From using body wash on my face in the shower to a multistep routine, I've come a long way in my skincare journey. Years worth of trial and error landed us here: Starting 2023 with glowing skin from products with natural ingredients at affordable prices. My curated list offers hydrating, acne fighting, tone evening, anti-aging benefits for all skin types.
Tips before we begin:
Try one new product at a time to properly track what works. Give your skin no less than two weeks to see results. I suggest buying the smallest option for any product you choose, and do a patch test first if you're prone to allergic reactions. The patch test consists of using a small amount on a non-sensitive area for 24+ hours. Your forearm is an ideal spot where your skin isn't overly sensitive, and it's easy to avoid washing the product off throughout the day.
Follow user instructions for each product. Oils typically suggest using 2-3x a week to start whereas lotions can be daily.
Stay consistent, set an alarm if needed. My skincare routine is simple in the morning but takes patience at night, so be sure to carve out the time.
This is a sprint, not a marathon - do not get discouraged when you don't see instant results.
Waking up together
I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser every morning. I love the consistency and lather. It doesn't make my face feel dry or oily, it really is the perfect balance. I gently pat my face dry, leaving slight moisture for step 2. I put a little more than a dime size of facial moisturizer in my palm, sprinkle in my topical Vitamin C, mix it together in my hands and apply to my face, neck, and chest. Don't neglect your neck/chest area, you'll thank me later.
Current favorites
Message from The Nue Co:
"Vitamin C has powerful potency. It stimulates collagen production, evens pigmentation and acts as an antioxidant to neutralize damaging unstable molecules. TOPICAL-C uses powdered l-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) and doesn’t activate until you mix it with moisturizer, keeping its potency. Boosted by ferulic Acid (a restorative antioxidant found in the cell walls of plants) and a calming trio of tapioca Starch, oatmeal, and aloe Vera." *Used daily, one bottle lasts me 6 months.
Makeup
I go makeup free most days because I like to let my skin breathe, so I have to keep it simple on the days I wear it. I don't want to overwhelm myself (happens fast), and to be honest, I don't 100% know how to use most products. Over the years I've noticed my forehead and nose get oily throughout the day and my makeup in those areas needs to be blotted/reapplied. I've tested products to help minimize the aforementioned, and chose Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream and Laura Geller Color Correcting Foundation. Both items are light coverage (I'll never use full coverage again), and a little goes a long way! Perfect for fast application and a natural look, I go to the bathroom during the workday for a skin check-in, and I've never once needed to reapply.
I absolutely love that Juice Beauty uses clean ingredients, is cruelty free, and is a sustainable package brand. Ask anyone close to me how recycling-obsessed I am. This CC cream has your much needed SPF protection and improves skin elasticity.
Ilia Serum Skin Tint is another great option and checks all my boxes. I alternate between the two every few months.
My Laura Geller foundation is light (never cakey) coverage and contains antioxidants! No additional fillers whatsoever. I linked it from Macy's so you can A. shop and earn loyalty points B. avoid the 25 emails the Laura Geller website will send you daily. Happy shopping!
Coffee break
By this time, I need a coffee/dance break. Not all skincare is topical, and vitamins in pill form are only absorbed about 20% in the body. We can do better than that...
Just began year 3 on Shore Magic collagen. I suggest the individual packets: they dissolve easier, make much less of a mess, and are perfect for travelling. They use one natural ingredient, no fillers or binders. Subscribe and spend $117/month with tax and free shipping.
*Remember your reusable straw when drinking coffee to avoid staining your teeth.
My Vitamin D3+C patch provides the energy to dance + a ton of other benefits you can read about on their website.
Coffee cheers to looking and feeling great! *clink*
Time to unwind
My favorite part of the process! I steam my face every other night while listening to music. My Vanity Planet steamer is easy to use, and only takes 15 minutes. Skin is noticeably smoother and hydrated after your first use. Steaming your face cleans out your pores making your oils and serums more effective and beneficial. First wash your face with cleanser, steam, apply oils and serums, apply lotions and creams. PS/ My steamer is on sale for $50 from $125!
Of all the products listed, Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is by far my favorite. I've never washed my face with anything better. It's incredibly smooth, and you feel immaculate after. It's well worth the price. If you wear mascara, look no further, this removes it effortlessly.
Juice Beauty 2-1 Cleanser is an amazing half price option that I also use. *This dried my skin out for the first week of usage, which led me to The Ordinary moisturizer mentioned above.
I did a ton of research when it came to oils and serums. I found a dermatologist's blog that outlined her top choices based on timely results and benefits. Naked & Thriving was her top pick. I visited their website and read reviews before choosing Renew + Prevent, each targeting my skincare goals. Try the travel size as per helpful tip 1 outlined above - plus, a little goes a long way! My Tretinoin cream is Rx only, so you'll need to see your dermatologist for this one. It's the best option for your Retin-A needs which promote anti-aging, even skin tone, and reduce breakouts. This can severely dry out your skin, so I use it sparingly (2-3x/wk). I also apply it to specific areas the moment I notice a blemish, causing it to reduce in size overnight.
IT Confidence in an Eye Cream has been my go-to for years. It provides instant brightening, and can also be applied in the morning with your lotion.
Makeup free
Please feel free to message me with any questions, or tips of your own.
I'm always looking for new and similar products!
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