BEAUTY NEWS: MONTHLY BEAUTY FAVES

March 18, 2025 by iamsummerterry

I wouldn’t call myself a product junkie, but I do love testing out products that feel right for whatever stage of life I’m in. And let’s be real, that stage can change month to month! Along the way, you stumble on some staples that become holy grails and others that make you say, “Never again!” Here’s my roundup of the products I absolutely loved in February.

Moon Juice Magnesi-Om

Sleep and I haven’t been on the best terms lately and insomnia decided to bring night sweats along for the ride. I blamed stress and grief, but a doctor’s visit revealed my anemia had worsened, and my iron levels were severely low. The warning? Start taking my vitamins, or face iron infusions. Cue the wake-up call to take my health seriously. Enter Moon Juice Magnesi-Om. After all the buzz about it and the viral “sleepy girl cocktail,” I gave it a try. And wow….game changer! Now, I sleep through the night, no tossing, no turning, just solid rest. This stuff is a clinical-strength blend of three bioavailable forms of magnesium (Gluconate, Acetyl Taurinate, and Citrate) plus L-Theanine. Let me break it down for you:

• Magnesium Gluconate: Gentle on the stomach, it helps with muscle relaxation, calming the nervous system, and reducing stress.
• Magnesium Acetyl Taurinate: Supports brain health and focus.
• Magnesium Citrate: Keeps things regular (you’re welcome).

Then there’s L-Theanine, an amino acid from tea leaves that promotes relaxation and better sleep without making you drowsy. Bonus? This combo helps lower cortisol levels, which can indirectly support weight loss. Clock that!

Findley Retinol and Collagen Overnight Face Serum

After chatting my esthetician’s ear off during my facial, I swung by one of my favorite spots—Marshall’s. Ladies, don’t sleep on Marshall’s and TJ Maxx for skincare gems! I love browsing their serum section, and this time, I scored the Findley Retinol and Collagen Overnight Face Serum for less than $10. I was already a fan of the brand from using their Collagen and Rose Oil Firming Face Lift Serum, so I knew this would be good. Both serums glide on easily—smooth, thin, and super moisturizing. You use it after cleansing and toning, right before your moisturizer. Chef’s kiss!

If you don’t spot it at your local Marshall’s or TJ Maxx, no worries—I’ve got an Amazon link for you right here.

e.l.f. Bronzing Drops

I picked up these e.l.f. Bronzing Drops last year to prep for my trip to Colombia (which, by the way, was so much fun—maybe I’ll do a recap because my fits were fire). I’m not big on heavy foundation; a good tinted moisturizer and concealer are usually all I need. While in Colombia, I used these drops to create a sun-kissed look, applying them to my cheekbones and blending slightly upward toward my temples for a sculpted, hollowed effect. Fast forward to February, and my gorgeous Colombian tan has faded. Even as a brown girl, I get a little pale in the winter, so I started experimenting by mixing the bronzing drops into my tinted moisturizer to bring back that bronzy glow. Sometimes, I even mix it with my SPF! The formula is super moisturizing and packed with antioxidants like Vitamin E, marula oil, and raspberry seed oil. It comes in three shades, and I use Pure Gold. Love it!

eos Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere 24-Hour Moisture Body Lotion

This one’s a no-brainer! If you’re a vanilla girl when it comes to scents, this lotion is for you. It’s a sweet, whipped vanilla with a hint of musk and just a touch of caramel—not too much, just enough to make it delicious. Pair this with your favorite vanilla-based perfume and a complementary body oil, and honey, you’ll be turning heads. Get ready for those “Excuse me, but you smell amazing” compliments. Trust me, you’ll be walking around smelling like a dream.

Armaf Club de Nuit Women

Let me tell you something, this perfume is not overhyped. I’ve built up a pretty nice little fragrance collection, and this is the one I reach for the most. Every single time I wear it, someone is up in my space asking, “What are you wearing?!” The projection is loud (in the best way), so you don’t need to spray much, and it lasts all day. I usually save this for special occasions because it’s that good. Here’s the breakdown:

• Top Notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, peach, and orange.
• Heart Notes: Geranium, jasmine, litchi, and rose.
• Base Notes: Musk, patchouli, vanilla, and vetiver.

Pair this with the eos Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere 24-Hour Moisture Body Lotion, and report back!

NUXE Paris Huile Prodigieuse Riche Multi-Purpose Nourishing Body Oil

Yes, the name is a mouthful—it’s Parisian, it’s French, and it’s fabulous! Let me be clear: this is not your everyday body oil. It’s decadent, sexy, and makes you feel like the most feminine, soft, seductive, sultry woman all at once. The satiny glow it gives your skin? 10/10. It’s a vegan formula with a scent that smells like sunshine and the beach. The magic comes from a blend of 7 botanical oils: Tsubaki, Argan, Macadamia, Borage, Camellia, Hazelnut, and Sweet Almond. I randomly stumbled across this gem while browsing for body oils. I fell in love with the bottle and the fact that it was French—total blind purchase, but it was a win! The NUXE Paris Huile Prodigieuse comes in four versions: Original, Riche, Florale, and Or (shimmer). I went all in and bought the Riche and Florale, but the Riche? Oh, she’s that girl.

Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant

This deodorant has become my holy grail. I first tried Saltair a few months ago with their 5% AHA Serum Deodorant in Santal Bloom. When it ran out, I was blown away by how much lighter my underarms looked and how effective it was at keeping odor at bay. I decided to try another fragrance, but it didn’t wow me as much. Still, I wasn’t about to waste my coins, so I used it up and went right back to Santal Bloom. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see I just picked up the Essentials Set in Golden Hour. So far the scent lives up to the hype!

Zara Nude Bouquet Parfum

I’ve been a Zara Nude Bouquet girl for years, but you know how it is—sometimes you stop buying something and forget how much you loved it. I hadn’t picked up a new bottle in about a year, but during a recent Zara trip (to look for something else, of course), I ended up sniffing the perfumes and instantly remembered why I was obsessed with Nude Bouquet. I didn’t play around—I skipped the 30ml and went straight for the 100ml. This is the perfect everyday scent: fresh, clean, and reminiscent of a cool spring breeze. With notes of cherry, peony, and vanilla. That vanilla will always do it!