Kelsey's Medicine Cabinet Staples
Oh the secrets we keep in our medicine cabinet… Some items we use daily and some find their way into corners never to see the light of day again. My medicine cabinet, as you can see, is filled to the brim and the following products are the ones getting the most love on the daily. These are fail safe products ingrained into my self-care regimen, many of which have back-ups just in case I run out of a current bottle. Let us know what you think in the comments below and share your personal favorite Medicine Cabinet Staples.
Augustinus Badar The Cream
My hair stylist, who is also a dear friend, has been an AB enthusiast for years now. I was hesitant to buy because of the price point, but he and I fortunately spent a weekend together for a mutual friend’s wedding during the summer of 2021 and he graciously let me test out the whole line over the couple days we were together. I was hooked instantly. The original product that gave the brand its household recognition, “The Cream” is a staple in my lineup and I usually have a back-up, so I don’t ever run out. It’s honestly the best traditional moisturizer I have ever used and I can consistently count on it to give me solid results. I don’t ever feel like I hit a plateau with The Cream like I do with other products. If my skin is ever sensitized I will simplify my routine and only use this to help calm inflammation and redness. I can also always count on it giving me a healthy and rejuvenated glow regardless of the time of year.
Twelve Beauty Jojoba Quench
Body Serum
Similar to my hunt for a great natural deodorant, I have felt like I am Goldilocks when it comes to bodycare – too heavy, too light, doesn’t absorb well enough, etc. I have been following Twelve Beauty for sometime and fell in love with the brand after receiving their iconic Intelligent Frontier Facial Oil in a Boxwalla Beauty Box a couple years ago. When I noticed they ventured into bodycare I was quick to try knowing how well made their skincare products are. The Jojoba Quench Body Serum does not disappoint and I truly feel this is the best body serum I have tried so far. I have found many serums to not be moisturizing enough and need to be followed by an additional layer of moisture. This, though, is a great stand alone product especially if you are looking for a good amount of moisture that absorbs quickly, and keeps your skin silky soft throughout the day.
YULI Halcyon Cleanser
My favorite morning cleanser! Light, refreshing, non-stripping, yet super clean feeling results with an all-star ingredient profile of gentle exfoliating fruit enzymes, botanicals and zeolite clay. I have been a Yuli fan for ages, so adding this product into my routine was a no-brainer. I wouldn’t use this as a first cleanse where heavy make-up or spf needs to be removed. Instead save this as a second or morning cleanse where you just need your face to feel clean, refined and soft.
African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum
When you see the price point of this eye serum you might give me the biggest eye roll ever, but before you do, hear me out for a hot minute. I have very sensitive skin around my eyes and many eye creams make me sensitized and break out. This eye serum has stood out in the crowd for me because it is light yet extremely moisturizing and cooling. It is packed with nutrient dense ingredients that target dark circles and puffiness (what I wake up to every morning pre-serum) as well as reinforces the barrier function of the skin, giving me a more revitalized appearance. I literally use half a pump for both eyes, so even though the bottle is small, it will last you a very long time.
Taos AER Palo Santo
Blood Orange Deodorant
I randomly purchased this deodorant on a whim at my local pharmacy a couple years ago. I was very intrigued by the scent profile, and I’m sure most of you would agree that the search for a reliable natural deodorant is a constant. I didn’t have high hopes, but I was pleasantly surprised by both its efficacy and subtle yet unique scent. It’s earthy yet fresh at the same time, and I have found it can last me all day – on a non-sweaty, less active day.
YULI Cell Perfecto PM
On the nights I don’t use a more traditional retinol, my go to is Cell Perfecto. I have said this for years, but this oil based serum is like a multivitamin shot for your skin. The unique formulation combines an exclusive to YULI mineral complex with vitamin C, amino acids, and high potency plant extracts that are engineered to brighten, smooth and repair hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne scars and sun damage without using sensitizing acids or exfoliants. There is something about this blend that is very special that I can’t quite put into words, and has received a cult following because of. I love shaking up this bottle each night to mix the blend of minerals and gentle press into damp toned skin for a healthy, vital glow.
African Botanics Retinal Night Cream
I had been off the retinol bandwagon for years until I received this bottle as a gift. I am fairly sensitive to harsh actives found in most skincare that have vitamin-A and acids, but I have become a huge fan of this retinol because of how comprehensive and nourishing the formulation is. Although the price point is steep, it has lasted me quite a while because you only need 1-2 pumps a couple times per week. The cream based formula is powered by retinaldehyde, which is the bio-active form of vitamin A that is known to be less irritating than other forms of retinoids. It is also formulated with white willow bark, lactic, azelaic and fulvic acid to help even out skin tone and minimize the appearance of pores. I only use it twice a week at night, after I tone and then I will add a layer of hyaluronic acid serum and oil or cream over it for additional moisture after it has completely soaked into my skin.
