Hi Everyone,
Winter is here and there’s no getting around it. While there are pro’s (snow days, cuddling, whiskey, movie marathons), the horrible con’s tend to take over (dry skin, hair, whipping winds, chapped lips, etc.). Especially in NYC. This goes for ladies and gentleman— who tend to not take care of their skin during these chilly months.
As I was getting ready this morning, I had a realization: I’m a bit of a product whore. Which led me to think who else is a bit of a product whore. Beauty is one aspect I’d like to cover here so let’s start!
I’m a firm believer in using quality products and for me that’s a mix of drugstore and designer. I’m always interested in what people use so I thought I’d share mine. I’d also love to hear what you guys and gals are into for products. Hoping to make this a series of posts.
So take a look, check out the links, let me know what you guys are using, and enjoy!
— Christian
Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner, $10-$24
I have very thick and curly Italian hair that has a mind of it’s own. After a long search and many products tested, I have turned to Living Proof for all my hair needs. Created by hair genius Chris McMillan, hair icon Jennifer Aniston, and MIT Scientists, this line does wonders for your hair. Keeps my frizz and curls way manageable.
Like most Men (who won’t admit it…) I have sensitive skin. When I find a product I love, it usually gets discontinued. For the time being, I am using Dove Men’s body bars (all above are great). Dove is a qualitative brand that is dependable and consistent and isn’t harsh on your skin. All the bars also have great texture and mild scent.
A few years ago someone gave me a very sizable and very nice gift card to Sephora and I knew exactly what I wanted to use it on: the Clarisonic Mia 2. Every beauty blog and magazine was raving about how great your skin and shave is after using this. They were 100% right. My skin has been greatly improved since I started using the Mia 2. It’s worth the investment, I use is everyday.
Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser, $25.00
When you buy the Mia 2, this is the wash that comes with it. It so happens my skin reacted great to it so I have kept with it. Smells great.
Kiehl’s Sun Free Self Tanning Formula, $22.50
I have naturally dark olive skin being Italian. When Summer rolls around I spend way too much time in the sun and bronze over any chance I get. Still, I like to keep that glow and have hydrated skin at the same time. Enter Sun Free Self Tanner. Kiehls, another tried and true go-to brand, makes excellent products that are sensitive to your skin. This makes your skin super soft and unlike some self tanners you don’t look orange or streaky; it’s very natural looking. I use it everyday and it absolutely helps against harsh New York City weather.
*Fun fact: Kiehls has a rewards program for empty bottles so when you bring them to the store, they recycle and you get points towards new products. They also give out a gazillion free samples.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, $28.50
Having such dark features, I unfortunately get dark under eyes when I do not sleep enough (Vodka Tonic’s and trips to Boiler Room have nothing to do with it…). I don’t know if it’s the Avocado or because Kiehl’s is just that good, but as soon as I dab some of this on I transform. I look awake and fresh and like I have slept way more than I have. Cannot recommend this product enough.
*Fun Fact: Our future Scarlet Witch, Elizabeth Olsen, is also a fan and has shot a segment for Kiehl’s upcoming Earth Day campaign. Loving her choppy bob.
Living Proof Amp Instant Texture Volumizer, $24.00
With such unruly hair, I have tried my share of hair products. Most leave your hair piecey, hard, or dry. Living Proof’s amp, does not. It also doesn’t dry your hair our or make it feel brittle. It’s great product in both damp and dry hair and little goes a long way.
Dove Men’s Clinical Protection Deodorant, $7.99
Deodorant is essential— especially Summer time in NYC. You’re supposed to switch the type you use every few months to keep it working but since I started using this one by Dove Men’s I haven’t had to. I think with it being clinical and made especially for Men it has super powers. Whatever it is, it’s working.
*Fun Fact: Most of my Girlfriends use a Men’s deodorant, some even this one, and have had much better results than Lady Speed Stick…
Marc Jacobs Brow Tamer Grooming Gel, $24.00
Men should have eyebrows. Men should not have ugly eyebrows. With Italian brows, they can get a little unruly and bushy if I have slept face down. This unisex brow tamer by Marc Jacobs is honestly one of my favorite beauty products. It’s the last step I do before heading out the door preventing my eyebrows from looking like Bert from Sesame Street.
Remington Lithium Powered Grooming Kit, $26.24
I know I should get a nicer shaving system but I tend to break them very easily and I don’t know how. That’s a lie, I do know how: I shave in the morning half awake without coffee and always drop them. I travel a lot so it’s nice to have one shaver like this Remington that has different adapters. All in one is the way to go. It makes packing, and honestly just getting ready in the morning, a lot easier.
I have been using this Blistex product since I was 13. No joke. Slather it on before you go to bed (look real sexy…) and it keeps your lips moist. Especially in Winter or when you’re in the sun too much.
Because I’m a Kiehl’s addict, I have about 100 of these little guys I got with their recycling program points. I usually keep one in any bag I have. You can put this on and it doesn’t look like gloss; keeps lips super hydrated.
Natures Way Ashwagandha Caps, $10.00
After coming down with a horrible sinus infection earlier this year, I wanted to boost my immune system any way possible. In addition to taking a drugstore daily multivitamin, my Girlfriend Sarah reccomented Ashwagangha root. It’s helped big time in keeping my energy levels up and general improvement of my immune system. It also has some kind of calming agent that I find very zen. It’s all natural, folks. Get on board.
With Winter here for a few months everyone’s skin is super dry. When this happens I turn to Drugstore lotions over any other. They just work better and there’s a bit of nostalgia there. Carmex makes a great lotion filled with Aloe and Vitamin E that will fix any itchy dry skin in a minute. BOOM.
Eucerin Intensive Repair, $5.09
Like the Carmex lotion, this Eucerin hand lotion is also a dependable friend to fight off the cold. I use my hands all day drawing, exercise, etc. and they get super banged up. This fixes them.
Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer, $8.69
Because I’m a germaphobe, like most New Yorkers, I wash my hands about a million times a day. Which leaves them dry and irritated. Instead, I have turned to this hand sanitizer because it’s a lotion that puts moisture back in your skin rather than drying it out like most. Smells good too.
Trader Joe’s Botanical Bounty Foaming Hand Soap,$3.99
When I can choose the hand soap I use, I use this one. It has a nice texture, is organic, and has a pleasant smell. Plus foam soap is always fun.
Everyone has a signature scent. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver is mine. That’s all I have to say.
All images courtesy of respective brands.
© Copyright 2015 The New York Narrative. All rights reserved.
The New York Narrative 
Lol. You are too funny my son. But, I have to say, I did turn you on to some of the products you have just described!! Lol. I am going to get a bottle of those Ashwaghanda pills. I need energy!!! Love this little segment!! 👍😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kerry from little pretties suggested your posts and she is correct they are fun. I like reading your narrative and look forward to more.
LikeLiked by 1 person