Amanda Gracia's Go-To Beauty Products - The Bend Magazine

Amanda Gracia’s Go-To Beauty Products

Local blogger Amanda Gracia (@simplygracia_) on keeping her skin hydrated and looking as fresh as ever

By: Amanda Gracia  Photos by: Lillian Rietz

I’m definitely one of those moms who is always on the go and in a hurry…but I never allow myself to forget the importance of a good skin care regimen. Although aging is inevitable, I’ve learned that we can slow down the process and even prevent unwanted wrinkles if we just take the time to give our skin the nutrition it so desperately desires. This is why, no matter how tired I am after a long day, I make sure to set aside time for myself. No excuses, ladies. In the end, we will regret every night we didn’t take off our makeup and forgot to moisturize. 

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Ultra Repair Cream – Intense Hydration Skin Protectant 

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First thing on my list is my life-saver. This brings my skin back to life every single time! Since February, I have been getting eczema flare-ups on my face. When this occurs, I am unable to use any of my regular products, and this is the only cream that my face tolerates. Hence, it is now part of my daily regimen – and I swear it’s a game-changer if you have dry skin. I’ve used many name-brand moisturizers out there, and nothing compares to what this does for my face. 

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Product available at Sephora, $12-$38 

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Rose Hip Nourishing Oil – Mario Badescu

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My makeup artist gal pal @aglamface is the one who actually noticed my dry patches on my face and recommended that I try more hydrating products/makeup. She was right, my skin was starving for hydration, so that is why I started trying out new things and found that this oil works wonders. I feel like it does exactly what it’s supposed to do: revives and soothes dehydrated skin. I apply a few drops of this underneath and around my eyes after the repair cream to give my face some extra “life,” especially if I don’t plan on wearing foundation. 

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I also use this same oil in conjunction with my rose quartz roller and jade roller. I highly recommend this product, because you can get the most out of it, and I’ve noticed a dramatic difference in my complexion. 

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Product available at Ulta for $22 

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Rose Quartz and Jade Rollers

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It is very important to make sure that when you buy these rollers, they are actually made out of the material they are “promising” to be. Using one or both of these every day will show a significant difference in just a little over a week. Jade is really good for evening your complexion and leaves your skin feeling firmer and smoother. The most useful function is that it also helps drain the lymphatic system. Rose quartz helps with reducing fine lines and wrinkles, along with puffiness and dark circles. It helps close pores and tightens skin. 

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Rose quartz and jade rollers are available online and at various local shops for $15-25

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Wet N Wild – Ultimate Brow Retractable & Ultimate Brow™ Micro Brow Pencil 

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Time is everything, and right now I don’t have a lot to spare. So instead of spending 15 minutes on my eyebrows using all the ABH eyebrow products, I now use Wet N Wilds eyebrow pencils … and LOVE them. Same look achieved within 2-4 minutes. I do have a scar on one of my eyebrows where the hair doesn’t grow, so that’s when I use the micro pencil to make hair-like strokes to fill in the little gap. Then I use the regular-sized pencil to give them both a little more pigment and volume. 

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Products available at H-E-B for $4-$5 

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A Good Brow Tech

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Speaking of eyebrows: Something every woman should have is a good brow tech. Someone who knows what you want and won’t leave you botched or ever tell you, “Ahhh, it will grow back.” I feel flawless after I get my eyebrows threaded, and it’s the best feeling knowing your eyebrows are on point. If you are looking for a new eyebrow person, you should go see mine. Her name is Vanessa Garza and she is located at Beauty Crush here in Corpus Christi. She will definitely take care of you. Tell her I sent you!

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Services available for $15-$25 at Beauty Crush

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Maybelline Snapscara Washable Mascara

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I prefer this one over my Chanel and Dior mascara. It makes my lashes look extra-long and doesn’t clump them. I usually only wear falsies if I have a photoshoot or an event to attend, so it’s important to have a reliable mascara that will help freshen up your eyes and add a little life to your face. 

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Product available at Ulta for $8 

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Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, Cleansing and Makeup Removing Solution 

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Last but not least, I think many women don’t realize how important it is not only to remove your makeup but to remove it in a way that does not damage your skin. You should never scrub your face hard to remove makeup, especially under the eyes. Rubbing too hard and applying forceful pressure causes fine lines over time. I recommend removing your eye makeup first, and then cleansing after so that you don’t leave any residue behind, but that’s just me. I’ve found that these two products work best for my sensitive skin when it comes to removing my makeup, especially eye makeup. 

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Product available at Amazon for $15 

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Round or Oval Cotton Pads 

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I have extremely sensitive/dry skin and suffer from eczema and psoriasis. So what works for me might not work for others, but I do hope this information helps someone. We don’t have the best weather here for our skin, but we have to learn to work with what we have. So just always try to remember: Moisturized skin, good eyebrows and some mascara goes a long way! 

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Product available at Ulta for $2-$5 

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