Hi everyone! I wanted to give you all a run through of what has worked for my skin and what hasn't. I always love reading the daily routines of other bloggers so I thought I would share my own. First is a run through of products then at the end I'll let you know my usual routines.
Cleansers
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser - Just a general cleanser, for normal to oily skin. It contains a hydroxy acid for the Deep Clean feel. Definitely my go to cleanser right now.
H2O+, Water-activated Eye Make-up Remover - This is an oil & fragrance free gel I apply with a wet cotton ball to remove my eye liner and mascara prior to washing my face. You don't need much at all, about the size of a popcorn kernel will do. Add more water if needed, as the name says it is water activated.
African Black Soap - African Black Soap is an all natural soap that contains Shea butter in the raw, coconut oil and palm kernel oil. I use it mostly in the summer as it's a little too drying for me, it is one of the best soaps I have found for removing makeup though. (When I use this I can skip my makeup remover.) This soap is great for oily or combination skin. I pick this product up from a local vendor at our farmers market here in town, it's about $20 for a tub that lasts about 3 months. I've also seen it sold in bar form at spas.
Blemish Control
Noxzema Tripe Clean Acne-Blemish Pads - These are great for those break out prone spots (t-zone) and for the nights when you don't have the energy to wash your face. (I am not recommending that you skip washing your face though!) They do have a strong alcohol smell to them so be warned. I sometimes cut them in half because they are so strong. Contains 2% Salicylic Acid which helps calm redness.
Aveda Outer Peace- Acne Spot Relief - This stuff is amazing! It does cost almost $30, but believe me it will last you at least a year or 2 if you use it correctly. I just apply a drop of the cream to any pimples I see forming; it helps with redness and drawing the impurity out. This stuff is so good that my boyfriend (who refuses to use anything than regular base soap on his face) will ask me for it on occasion. It truly is worth the $28 price tag! (2% Salicylic Acid)
Alba Hibiscus Facial Toner - This toner has a pleasant citrus smell, and it is made from 100% Vegetarian ingredients. I have poured mine into a spritzer and spray it on my face before moisturizing. It's also great to throw in your beach bag during the summer for a mid day spritz.
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| www.aveda.com |
Aveda Tea Tree Oil - This stuff is strong! All essential oils are recommended to be mixed with something else before applying to your skin. However I sometimes disregard this recommendation and will apply a drop right to a pimple to help dry it up quicker. Tea Tree Oil is also great for bug bites. I am extremely allergic to ants, and run straight to my cabinet for this if one of the buggers gets me. It drys out the bite and sucks the venom right out.
Masks-
I try to use one at least once a week, but always make sure to apply a mask a couple times the week before "that time of the month." They really help with beating the hormonal breakouts.
Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque - This is one of the best masks out there for hydrating your skin. This is straight yummy moisture for your skin, it is oil free so it's not going to clog your pores up. This is also great for sunburns if there is no Aloe Vera around. I keep this in the fridge in the summer for a cool off after coming home from the beach.
Freeman Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask - Comparable to any of the clay masks out there, and its only about $5. Leaves my skin feeling extra clean, although sometimes so "clean" I fell like my face is frozen and have to lather up the moisture mask after.
Alba Deep Sea Facial Fask - This mask is hypo-allergenic, but it can be drying. It clears up any trouble spots, but sometimes to the point that I will start to get flaky because it is so drying. Another one where you must remember to moisturize immediately rinsing this off. I probably will not invest $14 in this product again.
Mint Julep Masque by Queen Helene - This is my fave right now, it's a great mask to help clear blackheads, shrink pores and dry up pimples (it works as a spot treatment as well). The product includes Sulfur a key acne fighting ingredient; but don't be alarmed it doesn't smell like sulfur. It really does have a nice minty scent. I picked mine up at the dollar store of all places, and cost less than $3- can't beat that!
Moisturizers
AmLactin - AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion contains 12% Lactic Acid. I use this on my face to chemically exfoliate my skin even though it is a body lotion. I am always surprised how soft my face feels in the morning after I use this product. I try to use this once or twice a week, it does have a tingle to it so be prepared the first time you try it out. I would test it on your arms first to prep yourself for it. This is perfect for your knees and elbows if you have any dryness too. Oh and p.s. there are coupons for it online, so don't pay full price!
Garnier Skin Renew, Anti-Dark-Circle Roller - I love this, it covers my under eye circles and helps to reduce the darkness. I also like to think it helps with puffiness from the cool roller ball applicator.
Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream - I only apply this around my eyes, and I can definitely feel that I've used it when I wake up in the morning. I tried this a few times as an all over cream but it always made me break out, too much moisture for my 20 something skin I think. It might work better for a more mature consumer as an all over cream.
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| www.meetmark.com |
Get-a-Tint Tinted Moisturizer - I use the buff/natural tone of this oil-free moisturizer. It does not break me out and I only require a concealer stick to cover any red spots up this doesn't hide.
My Current Routine
PM- (Remove makeup) H2O+ Eye Make-up Remover
(Cleanser) Neutrogena Deep Clean w/wash cloth
(Blemish Control) Noxzema Anti-Blemish pads to problem areas
(Spot Treatments) either Acne Spot Relief or Tea Tree Oil, as needed
(Moisturizing Exfoliant) AmLactin
(Treatment) Garnier Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream
(Lip Moisturizer) Medicated Chapstick
AM- Rinse face with warm water & wash cloth
(Blemish Control-sometimes skipped) Noxzema Anti-Blemish pads or spritz Alba Toner
(Moisturizer) Get-a-Tint Tinted Moisturizer from Mark
Apply Makeup
What do you skip when your rushed? Have any of these products worked or not worked for you?
