If you don’t know already, Skincare and Self Care are my healthy addiction. They’ve always been “in” but some of us are just finding out! I remember when I used to think that simply tossing water on my face was enough to keep my skin clear and NAH. There are so many who have been blessed with genetically perfect skin, but for the rest of us, we’ve got to do a littleeeee more! And there’s nothing wrong with that.
But where to start?
You shouldn’t go slapping every natural recipe you saw online on your face, and you shouldn’t spend a dime on products without research! Yes, it may take some time to find the perfect products for you, but do your research no matter what and soon, you’ll learn! For those of you with the means, visit a licensed Dermatologist and/or an Esthetician to get down to the nitty-gritty of the background of your skin, because all of our skin is different! What works for one person, may not work for the next and that’s something to always keep in mind. Don’t expect for your skin to magically make a change overnight, I still have certain flaws in my skin that I can easilyyyy point out! But the improvement that I’ve seen over my skincare journey, has shown me that consistency and great products will have your skincare popping.
Prior to applying any new product to your skin, be certain to do a patch test on a small portion on the back of your hand. Conducting a patch test and waiting a few hours (or even 24 hrs!), will show you how your skin will react as far as: allergies, pore-clogging and any irritation! Can you imagine if you put a product all over your face, only to find out that it makes you itch?!? YIKES.
*I am not a licensed skincare professional in any way, I just love skincare and learning more about keeping my skin glowing. Please research all items to see if they are best for your skin. Please perform a path test on all new skincare items you buy, by dabbing just a pea-sized amount on the back of your hand and wait 2 min.*
*Article may contain affiliate links*
I’ve got a major love/hate relationship with my skin. While many obsess over their bodies, you may find me doing that with my skin. And I’m still not happy! I was lucky to skip the major acne issues as a teen, but always dealt with large pores, blackheads, blemishes and hyper-pigmentation, and those things still haunt me. So although from afar, my skin looks good, I get laser focused on the zooming in.
As a WOC, it’s expected that I will have large pores, and pores can’t be taken away, just minimized for a bit. I still have blemishes from stitches in my face as a kid, speckles leftover from the time when I didn’t know that I shouldn’t pick at my face, and the worst, under-eye circles. UGH. BUT, I know that there are ways to keep my skin in order and healthy, so I’ve devoted time into figuring out what works for me and I’m still learning. I’ve learned that my combo skin loves: a hydrating facial wash twice daily, chemical exfoliation twice weekly, moisturizer, Rosehip Oil and/or Vitamin C cream & sunscreen everyday, and that a sheet mask can turn a bad skin day around like it never existed.
I’ve seen MAJOR changes in my skin since I created my own routine, began to be consistent AND when I gave up Dairy. Yes, please remember that I don’t eat dairy 98% of my time now, (I do cheat with Brocolli & Cheese soup from Panera and don’t like to ruin too many foodie experiences by always skipping cheese, I take a nibble!) I ditched dairy after reading up on a few health facts and realizing that dairy could truly make a difference in how I physically felt as well, and it has! I’m not here to convert you, I’m not a die-hard vegan, just dairy-free lol.
Read more about the changes dairy can possibly make for you in this article from Instyle.
My skincare is the only part of my life that I totally dropped the DIY. I still believe in some homemade skincare items, but when I began to learn more about chemical exfoliation, serums, ampoules, etc., I realized that there was so much more to learn and try! (More on those terms I just dropped in a blog post to come!) I switch up my brands for various products, as one brand may provide all of the hydrating products I need and another has my favorite chemical peels, but I stay pretty loyal.
My three latest obsessions are The Ordinary by Deciem, Neutrogena HydroBoost products and my newly-upgraded Seven Lux Sheetmask subscription from Facetory.
Check them out below!
Talk about a drug store addiction, Neutrogena once again shows why they have been around for so many years with their latest HydroBoost line. I had heard great reviews about the line prior to checking it out, and it did not let me down one bit. Not the $5 price tag I usually aim for when it comes to trips to Walgreens & CVS, both have shown to be beyond worth it in review and portion. I love the cooling and hydrated feel that comes over my skin after a gentle facial wash or applying the HydroGel or Sunscreen. Perfect for the Florida heat!
HydroGel – $19.99
Cleanser – $9.49
Sunscreen SPF 50 – $12.49
Now, I ask you to approach all of these products with an understanding of your skin and what it can handle. I advise that, because I’ve found that The Ordinary products are 100% legit and are not watered-down products in any way, so be sure to always patch test! I love The Ordinary line because of the awesome chemical exfoliants, serums and other awesome options that I have kept my eyes on from the line.
Always extremely affordable, products range from $5 – $25 on average and from what I’ve experienced so far, are long-lasting. I was buying a product or two almost weekly until Sephora stopped selling the brand. HOW RUDE! The Ordinary is available on Amazon (often for Prime as well!) and on the Deciem website if you are patient enough to wait for shipping. I am not.
Read all product descriptions, reviews, alway patch test and enjoy!
Peeling Solution AHA 30% + BHA 2%
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
High Adherence Silicone Primer
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
As always, a major part of my skincare routine are my sheet masks! $15 for a month of smooth and glowing skin?! OH YES. These thin paper masks are filled with the finestttt of love for our skin, and are soaked into your skin as you relax for 20-30 minutes in your cooling mask. Soothinggg af! When I first started my Facetory subscription, I was just getting into my skincare and stumbled upon their page. After starting my own little hoarders collection of sheet masks, I realized that I was ready for an upgrade and hopped onto their Seven Lux package! I thought the first set was awesome, it’s got nothing on the Seven Lux! I’ve been over-loving these luxurious options in this upgraded box and can’t get enough of them! If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve noticed my sheetmask videos I scare my followers with every now and then on IG Story lol. Not always a pretty sight in action, but SO worth it once I pull that mask off!
Most sheet masks included are as simple as opening the package and placing the mask on your face; but at times, you’ll come across a special mask that may include extra steps or a specially designed mask! Once you’ve relaxed in your mask for 20-30 minutes, gently pat the leftover serum into your skin and enjoy the results in the AM!
These are awesome to put on while enjoying a little wine and Netflix at home!
Sign up today for their $5 box or $15 box today, get 4 masks FREE!
What are your favorite new skincare items?!
