top shelfie

I am a sensitive person…sensitive skin, sensitive stomach, and on it goes. Since moving to Europe, one of the first things I noticed was how much cleaner I felt from all of the food. As a general statement, European regulations for food, wine and cosmetics are much stricter. For example, the EMA(European Medicines Agency) has around 1,300 banned ingredients and chemicals in cosmetics. The FDA in America has 11. (to read more) Additionally, the allowed amount of sulphites added into wine during the winemaking process is about 5x in America what is allowed in Europe (I will be doing an entire natural wine post don’t you worry…just have to finish this gem before reporting fully). I am an avid podcast fan, so I’ve learned all of these statistics from many hours of listening.

Anyways, drugstore options for skincare are numerous. I was overwhelmed when I first stepped into a pharmacy in Spain for some hydrogen peroxide. There are so many options! I have been trying lots of things, and wanted to share what my skincare routine is up to at this point in the game. Pre-cursor, I’ve worn spf since I was 14, I take my skin very seriously. But I have also had a lot of reactions against traditional acne fighters recommended by dermatologists or drugstores in America. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions/comments/suggestions. Always looking to learn!

First up: skincare routine (in order of usage)

Foaming face wash- love the foaming feature and it always removes all of my makeup

Toner -with gingko biloba and witch hazel, I use this with reusable cotton pads.

Vitamin C serum (morning)-after applying this I usually let it soak in before putting moisturizer on top of it.

Retinol (night)-I finally got on a retinol routine after much research and product testing(Here’s a helpful podcast if you’re looking to get started). I love how most of La Roche-Posay’s products are water based and they never irritate my skin.

Gema Herrerias eye cream- I discovered this brand from a pharmacist in Andorra. Gema Herrerias is a Seville based brand and so far I love her products.

Face lotion-love the colloidal oatmeal in this lotion, never stings even if I’ve gotten too much sun! I brought over this huge tub from the states and it has lasted me ages.

Sunscreen-My friend turned me onto this stuff and I love how weightless it is-leaves a no grease feeling, my #1 pet peeve in sunscreens.

All things Weleda: shaving cream, body butter. This German brand uses essential oils to scent all of their products and they smell heavenly! It’s available in the states as well, but really commonly found here for low prices.

Native deodorant. So far, I haven’t been able to find a deodorant in Europe without aluminum that “feels” like a traditional anti-perspirant. So until then, I love the scents of all of Native’s deodorants and bring it over when we come. I actually got my most recent stick from a friend who had an extra-these deodorants are hot commodities among us expats in Spain.

Aquaphor: I have kept a tub of this stuff by my bed since I was probably 16. My mom is an avid fan and it truly works on any area with cracked skin or irritation. Life saver when I’m at altitude in Andorra or overcooked from the sun. I always have little tubes in my purses too!

Soap: I bought this 1000ml bottle for 8€ and I love this “soap-free” cleanser. It’s suitable for all ages, aka my super sensitive eczema prone skin.

Makeup:

I experimented with the Ilia super serum and mascara before we moved over from the states and then panic purchased more of their products (multi-stick and concealer) the day before we got on our flight because I loved them so much even within one week of owning the products! Also, listened to this podcast with their founder Sasha Plavsic and I love the passion behind her vision.

Daily routine: Super serum, some concealer, multi-stick for blush and mascara only if I’m feeling extra fancy. If I’m keeping it super simple, I just throw on some super serum and blush.

Haircare:

Olaplex everything. I do their hair mask once a week before washing. Otherwise I only wash my hair one other time in the week. Olaplex has a podcast and the theory that your hair should be treated like skin. I love their products and yes they do sud, if you’ve gone through a sulfur free shampoo phase too.

Perfume:

I’ve worn Jo Malone on and off for the past ~6 years. For me, Jo Malone is nostalgic. My mom, sister and I have all worn various perfumes of theirs. A scent can take you anywhere and every time I spray this English Pear and Freesia one on, I think of those beautiful women I’m lucky enough to look up to.

The past couple of years, I was a huge fan of Maison Louis Marie’s Bois de Balincourt. I’ve gone through two of their 15ml bottles but they last forever!

Brands I want to try! If anyone has recommendations, I’d love to hear.

Necessaire-body lotion and hand creme

Dior base coat in Abricot-I have seen this all over Pinterest and I’m dying to try this!

Jo Malone summer collection…can’t get over the beautiful packaging

Eluo bath salts. I have a weakness for decadent bath setups. Truly my favorite way to unwind.

Byredo perfumes…if anyone wants to gift me this highly precious scented water, I’ve dreamt of trying it ever since I saw the perfectly designed bottles. Can you tell I have a thing for packaging?

Looking forward to hearing recs and reviews from you guys! xx F