Glowing Skincare Routine Spring 2017

Living in CT , especially in the colder months has me forever wondering why my ancestors didn’t set up camp some place with palm trees.

My skin gets so dull in the winter so I have devised a new routine that keeps my skin even toned and bright when I need it most.  I swear guys, I have tried an embarrassing amount of products to get my somewhat sensitive, uneven skin where I want it.  Here’s my recipe for glowing, bright skin.

I interchange brands a lot between drugstore and high end so included splurge vs steal options depending on your budget.   I’m a product freak but not a product snob,  sometimes good old Dove soap does the trick.  I actually only use that to remove my eye makeup!  Here’s my roundup of favorites and how often I use them.

Once A Week

Usually on a Sunday night, I deep clean then really hydrate my skin.  I do this by using a mask followed by a moisturizing night cream.

Masks

I alternate between a clay, mud, sheet and peel off mask.  I wear face makeup so I feel like once a week, a mask gives me a deep clean.  Clean pores are not very visible pores 🙂  Here are my current favorites:

Splurge: Mogi Mousse Clay Mask is vegan and organic (which I love).  It comes in powder form and you add your own water to bring it to life so to speak.  You can make the formula as thick or thin as you prefer.  This mask makes my pores almost invisible and my skin feel tight but not dry after I wash it off.  More deets here.

Steal: Dead Sea Mask by Aria Star is a mud mask I bought on Amazon last year and I love it.  I feel like it’s super detoxifying.  I don’t recommend it for very dry skin because mine was a little red immediately after washing it off, though that could have just been from the exfoliation that occurs when using it.  My skin is SO soft after I rinse it away.

 

Sheet masks are pretty trendy lately.  There are so many out there that it can be intimidating to narrow it down.  Here are a couple of my top choices.

Splurge: Wei age repair sheet mask is for targeting wrinkles, sagging and mature skin.  Even though I wouldn’t classify my skin as “mature”, I know that I’m not getting any younger.  My skin feels really tingly so I know it’s doing some kind of work under that sheet.  When I take it off, my skin felt more taught!  I recommend this to anyone looking to tighten up before an event.

Steal: Mustaev mood masks are a great pick.  They are inexpensive (around $4) and made my skin feel detoxed.  I picked one up at Caravan Stylist Studio while visiting the Tabii Just pop up atelier during NYFW a few months ago.  On our last night, my bestie April & I gave our skin some love using the Sadness mask.  Plus, this packaging is adorable.

Peel off masks are my favorite because they’re fun.  Remember the elementary school days of peeling off dried Elmer’s glue from your hands?  **crickets**   Maybe that was just me lol!  Welp, it’s the same glorious rush that I get when I rip a pore strip off of my nose.  That instant gratification of feeling like all of the nasty bits and particles are stuck to the mask and not on (or in) my face anymore.

Splurge: Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask is jet black and smells amazing.  According to the product description on  Ulta.com, “Contains dipeptides, inspired by the potent effects of the Temple Viper venom, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.”  Sounds good, I’ll take it!  This looks so cool when you’re peeling it off too.  The bottle comes with a lot in it, which I love!  If you like to pamper your face and don’t mind splurging on skincare, Rodial makes fantastic products.

Steal:  H2O Plus Aquadefense Matcha Detox is a new fave for me.  It smells fresh and is green and shimmery.  This one feels like it reeeeeally grips to the skin as it dries.  You don’t need a lot for it to work.  One of my all time favorite Instagram/YouTube beauty gurus ILuvSarahii put me on to this brand.  Per usual, she didn’t steer me wrong  (check out her makeup tutorials guys, you will just love her!).

Every Morning

Face Wash

Splurge: Zo Skin Health  Offects Exfoliating Cleanser is mildly exfoliating and doesn’t leave my skin stripped of all moisture. My mom works for a plastic surgeon and they carry this line, which I think speaks for itself.  The scent reminds me of Dial soap, kind of sterile.

Steal: Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser can be found here or in most drugstores.  I discovered it a couple of years ago.  I follow one of Rihanna’s back up dancers on Instagram and she posted that this is her go-to especially after sweating on stage with a ton of makeup on.  I tried and I loved.  It’s a staple in my shower.

 

Serum

I never used serums until I hit my 30’s.  Serums are those magic potions that sink into the skin and do the major damage control.  In my opinion, serums are worth the splurge.  They do the heavy lifting of reducing fine lines, scarring, age spots, sun damage, etc.

Splurge: Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum is serious business.  I use a teensy squirt of this after washing my face, before moisturizing.  It is a very thin fluid formula which makes a little go a long way.  Half a pump covers my face and neck.

Steal: H2O Plus Waterbright Illuminating Serum makes my skin glowy.  I love this formula because makeup applies perfectly over it.  It’s fragrance is fresh and not too heavy.  I noticed a difference after a week of daily use.  My skin was more even and bright.

Eye cream

Splurge:  I initially got this as a sample from a Sephora order and fell in love with it.   Puffy under eyes is my main concern especially during allergy season.  This pretty little jar packs a punch!  Depuffs and works beautifully under my makeup (which is a MUST). Get it here.

Steal:  I got this as a PR sample like three years ago and steadily purchase in between trying out higher end brands.  I love that its available at drugstores AND contains powerful retinol.  This targets crows feet.  Get it here.

Moisturizer

Moisturizer is tricky for me.  If it’s too oily it breaks down under my makeup and separates which is not a good look. Tarte makes vegan illuminating moisturizer.  SO. MUCH. YES.   I tried this also  as a sample from Sephora and ended up buying.  The texture is super smooth and the glow is natural not glittery.  It looks fantastic under foundation.  Check it out here.

Steal: Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer.  This is a nice daily moisturizing cream.  It’s light in texture and not greasy at all.  Over time it is supposed to improve skin tone.

Every Night

I use these night creams interchangeably every night, not just after a mask.  I also use eye cream at night.

Splurge: Prevage ‘Night’ Anti-Aging Restorative Cream is a fave of mine.  A little bit covers my whole face & neck.  There is not a strong smell and I swear this stuff is potent.  My fine lines are less noticeable in the morning and my skin feels supple.

Steal:  H2O Plus Waterbright Illuminating Night Cream is lightweight but definitely adds moisture to the skin.  Again, this product does what it claims to.  I wake up and my skin is brighter and noticeably even.  Anything that brightens is a must if you live in cooler climates.  The gel-like cream is quick absorbing.