Beauty Tips For Body Care
I’m fairly new to this subreddit and optimized skincare. I didn’t know much about chemicals and oils and essences and toners and serums, etc (and I lowkey still don’t lol). It’s all a little overwhelming, so I hope this review helps someone out that needs somewhere to start. In it, I cover the products I use in my three-ish step routine (exfoliant, essence, moisturizer) that I find are simple and useful and work for me. Also, I personally don’t believe skincare should be expensive (at least that’s what my broke ass is telling myself), so all the products I list are mostly under 20$.Currently, this is what my skin looks like without makeup (sorry for frizzy hair and blocked out eyes). I used to struggle with hormonal breakouts and rogue blind pimples that I would squeeze and meddle with into oblivion, and just a generally ruddy looking complexion. Now, I am happy with my skin. It’s not perfect, but it’s my skin, and that’s something I am learning to be okay with!Skin type: reformed dry skin, probably along the lines of normal now.Skin concerns: mostly hyperpigmentation and the occasional zit/whitehead.Skin goals: texture and brightening, especially the dark circles around my eyes.AMrinse face with waterstratia soft touch aha (let set 15 min)melano CC essenceno. 7 day cream (30 spf)eos lip balmAfternooncanmake 50 spf sunscreen before workoutShowernoxzema cleanser, if wearing makeupcetaphil cleanserthayers witch hazel post-showerPM (before bed)rinse face with waterstratia soft touch aha (let set 15 min)melano CC essenceno. 7 night creamlaneige lip maskMiscthe ordinary aha / bha mask (1x a week)no. 7 warming heat mask (1-2x a week)argan oil (as needed)hydrocolloid patches (as needed)Stratia Soft Touch AHA (14$ + shipping = 17$ total)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes.I’ve been using this exfoliant for about a month. The product is a pump bottle, and I use two pumps every time I apply it. It has a liquid consistency and dries quickly. Directions instruct you to leave on for 10-20 minutes (I leave on for 15). There is only a slight smell to it but I find it goes away quickly.This is the first time I have ever dabbled in using a chemical exfoliant. I knew I desperately needed one for my bumpy, congested skin and was referred to this product by this subreddit. So far, I really like this product. I was unconvinced at the beginning, but after about three weeks my skin texture has improved quite a bit. My skin now feels plump and smooth and not as “clogged’ as it used to. I used to get a lot of bumps, especially on my chin and forehead area, which I believe this product has helped with. It’s very gentle, and was great for someone starting off with a chemical exfoliant like me. I considered switching to a different, perhaps stronger, chemical exfoliant, but if it ain’t broke!Rohto Mentholatum Melano CC Vitamin C Essence (14.99$, order fulfilled by Beauty PLAZA)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes.I’ve been using this essence for about 2 weeks, and WOW - it really does wonders. The essence comes in a tube with a sort of pipette tip that you use to squeeze droplets of product. It is an “oily” sort of essence that smells slightly like oranges (it’s very pleasant) and it dries quickly. I use about 6-7 drops on my face. One drop on each cheek, chin, forehead, nose areas, and then additional drops for whatever dark spots or hyperpigmentation I have. I allow it to set in for a minute and then apply my next product.There’s a reason a lot of people rave about this product. It works to fade dark spots quickly. A whitehead I messed with left a dark spot which has lightened considerably in about a week, which might otherwise take 2-3 weeks to fade. Beyond helping dark spots, I found this product has brightened my complexion a bit and gives me some glow. Overall, I really like this product and will definitely continue to repurchase and use.no. 7 Early Defense Day Cream SPF 30 (18$ from the store I purchase from, 20.99$ listed on product website)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes, but it is a bit heavy.I’ve been using this moisturize for 4 months now and I really, really love it. It comes in a jar and has a slight fragrance - nothing overwhelming. Fair warning though, it is a pretty heavy product, definitely on the thicker side. My skin loves it though, since it needs the moisture and nourishment. I dollop it on my face and smooth it all over.I like this because it’s a two-in-one, moisturizer + sunscreen. It keeps my skin soft, supple, and moisturized. It doesn’t break me out or leave my skin wanting in any capacity. The SPF 30 is a plus as well. Simply put, it just works for me.CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50 (8.85$, order fulfilled by TAKASHIMA)Would repurchase? Maybe.Would recommend? Yes, but not for exercise.I’ve been using this product sparingly for about a month. It comes in a tube that you squeeze the product out of. It has no scent that I can pick up on and it is very light - goes on your skin quickly and pleasantly. No whitecast.I bought this high SPF sunscreen with the intention of using it before I go on my runs during the late afternoon, but I find that I end up sweating a lot of it off (especially around my hairline) and when I wipe it, it leaves my hands tacky. It layers well though and is very light, so I recommend it for everyday wear (perhaps under makeup) rather than intensive wear. It is a good product, but not for the use I intended for it.Noxzema Classic Clean Original Deep Cleansing Cream (5$, I think? It’s been so long since I’ve bought a tub lol)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes, but not for sensitive skin.Comes in a big ol’ tub. You use your fingers to get the product out of. Has a menthol-y smell so would not be suited for you if your skin cannot handle that. It is a cooling cream that does a good job of washing off makeup. I’ve been using this product for about 2 years now. It’s great for me. I use it on wet skin in the shower.Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (10$, I believe - also been awhile since I’ve bought some)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes.Comes in a bottle with a pump. I use one pump on wet skin and lather well, scrubbing for about a minute. Sometimes I will use on dry skin, work into a lather, and then rinse off well. There is no smell that I can discern from this product. It is very, very gentle and works for me. I have been using this product for about 3-4 years now (since I was a teen really).Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner (10.95$)Would repurchase? Maybe.Would recommend? Yes, if you need a toner.I’ve been using this product for about a year now on and off. It comes in a bottle that you squeeze the product out of. You can use a cotton ball or cotton pad to smooth the liquid toner onto your face, but I just apply it directly to my hands and then face. There is a slight rose fragrance that is not overwhelming.I use this product as an in-between after I shower in the afternoon. I am probably done for the day and will not be going outside, but it’s still too early for nightly routine, so I use this toner in the meantime after I cleanse. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and very plump and fresh-feeling. It’s a good product, but I’m not wholly convinced that toners are necessary (at least for me). I am considering phasing this product out to retain a more minimalist routine after my bottle runs out.no. 7 Early Defense Night Cream (18$ from the store I purchase from, 20.99$ listed on product website)Would repurchase? Maybe.Would recommend? Yes.This product is very similar to its counterpart, the no. 7 day cream. Comes in a jar, you use your fingers to apply, subtle scent, and a bit thick. I have also been using it for four months now. I find it perfect for night time use. It keeps my skin moisturized through the night and I wake up with happy, supple skin. Overall, I really enjoy this product and no. 7’s early defense line that has 20-somethings age group in mind.The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (7.20$)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes, but be cautious!Almost everyone around these parts knows about TO products, but essentially this one comes in a bottle jar with a dropper. The product is blood red and makes me feel like I’m spreading the blood of virgins on my face, which I love, and doesn’t really have a scent that I can discern. You leave it on for no more than 10 minutes at a time and rinse it off, as it’s intended for use as a mask no more than two times a week.I’ve had this product for 3 weeks now and I accidentally overdid it the first week. After letting my skin heal with argan oil masks, I have reduced my usage to one dropper-full once a week (instead of two twice a week). It itches/burns quite a bit for me when it’s on, but after each use my skin feels very soft and looks bright. Alongside my Soft Touch AHA, I believe that these exfoliants have helped tremendously to rid my chin of its bumpy texture. I am excited to see its long term effects, and I am very happy with this product so far.no. 7 Instant Results Purifying Heating Mask (14.99$)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes.Comes in a tube that you squeeze the product out of. There is a slight clay-sulfur smell to the mask that doesn’t bother me. When you rub the product into wet skin, it heats up and feels warm on your face (which I just think is really cool). After working into your skin for about a minute, you leave it on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing off. After rinsing, my skin always feels soft, supple, and refreshed. It’s a great pick-me-up for my skin, and I just really enjoy using this product. I’ve been using this product at least once a week for 4 months. Sometimes I use it twice a week, and it does not dry out my skin.ArtNaturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil (11.94$)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes.Okay, I stan argan oil. I’ve been using it for years and years now my hair, face, and body. The kind I listed comes with a dropper, which is helpful for piping how much you may need. It helped heal dry patches of skin on my face (when I overdid TO’s BHA/AHA mask) and body (when I overdid it on my yoga mat and mat-burned my elbows lol), and I personally find that it speeds up healing and prevents scarring. YMMV, but for me it’s a great product. It does not absorb well and is kind of heavy, so I use it more as a hydrating overnight mask or as a spot treatment, rather than as a serum or essence.Le Gushe Hydrocolloid Patches (8.54$)Would repurchase? No.Would recommend? No.This was my first time using hydrocolloid patches, another product that I hadn’t discovered prior to this subreddit. The product comes in 36 pre-cut circles. I wasn’t a fan of this particular brand. I felt as if they exacerbated my whiteheads or zits more than anything. Instead of all the gunk appearing on my bandage, it pooled beneath the surface head of my blemish. I tried leaving them on for longer than 6 hours (which was recommended) and I tried leaving them on for less, but to no avail. They did help with my picking, however, as I was less prone to try to squeeze a pimple that had a patch on it. I will continue to shop around and try other patches in hopes of them drawing out impurities better, but I will not be continuing to use this brand.EOS Pomegranate Raspberry Lip Balm (4.49$)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes.Pleasant fruity smell, goes on silky-smooth, and doesn’t dry out my lips like other lip balms. I really like EOS products, and this lip balm is perfect for hydrating your lips! You get your money’s worth if you don’t lose the stick before you finish it ;)Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, Apple Lime (20$)Would repurchase? Yes.Would recommend? Yes.I’ve been using this product for about a month and a half. Comes in a small tub and a tiny spatula that you can use to scoop the product out with. I put a good amount on my lips, go to sleep, and slough it off with a towel in the morning for soft, plump lips. I prefer the apple lime scent to the original (which I believe is watermelon). I’ve seen comparisons of this product being made to Vaseline, but I find it is actually thicker and heavier, which is perfect for overnight use (and which I prefer, if you couldn’t already tell). It is a bit of a “luxury” lip item, since I guess Vaseline could give you the same results for far below the pricetag, but I enjoy the thickness of it compared to the former. Overall, I like it, and I know it will last me quite a long time so I don’t mind shelling out the cash for it.Water (FREE)This is a no-brainer. I strive for at least 64 oz a day. I drink tea, water, sparkling water, and nutritional shakes. I stay away from sugary drinks, sodas, and milk (but mostly because I’m lactose intolerant).Exercise (FREE)Working out is so important not only for the body and the mind, but for your skin as well! I started working out regularly about 4 months ago. Since then I’ve established a workout routine that is 6 out of 7 days of the week, one day LSS cardio and one day BWF/HIIT training. On LSS cardio days I run at least 2 miles, but have been striving for closer to 3 miles (end goal is to improve my 5k time). On HIIT days I target my core and booty, as well as general body strength. Exercising, especially running, has helped my skin tenfold.That basically wraps up my long-winded review. YMMV, but I hope this helps someone, and feel free to ask questions and I will answer to the best of my ability. Also, since I know I’ve still got a lot to learn about skincare, I am totally open to suggestions and recommendations to my routine and products (I’m actually in the market for an eye cream, so lmk!)
Girls Blog 2015
Submitted by catgloss
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