Face The Facts
If you have read my most recent article (and you’re my friend, so I would like to assume that you have), you would know that I monitor very closely the things that I put into my body. Very similarly, I am just as particular about the products that I put ON my body. Today, we’re going to talk about the piece of artwork that is my face, and how I keep it so seemingly flawless. Congratulations mom and dad, you’ve created something beautiful (LOL).
But seriously… I think it is extremely important to know what ingredients are used in your face products, and to find out which ones work best for you. Today I want to tell you about the items that I use on my face just about every day, and why I use them. All skin types are different, so these will not necessarily work the same for everyone, but regardless, I wanted to share what I feel to be my “Holy Grail” products and how I use them. As a point of reference, I have a combination skin type, more often than not, leaning more on the oily side of the spectrum.
To remove makeup:
For me, makeup removal is a two-fold process, and is the very first step of my (nighttime) skincare routine. I start by taking one pump of the Boscia Makeup Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil and massaging it all over a dry face, making sure to pay extra attention to my eye area, as that is where I usually have the most makeup. This product does exactly what the name says; it completely breaks up your makeup. After I feel as if I have sufficiently rubbed it in, I wash off the oil with warm water and pat my face dry.
To ensure that I have successfully removed all of the makeup from my face, I follow that by dousing a cotton pad in the Garnier Skinactive Micellar Clensing Water and wiping it over my entire face. Not only is this product refreshing and nourishing, but it also really helps to ensure that all of the dirt and grim has been removed from my face (Side note, I have also used the Simple Micellar Clensing Water and like this one MUCH better).
To cleanse:
I have two different products that I use to clean my face. The first I use at night and the other I use when showering.
This past year, my dear friend Taylor introduced me to the Bioelements product line and I have been obsessed ever since. I have tried a handful of their products and have loved every one of them, especially the Bioelements Flash Foam Cleanser. After completing the previously stated method of makeup removal, I follow with two pumps of this foamy goodness and am left with a fresh feeling face.
For my in-shower face cleansing needs, I actually use a barred soap, the Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Activated Charcoal Bar Soap. I go to the gym a lot, and while I’m there I sweat A LOT, and originally, I bought this bar of soap to use on my back and chest to prevent any sweaty sports bra breakouts, well, it did such a great job that I started using it on my face as well. If you have typically dry skin, I would not recommend this product because it is somewhat drying, but for people like me, with excess oil, it’s a lifesaver!
To refresh and replenish:
This is the probably my favorite part of my skincare routine, the part where I really get to quench my thirsty face with my favorite toners and oils. I have three different products that I use to for this step.
The first is the Andalou Naturals Toning Refresher. After washing and drying my face, I like to sprits this on my clean skin. Not only does it feel wonderful, but this product also helps reduce redness and it smells straight up like freshly picked rose geraniums, so that should be reason enough for you all to get it right meow.
This next product is a little more luxurious, but is top-notch when it comes to replenishing my skin. The Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil is a simple way to really pamper your skin. Because it is VERY nourishing, I usually only use this product once a week (and actually this belongs to my mom so I can’t use it all up –sharing is caring, people), but each night that I apply it, I wake up the next day with absolutely glowing skin. A little goes a long way; just a few drops will do the trick. Oh, and don’t let the deep navy color scare you, it will completely soak into your skin over night.
Lips need love too, and they can’t be forgotten about! Every night before bed, I lather mine in Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil and in the morning they’re super refreshed and replenished.
To moisturize:
Moisturizing is a major key for all skin types. If your skin is oily like mine, you may feel inclined to skip this step – DON’T. When you fail to moisturize, your skin overcompensates by simply producing MORE oils, and nobody wants that. However, I tend to use lighter moisturizers, rather than heavy ones. My favorite, going back to a brand talked about before, is the Bioelements Calmitude Sensitive Moisturizer, and I use this after the Andalou toner has dries. For me, it’s the perfect amount of moisture, and that word did totally just make me cringe (yeah, I’m one of those people who hates the word moist and now it forever lives on my blog – GREAT).
Going back to da’ lips, it’s obviously important to moisturize them too, and I am an AVID chapstick applier, that’s the first thing that I do when I wake up in the morning! My favorite is the Smith's Strawberry Lip Balm. The ingredients are all natural, it’s not sticky, and it smells wonderful. Besides occasionally a stick of Burt’s Bees, it’s the only one you’ll find me using.
To heal:
Sometimes life gets stressful, and when it does, I tend to breakout; we all do, it’s normal! I’ve found that for me, piling on drug store acne creams only makes things much, MUCH worse. However, I do take steps to try my best to get things under control.
As far as spot treatments go, Tea Tree Oil is my go-to. It has natural antibacterial properties which make it an excellent alternative to harsh synthetic chemicals, but much like some of the other products I have mentioned, a little goes a long way. I typically put just a few drops onto a q-tip and apply it directly to any blemishes I have. Be warned, using too much can totally dry out your skin, which will trigger more oil production and possibly cause more acne, but if used sparingly, it can do wonders for clearing up any pesky imperfections.
When my skin really flares up and is left looking red and irritated, I reach for my favorite facemask, Lush’s Rosy Cheeks. This fresh facemask combines kaolin, calamine and Turkish rose oil into the most perfect, calming treatment. The mask is hydrating, soothing and smells WONDERFUL – it truly is my favorite mask of all time, and for me, that’s a bold statement.
What products do you use on your face? I’m always up to try something new. I hope that you find some of these products and tips to be helpful. Together we can take over the world, always putting our best face forward!
XOXO,
Lexie
BB
