These are a few essentials that I cannot go without on a daily basis…

1. Chanel powder ($55 – Nordstrom – free shipping)
   • The price is slightly steep, but I promise this single item can last you a good 6 months…yes, this is assuming you only put a few layers on per day (no caking ladies), sometimes skipping a day on the weekends (i.e.  Sunday Funday in your backyard), but the coverage is really amazing & it has SPF 15!
     
2. NARS Blush ($30 – Nordstrom – free shipping)
   • I started using this blush when I was 17 years old.  After a recommendation from a good friend (fellow senior year of high school spring-breaker 2007 from north Miami), I became addicted and never looked back.  I have continuously received compliments and love the youthful, natural glow it adds to my complexion!
3. Better Than Sex Mascara ($23 – Sephora)
   • This is a new necessity.  For  years, literally since I began begging my mother to share her makeup advice, I used (GREAT LASH® WASHABLE MASCARA IN BLACKEST BLACK).  It is the BEST bang for your buck available and I still highly recommend it.
   • A few months ago, one of my favorite blogs (Cupcakes and Cashmere) posted an article about trying 5 of her best friends’ mascaras (see here).  The winner was Too Faced ‘Better Than Sex’ mascara.  After trying, I would have to agree!  The brush has a slightly intimidating hourglass shape, but actually helps coat the lashes from the base to tip, leaving a beautifully thick, coated lashes that are still weightless and wispy.  
4. ROSE SALVE ($5.50 – Bath & Body Works)
   • I first found this product sophomore year of college when my husband’s roomie started dating one of my (now) best friends, Courtney Butker (Hunt).  A true product of Virginia Highlands (one of the most amazing neighborhoods in Atlanta), she is an absolutely amazing and inspiring human being.
   • The definition of salve is, “an ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection.”  Rose Salve is made with .9% rose extract and I use it daily on my lips and every so often on my cuticles, elbows, knees, and any other areas with patchy skin dryness.
     
5. CeraVe® Facial Moisturizing Lotion – 3 oz ($10 – Target)
   • I’ve always been an advocate of yearly check-ups from the dermatologist, but when Brandon proposed in Summer 2013 and wedding bells became a reality, I began to take my skin a little more seriously.  My dermatologist recommended this moisturizer (along with the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser), as it is unscented, light, and helps restore your skin’s natural barrier over time.  There is also an AM version of the facial lotion with SPF 30, but it was a little thicker than my liking.
   • Added bonus – 3 oz is below the size regulations for flying, so you should have no trouble going through security in the airport!
6. Blistex Medicated Lip Balm (under $3 per tube – most stores)
   • Being prone to fever blisters as a result of sunburn on or around my lips, I keep this lip balm on deck for outdoor occasions.  Containing SPF 15, it gives just the right amount of protection and you can even swipe your favorite lip gloss or lipstick on over it once it soaks in.