I get the strange feeling that my friends think I’m a snob when it comes to beauty products.  Like when they call me “fancy pants” or say, “you are such a snob when it comes to beauty products.” But I have some not-so-glamorous standbys which I’m about to out.

Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae with Grape Seed Extract Facial Cleansing Lotion 

I went through a somewhat Bohemian phase in college. To this day, there is a girl somewhere inside me wearing a long woven skirt over a leotard, headed to a meditation session. She’s just retired. However, I still use her cleanser. Its unappealing packaging is testament to how loyal I am to the product inside it. When I don’t use it, I pay for it either in dry patches or spots. It’s creamy, organic, and really balances out my combination skin. And I’ve been using it for over a decade despite changes in my skin’s behavior. If you try it, don’t forget to shake vigorously before use. Many truly natural products separate for lack of emulsifiers. Massage in for at least 30 seconds.

Thayer’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel

I swipe this on after cleansing and keep it in a spritz bottle for quick hits of moisture.  Again, I’ve used this alcohol-free witch hazel formula for over a decade. It’s refreshing, comes in a great big bottle, and they’ve made it paraben-free.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Unromantic but trusty.  Being sensitive to perfumes, I can mix this with scented lotions for a milder effect.

Boscia blotting linens

So many magazines talk about makeup that’s perfect for those touch ups on the go.  Sounds great, but I’m lucky to reapply my lip gloss between snacks.  I don’t touch up and I don’t know many other ladies that bother.  These make taking the shine off easy and quick work.  The different scents actually can yield a moment’s uplifting; however, some of them don’t last.  Lavender and green tea retain their scents the longest, from my experience.  The price is reasonable, too.  While they are conveniently portable, the packaging is rather delicate.  I keep them in a flat leather zipper pouch to maintain construction and sanitation. This one’s not necessarily un-glamorous; however, I threw it in because sopping your face in the middle of the day is the epitome of.

Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Liquid Soap

This one has stuck with me since the Bohemian days too. The tingly clean feeling is impossible to beat. It’s heaven in the summer.  During time abroad, I toted a bottle of lavender around and used it for bathing and laundry. Both scents are heavenly, but the peppermint’s a fixture in my shower.  You just have to watch it around the eyes and the undercarriage.

When I think about it, these are some of the few products I’ve ever bought more than once.  I guess my inner Bohemian is a snob too.