All about Skin Care

I've found a skin care routine that works wonderfully for me and I thought I'd share it with you guys! Please note that everyone's skin is different and that everyone will react differently to different things but these products have been working really well for me and I thought you guys might be interested to try them out for yourselves! And as you'll see, I don't use too many different brands cause my skin's pretty sensitive and I don't like skin care that is too harsh.

Facial Wash

Kose Sekkisei White Powder Wash

I've been using Kose's skincare since I was about 14 years old. I must say that I trust Japanese products the most because they have the most organic ingredients that are usually made from plants and herbs and the products aren't too tough on your skin. It's a powder wash that lathers with water and it's made of a combination of Japanese and Chinese herbs like the Chinese Pearl Barley and the Angelica. It leaves a dry finish to your skin and it's the only face wash I've used that I feel really cleans into the depths of my skin. It also has whitening properties and one bottles lasts forever. I'd not use this more than twice a day though because it's pretty drying. I swear by this stuff and I won't be moving on from it for a long time. This product is for combination/oily skin. If you have dry/combination skin, the Sekkisei While Liquid Wash would be better for you because the wash leaves a very dry finish. 

Facial Scrub

Clinique Exfoliating Scrub

Ok I'm gonna say this out loud. I think everyone should use a facial scrub. Whether it's this one or any scrub that you've tried that goes with your skin, it's the key to keeping your skin soft and fresh. We're exposed to a lot of dirt and bacteria living in a city and you'll be surprised how much dirt and dead skin can accumulate on the surface of your skin. That's what leads to break outs and dull skin. This scrub is good for combination/oily skin and it can be used up to twice a week. I'd say just use it when you feel like your skin needs a good rub down. It has a very refreshing cooling feel to it and the beads are just the right size, texture and amount. Most of the time the beads are too harsh (St Ives apricot scrub is a BIG no-no) or they may be stingy with the beads and you end up scrubbing one bead around your face. This one is great, it's not too harsh but you still feel like it's giving you a good scrub. My mum uses this as well so it's great for all ages and most skin types. If you have drier skin, go for the 7 Day Scrub Cream which is creamier and that you can use more often.

Toner

Kose Sekkisei Lotion

I've heard people say they don't know what the purpose of toner it and they feel it's unnecessary so i'm here to justify it's existence. Toner is general evens out your skin tone by penetrating deep into your skin and helping keep it safe from sun spots, prevent pigmentation and keep your skin hydrated. It also closes up your pores and gets rid of any excess oil and residue left after your wash your face. Toner's supposed to be used after your facial wash and before moisturizer and probably not more than twice a day. I like this toner because it has whitening properties and contains Vitamin E. This is meant for all skin types but if you have drier skin, you can soak a mask in it and use it as a mask for about 5 - 10 minutes. It's pretty pricey but the bottle is huge and you use very little at a go. Just put a little bit on a cotton pad and pat it on your face and down your neckline.

Moisturizer

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

 I started using this last year and I was extremely impressed at the results. It's the only moisturizer I've used where I can actually feel my skin more moisturized and hydrated but not oily. I use one pump and that's enough for my full face and neck. Just to reiterate how wonderful it is, I use a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer over this (so that's another layer of moisturizer) over this and it doesn't make my skin oily at all. I usually don't blot at all if I use a tinted moisturizer. So if you're looking for a good moisturizer, go get this. If you're hesitant, ask the Clinique counters for testers. They are pretty generous with giving out their testers which is awesome. I only blot if I'm using foundation. If you have dry/combination skin, go for the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.

Eye Cream

Clinique All About Eyes

I also just started using this this year and it's pretty good but I think I'll only see the effects in the long term. My under eye area is extremely dry so I'm contemplating using the all about eyes rich once this is finished. I still feel my under eye area is pretty dry and dull but it's definitely much better compared to when I wasn't using any eye cream at all. I'm also looking to try the Origins Eye Doctor eye cream because that's a moisture surge eye cream. Or maybe the Orgins GinZing eye cream which I've heard raves about.

Eye Serum

Clinique All About Eyes Serum

This one I like. I use it on top of my eye cream and it's one of those rolly pen things that de-puff and really wake your eyes up. It helps ease the puffiness around my eyes after I've had a long night out or if I'm really tired and I need to head somewhere important. You can use it under your eyes or on your eye lids as well. It sets really fast and you can use your make up over it for a smooth finish and your concealer won't seem into your fine lines as much. Oh that's another tip! ALWAYS use an eye cream under your concealer to make it smooth and so that your concealer won't cake or seem into your lines.

Spot Treatment 

This is the only spot treatment/break out and panic stuff that I use on my skin. I've been very fortunate to not have overwhelming break outs so to me, a spot treatment gel is the best option. It has a little bit of a stinging feeling when you put it on a blemish but that's what supposed to happen so no panic. On an average, I'd say this speeds the clearing process up by half the time. It's really effective and it's a no frills thing which I love. I put a little bit on my fingers and apply it to my problem areas.

Lip Care

 

I use this once in awhile when I feel like pampering myself because the tube is ultra small. Most of the time I use it after a night out when I feel dehydrated or when I want to use a strong coloured lipstick or a matte lipstick to ensure my lips don't flake, peel or crack.

On a last note, a couple of days ago, my boyfriend asked me what the most important makeup item is. If I had to go out with only one thing on, what would it be? I said mascara. So I though I'd do a post on all the different mascaras that I've tried and tested! Let me know what you think :) Till the next post!

Love, Tasha