MY SKIN CARE FAVORITES
My journey in discovering what works for me has been a long one, a lot of products have been great, and a lot have been not so great. In trying all those products, I often found myself wanting to go back to some more than others, these are the ones that I always go back to. And remember, while they work for me, they may not work for you and your skin type.
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MY FAVORITE MOISTURIZER
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel Sunscreen w/ Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Price: $15-$30
When I use it: Everyday, last step (morning, night)
Why I love it: As someone who feels like most moisturizers feel heavy and weigh down my skin, this moisturizer is the perfect solution. It’s so lightweight it leaves you feeling refreshed and like you’re not even wearing anything. The SPF protection adds an extra bonus over the original version, keeping you protected from sun damage. As I try new moisturizers, I always find myself coming back to this one.
MY FAVORITE EXFOLIATOR
Nuria Beauty’s Defend Gentle Exfoliator
Price: $18-$20
When I use it: 2x week before face wash (morning)
Why I love it: I am someone who craves instant gratification, and this exfoliator does just that. While, you do see results almost instantaneously—with your skin being left visibly smooth and glowing—that is actually not the reason why this is my favorite exfoliator. That comes from the process of applying it, as you can physically see the dead skin coming off your face as you rub it in.
MY FAVORITE FACE WASH
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
Price: $24-$34
When I use it: Everyday (morning, night)
Why I love it: The name says it all. This face wash truly leaves you feeling energized, awake, and ready to conquer the day, for this reason, it’s a can’t-miss step in my morning routine. Additionally, it’s a can’t-miss step in my night-routine as it cleans away any dirt and leaves you with a clean refreshing feeling.
MY FAVORITE BRUSH
Olay’s Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush
Price: $24-$34
When I use it: Everyday (w/ face wash)
Why I love it: I used to use my hands to apply my face wash—until I got myself a brush— and it changed my life. You don’t know clean, until you’ve used a brush. This one is a great choice, it’s not super expensive, and it offers two speed options for the rotating head. The brush gives you a deeper clean than your hands, allowing the products you put on after to better absorb into your skin.
MY FAVORITE TONER
Thayers’ Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
Price: $7-$12
When I use it: Everyday after face wash (morning, night)
Why I love it: This product gives you a high quality item for a bargain, not only does the bottle last you a while, the toner also gives you the same great results it’s competitors do. This witch hazel is both soothing and calming for the skin and I found that the natural smell of rose petal was not too overpowering, but actually something I liked.
MY FAVORITE FACIAL SERUM
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum
Price: $70-$110
When I use it: Every other day (night)
Why I love it: While this serum is on the pricier side, it is worth it. After applying only once my skin became visibly more radiant and even, and after a couple more uses my large pores noticeably got smaller. The product also stings a bit when applying, which gives the sensation that it’s actively working. Vitamin C is a must-have for wrinkle reduction—and you can never be too young to start worrying about that.
MY FAVORITE EYE SERUM
The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution 5% + ECGC
Price: $7-$15
When I use it: Everyday (morning)
Why I love it: As someone with allergies and irregular sleep patterns, I often have puffy eyes and dark circles, so, my eye region clearly needs love. That’s where this product comes in. The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution gives you an energized look and will fool people into thinking you’ve had a healthy sleep schedule your entire life.
MY FAVORITE CHEMICAL PEEL
The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Price: $7-$15
When I use it: Once a month (night)
Why I love it: This chemical peel is magical. I loved my results after one use, it did everything it said it would, my skin was glowing, pores were more refined, and fine lines less visible. On the other hand, because this product is very intense, if used incorrectly, it will damage your skin, so be informed and careful when applying it.
MY FAVORITE FACE MASK
Aztec Secret’s Indian Healing Clay
Price: $10-$15
When I use it: Once a week after toner (night)
Why I love it: This is one of my oldest favorites. Not only is it fun to do—like a mini arts and crafts project—but this mask also works wonders. I saw instant results, my blackheads were minimized and my skin tone was much more even. I also saw noticeably smoother skin. This is one of those products that have a lot of hype, but do actually work.
OTHER FAVORITES
Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator 24 Hour Anti-Shine Moisturizer
Price: $28-$35
When I use it: Morning routine, on days I know i’ll be sweating
Why I love it: I’m a huge Kiehl’s fan, their products never disappoint me and this one is no different. Just like Neutrogena’s water gel, this moisturizer is also very lightweight, and feels great on the skin. My skin can get very oily, and thus very shiny, very fast, and moisturizers can sometimes make it worst. When I wear this, I don’t have to worry about that happening, I can just leave the house, enjoy my days and take pictures without worry.
SKIN1004’s Zombie Pack Face Mask
Price: $20-$30
When I use it: Occasionally (night)
Why I love it: This is another mask that is so fun to do. During the process your face tightens so much you can’t even move it. After washing it off your skin is left clean, tight, and refreshed. Having used both, I found it to be almost identical to the Hanacure face mask, but at a fraction of the cost and delivering the same results. If you’re someone who likes feeling a product actively working, like me, then this is great product for you.
You’ve got any favorites worth sharing? Let me know…
