Everyday Skincare Routine

Hello and welcome to my blog! 

Today I will be sharing with y'all something that many people have requested of me over the years, my everyday skincare routine.  I always get messages on Instagram asking about how I keep my skin healthy and glowing, so here are my favorite products and how I use them! 

// Disclaimer // I personally have oily skin overall, with some dry patches that reveal themselves occasionally.  These products may not work for every skin type, but I hope that you can pick and choose from my routine and find what works best for you. :) 

First things first (I'm da realest) [if you get the Iggy Azaelea reference, we can be friends ;) ] , makeup removal. 

If you go to bed without removing your makeup, WYD GURL?!!! I would say that this is the number one most important step of my skincare routine.  For several years I used Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, but the rubbing involved got to be a little too harsh for removing my eye makeup.  I made the transition to Garnier's Micellar Water (waterproof makeup version) about a year ago, and I LOVE it! It takes little to no rubbing to remove all of my makeup.  

Next, cleansing. 

After using makeup remover to get the majority of the beauty gunk off of your face, I go in with my Clinique Liquid Facial Soap.  I have been using Clinique products since I was twelve, and they have never failed me! My mom introduced me to Clinique, as it was the first skincare brand she used in her early twenties.  I use the "combination oily to oily" version, but they also have one for dry skin, and another for dry-combination.  

Fun fact: This is the first thing that my husband ever bought for me, the first time we went shopping together!  Ladies, find you a man that buys you skincare products. 

Next, astringent. 

Now, this is a step that I probably only do once a week.  If I did it more often than that, I think my face might peel off.  This is the strongest product I use, and it really strips oil and shrinks my pores.  However, I sometimes also use this alone, instead of cleansing, if it was a no-makeup day.  I used Clinique's Clarifying Lotion for years, but switched to this drugstore brand (Sea Breeze Sensitive Skin Astringent) my freshman year of college when I saw my roommate using it! (S/O to Maddy!) For me, it gets the job done and leaves my skin feeling suuuper fresh and oil-free.  

Lips. :* 

I have tried every product under the sun to combat dry lips.  Nothing worked for me in all weather conditions, all year round, until I started using Vaseline's Lip Therapy in Rosy.  The tiniest beauty product I own, it smells amazing, and the formula works great under any kind of lip color as well.  It is the only lip product I have ever used that I feel like actually sinks into the lips and moisturizes, instead of just sitting on top.  Many other products that I've tried just kinda sit there, and end up reacting badly with lipsticks. Not this one!! :) 

Pro tip ~ when brushing my teeth, I lightly brush over my lips to exfoliate any dead skin cells.  

Moisturize moisturize moisturize! 

Moisturizing is an extremely important part of any skincare routine, no matter your skin type.  I love Aveeno's Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer.  Its leading active ingredient is salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant commonly used in the treatment of acne.  

Lastly, spot treatment.

Despite my best efforts, I still get occasional breakouts. That's where this little guy comes in.  (Woo, an excuse for you to go to Target!)  I dab a tiny amount on any blemishes, let it dry and do its thang overnight, and wash it off the next morning.  It does a great job of drying out whatever you put it on.  But be careful, because the active ingredient in this one is Benzoyl Peroxide - it increases your skin's sensitivity to UV rays, and can cause some major irritation.  So, I'd advise that you only use this as an overnight spot treatment.  

// BONUS PRODUCT !!! :) //

Everybody loves extra stuff! Hehe. 

I purchased this product on a whim a few days ago, and I am already very impressed! It is an all-over body exfoliator by Bliss.  For those of you that self-tan, this product works great for getting rid of dead skin cells before tanning to create a much more even tan.  However, it kinda feels like you're bathing in toothpaste, so if you're not into that, use in moderation. They aren't kidding with the "super minty" labeling. LOL.

P.S. I got it for super cheap at Marshall's (like, $8 cheap), so I recommend looking there before buying it online! $$$