You guys. This will probably jinx me with three huge zits on my chin tomorrow morning, but dare I say it? My skin has been better than ever since SIP. Too bad nobody else can fucking see it *insert end of the world emoji here*. It makes me wonder just how damaging the sun and pollutants in the air are considering my skin is nice only now that I’ve been indoors for a month. Nevertheless, I thought I’d share my updated skincare routine, because … well, I ain’t got shit else to do. If you know me, you know I’ve had issues with my skin for even longer than I’ve had this blog, so finding products that don’t make me break out within 24 hours of applying it is a rarity. I’ve tried a plethora of products, from a $200 bottle of Dr. Sturm moisturizer to an $8.00 tube of Biore face scrub and have finally found what works for me … until it doesn’t. Thanks to those who have given suggestions, and especially to my skincare savior E! #gallery-23773-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-23773-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 12%; } #gallery-23773-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-23773-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Facewash Korres Greek Yoghurt foaming Cream Cleanser $26: I liked how gentle Cetaphil was, but found that it didn’t take off my makeup well. Then, I found this video of Manny MUA’s where he raved about it, and haven’t looked back since. I’ve been using it for over a year now, and love it. It’s gentle, takes off my my makeup (except for waterproof eye products), and smells good.
Toner Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner (unscented) $7-$10: I’ve read so many articles throughout the years recommending this product, but for some reason never tried it until someone on IG suggested it. I’m on my second bottle now, and have no complaints. It’s also super affordable (Thank God, ‘cuz most of my products aren’t).
Serums Drunk Elephabt’s A-Passioni Retinol Cream & B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum (sample size) $28: To be honest, the only reason these two products are currently a part of my routine is because they were free samples I received. Redness on my face is the one issue I just can’t seem to get rid of, but I’ve heard numerous times that retinol helps with it. I use these in my nighttime routine and alternate along with my Dr. Dennis Gross pads, which I’ll talk about later.
Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum $85: This is one of the newest products that I’ve added to my regimen. If there’s one product asides from the basics (cleanser, toner, moisturizer) that skin savant’s have recommended for my skin issues and in general, it’s Vitamin C. It supposedly targets dullness, dark spots, and signs of aging. I really hope it works for me, because I’m trying to look “Not too old for TikoTok” young still.
Moisturizer Kiehl’s Ultrafacial Cream $53: Tried and true, I’ve been using this since my boyfriend ruined my life with high end skin products when we first started dating. He randomly bought this for me and my skin actually liked it, so I’ve been stuck with it ever since.
Exfoliant Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Sensitive Daily Peel Pads $88: I never used to exfoliate. I also didn’t realize that exfoliating meant more than using an apricot pit scrub *gasp*. Apparently, exfoliating is one of the leading ways to unclog your skin and avoid breakouts. My girl E has been recommending these pads as her holy grail foreverrrr, and I kept holding off, because they’re so fucking expensive. One day (probably drunk on payday) I gave in and purchased them. After an initial week or so of getting tiny bumps on my chin and random places, the “activity” has stopped completely except for when it’s hormonal, which can’t be helped sometimes. Can’t wait until the next VIB promo, so I can grab my next box.
Sleep mask Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask $34: This was probably an unnecessary purchase, but all the money I’ve been saving under quarantine justified it (I’m being sarcastic). Truth is, E also raved about this product and she hasn’t done me wrong yet. Her review combined with Sephora’s five star reviews, and the fact that it soothes redness in the skin made it a no brainer. I can’t tell yet if it’s doing anything for me, but I’m sure I’ll post an update on Instagram if it does.
Sunscreen Supergoop’s Superscreen Daily Moisturizer $38: Both of my best friends, Ness and Rach, highly recommended this product. So naturally, I tried their everyday sunscreen that came in a tube instead (smh). No bueno. This is why you should listen to your besties, the tube formula gave me those infamous little red bumps. Feeling a little defeated, I tried the Superscreen, and although it’s thicker than I like, my skin likes it. (Kiehls’ ultra fluid sunscreen also works for me, but I wanted to try Superscreen since it’s also a moisturizer. I keep my bottle of Kiehl’s in my purse though and take it to the beach with me.
Daytime Routine: Facewash, toner, vitamin C, Superscreen
Alternating Nighttime Routine: Facewash, toner, B-Hydra+ moisturizer Facewash, toner, retinol + moisturizer Facewash, peel pads, sleep mask