A couple products that cleared my skin

For Valentine's day I figure I'd make a post about brands I LOVE and highly recomend! Paula’s choice I know I do not own many of her products and I think it’s because I want to try other brands as I explore the vast skincare world. I already know this one is trustworthy in my book. They not only have a great resource with their ingredient dictionary, but they use that knowledge and transparency to formulate great products. Even the negative reviews on this brand that I've seen still say they formulate very well. They are slightly on the pricey side (expect about $40 or more), but you cannot go wrong. I love their PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator especially and have used their PAULA'S CHOICE - Defense Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer Krave Beauty They don’t carry a lot of products in their brand, but like a fine dining restaurant with a small menu, what they make is their specialty. Their products are reasonably priced and they focus on non-irritating effective ingredients to help your skin barrier. I currently have their Krave - Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser and their Krave - Great Barrier Relief Inkey List I love this brand and that they are making simple products with usually only once active and that allows people to try them to see how it effects their skin for a reasonable price. I currently have their rosehip oil because I didn’t know how my skin would react to it, but it’s known for hydrating and evening skin tone. I currently use their THE inkey LIST - Rosehip Oil Cosrx Another good brand that formulates well while still being very reasonably priced. I love their COSRX - Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and COSRX - Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence CeraVe A tried and true brand. There is a reason why dermatologists recommend this. CeraVe is formulated with non irritating ingredients, that may make them seem “boring” by not being packed with actives, but effective. I have a few of their products. CeraVe - CeraVe Moisturising Cream CeraVe - Skin Renewing Night Cream and CeraVe - Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

I recently did my AM routine.... Guess it's time to do my PM routine. Keep in mind my routines do tend to change frequently due to me trying different products to review, but this is my current one. THE inkey LIST - Oat Cleansing Balm (I have to double check, but I think it's fragrence free) So far I'm enjoying this one. I like the ease of the tube and the texture is nice to get off my makeup and sunscreen. I actually like this one better than Then I met you - Living Cleansing Balm (not Fragrence free) and it's cheaper. I still enjoy then I met you, but it's not in the tube and I like inkey's texture better. Krave - Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser (Fragrence free) I've been using this one for PM because I feel like my milky cleansers aren't strong enough to get off the balm (it probably is). It's still gentle, while still feeling cleansing. I will say there's been times where I don't get it fully off and then when I go into my next step, it still foams up and I have to go back in and REALLY make sure I got it off Hanskin - Hyaluron Skin Essence(I think it's fragrence free. Again I'd have to double check) I haven't used this one enough yet to make a review, but so far I like it. It's watery like a toner so that's how I've been using it. My go to is usually COSRX - Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence which I still use in the AM. I want to like Hanskin because I don't have a toner and wouldn't mind using this product in that place COSRX - Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (Fragren free) I've already reviewed this one! Def a holy grail because it makes my skin feel plump and hydrated. If you can get around the idea of using snail slime, it is worth it! ETUDE - Soonjung Hydro Barrier Cream(Fragrence free) Another product too soon to review since it just recently joined my routine. It does leave a little shine while its waiting to sink in so if I keep it in my routine it would be for PM. So far my go to is CeraVe - Skin Renewing Night Cream and I'm curious to find a cream that is a little more complex in it's ingredients list THE inkey LIST - Rosehip Oil (Fragrence free) I've been using this for a few weeks now. It is nice for hydration, but it sits on my skin. I feel like it sits on my skin for a long time. If I'm going straight to bed, I feel like it gets on my pillow and hair making a oily mess. I like to use this if I know I have time before laying down

This is definitely not a dupe situation. These two formulas are only similar in the fact that they contain the same amount of niacinamide (as well as some texture and preservative agents). I’ve been a longtime user of The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and it does work, but I felt after my first bottle I wasn’t getting any continued results. I was also left unimpressed and looking for a different option due to the fact that this is a very tacky formula that can be difficult to work with. TO includes zinc in their formula which they state can reduce acne and can be anti-inflammatory. At $6 you’re getting your 2 active ingredients; niacinamide and zinc. PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Niacinamide Booster includes the same 10% of niacinamide but doesn’t stop there. They also add vitamin C and a BUNCH of calming, hydrating and restoring products that your skin needs (see attached ingredient list). It’s been a controversy whether or not vitamin C and Niacinamide can be used together, even The Ordinary suggests that their Niacinamide not be used at the same time as vitamin C. Many brands and consumers have disagreed. Paula’s Choice adds the protective ingredients to ensure you’ll have less of a chance of irritation. Paula’s Choice serum is a lightweight watery formula that leaves no residue and I find easy to work into my routine. I wasn’t quite prepared for the thin formula as The Ordinary has more of a tacky texture. I found it best to add it directly from the dropper to my face, versus my hands then face. When it comes to the price difference it does seem that The Ordinary would be the obvious choice. I’m not one that believes that quality skincare has to cost more. But Paula’s Choice formula offers much more than Niacinamide. You’re getting several ingredients that are not found in The Ordinary, hence the price difference. Once I’ve emptied my bottle I’ll be better able to determine if spending 4x’s the amount is worth it. I could choose to use a less expensive option and add the antioxidants and other skin-replenishing ingredients found in Paula’s Choices formula, but I have to admit, I do like the simplicity of fewer steps in my skincare routine. 😉 There are also several other options available that I’ve not yet tried. I have tried The Inkey List and it is just a tad bit less tacky than The Ordinary. Other brand options I’d be open to try are: Good Molecules $6 - formula looks similar to TO and TIL with the only active ingredient being niacinamide Naturium $16 - 10% niacinamide and 2% zinc Good Molecules $14 - similar again to TO and TIL I LOVE how Paula’s Choice lists their ingredients. Behind each one you’ll find out how it benefits the skin. This saves me a TON of time and effort when doing my reviews! Individual reviews on The Ordinary and The Inkey List Niacinamide can be found on my page. What’s your favorite Niacinamide to use? ❤️🍒

I have oil/combo skin and been struggling with hormonal acne for a few years now which is mainly around my chin. I have noticed some positive changes but also some negative ones, for example I have more blackheads in areas besides my nose which I never had before. Here are the products I've been using lately. AM Routine I don't cleanse in the morning just splash water on my face and pat dry, then I apply PAULA'S CHOICE - Resist C15 Super Booster after I apply moisturizer e.l.f. - Holy Hydration! Face Cream - Fragrance Free then sunscreen Supergoop! - Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 With Sunflower Extract PM Routine During the day I don't wear much makeup just some mascara so I just use GARNIER - SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Water for my first cleanse, then I go in with PAULA'S CHOICE - Pore Normalizing Cleanser which I am just about out of so I will be using CeraVe - Salicylic Acid Facial Cleanserwhich I haven't tried before but decided to buy it because of all the hype! Than I apply my toner and depending on my skin at the time I will either use PAULA'S CHOICE - Pore-Reducing Toner or I'm from - Rice Toner I have just recently purchased and starting using The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% then I moisturizer with THE inkey LIST - Peptide Moisturizer I use PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator twice a weeks and PAULA'S CHOICE - 1% Retinol Treatment with Peptides + Vitamin C 3 times a week. My skin is still breaking out so I'm gonna try eliminating certain products to see if I can pin point what is causing the breakouts and blackheads. I recently purchased a cleansing brush and I'm gonna start by eliminating the Paulas choice BHA Exfoliator and start using the brush 2 or 3 times a week instead. If that's not the problem then I'm gonna try taking out the Vitamin C. If anyone has any advice or tips I am all ears!!!

So I’m excited to jump in and start using these products I’ve been reconditions from multiple sources and a few I just saw while I was shopping that I just had to try!!! Super excited to let you know how my progress goes!!!

I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE CHANGES I MADE ... I have approximately 10 days with this routine that has helped me a lot, I see my skin now and I am happy 🙂 I am missing a lot but today I know what I need and I have just enough and what is necessary, we do not need all the ingredients, only those that help you something and help your skin I am happy with the ingredients that I have and I will not change anything else! my day routine is always the same it never changes to me, it worked for me LA ROCHE-POSAY - Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser I don't have much to say, I just love it 🥰I don't have much to say, I just love it 🥰 GOOD MOLECULES - Niacinamide Brightening Toner This tonic is all in one I like it and it has helped me too✌🏻🥰 #Geek & Gorgeous - aPAD 20% Azeclair Serum[products]#[FiveStars] this azelaic acid serum was my total salvation since I started using it look at how my skin was changing I love it its texture is super light it absorbs in seconds it does not burn it does not itch I love it I am delighted🥰 BIOSSANCE - Squalane + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum I like it, I feel that it gives me a nice glow, it leaves my skin smooth and luminous, it looks healthy and it is not sticky, it has not irritated me, the truth is that I do not regret having bought it facetheory - Supergel Oil-free Moisturiser M3 It is super light, you have to give it a few seconds to fully absorb it does not leave greasy or sticky I like it 👍🏻 HELIOCARE - 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 UVA/UVB Sunscreen I like it if I like it I'm finishing it, the only bad thing is at the beginning but I've gotten used to it.. I use all these products during the day and my skin does not react badly and above all I have not got any more pimples I have no more redness and I do not have itch either, the truth is this is what helped me, I am fine with the products I have, if I find something that I like, I'll keep that! But if I wanted to try something else, I do it very carefully, but at the moment my skin is better than before with these products.

BANISH - Vitamin C Serum I’ve never been into serums or oils because they tend to leave my skin feeling greasy. However, this Vitamin C Serum is so lightweight and smooth that it feels like applying a moisturizer/water to my face. I’ve also noticed, in the past month or two, that when paired with my BANISH - PUMPKIN ENZYME MASQUE , my dark spots and hyperpigmentation have faded and become more even-toned. The masque has a tingle sensation, is lightweight, and smells like pumpkin pie. Not to mention, after rinsing the masque off, my skin is left with a cooling effect. BANISH has an active acne kit that contains the two items listed above as well as a banisher 2.0 ( micro needle stamp ). It is cheapest to purchase one of the kits, because products sold individually are very expensive. The Vitamin C Serum costs $49, while the pumpkin enzyme mask costs $39. The Serum is said to contain Glycerin, 99.9% Pure Grade L-Ascorbic (Vitamin C) acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic Filet of Aloe Vera), hamamelis virginiana extract (made from Certified Organic Witch Hazel) Ferulic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E),Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Water, Rosehip Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and citric acid. The Masque is said to contain Pumpkin Fruit, Organic Bilberry Fruit Extract, Organic Sugar Cane Extract, Organic Orange Peel Extract, Organic Lemon Peel Extract, Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Vitamin E, Phenoxyethanol, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Neem Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Cinnamon Bark Powder, Ginger Root Powder, and Nutmeg Powder. All products are travel size friendly, cruelty free, and vegan. Overall, the quality of the products are AMAZING, but are too expensive for their size ( hence the 4 star rating ).

Loving this pumpkin enzyme mask from Banish to help target these trouble areas: hyperpigmentation skin texture congested acne prone skin this mask’s ingredients list includes: 👉🏻 AHAs 👉🏻 glycolic acid 👉🏻 REAL pumpkin enzymes INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: it’s recommended to use this mask 1-3 times per week. skin may tingle in the first minute or two which is normal! each batch is made to order so it remains fresh when it ships out to you 🥰🌱✨ MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: i LOVE this mask for a chemical exfoliant that’s a little more gentle than the mainstream BHA + AHA peeling solution from The Ordinary. it smells like pumpkin pie & applies like pumpkin. it’s gentle enough for multiple uses & i found improvement in my skin after using consistently for 1 month. * progress pics to come! BANISH - PUMPKIN ENZYME MASQUE