Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Beauty Essentials

I wish I was one of those ladies who have a flawless, perfect complexion... but alas I am not one of the lucky ones. I am fortunate to not deal with massive breakouts, but the occasional pimple, dry skin and some evenness have left something to be desired. Plus I tend to have really sensitive skin. Like REALLY sensitive. You will always know when I've started a new renovation because I will usually have some form of reaction to whatever is going on around me.

Instead of covering up any of the issues I have with makeup I prefer to spend my efforts and money on managing it so there isn't much to cover. Plus face poweders seem to only irritate me more, so it's key to make the best of my own skin.

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Bioderma was an impulse purchase last year and it is one of those things I will never be without again. It is basically the most effective yet gentle makeup remover I've ever tried. I actually stopped wearing some eye makeup in the past because just using makeup remover would irritate my eyes to no end. But this is so gentle you can actually even swip it on and not rinse if off if you are in a pinch. It is a lifesaver for mascara wearers!

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I have sang the praises of Dr. Haushka cleansers in the past and I still adore them, but locally my cleanser is out of stock about 80% of the time. So the last time I ran out I decided to try a new product and discovered this Korres cleanser. I had never thought to try this brand but I have found it to be super soothing and gentle but also really effective.


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This is where my routine gets into the nitty gritty. I discovered Indeed Laboratories's Retinol Reface a little while ago and I am amazing by the results after a few weeks of use. My skin is softer, is more even and has a smoother texture. I did find it was very potent so I only use a light amount before bed. For the price this is the best value I've seen in a home treatment!

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My day treatment is again by Indeed Laboratories and it is their Hydraluron serum. I use it around my eye area and a little on my forehead. It is one of those products that you have to use for about a week to build up results but I have been very pleasantly surprised at how effective it is! I am only recently 30, but any fine lines  I had around my eyes have disappeared. It is not moisturizing so if you have dry skin you still need some hydration with a moisturizer but I don't think I will ever be without this product again.

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This is probably the single most expensive item in my routine but it is the most important. I am religious about wearing sunscreen and finding a day cream that has it without causing a ton of irritation has taken years. I will usually be fine for a day or two and then notice my eyes stinging and getting red, I have no idea if it is the fragrance or ingredients but it is a near guarantee it will happen. So when the girls at Murale told me to try this Bobbi Brown primer and bring it back if that happened I decided to make the splurge. A year later I am using daily with no issues and my makeup seems to go on beautifully as well. This is what they call a win-win my friends (except for my wallet of course...). I use a handful of Bobbi Brown make up items and have always been pleased so I'm not surprised this is just as great of a product.

Looking through the list it seems like I spend a lot of time and money applying stuff to my face, huh? But I think my skin looks and feels better today than it did 3 or 4 years ago. 

What are your beauty staples/routine?


6 comments:

Shauna said...

Homemade coconut oil sugar scrub for washing and moisturizing in shower...and aloe vera if my skin feels dry after a shower. I go the el cheapo cheapo natural route ;) It serves me well :)

Anonymous said...

FYI, the new formula of the BB lotion doesn't have SPF :(

Unknown said...

Thanks for the heads up Anonymous!! Boo, that sucks

Amanda said...

Oh girl. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this post. I have been dreaming of quality skincare without budget busting prices for quite some time and 1. I'm almost out of my current over priced cosmetic counter moisturizer (that I don't even Iike!) and 2. I'm almost 30. That hurts to even type. Annnnyhow, I'm excited to know the Indeed products are sold at a local drugstore but my question to you is - what made you choose Hydraluron over Snoxin? Or the peptide serum? The fine lines are starting to show around these almost 30 year old eyes, and there's a waytoonoticableformyliking line appearing between my eyebrows. Ugh. I just depressed myself in this short story I wrote. Ha. Thanks for the therapy session, and any further skincare info. You 'da best.

DreamCatcher said...

It seems like we have similar skin, only I also have large pores on the nose (yeah!!)
What has helped REAAALLY A LOT with dry patches, sensitivity, breakouts and clean pores is cleansing ONLY with a mixture of castor oil and olive oil just in the evenings. In the morning only wash out with water and you are good to go.
I also use daily Paula's Choice BHA 2% and it also helps tons with breakouts.

Unknown said...

I have researched and researched for effective yet safe (read no petroleum products like PEG's, mineral oils and synthetic fragrances) Ironically mineral oil makes your skin age, yet is used in many skin care products. Have you ever used the Environmental Working Group to see how safe your product is to use? Very helpful! I am very happy to say I believe I finally hit the jackpot! I use cocoon apothecary which is made by a small Canadian company and is full of goodness. My skin has never been so even and the essential oil scents make you feel like you are having a spa-day every day!

 
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