The Skincare Routine

Ok, I think I have figured out the magic formula for my skin that I will actually continue...for a while. That is quite a bold statement coming from me considering I am a serious beauty junkie and love trying new products and I am obssessed with obtaining perfect skin (Who doesn't want crystal clear silky skin?!). After years of trying countless cleansers, moisterizers, eye creams, exfoliants etc...It finally clicked...and now I will share my little secret with you guys so you can go out and create your magical formula skincare routine. It's simple really. I have the basic combination skin. More dry in the cheeks and some other little patches, and slightly more oily in the t-zone. I would say that I'm semi-breakout prone with the obvious monthly breakout with a little party on my chin, and (until now) with certain face products. So with combination skin, I didn't want to use all oil-controlling products and completely dry out my skin...but I also can't use super hydrating everything with it being too heavy for me during the day and the oily-ness. Ok now getting to the best part, the reveal of my magical formula!

*my morning items are gentle and combat the oily part of my skin while keeping the rest well hydrated and not greasy.

AM:
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead cleanser - 1% salicylic acid kills bacteria and fights/fends off breakouts but isn't over-drying with the added jojoba, and orange peel extract to brighten skin and fade any blemish scars. It also has a pleasant citrus scent. Love.

BareMinerals Advanced Protection Moisturizer Combination Skin SPF 20 - The obvious name drew me in but the formula made me a believer! It is hydrating with jojoba yet lightweight, has a nice faint citrus scent, does not leave my skin looking greasy at the end of the day and there is no sunscreen "film".  It really does leave my skin perfectly balanced all day. Another reason why I was attracted to it was that I thought if it's BE, it must be gentle and not irritate my skin (I was breaking out more than ususal at the time, so I was extra cautious. And I'm glad I was!)

Clinique All About Eyes Rich - Oh, how I adore this eye cream. It is the only eye cream that has actually quenched the thirst under my eyes. Dark circles and puffiness, dryness, and first signs of ageing were my concerns. And that's exactly what this eye cream addresses. It leaves my skin unbelievably hydrated all day and my concealer glides on like a dream. And the best of all, it does not make my eyes itch!

*my nightly routine focuses more on putting moisture back into my skin to keep it balanced from what I used in the morning.

PM:
Up&Up Makeup Remover Wipes - (not shown) Basic, gentile and effective. On your face and your wallet! I use these to take off my makeup first before cleansing.

Philosophy Purity Cleanser - I use this at night because it's a little more hydrating, cleans my skin thoroughly and rinses away any excess makeup that's left. It doesn't leave my skin feeling "stripped" either with it having loads of essential oils in it.

Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Replenishing Oil - Don't be afraid to put oil on your face! Your skin will definitely thank you! Ypu guys, this stuff is so luxurious.... That's one reason why I love it. It sinks into my skin and leaves it perfectly hydrated and balanced, just what it needs after a long day of being in a dry & air conditioned environment. One thing I found out about my skin is that if I use too many oil-controlling products, it will over dry and break out. And when I wake up in the morning my skin is so radiant and plump not lackluster and dehydrated.

Clinique All About Eyes Rich (review above)

Really, in the end the magic formula is all about observing your skin's needs. For me, using 2 different cleansers to keep my combo skin balanced works. Really listen to your skin and try a few new things to see what works perfectly for you. Take into consideration the season, your skin type and you own prefereces. Do your research and look at the ingredient list also to see if they are compatible for you. Now go out and formulate! Good luck!

xo Danielle