The same way that some people are born with speedy metabolisms that allow them to survive on junk food and still look bomb in a bikini, there are those who are #blessed with clear skin. For the rest of us, who know that pizza plus candy doesn’t equal six pack, we have to work just as hard for clear complexions as we do for toned tummies.
By no means have I had an easy time attaining what I’m now told is my glowing, much clearer skin. If you would have asked me even just a few months ago if I thought I would ever get my complexion under control, I would have without a doubt just laughed in your face and explained how little faith I had after having tried “everything”. It wasn’t until a friend suggested a line of skincare products (Glossier) that were not only effective but also aesthetically cool, that I even contemplated changing up my failure of a routine. As soon as I checked out Glossier’s website I felt genuinely excited and motivated to find more skincare products that would ultimately make up a routine best suited for my skin.
I’ve learned several important lessons about skincare throughout this process:
Everyone’s skin is different. Some people think that by categorizing their skin as either oily or dry, they will be able to figure out the secret formula for perfect skin. The reality is that skin differs from person to person, and what works for one may not work for another.
Keep an open mind. For so long, I was afraid to try any drugstore finds when it came to face wash or acne treatments. I had grown so accustomed to sticking to what my dermatologist prescribed to me, that anything with a name I could pronounce seemed like it wasn’t the real deal. This isn’t to say, however, that my dermo was full of it, but rather that there were other options available to me, which brings me to number three…
It doesn’t have to break the bank. Once I realized that “over-the-counter” skincare products weren’t off limits, I became more aware of the product itself and not just the packaging. So many skin cleansers and treatments are actually made up of most of the same ingredients, with the only difference being the branding. Oh… and the price! If you can get the same product by paying half the amount, why wouldn’t you?
You can mix and match. Just because a certain product from a skincare line works for you, doesn’t mean that all of their products will. But, this also doesn’t mean you need to run away from the brand altogether. Everyone’s skin is unique… remember? Don’t be afraid to use products from all different brands, as long as they’re working well together to help your skin.
Consistency is key. Like most things in life, your skincare routine will work to the best of its ability if you keep it consistent. Stop telling your late night self that it’s okay to not wash your face before bed, because it’s “just one night” and you’re really tired. The same goes for not completing your routine in the morning. You can buy all the products in the world, but they won’t work unless you’re actually using them.
Your makeup matters. Especially if you’re like me in insisting on never leaving the house with a bare face, your makeup should be considered just as much a part of your skincare routine as your face wash (even if it’s just a little dab of concealer or a thin layer of foundation). Play around with different cosmetics lines and find what works for you. Even experiment with different types of makeup. Do you prefer a powder or a liquid base? Start there.
Hearing about what products and brands were working for my friends is what really inspired me to try something new. Keep scrolling to see and read a little bit about the skincare and beauty products I can no longer live without…
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: I use these every night to take off my makeup from the day. I love them because I can use them on my face and my eyes without any stinging. Available at most drug stores and pharmacies, or at TargetGlossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: I love to use this face wash as a kind of backup makeup remover to clean away any remaining dirt. It’s lightweight, moisturizing, and doesn’t sting eyes. Use it with water or before washing with water. I use this the Milky Jelly Cleanser morning and night. Available on Glossier.comSt. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub: I use this face wash every night, following the Milky Jelly Cleanser. It exfoliates my skin without being too harsh, and gives me the clean, fresh feeling I want before bed. In the mornings I usually start my routine with the Apricot Scrub and follow it with the Milky Jelly Cleanser. Available at most drug stores and pharmacies, or at Ulta Benzoyl Peroxide Gel: The perfect example of number three in my list above. This gel is produced by so many different brands, though all have the same key ingredient: benzoyl peroxide. I like to use this spot treatment nightly after washing my face, and in the morning before applying my makeup. Available at most drug stores and pharmacies, or at Target where I bought this one for $2Susanne Kaufmann Face Gel Matte: Everything from the smell to the feel to the benefits of this gel are killer. I love using it in the morning in place of a moisturizer. It’s lightweight and gives me the perfect morning freshness that preps my skin for my daily makeup. Available at DIANI Living or DIANIBoutique.comAnatomicals Shower To The People Grapefruit and Lemongrass Body Cleanser: I’m obsessed with the smell and feel of this cleanser, and I use it in every shower. The light, fruity smell is fresh without being overpowering, and the mission of the brand to return to the basics of cleansing is shown in their natural ingredients. Available at UltaGlossier Perfecting Skin Tint: I love how incredibly light weight this tint is, while still offering some coverage. I use mine before working out, because it gives me a makeup-free feeling that still makes me feel confident enough to leave the house without clogging my pores. I wear color “light”. Available on Glossier.comGlossier Stretch Concealer: Dare I say the perfect concealer? Lightweight, build-able without looking cakey, easy to blend, and lasts all day. What more could you ask for? I wear color “light”. Available on Glossier.combareMinerals Blemish Remedy Foundation: This stuff is basically my lifeline. It’s soft, smooth and gives me extra coverage and a matte finish. The best part is that it’s made specifically for acne prone skin, and works with your skin instead of against it to not only cover but also to heal. I use the Blemish Remedy Foundation following the Stretch Concealer. I used to use bareMinerals Matte Foundation, which is also great, but isn’t as forgiving on acne prone skin as the Blemish Remedy Foundation is. I wear color “Clearly Porcelain”. Available at Ulta and SephorabareMinerals Blush: I love the natural color and feel of this blush. I use it after applying my bronzer. I wear color “Golden Gate”. Available at Ulta and Sephora Glossier Dew Effect Highlighter: I live for this highlighter. I apply it at the end of my makeup routine to the tops of my cheek bones, corners of my eyes, bridge of my nose, my brow bones, and just above my upper lip. I wear color “Quartz”. Available on Glossier.comNars Light Reflecting Setting Powder-Pressed & Buxom Mascara: This powder is one of the softest things ever, and it will make your face feel like a baby’s. I pat on a very small amount at the end of my makeup routine. I love this mascara because it doesn’t clump and is easy on my eyes the way others haven’t been in the past. I wear color “Translucent Crystal” in the powder and “Blackest Black” in the mascara. Both available at Sephora and UltaGlossier Balm Dotcom: The ultimate and most universal balm you’ll come across. I use it constantly. Available on Glossier.comGlossier Balm Dotcom: Use as directed 😉Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color, YSL Lipstick, & bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick: For a long time I didn’t realize that the products I used on my lips could effect the rest of the skin on my face (especially right around my mouth). It took trial and (a lot of) error to determine what worked for me and what didn’t. Mainly, it came down to avoiding lipsticks produced by certain makeup lines. The three above as well as those below are some of my faves, which not only look good and wear well, but are also friendly on my face.From Left: bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in color “Make Your Move”, Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in color “Twig”, Kylie Cosmetics Gloss in color “So Cute”, Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in color “Candy K”, Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in color “Koko K”, YSL Lipstick in color “Rouge Volupté 9”, and Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in color “Zoe”. Available from left: Ulta and Sephora, Saks, KylieCosmetics.com, Sephora, Ulta and Sephora
Black Eyes, White Dress 