I have been a beauty junky since 2008 when my older sister introduced me to YouTube. I remember sitting with her for hours watching TiffanyD do her makeup. Makeup was probably my first hobby, and I was dedicated to picking up each new MAC lipstick and trying every foundation out there. Finding a creative outlet was more enjoyable than I first anticipated, and it gave me something to do outside my academic career. I spent any extra money I had on the latest palette, foundation, or my favorite, red lipstick. How else was I supposed to learn about the products I preferred other than buy a lot? As my interest in improving my foundation expanded, I learned about the importance of ‘ a good base’. So of course, I further explored skincare. It turns out, makeup could not hold a candle to my interest in skincare. I decreased my makeup consumption, partly because I had found a select group of products I was satisfied with, but also because I became pretty obsessed with skincare. I wanted to learn more about ingredients and science-based formulations. In the past two years, I have adjusted my skincare routine to treat an intense bout of adult acne. I love all aspects of beauty and self care. Trying new products, facials and spas is fun, relaxing and rewarding when you see improvements.
For an expert’s skincare advice, I highly recommend Caroline Hirons. Her blog provides a wealth of information about the industry, brands, ingredients and routines for all skin types. My other go to on YouTube is Ttsandra. She also has acne-prone skin, and has recommended highly effective products. She has a minimalist approach to products, and actively tries to finish products before adding more to the list.
My current approach to skincare and beauty is quality over quantity. I want the products I am using to be something I am disappointed to finish and that delivers visible results. I am a big fan of finishing the products I am using before running out to try something new. Decreasing our consumption minimizes our environmental impact and allows for better tracking of results. While I am not claiming to be an expert, I can say I have tried an extensive list of products, especially for acne. Today’s beauty round up is reviewing products I have finished or currently using.
For reference, my skin is normal/combination and acne-prone.
Chemical Exfoliant
Biologique Recherche is a French skincare brand founded 40 years ago. Their P50 1970 formula, one of the first chemical exfoliants on the market, is regularly praised as one of the best skincare products available. It has a cult following and receives rave reviews from pretty much everyone in the industry.
What makes them unique? This brand is focused on science and ingredients that will make an impact. This is an important point. Brands should market the unique and potent ingredients they add to the formula more than what they leave out. It is fragrance-free and usually oil-free. I will point out here that this product has a distinctly strong vinegary scent. The smell does not bother me as it quickly dissipates, but it may surprise you at first.
I am using several products from this range, but the acid toner is the most effective. I am currently using the P50 and P50W. I started with the P50W, for sensitive skin, every other night. I alternated with a retinol product. Then I started alternating the P50 with the P50W. My skin is pretty much used to the stronger formula, but I am still using the sensitive version on days my skin is irritated. The combination of these two products has dramatically improved my acid mantle, reduced the frequency of breakouts, and rapidly repaired skin blemishes. I don’t think I could ever be without them. They have a wide selection to address any of your skin concerns. I purchased it at www.rescuespa.com.
Cleanser
This Jordan Samuel Skin cleanser is the best cleanser I have ever used. I do not have particularly sensitive skin, but I have congested acne-prone skin. So many products marketed for acne are too harsh and cause excessive dryness, which starts the cycle of acne again. The JSS cleanser is a non foaming, gentle, and effective cleanser. This can be used two times a day, year-round. It has a small amount of salicylic acid to keep my skin clear, and no fragrance that can irritate my skin. It is an enjoyable product. You can browse their site and find other great products, such as their face flannels.
Body Soap
I picked up bar soap recently. I was displeased with the plastic and waste of traditional liquid soap and decided to try bar soap. Although not travelling, originally I thought they would be more travel friendly as well. I bought five bars from Crate 61, a small, family run business based out of Canada. They smell really nice, lather up perfectly and don’t strip my skin. I have used up two bars, and have three to go.
Hair Care
I purchased these products at my last hair appointment, as recommended by my stylist. My hair is growing out after a pixie cut last year, and is a little dry from dye and heat styling. With shorter hair I had to style it daily since I couldn’t pick it up, and was struggling with wiry ends. I have very fine, straight hair so have to be careful with hydrating products weighing it down. This Davines combo has pretty dramatically improved the texture and styling process. It lays much better and the ends stay smoother, without being too heavy. Kind of pricey, but definitely satisfied with the results. Purchased July 11, and about half way through the shampoo bottle. Highly recommend if you are in the market for hair care!
Vitamin C
Lastly, I finished the SkinCeuticals Phloretin serum. Pretty much every vitamin C I have used in the past has caused breakouts. This serum is the first one that did not cause breakouts, but I did not see significant improvement. My skin texture and pigmentation looked pretty much the same before and after. Not sure if I need to use for a longer period of time, but for the price point I expected more. I do not plan on repurchasing.
I am sure I will be changing up some of the products in my lineup for fall. I also enjoy facials and treatments, as they are far more effective than any product. In the future I will review what I have had done, and as lock-down hopefully continues to ease, treatments I am looking forward to.
Any products you love, and have been keeping your skin clear on lock-down?
