I, like many women, truly enjoy pampering myself and taking care of my skin and hair to look my best. Over the last ten-or-so years, I’ve literally tried (what feels like) every product on the market. I’m not the easiest person to choose skincare for because I have both sensitive skin that reacts pretty harshly to many products out there - even certain laundry detergents can cause issues for me - as well as life-long acne-prone skin. But, alas, after years and years of trial and error, I can definitively rule most everything I’ve tried out. Which, of course, leaves me with a well-defined list of favorites - 11 of which I thought I’d share with you here today. Like what you see - each picture is a link to purchase the product for yourself. Any questions on anything skin or hair care related, pop me a comment below. Happy pampering, friends.

1. Nivea Creme

I’m sure many women are in the same boat as me when I say that my mom introduced me to Nivea Creme. It’s a classic that’s been on the market for a long time. It’s a thick and luxurious formula that works great at keeping any area of skin hydrated, without any backlash. This amazing product followed me all the way through university and all throughout my travels abroad. I love applying it to my face underneath my make-up for a dewy look. And who doesn’t LOVE the smell of Nivea? It’s no wonder its one of the top skincare brands across the pond.

2. Burt’s Bees Herbal Complexion Stick

As I said, I’ve had acne-prone skin since I was in elementary school. I can remember hiding my pimples with makeup starting way back in the 2nd and 3rd grade! I’ve tried nearly every acne treatment there is and this one is one of the only ones that has stood the test of time for me. I love that it’s made almost entirely of natural ingredients. I just add some to cotton ball after I wash my face at night, when I notice that I’m having a rougher time with my skin, and within a few days, the problem areas are totally healed.

3. St. Ives Acne Control Apricot Scrub

St. Ives has also been in my shower since I was young. I absolutely love the smell and the way my skin feels after using it to take off some of the dead layers. Plus, this acne control formula is also great for my breakouts. This is definitely a bath time favorite of mine, for sure. Actually, the whole St. Ive’s line is. I’ve used and loved their other scrubs and their face wipes, too, for much of my life. My hat’s off to you, St. Ive’s.

4. Obliphica Seaberry Hair Mask

This little gem was a recent discovery that found its way into my advent calendar that Ethan got for me. It is a hair mask that you can apply and leave on for a longer time than normal conditioner while you shower. I absolutely LOVE the thick texture and the yummy way it smells. Plus, it really did do wonders for my hair. Every time I used it, I saw a considerable difference. I highly recommend!

5. Lush Sleepy Lotion

Lush’s Sleepy collection is the absolute BOMB. I’m sure you’ve seen it described in magazines and all over the internet, but I can say with 100% certainty that it deserves the hype. First off, the smell is absolutely intoxicating. It has the most calming lavender smell that I’ve ever experienced. This lotion and the matching bath bomb are two of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Lush items… and I’m a HUGE Lush fan. This stuff feels great on your skin and every application helps relax you and alleviate stress - win win. Take my word for it, you need to try this stuff.

6. Dove Pure & Sensitive Fragrance-Free Bar Soap

With my constant breakouts came many trips to the Dermatologist to discuss options. The best advice she ever gave me was to use completely unscented bar soap - the stuff for sensitive skin, like this. And she couldn’t have been more on-point. I implemented unscented bar soap into my daily regimen back in high school and have never went back. To this day, Dove and Olay sensitive skin bar soaps are what I use on my entire body, more than 95% of the time and I can tell my skin thanks for me it each day.

7. Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

One thing that I’m infamous for is hang nails. I’m always battling the driest cuticles, but thanks to this stuff, I can almost keep them under control. Yet another win for Burt’s Bees. And if I’m honest, their entire collection, in some form, is currently in my medicine cabinet. This stuff smells incredible - I love lemon. Just one rub onto my nails daily keeps my dreaded hang nails at bay and lets my natural, un-painted nails shine.

8. Ben Dita Luz Seville Bitter Orange Lotion

I discovered this line when I was studying abroad in Spain, while abroad getting my Master’s degree in Scotland. Follow me? Haha. It’s a Spanish brand and both their lotion and chapstick made it into my makeup bag as soon as I smelled their bitter orange scent. YUM! I, unfortunately, finished them both off when I was still across the pond, but I’ve been tempted more than once to order replacements since I’ve been back. I just can’t get enough of that scent - it reminds me of the warm, Andalusian sun. #takemeback

9. New-Skin Liquid Bandage

An unexpected choice, I’m sure, but definitely worth mentioning. As I said before, I get a ton of hang nails. I’m also a super clumsy chick and with that comes quite a few injuries to my fingers and hands. So, this stuff is ALWAYS within an arm’s reach of me wherever I go. I can’t tell you how comforting it is to know that if ever you get a boo boo on the go, you’ve got a magic little formula to not only take away the pain, but keep the area clean and protected while it heals. Each application lasts for days and is completely waterproof! Everyone should have a bottle in their home, desk, or purse, trust me.

10. Swedish Dream Sea Salt Soap

This soap found its way into my bathroom when I was back in New England. I’ve always had a thing for the ocean scents and this sea salt scented soap, made in Scandinavia, is absolutely to-die-for. Remember how I said 95% of the time I’m using unscented sensitive skin soap? Well this is an example of what I would be using on that RARE occasion when I’m not - just for a treat. Repeated use of things like this aren’t a great idea for my sensitive skin, but once in a while lathering up with this stuff, or keeping it by the sink for my hands is a win.

11. Neutrogena Purifying Shampoo

Finally, there’s Neutrogena’s anti-residue shampoo. While my skin is really picky, my hair is not. I’m never using the same shampoo or conditioner. I’m constantly changing it up depending on my mood and what smells the best in the store - except for this stuff. Another product that came as a recommendation from my mom. We both have really THICK hair that often gets weighed down by the residues from all the products we use. So, this stuff is never not at-the-ready for me whenever I feel like my hair could really use a good deep clean. I highly recommend every single person has some of this in their shower for occasional use. It feels really great to have squeaky clean hair, literally.

Well, there you have it, friends. Some of my absolute favorite products that I either did or do still use regularly. There are others, too, but this is a good place to start. As with everything, take this with a grain of salt. I’m not a dermatologist, nor a hair-care specialist, and not all of these things will work as well as they do for me, for everyone else. But, it’s always nice to recommend things to others to try. Do with this information what you will.

Want other recommendations of things I’ve tried - good, bad, or ugly? Let me know below! I’m always happy to share.

As always, thanks for reading, friends. Happy pampering!