BY STEPHANIE VALENTE
I love beauty and skincare. For as long as I can remember, I have been enchanted by glamour. Whether it's slipping into a different mood or character, or just pampering myself, beauty has been a part of my rituals and routine.
My moods vary. From glammed up sorceress or dewy and bare faced, to iconic red lips or full dark brows with a clear lip gloss 90s-inspired witch, beauty is one of my magical, self-care outlets.
Whether it's my daily ritual of taking care of my skin and slowing down and setting intentions with my every day beauty look, there are a few products that are my every day features.
Check my short list below for cruelty-free products that help me keep the magic within.
1. Cannabliss Organic Bliss Kiss Balm CBD Lip Treatment, $12. As of late, this is my fave lip treatment. The shea butter-based product is ultra dewy and so smooth on my lips. It packs the perfect punch – providing a lush, clear sheen and hydration. And, the jojoba oil with CBD infusion makes me feel a tinge more relaxed and blissed out on the down-low.
2. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, $6.70. How much do I love this serum? Let me count the ways. This product does wonders for my skin... it's like magic. ;) Seriously, I slather this oil-free serum around my eye contour and other areas that need a de-puff. Plus, this little gem totally evened out my skin redness and discoloration. I use this green tea leaves and caffeine-infused solution every day while I start my day with morning tunes during my skincare routine.
3. Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil, $38. I have a crush on this oil because it's impacted my life in so many pleasant ways. With natural ingredients grape seed, avocado, grapefruit peel, mandarin orange peel, and lemon peel, my skin is hydrated without excessive oiliness. I dot the product along my cuticles, cheeks, neck, and even rub it into my hair for a lovely sheen! I feel so powerful with this little tool by my side.
4. The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil, $9.80. Luxury beauty is all fine and dandy, but what's not to love about a cruelty-free face oil that moisturizes, does the job right, and is under ten bucks? The product contains cold-pressed rose canina seed oil, which is superb because I personally want to streamline the ingredients I put into my skin. I'm enchanted and moisturized without the grease.
Stephanie Valente lives in Brooklyn, New York, and works as an editor. One day, she would like to be a silent film star. She is the author of Hotel Ghost (Bottlecap Press, 2015) and Waiting for the End of the World (Bottlecap Press, 2017). Her work has appeared in dotdotdash, Nano Fiction, LIES/ISLE, and Uphook Press. She can be found at her website.