F-It Fridays: Your Weekly Dose Of Retail Therapy (Products I've Been Using Since Forever Edition)

When people ask me about my beauty routine and what products I can't live without, they’re often surprised to hear I’ve been using some of the same ones since Middle School. Yes, middle school. I was a beauty junkie even way back in the day, when people used the expression “way back in the day.” This doesn’t mean I don’t try new things. I’m always trying new things, but these five products will always have a special spot in my medicine cabinet and my heart. As my mother says, “If it isn’t broken, why fix it?” 

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

The winter and my hands do not get along and I have a huge issue with dryness, chapping and bleeding. Gross, I know. That’s why I always keep little tubes of L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream in my handbag, on my nightstand, in the bathroom and pretty much all of my house. Made with 20% organic shea butter, my hands literally thirst for this magical ingredient. I usually buy the original scent, but there are a variety of fragrances to choose from including lavender, cherry blossom, violet, vanilla and several others. 

Dove Beauty Bar

This week, Dove's beauty bar celebrated it's 60th anniversary. If a product is around for that long, they must be doing something (and by that I mean a whole lot of things) right. I use Dove because it's moisturizing and lathers well (because if soap doesn’t lather well, I’m convinced it's not actually cleaning me and I will leave the shower dirtier than I came in). Despite it being an old school brand, Dove always seems to be innovating the line with new products including my two personal favorites, Shea Butter and Coconut Milk bars. It's also available at every drugstore in America, so I never have to go without my beloved bar of soap. 

Kiehls #1 Lip Balm

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 will always be my #1 lip balm. My lips chap terribly during the winter, even in Los Angeles. I don't even know how that is scientifically possible. As soon as the temperature goes down,  I always head to Kiehls, so I can stock up. Another thing I love about this product is that it has magical powers. Put a little bit of balm over a matte lipstick and it instantly shines. Right now, I'm obsessed with the mango flavor (probably because I miss the summer), but I also really like mint and cranberry. 

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is the best pimple spot treatment I’ve ever used. While I probably go through one bottle every year, it’s always in my bathroom cabinet. Incredibly easy to use, all you have to do is dip a cotton swab into the bottle and apply a small amount to the pimple itself. Because you aren't applying it with your fingers, it doesn't spread to the skin around the pimple and dry your entire face out.  It’s important to know, as you can see in the picture, this product is supposed to separate. Do not shake it! I know, it's strange and not what you are used to, but if you don't believe me, just read the directions. 

Shiseido Pureness Foaming Cleansing Fluid

Shiseido Pureness Foaming Cleansing Fluid is super foamy and gets my face squeaky clean without drying it out. It also removes makeup really well, so double cleansing or using additional makeup remover is mostly unnecessary. I first tried this product in high school and I’ve always gone back to it. Pro Tip: A little bit goes a very long way. My husband and I both use this cleanser and one bottle lasts us approximately 3-4 months.