This article is all about skincare! Beyond makeup, skin is always in! As much as I love a full cake face, there's nothing I enjoy more than being in my own skin with a flawless face. The older I get, the seemingly lesser control I have over my skin. The formula of workouts, sweat, makeup, kids, age, continued climate changes, and hormones (thank you Mother Nature) amounts to the perfect breakout! When I was younger, I didn't have to use the creams and serums to get perfect skin. I just washed my face and had great skin.
Every few months I'd tell myself I was going to adopt a better skincare routine: "Alright Sara! Today is the day we are gonna do this!"Unfortunately, a week into the routine and my products would end up as decor on my vanity. That was until a few months ago when I received a major wakeup call. I had a breakout so bad I ended up with scars! As a makeup artist, blogger, and just an outright makeup junkie, I'm always testing new products (so a breakout here and there wasn't anything new). This breakout, though, scared me into getting my stuff together. I was now on a mission to find the best skincare products, and a routine that would fit with my lifestyle.
I can't count how many times a client says to me they want me to give them flawless makeup like JLO and Kim K. One big consideration to keep in mind is the amount of money and care ladies such as this put into their skincare routine. The key to all makeup application is: FLAWLESS SKIN!
I have very OILY skin. In fact, my skin is so oily that in the summer I swear you could fry an egg on my face, and I wear two primers to combat the oil. Also, I have sensitive skin meaning a lot of products are harsh. That being said, below are my current favorite skincare products:
*Please note these are products that are working for me. I have tried many product lines and these are what work. Be sure to do your own research in order to find the right products for you.
Behold...
My Favorite Skincare Products (Currently):
1. BOSCIA DETOXIFYING BLACK CLEANSER
This little bottle of gold is hands down my favorite! It gets rid of all the sweat, dirt, and makeup. This cleaner claims to warm up when applied and IT DOES! My biggest issue with most cleaners is that they can leave my skin dry and stiff, but this cleanser doesn't at all! I can feel my face is cleansed and I don't have the tightness that results from many cleansers. I LOVE IT!
2. OLE HENRIKSEN SHEER TRANSFORMATION
I would say my number one struggle is finding the perfect moisturizer. I hate a moisturizer that leaves my face feeling greasy. I already have oily skin and I don't need added grease. There were times I would skip moisturizer which is the WRONG thing to do! Even some oil free moisturizers make me greasy and cause a mess under my makeup. The Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation is light and the perfect moisturizer with or without makeup. Just as a warning, this little bottle is relatively expensive but a little goes a long way. It will last awhile!
3. NUDE SKINCARE ADVANCED RENEWAL EYE COMPLEX
I added an under eye cream to my regimen to help brighten and care for the skin under the eyes. Skin located directly beneath the eyes is very sensitive because it's so thin. This product is light, gentle, and does brighten. When I was younger, I didn't feel an under eye cream or serum was necessary. As my skin changes with age, I'm implementing a routine that will keep my skin young and fresh.
4. TOPICLEAR CARROT CREAM
This is a bottle of heaven! Thank you Lord for finding the perfect solution for acne scars. Topiclear Carrot Cream is a skin lightening cream. I only used it on my acne scars that covered the left side of my face. This cream was my last resort before going to the dermatologist for what I'm sure was going to be a very expensive cream or procedure. The scars from the last breakout I mentioned were that bad! As a makeup artist, I could've chosen to cover the scars with color correctors and concealers, but who wants to do that everyday? Not this wife and momma of 2! Topiclear has a ton of products based on your skin type. For example, I have sensitive skin so anything too harsh is going to be counterproductive. I don't want any burning, discomfort, or oily skin. For my skin type, I chose the carrot cream because it's the most gentle. Have dry skin? There are soaps, lotions, creams, and lighteners for that. I like that you are able to find the system that works for you and mix and match the products as you need.
If you are looking for a quick fix miracle treatment this isn't for you. But in just two weeks, I noticed a significant change. The acne scars were lighter and some were GONE! I apply it at night and with continued use, the marks get lighter and lighter. What I also appreciate about this product is that it has not affected other areas of my face but ONLY THE DARK MARKS AND SCARS. My only regret is not finding Topiclear sooner.
Please be advised these are just my opinions and experiences. Do your own research but be sure to invest in your skin!
XOXO Sara
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