5 Products That Changed My Skin Care Routine
My skin has become a major struggle in my late 20s to early 30s, I’ve tried everything you can imagine to combat my skin issues from skin peels to change of diet. The main skin issues I struggle with are acne, uneven skin tone, and dark marks, however, I’ve finally found some HOLY GRAIL products that have improved my skin tone drastically
Here are some of my favorites skin care products
Pixi’s Glow Tonic ($15-30)
Why I Love This Product: Pixi Glow Tonic is an excellent toner that leaves my skin clean but not dried out. I’ve tried several different toners and I find that the ones that leave my face extremely dry set me up for the disaster of desert dry skin all day.
And I mean who wants to walk around with peeling flaky skin!?! It’s not cute sis!
The purpose of a face toner before moisturizing, following your facial cleanser, is to remove excess dirt, traces of oil and makeup. Toner corrects and balances the pH of your skin, and helps control acne. In other words, a facial toner is the extra kick you need to thoroughly clean your skin and remove built up surface dead skin cells. Pixi toner does just that for drug store price!
About this product: The Pixi Glow Tonic is highly concentrated, invigorating facial toner that deeply cleans pores by sweeping away excess oil and impurities. This award-winning, invigorating toner deeply cleanses and gently exfoliates all skin types in one lovely step
The unique formula is enriched with 5% glycolic acid that gently wipes away impurities from your pores, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates your skin. Infused with red ginseng, this helps to protect and energize your skin. Use it in theAM or PM for a healthier, balanced complexion that's ready to glow. With Pixi Glow Tonic, your skin will be balanced, soothed, radiant and prepped for makeup application This alcohol-free tonic is never tested on animals.
How I use this product: I use the Pixi Toner every time I cleanse my face because its extremely gentle. I will use it with a cotton pad or pat it into my skin with my fingers, allowing it to settle into my pores and do it’s magic.
Why I Love this product: I first saw this product recommended by TheChicNatural on Youtube. She swears by it and has been using it daily for years. I saw it in Whole Foods and thought I would check it out.
I mean you can never go wrong with shopping black own?.
Alaffia’s is a Black-owned company that is 100% clean, this cleanser is Ethically Traded with virgin coconut oil, gently cleanses while maintaining your skin's moisture level. It removes eye makeup, impurities and environmental pollutants, leaving skin smooth and fresh. I love this cleanser because I can use it everyday and it won’t leave my face mad dry or irritated. This is another product that won’t break the bank and give you high class cleansing performance for your buck
About this product: When, in 1996, a young man from Togo, West Africa, met a young woman from rural Washington State. Inspired by a shared calling to do right by the world, Alaffia, a social enterprise, was born. Founded in 2003, Alaffia continues to redefine the natural products industry through its values of Beauty, Equality and Empowerment, fair trade, and safe, efficacious hair, face and body care.
Alaffia has several promises and certifications including ‘The MADE SAFE’ seal means that a product is literally made with safe ingredients™ not known or suspected to harm human health, animals or ecosystems. It’s the only nontoxic certification to apply to products used every day.
Alaffia is a For Life certified operation by ECOCERT for demonstrated corporate responsibility. Several of our products, including those with a primary base of shea or coconut, are also certified Fair for Life – ECOCERT’s fair trade product certification.
How I Use this product: I swear by Aesthetician Nayamka Roberts-Smith 60 Second Rule! The 60 second rule means that you wash your face with your finger tips twice a day for 60 seconds each time. I use a dime size amount of this cleanser mixed with water to wash my face for 60 seconds paying attention to acne prone areas like my temples and cheeks. According to Nayamka, "cleansing your face (with your fingers) for 60 seconds allows the ingredients in the cleanser to actually work." in her youtube video she notes, "Most people wash their face for like 15 seconds max. [Sixty seconds] softens the skin and dissolves sebum blockages better. Texture and overall evenness improves." I stand by the 60 second rule and have found my skin improve dramatically coupled with using Alaffia skin cleanser.
Why I love this product: I stumbled on this serum while I was browsing Sephora and asked for a sample to try out at home. While I don’t know much about the Caudalíe brand or this serum I was curious to see was it worth the hype.
I was curious to see was it worth the hype
I IMMEDIATELY FELL IN LOVE!! This product does exactly what it’s name says! It controls blemishes and helps them fade. Ultra-concentrated in natural-origin active ingredients, the serum has an exfoliating-effect and unclogging action to reduce blemishes and refine skin texture. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed, moisturizes, soft and smooth.
About this product: Concentrated in natural salicylic acid, grape polyphenols and organic essential oils*, this lightweight serum melts into skin to visibly reduce blemishes, tighten pores and refine skin texture. The skin is purified, leaving it smoother and more luminous. Its lightweight gel-like texture melts into the skin leaving it refreshed and balanced. A light and surprising 100% natural scent derived from the essential oils complex that delivers a breath of freshness with each application. Cocktail of 6 organic essential oils : peppermint, lemon balm, geranium, lemongrass, lavender, rosmary.
How I Use This Product: After I cleanse and tone I put an extremely small amount of this serum into my skin and allow it to settle into my pores. Even though it’s priced higher than most of the products on my list it is worth every dime as a little goes a long way. The small sample bottle that I received from Sephora has lasted me several months and I plan to invest in the larger size when it runs out. This product is definitely a staple in my everyday routin .
Orgins GINZING Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer ($29.50)
Why I love this product: The biggest struggle in my skin care journey was to find a moisturizer that actually moisturizes my face while leaving my skin light, glowy/dewy and refreshed. I’ve find that most moisturizes leave my skin feeling weighed down or dry with in the first couple of hours of applying, this in turn causes my face to start overcompensating for the lack of moisture and has me looking like a grease ball by noon. According to the Sephora website this energy boosting gel moisturizer will have you Looking like a morning person. The lightweight, oil-free, energizing moisturizer instantly hydrates & revs up radiance with Panax Ginseng & Caffeine from Coffee Beans. It Instantly hydrates & revs up radiance for refreshed, healthy & vibrant skin.
Mood: When I don’t use my Ginzing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
About this product: Formulated with
Parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, mineral oil, DEA, petrolatum, paraffin, polyethylene beads, formaldehyde & animal ingredients*
*except cruelty-free honey & beeswax
What Else You Need To Know:
Legend has it Coffee Beans were discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd. He found his goats dancing joyously around a green leafy shrub with bright red cherries. So he tried the beans himself. Their powerful euphoric effect was instant. Today studies have shown that Coffee has impressive health benefits from antioxidant age-fighting to memory boosting. And their energizing properties can actually help wake up, refresh & restore radiance to tired skin.
How I Use This Product: After cleanser, toner, serum, and eye cream I apply this moisturizer to my face. I apply to my skin with my finger tips and make sure it is rubbed into every inch of my skin. It applies like gel so it is easy to apply and rubs in smoothly.
Why I Love This Product: As i’ve gotten older, I‘ve become more conscious about taking care the thin skin under my eyes. I’ve realized that dark circles under my eyes isn’t cute and can be prevented with simple eye cream and drinking lots of water. This brightening under eye cream does wonders to not only brighten, add glow and hydration but to reduce puffiness! Every time I use this product my under eyes feel extremely moisturized and I just know I can take on the world without worrying if people are distracted by my dark circles.
About this product: A brightening, vitamin C-rich eye crème that targets signs of aging, reducing the look of dark circles while improving concealer application and wear.
How I Use this Product: I use this product daily. After cleansing, toning and serum I apply this product right under my eye with the pads of my index finger. I carefully pat the product into my skin before applying moisturizer.
Maintaining my skin is an ongoing battle that can be extremely stressful and expensive, but finding the right products has helped me improve my skin and confidence.