Ironically, I started my blog 4 years ago (where did the time go?!) to write primarily about skincare. While that lasted for a while, my skin started to pay the price from testing & trying so many different products. It finally hit me when one of my coworkers mentioned how “angry” and irritated my skin looked one day when I didn’t wear makeup to work. And, to be honest, it was the truth. Trying multiple sheet masks, mud masks, various toners, cleansers and moisturizers on a daily basis that weren’t designed for my skin type took it’s toll.
This post is very long overdue. However, I wanted to use every product for several months before jumping up to share my thoughts. I have combination/oily skin, oily in my T zone, and pretty normal elsewhere. I do get dry patches the second winter weather hits, but nothing a good moisturize can’t fix. Accompanying my oily skin was breakouts, oh how I don’t miss dealing with that. It was one of my hardest “flaws” to hide and definitely tested my confidence on many occasions. Although, the older I get the less oily my skin is, my breakouts have stopped almost completely since starting birth control again (sorry for TMI just being honest), and now my only real skin complaint would be that I have redness on my cheeks. Not rosacea or anything excessive, but enough that I seek out a skincare regimen to help treat it.
: : : My MORNING Skincare Routine : : :
::: L’Oreal Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser ::: A clay to mousse formula designed to remove impurities without over drying. It contains 3 pure clays + eucalyptus clay to unclog & refresh skin while helping reduce excess shine. I go through cleansers the fastest and this is the third one I’ve tried from L’Oreal and the one thats worked the best for me. This cleanser is super gentle yet effective. It deeply cleanses skin without any irritation and doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue.
::: Cannabliss Revitalizing Serum ::: CBD oil in skincare is all the rage lately and being a skincare investigator was all about giving it a try. This serum is certified organic and infused with Korean herbs and Hemp oil and helps hydrate & firm, promote cell regeneration, brighten & even complexion. It’s a thin, liquid consistency and sinks into skin pretty quickly, prepping it for moisturizer. When I’m getting ready in the morning and applying several layers of makeup, I like not having thick skincare underneath, it feels less heavy and more natural.
::: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream ::: This helps calm sensitive, irritated skin and is ideal for redness, unevenness and blemish prone skin. I thought the Cicapair collection was really interesting and unique, it was inspired by Asian Tigers who would roll around in Centella Asiatica (aka Tiger Grass) to heal their battle wounds. Tiger grass has had medicinal use for centuries and this product is free from several harmful ingredients often seen in mass produced skincare. A light layer of this pressed into skin adds hydration while calming skin.
::: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment ::: An all-in-one treatment that corrects redness and protects skin from environmental damage. It strengthens and restores skin with the help of resurrections plants, yarrow and the powerful Tiger Grass formula. It also contains calcium, potassium & magnesium to hydrate and wake up tired skin. The coolest thing about this is that it’s a green-to-beige color-correcting treatment that instantly covers redness! I LOVE this cream. This has made the biggest difference in my makeup routine. When I use a tiny amount of this all over my face (concentrated mainly on my cheeks) it instantly evens my skin tone and in turn I use a whole lot less foundation & concealer. This truly is game-changing and a staple in my morning routine.
: : : My EVENING Skincare Routine : : :
::: L’Oreal Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser ::: I start out my evening skincare routine the same way I start it in the morning. At the end of the day, I use a makeup wipe to remove my makeup, and follow up with the Pure-Clay cleanser to totally remove anything left behind. Sometimes I then use a toner, but not consistently.
::: HydroPeptide Soothing Serum ::: This is definitely a solid investment into my skin, but one that’s helped tremendously over the last 6 months. Infused with calming peptides & a botanical stem cell extract that helps reduce redness while soothing sensitive skin. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, detoxify and build skin defenses. This serum is a thicker, tacky consistency so I prefer to use it at night and allow it to work it’s magic while I sleep, and the results are noticeable the minute I wake up. I could definitely notice a difference in my skin when using a different nighttime serum. This one really helps calm and soothe my sensitive skin.
::: Pistache Hydrating Moisturizer with Vitamin E ::: Out of every single moisturizer I’ve used over the last few years, I can honestly say this one works the best with my skins chemistry. I always tend to look for oil-free moisturizers with this being the exception. A combination of pistachio oil & french soybean lecithin packed with antioxidants help soften, soothe and deeply moisturize without feeling heavy or greasy in the least. I highly recommend this even if you have oily skin and cannot find a moisturizer that does the job without dousing your skin in excess oil. This is my #1!
::: Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask ::: Out of all the amazing PTR masks I’ve tried, this is probably my favorite. It’s ideal for every skin type, contains nourishing cucumber extract, calming aloe vera, papaya which is rich in vitamins and sugarcane and sugar maple extracts to improve dullness. If there is any skincare item I switch up the most, its face masks. I love a good exfoliating mask that’ll fully detox my skin and leave it feeling rejuvenated. I’ve tested out quite a few the last few months but always go back to my tried and true Cucumber Gel mask as it leaves my skin baby soft and when left in the refrigerator adds to the home spa experience!
That’s everything I’ve been using consistently & loving all Winter long! Although it may seem a little “high maintenance”, I’m committed to taking good care of my skin and it gets more and more important to me the older I get. Xo.
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FYI ** As always, my reviews are not paid and are based on my own opinion, personal use and results.
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