Current Skincare Routine

Note – I purchased all of the products listed in this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A few weeks ago I got ready to run some errands and after I brushed my teeth I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, “I don’t need foundation today!” That brought two more things to mind: 1) My blemish-prone skin had been looking pretty good lately; and 2) One of my rules for wearing make-up is that I should be comfortable without it; I don’t want to make-up to be a prerequisite for leaving the house. That just shows how important a good skincare routine is, though. My skin had been looking less than stellar for awhile, but it’s back on track. (We’ll ignore the fact that I had a breakout last week… sometimes they just can’t be helped.) Since I had completely switched up my skincare routine recently I knew the products were responsible. The first product I listed I’m no longer using, but I wanted to mention it for transparency, because it was the product that first improved my skin. The second one has maintained it. I’ll explain more about why I’m not using the first product anymore once I tell you what it is!

1 // Aveeno Clear Complexion Clear Cleanser

This is the first product I used that really improved my skin and for that I like it. However, I stopped using it for a variety of reasons, but it all boils down to one thing: I’d like to do a little more research on the product. I’m not sold on Aveeno as a brand of skincare, however I had run out of what I was using (I can’t remember what it was–it wasn’t anything that I was particularly excited about) and needed to pick up something quickly. This was quick. My biggest issue with this is that it has an exfoliant in it, and I’m not a fan of products with exfoliating beads. I have concerns about their impact on the environment and I’m not sure how good they are for my skin in general, especially if used on a daily basis. I prefer using charcoal konjac sponges, but if I do use a product with an exfoliant in it I make sure it’s made with something that’s eco-friendly. I will say that when I switched to a different face wash I kept this on hand in case it didn’t work as well as this had, but I haven’t touched it since. Again, even though I’m not sold on this product, I wanted to include it here for transparency, because this is the product that improved my skin. If you’re looking for a cheaper product that works and you don’t have the same concerns I do, this worked.

2 // Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser

I’m a fan of mud/charcoal cleansers and I don’t know why I stop using them sometimes. It’s probably because I have to either order them online or get them at stores that aren’t convenient. However, you can buy Pixi at Target, so now I have no excuse not to stick with it. Since I was a little iffy on the Aveeno product, I wanted something new and I’ve heard a lot about this brand from some trusted sources, so I thought I’d check it out. I was worried that my improved skin would be gone and I was pretty critical of how skin looked as I transitioned from the Aveeno product to this one, but it definitely passed my inspection. I’ve even noticed that the breakout I had last week is clearing up faster than they usually do. I don’t know if that’s related to the face wash that I’m using, but if so, it’s a nice perk!

3 // Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer

When I picked up the Aveeno Cleanser I also picked up the moisturizer. This is part of my routine that I’d like to replace, because it doesn’t feel moisturizing enough for my skin. Maybe it would be different in winter, but right now I don’t think it’s effective enough for me and my skin. That being said, I’ve also used moisturizers before that were so ineffective my skin felt a little parched, and it doesn’t feel that way with this. Do you have a moisturizer you love and would recommend? I think I know what I’d like to replace it with, but I’m always open for suggestions.

4 // L’Oreal Pure-Clay Mask

I like to have charcoal and mud masks on hand. I’ve been using the Origins Charcoal Mask, but when I saw that L’Oreal released a charcoal mask I had to try it out once I ran out of my Origins mask. I really like this and can’t tell a difference between this and the Origins. In terms of packaging, I like this one better because it’s less messy. I know pots are less sanitary, because it’s open and you might stick your fingers in it, but I use a foundation brush to apply and it works well. Have you tried any of the new masks in this line? I’m so impressed with this one!

What skincare products have you been loving?

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