I used to have horrible acne, scarring and hyper-pigmentation. I changed my eating habits (less dairy, less sweets and less pasta) and stuck to a strict skincare regimen. I finally feel confident enough to wear no make up and lighter foundations. My skin type is oily in the summer and dry in the winter. I do not have sensitive skin or any allergies, but I have friends who use these products who do have sensitive skin and these products have not caused them any sensitivity issues. If you have sensitive skin you should always test products on your hand first before using them on your face.
Cleanser
I tend to change my face cleanser often. Right now I am using the St. Ives green tea cleanser which is about $6-9 at any CVS or Walgreens (I don’t recommend for sensitive skin). Another great cleanser is the Olay 7 in one cleanser (all skin types). My number one favorite cleanser is the Chanel cleaning milk if you want to splurge. It is $45 from Bloomingdales or Saks. I have gone through countless bottles.
Micellar Water
I am using Micellar water over other toners right now. Why use Micellar Water? It cleanses your face and you do not need to rinse it off and it is extremely hydrating for the skin. It improves your complexion and helps prevents further breakouts. If you have extremely acne prone skin, I suggest rinsing it off with water, just incase it leaves a film on your face which in some cases may cause you to break out, although rare. The second step to my routine is taking a flat cotton pad and using the Neutrogena Micellar Water on my face. ($13)
Serum
I then use the Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum. I drop a dime size amount into my fingers and pat onto my face. This has probably single handedly improved my uneven skin tone. This serum also fights against the signs of aging. ($45) At Ulta they may have smaller bottles.
Lash Serum
While my face is drying from the serum, I apply my lash serum to the upper and lower lash line. I use Natural Lash which is purchased at any Amazing Lash Studio ($70-$75). A Similar serum that I have tried on amazon is Grande Cosmetic Lash Enhancing Serum. Helps thicken and grow your lashes using natural products. ($65).
Night Cream/Moisturizer
The Lancome Visionnaire beauty sleep perfector is by far my favorite night cream I have ever used. This cream blurs our any fine lines, minimizes my pours and makes my skin hydrated and dewy. Some night creams leave you greasy but this one absorbs right into your skin. I use a small pearl sized amount and apply the cream moving upwards on my face. I am always being asked what I use on my skin and out of anything in this routine, this product is a MUST. If you could only purchase one item, I would splurge for this one without a doubt.
Eye Cream
Lastly, we have made it to the end of our winter night time skincare routine. I apply an eye cream to the outer, and under eye area. I use the Visionnaire eye cream but there are many others that are less expensive and great. I also like this Olay eye cream for $12. Some people will swear by expensive eye creams, but personally I think it is more important for you to get an expensive face cream then eye cream. The Olay eye cream works just as good in opinion.
If your on a budget ..
If your on a budget, the most important product is to invest in a great night cream, such as the Lancome cream. My favorite drugstore brand cleanser and eye cream is the Olay 7 in one line, also N’7 makes great products as well. Remember – Consistency is key.
