Hey, everyone. Welcome back. How have you been? This past month has been a whirlwind, with the election and COVID. For the former, I was overjoyed, relieved and hopeful for a new administration. It means so much to see representation, diversity, and have a woman VP. The lead up to the election was really quite stressful and I am happy a lot of it is over. Look forward to what Biden and Harris accomplish. For the latter, COVID has really surged over the past month. I have not been going out for anything non-essential, so my habits have not changed significantly with the surge, but it adds more stress. The news is a constant cycle of numbers and a general feel of impending doom. With the surge, work protocols change to mitigate risks which makes for long days. And of course there is the concern for families well being becoming an ever-present thought. The holidays are expected to look quite different. We had a trip planned to Denver, but like so many things this year, it has been postponed. I hope the new administration can implement some strategies to get a grip on the pandemic and provide relief to those who need it.
With all that being said, finding ways to destress, ground yourself, and relax are essential. Self care is important for your mental well being, and it also keeps you busy while you are at home. I find the habit of a skincare routine gives me something to look forward to, and the routine keeps me grounded. I finished up quite a few products, which I thought we could discuss. With masks and the pandemic I have pretty much not worn any foundation this entire year so I don’t have any makeup to review.
Products Finished
Jack Black: EK loves this product. He received this for Christmas last year, it was a set of 3 or 4 bath products. He loved each of the body washes he tried and finally got through them all. I used it a few times and it had a nice scent, it was not drying and rinsed clean.
JSS: I have posted about this brand previously as it is my favorite cleanser ever. My skin is pretty sensitive and easily breaks out, but this checks all the boxes. I finished another cleanser and already had a backup ready. I did branch out to try a few new products from their line which I will discuss below.
Skinifx: I bought this exfoliator to help with little bumps I get on my arms. They are annoying, and randomly flare up. Especially in the summer, I have to keep up with exfoliation and deep hydration to keep my skin smooth. This particular exfoliator has some AHA in it to exfoliate both physically and chemically. Really wonderful product that did everything it said it would. I will definitely repurchase next spring.
Oskia Renaissance cleanser: I purchased this cleanser probably a year ago. I bought it to use as a first step cleanser, or possibly morning cleanser when I wake up dry. But I really struggled to incorporate it into my routine. It did not remove makeup well, so did not work effectively as a first step cleanser. Also, it burned my eyes so I had to be really careful not to open my eyes when trying to remove makeup. When used as a morning or second step cleanser, it feels very luxe and soothing, but it leaves a residue. I felt like I couldn’t finish with that product. I finally finished it, but won’t repurchase.
Jo Malone: Finished the mimosa and cardamom perfume. Really light and lovely. I think I finished two of these smaller sizes this summer. I like her perfumes, they aren’t too strong or offensive for every day use with patients. Will definitely come back for other scents in the future.
Davine Momo: I posted about this product previously and recently finished it. I lovedddd this shampoo. It did not weigh my fine hair down, but still managed to keep it nicely hydrated. My hair looked so shiny and healthy after washing and drying. I found I would receive compliments, which is not a common occurrence with my mane. I have another hair appointment coming up and plan to repurchase within the Davine hair care line.
Cerave moisturizer: This is a staple. I finish these all the time. I always have a bottle laying around. The price point, quality and ease of access are all 10/10. I also have a Biologique Recherche Placenta moisturizer and the JSS moisturizer that I rotate between.
Sephora Sale and Replacements
Lancome Monsieur Big: I did not shop a lot of items on the Sephora sale. They don’t sell most of my favorite products, but did scoop up this duo mascara set. I really like this mascara so this price was a great deal. I was using the Hourglass Caution which was amazing and does not transfer at all. Both good options.
Kate Antibac: I always have a bottle of this around. I use it every morning. I have probably gone through 4 bottles. It does not dry my skin out and can be used all over. Keeps things stable, which is wonderful.
JSS: I picked up the eye cream which is new to me. I don’t normally use a dedicated eye cream, but during winter my eye area can be extremely sensitive and dry. I have had mild dermatitis in the past which can cause some itchiness and flaking. Decided to try this to keep my peri-orbital area hydrated and prevent any flaking as we head into winter. It is a really light gel texture, and feels nicely hydrating. I also picked up their coffee scrub exfoliator. It was on sale so added to my recent order. I used it this week and it is a very gentle scrub. It is not as abrasive as other scrubs I have used to really resolve texture, but more of a lovely, relaxing sensorial scrub. Smells nice and gently removes dead skin.
I think this wraps up some products I finished, replaced and newly ordered. The 15 minutes I spend every morning and night doing my skincare is my favorite time for myself. I am off now to do my evening skincare routine, Masque Vivante and drink a cup of tea. What is your favorite self care activity? Any products you all recommend?
