I’ve always been the “play it safe” type, not really willing to risk trying new skincare products just in case it reacts badly with my sensitive skin. Buuut, I didn’t bring many skincare products to Toronto and the ones that brought didn’t work well with the weather here. My skin got super dry and it was peeling (gross), so I went out and bought some new goodies. I still remember when my routine consisted of just smacking on some cream in the morning but stress pimples and lack of sleep has really taken a toll on my skin. I’ve used most of these for a good month now and hopefully these will continue to contribute to a healthy, hydrated and fresh looking complexion.
- Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Scrub -
This product is a good wake-me-up, it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and soft. I haven’t noticed a significant difference between this and other facial cleansers I've used in the past appearance-wise but the instant refreshing feeling is very helpful for those slow mornings.
Use: Day
- St. Ives Apricot Scrub -
I've been using a lot of their products for awhile now, and this is definitely the one I keep repurchasing. I usually use this 3-4 times a week (don't want to over use it; I still want skin on my face) and I apply a thin layer on my entire face but I usually concentrate on my nose since that's where the most gunk resides. Skin feels softer after all the dead skin cells are scrubbed away.
Use: 3-4 times a week
- Jeju Volcanic Lava Aloe Nose Strips -
from the face shop
Nose strips 'never worked' for me and I used to think that was because my blackheads were extra stubborn, but my recent discovery told me otherwise (A lot of you might know this already). Nose strips don't actually get rid of blackheads, they get rid of what's on the surface; dead skin cells, oil, dirt etc. With that in mind, the most effective way that I've found to get rid of blackheads is to:
1. Place hot towel over nose for ~30 seconds to open up the pores
2. Apply the nose strip
3. Now that all your skin is unclogged, the blackhead should pop right out when you squeeze it. (Gross I know, but it works for me, there are definitely devices out there that do this for you but #studentlife)
Use: Every 2 weeks or when blackheads get cray.
- Origins Charcoal Mask -
I use this once every 2 weeks as well. This product doesn’t smell the greatest but will leave your skin feeling refreshed, smooth and clean. The best way I can describe how your skin feels afterwards is comparable to the moment when you finally come up for air after holding your breath underwater for a long time.
Use: Every 2 weeks or when I decide to have a pamper evening.
- Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser -
This is a good cleanser but just keep in mind that it’s not for waterproof makeup. The jelly consistency feels nice on the skin and it smells delicious! I usually wet my fingers a bit before applying this and use wet a cotton pad to remove everything afterwards.
Use: Night; To remove makeup
- Purity Made Simple Cleanser -
My lashes are super thin and don’t work well with regular mascara formulations so I always have to use waterproof mascara. Anyone that uses waterproof mascara will agree with me when I say that it is the most annoying thing to take off. I tried various make-up removers and they helped me get by, but the Purity facial cleanser is by far the best one I’ve used. I know I’m late to the party and wish I had discovered it earlier but nonetheless I’m very happy to have found something that makes taking make up off 10x easier (very helpful on the days when you get home at 3am hoping to roll straight into bed). What’s also amazing about this cleanser is that it acts as a toner as well, which minimizes the amount of steps in your routine.
Use: Night; To remove makeup
- DECEIM Hyaluronic Acid -
I love the jelly consistency of this, dries super quickly and does not feel icky. This product helps the cream I apply after absorb better and my skin feels very hydrated, healthy and plump.
Use: Everyday before moisturizer
ft. my friend's plant 'Trudy'
- Glossier Priming Moisturizer -
I used to use Cetaphil on my skin because it was good with sensitive skin, but it just wasn’t thick enough to act as a protective coat for the wild winters here. The Glossier priming moisturizer rich is a little more on the thicker side but it’s not sticky and absorbs well into the skin. It smells lightly of lavender and as the name suggests, it can be used as a primer too. I’ve noticed a significant difference after using this; my skin feels more hydrated and appearance wise, I’m no longer flakey so hoorah!
Use: Day and Night
- Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado -
Do you suffer with crusty under eyes? You are not alone. This help moisturize the under eye area and is good for prepping this area for concealer as well.
Use: When under eyes are flakey
- Ultimate Miracle Worker Eye cream -
The ultimate miracle worker fix is TRULY a miracle, it’s expensive but I think it’s well worth the price for what it does (get samples to try it out first) I’ve been using this for a week so far and have noticed a significant difference in my dark circles; they are lighter, less puffy and the cream has reduced the lines under my eyes.
Use: Night
For Pimples (my worst enemy):
- Clean and Clear Acne Spot Treatment -
I apply this right when I feel a sore spot on my face to try to prevent it from appearing at all. If I don’t get to it in time and the pimple has already grown out, this product does a good job of reducing the size, swelling and redness of the pimple. There are a couple other products I want to try; like the Origins spot treatment and Mario Badescu drying lotion which I've heard good things about.
I’m open to recommendations so please let me know what you’ve been loving and what’s been working best for you!