by Morgan Osman
May 16, 2021
6 Comments
Ahhh! It feels so good to treat my blog as... A BLOG! I swear it started to feel like a gossip site and that was never my intention. I guess my real life really is THAT interesting. So many traumas, events, milestones, and amazing growth. I knew the well could potentially run dry going at that speed but, it doesn’t have to. No one said I have to constantly tell you my life story but, I love giving you guys real stories behind the facade. They say a picture is worth 1000 words - “The phrase a picture is worth a thousand words means a picture may convey an idea more quickly and effectively than the written word. ... Someone who simply views an image can capture the essence of the meaning of that image without a lot of explaining.” This is supposed to hold true but, the times we live in, people learned that if they post a picture you will automatically assume it’s exactly what they say it is. You will assume they have everything they claim, they’re doing everything they say and life’s perfect - that’s just not the case. It can also mean people make up a thousand scenarios of what they think that picture means. The reality behind it is often very different. For the first year, I was determined to show you guys the complete opposite. To be raw and open, vulnerable and accessible. As real and honest as I've been, people will still take my exact words (from here) and twist them against me. People will really try to use my own content to benefit themselves. "Can you believe Morgan did this?!" "Morgan said that." YES Genius, clearly Morgan did. And because I did, you all have something to talk about. You're welcome. But, I am capable of giving you guys a variety of topics and "stories" and, I’m excited to finally diversify and start treating my blog more like a blog.
I'm constantly asked what my favorite products are. People are always messaging me asking what seems to be the smallest thing but, is a big deal. As I’ve gotten older, I have become more lost and confused with beauty myself. I find myself on YouTube and trusting other influencer's/celebrities' opinions on what they like so, I understand why people might want to know what I like and, what works for me. Not saying I'm a celebrity, I'm saying people are lost and/or nosy and trust me. I’ve put together a list with pictures and descriptions of what I’m currently obsessing over and links to where you can view these products. From drugstore to high-end, and everything in between, below are my favorite things. The words that are blue are clickable links to purchase the products. Enjoy :)
Lets start from the top, HAIR:
You can only buy this at salons or with you cosmetology license. It is my HOLY GRAIL. I refuse to use anything else. The smell, the texture - everything is perfect. It's creamy and rich but, not heavy. It's SO good that my hair literally detangles from the shampoo. I don't know what's in it. I don't know if it's sulfate free blah blah. All I know is, it's my go to for a few years now and and I don't plan on giving it up anytime soon. It leaves my hair is so shiny and coated but, never greasy. Also, my hair smells great for days after I wash it.
I'm currently not using any oils or leave in conditioners but, I have in the past and I feel like I should share it with you. This too can only be purchased at salons or by a professional. It saved me when I was bleaching my hair. I was attempting to go blonde and my hair was so angry and brittle. My girlfriends are hooked. It smells amazing and, this too isn't heavy or greasy.
I've attached a stock photo because I use this so much its really not cute anymore but, that proves just how good it is. This is a game changer. If you know me, you know I REFUSE to let anyone blow-dry my hair. I just hate how stylists pull on it and overall aren't gentle. It's never smooth enough and always still damp, yuck. If I must get a blowout, my favorite is in London or Turkey. Turkish people do the BEST blowouts ever. Since I don't live in London or Turkey, I do my hair myself. I wash and dry it twice a week. I have long thick BEAUTIFUL extentions and, after years and years of doing it I was getting burnt out. I like a very specific blowout so it takes a while. I let it airdry for as long as I can and then I would use a very large round brush and blowdryer but, not anymore!! This thing is gold! I let my hair airdry, I use a regular blowdryer to dry my roots fast and lastly, I use the Amika hair blow dryer brush to give me the perfect blowout. This combined with my 2" barrel curling iron for my everyday look.
This is a very recent find and I am beyond hooked. I’m so hooked that it stopped working/broke out of nowhere and I was frantic. My hair just isn’t the same without it. I was recently getting on a flight overseas and realized it had stopped working. I didn’t have time to get another one before I left and my hair looked awful for a week. I first purchased it on Amazon back in January and it’s always sold out now. I’ve found another site that has it in stock and linked it. After I use my
Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush I curl huge sections with this Hot Tools 2” curling wand. I used to always wear my hair curled but, I’m going through a phase where I don’t like it curled at all. This iron is so large that it just gives me a loose bend creating a fresh blown out look. Out of everything on this entire list, this has to be top two. I literally cannot live without this. And no, not just any 2” barrel curling iron will do. I was desperate so, I tried to replace this one with another one that was double the price and it was awful. Please don’t break again. I love you Hot Tools!
SKIN:
I’ve struggled with acne well into my adult years. I’ve posted about it here explaining my struggles with photos. Back in November, I was recommended Paula's Choice. I was told that I needed to stop stripping my skin and being so aggressive. I realized I needed to be much more gentle and I genuinely believe it’s worked.
My skin has been (almost) flawless since. I feel like I just wasn’t cleansing it properly. I was rushing though this step without meaning to. I love this cleanser. I’ve tried everything and this simply works. It does the job without stripping and irritating my skin. It’s super affordable and comes in a few different variants depending on your skin type. You can purchase it on Amazon although, I recently read a lot of them were fake so I get it directly from the Paula's Choice website
that I’ve linked for you. I do a two-step cleanse using Micellar water and then this.
I just purchased these about 2 weeks ago and, I’m in love. They are so inexpensive and better than most, especially for the price. I was using very soft wash clothes from Amazon that are also great until I discovered these. I’m sure I’m late but, in case you haven’t tried them, they are amazing. I use them with my cleaners and I’m squeaky clean every time.
I have to be honest, I haven’t used this much. I’m actually afraid to start consistently using harsh products on my face again. I know you’re supposed to but, my skin is so sensitive and I don’t want it to freak out. It’s on the list because the few times that I have used it, it was great. I woke up feeling so smooth and plump. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores. People SWEAR by this. It has incredible reviews all over the internet if you feel like looking into it more.
In this photo are 3 different products from Stacked Skincare. I have fell in love with this brand. The top is the Stacked
Skincare Dermaplaning Exfoliation Tool. A professional style razor tool used for at home facial dermaplaning. You can buy similar ones at your local drugstore or on Amazon. The reason I say similar, is because they’re very inexpensive but, they’re made for eyebrow grooming and should not be used on our skin. The one pictured here is quite pricey but, has never irritated me and I am in love. I had dermaplaning done once by an aesthetician a few years ago and, I broke out so bad I was scared to death to do it again. About two months ago, I found this company and it’s just wow. You don’t always have to pay a hefty price but here, it really makes a difference. It’s sturdy, stable and gentle. After I wash my face, and it’s completely dry, I’ll use this tool to get rid of any unwanted hair and dull skin. You can do it as often as once a week, I do it about every two weeks. Your products absorb into your skin deeper and makeup goes on flawlessly. I paid full price but,
it's 30% off right now! Highly recommend.
The other 2 products I purchased are samples size because I have never tried the brand and, I waste so much money on these hyped brands, as I’m sure you all have too.
The TCA Lactic &Glycolic Face Peel is 5 gentle acids complemented by anti-inflammatory Turmeric and is said to have maximum resurfacing power to brighten dark spots, treat and prevent breakouts, clear pore congestion, smooth uneven texture, and soften fine lines without dryness or irritation. Recommended use 3-5x a week. I only use it once a week and I love it. My skim has definitely improved texture and dark spots.
The
EGF Activating Serum I use twice daily. I freakin love this! My skin has never felt better. So smooth, no pimples no bumps. It’s visibly brighter too. This is a plant-based retinol
alternative that boosts cell turnover and speeds blemish healing. A combination of vegan epidermal growth factors and naturally fermented ingredients including probiotic green tea and yeast prevents breakouts and heals blemishes while brightening dark spots. It’s alllll that! I will be purchasing both in the full size.
From helping with texture to lightening my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scars, this cream is amazing. I've been using for about 3 weeks, rotating between my other topicals and I have definitely noticed my spots fade. It smells weird for a minute but the smell goes away and this product really works.
At this point, I assume everyone is doing a double cleanse. It’s so crazy that we weren’t told about this sooner. I don’t know if it’s just me, or is it like this came out of left field and how the hell did we ever survive without it?! I particularly love this one it goes everywhere I go, in the travel size of course. It simply gets the job done and my skin doesn’t feel stripped or irritated. It’s gentle yet affective.
I started using this in February and I was really nervous. After being in Miami, my skin was so dry back in LA. Since I’m prone to breakouts this was a really big deal for me. Oils scare the shit out of me but, to my surprise, I’m addicted. I have never broken out from this, not once. It leave my skin feeling soft like a baby. I only use it at night and I make sure not to skip it under my moisturizer. I can feel the difference when I do. Literal baby skin! A must!
I use this with the face oil around my eyes and it’s not life changing but, it gives you that “spa” like feeling. It rolls on and feels soothing around the thin skin around our eyes. I’m hooked on the feeling not the results.
I fell in love with this eye cream after a make up artist used on me. I’m not a fan of getting my make up done but, when I do, I always ask what they’re using and try and mimic it myself. It feels good, goes on creamy and isn’t greasy. It’s perfect for under your make up or rocking a bare face. My eyes feel awake and refreshed every time I put this on.
When got my make up done by Hrush (before she was famous) she used this and I’ve been hooked since. I personally don’t care for a make up primer but, the fact that this is a moisturizer/primer in one is everything. You don’t need a lot, a little goes a long way. It’s expensive but, definitely worth it. It’s my holy grail. I've used this for the last 7 years.
I’m not sure if it’s just me but, my skin has been drier than ever. I was on the hunt to find a good face oil and, in doing so, I stumbled upon this. It’s actually a foundation oil (you can use it alone too) which I was excited about because makeup was going on super cakey. This oil is a lifesaver. You only need the smallest amount and it transforms your foundation into a silky satin finish. I love it because you don’t look greasy or wet. It's antioxidant-rich and helps to fight acne. It doesn’t have that heavy oily feeling and, doesn’t thin out your foundation - it just somehow makes it better.
This was introduced to me at the same time the
Paulas Choice Cleanser and I honestly cannot live without either of them. This is so creamy and can be worn under your make up without giving you a nasty flashback. I wear it alone and my skin looks so dewy and radiant. It’s great for sensitive skin and has never caused any breakouts. It’s so imperative that we protect our skin and, coming from Miami I never really paid as close attention as I should. I was constantly at the beach and the "tanner the better" was my motto. It’s nearly impossible to reverse the signs of aging and protecting our skin is SO IMPORTANT! If you’re looking for a great sunscreen/moisturizer this is a 10/10.
Not gonna lie, at first, I hated these. I had shipped them to Miami and thought the more the merrier and, put way too many drops in my water it was disgusting. I was so turned off from it for a while but, with the right amount of drops it’s not bad. I don’t love the taste but, I love the idea of drinking my minerals. It's said to deeply hydrate your cells with 72 naturally-occurring ionic trace minerals. Honestly, I’m not really sure if they’re working or not but, I’d like to believe they are. Adding vitamins to your water is always beneficial, right?
MAKEUP
A few days ago I discovered these elf sponges and let me tell you, they are such a steal. I was super faithful to the Beauty Blender Sponge until recently stumbling upon a YouTube video where all of the comments were laughing at people still spending $20 on a Beauty Blender. Everyone was saying how amazing these Elf Sponges were so, I figured I would give them a try and wow! I’ve always been skeptical of drug store sponges because they’re usually hard and rough. Not these! You got three sponges for around $12. They are super soft and honestly, I like them way more than the Beauty Blender. They are reusable but, for sanitary purposes, I like to replace them often and at this price I can without guilt.
YSL All Hours Longwear Natural Matte Foundation
OK! This is by far one of my most favorite recent purchases. I’ve only used it a handful of times but, it is absolutely flawless. I was very faithful to Dior and Armani foundations for years but, my boyfriend prefers a lighter look and so do I. I personally hate the way foundation feels on my skin. I was using concealer or tinted moisturizer as a foundation for for quite some time now. I was so lost because I wanted coverage but, I didn’t want to feel heavy with a thick product sitting on my face. I wear it alone or sometimes I will add the
.TSKD Foundation Face Oil. This is perfection. Trust me, it’s worth every dollar. You won’t be disappointed.
I just love the convenience of these three brushes together. It makes applying your contour full proof. These brushes makes it super easy to apply and blend the contour color without leaving harsh lines or looking very unnatural. Plus for the price, these brushes are a steal! You get an easy flawless application every time.
I’ve been told my entire life that I have the best eyeliner. I wear it almost everyday. I don’t know why I feel so naked without it. I used to use Makeup Forever Felt Tip Liquid Liner but, this Marc Jacobs Fineliner is life. It’s extra skinny gel tip glides on perfectly and DOES not come off. It’s hard to tell from the picture but, I rotate between dark brown “truffle” and jet black "blacquer". I have been using this for years now and anytime I have tried to stray away, I laugh at myself. It’s my absolute go to!
This mascara is only $13 and lasts a long time since it’s only made for your bottom lashes. It’s a gel-like consistency that will never ever transfer and goes on beautifully with just one coat. I’ve gotten makeup artist hooked. Even though it’s made for the bottom lashes, I take it in my purse when I go out at night because it’s so tiny and convenient. I've used this for over 7 years.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Soft Glam // Eye Shadow Pallete
I think by now most of us makeup junkies are familiar with the Anastasia Modern Renaissance Pallet. It’s a literal staple in everyone’s kit. I’ve tried so many times to keep up with all of the amazing eyeshadow palettes that are coming out weekly but, every single time I return them. As you can see I really use this daily and my go to colors are worn down to nothing. Excuse the mess but, this gets USED! I recently purchased the Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Soft Game // Eye Shadow Palette because it’s small and I can travel with it. I also love that it has a jet black. I try not to use the black too often but, sometimes I really wish the modern renaissance pallet had it. Between these two pallets I don’t think I’ll ever need another one.
Mac Lip Lip Pencil "Whirl"
Mac Lip Pencil "Stripdown"
Last but not least, my daily lip combo. I love to blend the two pencils “whirl” and "stripdown" together for a pretty brownish lined lip and then I blend it with "influentially it" with my finger. I go between a matte lip and lip gloss often but, as we are forced to wear these masks this has been my go to combo for the last year. It’s soft enough for daytime yet somehow still bold enough for night. The lipstick is super creamy and light weight and doesn’t cake/crack. LOVE!
I use all of these products almost daily and I think you will love them as much as I do. It feels really good to be light and helpful. I know how much I’ve listened to other peoples suggestions myself and I hope that this does the same for you. If I left something out that you were particularly hoping for, let me know in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer.
Sincerely,
That Bitch
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Morgan Osman
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