My Favorite Skincare Products

First things first. Much of my work for this years Makeup MAYhem was lost. Funny thing about the Blogger app... You can't leave the app unattended for very long, without saving your work. That's how stuff is deleted. 

Moving right along....

I'm sharing some of my absolute favorite skincare products. I have used each of these products for an extended period of time, which I think helps in giving a true review. I hope you try some of these products! If you have some staples in your skincare routine, feel free to share those with me! 

Face Scrubs & Blemish Control

Alba's Good & Clean Toxin Release Scrub- This product is a newer discovery. I have a slight addiction to facial scrubs so I'm always on the lookout for something new and fresh. This product is a keeper. It is a great natural alternative to other scrubs on the market. It lacks a lot of those ingredients that no one can pronounce and it isn't too abrasive on the skin. The fruit composition of this scrub offers a citrus-passion fruit scent which is especially nice in the morning. I would recommened this product for combination- to oily skin-types. You can find Alba products at Target and Fred Meyer/Kroger stores, and it costs less than $8. 

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub- This is a great daily scrub. It has tiny jojoba beads that gently scrub your skin. This is also formulated without parabens, sulfates, and all those other -bens and -ates. It's good for all skin types and smells like green apples. I find that this scrub is especially good to use during the winter months when my skin is dry. You can find this product at any drugstore for less than $8 as well.

LUSH Grease Lightening- lushusa.com, $13.95; Using this product, aside from religiously washing your face, is a great, natural way to fight blemishes. It has a gel-like consistancy so it stays put. It also has a matte finish so you can apply this underneath your makeup. I use this morning and night when combating blemishes. It contains tea tree which helps cleanse the skin, while aloe vera pampers those irritated areas. I recommend this for all skin types as well. 

Makeup Removal 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover- I have used this product for years. This is another drugstore product that costs less than $8. This product is a champ at removing some of the most stubborn waterproof mascaras. 

Burt's Bees Rosewater Toner- First of all, what is a toner? Toners cleanse the skin, eliminate excess oil and tighten pores. I don't know about the pores part but it definitely cleans your skin. I suppose the pore-tightening could be accurate because my face feels tight after I apply this toner. I use a toner after I have washed my face. The toner picks up any dirt and grime that's left behind. I wouldn't recommend a toner for everyone. If you suffer from dry skin, a toner can aggrivate the skin even more. Toners combat oil, so if you have combination skin, pinpoint the areas of the face that produce excess oil. I like the Burt's Bees Rosewater Toner because it's light. It doesn't dry my skin out and it smells great. I see a difference in my complection when I use this toner regularly. And as always, Burt's Bees offers more natural products that other brands on the market. You can find this in most Burt's Bees displays and it retails for about $11. 

Moisturizers

Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream- Because I like the scrub from this line, I wanted to try this nighttime moisturizer. I have been impressed with it. It's light on the skin and provides just enough moisture without causing breakouts. This is also formulated without all those -bens and -ates. Also apply this to my neck area. I have been very impressed with the Neutrogena Naturals line and this product did not disappoint. You can pick this up at any drugstore for around $15. 

Tarte Maracuja Oil- You can find this at Sephora, Ulta or tarte.com for $46. I know what you're thinking. Who would put oil on their face and why in the heck would they pay $46 for it? In my defense, the bottle I have is a travel size, (this is my second one) and I got it with other travel-sized products for less than $18. I'm not going to go through the logistics of this product but I highly encourage you to check it out and read the reviews. http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-pure-maracuja-oil I'm telling you, this stuff is fantastic. I have loved every product that I have ever used from Tarte. Much of their line incorporates maracuja oil in some way. I have never been disappointed in any of the items I have purchased from Tarte and this oil is no exception. I use this when washing my face at night. I skip a moisturizer if I use this oil. It provides moisture, clears and softens my skin. You would think applying an oil to your face would leave it feeling greasy, but that is not the case with this. I use about three to four drops for my entire face and neck. Whatever is left on my hands I rub in like I would hand lotion. 

Here are a few things to remember when it comes to skincare.

1. Wash your face- EVERY night. If you wear a full face of makeup, wash that gunk off! If you don't wear makeup, you are not exempt from this rule. If you're home, skip the makeup remover wipes. I know, I know. Makeup remover wipes make it so easy. I have three, loving, words for you. Stop being lazy. I know it seems easier to use wipes, but is the convenience worth the extra pimple or two that will follow? No way! As much as we try not to pick at a blemish, it's inevitable- you're going to pick. So wash your face. It doesn't have to be rocket science. Lather, rinse, and pat dry. Use a mild soap (I've used Dove brand soap for years) and you're good to go. Save the makeup remover wipes for travel or after your workout. 

2. Just as washing your face is important, keeping your skin hydrated is key too. If you find that you avoid moisturizing your skin because it's oily, chances are that skin is producing excess oil to compensate for a lack of moisture. Keep your skin clean and find a moisturizing routine that works best for you. Sometimes you have to experiment (which I know can be intimidating) to find out what makes your skin happy. If you're new to the moisturizing scene, go for products with more natural ingredients. Do some research and read reviews. 

3. DRINK WATER! We all know the importance of staying hydrated. Happy, healthy skin requires adequate hydration. That's not rocket science either. If you struggle with drinking enough water, set small goals for yourself. Find a fun water bottle. (TJMaxx is great for that.) Fill it up and drink the entire bottle before noon, and do it again before the end of your work day. Increase your consuption from there. In no time you'll find that you're drinking half your weight in ounces on a daily basis like you're supposed to. 

I hope this post was helpful to you. Don't forget to share your skincare favorites with me!

Target Haul!

I recently visited my local Target. Let's be honest- very rarely do I visit Target without buying something. It just happens! I went into Target to pick up some cleaning products and new razor. I walked out with a few extras in my shopping  bag. 

1. Neutrogena Rainbath- Believe it or not, I didn't buy this for myself! My husband is an avid gym-goer and has sensitive skin. He's a boy and he sweats. This stuff works great. This leaves his skin extra-clean and doesn't cause any breakouts or dry skin. It smells great too. There are different varieties and different sizes. We prefer the original scent. 

2. Method Fresh Cleansing Body Wash- More body wash and this one is all mine! I haven't tried the Method body wash but I really like their handwash. This bodywash is from the summer collection and was clearanced out. Sorry, everyone, I grabbed the last one in this scent. But the others were great too! I picked up the vanilla crème scent. It smells just like a cupcake. It's so good! This body wash is infused with aloe vera and vitamin E. 

3. Venus Embrace Sensitive kit- I've used the Embrace razor since it came out several years ago. For some reason, my legs had a reaction with the last box of razors I purchased. I think the formula for the moisure strip may have been changed. So I decided to try the sensitive skin formula. I hope my legs are happier with this one!

4. EOS shave cream in pomegranate raspberry- From the makers of the little egg-shapped lip balm comes a shave cream. This is a repurchase for me. While I love to use Lush Shower Smoothies for shaving, I can't run into a Lush store considering the nearest one is four hours away. The EOS shave cream is a great substitue. It's super hydrating and doesn't leave any residue. I have also used the Vanilla Bliss scent which is nice too.

5. Maybelline ColorSensational "The Elixir" in #60 Nude Illusion- I have been dying to try this line of lip glosses. This comes in 20 shades. I needed a nude gloss for the summer and this one is great. The formula is smooth, creamy and pigmented. I really like that this formula isn't sticky or tacky. Nothing is worse than your hair sticking to your lips because of a yucky, tacky gloss. The packaging is small and sleek so it's a nice size to keep in your purse.

6. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub- Here's another repurchase! I really enjoy this facial scrub. It's good at cleaning out your pore but gentle enough to use every day. It contains Jojoba beads that exfoliate the skin which is a nice alternative to the usual ground nuts/fruit pits found in other scrubs. The scent is great too! I think it smells like green apples. And who doesn't like to use more natural products? The Neutrogena Naturals line is formulated without harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, and phthalates.

7. Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream- This is a brand new find for me. I'm excited to see the results. It claims to replenish moisture and essential skin nutrients. The product is clinically proven to soften skin, reduce the look of dullness and roughness, and impove overall complection. I let you know how well this product does. I have high hopes because I love the facial scrub!