New year, same great skincare.
This past year has been undeniably stressful, and taking the time for self care was absolutely more than warranted. For me, self care means skincare, and because of that, I found some incredible gems that have gotten me closer to creating the perfect skincare routine. These products got their use in 2020, and they will continue be well-loved in 2021, too!
Since moving to Washington, my skin has been insatiably dry, and my body called for a more nourishing moisturizer. As an already active user and advocate of the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, the thicker Moisturizing Cream seemed like a safe bet for me and my eczema-prone skin. I can’t go without it now! The pump version is great because I don’t have to constantly stick my fingers in a jar, possibly contaminating the product.
We all have to wear sunscreen daily, and HUGE kudos to Versed for making the only sunscreen that does not severely sting my face or ignite a searing rash. It doesn’t give me pimples either! It rubs in nicely and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky on the skin. A miracle in a yellow tube.
Trader Joe’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum
I swear by hyaluronic acid and think it’s one of the reasons why my eczema and acne has mostly calmed down over the years. I have tried more expensive hyaluronic acid serums like the Vichy Minéral 89 and the Versed Hydration Station, but I always go back to repurchasing this Trader Joe’s one instead. It keeps my skin plump, hydrated, and protected, all while being affordable and accessible!
Hyaluronic acid requires a damp face base to ensure optimal moisturization, and that’s why I start my routine by priming with a facial spray. However, my favorite facial sprays keep leaving me and getting DISCONTINUED! The Honest Beauty Calm & Go Face Mist had some big shoes to fill, but I’m so thrilled with it. The mist is fine and feels luxurious on my face. It’s not too heavy, doesn’t break me out, and you get a decent amount for the price. So Honest Beauty, I beg of you, please don’t get rid of this.
My dry skin tends to be an absolute desert, complete with a surprise oasis of oil and excess sebum on my chin. It even gets the occasional visitor, like a massive cystic pimple! I’m not totally sure why my chin gets extra oily and clogs my pores, but this niacinamide serum certainly helps. I specifically focus it on my chin, and it balances out my sebum production, making it harder for acne to cultivate.
Having exceptionally overactive sebaceous glands on my chin means that I often struggle with unusual texture in that area. On top of that, I sometimes get weird bumps on my forehead. That’s when my Bliss Clear Genius Toner + Serum comes to the rescue. Acting as a gentle chemical exfoliant, it nearly eradicates those issues without being stripping or irritating. I use it once or twice a week, and it proves to be both calming and softening.
I think I am forever indebted to rose hip seed oil. Not only did it repair my hands after working with rough cleaners in a restaurant for several years, but it also restored the moisture barrier on my face. It nourishes my skin, helps fade my acne scars, and is affordable—what more could I ask for? Thank you to The Ordinary!
While Fourth Ray Beauty has some pretty, aesthetically pleasing packaging, what really matters to me is how well the product inside performs. This one is definitely a winner! Whenever my skin is extra dry, I always reach for this mask and instead use it as an overnight moisturizer. I wake up with the softest, smoothest, most supple cheeks every time.
This is my go-to lip balm every morning and every night. I have gone through so many of these and think that any other lip balm is totally incomparable. The squeeze tube feels more hygienic than potted lip masks, and the viscous formula is endlessly hydrating. It’s comfortable to wear and the mint & shea butter flavor is so good!
My sleep schedule is chaotic at best, and dark circles often shroud my under-eyes. The combination of a cooling gel-like texture and blend of brightening ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and ginseng root extract take care of all of that! It’s truly incredible to see my dark circles start to fade after applying it. Did I get four hours or ten hours of sleep? You’ll never know!
I can't wait to see what this new year brings, and here's to me manifesting soft, glowing skin in 2021!
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