SKIN:
Summer is so nice but it can be draining on the skin especially if you have oily to combination. You must drink a lot of water to keep your skin hydrated as well as having a daily routine using products that work best for your skin type; You should always wash your face during the morning and night especially if you're a makeup junkie/artist to avoid clog pores, dirt and oil; and protect your skin from the sun that can cause damage now or to the near future.
I have dry to combination skin, which means I have dry skin but I am oily in my T-zone (forehead, cheeck bone, nose, cupid bone and chin). In order, I am going to show you all of my favorite products that I have been using for a while in my daily skin routine as well as new discoveries.
- Mario Badescu - Acne Facial Cleanser
I have been using this facial cleanser for almost 2 years now. It works great to remove dirt, makeup and reduce the appearance of acne. It's super affordable retailing at $15.00 and you can purchase it online at mariobadescu.com or at Ulta. It also works great with a Clarisonic brush, which I like to use every other day.
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/Mario-Badescu/_/N-1z1410q?No=0&Nrpp=48&ciSelector=searchResults
*Optional - I have also used Boscia Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel cleanser that works really nice. It retails at $28 and can be purchased at Sephora
- GLAMGLO - Supermud Clearing Treatment (large jar on the right)
When I am not using my Clarisonic, which is only during the weekend, I like to use GlamGlo mask. This is a mask that you would apply after cleansing your skin and leave it on for a few minutes or at least until it's completely dry before removing. I would suggest when removing it make sure you're in front of your bathroom sink because it can be a bit messy. This mask is very strong because it would remove basically everything and it can be a bit rough. Overall, it leaves your skin rejuvenated, soft and clean. You will feel like you just came from the spa except it will cost you $69.00 at your home.
http://www.sephora.com/super-mud-clearing-treatment-P376409?icid2=GlamGlow_Bestsellers_Carousel_P376409_image
- Mario Badscu - Cucumber Cleansing Lotion
This is a toner that I purchased in December of 2013 and I LOVE IT!!! After washing my face, whether it's with my cleanser alone, Clarisonic or GlamGlo, I ALWAYS apply this right after using a cotton ball or pad. It helps to hydrate, refresh and keep the skin matte. I like to use it especially after using my clarisonic because my skin can feel as if it got "whipped" The toner leaves my skin feeling 'relaxed.' It works great on sensitive skin. My husband even likes to use it to refresh his skin. It retails at $15.
- Boscia: No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment
I purchased this product during the summer. It's a treatment that helps minimize pores. It also works as an anti-shine. After applying my toner during the morning, I would apply 1 pump of the treatment on my T-Zone (my specific areas that I shine and my nose and cheeks where I have pores). Thankfully, it drys fast so I can continue to apply my makeup application. Since I've been using this treatment, I noticed my pores have minimized, which is great! I have also used this treatment over my makeup application to reduce the shine and it works just as well.
It retails at $36.00 and can be purchased at Sephora.
http://www.sephora.com/no-pores-no-shine-t-zone-treatment-P294212?skuId=1365725
- Michael Todd True Organic - Antiox Serum
I just recently received this product, which I ordered for my birthday and as soon as I applied it, I noticed the difference. It's AMAZING!!! This product works well for all skin types, EXCEPT SENSITIVE, especially mature skin. Although I am young, I have noticed I developed a fine line around my mouth area and I can notice it when I smile. As soon as I applied the serum in the area needed, I immediately saw how the line thin out and wasn't noticeable. I have been applying a very small amount in the area needed and using it during the morning and night. It retails at $37. I purchased mine thru GOUPON that was having a great deal - 2 for the price of 1.
http://www.michaeltoddtrueorganics.com/product-type/serums/antiox-serum.html
- Philosophy: time in a bottle for eyes
This is a sample size I received from Sephora.com but a little bit goes a long way. You only need 1 dot on each eye. It works great on sensitive skin including eye area, helps reduce and eliminate dry cracks on the eye lid. I used this cream every morning after moisturizing my skin and it works well. The full size retails at $65.00 and can be purchased at Ulta or Sephora.
http://www.sephora.com/time-in-a-bottle-tm-for-eyes-P385346?skuId=1594019
- Tarte: Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment
As much as I really liked Philosophy's eye cream, I didn't want to spend the amount without shopping around. During Tarte's Family & Friends 30% off, I purchased the maracuja eye treatment and O.M.G. This product is also AMAZING! It helps hydrate, firm and brighten the eye area. Again, all you need is 1 dot on each eye and it works great on sensitive eyes. It retails at $38.00 and can be purchased online at Tartecosmetics, Ulta and Sephora.
http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-maracuja-c-brighter-eye-treatment
- Embryollise Hydra-Mat Facial Moisturizer
Next step, I love to use this product to moisturize my face. I purchased it at the POP UP Makeup Show in December. The texture is so silky but the best part it helps eliminate the oil and redness by leaving your skin completely matte. It retails at $40 and can be purchased online at Alcone.com, Naimes.com, Amazon and Ebay
*Amazon has it at $28.92
Once you completed the step of moisturizing your skin, you're good to go to add on your primer, makeup, SPF lotion or nothing and enjoy your beautiful skin.
- Soap & Glory - Flake Away Body Scrub
This body scrub is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It smells DELICIOUS, makes your skin smooth...yup just like a baby's bottom and the great part it has Shea butter, which moisturize and helps the skin remain soft for the entire day with or without adding your body lotion. I purchased this in the beginning of this year and I am about to repurchase my 4th jar. It's so good that even my husband likes to use it. Good news - this line has 2 additional scrubs so if you're allergic to any of the ingredients in this one, you have an option with the others. It can be purchased Sephora for $25.00
http://www.sephora.com/flake-away-body-polish-P294727?skuId=1368679
- Lush Lip Scrub in 'Bubblegum'
I have a bad habit to bite my lips all the time, which is why I must keep it moisturized. After purchasing a few hair products in August, I asked for a sample of this scrub to see if it's worth purchasing the full size or continue to use my home remedy. It's WORTH IT!!! This scrub is simple to use, comes in different flavors and you'll get quick results. Plus, it tastes good :) It can be purchased at Lush.com or the store and retails at $9.95.
http://www.lushusa.com/Bubble-Gum/03056,en_US,pd.html#start=1
And last, you can't forget to moisturize your body! My friend, Brenda gave me this lotion as a Mother's Day gift. I used this lotion from May to the middle of August when I finished it. The lotion is supposed to give an essence of energy, but it smells so good and I liked the texture that was good enough for me :)
You can purchase it at Bath & Body Works and retails for $13.00
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11669884
