August may be over, but the heat in Los Angeles doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. It was actually over 100 degrees this last week! Can you believe it? All of us in the office have been practically melting, fall can’t come soon enough! Since it’s been so hot, I’ve been using lighter beauty products and I haven’t been able to stop raving about them! I’m definitely going to be using all seven of these products throughout the fall. A few of them also happen to be products created by fellow bloggers, which I’m so excited about! If you’re a new reader on the blog, Sona Selects is a collection of the best beauty products I’ve used in the past month. Whether the products are old or new, they are the ones I can’t stop using! I also have a series on my YouTube channel to go along with this series, so be sure to watch the video on my channel!
1. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Micellar Cleansing Water ($22)
You guys know how much I love the Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes to take off my makeup, but since I discovered this cleansing water from Philosophy it’s been the only thing I use to remove my makeup! After using this product my face feels so hydrated and clean, it really breaks down makeup and leaves your face feeling so refreshed! I apply it onto a cotton round and swipe it over my face (and eyes), just like a makeup wipe, to remove everything on my skin before using a cleanser. If you’re unhappy with makeup wipes, or want a more gentle option, I would definitely give this product a try!
2. iS Clinical Active Serum ($130)
Recently I’ve been experimenting with face serums. Serums are packed with tons of moisturizing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, that are amazing for the skin! They are especially great if you have dry skin like I do! The iS Clinical Active Serum has been my number one favorite lately. Even with the high price tag, it’s something I’ll keep repurchasing because of how great it makes my skin look! This serum protects against breakouts, which makes it great for acne prone skin. It also helps smooth fine lines, and reduces large pores and uneven skin tones. I use it every night (only at night) and I’ve seen such a difference since adding it into my routine. I can’t stop using and RAVING about this serum! This is an absolute must have for anyone with acne prone skin.
3. Smashbox Face Brushes ($30-40)
I was seriously SO excited when I got these brushes in the mail! The new Smashbox brushes are some of the softest brushes I’ve ever felt. (They’re also cruelty free!) The quality is to-die-for, and the grooved handles make them very comfortable to hold. Two specific ones I’m obsessed with are the Blurring Foundation and Angled Powder brushes. They make applying face makeup an absolute dream, I couldn’t wait to feature them in this month’s Sona Selects! The right brush can really make or break the look of your face makeup, so investing in good quality brushes like these is very important to achieve the best application possible!
4. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Color ($58)
If you’ve seen any of my recent Insta-lives or makeup tutorials on my channel, you should know how much I love this bronzer! The first time I tried it was in my “I Tried Chanel Makeup Worth $300” video, and since then I’ve been using it almost every time I do my makeup. I have it in the shade ‘Deep’ and it’s so great for warming up your complexion. This bronzer is also infused with illuminating pigments which create the most beautiful glow on the skin. It has a buildable formula that’s so blendable and easy to work with! I can’t say enough good things about this bronzer! Out of all the products featured in this month’s Sona Selects, this is definitely the one that’s become a holy grail item in my collection.
5. Maybelline The City Mini Palette x Shayla ($9.99)
Recently, a few of my friends had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing makeup brands! It makes me so happy to see fellow makeup artists getting recognition and working with so many cool companies! This Maybelline The City Mini Palette was a collaboration with Shayla (MakeupShayla) and it’s seriously so gorgeous! The palette comes with 6 colors that are perfect for fall. Shayla actually hand picked each shade in the palette at the Maybelline innovation labs in New York! How cool is that? The pigmentation is gorgeous and the texture is so smooth and buttery! I can’t say enough good things about this palette.
6. iluvsarahhii x ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Arriba! ($6)
This liquid lipstick in Arriba is the prettiest shade of red and it makes your teeth look so white! Karen (iluvsarahii) actually collaborated with ColourPop to create this gorgeous shade. I’m seriously so obsessed with it! This product also has amazing color payoff, it’s mind-blowing how pigmented it is for just six dollars! It’s completely kiss proof and will last all day with minimal touchups (which I love). It’s definitely a product I’ve been reaching for recently when I’m in the mood for a bold lip.
7. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil ($88)
Rarely is there a hair product like this that blows every other product out of the water for me. I just had to include the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil in this month’s Sona Selects! It was created by the amazing Negin Mirsalehi. This hair oil contains honey, almond oil, coconut oil, and is free of sulfates and parabens. I have very thick and coarse hair, and this product really moisturizes and leaves it so smooth. I don’t know how I ever lived without it! It is an expensive hair product, which is why I also wanted to include an affordable option with similar ingredients below. The Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Marvelous Oil Hair Elixir is another great hair oil for intense hydration and adding tons of shine!
I hope you enjoyed my August Sona Selects! I started using so many great products this month that I’m absolutely loving, and excited to keep using! What’s one product you haven’t been able to live without?
32 Comments
Nice products. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow is super lovely. I haven’t used it but your experience worth’s for us.
I can’t live without Maybelline mascara “Great Lash”. It’s my daily go to.
#snapchatfam
It’s definitely one of my favorite bronzers! :)
Like the look of that hair oil. My hair is so dry now!
http://www.BlushandPearls.com
It’s amazing and so hydrating!
I can’t wait the Maybelline city mini arrive to Budapest. I’ll order arriba this looks perfect. ?
What do you think Mario Badescu brand’s products?
Micellar water!! I started using it last year and I haven’t bought makeup wipes or any other type of makeup remover ever since. I use the La Roche Possay one, and it smells amazing. Also, I love the lipstick; Melissa was wearing it in one of her lasts videos and it looked amazing.
It’s great for removing makeup! Thank you pretty!
Hello Sona! How do you use the Gisou Honey Infused hair Oil? Do you leave it over-night and wash it off or do you apply it after your hair wash?
Much love #snapchatfam ?
Stay tuned for the video coming soon love! ;)
Hi Sona! Thanks for sharing your favs of last month. For the iS serum do you put it on after cleansing and before moisturizing? Do you still use a moisturizer?
I apply the serum to my face after I cleanse, and then apply another hydrating serum as a moisturizer over top.
Hearing so much from you about the Chanel Bronzer.. I want it too so badly. Can’t wait to try the brushes from Smashbox and the Maybelline palette.. it’s not in store yet over here. ❤️
#snapchatfam
Great post. The Philosophy micellar water looks amazing. Definitely want to try it out. I’m so ready for this heat to be over with.
I agree, the heat is too much!
Can you recommend some Lightweight products that do not melt off or are long wearing, California is no joke I thought the heat was going away.
Hi Sona thanks for ur great list!! Could u recommend us the toner and moisturizer that u’ve found ur favorites too? Love :x:x
My updated skincare routine is coming soon!
I can’t live without fit me concealer!!Nice post!!
Thank you! xo
Great post Sona! I’m definitely going to get that lipstick and that foundation brush looks amazing!!! ??#snapchatfam
The liquid lipstick is going to look great on you! :)
I swear I’m obsessed with your photos! Your charts give me life! Those brushes looks so good I need them, the angled is so unique ???.
Hi Sona! I’m so curious about your August favourites and finally you posted it. Yeay! I hope maybelline would bring in the city mini palette in my country because the shades in the palette are so gorgeous! Need to get my hands on them ? Oh, & I can’t live without sunscreen because girl, you gotta protect your skin from the uv rays ✌?
I have been loving Nest Fragrance’s Indigo, the Living Proof no frizz shampoo, and (a weird one) the Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant in Bergamot & Lime. Haha it smells like a margarita! ? I need to try that philosophy micellar water! Been wanting to try a new one recently.
Very useful ??? and love all the products
Great selection, I really want to try the Gisou oil cause I have such long hair and it really dry. Colourpop always comes up with new releases at such affordable prices. xx
I want everything on this list, all of it! hahha. I always love all your blog product lists, but this one I am like I am going shopping!
This is my favourite edition by you
Always look forward to Sona selects..and God that eye palette for that price ???
Color pop lipstick is looking fab!
Lovely post as usual.
Lots of love!! ❤❤
#scfam #monthlysquad
Thank you for this post! I really need that lipstick and those smashbox brushes in my life! ?
Love your new look! So chic and pretty! You can pull off any look! ???
I really need to order the gisou honey oil !!! I saw it many times and can’t decide if I order or not but now when I saw than it work and it’s took time to end, I think I will try it ? Already have the Chanel bronzer and I love it !! ??
I need to get my hands on that maybelline palette! I hope it is available in Portugal ???
Love the photo shots of the products. I just watched your video and I am convinced that I need that hair oil in my life!
http://www.allthatjae.com