of finally getting my skin-game together, drinking lots of water (life is infinitely better when you listen to your mother from the start), and the use of this little green bottle of beauty.

I’m not kidding about the glow factor. It’s brilliant. Every other night isn’t that scary of a commitment, now, is it? Waxing, hair appointments, blow-outs… ladies, we’ve done the impossible already.

MB Enzyme Revitalizing Mask. As a post-studying treat/ de-stressor/ hydrating and revitalizing treatment, I’ll massage a few drops of the Vitamin C Serum into my skin before applying a thin layer of the mask. My beauty equivalent to the (silly) no-whites-after-Labor-Day rule is less-clay-based-masks-after-Labor-Day. Clearly mine makes more sense, but let that be a debate for another day. Three fall favorites in and I think it goes without saying that I’m a believer in dewy complexions year-round. Summer, winter, fall, spring – you name it, I’ll want it. Beautiful is always in. 

NARS Madly blush. Madly is my Orgasm. It’s been a little over four years now, this love affair. It’s my forever blush. I think I had a foolish fling last summer with this other little thing that could never compare: I will always be about the tawny, bronzed, Victoria’s Secret-y look. (It’s like a blush and bronzer. Can I call this a blonzer?)

Also pertinent: I hit pan sometime last year. It took me three years to make an actual dent. Talk about bang for your buck.

MAC Twig lipstick. A deep, rosy brown, strictly for fall/winter. Once called Twiggy until her people were upset, and now reduced to Twig. How ugly. Bah. We’re not one judge a book by its cover, anyhow – but we are one to be influenced by some of our childhood icons. A little birdie once told me that Twig was a favorite of Britney Spears back in the day. Little birdie: you need not say more.

L’Oreal Fairest Nude lipstick. Mirror, mirror on the wall, what’s the fairest nude of them all? I rarely venture into drugstores for any staples, but off my high horse I jump: this is it. My YSL can hibernate until next summer when peach-based nudes are more acceptable. It’s just now that I realized why I love Fairest Nude so much: it’s essentially the same color as the NARS blush…

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What are your fall favorites? I’m always up for a bit of beauty bantering.

x

P.S.: If you fancy being friends on Instagram, you can follow me @kimberlypearl_. Leave your links & usernames below so I can stalk to my heart’s content!