Isn't that first picture ridiculous? My current skin care routine just did not seem to be the phrase I wanted to use to describe this...
As some of you may be able to tell, not only am I a make up junkie, I'm a skin care one also!
Just wanted to give a brief run down of items I am currently using/using for the summer months, and wanted to finish up before the upcoming colder season
Background:m Combo skin, oily T, normal cheeks.
I use a Clarasonic every night only, but skip nights where I exfoliate (2x a week)
I do not discriminate against brands, whatever works, I use
Current Cleaners 2x-3x a day
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for Oily Skin
I am currently on the famous Clinique 3 step system with some "enhancements/modifications"
The facial soup is nice for combo/oily skin. If you are looking for a cleanser to help with your oily T zone but not looking for anything acne related this one is pretty good. I would repurchase this. Aa basic cleanser that I currently use prior acne facial soaps to give my skin a clean base to work with
St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Wash
I don't like this. I do not think it works, I do not like the smell, it is not as pleasant smelling as the famous scrub, and I don't like the way it lathers or feels on my face when applying. The mini beads seem harder when lathered up than the scrub equivalent.I bought this for when my face is just being stubborn with the pimples...
St Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Wash
I really really like this. I like the smell, I like the lather, and I love the results. I use this after my Clinique facial soap, it can be drying but a toner and moisturizer afterwards fixes that right up. A definite repurchase!
Cetaphil
Who hasn't tried this cleanser? I use this after I come home from the gym and am not ready to go through my whole routine yet. Just to get the sweat and grime off my face. Real simple, huge following, most basic you can buy, excellent for people with sensitive skin
Garnier Make up Wipes
My favorite make up wipes! I have tried a few and this one is the best in my opinion. Pleasant but not overpowering smell, does not try quickly in the package, and after wiping your face with these, your face does not feel tight but comfortable and hydrated. I use these at the gym if I am coming from work to remove my make up
Laniege Multi Purpose Make up Removing Cleaner
( not pictures) bought like 3 of these already, like the smell, simple, micro beads, does a good job. I recommend it.
Exfoliators: 2x a week
Clinique Turn Around Facial: When I bought my 3 step I grabbed this also, I love to mix and match brands, but sometimes I think it's nice to use items from 1 brand because they can work in conjunction. Does anyone else think like this?
This is a fine-ish grain scrub. You apply after cleansing on a dry face. Apply a thin layer and wait 5 minutes. After, rinse off for a bright refreshed face.
I like this enough to finish it but I do not see any really outstanding effects from a drug store scrub so I will not repurchase.
St Ives Green Tea Scrub ( sample size) <-- recommend trying the sample, $1 dollar at Target!
Very fine grains, I think this is suitable for everyday once a day if your skin is not sensitive. Pleasant smell and brightening effect. Truthfully the Clinique one has a better brightening effect but this scrub I believe was meant to be more of a cleanser and not a weekly thing so it would not be as potent.
Toners 2x a day
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3
I hate this! I have also tried 1+2 but I am really a 3. 1 is the most hydrating and as the numbers go high for more oily skin types they become far harsher.
This stuff hurts my face. I am positive alcohol is the first ingredient in this. Do you see how much of this I have used? and everyday 2x a day I have to fan my face and grit my teeth. ( Not a good sign) If you have ANY open pimples, sores, or blackhead on your face it will sting. Definitely finishing this up and never looking back
Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner
On the opposite side of the world in terms of ingredients, this toner is one of my favorite drugstore favorites. I use this after my bi weekly scrub followed by a mask. Since my skin has a new bright layer I don't want to lay on a harsh toner on the newly revealed skin so I use this gentle one. Always comfortable, not much of a scent and cheap. I have repurchased this many times. I recommend this if you want something not harsh, and very simple.
Beauty Maker Softening Spray
I spritz this on my face after the Clinique toner has dried, as it can leave my skin feeling a bit tight. This brings the moisture, and also brings feeling back to my face
Eye Creams 2x a day
Clinique all about eyes Rich
Probably my 4th jar. It's something I recommend when you want to start use an eye cream but wrinkles are not your first priority. This claims to help fine lines but I use it more for dark circles, de puffing, and moisture.
When I do not use this for a few days I notice my eyes get very dry on the corners so this is a
constant
The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream
This I use more as a preventative to stop the first signs of aging. It seems to have helped cease the development of finer lines so I will continue using this. I would repurchase this if I don't know what eye cream to purchase yet and just needed one on hand. A "for now this is ok" kind of cream
Whitening Serum - Night Time only
Paul and Joe Whitening Serum
My 3rd jar. I love this stuff. Feels so light, orang-ey scent, and really works. I have heard that P&J have come out with an "intense whitening essence?" I will be trying that next but I would definitely recommend this to truly lighten your skin
Moisturizers 2x a day
Clinique Dramatically Diff Moisturizing Gel
This feels really nice, if you have oily skin, I think you should check this product out. Feels light, non greasy, and does help moisturize. I would repurchase this, also, the bottle lasts a long time!
Olay Beauty Fluid for Sensitive skin
Now as the weather is rapidly cooling down I am getting slight dry patches on my face due to the weather and the mass amounts of topical acne treatments I use. I layer this on top of the gel. The result is not greasy but complete hydration.
This lotion is un scented, light, classic, and never greasy.
Previously I had tried some ridiculous skin routine which left my entire face peeling and disgusting. I slathered this on one night and it fixed it over night! I became a believer. A constant in my bathroom now and forever
This comes in another formula the "original" which can be found by some as greasy, if so, please try the one for sensitive skin!
Topical Treatments - every night
Mast 2x a week
My biggest problem is acne!!! this is my army to help fight this enemy
Khiels Rare Each Pore Cleansing Mask
Use this 2x a week after exfoliating. It's grey, and you apply a light layer on your face. The first 3 minutes, my face feels HOT, I do not know if that's normal as it is not mentioned anywhere on the label as a side effect, but when I wash it off my face, it is no where near red but completely white! This really calms down my redness and sucks out the dirt beneath my face is reveal a clean face
Jason Tee Tree Oil
If you like the natural routine I recommend this. Apply this on spot under neath the skin that's not too deep, like you know it will come out within the next 2 days? and it should bring it down but for that to work you have to be re applying this every few hours. This can lead to drying/peeling skin depending on where on your face it is.
Clinique Acne Gel
Love this. My 3rd tube ( lasts a while) this is great for pimples that are deep and still just a slight white bump on your face. Has not turned red yet or surfaced. Every night for 3 nights, and it's gone. But you have to make that window... if you apply this too late, like, the life cycle of the spot is coming to maturity, this stuff doesn't work.
Also, if you apply this to an area that has opened due to popping, it hurts baaaaaad but that just means it cleaning the bacteria...at least that's what I am repeating in my head....
Mario Badescu Drying Cream
this is ok.... suppose to dry pimples, will not repurchase, I prefer the tea tree oil as I believe it has a better & faster effect
Mario Badescu Whitening Mask
a new purchase so no comments yet
Clinique Emergency Spot Treatment
This has a higher dosage of topical medication that the Clinique Gel but I think the gel works much faster, and would not repurchase this
Proactive Repair Treatment
Believe this works slightly better than the Neutrogenta spot treatment ( below) but not by much. Same texture, feel, smell, effect. I would recommend buying the Neutrogena and saving $
Mario Badescu Buffering lotion
This is supposed to help cystic acne, the stuff deep within the skin that is hard to get to/treat. My worst enemy!!! I bought this happily but do not use it...It is super watery. When you apply it on your spot, the liquid ends up running down your face in seconds. I apply this with a Q tip if I have the patience. Recommended to apply with your hands but it made my fingers peel
(potent stuff) would not repurchase
Neutrogena On the spot Acne Treatment
Not bad, not good. Basic if you do not suffer with regular acne. I use it to apply a thin layer over areas prone to breaking out. Definitely better out there but if you do not want anything too harsh aka peeling, get this one. One of the only 2.5 % treatments on the market.
I believe 2.5% is just as potent as 10% personally just with far more gentle effects.
Neautrogena Healthy skin anti blemish anti wrinkle cream
Really liked this. Nice dual product for those of a certain age struggling/thinking about both problems. Non greasy, and absorbs quickly. Found out last night they are discontinuing this though. Try to buy it now if you would like to try it as it is still on shelves
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
This is the reason why I have tried so many Mario B products. Because this one works!
Dip a Q tip into the jar and grab the calamine lotion on the bottom. Do not shake the bottle, and dip only once, then apply on white heads.
This stuff destroys white heads. It must be a white head already for it to work, as it is useless for when the spot is in any other stage. Once applied go to bed and find the white head dried up in the morning and falling off ( sorry if this is too graphic)
3 nights max but most of the time 1-2 applications is all you need
Second jar!
Items that were ok and I need to finish because I stopped before finishing
SK II Facial Treatment Essence
Will never buy again. Did nothing for me. Just want to finish it because it was like $150 bucks
Aloe Vera Gel
Have red irritate skin? Apply this at night. It absorbs into the skin in a few minutes, moisturizes, and calms all your red areas down for the day. Cheap, and works for redness.
Philosophy Hope in a Bottle
that small bottle is never ending. If you have acne problems and your skin is not dry give this a try. Not drying, medicated lotion, but still hydrating enough as a moisturizer to not leave dry flakes
Khiels Ultra Facial Moisturizer
More for winter for the day. Can be greasy if you pile on too much. Overall very moisturizing if the correct amount is used and a nice item to have, I would repurchase, but not the huge bottle like I did this time. Have had this forever...
IQQU Acne Treatment
It's ok, if you have moderate acne, like once in a blue moon this helps, but if you are regular with spots this does seem to help calm down the amount per month, but spots arise regardless. Will not repurchase
Lush Tea Tree Water
Refreshing fie mist, I would not use this as a toner alone but after toner as I do not find it hydrating enough. Bottle lasts a long time, but no other facial spray I have tried is as refreshing as this one for some reason, I would repurchase this but not as a necessity
And of course...
The New Stuff I will be using in the coming weeks since I am almost done with so many things...
I love to try new things...
All new except La Mer
I hope this review was helpful. A mass amount of short reviews turned into a huge post!!!
Please tell me some of your skin care favorites for winter, or all year!
Please also come back if you would like a more thorough in depth review of anything =)
I will try my best to oblidge!!
