It was time to do something drastic about my skin. Toward the end of last year, I started to notice flakiness on my cheeks and forehead. It was alarming. I must confess I've not always been super diligent about skincare. I learned the value of it a little later than most. But I've improved in the last few years and implemented good washing habits, moisturizing and even added toner into the mix (though I'm still not convinced it does anything).
Anyway, when someone made an off-handed comment to me about my skin (nice, right?) I flipped out and decided the exact right thing to do was throw out everything I was using on my skin and start over. Into the nearest Sephora went I to ask the nicest salesperson ever if she could fix me.
I sampled a ton of products with her and found some new items I'm now having a colossal love affair with. My skin is noticeable different and I'm so thrilled with the improvement. So I wanted to share some of my new favorite must-have products:
Sephora brand express cleansing and exfoliating wipes
Everyone should have some great wipes in their top drawer. These are genius because they feature two sides, one for easy makeup removal and one for exfoliation. So after I wash my face, when I feel like I need a little more cleaning up (I don't use these every night), the exfoliating side eliminates impurities and dead cells leaving skin soft and radiant. The smooth side cleanses gently and efficiently to remove all types of makeup for fresh and crystal-clear skin, without tightness.
Accept no imitations. Why does one need a $20 makeup sponge? I know, I was skeptical, too. But it's miraculous, I tell you. The sponge features an open cell structure that fills with small amounts of water when wet (you wet it when you use it). This allows the sponge to be “full” so that the makeup product sits on top of the sponge rather than being absorbed, allowing you to use less product every time. So my foundation lasts longer and goes on smoother. I dare say that my skin glows. I'm obsessed with it.
Two Faced's Born This Way Foundation
This foundation is oil-free (a requirement for me) that offers medium-to-full coverage. I know a lot of people like to look like they're not wearing make up. I am not really one of those people. I don't care if anyone knows I'm wearing it but I will say, with this foundation, it really does go on beautifully with my new spnge applicator and looks as close to natural as I've ever gotten. It's also vegan if that's your thing. Fun fact? The product was inspired by the opening scene in Bridesmaids when Kristen Wiig wakes up, rushes to the bathroom to put on makeup, and sneaks back into bed to imply she "woke up like this."
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream
I wanted my moisturizer, toner and face mask to all match for some reason -- they should all work in harmony, right? It's a time-release hydration cream that is so light and creamy. I apply it every morning after I dry off from my shower and put a little on every night before bed.
Okay, again, still not convinced one needs a toner but I'm now operating under the "if it ain't broke" rule and once I got talked into buying it and using it, I became attached. I do a little spritz after I've washed my face, before I go to bed and in the morning, after I put all my makeup on. It's refreshing either way and feels more like an indulgence than necessity. Whatever. I like it, it's working, I'm keeping it.
Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask
I started using this twice a week. First of all, it smells delicious. It doesn't get hard and gross on my face and it's super easy to wash off. It is an advanced hydrating treatment with antioxidants that immediately makes my skin feel softer, firmer and look healthier. It's a really lovely pre-bedtime ritual that I find relaxing, too.
P.S. And I love to take photos now.
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