my skin has always been difficult, especially in my 20′s; we’re talking breakouts and dullness that oftentimes made me feel self conscious (can we just agree that acne isn’t only confined to your teens? this was news to me!). after years of trying to get it under control, i’ve finally found the secret to great skin. this is what i’m using on my face right now, and it’s getting me through the winter with clear and glowing skin.
because of the blog, i am oftentimes sent products to try, and while they don’t all make the cut, it allows me to really test the market to not only find the best stuff for me, but hopefully for you too! i prefer natural skincare and keep my routine simple, favouring essential oils, minimal chemicals and products that just work.
cleansing:
i never, ever go to bed with makeup on my skin (ever!) and prefer a cleanser with a gentle lather. in combination with my clarisonic once a day (at night), i use this cleanser from cherlyn and it does an awesome job of taking of my makeup without drying out my skin.
toning:
i get questions all the time about toners: what are they for, anyway? some help your moisturizer absorb, some regulate the ph levels of the skin. this beauty elixir from caudalie is full of essential oils that bring health to the skin. i spritz it on out of the shower and it’s a dose of luxury.
moisturizing:
this is always a tricky part. most often, those with oily skin don’t think they need a moisturizer, but oftentimes if the skin is oily, it’s out of balance. giving the skin a healthy dose of moisture will help it from over producing oil. this concept has made a huge difference with the amount of breakouts i get. i use tarte’s maracuja oil (did you catch my full info piece on this ‘miracle oil’?) and it has made a difference to the appearance of my skin. i use it once a day, at night after my clarisonic which allows the precious oil to seriously soak in for maximum benefit.
treatments:
once a week, i use an exfoliating cleanser before bed to really get in there – i load it onto my clarisonic and it gets rid of an excess gunk (you know that feeling, i bet!) and refines my pores. i love this polish from ren. note: it’s important to exfoliate before bed so the skin regenerates and recovers while you catch your zzz’s.
an eye cream like demalogica’s total eye care is a must – it has a slight tint, and an spf 15 that makes it perfect under my concealer.
a resurfacing mask is something i use once a week: this one from tata harper is a total lifesaver – i notice an immediate glow to my skin after this product!
i love dermalogica’s skinperfect primer on those days when my skin looks dull. it brightens it up under my tinted moisturizer and helps the makeup slide on seamlessly.
if you’re in vancouver, pick up dermalogica products at beautymark in yaletown.
cherlyn skin care and dermalogica both provided the products mentioned above, but as per my website disclosure statement, i only mention products i truly love.
