Beauty Cabinet

The Couturist's Beauty Cabinet is a series of product reviews focused on skincare, makeup and body staples. These posts cover everything from cult classics to the lesser-known discoveries I make every few weeks. Enjoy!

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I'm back on the blog today with an update from my beauty cabinet— featuring products so good I've already repurchased a back up. Here's what my skin has been loving.

Boscia Makeup Break Up Cool Cleansing Oil 

($28 for 5oz) Buy it at Sephora here.

Suitable for even breakout prone skin types, this cleasing oil removes every trace of makeup, including stubborn mascara and eyeliner. I had heard so much about this product over the last few years, and I finally tried a deluxe sample that lasted me about two months. While I didn't experience a particularly cooling sensation, I loved the oil's texture and how soft and clean it left my face. It does require removal with another cleanser or water and a flannel/hand towel, but the extra cleansing promotes the cleanest and softest skin ever! ☆☆☆☆☆

Glamglow Supercleanse Clearing Cleanser

($39 for 5 oz) Buy it at Sephora here.

I almost didn't want to like this so much as it is pretty expensive for a cleanser, but I love it— such a nice treat for my face (and anyone with normal to oily skin)! It has made a huge difference in refining my skin's tone and texture, and can be left on as a deep-cleansing mask. I recommend using this only once per day at first, as the combination of lactic and glycolic acids can dry out or irritate skin. ☆☆☆☆☆

Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Intensifying Kajal in Black

($8.99) Buy it at Target here.

This eyeliner was so hyped up (I still can't get my hands on the flesh toned pencil) for good reason— it really works. The formula is great for a smudgy, smokey eye look and getting a dense line right between lashes. After application, the liner can be set into place with translucent powder or black powder eyeshadow (this step is important for a long-lasting look). While the packaging isn't the most luxurious, the shape of the kajal itself is unique and effective. ☆☆☆☆

Josie Maran Bear Naked Nail Polish Removing Wipes

($9 for 20 wipes) Buy them at Sephora here.

I love a fresh coat of nail polish as much as the next girl, but I hate removing it when harsh nail polish removers leave me feeling stripped of essential moisture. When I found Josie Maran's Bear Naked Nail Wipes, I was so excited as they remove polish and moisturize nails. I don't think they're the easiest formula to use (it takes about 1-1.5 wipes per nail), but the wipes leave my nails so soft. ☆☆☆

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Absolute Red

($13) Buy it at Sephora here.

I have never quite been able to master the statement lip, mainly for fear of looking clownish or the 90-s esque lipliner look I seem to develop after wearing lipstick for an extended period of time. Cue Sephora's super affordable and gorgeous line of cream lip stains. The color never fades and builds easily without settling into fine lines or looking cakey. To refresh color, I add a little lip balm on top and the stain looks just as vivid as when I first applied it. I would definitely recommend using a separate brush to apply as the product applicator doesn't allow for the most precise application. ☆☆☆☆☆

Toni & Guy Sea Salt Spray

($11.19) Buy it at Target here.

I have been loving the bedhead, beach wave, model-off duty look lately especially since I received Toni and Guy's Sea Salt Texturizing Spray. While I don't love the smell, it is effective at creating natural volume and a windblown effect while taming the frizz around my face. It is easy to over-apply this product though, so be careful when spraying. ☆☆☆☆

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

($53 for 1 oz) Buy it at Sephora here.

I have combination skin so a lot of oils break me out. However, this gentle face oil is designed for even oily skin and is great at replenishing moisture and healing hyperpigmentation when applied daily under moisturizer. I love the smell too (Clarins products always smell so good). For those with dry skin, this would be a great option in the summer on its own or under a moisturizer. ☆☆☆☆☆

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in Petal

($22.50) Buy it at Sephora here.

Fresh's Original and Rose Sugar Lip Treatments have a strong following, but I don't think the newer tinted balms get enough attention. Petal is a your-lips-but-better shade of dusty rose that is much more pigmented than the classic sheer rose formula, but is equally hydrating. I love the minty taste and tingling sensation this leaves me with after application! ☆☆☆☆☆

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

($29) Buy it at Sephora here.

I am always testing out new mascaras that I think will give me long, voluminous lashes without clumps. A challenge I always find is identifying a wand that delivers product to the small lashes on the inner and outer corners of my eye without smudging product on my eyelid. I think the wand and formula of Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye Mascara is particularly good at creating 360-degrees of glamorous lashes without smudges. ☆☆☆☆

xoxo