my favorite beauty products — gabbin' with gab

i hate the question, “if you were stranded on an island what is one beauty product you would bring?” i would smuggle my entire makeup bag because that baby is filled with treasures. these are some of my favorite things that i have picked up along the way.

p.s. all the products are linked to the pictures!

1. vaseline cocoa butter lip balm

this right here, is the best lip balm i have found in my 20 years of living. this is the only lip balm that will actually last me all day. i think i currently have about 4 empty little tubs in my make up bag (it’s a problem). it is so buttery on the lips and literally lasts for hours. the smell is also amazing. i have tired the creme brûlée flavor, as well as the rose flavor but cocoa butter is the winner. i can’t say one bad thing about this baby.

2. tweezerman eyelash curlers

for the gals that have naturally curly eyelashes that flutter in the wind, this product is not for you. where my flat eyelash girls at? you know the struggle. i’ve been curling my eyelashes since i raided my moms makeup drawer in middle school. curling your eyelashes just instantly makes your eyes ~pop~ and make you look more awake. pro tip: heat your curler with a blow dryer to help keep the curl all day! caution: may burn your eyelid, i speak from experience.

3. vaseline

this is in fact, much different than the lip balm. i use vaseline for everything! i bought a huge tub like two years ago and i still haven’t made a dent in the thing (it has probably expired, but whatevs). when my nose is dry, i use it. at night, i sometimes place some on my elbows to keep them extra moisturized. it is a great lip balm, too! my favorite use for it, after i curl my eyelashes, i use my finger or a spoolie to coat my lashes with it. it gives the appearance of thicker and fuller lashes, almost like mascara, without all the hassle!

4. clinique cheek stick

recently, i have embraced my oily skin and accepted the dewy skin is something i will always deal with. so, i have really been into incorporating creams into my skin/makeup routine. this cheek stick is absolutely great! i look a little crazy before rubbing it in, because i smear a good amount on before blending. i use my fingers to blend it in which makes things pretty easy! my only complaint, it is not going to last you all day! i use color amp’d up apple.

5. everyday body oil

i was the first person to turn down body oil or any type of oil that would go on my body for that matter, but this has changed ~everything ~ i probably use this oil about 4-5 times a week. it soaks into the skin instantly and has the perfect finish. i usually put it on before bed so it has a chance to soak in all night, it always leaves my clothes smelling so amazing! this is a must, plus this bottle is prettier than me. it is 100% plant based and cruelty free. it has ingredients like coconut oil, clary sage, palo santo, and so much more!

6. mario badescu sunscreen

it’s 2019 and we are taking care of our skin this year!! i love putting this on right after my moisturizer, it smells good and a little goes a long way. plus, when i put on the sunscreen i feel extremely accomplished!

7. chanel cream bronzer

this is SUPER boujee, i know!! but dang, i love this product. i buff it into my contour areas with a fluffy foundation brush, it really warms my face up. plus, it smells like summer so thats boosts my mood when i put it on. i don’t know if it is worth the money, but it definitely makes ya feel ~fancy~

8. gold bonds hand cream

you guys… this, is the key to soft hands. last semester i had a cooking class and we were constantly washing our hands, making them super dry and in need for some moisture. my classmate suggested this baby, and i have never turned back since. it is so thick but not in a way that makes your hands feel oily after. i highly recommend! i lather it on about 7 times a day and have multiple travel bottles in my purse and backpack!

9. reusable make-up remover pads

i use these little pads to take off my makeup, or to apply my toner. they are super soft and they even come with a little laundry bag. so you can throw your used ones in the wash and they are good as new! plus, they are also reusable which is great because we love our planet! these babies were a great investment and fairly cheap.

10. thayer’s facial toner

speaking of toner, this is my favorite one. it does not contain alcohol, which is actually really good for skin (alcohol dries out your skin). i apply it right before my oils and moisturizer. or sometimes i put it on my skin whenever i feel like it needs some freshening up. its so gentle on the skin, yet takes off residue or makeup you hadn’t thought was left on the skin. i buy the big bottles from target, and they last me about 6-7 months!