Clean and healthy skin is a game changer when it comes to looking your best. If your skin isn’t healthy, it’s really hard to hide it. And if you’re like me - you can hide redness but not poor texture or dryness. Over the years I’ve tried countless skincare products to try to figure out what works for me. These products below keep my face clear, moisturized, and bright!
Most are pretty affordable and easily purchased on Amazon. However - I’m telling you ALL my skin secrets here so don’t feel like you need everyone of these products. I switch it around some from day to day. So pick and choose based on what your skin is like!
Step 1: Cleanse
I start off with washing my face with a simple bar of soap. It’s Shea Moisture African Black Soap with Shea Butter. The package says it is good for eczema. And although I don’t have that, I do have VERY dry skin. So I figured it couldn’t hurt… Turns out, it is exactly what my skin loves! However, be prepared to rinse your sink just a bit more than normal since it does have black residue, but what it does for your skin is totally worth it.
From time to time I will also use a scrub of some sort to prevent black heads and to get off the dry, dull skin. I have used everything from St Ives scrubs to Zo Scrub. Zo Scrub is the most gritty exfoliator I’ve ever tried. It’s AMAZING. A bit pricey, but totally worth it and lasts forever. I buy it at Hourglass Lash & Skin Bar.
Step 2: Tone
I then like to use Thayer’s Witch Hazel for natural toning, just to make sure I get my skin squeaky clean. I just put a little on a cotton ball and dab, dab, dab after cleansing. This is the best, and natural, method to restoring your skin’s PH balance after cleansing. And that can lead to fighting aging and breakouts. Not to mention it helps to get those pores even more clean!
Step 3: Serums - I like to use any of these serums - but don’t freak… I don’t use them all at once every day! I switch it out!
I love to use Paula’s Choice BHA liquid . I first tried this product from a sponsored post. Turns out… I fell in LOVE! It is awesome and I love the way it feels. The BHA is known for hydrating skin, brightening skin, and smoothing fine lines since it’s an exfoliate. However, I would recommend not using this with the prescribed Retin-A since that may be too abrasive.
Also, for days when I’m super dry I like to use Skin Medica’s HA% Rejuvenating hydrator. It is a bit on the pricey side, so I don’t use it every day - but a tiny dot really does go far! It helps to hydrate my skin from deep within, while also helping prevent fine lines and etc. I also like to use a Vitamin C serum which helps to reduce sun spots and scarring while brightening skin.
It’s also a great idea to use Vitamin C serums to combat dark spots and fell your pretty skin with antioxidants! This natural version is one of my favorites because it also has Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid - which is near impossible to pronounce but it really helps moisture skin deeply.
Step 4: Eye Cream
And now to be honest, I’m still trying to find a new favorite eye cream. I LOVE Skin Medica’s TNS Eye Repair. But I’m determined to find something a bit more affordable. However, if you’re up for the splurge, check it out because it really is AWESOME!!!
Step 5: Moisturize
My favorite daily moisturizer is by using a tiny bit of Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (yes… I’s a mask…but I use it as daily moisturizer!) It is just thick enough to keep my dry skin under wraps, but yet also isn’t too thick to where I can’t put makeup on top. I have also tried Origin’s similar “10 minute moisture mask” which is also great – but just a tad thinner. So I prefer the Drink Up Intensive version. But if your skin doesn’t get dry as the desert like mine, maybe the 10 minute mask option would be better for you. It says you can wipe it off with a tissue afterwards, but I don’t do that… just let it soak all in! I notice a HUGE difference in my skin if I got a few days without using this moisturizer.
A couple times a week, or when I’m having breakouts, I’ll mix the Origins moisturizer mentioned above (or just Cetaphel moisturizer - this link is for stocking up in bulk!) with a product my dermatologist prescribed years ago called Retin-A. It is something you have to have a prescription for if you have acne – but talk to you doctor because I know you can’t use it if pregnant, breast feeding, or if you may become prego… and you need to make sure you use sunblock while using it -which you should be doing anyway for anti-aging no matter your age….)
I also love oils! My oily skinned friends think I’m nuts for how I’ll drench my face with coconut oil or others to combat dryness. My favorite oil is called Echo Vie. It is actually handmade from my friend who has done makeup on me for shoots in Chicago for years! It is full of antioxidants and essential oils to combat aging. I’ve used it on some serious curling iron burns, and I am scar free because of it! Truly can’t say enough about it. Suzy Lee - the creator - has such an uplifting story and is passionate about staying paraben free.
For daytime - I can’t stress enough the importance of using a daily moisturizer with SPF in it. I really like Aveeno’s Positively Radiant , or Neutrogena Naturals Brightening Daily Moisturizer . They are just the right thickness to not be too much under makeup but still protect you from the sun which can cause aging. However, I do change what SPF moisturizer I use sometimes….So this isn’t one I’m set on. As long as it’s thick enough, as natural as possible, and with a good SPF I like it!
Optional steps as needed:
For spot treatment, I LOVE Kate Somerville EradiKate Sulfur Treatment. That pink goo is like a gift from Jesus himself. Just put a little dot on your spot, then go to bed. The clay keeps the goodness in place and you’ll wake up thinking the fairy-zit-mother came and removed your little friend! It’s awesome!
Lastly, for days that I have shoots, I like to sleep with the VIIcode O2M Oxygen Masks on my eyes. They help to restore moisture and lessen those yucky, tired under-eye bags like magic… all while you sleep! I just put them on before going to bed, and you leave them on for 8 hours. There is a gel like texture on them which helps to restore my eyes and lessen fine wrinkles. Then wah-la! I appear to have gotten way more sleep than I really did! The antioxidants work their wonders and reduce inflammation as I snooze away! I’ve noticed the next day that I look more refreshed, bright eyed, and ready to take on the day!
Overall, I can’t stress enough the use of sleep and drinking water! Those things, along with eating well, are priceless every day tricks we should all be doing. I also do believe in great facial every now and then, but I’ll save those for another post!
Let me know any questions you have!
