But First…Skincare!
But First…Skincare!
Filters are great, but great skin is better.
New year, new me. That’s what they say, right? I’m personally not really one for New Year’s resolutions but I do like to set goals for myself throughout the year. My goal of better skincare started back when quarantine was first put in place and is still going strong. I know that skincare is a popular resolution for a lot of people so I thought, why not share mine? Because what else is there to do during lockdown 2.0??
I want to preface this by admitting to the fact that I am one of those people who have been fortunate to have pretty clear skin my whole life. I can feel the eye rolls, I know. This is not me trying to brag in any way, shape, or form, but I often am asked how I get my skin clear and I don’t want to sit here and make something up. I’m very thankful for my genetics when it comes to my skin and that’s all I can really say on that front. However, I have found skincare products I use to enhance, hydrate, and take care of my skin that also make me feel good.
I think because I had decent skin growing up, I was never forced to use or test many products. I can’t believe I’m saying it but I used to only use a wet washcloth and just wipe my face at night… no soap, no face wash, nothing. Cringe. But as I get older, my skin is changing and evolving and I’m learning about the importance of skincare even if you have a clear complexion. These days I have a pretty hefty skin regimen and am always on the lookout for new bomb-ass products. I do have dry, sensitive skin so the products I use are geared towards my skin type and combating those issues.
I don’t use ALL of these products everyday. But there are some I rotate into my routine and some I legitimately can’t go a day without. I will put stars beside the ones that are used on the daily.
Speciality Products 🧖♀️
Lip Sleeping Mask, Laneige
A new product for me! I do have a couple friends that use this stuff and have tried it so I can definitely speak to it. If you suffer from super dry lips, especially in the winter, no ifs, ands, or buts, you need this stuff. It makes your lips buttery soft. It comes in so many different flavours - my fav is vanilla always.
Banana Bright Eye Cream, OleHenriksen***
Who doesn’t love some bright eyes?? 👀 This stuff seriously does exactly what it says it will do. Before using this, I found my eyes to be somewhat dark and tired looking. This product brightens the skin and is so very hydrating. It also works great as a primer for concealers because of its consistency. This might be my fav product from OleHenriksen… there, I said it.
Eye Cooling Pads
I don’t know what it is but recently I have been waking up and my eyes have felt swollen and puffy. Maybe it's from working-from-home and staring at a screen all day, I’m not sure. But I’ve seen these eye cooling pads everywhere on social media and I can now understand why. I got a set for Christmas and I think I have used them everyday since. They actually feel so good on your eyes and really do help to alleviate some of the swelling. You should give them a go!
Masks 🎭
24K Gold Eye & Face Mask, Radford Beauty
When it’s my self-care day, you will 100% find me wearing one of these masks. They are so freakin’ hydrating and just feel so good on your skin. The first time I did the eye mask, I looked in the mirror and it honestly looked like I had just had botox on my eyes. All of the fine lines were gone and my face was just glowing. These two masks are absolutely worth it!
Silica Mud Mask, Blue Lagoon Iceland
My face feels like a baby’s bum, I repeat, BABY’S BUM. This stuff is magic, I swear. I travelled to Iceland in 2019 and visited the iconic Blue Lagoon. While there, they have a mask bar in the pool where you can select which mask you would like - I chose this one. My face… the softest it has ever felt. My bf so kindly bought it for me and now I use it sparingly so I can make it last because let me tell you, it’s not cheap. For reference, Kim K uses this stuff to treat her psoriasis. It’s next level great.
Water Sleeping Mask, Laneige
PSA: This is another new product to my skincare team. I tried it for the first time last night and IT’S SO GOOD! For real, the most hydrating sleep mask. I woke up and my skin just felt plump and juicy. This product was a birthday gift (shoutout to Amy again) and it has definitely made a name for itself in my books.
Serums/Oils 💦
100% Plant-Derived Squalane, The Ordinary
The ultimate oil to combat dry skin. Whenever I’m feeling super dry, I put a couple drops of this on my face overnight and it's like TA-DA! A lot of moisturizers have squalane in it to provide hydration, but this is the good stuff in its purest form. Not all superheros wear capes, friends… or anything at all for that matter.
Skinlongevity Long Life Herb Serum, bareMinerals***
For those that read my Christmas 2020 Wishlist blog, you would remember that this product was on that list. Update: Santa came through and delivered! I’ve been using this product for a couple weeks and I’m super into it. I’ll be able to give you a more in-depth review on the product in a couple more weeks but my god, it's sooo hydrating and leaves your skin nice and dewy. EVERYTHING!
Truth Serum, OleHenriksen***
The smoothest and most vitamin-filled serum out there. I’m obsessed with this stuff. I don’t know how to explain it but when you put this on, it feels like it’s good for you. It feels like I’m taking my daily vitamins. I also love a product that absorbs quickly into the skin and this does just that. (shoutout to my sis, Amy, for the reco on all OleHenriksen products!)
Full Face Products 🧴
Life Plankton Essence, Biotherm***
This is the very first step for me in the AM and PM after washing my face. I discovered this product a couple years ago and have been using it on a daily basis ever since. I’ve never had a product that makes my skin look more awake and energized than this. It’s also really great for irritated or dry skin and calms the skin with its coolness. SO good!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, Supergoop!***
Raise your hand if you hate thick-ass sunscreen on your face?? 🙋♀️ Not no more, people. This stuff is so light on your skin yet so effective. It has been rated the top face sunscreen for a reason. It’s so perfect for putting on everyday under your makeup and actually doubles as a primer for your makeup. Sunscreen is SO important and should be worn everyday to protect your skin - a lesson I wish I could tell my younger self LOL.
C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer, OleHenriksen***
This product comes with me just about everywhere I go. My go-to moisturizer forever & ever. I’m a lover of a thicker moisturizer so I love the consistency of this product. Similar to the Truth Serum by OleHenriksen, it also absorbs quickly into the skin which is so great. It would take something out of this world to sway me away from this product tbh.
Cleansers 🧼
Buff, Radford Beauty
The👏 Best👏 . As you know, I’m obsessed with all Radford products but the Buff is just so good. It’s an exfoliating cleanser and works wonders, my friends. Since we are all wearing masks everyday, the Buff is so so so beyond necessary to get rid of all that trapped dirt and makeup. I use this product about three times a week and actually look forward to those days because I love the feeling.
Truth Juice Daily Cleanser, OleHeriksen
This is a new cleanser to my line-up. I got it for Christmas and have been using it quite a bit. Not only does it smell amazing, but it does a really good job at taking makeup off. I’m still getting used to it but I really do like it!
Soy Face Cleanser, Fresh***
If you’re looking for a cleanser that melts your makeup, cleans your skin, and is made of clean ingredients… this is it! Honestly my all time fav cleanser. I’ve been using it for about a year now and love how it makes my skin feel. It’s accommodating to all skin types as well which is a huge plus. Highly, highly recommend.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a better all around person when I’m moisturized. And we all want to be better people, so I’m wishing you all healthy & happy skin!
Until next hump day…
Peace & love!
TL