SKIN IS IN

I am a low key skincare junkie, and after getting many of the same questions from a few friends about what products I use for this and that, I decided it was time I put together a post on my journey. And it has been A JOURNEY! I have spent countless hours researching what my skin needs because I just wasn’t blessed with the flawless gene – I have to put in the work, ok! Over the years, I’ve battled breakouts (and bad ones at that), struggled with really oily skin and don’t even get me started on uneven skin tone and dark spots. Before I dive head first into my regimen and holy grail products, the biggest piece of advice I can give is, commitment and consistency are key. You can stock your cabinets with every single product imaginable but if you don’t commit to the process on a consistent basis, you can’t expect life changing results. I don’t care how tired, exhausted or lazy I may be feeling, I make time to give my skin what it needs day in and day out. Putting me first in that way is non-negotiable.

Now on to the good stuff.

Morning Regimen

Every morning I splash my face with lukewarm, mildly cold water and just put a drop of mild Philosophy Purity Cleanser on the back of my neck. Since I thoroughly clean my face at night, I don’t think it needs a full wash the next morning UNLESS it’s a workout day. Which in that instance, I will wash as usual with a mild cleanser as mentioned above. I follow up with Mario Badescu Facial Spray to tone and then set my toner with Youth to the People Superberry + Hydrate Glow Oil. Incorporating face oils have truly been a game changer for evening out my skin tone and combating oiliness. I used to be someone that would constantly have to blot my t-zone throughout the day and that’s now a thing of the past. I can’t stress enough how essential a good oil is to your regimen.

Evening Regimen

Once I discovered the power of double cleansing and how to properly wash my face thanks to this post from Brooklyn Blonde, my whole life changed. Each night I apply Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm on dry skin, working in circular motions all over my face and gently across my eyes until my makeup is “melted.” I then run a muslin cloth under water, squeeze the excess out and proceed to wipe the cleansing balm off with the muslin cloth. (Note, you should wash your muslin cloth after each use. I linked to a pack of a ten, so I can easily go a week before washing them.) From there, I splash my face with lukewarm, mildly cold water and then cleanse all over with my mild cleanser. Typically, I still have to use an eye makeup remover to get all my mascara off. Once my face is completely clean, it’s time to tone. After toner I will either put a gentle mask on (I try to mask at least twice a week, and I also really LOVE this Summer Friday’s R+R Mask) or go straight to applying Sunday Riley JUNO Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil by pressing (not rubbing) into the face and neck area. If I do mask, then I just follow up with my oil after that. I finish off with my favorite eye treatment, and depending on the season and how dry my skin may be, I top my oil after letting it settle in for a bit with Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream.  

 In between all of this, I also make sure to use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to help ensure products are working and really penetrating my skin. I love Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder and one jar easily lasts a year. I’m going to include a full recap of my products below and will also include a few addition’s that I have in my line up but didn’t specifically mention above.

Product Recap

Cleansers

Philosophy Purity Cleanser – This has been my go-to daily cleanser for years! It’s gentle on my sensitive skin without drying me out.

Josh Rosebrook Complete Moisture Cleanse – I recently tried this all-natural cleanser and really liked how it felt on my skin. It’s a little on the pricey side compared to my Philosophy cleanser but I would definitely re-purchase.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – I’ve tried a few different cleansing balms, which can get pretty pricey. This Clinique one works really great, is gentle and reasonably priced – triple win!

Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder – An exfoliator great for sensitive skin that lasts forever. I haven’t tried any others in a couple years because I love this one so much.

Toner

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater – This is such a reasonably priced toner that is great for day and night!

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist – I recently just received a sample of this and am a fan. Just not as crazy about the price. (Can you tell I’ve tried to keep this journey fairly affordable?! ha)  

Oils

Night

Kosmea Rosehip Oil  – This was one of the very first oils I started using about 3 years ago when I first discovered the importance of face oil. It is 100% rosehip oil and a great buy if you want to try something out without making a big investment.

Sunday Riley JUNO Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil – Two words – HOLY GRAIL. If I had to pick one product to grab from a burning house it would be this. It’s a little pricey but worth every penny.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate – I like to incorporate this every now and then to help with restoring and repairing my skin.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil – I recently tried this one based on someone’s recommendation, and while I liked it, I didn’t overly love it enough to add to the rotation or even bump the place of my Sunday Riley.

Morning

Youth to the People Superberry + Hydrate Glow Oil – I just recently tried this on a whim during a Sephora haul and really love it! It’s become by favorite oil to use every morning

Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate – This is a great basic, and also one that I started out with in my oil journey. It’s pretty light but still very hydrating.

Moisturizer

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion – I didn’t mention in my post the importance of wearing SPF everyday (even when it’s cloudy) but hopefully you’ve heard it a million times over by now and if not, now you know. It is imperative to keeping your skin protected from fine lines and wrinkles – hello aging gracefully! I love this one that’s sold at Target because it’s really lightweight and doesn’t leave a chalky white residue behind.

Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream – I feel like I have been trying tons of moisturizers to find one that is really hydrating, but not heavy and can’t tell you how happy I was to stumble on this one! Highly recommend.

If you have any questions at all, please sound off in the comments. I know how overwhelming it can all feel and am more than happy to be a resource on what has worked for me.

xo