Detailed Skincare Routine

This post is brought to you by the blizzard happening right now, yes right now, outside my window. 

Since the New Year has started and all, I've really buckled down on my skincare routine. Let's just say it was lacking, majorly, and it needed to be updated.

So here I am taking you through my complete skincare routine. All aspects. 

Just a bit of background: My skin is semi-sensitive and easily prone to dryness from changes in weather. I usually get blemishes around my nose, chin, and most recently forehead.

 I try to use all natural products for the most part and I do not use benzoyl peroxide at all (I easily get rashes and irritation all over my face). I don't even want to think about when I'll have to start using a Retinol. 

I have built my skin's tolerance up a bit over the past couple months so I can sample products more freely and not have to worry about having an allergic reaction. 

Makeup Remover and Toner

For makeup remover I prefer a liquid applied with a cotton round rather than a wipe. I like Dessert Essence's 100% pure Jojoba oil (pronounced hohoba). It removes all types of makeup quickly and leaves a moisturizing trail on your face. Yet, it does not clog my pores at all.

For toner Lush's Tea Tree Water is my favorite. I never used a toner before this one, but I do think it makes a significant difference in the amount of blemishes I get.

Cleanser/ Face Wash

Everyone calls it something different. I don't even know if this is considered a cleanser or a face wash. All I know is Lush's Herbalism changed my life. I was hooked the day after I started using this. It really controls my blemishes and balances my skin nicely. Applying it is a bit weird, but you get used to it.

Spot Treatments

I've been using Lush's Grease Lightning for about a year now and still have not finished the bottle. It works pretty well at removing zits because of the Tea Tree Oil in it. However, I think I want to try another product before repurchasing this one. Next is a gel I was prescribed for the zits around my nose. Last is Clinque's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. I have mixed feelings about this because it works at clearing up dark spots and scars, but sometimes it makes me break out.. which is counterintuitive.

Daily Moisturizers 

My favorite moisturizer ever is Olay's  Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid. It feels luxurious when I put it on and it smells like a baby which makes me love it even more. I wear this when I wear minimal makeup because it is a bit thick.

When I wear foundation I choose Bioderma's Hydrabio Crème Légère. It is so light and the skin soaks it right up, making it the perfect base for heavier makeup. Sadly, I don't have immediate access to it since it's from France.

Night Creams 

When my skin needs that extra drink of moisture, I use night creams. I have dry patches underneath my nose and above my lips in the winter, so I like to use Dr. Andrew Weil for Origin's Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief. 

I interchange it with the cheaper alternative, Neutrogena's Light Night Cream. Each works great for dry skin.

Mud Masks

My most recent skincare purchase was the Glam Glow gift set. It is mud dredged off the coast of Southern France and is like a mini facial in a jar. 

The Youthmud on the left is a tingly mask that instantly brightens your complexion and leaves your skin feeling tight and fresh. 

The Supermud on the right gets rid of problem areas and clears up your complexion. 

Face Masks 

It's essential for me, and everyone, to exfoliate to get rid of dryness and dull skin. My favorite is Lush's Love Lettuce because of the natural ingredients that leave a moisturized fresh face. When I need to get more moisture, which you can see happens a lot, I use Lush's BB Seaweed. It is hands down my most repurchased product from lush because it works every time at relieving my skin from the harsh cold and dry air. 

Vitamins, Diet, and Exercise

Every morning I take Biotin to strengthen my hair, nails, and skin. I have noticed the most change in my hair growth. 

My diet is pretty clean and colorful. I stay away from soft drinks and junk food. However, I'm a sucker for dairy and I absolutely, positively cannot give up dessert. I try to focus on making healthy choices during the week and splurging on the weekends. 

For exercise, I run two miles every couple days and lift weights to tone my arms. On days I don't feel like the gym, I do a few Blogilates videos to tone my abs and butt.