Skincare Routine

      I've received a couple of messages about my skin care, so here we go! I've always had super sensitive skin and I'm prone to allergic reactions to even the most basic face washes such as Neutrogena and Clean and Clear. That being said, you may benefit from this regime whether you have sensitive skin or not! I use a combination of drug store brands and half higher end face products, which fit my lifestyle as well as my current limited budget as a student. I split up my routine into two parts for you all to read, so you get the best sense of it all.

AM

Cleanser: The first thing I do in the morning, after I brush my teeth, is wash my face. I use fragrance free face wash, generally either Noxzema or First Aid Beauty. I highly recommend both of these products and have had wonderful experiences with both.

Serum: Last spring I added Vitamin C serum to my morning routine and I'm completely in love with it now. I typically use one from Drunk Elephant, but I'll link some less expensive substitutes that work great in the event you too are budget conscious. I find the vitamin C brightens my skin in the morning and allows me makeup free days more frequently.

Moisturize: Moisturizer is an undervalued essential for women of all ages, especially in the winter. In the morning I use a lighter Cetaphil lotion which allows me to apply my makeup more easily; everything blends more easily and gives me a more natural appearance.

PM

Remove eye makeup: My night time routine generally begins with Garnier Micellar Water and some. cotton rounds to remove stubborn mascara as well as eye makeup my cleanser would leave behind. I am easily able to remove mascara without abrasion, tugging or scrubbing all without oily residue. This product is a miracle worker and I highly recommend it above any other product mentioned here.

Cleanser: After using micellar water, I wash my face with a charcoal face wash. It has a little bit of a cooling and tingly sensation which I like since it clears out my pores.

Moisturize: I use a heavier night cream in the evening opposed to the light moisturizer I use in the morning. My two favorites are First Aid Beauty Night Cream and the Drunk Elephant whipped cream. I love how easy it is to dispense the Drunk Elephant cream, you just press on the top and it comes out in the middle. This method is far more sanitary than dipping a finger into the jar.

Masks: I try to incorporate a face mask into my night routine and/or do a Biore pore strip to give my skin a revival once a week. I've had great success with Sephora sheet masks, Origins charcoal face mask, Glamglow face mask and the Boscia black charcoal peel off mask. I switch up the products based on how my skin is feeling and what I think it needs.

Spot treatment: Mario Badescu drying lotion is a fabulous product to use on any areas I may be breaking out on. I apply the lotion with a Q-tip and dab it into the affected areas. I have found a drastic reduction in inflammation when I use drying lotion before bed.