Ladies and gents, it is time!
So many new things have entered my life as of late, but the most notable is arguably all the new skincare I have been using! And I don’t know about you, but I am a “switch it up” kind of gal when it comes to certain beauty products. Of course we all have our tried-and-true, ride-or-die faves, e.g. Cetaphil cleanser, Donna Karen Cashmere Mist deodorant, or the Laneige Lip Mask just to name a few. But for me at least, it’s fun to throw new players into the lineup and see how well they perform!
Let’s get to it.
Terrakai Kakadu Plum + Emu Apple Cleansing Milk
This cleanser is SO good at removing every stitch of makeup, dirt, and oil. It’s creamy, almost lotion-like consistency also makes it super hydrating and leaves my skin feeling more plump, which is crazy! This stuff is definitely great for ageing skin and I cannot recommend it more.
Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner
SUCH a great, yet simple toner. This stuff does not dry me out, but is super refreshing and removes every last bit of grime. I feel like it helps all the other products absorb so much better into my skin and you cannot beat the rose scent. Definitely a new staple for me.
Trader Joes Microdermabrasion Scrub
I have heard such great things about a few of the expanding line of skincare products at Trader Joes. The gel moisturizer is often compared to the Clinique version, and even regarded as superior! I am always in the market for a good microdermabrasion so when I saw this, I decided to give it a shot. What I look for in a microdermabrasion (as the name would suggest) is super fine (micro) scrubbies. This one did not disappoint, especially for $6. My face always feels softer and more radiant after using this. I will definitely repurchase.
Anokha Blue Clay Clarifying Mask
I LOVE to use this mask when my skin needs a bit of a restart. A control-alt-delete if you will. I do occasionally experience breakouts on my chin and when I feel it coming on, I immediately whip this out. The mask itself comes in a powder form, which you mix with a little water and apply to dry skin. I leave it on until not quite dry and then remove with a washcloth. Afterwards, my pores feel like they have been completely cleaned out and my skin appears brighter.
I have been loving this plumping serum from Ambered Ember! Let’s be real, anything with the word “plumping” in it just has my heart and this stuff does not disappoint. One of the ingredients is silica, which according to the website, “helps to bind degenerating tissue layers associated with aging”. The formulation is great, super smoothing, non-greasy and really does give an immediate youthful glow.
Bae Six All Day ‘Err Day Moisturizer SPF 35++
This moisturizer with SPF came with me on our Palm Springs vacation a couple weeks ago and lemme tell ya, it did great in 115 degrees! It sinks into the skin very nicely and provides a great dose of moisture, something I really needed in the dry desert heat.
I love to use this moisturizer when my skin needs a rest from heavier lotions or when it is super hot outside. This moisturizer is lightweight, fragrance-free and great for sensitive skin. I like to use it when I have a break-out or feel one coming on. I have also used it “slugging” as the kids say, as it contains ceramides which act as a great skin barrier.
I started trying out Differin Gel after watching Dr. Dray on YouTube. I love that she gets right to the point and is no-nonsense about skincare. What I learned is apparently adapalene can provide the same benefits for the skin as tretinoin and retinols do, and perhaps even more effective. So I bought it to use in place of my usual tretinoin and have also been enjoying using it on breakouts as well. I have not experienced any of the common issues that occur with retinol/tretinoin use, such as skin peeling and dryness so I think Differin (adapalene) might be the anti-ageing treatment for me. I will also add that it works great on breakouts and definitely cuts down on the length and severity of them for me.
You might remember this stuff from my Agency skincare review post. I was using Agency tretinoin and this dark spot formula for the past several months but (as previously mentioned) wanted to switch things up for new products. I have been continuing to use this product because I do feel it is helping keep my dark spots at bay. However, the number one treatment I would recommend for dark spots is IPL photo facials. Those have single handedly removed the majority of dark spots from my face. This stuff is great for use in between and does not irritate my skin.
Recently I spent $45 on an eye cream that promised to do everything. Trap in moisture, de-puff, lighten the dark circles, and act as a nice base for concealing products. I am here to report that the $45 cream did NONE of that. In fact, it seemed to sit on the top of my eye skin and once it dried, I could almost roll it up into a little ball. NO BUENO. This eye cream from ACO Skin Care costs $25 and has been working wonders! I immediately noticed a tiny reduction in the dark circles under my eyes, which lemme tell ya – is really saying something. My under eyes appear more hydrated and refreshed, without being too heavy. I also love that it is safe for sensitive skin and comes in a squeezy tube. I am hooked!
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
I signed up on Deciem to be notified the SECOND this stuff was released. As you may or may not know, I have been a Grande Lash user for several years now (read my full review here). Grande Lash works. It provides both length and volume with consistent use, but it does have its drawbacks. For me, is slightly darkens the lash line where it is applied which does not bother me but could be bothersome for others. It also costs about $68 for a 3-month supply which aint cheap. I have been looking for a comparable, less expensive alternative lately and wasn’t really getting anywhere. Then I got an email alert that The Ordinary was coming out with a serum. The Ordinary can be hit or miss for people but has mostly been a hit for me. I love several of their products and was delighted to try this stuff out. I have only been using it for a couple of weeks now, so the jury is still out. I will provide a full review in another month or so when I have more details. So stay tuned if you are interested!
As a final step in my skincare routine, I have been using this lip butter from Anokha. This stuff contains beeswax, camellia oil, sunflower seed oil, vitamin e, and peppermint. I love to use this right before bed, as the formula is super nourishing and comfortable. It also works great as a base for lipstick (especially drying ones!) and I find the peppermint to be very mild.
BIA Skin Body Polish and Exfoliating Treatment Mist
As for body care, y’all know about my battle with KP. I have tried every product under the sun! Recently I discovered these products from BIA Skin and I am beyond impressed. First, the Body Polish contains glycolic acid, which is has so many benefits for the skin. According to the website glycolic acid “works by speeding up cell turnover and helps dissolve the bonds that hold skin cells together”. Which in the case of KP, is a very good thing as it helps breaks down that built-up keratin. I not only use this on my KP, but anywhere else where exfoliation is needed.
The Exfoliating Treatment Mist is such a genius product! Similar to a toner for the face, this product helps to prep skin to absorb other treatment AND contains hyaluronic acid for moisture, allantoin which helps to soothe and calm skin, glycolic acid and salicylic acid. All the good stuff! I like to mist this all over my legs and then follow up with lotion.
Check out how clear my leg looks – the inside of my knees are my biggest problem area with KP.
FGBG Hair Skin Nails and Sol Goddess Natural Body and Sun Oil
These Hair Skin and Nails gummies from FGBG taste delicious, come individually packaged and really do the trick, especially with nail growth. My nails are super strong and I have to trim them about once a week!
I love using the body oil when I want to my skin to have that bit of sheen that only an oil-based product can provide. I love the aerosol mist, as it dispenses just the right amount of product. It is not overly greasy or hard to wash off and is unscented, making it great for sensitive skin!
And that wraps it up folks! Stay tuned for a vacation/Disneyland recap!
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