I absolutely love a good “honest review.” I recently was given an ULTA gift card and I used it on these 5 essentials to add to my skincare and beauty routine. Nothing is sponsored or gifted!

I was in need of some daily essentials so none of my selections here are really that outrageous. They are very functional and necessary for my self-care! I was out of moisturizer so this well-times order kinda saved the day. Most of these purchases are from brands I have tried before, and therefore trust. After a week of using them for both day and night, I have drawn the following conclusions.

Serums, Oil + Moisturizer

The Ordinary 100% Squalane Serum ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 This is a great affordable brand for daily essentials. The oil was highly rated on the website and I purchased it as an accompaniment to my moisturizer. I have used it both AM and PM and I would definitely recommend it, but not for AM use. I have combo/oily skin and this provides good surface level hydration, but it definitely adds an oily sheen. I have mixed it with my ITCosmetics foundation CC cream and it helps me blend that in. I also LOVE that this is good as a hair oil, too. I love how it hydrates the ends of my hair after I style it! Only $10!
San Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Drops ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am a sucker for any product that helps give off a faux bronze. Especially when I am at my absolute PASTIEST, in March! I was the most excited about this purchase and would totally admit this was not an “essential” or necessity. I do think that the oil works well for the face, but it is intended/safe to use all over the body — face included. I haven’t had any major breakouts which is a good thing. Sometimes I will get a clogged pore or two (or a lot) when using self-tanning products, and I haven’t yet with this oil. For that reason, I will only use a drop or two at a time.
Avene Skin Soothing Recovery Cream ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I have always loved Avene products since introduced to cicalfate a long time ago. Their products are made in France and very very gentle on the skin. This moisturizer is rich and lightweight at the same time! I like using generous amounts on the delicate skin under my eyes. My dermatologist likes it, too. It’s very similar to La Roche Posay if you’re interested in the same effect for a slightly different price point.

Cosmetics

Lancôme Definicils ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am not sure what “definicils” means in French, but if I had to guess I’d say it has something to do with precise lash definition. This is exactly what the product does. I like clean, non-globby mascara that isn’t thick or clumpy. This product is one I have been using for years and every now and then I’ll splurge on it. It’s always a good one. It really does separate and lengthen lashes, while adding definition.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer ⭐️⭐️⭐️this product piqued my interest with its 37K+ five-star reviews on Ulta. It’s good! It’s not life-changing, but it’s good. Three stars. If I had to return one product back it would be this. It’s not that it’s bad, but I feel like it goes on very heavy and I would recommend to ANYONE to get the travel size for half the price. I luckily ordered what I think is the correct shade. Blending it is easy but it’s kind of heavy, full-coverage if you use too much. A little goes a long way and I prefer to use my fingertip instead of the brush applicator.