2019 SKIN CARE Favorites

I enjoy doing my skin care routine just about as much as I enjoy putting makeup on. Today, I’m going to share my favorite skin care products that I used this year. Let’s get started!

C l e a n s e r s

Facial Cleansers are one of my favorite products to try out! A couple weeks ago I discovered the Alba Botanica Pineapple Enzyme Purifying Cleanser. This lightweight gel really purifies and cleans my face well! Plus, it smells amazing. This cleanser gives you that deep clean feel, but doesn’t leave your skin dry or tight.

If you’re looking for something completely gentle for day-to-day use, I highly recommend the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. This fragrance free, gentle formula works great for taking off your makeup too. It has a creamy, moisturizing texture. I love that the bottle comes with a little plastic stopper thingy that makes it easy for travel!

T o n e r

Earlier this year, I discovered Thayer’s Coconut Water Witch Hazel Toner. It came in a standard bottle–I loved loved loved that stuff! When it came time to repurchase, I found this similar Coconut Water Facial Mist, and love it even more. I use it as a toner after I wash my face morning and night. It doesn’t contain alcohol, so it won’t burn or dry out your skin. Plus the spray bottle makes this toner even more refreshing. Everyone comes to my bathroom to use it. This is my second or third bottle.

M o i s t u r i z e r

I have mentioned the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration so many times on my blog throughout the past couple years. It remains my all-time-favorite facial moisturizer! The texture is just so light and whipped. It sinks into my skin so quickly and doesn’t feel heavy at all. This product is advertised as a body moisturizer, but I have found that it works great for my face. There’s no fragrance or unneeded bells and whistles. It checks all the boxes.

E x f o l i a t o r

A few weeks ago I searched the internet for an inexpensive exfoliator. I decided to try the Fourth Ray Beauty Clean Slate Foaming Exfoliator. I expected it to be a standard exfoliating gel or cream, but it is actually dry! Water activates this cleanser, transforming it into a light, foamy lather. It’s so refreshing and has a slight minty scent to it. I really enjoy it!

M a s k

This mask may look uninteresting and unglamorous, but it is TRULY a hidden gem on Amazon. If you’re looking for a purifying face mask, definitely give Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay a try. When mixed with raw apple cider vinegar (like Bragg’s), this mask gives your skin a really deep clean. You will feel like you’re in science class when you’re mixing it up, because it fizzes! My skin is not perfect all the time, but this feels really refreshing to my face when I rinse it off. It is also a little on the smelly side, but I think it’s so worth it! I leave it on for about ten minutes.

L i p  B a l m

It’s no secret that I am a lip balm enthusiast! I just love to collect different ones. The Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm has quickly become one of my favorites. It has a lightweight, creamy texture with no glossiness. Plus, it comes in several yummy scents–I’m loving the Grapefruit + Ginger. For it to be such a sheer formula, staying power is pretty impressive! This is a great basic lip balm for women or men.

In case you missed it, check out my 2019 Makeup Favorites!

The Best GLUTEN-FREE Hair + Body Care

Hi friends!

A week or so ago, I was stumped on what sort of blog post I should write; I couldn’t think of any fresh ideas. I was talking to one of my friends, and she suggested I should do a blog post on some gluten-free body and hair care items. I don’t have this allergy, but I know a lot of people do. And it just so happens that some of my favorite products I use in my hair and body care regimen are gluten-free. So I thought I’d share with you those items today…let’s get started!

Hair Care

I have used the L’Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo for as long as I can remember; I don’t remember what I even used last. The formula is so creamy, yet it washes from my hair cleanly and doesn’t leave behind a residue. The scent is also light and not artificial-smelling or cloying. This shampoo does such a nice job cleansing my hair. I will continue to repurchase! {$4; drugstores}

I have tried several different dry shampoos on the market, and this one has by far become my favorite: the Not Your Mother’s Royal Honey and Kalahari Desert Melon Dry Shampoo. Everything about this item is PERFECT! Most dry shampoos have that thick, starchy texture with a large white cast. However, this formula is the exact opposite; the tapioca and rice formula absorbs oils effectively, even if you spray a pound of it in your hair (we all have those days). Plus, the scent is HEAVEN; it’s the lightest, freshest scent that doesn’t smell like the standard, too-strong “clean” dry shampoo. The melon + honey notes are so fresh and fruity without being too sweet. I initially received this product for free from Influenster, but I will repurchase on my own (and already have). {$7; drugstores}

Body Care

I could go on and on with how much I love the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. I’ve been faithfully using it now for the past two years. This is just the most wonderful moisturizer ever for body and face…yep, I said face! The formula is so light and whipped, and sinks right in to your skin within seconds. It is fragrance and allergen free. It is such a simple product, and worth every penny. I have travel-sized containers of this cream, as well as a super-sized tub. It. Is. The. Best. Buy some today; you won’t regret it! {$30; sephora or ulta}

I originally purchased the Josie Maran Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil to use as a lip balm. However, it is such a nice all-in-one salve. Since it is argan oil-based, it obviously has a thicker, creamier texture than the above Ultra Repair Cream. With that being said, it still absorbs fairly quickly. I love the nutty, lemony scent that it has. In addition to a good hand or lip treatment, this creamy oil works as a lash serum, too. I have been applying a thin layer to my lashes before bed for the past week and a half or so. My lashes are more conditioned, thicker and slightly longer.  {$28; sephora}

***

I can imagine how stressful it can be to find effective gluten-free hair and body care items. These are just a few, but I hope you will find this post helpful. If you have a favorite gluten-free product you think I should try, please let me know!

ICYMI: My February 2019 Favorite Things

 

Two MUST-HAVE winter skin savers

After six whole months of warm and sunny weather, the cold is finally beginning to settle in. As much as I love bundling up in cute and comfy warm clothes, I hate it when my skin gets chapped by the cold.

Lately, I have stumbled upon two items that have already COMPLETELY changed my life. I no longer have to worry about getting dry skin or flaky, chapped lips. These two items have worked magic on me, and so I wanted to share my thoughts with you!

A while back, I received a travel-sized tube of the cult-favorite First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. I loved it so much that I decided to purchased a full-sized jar. I cannot say enough good things about this cream! Since I use a walker and my hands are constantly at work, I slather this stuff on them every night before bed. It keeps my hands really soft and free of dry, cracked skin.

The formula is so amazing; it’s a rich cream without being too heavy, and it’s not the least bit greasy. No need to worry about a funky smell; this stuff is fragrance free. I even apply a small amount if I have any dry patches on my face; it doesn’t break me out! The Ultra Repair Cream is just an all-around winner. I love how it’s just a simple but effective product with no fancy, unneeded bells and whistles.

To me, it is vital to have a nice lip balm on hand, especially during the cold seasons. The skin on our lips is so thin that it can get chapped very easily. The classic Carmex Lip Balm used to be the only product that would really and truly un-chap my lips…UNTIL I came upon this little gem.

Y’ALL. I’m just going to say it. Buy Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm right this minute. It is unlike any lip balm I have ever tried…really! Everything about it is so luxurious and unique!

Most lip balms tend to have a thin, petroleum-based texture. This isn’t always a bad thing, but when you have chapped lips, you need to have something a little more dense to fix the problem. This is what is so wonderful about the Nuxe lip balm. Instead of having a lightweight texture, this French-made item is thick with Shea Butter and natural plant oils while being a bit mattifying (not glossy). The formula really grips to your lips; it even lasts through a light snack or drink!

A delightful bonus about this balm is the light and delicate orange scent. I love it! Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm can be found on the Ulta website. $15 may seem a little much to spend on lip balm, but I think it it TOTALLY worth it. I’ve never tried anything like it.

Plus, you can most of the time lower the price slightly with an Ulta coupon. I saved about three dollars with this purchase, and even scored a free gift from Nuxe.

***

These two items will truly be life savers during the cold months. Although they cannot be found at the drugstore and just a tad bit pricey, they are worth every penny. They are both unique and come with generous amounts of product. Both items will probably last me three to four months. Not bad!

I have been thoroughly impressed by these body and lip care items, and hope you will love them as much as I do!

Updated skincare routine 2016!

It has been nearly a year or so since I shared my morning and night skincare routine. I have stayed faithful to a couple products but also ventured out to trying new things as well! Obviously keeping your skin clean is important, especially if you’re a makeup enthusiast like me. If your skin isn’t clean, cosmetics won’t go on as well! Anywho, here are the products I use to keep my complexion nice and fresh!

{Morning Routine}

As you can see, my morning skincare routine is very simplistic and easy! I’m not quite to the age to begin using serums and other advanced products, so it doesn’t take me very long! The first thing I do is apply Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple Deep-Clean Mask to my face. To ensure that the mask takes full effect, I don’t even wet my face beforehand. The thick gel-cream quickly emulsifies into a creamy, white lather. I usually let it sit for about a minute or so while I brush my teeth. When it’s time to rise off, I wet a microfiber washcloth (which is super-soft)!, and the product rolls off so effortlessly. I hardly have to apply any pressure. I really love how soft my face feels after I use this mask. I am definitely considering repurchasing!

The facial moisturizer I’ve been using for about the past two months was a gift from my German friends. Obviously, the packaging is in German so I can’t really translate it! It’s called bebe Young Care Feuchtigkeitscreme. So far, I have really been enjoying it. The creme has a very light texture that absorbs easily and doesn’t feel tacky. And, there is no annoying smell. I apply a small amount after I wash my face. It’s the perfect canvas for when I put primer on.

{Night Routine}

After a long day of school and homework, there is nothing more comforting that taking my “face” off and letting my skin breathe! To begin this process, I use Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water to remove my eye makeup. As I have said many times before, Micellar Water is truly a game-changer. It takes off the most stubborn makeup so easily, while still being gentle. I even did an entire post on it a while back if you’d like to check it out! It has forever earned a spot in my beauty collection.

Up next, I wash my face with my Clarisonic Mia 2 paired with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub. I have used this duo for nearly two years now and just love them together. Surprisingly, the scrub with the Clarisonic is not harsh on my skin at all. It helps me keep breakouts at bay. And, the Clarisonic Mia 2 does a fabulous job of cleansing my face effectively and gently. I can’t imagine being without it. It has also improved my skin texture sooo much. My makeup glides on so much easier! I would strongly suggest investing in one of these gadgets.

Lastly, I apply AcneFree Drying Lotion to my blemishes before bed. I can honestly say that I have tried just about every spot treatment under the sun, but none of them works as well as this one! You simply dip a cotton swab in the solution and cover the blemish with it. After about three or four nights, your blemish will significantly shrink and disappear. I really love this drying lotion because it’s non-irritating and most importantly, affordable!

Hope you enjoyed reading this post! What are your favorite products in your skincare routine?

Have a fabulous day!

Trending now: skincare masks

Hey, friends!

Today I thought I’d share with y’all reviews of three skincare masks I’ve tried lately. We all used to think of a skincare mask as some goopy, sticky substance you’d slap on your face to get some added beauty benefits. Usually, they’d come as murky, green stuff and leave your skin feeling tight–not the most pleasant thing in the world! Fortunately, many skincare lines have come up with multiple renditions of masks–muds, gels, paper masks, you name it. Here are three affordable ones that caught my eye. Let’s get started!

First off, we have this Freeman Rose Brightening Facial Paper Mask. Just the description alone convinced me to buy this product. A paper mask seemed like something out of the ordinary when it came to skincare, so I thought I’d give this one a try. Plus, roses have long been considered as having skincare benefits as well. I had high hopes for this paper mask, and unfortunately I was let down. After washing my face, I unfolded the paper mask and attempted to smoothly apply it to my face in one graceful motion. However, it was WAYY too big and clung awkwardly to my face. I was expecting the scent to be as elegant as a bouquet of roses, when in fact it smelled like a cheap baby wipe. GROSS! After five minutes or so, I removed the mask and was left with a sticky, oily reside. I rinsed off and was expecting my complexion to be brightened and smooth, but I didn’t notice any difference. 😦 I will not be buying this product again. It was a letdown!

I bought another Freeman product a few weeks ago at Ulta, hoping that I would have a better experience. Their Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask was in Allure Magazine’s Best of Beauty list so I hoped this purchase would be a good decision. IT WAS! This mint green clay delivers satisfying results–it cleans deep and clears out clogged pores, just as it claims. About twice a week, I apply a generous amount to my face, let it sit until it dries and then rinse in the shower. Despite it being a fairly thick clay, it rinses off nice and smooth with no tacky residue. My complexion feels soft and revitalized after each use! I would definitely buy this product again. Very nice quality while still having a reasonable price!

Lastly, we have this Nugg Hydrating Face Mask. I picked this up at Ulta yesterday while in the checkout line. The pod packaging just looked so cute and convenient,  so I couldn’t resist! Later on, I tested it out. The formula is different from anything I’ve tried; Instead of being opaque, it was a white gel-cream that went on clear. After cleansing my face as usual, I gently applied it using circular motions. I know that each pod is probably meant for single-use, but I only used half the pod. Anyway, despite containing oils, this mask is surprisingly light and non-greasy! I left the mask on for about six minutes and was SO pleased with the way my face felt afterward–supple, radiant and moisturized! This product is definitely the thing to buy if you are looking for an extra boost of hydration. I can’t wait to use this in the fall and winter months!

I hope this post will help you discover the right skincare mask for you. Do you have a favorite mask you’ve been using lately? If so, please let me know! 🙂

Have a fabulous day!

Updated skincare routine 2015

Hey, friends!

We all know that makeup is a great tool to enhance your natural beauty. But if your skin is not clean, then all those cosmetics on your face are just icky and clogging your pores. A glammed up face starts with nice, clean skin! So today I thought I would share with y’all the products I use to keep my face fresh. Let’s get started!

{A.M. Routine}

As you can see, my morning skincare routine is just about as simple as you can get. First, I wash my face with Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. This mild wash gets all the overnight grease and dirt off my face really gently, and doesn’t leave it feeling tight or stripped. Instead, it is soft and supple! After washing, I apply Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. This is another product that I have mentioned several times before on my blog. I love how simple it is–no crazy scent or texture, just good old moisture! Plus, a little goes a long way so a single bottle will last you for months.

{P.M. Routine}

It’s no secret that I love to wear me some makeup, but when it’s time to go to sleep, I make sure that it is all OFF! To do so, I use my Clarisonic Mia 2 with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Foaming Scrub in Pink Grapefruit. In my opinion, if you wear makeup, you NEED the Clarisonic in your life! No matter what cleanser you use, dirt and grime won’t get completely out of your pores if you just wash your face manually. This little gadget is a game changer. I’ve had mine for about eight months now and my complexion has never looked better or felt smoother. I can’t be without it! My makeup even goes on better since there’s no gunk trapped in my pores.

I love to use the Grapefruit Scrub with my Clarisonic. Because it has acne medication in it, zits are kept away! The scent is also refreshing. Also, don’t be alarmed by the term “scrub”–the tiny microbeads are gentle enough so you can use this product daily.

After applying the Clinique Moisturizer again, I use Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask  as a spot treatment. Yes, I do look a bit funny going to bed with black dots on my face, but when I wake up, any zit that I have has shrunk! I highly recommend this product if you are looking for something to clear your pores and take care of your breakouts! This formula is thick, so all you need is a little dot and you’re good to go.

So there ya have it..a look at my morning and night skincare routines! These are the products I use to make sure my face is fresh, clean and ready for makeup! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Do you have a favorite skin care product?

Have a fabulous day!