Let's Talk About Skincare
Skincare is something I never found myself getting excited about until fairly recently. Aside from washing my face with water (sometimes) before bed and moisturizing when I noticed my skin was getting exceptionally dry, I didn't do much. Last summer though, I knew I had to make some changes. I went to Clarins in King of Prussia for a complimentary facial and the good people there told me what was wrong with my skin and how to fix it. I knew my skin was far from oily but I didn't realize just how bad my dryness was until they told me. part of that is because I'm bad at drinking water. (I can't be alone in this.) Another part is that I simply never moisturized my face. Well, occasionally. At the end of the day. They told me that, though getting out the door can be tough in the morning, I should have something on my face to keep it protected throughout the day. As someone who takes the subway to work, I couldn't agree more. So, after about a year of experimenting, I narrowed down the various products that have worked best for me and I'm here to share them with you!
*Some of these products— I've noted which— have been gifted to me. Despite this, all opinions are my own!
WASH by Crude Personal Care - Healthy skin starts in the shower, and though I'll always love my Dr. Bronner's, it's a little too potent for my delicate winter skin. Crude gifted me their glorious soap and detergent-free body wash and it changed the game. Of course, getting used to a sudsless body-washing was a bit of a process, I loved the way it made my skin feel from the very beginning. It's organic, vegan, and so very gentle. Get it here.
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve - Next most important? Keeping moisturized, for sure. Now, I know that this is a hand salve but I use it on my arms, legs, and chest as well. (THAT'S how dry my skin gets!) It's POWERFUL but not overpowering. Make sense? I feel like Kiehl's has gotten at least a small ROI from gifting it to me a few years back, since I end up buying a new tube every two months or so. Get it here.
L'Occitane Amande - I'm going to preface this by saying that, though I love this stuff, it smells of "old woman." Despite that, it'll continue to be a favorite. It works though, and I love how convenient its tiny size is. It's strong enough to keep my rough hands silky smooth for a few hours (even in the dead of winter) but gentle enough to not leave an oily feeling on those with less dry skin. Get it here.
Kneipp Almond Blossom Light-Weight Face Lotion - Kneipp is a really fascinating company and one of my favorites I've worked with so far in my blogging journey. (Read more about the company's philosophies here.) This lotion is a must-do for me in the morning. I definitely feel a difference when I skip it. The scent is gentle and pleasant— exactly what I need in the morning— and it doesn't make my face feel greasy like other moisturizers tend to. It's part of a whole line, I use the heavy night lotion as well quite often. Get it here.
Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate Serum - This serum is another must-do in my morning routine. My skin sops it right up and immediately takes on a healthy glow. I love the way it smells, as well! Fresh, citrusy, and perfect for the long process of waking up. It only takes a drop and a half, and I like to use it on my face and my neck. Get it here.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater - I LOVE this stuff, even just based on its scent. Not only does it smell heavenly, it works just as well. It doesn't matter if I'm wearing a full face of makeup or I'm going for the natural look— I always spritz my face with this before I head out the door. It gives my skin the perfect dewy glow and makes it feel amazing. Get it here.
Fresh Rose Face Mask - Alright, so this one is just a small sample that I've been using a tiny bit of a few times a week but it's wonderful and as soon as this little never-ending jar runs out, I'm heading out to get a BIG one. I usually hate the idea of masks because I generally hate the feeling of anything on my skin. (I cried because I got paint on my hand while finger painting in kindergarten. I skipped pottery class countless times because I hated the way it made me feel. I'm a big ole weirdo.) This one feels light and non-invasive though. Plus, once again, rose smells AMAZING, and my skin looks flawless at the end. Get it here.
Youth To The People SuperBerry Hydrate and Glow Oil - This one is a relatively new add to my regimen. I haven't found the perfect place for it yet but I've been putting it on before bed and feel it working hard to keep my skin looking perfect overnight. When I wake up, it feels refreshed and dazzling as ever. Get it here.
Clarins Double Serum - Clarins' Double Serum is my absolute favorite skincare product. This one is another that I put on before bed and I've seen a HUGE difference since I started using it over the summer. The secret? Turmeric! Yup, the tasty spice. It promises to make skin smoother, radiant, and more firm and BOY, does it deliver. Every weekend away or time I have a friend stay over, I always end up breaking this out and making them give it a try. Glowing reviews 100% of the time. (I'm not kidding!) Get it here.
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Face Mask - Remember what I said earlier about barely being able to handle any sort of texture on my skin? That basically excludes me from using any sort of sheet mask. I love them in theory but... cold, viscous goop temporarily affixed to the face via soggy paper? No thanks. This one is different though and I actually enjoy the experience of wearing it. Someone in the review section said the extra goop from the bottom of the package makes an effective butt moisturizer. Will certainly try that and report back. Get it here.
What do you think? Is my skincare game strong, or could it use a little help? I love trying out new products so I'd love suggestions if you have 'em!
xo, e.m.