July Favorites: Vitamins, Essential Oils, and Skincare

No matter when you happen to read this post, it’s no secret that summer 2020 has been challenging for every single family on earth, in some capacity. This July, for me, taught quite a few lessons on what self-care really means and how to shamelessly think for myself—even when I want to fight the truth I have discovered.

Keeping the deep self-reflection to a minimum, I wanted to start a “Current Favorites” series simply because I have thoroughly enjoyed every product I mention in my accompanying video and this post. Whether certain products helped me gather myself, promote peace and nostalgia, or treat skin/hair problems, I am happy to share some good that kept me sane in July.

Enjoy, my friends (and make sure to watch the video for a full review of each product)!

Keep in mind that some links in this post may be affiliate codes that support this blog! To learn more about my use of these codes, visit my disclosure policy.

lifestyle

Care/of

Care/of is a subscription service for a personalized box of vitamins, protein, and/or collagen. I LOVE my pack of vitamins for July! It is a jam-packed packet that I was able to customize using a quiz on the main website. With my results, Care/of was able to recommend a list of vitamins that fit my fitness and health goals. My July pack included; Magnesium, Iron, B-Complex, Calcium, and Zinc. For 50% off your first box of personalized vitamins, click this link to take the quiz for yourself!

Equilibria

Equilibria is home to premium CBD Oil with personalized dosage support. This company has become one that I adore, for the simple fact that it was created by women FOR women. I felt incredibly supported as a first-time CBD customer and was able to find a dose that’s perfect for my body. For a more in-depth post, visit this excellent blog for a breakdown and review by Amber Burns herself! Of course, for $10 off your first order, make sure to use REFMAKAYLALFOSTER at checkout.

Simply Earth

I was sent Simply Earth’s August Essential Oil Recipe Box and fell madly in love. Funny enough, I already reviewed and tested out this subscription box in this recent post with more information on how I was able to create my own products using these oils. To check out Simply Earth for yourself, use this link or use the code MAKAYLALYNNFREE at checkout for a nice little (BIG) surprise!

The Vanishing Half 

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is extraordinary. I fell madly in love with both the storyline and the writing—which became it’s own narrative after the first paragraph (if you know, you know). Brit Bennett was able to speak on a very touchy subject in ways that significant authors cannot do, and I appreciate her for it. I highly recommend that you pick up this bestseller if you’re a book nerd that loves a gossip sesh.

makeup

To keep things moving swiftly, I decided to gather the makeup section into one big kumbaya moment. First up is my go-to Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia. I’m always running to this lippie for the perfect “my lips but better” tint whenever lipstick is too much of a commitment. Next is Fenty Beauty’s newest(ish) addition, the Cheeks Out Cream Blush in Summertime Wine. Truly a cream blush for the RICH AND FAMOUS. All dramatics aside, I love the finish and fall even harder when I’m layering the blush on top of the Pro Filt’r Hydrating Foundation (my current shade: 310).

skincare

Sol De Janeiro

The Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and Brazilian Crush Body Mist make me feel like one rich woman mixed with a beach baddie and a 20-something homeowner who buys expensive candles because she can afford it. I’m just NOT myself with this product on and have come to adore the scent both products share (with a satisfying “lingering” perfume that mixes with your body’s natural oils). Let this obnoxious paragraph be the fuel you need to check Sol De Janeiro out for yourself.

Body Oils

I have probably mentioned these two body oils before (since they have become household staples in my beauty cabinet). On the left, we have Bio Oil’s signature body oil made for marks and scars of all kinds, with the Jason Vitamin E skin oil on the right (found at Target). Both have been essential for my stretch marks, with the Vitamin E oil being extra helpful for that healthy “glow” that made this terrible summer a tad bit better.

hair products

Carol's Daughter

As winter closed and my hair stopped acting like a toddler, I was able to get away with a four-product hair routine for the spring/summer. This included a conditioner, hair lotion, and castor oil, but the star of the show and ultimate cleanser was this Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight shampoo. Not only is this product fairly natural, without sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors, but it never strips my hair of moisture after a thorough cleanse. Although I can’t use this product exclusively, to ensure I don’t have product buildup, I use this for most of my weekly wash day routines.

Cantu 

This Cantu Twist and Lock Gel has been my go-to product for the infamous Makayla Lynn twist out. I’ve strayed from this product for years but never knew just what I was missing until I revisited this jar of magic in 2020. Although it’s not boasting any natural titles or many nourishing ingredients, it does the job for me (and does it well). I will continue to hunt for a product that doesn’t make me feel as guilty, but this will stay in my cabinet stocked and ready for wash day!

black lives matter. 

As for me and my home, we believe, wholeheartedly, that Black Lives Matter. For the sake of not taking the place of research that many should be doing when learning about this ongoing movement and stance against injustice, I will let the links below speak for themselves.

If you want to take action and participate in this conversation that has been silenced for far too long, visit the organizations below.

Policing Equity: https://policingequity.org

Civil Rights: https://civilrights.org

Equal Justice Initiative: https://eji.org

Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org

National Bail Out: https://www.nationalbailout.org

8 Can't Wait: https://8cantwait.org

That's all for now, my friends! This was a bit of a tedious process and became that involved 20 different steps just to create a cohesive post/video duo. One day I'll find a better way to display my current favorites, but I hope you enjoyed this first 2020 rendition for July!

If you have any product recommendations, you know what to do. Comment below any products or services you personally love and follow me on social media @themakaylalynn for additional reviews and product spotlights!

As always, Live (and consume) Intentionally,