Skincare Staples

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads // Fresh Soy Face Cleanser // Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes // Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Make Up Remover // Estee Lauder Daily Wear Moisturizer // Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 // Clarisonic Mia Exfoliating Brush

When it comes to skincare I truly believe that you reap what you sew. I was never particularly religious in my skincare regimen, but about a year ago I made a resolution to step up my game. I took a trip to Sephora and stocked up on a ton of small, travel sized products and samples so that I could try some of the different options without breaking the bank. In the following few months I tried out all of the loot I came home with and decided on the products that I found worked best for my skin. Since I'm still in my 20's and have been lucky enough not to struggle with much more than the occasional blemish, and seasonally dry skin, I have a fairly normal skin type, so all of the products that I chose therefore work for most every skin type. You can always tweak any of these items to suit your own needs. Also, don't be afraid of taking advantage of the beauticians at your disposal; they tend to know all of the little tricks of the trade that the rest of us {me} are oblivious to! I would also definitely suggest trying out a few different options before setting your routine in stone. If you ask the beauticians for samples or travel sizes they will be more than helpful! {Girl code demands that women share secrets to good skin, it's just one of those things in life that is sacrosanct for females} Test out your new products in various waves, and give each product a week before you dismiss it {unless something crazy goes wrong}, sometimes it takes a few days to really see a difference in your skin! Regardless of what products you choose for your skin, give yourself the extra time to treat your skin right! Since allotting ten extra minutes every morning and evening solely for skincare, I have noticed an unbelievable difference in the tone, texture, and clarity of my skin. Below are the steps that I take each day to keep my skin, clean, hydrated, and smooth! 

Morning

1. Remove - Because I am religious about taking off my makeup before bed each night {if you're not, it's time to find Jesus, your skin will thank you later} I skip the removal step of the regimen in the morning.  

2. Cleanse - I found that if I use my Mia exfoliator twice a day, it leaves my skin a bit dry, so in the mornings I opt for these Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads. They're very gentle and leave my skin feeling clean and refreshed. 

3. Clarify - I absolutely fell in love with Clinique Clarifying Lotion Number 2, absolutely nothing compares! I swear this stuff is magic juice that shrinks my pores, and leaves my skin feeling cleaner than I ever though possible {sorry if I sound like a billboard, I'm honestly obsessed}  I always used to think I successfully removed all of the gunk and grime with my remover and cleanser, I was wrong. This stuff is the make-it-or-break-it part of my skincare regimen and also helps prevent those pesky little break outs that we all love so much.  

4. Moisturize - So I know that I'm no expert, but I can't stress enough how important it is to moisturize! You'r makeup will go on so much better if your skin is well hydrated! It keeps you looking fresh and clean, and gives you that "no-make-up," glowy look. If your skin is dehydrated your makeup will look cakey and flat {not ideal}. It is a common misconception that moisturizers lead to breakouts {a misconception that I will admit to having fallen for at one point} but I swear it's not true! I live for this Estee Lauder Daily Wear Moisturizer. It's thin, but super hydrating, and great for youthful skin types! A friend of mine also swears by the Clinique Moisturizing Gel, she was always more prone to break outs that me, and she will swear to you that this stuff is heaven in a bottle so if you're still worried about breakouts from moisturizing, give this stuff a try!  

Night 

1. Remove - First, I remove my eye makeup with Lancome's Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover. I have found that many other makeup removers that are not dedicated solely to the eyes can be a little on the harsher side, and  leave the skin around my eyes dry and irritated. I then use these Aveeno Ultra-Calimng Makeup Removing Wipes to remove the remainder of my makeup {I avoid the eye area though because they have a tendency to irritate the skin around my eyes}. 

2. Cleanse & Exfoliate - Every night I cleanse my skin with Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser. It's very gentle, but removes the excess makeup from the surface of my skin that the makeup wipe missed {a surprising and depressing amount}. I use my Clarisonic Mia Exfoliating Brush for this step but you can absolutely just use your hands. I do find that the Mia does a fantastic job of cleaning and softening my skin, but it is by no means a necessity! There are also some more budget friendly options out there now too {Here & Here}

3. Clarify - I use the same Clinique Clarifying Lotion Number 2 {aka magic juice} at night. This step is even more crucial at night because it removes all of the leftover makeup that gets stuck deep in your pores {and then leads to breakouts}.

4. Moisturize - I use the same Estee Lauder Daily Wear Moisturizer at night, but if your skin tends to be on the drier side, I recommend using a thicker moisturizer for your nighttime regimen. Even if you're too young for the "anti-aging" line of products, many of the moisturizers in that particular category are ultra hydrating.  I use June Jacobs Intensive Age Defying Hydrating Complex during the winter months because my skin tends to get much drier in the cold weather.  

Good Luck & Thanks For Stopping By!