Hello, Bitchery! It’s Amanda. I’m relieving Sarah of her duties and taking over Stuff We Like this week. This edition is going to focus on my recent skincare and makeup journey and while I don’t have a regimen quite yet of perfect products I love, I have definitely found some winners.
I’ll also be discussing some of the skincare problems that I have, so if you’re sensitive about that, you may want to skim or skip around.
SKINCARE
Within the last few months, I’ve decided that I want to develop a skincare regimen to make my face healthier and less prone to breakouts. And like most things, it’s all about trial and error! Oh, and waiting. Results don’t happen overnight. As of right now, my routine consists of these steps:
- Makeup removal
- Cleanse
- Acne treatment
- Moisturize
I might throw in a face mask or treatment here or there for fun, but those are the four steps I try to adhere to on a nightly basis. I’m also not going to talk about everything I use, since some of it is just okay. I’m going to solely focus on what I’ve found to be a staple in my routine so far.
Cleanse: I haven’t found a cleanser that I’m in love with just yet. I use a softer foam cleanser for days where I haven’t worked out or worn a ton of makeup. For “dirtier” days, I use an exfoliating cleanser or something a little harsher. However, there is one cleansing tool that I’m totally in love with: my jellyfish brush!
The inside contains a sponge that you wet. I put a dollop of my Murad Acne Clarifying Cleanser on top and boy, does it lather that sucker up. The bristles on top add a deeper clean than just using my hands.
And, if you notice the “frequently bought together” section on that page, I own the cat headband as well.
Love it for washing my face, putting on a mask, or doing my makeup!
Acne treatment: I will forever swear by the Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches. Admittedly, I’m a picker. If my hands are idle, they will immediately go to my face. It’s a horrible habit, I know.
These patches help keep my fingers from picking, but they also reduce redness and swelling of pimples. They’ll even last through the night. It’s also highly satisfying to see all the oils the patch has sucked out of the blemish. My only complaint is that one pack doesn’t come with a ton of patches, so buy in bulk! Note: I use these after I finish everything in my nightly routine.
Moisturizer: Earlier this year, I started working out a few times a week. Since then, my skin has gotten really oily, which has been a huge struggle for me. When it came to finding a moisturizer I liked, I didn’t want anything that would add more oil to my face.
If you have oily skin, I really recommend L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Face Moisturizer. It’s a liquid moisturizer instead of a cream. It’s lightweight, absorbs into the skin quickly, and I love the smell. If you don’t want to order through Amazon, I was able to snag this at my local CVS.
Other: Going back to working out, I now get acne elsewhere, too. Fun! On workout days, I make sure to use a more exfoliating body wash and I’ve really enjoyed Tree Hut’s sugar scrub selection. The sugar scrubs aren’t too harsh on my skin and they have this nice gel-like consistency, which makes it easier to get the product out of the jar.
I’ve been using the Moroccan Rose scent, but they have so many others, such as Italian Mocha, Almond & Honey, Original Shea, and more.
MAKEUP
Don’t ask me why I’m on a makeup kick lately, but I have officially decided I want to do more with my makeup. Normally, I’m just a foundation kind of girl. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll throw on mascara and lipstick. I also definitely needed to get rid of some old products because makeup has expiration dates, who knew?!
If you want to join me on my makeup journey, here are a few things I’ve learned and loved.
Resources: When it comes to makeup retailers, I prefer Ulta over Sephora. Their rewards program (which is free!) is much better. With Sephora, you accrue points that you can use on free samples of varying sizes. With Ulta, your points go toward taking money off your next purchase. They also always have a coupon available, too. However, I believe Ulta stores aren’t as widely franchised as Sephoras and buying makeup online can be a crapshoot.
If you’re on a budget, TJ Maxx and Marshalls are your friends! There can be a lot of stuff to weed through at these stores, but I’ve been able to find some big name brands at a discount. I’ve found lipsticks from Anastasia Beverly Hills and Smashbox and eyeshadow palettes from Bare Minerals and Too Faced. But be sure to check the products inside the box before purchasing. Sometimes, the product might be missing or broken.
YouTube has also been a huge help for me. I love Tati Westbrook because she features “drugstore” products and does videos like Best Under $25 at Sephora. She’s a huge help for the more budget conscious consumers like me.
Beauty News is amazing, as well. Featuring two Aussie women, they test out products, divulge the latest beauty gossip, and smash up cosmetics (which is very satisfying). The smashing has a reason though, I promise. They’re aiming to see if you get the same amount of product as advertised on the box and figure out what consumers are actually paying per gram of makeup. It’s extremely helpful if you’re trying to decide whether or not a makeup purchase is worth it. I appreciate their news sections too, since I want to be sure I’m not supporting shitty brands.
Lipsticks: Man, I never thought I’d love putting stuff on my lips, but I am a huge convert. I tend to gravitate toward reds and plums and I love matte shades. There are two products in my collection that I highly recommend
Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream is available at most drugstores and makeup retailers. It’s a liquid lipstick that dries really quickly into a powdery matte finish. I own several shades in this, though my favorite is Prague.
Sephora’s own brand of cream lip stains is wonderful. If you’re looking for a great, vibrant red, I recommend Strawberry Kissed.
Eyeliner: I always have mixed feelings on eyeliner and whether to use a pencil, gel, or liquid. For someone who isn’t used to doing their eyeliner or wants a more steady hand, I’ve gotten great results in L’Oreal Paris Super Slim Infallible Liquid Liner. It looks like a skinny felt tip pen and it allows for great control.
Powder Foundation: I don’t think I will ever buy another powder foundation again after discovering It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation. It is rather pricey at around $35, but allows for medium to full coverage. It also has built in SPF!
Lastly, if you have a ton of makeup, I highly recommend these organizers! They’re light weight and it’s possible they could fit in a drawer (except for the tall one), if you’d rather not have them take up counter space. I own four different kinds:
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Let me know which products you absolutely love in makeup and skincare! I love experimenting and trying out new things!
I would wear that headband at inappropriate times because it’s that cute.
My face and Clinique have come to an agreement. They’re reliably fragrance-free, which is nonnegotiable for me, and nothing irritates my irritable eyes. Couple of favorites: Moisture Surge moisturizer is a cream-gel hybrid (looks kind of like Ghostbusters ectoplasm) that feels light but still does its job. Superpowder Double Face serves as my powder foundation when I bother. (I have tactile sensitivities and can’t stand feeling anything on my face, so liquid foundation is all the way out of the question.) It’s not full coverage, but dotting it on spots with a concealer brush and fluffy-brushing my whole face evens me out enough to pass for human.
If I don’t want to instantly be shinyshinyshiny, I mix some Benefit Agent Zero Shine in with my powder. Unlike most mattifying powders, it’s peachy instead of white, so there are fewer chalky side effects. Given the amount of oil I force it to battle, it’s not effective for 12 hours on me, but making my shinyshinyshiny forehead nonreflective for even 6 hours is an achievement.
I’d like to recommend three small, independent companies for skincare products: Holy Snails, Stratia, and Timeless Skin Care. Holy Snails’ Shark Sauce (does NOT contain anything shark-related) is great for brightening and improving skin. Stratia’s Liquid Gold moisturizer is one of the best I’ve ever tried, chock full of ceramides to repair your moisture barrier. And if you’re not using a vitamin C serum to mitigate sun damage, start now. The gold standard in C serums is Skinceuticals’ CE Ferulic, but that is way expensive so I buy a dupe from Timeless Skin Care (they also sell other interesting serums)
I’ve always been acne prone but my skin normalized once I hit my 20s. Last spring,I went on a Korean skincare kick and moisturizing oils and ended up with a BAD case of adult acne at age 33. I started seeing an aesthetician, she put me on an adult acne line called Face Reality. She also had me use Image Skincare facewash which I adore because it is so gentle and cleans well.
For makeup, I had to change things quite a bit. I switched my foundation, powders, blushes, and concealer over to mineral makeup. There was a learning curve on how to use these things since sometimes the consistency isn’t the same as conventional makeup. My two favorite brands are Jane Iredale and Priia cosmetics. They are a bit pricey but are very high quality. I love the Jane Iredale liquid foundation….the texture is weird AF because it is little beads of color suspended in aloe. There is a big learning curve to it but once you master it, the foundation just seems to melt into your skin as you wear it and gives you a flawless look. My favorite liquid liner is still a Korean brand called Dollywink. The felt tip is not too thick and the liner isn’t runny and also doesn’t smudge. I’ve tried ALL the American brands and this is still my favorite. You can purchase it from Amazon for around $11-14.
It’s been 9 months since I did all of these changes and my skin went from cystic, painful acne to clear skin. Even the tiny congested acne I had around my hair/jaw line has disappeared. I realize now that it was my makeup that was causing that congestion. My new friend was shocked when I told her about my struggle with adult acne last year. She told me I had perfect skin. Needless to say, I was very happy to hear that. Good luck on your product quest!
I hardly ever wear makeup, or do much to take care of my skin. I do really like Bite Beauty lipsticks, as one of the only brands I’ve found that doesn’t dry out my lips and leave them chapped. It’s particularly fun if you can make an apt at the lab and have them custom blend one for you. They’ll match colors, too, if you’re one of those people hoarding some precious discontinued product.
I’m in love with Klairs Supple Preparation Toner right now.
I also am using Swanicoco Black Yeast Fermentation ampoule and think it may help with keeping my face clear, but know others are sensitive to ferments.
For skincare I love watching Gothamista’s videos on YouTube. My skin does not look like hers, I wish, but I find them informative and well done and also oddly soothing.
I just started, very late, being consistent with my skincare. I do think my skin looks a bit better but I just love the routine of it.
I’ve been on a makeup kick too lately. 🙂
Lipsticks are one of my favorite things. I like more sheer coverage that you can make as light/dark as you want, so I really like the Chubby sticks from Clinique and the lip oils from Burt’s Bees. Plus, they make your lips feel really soft and moisturized.
I also like the chocolate- and peach-scented products from Too Faced, especially the eye shadows and lipsticks/glosses. They smell sooo good.
I also use a lot of Neutrogena products, including their Healthy Defense sunscreen and various night creams, eye creams, etc. They have some good foundations and my favorite gray eye shadow palette: https://amzn.to/2k10iHt.
And my dermatologist recommended Differin gel to help with dark spots and prevent wrinkles: https://amzn.to/2Ktn45R. I can’t tell that it’s made a huge difference, but I like that it’s not super-expensive like other things I have used in the past.
I’m a huge Caroline Hirons fa (https://www.carolinehirons.com/) She’s hilarious, educated, and gives amazing reviews – she’s also great on social media. She does the whole gambit of product from drugstore to high end FYI.
I also love differin, it’s inexpensive – you can get it on Amazon, and it works great. I don’t know about anti-aging, but my acne heals faster and skin looks better (its a retinol). Also, a toner/mist made a huge difference to my skincare and they can be SO affordable! its one extra step between cleansing and acne treatment or moisturizer but it gives your skin a little extra something – https://www.ulta.com/skin-care-cleansers-toner?N=27gw&Ns=product.price%7C0
For youtube, I like Gothamista (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-X4BAoKxwGYIKrKfqk7yug/about) Teri Miyahira (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM7hYw4JS_hI0U1iZ2_SY2g) and Harry Makes it UP (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpwfHMcnlgecvIwLAyzikbg) they’re all product nerds and I appreciate that they do the research for me!
I’m American but have been living in Britain for a while. Over here Animal Protection is a big thing, so recently I’ve been thinking about animal testing and my makeup and becoming uncomfortable with the non-choices that I’ve been making (L’Oreal, I am looking at you). About a year ago, I switched to Lily Lolo mineral makeups because they are cruelty-free often vegan, and I love, love, love them. It is a British Company so I don’t know how difficult it is to get in the US. It is also not cheap, but it is not fabulously expensive either. Anyway, if you are concerned about animal cruelty there is an American site that talks about it at <a href="https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/ultimate-guide-to-cruelty-free-makeup/".
Sometimes I make “bad” choices, ’cause I’ve decided not to care, but when that feels uncomfortable, it’s good to have a source to help me. Sometimes the animal free companies are small startups as well, so I can feel good about supporting a small company instead of a multi-national. I know this seems sort of preachy, and maybe makeup is not supposed to be preachy, but I spent years thinking my romance reading had to make me uncomfortable as a feminist before I discovered SBTB and realised that no, just because it’s romance it still matters in the world. Consent matters in romance, respect matters, responsible contraception matters. So maybe makeup choices matter too. (rant over)
How cute is that headband.
Current favourites in makeup: Armani Luminous Silk foundation, Benefit’s They’re Real mascara (works so effectively that I continue to use it even though you just about have to scrub your face off to remove it), the ELF brow kit (so good and only costs a couple of dollars), Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks, and Stila Magnificent Metals liquid eyeshadow in Rose Gold Retro. Metallic eyelids, it’s *awesome*.
EmilyNoel83 is a great YouTube resource for drugstore product reviews.
I have the L’Oreal Hydra Genius moisturizer too! I think it’s one specifically for dry skin though. I like it, but the lack of SPF means I turn to other stuff more often. Between my psoriasis and plain old ridiculously dry skin, my skin feels oily for about an hour once every two years, so any recs I make should keep that in mind:
I’ve been using more kind of raw stuff for skin care, things that are usually ingredients rather than specific products for a lot of things. When I wear makeup Too Faced’s Mascara Melt Off is what I reach for first, then after it sits for a minute I use Clinique’s Take Off The Day and that gets rid of everything. Then I use a swipe of Make Up Artists’ Choice mandelic acid toner or Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner and once that’s dry I use L’Oreal or Philosophy moisturizer and top it all off with squalane oil. 1-2 times a week I use MUAC 25% mandelic acid peel, then cover my face with hemp and squalane oil for 15 minutes, then make a clay+honey mask and throw that on for 15-20 minutes. Honey+coconut oil/whatever oil I feel like trying makes a nice hair mask too; adding an egg yolk will emulsify the whole thing but I usually don’t bother.
For makeup I love Tarte’s Amazonian Clay foundation. Since my skin changes color throughout the year, I buy my winter shade in the foundation and my summer shade in the BB cream and then in spring and fall I just mix them to get the right shade. I’ve found that Urban Decay’s normal 24/7 eyeliner pencils are A++, but the two sided ones with a different color on each side kind of suck and smear a bunch. I love trying new mascaras and so far my favorites are UD Perversion, Clinique, and Maybelline Lash Sensational. I change up lipsticks often, but I keep Clinique Black Honey and UD’s Vice Lipstick in a couple shades in my purse at all times. Sephora’s Cream Lip Stain is one of the best liquid matte lipsticks I’ve ever tried, although I did use Nars Velvet Lip Glide the other day and it was pretty perfect too. Now that I’m in a classroom every day for observations (rather than just nannying) I wear makeup a lot more often and my everyday look is foundation, dark eyeliner in the lash line, mascara, and lipstick. I was using a brow mascara type thing, but I lost it. When I finish redecorating my room I’ll probably pick up a similar product by NYX, but right now all the extra money in my budget is going towards super lush furnishings as I’ve decided to go super luxurious.
I’m still lamenting the loss of xoVain. I learned 90% of the makeup/skincare stuff I know now from that website, and it’s been folded into the xoJane website (for as long as that stays up) but it was on my daily “check these out” website list.
I usually just put my hair in a bun, but I love that headband!
As for my routine:
1. If I wear makeup, I first use almond oil to remove all that makeup, and then some other cleanser. I’ve noticed a huge difference since doing that!
If I didn’t wear makeup and forgot to use SPF, then I don’t wash my face. I really need to be better at this.
2. Next I either use Pixi Glow Tonic (vegan & cruelty free) or a retinol treatment. They’re both chemical exfoliaters. (That’s my most Grown Up step)
3. I keep using Yes2Blueberries serum because it’s vegan and cruelty free, but I think it makes me break out. :/
I would love to replace it with a Vitamin C serum.
4. I just got those pimple patches, and as a picker, I also find them so helpful!
I should be using my sheet masks once a week (I have so many!), SPF (really interested in oil SPFs) and moisturizer (to double as eye cream)! So I’ll be looking at your recs!
As for makeup, I’m generally too tired to use any. But I have so much because I love it!
Simple look: 2 layers of powder in T-zone, cream blush (Elf, sometimes lipstick) & powder blush (to lock it in, sometimes it’s eyeshadow) on chin and apples.
Should try some concealer.
Full look: Peach concealer has been a godsend for my dark undereye circles and red spots (brows, upper lip). Liquid foundation, powder highlighter (elf, light pink & golden, on different spots. Sometimes lavender), powder on lids (no primers work for me!) Or Glitter Glue if I’m wearing loose powders or glitter.
Juvia’s Place eyeshadow (gorgeous, independent, women of color owned).
Still looking for a good pencil liner, which I usually lock in with a liquid liner (or wet powder) and matching powder shadow.
I’ve been using Better than Sex mascara or Voluminous for years, but open to new recs! Shu Umura makes the best eyelash curler.
For vegan cruelty free long lasting lipstick? I’ve found Colorpop too dry & Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar too wet! But Wet & Wild Liquid Cat Suit is brilliant. I should try layering it over lipliner so it lasts through meals.
Oh! I’ve been using powder as my primer, and that’s made a huge difference, too. Specialty made primers tend to clog my pores (Revlon) or stay too liquid (elf).
Fenty lipgloss. The neutral shiny peach one. It’s gorgeous flattering and smells a little like fruit punch.
I’ve found that using a toner everyday after washing my face and before putting on moisturizer has really helped keep my complexion clear. My favorite is Thayers witch hazel (the Rose water blend), it’s inexpensive and gentle. I also learned in my 30s that wearing a moisturizer with SPF is a must every day, although I live in Florida I think it’s good advice for everybody. Ive been using the Eucerin daily moisturizer with SPF 30 for day, and Q10 moisture for night and I’ve seen an improvement on the little lines starting the creep in.
A big second on the Too Faced products for the lovely scents! And while the trend went away a while back I still find Bare Minerals basic mineral foundation my daily go to. It’s just so much quicker and easier than liquid foundation and I can control the coverage. I’ve never had great success with their other products though, so I like seeing some recs.
Finally, if you’re into podcasts the Forever 35 podcast with Kate Spencer and Doree Shafrir is basically all of this. They talk about makeup and skincare, self-care routines and mental healthcare and a lot more. My favorite thing might just be the name though, as I am on the brink of turning 40 and totally embrace the concept of being 35 forever (because who wants to be Forever 21 really?!)
I have sensitive skin that leans towards both dryness *and* breakouts, so I have to be pretty careful what I use (mostly with regards to cleansers and moisturizer). I’ve been using CeraVe for around a year, their hydrating cleanser for winter and SA cleanser for summer (I’m currently mixing the two). I follow that up with the ordinary buffet, and recently learned you’re supposed to let serum soak in for about 20 minutes before continuing your routine? Who knew!
After that I use either origins original skin matte moisturizer or first aid beauty tinted moisturizer, depending on what I’m doing makeup wise. For undereye I use it cosmetics bye bye undereye cream (not the tinted one), and I’ve been using the deluxe sample I got since January, and there’s still more (it’s expensive, but a tiny amount goes a long way!). If I’m wearing foundation it’s Estée Lauder Perfectionist, and I always wear it cosmetics bye bye pores powder.
For night, I wash and then apply the body shop drops of youth, followed by acure’s rosehip oil, which is magic. My pores have shrunk and my skin tone is more even since using the oil. Sometimes if I’m feeling extra dry I add another moisturizer, origins drink up moisturizer. I top that with the body shop tea tree night treatment, and either tea tree oil or origins spot treatment on any blemishes, depending on their severity.
Nexcare also makes those patches with a bit more per sheet. Amazon has a subscribe and save option for them, if you want to save more by stocking up.
Due to extremely sensitive skin, my whole make up and skincare routine changed to as natural as possible products.
Kahina Beauty’s cleanser is the only one that I’ve found to cleanse without stripping my skin. I use Yuli’s line for nourishment and repair, UK’s PAI brand has the best acne /blemish crème I’ve used that doesn’t dry up skin, and lastly, use African Botanics cloud burst for moisturizer. Aside from PAI and Kahina, none of it is cheap but the ingredients are high quality without added crap.
For makeup (I have a glycerin allergy which makes finding eyeliners and mascara super fun, also see super sensitive skin): 100% pure, rituel de fille, ilia, and lily lolo for mascara. A lot of these are available at Detox Market if you want to get it all from one place.
Me, I’m a Philosophy girl. What’s not to Love about a jar of moisturizer labeled When Hope Is Not Enough? Love how it makes my skin feel and look. Love the packaging with it’s apothecary look and bits of affirmation. Love that the bath products smell exactly like what they are labelled (peach Bellini this morning) but don’t linger, because I work in the medical field where scents can be an issue. Plus the BEST cleanser I’ve ever used, Purity Made Simple. Removes everything & doesn’t dry out my skin.
AMANDA, we have so much to talk about at RT on Friday!
@Susan, +1 for the Caroline Hirons rec. She’s the way I ended up with a slightly more intense but still reasonable nighttime face routine. I love her reviews.
@Emily C, +1 for the Thayers witch hazel rec. I used to buy it off the internet, but now Target carries it (in the beauty aisle, not the first aid aisle, which goes to show how they are paying attention).
I can’t actually rec anything Stateside, because my entire extended family now knows to get me Asian (usually Taiwanese or Korean) skincare products whenever they go on trips. My entire bathroom is full of skincare products I can’t understand and I have to Google reverse image search when I forget what they’re for, to get instructions in English.
I love makeup, especially since I finally learned how to do my hooded eyes. (Short version: your “crease” is the edge of your orbital bone, so when you put eyeshadow “in” the crease, you trace that bone — if you’re like me and your lower lid completely disappears when you open your eyes, this piece of intel is key.)
I used to be a major MAC girl, but then they decided to sell in China (which means they’re not cruelty-free, since China, by law, can require you to test on animals), and that was that. (As much as I loved their eyeshadows and their long-wearing lipsticks…)
For skin care, I’ve been using Paula’s Choice. Pricey, but my skin looks and feels amazing, and that’s worth it to me. (Seriously. It feels like silk and it’s almost even enough to skip foundation.)
For makeup, it’s Two Faced foundation, blush and eyeshadow from Aromaleigh cosmetics, Marc Jacobs gel eyeliner pencils and Essence Lash Princess mascara. The Aromaleigh blush and eyeshadow is loose powder, which seems crazy intimidating, but there are great how-to videos on YouTube and it’s not as difficult as it might seem. Primer is absolutely necessary, but I have to use primer no matter what because the shadow is gone by mid-afternoon without it.
For lips, I use e.l.f. lip oils and Urban Decay lipsticks. (I know UD is owned by a company that sells in China and is therefore not cruelty-free — I’ve made the decision to support divisions that are cruelty-free for as long as they are…and then I’m done.) I also have Besame Cosmetics lipsticks. I can’t wear matte lipsticks — my lips are too creased and I don’t like they way they feel. Given that matte is everywhere, this is a bummer.
I have ridiculously sensitive skin and I like the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel and their Daily Microfoliant (though I don’t do it every day), the Clinique CX Soothing Moisturizer and the Clinique All About Eyes cream. I use the Philosophy wipes or a Dermalogica gel to remove makeup.
Makeup: the only lipstick that doesn’t make my lips break out around the edge is Beautycounter. I use Kiehl’s lip balm #1 like it is going out of style. I like Chanel eyeshadows, and have recently tried the Beautycounter eyeshadow and it is nice, too. Clinique mascara. Chanel eyeliner.
I’ve started using skincare products from Garden of Wisdom lately, which is an online company that makes natural skincare products. (I don’t remember if they call themselves “natural” and I know that doesn’t really mean much, but basically they’re using good quality ingredients derived from natural sources.) They are very no frills, both on their site and their packaging. They have a truly staggering amount of options on their site for all kinds of skin types and issues, but their customer service is AH-mazing. I have consulted with them several times about which products would be best for my issues, and I’ve been super happy with everything so far. They’re not dirt cheap but they are way cheaper than fancier lines and I’ve found my skin has improved quite a bit since I’ve started with their stuff. I am NOT a skincare aficionado, but so far I’ve really loved everything I’ve gotten from them.
For people over 50, the Hot & Flashy YouTube channel can’t be beat. She does a ton of product comparisons and will specifically include both budget and high end product reviews. I love her.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU9rHRAeSzi–j1jkXQ47RA
I have that headband! in black! I like to wear it when I use a sheet mask, especially the ones with animal faces printed on them. Otherwise, since my hair is short, I can usually just brush it back and it’ll stay.
I’ve reached an age where my skin is much less sensitive than it used to be, so I’ve been able to use something other than Clinique (although I still have to use their mascara, since everything else irritates my eyes and I do stick to their facial soap and toner and, to a lesser degree, the moisturizer).
I like going through Marshalls and TJ Maxx for name brand things at lower cost – I found my favorite hand cream (Body Shop Absinthe Purifying Hand Butter) and nail/cuticle cream (Barielle) there. They also had some Korean facial cleansers that have worked well for me, although – as I said – my skin is a lot less sensitive than it used to be.
Oops. The jellyfish brush and cat headband just fell into my Amazon cart. I needed more Japanese sunscreen anyhow, so fortuitous timing.
sunscreen, reapplying it, applying enough of it, choosing a kind that helps protect your skin properly… but also understanding the importance of hats and shade — protect your beautiful skin
@DonnaMarie- yes and yes for the Philosophy Purity cleanser. It takes everything off and my face feels soft after I use it. I also really like that it has just the nicest hint of a clean scent but not too much.
I’ll have to splurge on some bath products if they have the same light and lovely scents.
I’ve been using Bare Minerals (powder versions) for years and my skin is really clear – I do think the minerals have helped! Plus dusting it on is about as easy as it gets. I also love the Lifecell Moisturizer; that really helps to keep skin “young-looking”.
I really like the Sabbatical Beauty line, especially their serums and masks. What I use varies by how my skin is feeling, but they have made a big difference with my 50+ skin.
I second @Kathy W.’s plug of the Cruelty Free Kitty list for anybody wanting to try makeup brands that do not test on animals. Happily, there are many to choose from in a variety of price ranges.
I was recently looking around for swatches of a new eyeshadow and ran across Temptalia. Very handy! They do reviews, swatches, and dupes comparisons.
I started using Ever skin care products in February, and started using their makeup about a month ago. I love the products so much I signed up to sell them (mostly for the discount). So far, my favorite products are the Reveal peel pads and the Luminous face wash – both have helped with my adult acne. I love the makeup color palette too, and it never feels caked on. I’m also a huge fan of the Daylight moisturizer because it has SPF and doesn’t feel heavy.
@EmilyC, the bath products aren’t really what I call a slurge. The shower/shampoo/bath gel requires very little to get a good lather going, so they last a long time. I’ve been rotating three scents since before Christmas and still have a ways to go before they run out. Also, only bath products that actually smell exactly like chocolate.
I have extreeeeeeeemely sensitive skin so I’m allergic to 95% of all products out there. Plus, it’s combination skin, which means I’m always trying to find a balance of hydration.
My skin routine is overall very simple. The focus is mostly to prevent damage and irritation to my skin.
I wash my face with cold water and a very gentle foam cleanser (no oil!).
I hydrate with a gentle fragance-free lotion for sensitive skin (local brand, sorry).
I then apply a 50+ SPF sunscreen with a matte finish (no oil!).
Throughout the day I spray my face with thermal water mist to calm it down (mostly in the summer).
When I come home, if it’s been a particularly bad day, I apply an aloe vera gel.
My skin freaked out when I moved back to the US from Canada, so I got really into skin care & make up trying to clear it up/cover it up. I did see incremental improvements when I started having a consistent routine (I really like Drunk Elephant Night Serum, Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Pads, Sunday Riley Good Genes, Belief Aqua Bomb, and Paula’s Choice everything else), but honestly, nothing worked better than giving up sugar. It was really hard at first, but now I feel amazing and have the skin of a glowing freaking goddess
Amanda, I don’t know if you will read this but I used to have terrible acne back in the day and my grandmother taught me to use a combination of hot compresses on my zits and to douse my face with white vinegar, plain old white vinegar, which healed the zits without scarring. Apparently, white vinegar restores the correct ph balance to the skin.
For a moisturizer, and indeed on my entire body, I use coconut oil from a sustainable source.
@Katy Kingston and @Mara (aka bookslikewhoa), I’d love to know what Paula’s Choice products you use. I finally got fed up with all of the drugstore angst (I would spend hours reading all of the boxes and then immediately second guess myself whenever I bought something) and bought a bunch of Paula’s Choice stuff and I’m always curious what products other people like.
Oh, forgot to mention, my goddaughter and her sister inherited their Mother’s cystic acne. A few years ago they switched to water and Norwex cleansing clothes, and it was like a miracle. No more perscriptions from the dermatologist, no more high priced cleansers or acne treatments. Water and Norwex clothes. I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see it for myself.
I have mid-20’s sensitive/combination oily skin that gets a little bit of hormonal acne – I took an oral treatment for a while but it wasn’t sustainable – when I came off it I started using LUSH’s Angels on Bare Skin and I am never ever going to use anything else. I. LOVE. IT. SO. MUCH. and everybody else who I know uses it (and also have wildly different skin types to me) feels pretty much the same way. It’s my go to recommendation and I unabashedly proselytize about it all over the place.
Also as a lipstick lover I am super on board with many of the NYX soft matte lip creme’s – I’m very partial to London. That and the NYX Simply lip cream vamp collection basically travel everywhere with me.https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/search?q=simply%20lip%20cream (Covet is my fave!) Also anything by OFRA – their liquid lipstick’s never dry my lips out which I greatly appreciate!
Also I’m a pale skinned dame from NZ (we have the giant Ozone hole on top of us) so all of the sunscreen ever – I don’t leave the house in anything less than 20spf – even in the dead of winter….
Hi..Paula’s Choice ha kept my skin beautiful for a decade. Her beautypedia.com website is wonderful for info on other beauty/skincare lines. Check it out.
A Skincare/Makeup Post! I don’t wear makeup daily, but I love me my skincare and have developed a routine over the last couple of years that’s really helped my acne-prone, oily/combo skin, and I do try different products once in awhile.
1. Cleanser: Right now, I’m using the Cosrx Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser daily with my Clarisonic Brush.
2. Toner: Big fan of the Son and Park Beauty Water. My bottle is almost done.
3. Essence: I’m currently trying out the May Coop Raw Sauce Essence, which smells great. Surprising, I’m not going through it as quickly as other essences.
4. Moisturizer: I’m also using the L’Oreal Hydra Genius. With my moisturizers, I have found that the gel-based ones don’t leave me as oily at the end of the day.
5. Sunscreen: Still trying very hard to include this in my routine everyday. Like my moisturizers, I like to use gel-based sunscreen. My current favorite is the Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel.
6. At night, I trade in my moisturizer for an overnight sleeping mask. My go to for this is the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. I always wake up with soft, hydrated skin the next day.
Thanks for this wonderful post, Amanda!