I started playing with the idea of makeup when I was 12, but it wasn't until I was 14 or 15 that I had a basic routine down and it hasn't changed much since then. I have never been one to put a lot of effort into putting on makeup or cleaning my face but having pretty bad acne as I got older forced me to figure out what routine worked best for my skin.
That's the important and frustrating part about skin care: it takes a lot of trial and error to find the products that work best with your skin type. My sister would say, just don't wear make up, wash your face with hot water, and throw some Almond oil on your skin, but that's what works well for her and not me. I wish it was that easy but my skin is oily and acne prone. I have found that exfoliating and moisturizing are the two best things for my skin. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin that prevents products from doing their job and moisturizing keeps my skin from over-producing oil. These are two basic cleansing and makeup routines I now follow every day. If you have similar skin and want to give any of these products a try, you can buy most of them at Sephora and Target.
{ Cleansing & Moisturizing }
1. Clarisonic Mia2 Cleansing System, $149: I use this everyday for light exfoliation and it has changed my skin for the better. If you had to pick any one of these products to buy, I would highly recommend this to be it.
2. Purity Made Simple by Philosophy, $11-$52: This face wash is so gentle on the skin and removes all dirt, oil, and makeup from my face. It has never made me break out and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry. I wash my face with it every morning and at night I wash my face with it and then add some to my Clarisonic to really give my skin a deep clean.
3. Natural Acne Solutions Clarifying Toner, $10: The Witch Hazel and Lemongrass in this product really work well on my skin to give it an even tone and prevent breakouts. It also removes any remaining cleanser, dirt, or makeup, even if it's a very small amount. I apply it all over my face every night.
4. Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment, $10: This targeted spot treatment has Tea Tree in it, among other natural ingredients, that makes blemishes quickly disappear. I was using straight up Tea Tree for a while which was too harsh, so this is a perfect alternative. I use it at night whenever I need to.
5. Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Acne Spot Treatment, $19: This I try to use sparingly so its effectiveness doesn't fade. It works really well in cutting an annoying pimple's life span in half.
6. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture SPF 15, $9.49: This is the only moisturizer I have ever found that doesn't make me break out and I have tried quite a few. It is so light and keeps my skin moisturized without getting too oily. I use it every morning and sometimes a little at night.
The Vine Vera High Potency Cellular Peel, $300: I know what you're thinking- who pays $300 for a beauty product, but hear me out. First of all, it lasts an entire year so that, already might make it seem more worth it. Secondly, it is the most incredible exfoliator I have ever used or seen in stores. The amount of dead skin that comes off immediately will make you feel like you've never exfoliated before. I use it once a week and I have seen such a difference in my skin. For anyone in San Francisco, the Vine Vera store in the Marina will probably give you a discount, plus a free facial with purchase!
{ Makeup }
1. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm, $36: I have been using this for over a year now and whenever I go a few days without it I see a difference. I was wary to use any non-powder product as a part of my makeup routine because I thought it would make me breakout, but it has done the opposite. It is Paraben, Sulfate, and Phthalate free and has SPF 25, but it only comes in one shade so this isn't going to work for everyone unfortunately.
2. bareMinerals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush, $20 & Broad Spectrum Well Rested, $19: On days I really didn't get enough sleep I use the brush to apply some Well Rested powder under my eyes and it looks like a slept for 10 hours.
3. bareMinerals Smoothing Face Brush, $28 & Matte Foundation with SPF 15, $28: I will use the Concealer Brush to cover up any blemishes first, and then I use these two products to lightly go over the rest of my face to give myself some more sun protection and prevent my skin from looking oily later on.
4. bareMinerals Flawless Application Brush, $22 & Faux Tan All-Over Face Color, $20: I love this brush and I am now on my fourth or fifth one after using bareMinerals for the past 8 years. The Faux Tan is a better alternative to their Warmth color because it's not as dark and I'm not usually tan so it gives me a more natural, sun-kissed look.
5. Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion, $28: This is the perfect pink blush that gives your cheeks that pinched look. It doesn't have any shimmer in it, which I like, and the brush that comes with it is so soft.
6. Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve, $6: Love this stuff. I have one in my purse and in my makeup drawer. I don't like using lipstick a lot so this keeps my lips moisturized and gives them a slight pink hue.
7. Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara, $19: I love this mascara because its main ingredient is beeswax instead of alcohol, like other mascara products. It doesn't dry out my eyelashes and washes off easily.
8. Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Spoolie Brush, $1.99: This is a great eyebrow brush and I don't think there's much more I can say about it than that!
If you have any products you love and want to recommend, please comment below!
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