Washing my face daily and taking care of my skin has been important to me for as long as I can remember. In high school my skin was FLAWLESS. Then, I hit my 20's and my face decided to freak out on me. I wasn't used to the breakouts that started and I didn't know how to handle it. It truly seemed like nothing would help. I've had so many trial and errors with skincare, but a few trials did lead to a little success. I'm going to share 5 products I've found over the years that I can officially put my stamp of approval on, that are all under 20 bucks! (remember, all skin types are different! people react differently to different products, these work for me and they may - or may not - work as well for you!)
1. Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser
I have this in my bathroom right now! I love the creamy texture and the soft scent. I did a lot of research on the product before I purchased and I was not disappointed! I love cream cleansers because typically they will not dry out your skin. When you have a breakout it's tempting to go to the drug store down the street and buy the first "acne free" wash you see, but don't! Slathering your face in salicylic acid based products will strip your skin of all of the natural oils and make your face go into overdrive trying to replenish those natural oils! This cleanser does not leave that squeaky clean feel you'll find from an acne geared wash. But IT WILL leave your face soft and moisturized without feeling greasy. Plus, it's made with natural products that are so yummy for your skin!
Find this online, or locally at Whole Foods or Natural Grocers.
2. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Cleanser
Another "natural" based product and gentle cleanser that I recommend. Easy on sensitive skin and my face always feels so fresh and clean after I use it. There are no harsh chemicals that have caused me to break out. Although it's gentle, it does a great job at getting rid of all of the makeup and sweat build-up you've accumulated throughout your day. I love using it in the shower after a hard workout at the gym. This cleanser will not strip your skin of those natural oils, it will leave your face feeling clean and soft. I can't stress it enough, if you don't have serious acne problems, you should not be using an acne focused cleanser!
You can find this at any CVS, Walgreens, Target or Walmart.
3. Jack Black Face Buff
This stuff is AWESOME. It's marketed for guys, but ladies buy one for him and buy one for you because this scrub is gold. With a fresh minty smell it leaves your face smooth and tingly. I started using it to get rid of build-up on the surface of my skin, and also to help buff away previous scars left from a few bad breakouts. I use it 2-3 times a week. Scrubs shouldn't be used daily. Especially ones with a more abrasive texture, like Face Buff. I 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a new exfoliater. Don't be scared away because it is a "man's product" there are plenty of "women's products" that I would totally sell to guys. It's not about who it's marketed for, it's about what works!
You can find Face Buff at ULTA, Dillards, or locally in Nichols Hills at The Makeup Bar!
4. St. Ives Apricot Scrub
Yep... this is my old faithful. When I'm running low on Face Buff, I pull this out of my cabinet and it becomes my stand in. Like an old friendship I just can't shake, I just can't stop buying apricot scrub.I love the smell (maybe nostalgia) and how every time I use it I feel like all of the yucky gunk sitting on top of my skin is being washed away. This is another fairly abrasive scrub, so I would also suggest using 2-3 times a week. Deep exfoliation doesn't need to be taking place every time you wash your face. It's good to scrub all of the bad stuff off, but you don't want to take all the good stuff too!
You can find this pretty much anywhere. Yeah... anywhere. For like $3.
5. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
THE HOLY GRAIL OF ZIT ZAPPERS I KID YOU NOT. There is no other pimple cream like THIS pimple cream. If you try one product out of the 5 I've posted, let it be this one. Drying lotion is one of the best products I've ever found. It doesn't come in one of those pesky little squeeze tubes, instead it's in a tiny jar. You'll notice in the photo there appears to be liquid in the top and some other pink substance in the bottom. Don't shake it! You want them to be separate. To use: Dip a q-tip into the bottom of the jar and getcha some pink on there. Dab it onto that little mountain growing on your chin and let dry. Fall asleep and wake up to... nothing! Or a much smaller something. I will disclose to you that you probably don't want to take this to use during a romantic getaway or if you plan on seducing your crush on SnapChat tonight. It leaves a very obvious pink blob even after it dries. Totally worth it. A little pricey for a zit zapper ($17) but I promise it works and it'll last you forever.
Find this online, at ULTA or locally at The Makeup Bar.
Comment below if you have any questions or products to share!
That's what's in my jar.
I found this post fun to read! I love learning about new products to try.
ReplyDeleteNeutrogena all the way! But you've intrigued me with these other products and have given such wise skincare advice!
ReplyDeleteI'm really intrigued by the Jack Black product because I live to exfoliate. Also, not kidding about the Mario Badescu stuff. It's like magic.
ReplyDeleteI have actually been looking for a new face cleanser, so this was helpful!
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