I get asked about skincare a lot. Like, ALOT. From what products I’m using and loving, to what I’ve tried and hated. I’m always looking for what’s new and great while managing my own skin care routine and needs.
Recently, I’ve been trying to pare down how many products I use and really simplify my routine. Using fewer products definitely makes packing for trips easier and just simplifies my daily routine. It’s also less expensive when you aren’t using 10+ different products every day!
Skin Care Deal Breakers
When it comes to skin care products, I have a few deal breakers. My deal breakers for skin care are as follows:
- Must be free of Parabens, Sulfates and Phtalates and not contain micro beads or any toxins. Reading labels is just as important with skin care as it is with food.
- Something else to potentially avoid is sodium lauryl sulfate, specifically. This article here explains why.
- I want products to contain as many natural ingredients as possible, but they need to be effective and safe.
- They must either be unscented or have a light, pleasant smell (I don’t want to smell like an old person and I hate things that are overly scented in general).
- They must be light, yet effective. I can’t handle when my face feels suffocated by a moisturizer, serum or other product.
- Products must help me balance my combination skin, control oil and help prevent pre-mature aging.
- I’ll pay good money for products, but they can’t be prohibitively expensive. More expensive does not always equal better results.
What I Use
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($47, Sephora). This cleanser is super gentle and takes off all of my makeup (mascara included). It leaves my skin feeling clean without being stripped of moisture. Available in travel-size!
OLEHENRIKSEN The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser ($38, Sephora). I love the way this cleanser smells – it’s fresh and citrusy and not overpowering, but refreshing! A foaming cleanser is important to combat my oily skin and leave me feeling balanced. The addition of the Vitamin C is great for anti-aging, too. Available in travel-size!
OLEHENRIKSEN Transforming Walnut Scrub ($34, Sephora). I am so picky when it comes to exfoliating scrubs. I need something where I can feel the grit, I don’t want it to smell medicinal and I want it to make my skin feel better. Sloughing off those dead skin cells is hella important and I am currently obsessed with this facial scrub. Its sweet smell is light and refreshing and its grit is effective. It definitely keeps my skin from looking dull. (Tip: mix with the OLEHENRIKSEN The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser for a mini facial!)
OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Serum ($60, Sephora). I don’t use a serum every day but when I do, it’s this one. Like its cleansing counterpart, it has a fresh citrusy aroma and it feels great on the skin. It absorbs quickly and it does the job by brightening skin and boosting collagen! Available in travel-size!
Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream ($55, Sephora). I’ve been searching for a new moisturizer for awhile now because I wanted something I could use for day and night. This one is light under makeup and provides enough moisture, too. I like it for its texture and little to no scent.
Other Fave Moisturizer for Day: OLEHENRIKSEN Counter-Balance Mattifying Moisture Crème ($48, Sephora). It is fantastic and minimizing pores and absorbing oil. It’s the most effective mattifying moisturizer that I’ve ever tried.
bareMinerals BRILLIANT FUTRE Age Defense & Renew Eye Cream ($49, Sephora). A daily eye cream has always been a part of my routine and is maybe one of the most important products for preventing pre-mature aging. I’ve tried so many and stumbled upon this one because I can use it twice a day (see, simplify!). I alternate between this one and the Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate ($104, Sephora) when I need something a bit heavier (usually in the winter).
Other Products
I still use my Clarisonic once a week and a gentle, oil-free eye makeup remover to take off eyeshadow and liner (safe for my eyelash extensions, of course!). I also rotate other products in from time to time, like an acne spot treatment gel or extra under-eye cream for when those dark circles appear!
If I’m at the gym, camping or on the go, I also use OLEHENRIKSEN On The Go Cleansing Cloths ($10, Sephora). They smell fresh and are quilted, which allows them to be more effective.
My Lifestyle Choices
Working from home, I don’t wear makeup every day. I just don’t need to or bother to, for that matter. I think this in itself has been great for my skin and gives it a chance to breathe. I also try to drink lots of water and take a water bottle with me when I’m in the car. I also try to limit sugar and dairy in my diet because I know too much of either makes my skin break out. If you pay attention to your body, you’ll learn your triggers, too.
