Recently I've been getting some lovely comments about my skin and questions on my skincare routine. While my skin is far from perfect or "flawless", it has been looking better lately and I believe there are certain products to thank for that. At the very end of my pregnancy I was very lucky to have "the glow" - my breakouts were non-existent and my skin had never looked better. But after giving birth it all went down-hill and I started breaking out again! :( I tried various different products and about two months ago I seem to have gotten the combination right. Here is what I've been using lately to keep my skin looking healthy.
Avon Clear Skin Professional Deep Pore Cleansing Scrub
I received this as a gift and I absolutely love it. I believe this has been my skin saviour as it contains salicylic acid which is known to keep acne away. I use this everyday and do not find it to be too harsh or drying on my oily/combination skin. It contains little blue exfoliating beads and gives my face a fresh clean feeling after washing off. I use it first thing in the morning and also at night after taking off my makeup. It helps to deep clean my face and get rid of all the dirt!
St. Ives Apricot Scrub
This is an all-time favourite which hasn't changed but I thought I'd include it as I have not stopped using it. This provides a more thorough exfoliation to the face and the beads are a little rougher so I tend to use it only twice a week. I have the oil-free version.
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Creme Complexe Hydratante
I purchased the entire Visible Difference line (cleanser, toner & moisturiser) about 2 months ago and the moisturiser was the product that stood out the most to me. I do like this line and recommend this day-cream but if I were repurchasing I think I would go with their lighter fluid instead as this is a tiny bit too rich for daytime (I think). I have a few sample moisturisers I want to use up too so I'm going to try them out first before getting this again.
Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream
This was a sample in one of my Glossyboxes. I have always been quite sceptical of eye creams, having never found one that really worked for me. I don't think this is ground-breaking by any means but I like the formula, it's light and easy to work with, doesn't irritate and leaves my skin feeling supple and hydrated. I also believe this was recommended by the Pixiwoo sisters...I could be wrong. I think I saw it on their Instagram. I have another eye cream I want to test out this month but if I don't like that better I would repurchase this.
Skinetica Anti-Blemish
Another Glossybox sample which worked wonders for my skin that I stupidly threw out after finishing it! I really loved this stuff and am on the hunt for more! I have never had much luck with toners finding them useless and not effective at all on my skin but I started using this instead...not as a toner but in the place of one. This is a spot treatment which you apply with a cotton ball or pad and it really works! I would use this on the blemish or spot at night and the following morning it would be gone. Also this did not dry out my skin like Pan Oxyl or other benzoyl peroxide products I've used before. Very impressive if you suffer from breakouts!
Simple Cleansing Wipes
These are another staple in my skincare routine and they still remain my favourites for taking off my makeup at night! I always cleanse afterwards to remove any alcohol or excess products but these work very well to get rid of even the thickest/blackest eye makeup. I do recommend storing them upside down though as otherwise the first in the pile can dry out.
Here's a realistic look at my skin today. (No airbrushing/photoshop/fancy lighting/etc.) It's not perfect by any means but right now this is "good skin" for me! I only hope it will decide to stay that way...you never know with my skin type. It can be very temperamental sometimes! ;) But I will update you guys along the way if I find any other great products that work for me. I hope this rundown of what I'm using at the moment is helpful to some of you! What are your skincare secrets?
Stay Stylish!