Let's Talk About Skin

I am a creature of habit when it comes to my skin.  I have used Origins Cheeks & Balance cleanser & Balanced Diet moisturizer for 10 years. TEN YEARS! And if there was a time I ran out before getting to Charleston when I lived in WV, I'd used the same thing I used before I switched, Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser or the newer and hard to find Rapid Clear cleanser - basically the same but fights oil a little harder. I love the Rapid Clear line.  I use the two-in-one Clear Pore cleanser/mask as a mask in rotation with Origins Charcoal mask or one of the $1.99 deep sea mud masks from Ulta. Before I switched to Bare Minerals foundation, I used Almay Clear Complexion liquid foundation with salicylic acid. I tend to go towards things which keep me from breaking out.  Not a huge problem for me, except during that dreaded time of the month. So, I just like to stay ahead of the game and be completely preventive. During the humid Summer months when I have been tanning (I know, it's bad for my skin) I use a tinted moisturizer from Almay or Clinique or nothing at all in leu of a more full coverage option.

When I made the switch to Bare Minerals, I've never been more happy with a change.  I received more compliments after the switch than I had ever received before.  I've never been a heavy makeup wearer, I tend to go very natural and switch it up my eye shadows to something crazy on days I need a compliment or two. When my aunt looks at me first thing in the morning, when I think I look the worst and says "what have you changed with your face routine? Your skin looks amazing."  I beamed and pushed for my mom to make the change.

The only item I change like I change hair products (I like trying new things when it comes to hair care) is my mascara. I've been using Maybelline's Lash Stillettos mascara since InStyle or Marie Claire said it was their favorite second to Dior's Runway mascara.  Dior is a big favorite for people who can spend $50 plus on one cosmetic item.  The only mascara I keep going back to when I'm bored and know it will make my lashes look great is Almay's Triple Effects. Such a great mascara, it lengthens and thickens my already curly lashes.

For eyeliner, I've used the same liner since high school, Almay 16-hour liner in brown or brown-black for daily use. It's my absolute favorite liner ever.  I will be splurging on a MAC or Smashbox cream liner to try soon, but I like my old friend. We know each other very well.

It may surprise some that my rituals don't have many skin care products.  I never felt the need for all the serums or toners until recently.  I'm getting older, my skin is changing. Most people get more dry as they age, but right now I'm getting really oily.  Not just on my face, my scalp has gotten increasingly more oily causing me to change up my shampoo and conditioner often to combat this issue.  One thing I do try to enjoy once every two weeks is a mud or charcoal mask.  It helps combat the days I am too tired to stand at the bathroom sink and remove my makeup before bed.  I have tried to be more on top of taking my makeup off at night since reading in Marie Claire that sleeping with make up on for one night ages you 7 days.  One night isn't so bad but doing it nightly, builds up over time.

The first change I made was 7 months ago when I started using a toner after cleansing.  Not an astringent, even though some toners can be labeled so, but a liquid which balances out the pH of the skin. It helps with redness and irritation when you use a more striping cleanser.  I started using Murad Clarifying Toner after a facial.  It improved my monthly break out as well as some of the oiliness. It is rather expensive for how often I use it - twice a day at $22 a bottle - so I picked up a cheaper option from the Neutrogena Acne Stress Control line - I've used this line when the Rapid Clear cleanser was MIA on my local shelves.  (I've used the every cleanser in this line - foam, cream, scrub)  We will see if this cheaper alternative works as well.

I'm a big testimonial on products person.  If someone says they love it and can give me results proof, then I will be more willing to try.   I currently work from home and take online college courses so I don't have much reason to put makeup on daily.  I still need to cleanse often because of my oiliness, but I wanted a quick option.  I've been plagued with hereditary dark circles (thanks dad) and I'm a huge laugher so I have laugh lines I want to slow down a little.  As a lover of paraben-free, naturally derived, and eco-friendly I have been looking at the Yes To products for about 2 years.  I finally made the purchase after reading Sophia Bush's blog on her website.  She has her own Water Bobble filter! I tried Water Bobble after seeing her giving them away on her twitter.  I have a very weird palette when it comes to water, I can takes the littlest bit of chlorine left in it when I take a sip.  Brita filters tend to leave those impurities in the water that I can taste, so for me to make the change to a filter system and love it, then it's pretty impressive.

Well, I was browsing her blog after she posted a music option last week and she had blogged about the Yes To products she loves.  It triggered the need to try them.  I finally purchased them last night at Target and I've used them twice now.  She spoke of her love for the Yes To Blueberries cleansing wipes but I went with the Yes To Cucumbers wipes.  I need gentle and a little less nourishing because of my oiliness, and they don't currently have a Yes To Tomatoes wipe.  Of the Yes To Tomatoes line, I purchased the mask.  I look forward to trying it later tonight. The second product in the Yes To Cucumbers line I got is the Soothing Eye Gel.  WOW!  Using this with the Yes To Blueberries Brightening Eye Roller is amazing.  I have tried quite a few dark circle correctors and nothing stuck with me or worked.  I used last night before bed and my eye area is less puffy, brighter, and tighter.  ONE USE!  And I only got 5 hours sleep so my dark circles would normally be down to the bottom of my cheek bone.  I am sold on those two products alone.  I used again this morning and my eye area is even more radiant. I never believe a person when they say a product works overnight on commercials, but dang it if these two finally proved me wrong.  

The final Yes To Blueberries product is the Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum.  I have an issue of when I break out, I pick the affected area with obsession that can only be rivaled by a meth addict. I've been better about this over the years but there are a few spots where my skin shows discoloration and I wanted to correct it while I'm still young.  The product also corrects firmness - feels better already, reduces wrinkles, and protects skin.

One night and I'm sold on this company.  And to make things better a portion of proceeds got to the Yes To Seed Fund which works to engage children with Mother Nature.  How cool is that when kids are such indoor creatures anymore.

There you have it.  My new and old skin care rituals.  What are yours?

Peace & Love - and good skin!