As it relates to beauty categories, I have always favored makeup over skincare. But as my thirties are quickly approaching (KMN), I felt it was time to really step up my skincare game. Personally, I always felt like skincare was overwhelming - so many options... all so expensive... how do I know which products are best for my skin concerns? With all these looming questions, I typically avoided the subject altogether. As long as I have a decent moisturizer, I'm basically set - right? Well, for some of you that might be all it takes - and if that sounds like you, consider yourself (and your wallet) lucky!
Now that I have started purchasing and using quality skincare products, I have actually noticed a SIGNIFICANT improvement in my skin's overall texture and brightness. I can't believe I waited so long to get serious about my skincare regimen!
But let's back up. I think it's worthy to note that my skin concerns started at a very early age. I suffered from very bad acne on my face, back and legs as early as 7 years old. I tried everything from prescription medicines to Proactiv to over the counter topical treatments but nothing helped. I started on Accutane around age 11 or 12 and that finally cured my skin after about 2 years. Fortunately, Accutane also cured any scarring I had developed and from then on, I never really break out anymore (aside from an occasional pimple when I'm on my cycle).
But enough about me, let's get into the good stuff! As always, if you are more of a visual learner, be sure to check out my 2 latest videos on IGTV here!
Morning Skincare Routine
Every morning, I start my skincare routine with Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($34). Although I don't have a makeup on, I still like to use this product to gently exfoliate and wake up my skin.
After cleansing, sometimes I use the Pixi Glow Tonic Toner ($18) but usually I save this for nighttime use to make sure my face is totally rid of any dirt and product build up.
Next, I apply a few drops of Leeor Skincare You Can Have It All Super Serum (on sale for $69 PLUS 15% off with code LAURENMICHELLE). I have an entire blog post dedicated to this new hidden gem of a brand. I've actually become obsessed with this serum. I love the instant tingle and brightness it gives my skin. Also, FYI, they gave me the discount code AFTER I purchased on my own and because I ASKED them for a code since I fell so in love with their products!
I also use the Tula Rose Glow & Get It Eye Balm ($30) to help brighten my under eyes a bit. I also have an entire blog post and IGTV video dedicated to the 2 Tula eye balms! I like to use this both under concealer and on its own. (I forgot to talk about this in my Morning Skincare IGTV and didn't feel like refilming LOL) - so here is a side by side image showing what a difference these balms make!
That's basically it for morning skincare! If I will be wearing makeup, I also apply a thin layer of Embryolisse Moisturizer ($28) under my primer.
Nighttime Skincare Routine
For my nighttime routine, I always start with the Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover ($30) if I am wearing makeup. This works great for regular and waterproof makeup and although I don't usually wear waterproof, I still always use this product because it's simply the best!
Then I use my Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($34) to cleanse my skin of any remaining makeup, dirt or excess oils. I follow this up with Pixi Glow Tonic Toner ($18) to make sure my face and neck are totally clean.
Next up is my favorite product: Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum ($58). I recently discovered this serum and it's quickly become one of my favorite beauty products. You might get a bit of a light burning sensation when you first apply but that's just the acids getting to work! Through nightly use, I've noticed the texture of skin has greatly improved. My skin is typically combination where my nose gets oily but I have dry patches around my chin. Well, no dry patches in sight and my skin looks better than ever!
Around my eye area, I use a pea sized amount of Elemis Peptide Eye Recovery Cream ($49) to help combat fine lines and wrinkles as recommended by Beauty Queen Emily Gemma of The Sweetest Thing. Seriously, if you have any fashion or beauty questions, her blog is a great resource with loads of info and links!
I use OleHenricksen Goodnight Glow Sleeping Crème ($55) to wrap up my face routine and keep me hydrated overnight. A dab of Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($20) and off to bed I go!
Intermittent Use Products
About once a week I use Leeor Skincare You Can Have It All Face Mask (on sale for $49! PLUS 15% off with code LAURENMICHELLE) which really helps exfoliate, hydrate and smooth my skin.
For any difficult breakouts, I now rely on Tata Harper Clarifying AHA + BHA Mask. Yes, I know it's $72 for literally 1 oz of product. I GET IT. But a few years ago, I did break out on my back pretty badly when some of my medicines stopped being regulated (I have some hormonal imbalances relating to PCOS and I took myself off all my prescriptions - which I shouldn't have done). But I used this mask on my acne and it actually did wonders! Highly recommend!
If you're still unsure where to start when it comes to skincare, I highly recommend taking a skincare quiz. Sephora and Ulta have good ones! I took the Ulta quiz which helped me to identify that my skin's texture was one of my biggest concerns and that led me to the Peach & Lily Glass Refining Serum ($39). This serum is so good and a bit less expensive so I like to get it in the lineup a few times a week (swapping out the Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum).
What are some of your favorite skincare products? Let me know in the comments below!
Ciao for now!
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