We have had a lot of requests recently for what make-up and skin care products we use, so I’ve compiled a list here with shopping links, where available. I’ve also included information if a product is a good dupe for something more expensive, and vice versa, I found good less expensive dupes. All products are products that we currently use.
Obviously, everyone is different, so please bear that in mind when trying out something new, particularly with skin care. My skin is very dry, same as most middle-aged people. Benji’s is oily, same as most teenagers. So, keep that in mind and get shopping!
Skincare
Benji uses ProactivMD, which is the stronger version of Proactiv. He’s particularly fond of the gel treatment. You can find it on Amazon here. I do recommend subscribing to this program from the get-go. First, you get free stuff. Second, if you don’t like it, it is super easy to cancel the subscription. It is a quick phone call.
I use CeraVe, which is a product that is available at all drugstores and big box stores. I love the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Face Moisurizer. Click on each product to buy.
Make-Up
Now on to our faces for the day!
Benji loves using this contour kit and this nude lipstick. He keeps it pretty natural, so that’s all the product he uses. Click on links to buy.
I am a “little” more complicated. I start with this great moisturizer from Trader Joes with sunscreen. I wear sunscreen every day, without fail. Obviously, this moisturizer is not expensive at all. I found this link to buy on Amazon if you do not have a Trader Joes around you.
Then I use a wonderful stick foundation by Wet N Wild. This is also very inexpensive and available at all drugstores and big box stores. I’ve used more expensive brands, but to be honest, this is the best one I have ever found. I wear the shade “classic ivory”. Click on link to buy. I blend with this blender dampened with this coconut water primer, also by Wet N Wild. All of these products are available at the drugstore, but click on the links to buy them online.
Then I follow with some powder and blush. Again, both of these are available at the drugstore. Fit Me Blush in “peach” by Maybelline. E.L.F. High Definition Loose Face Powder in “soft luminance”. Click on the links to buy. The blush is an excellent dupe for NARS Orgasm blush.
Then eye stuff, brow kit by Wet N Wild, base eyeshadow from Sephora in “strawberry macaroon”, eyeliner from Sephora in “glitter black”, mascara by Tarte. As usual, click on the links to buy.
For the rest of my eye make-up, I use various palettes depending on what I’m wearing. My go-to, is this one by Revlon in “avant garde”. My brushes are by E.L.F. which are a good dupes for the ones from MAC.
For lipstick, I have four shades that I choose from for everyday. I have a burgundy red, bright red, light pink and hot pink.
The burgundy red is “rum raisin” by Revlon. The bright red is “love is on” by Revlon. The light pink is “fuchsia flash” by Maybelline. The hot pink is “addis ababa” by NYX. These are good dupes for “sin”, “Russian red”, “candy yum yum” and “breathing fire” by MAC, respectively.
Haircare
We finish with our hair care products. Benji doesn’t have a tried and true shampoo really, and he uses my finising products, so here are our go-to’s for both of us:
I use WEN to wash my hair and have used it for almost a decade now. I refuse to use anything else on it. After one try, I never went back to sudsy or foaming shampoos. It works the same as the first day I used it too. In short, I’m a believer. Get yours here. Like Proactiv, I recommend you subscribing for the discounts and free stuff. It is also really easy to change anything or cancel. A quick phone call.
Finishing products I use are the non-frizz gel from WEN. I love to use this men’s product from Redken’s “Brews” line. I’ve found that finishing products like wax and pomades, go with the men’s lines. They have more formulas and are usually cheaper.
That’s it! If you have any recommendations, let us know in the comments. We love hearing from you.
Until next time…
Love, Kim and Benji
