Here’s a picture of me looking super grumpy to share with you my favorite skincare products these days, and my everyday routine. As I’m now 31, I’m feeling the need to take better care of my skin. For a long time, I’d sort of just wing it. I also loved getting a tan in the summer (and still do!) but now I’m like, “It is NOT worth the damage it is doing long-term to my skin.” I’m trying to convince Lindsey of this every time she skips sunscreen when we’re at the beach!! This latest trip to the Jersey shore, I covered up with a hat, or sunscreen more deliberately than ever before. I was like, “Yep. I’m really old now.” But you see those spots on my right cheek? (I’m not wearing any foundation here. Just a little bit of this cover-up on the top of my nose where I have permanent redness, almost like broken blood vessels.) They’re permanent sun spots, and they sort of drive me crazy. Not a big deal in the grand scheme, I know, but if I had my way, they’d be gone and knowing they’re there because of sun–extra frustrating!
I just read something that says your face begins at the top of your breasts. I thought it was so telling, because there’s nothing that shows age and sun more than your neck and chest. And, at least for me, I usually completely ignore that area. Now it’s one of the areas I concentrate on when I use sunscreen, and I’m trying to be better about putting my everyday face moisturizer on it too.
To make a long story short, here’s my favorites lately that are working for my skin. All of them are good products too, full of ingredients you can pronounce! It’s worth adding that my skin tends to be on the dry side. If I have a breakout it’s usually in the T-zone area, and I also have blackheads on my forehead. With hormones and nursing and babies, I feel like my skin isn’t even sure what it’s been doing for the last few years, but my dryness has pretty much always been with me.
Damn Good Face Wash // You knew I’d include this one, didn’t you? I wrote about it here at length, but to sum it up again: I love that it leaves my skin moisturized instead of that tight, hard-to-stretch feeling you get from some face washes. I also love that I could probably eat it and be the better for it. (Sidenote: don’t eat it, but it’s good to know that your face wash has things you can pronounce and could probably find in your kitchen.) It just leaves my skin feeling glowy and dewy. I think it’s earned a permanent spot in my routine.
Osea Anti-Aging Balm // This is a new one for me and one of my serious favorites. I try to put it all over my body as soon as I’m out of the shower so it really soaks in. It feels so nice going on, smells refreshing, and I feel like a queen when I use it. Seriously, I’m like, “Steve! I’m using my balm, so please come give me a massage and bring me my mimosa!” I don’t use it on my face, though I am sure you could. Using it makes me feel like I’m given due attention to my whole body in the skin-care arena. Legs and arms deserve love too, people!
Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream // Isn’t that name a hoot? Anyway, I’ve been using this on my face this summer underneath my makeup. It’s lightweight and soaks in immediately. It might not cut it for me in the wintertime when my skin is really dry, but I like it a lot right now. It travels well too. Is your skin being protected from the atmosphere? IS IT?!
Damn Good Oil // This is the newest in the DG oils family and it smells like a flower garden–plus those ingredients!! Another one of those “Steve! My bon bons, now!” moments. I use it occasionally right now, but will be more of my go to when wintertime hits. (Anyone have any heavy hitters for dry skin in the winter? I tried this a few months ago and did not like it at all. The consistency was like a jelly and it stung a bit.)
SW Basics Exfoliant // I was never a regular user of exfoliator until the last year. And now I’m like, “What took me so long?” I keep this in the shower and use it probably once a week, maybe a little more in the winter when my skin is drier. I focus on the spots where I see the most dryness. It’s made of like… flour and salt too, which is awesome.
That’s it for now. And now for my typical crowd-sourcing: any moisturizing masks that you guys love? Or your favorite skincare products in general?? (And do any of you seriously use this and is it actually worth that money?!? I feel like it’s a cult-favorite–of celebrities anyway!)
I’m fascinated by that La Mer cream (never tried it) and hope someone chimes in. Soooo expensive! But maybe so good? Who knows.
Have you ever tried oil cleansing? I’d love to hear your take on it if you have!
I am fascinated by it too! It is SO expensive. And as for oil-cleansing–DG Facewash sort of is oil-cleansing! Its main ingredient is coconut oil. I LOVE it.
First of all I am a silent reader from Germany and really love your blog. I am reading it on a weekly basis.
The la mer cream is, well : it has mineral oil paraffinum liquidum in it as second ingredient which is really odd for such an expensive cream and lots of nasty Petrolatum and toxic Aluminium i think there are better and cheaper creams out there, but it IT IS fascinating, thta’s fact ;-), Anja
INCI:
Seaweed (Algae) Extract, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Petrolatum, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Extract, Microcrystalline Wax, Lanolin Alcohol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Magnesium Sulfate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Paraffin, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Beta-Carotene, Decyl Oleate, Aluminum Distearate, Octyldodecanol, Citric Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Magnesium Stearate, Panthenol, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Alcohol Denat., Fragrance
That list!!! Far out.,. I’m not sure I’d be paying to put that concoction on my face!
I used Creme de la Mer for years, and loved it for my very dry skin, but then I became allergic to it (a blessing in disguise, actually, since I got divorced and can’t afford it any more!). I’ve been using Garnier Miracle Anti-fatigue night cream and eye cream and love them just as much!
It sure is worth it – and the (seemingly very little) 1 oz really does go a long way! When you think of it like “this is my FACE I’m talkin’ about,” and then you think of all the money you’ve spent on buying coffee and dining out, or whatever…it’ll make the price justification a bit easier 🙂
ok explain! what is your skin type? does it magically make it perfect?! I need more!
Yes! It makes your skin look alive, is the best way I can think to explain it. My skin is similar to yours – on the dry side – and I feel as though it goes from dull to completely awake/refreshed. I switch up my products a bit too, so during the winter I use a thick Vichy cream (love), elongating the lifespan of my beloved the La Mer. (So if you divide the $170 cost by the 5-6 months you can stretch it, it’s not terrible!)
I am addicted to Caroline Hirons blog.. It is a must for all things skin care. She also has instagram (love it too).
The skin care I enjoy may not be as natural, but I still love it. I use lots of stuff from the Pixi line at target (a caroline favorite). I also love, love my retinA cream prescribed by my Doctor. But, I also just ordered Estee Lauder’s ANR & a new oil from Votary (very natural). I spend all my $$$$ on skincare vs makeup or other randomness. I’m not quite to 30 yet, but trying to care for it & prevent it now.
Caroline Hirons is the best. I use so many things she recommends. I also really love Sali Hughes (she has a website and her Guardian archives are amazing). They both recommend hot cloth cleansing. It is so easy and makes my skin feel so good. One of my fave brands is Aesop. Their facial oils and moisturiser are gorgeous for dry skin without being too heavy.
I’m totally unfamiliar with her blog! Thanks for the comment–checking it out now!
RF Roller- micro needling. It’s all the rage. Creates tiny injuries, skin creates collagen, apply retinol- boom. Erases fine lines and wrinkles. Amazing. Love love love. Also our reverse regimen for dark marks and sun damage.
woah woah woah. tell me more. and you’ve tried this with success??? is it like micro derm abrasion? (I’ve never tried that either.) I have questions!!
RF microdermabrasion roller is the jam! And all of our regimens are. Totally has transformed my 32 yr old tired mama skin! I’d love to tell you more! http://Www.joannafurr.myrandf.com
Bridget, at the risk of seeming like I just want to make a sale, I’m a Rodan+Fields consultant and we have a terrific roller. I know you likely love and are loyal to your “Damn Good” products, but we also have a Reverse line for sun damage and sun spots. Sounds like you have a good thing going, but let me know if I can tell you more!
All I use on my face is coconut oil and young living essential oils! I absolutely love the oils. My face feels so smooth and soft.
Odacite has my favorite skin care line – all natural, organic ingredients that WORK. And smell delicious. Yes some items are a bit on the pricey side but I am willing to put money into a skincare line I believe in. I personally love the nighttime antioxidant serum and the CaR facial oil.
Thanks for your roundup! I will definitely look into the exfoliant you recommend since I too suffer from dry skin – but better dry than an oily sheen?! maybe.
I would not usually turn to Burt’s Bees for skincare, but was totally desperate and saw this at my local grocery last winter when my skin was literally flaking because it was so dry. I was extremely impressed with the ingredients as well as the results! Try it out! https://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Intense-Hydration-Night/dp/B01BV3GWRE/ref=pd_sim_194_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41BBXa68wNL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=R6KXRX7RWK53P0DHJYZN
ooh! thank you. i like their stuff. i used to use their royal jelly cleanser and did love it!
I have been using Rodan + Fields Skin Care for about 4 years now and I absolutely LOVE it! Their line has something for everyone – anti aging, sun damage, acne, sensitive skin etc! They also have amazing sunscreen and daily moisturizer. Obsessed!
I started using products from the Paula’s Choice line in May and they are all amazing, especially their exfoliators and moisturizers. I also use a retinol cream from them and a vitamin C booster, which I adore. My skin is very sensitive and ornery, and these are the first products I’ve found that don’t irritate. They are relatively affordable too, and they have great customer service. You can email questions and get fast, detailed responses.
Beautycounter! Tell me you’ve heard of it. I LOVE love their skincare products and their mission, which is to get safe products into the hands of everyone. All natural, safe, soothing, spa-like. They have an enormous list of products on their Never List that they refuse to use. I currently use their Essentials line- cleanser, AM/PM creams, eye cream, exfoliating cleanser once or twice a week.. and it’s really helped with my post-baby hormonal break-outs. They also have an anti-aging line that I’m planning to dive into next, because I’m a total (reformed) sun-lover also. You should check out their Purifying Charcoal Mask. It’s supposed to be like a 10 minute spa-grade facial! Perfect for your current routine with mimosas! 😉
If you ever want to try something, let me know and I’ll send something your way!
i have heard of it, but haven’t tried anything yet! i will definitely look into it! thank you 🙂
All of the Le Mer products are amazing….the price tag hurts a little( I mean a lot) but my skin never felt or looked better. I stopped using it for about 4 weeks when I ran out and I could tell the difference it made.
During the winter, I loved using Origins Night-a-Mins. There’s a cream and an oil, I believe, and my skin always felt so nice the next morning! I have loved some other Origins moisturizers as well (I’ve tried GinZing and Make a Difference), so I highly recommend them!
Osea is awesome! Their anti-aging balm is especially great on the neck (I’m uber scared of my neck lines… ;))… As far as moisturizing masks, I love May Lindstrom’s Honey Mud – it’s so soothing and smells like chocolate pudding. For the redness on your nose, I’d recommend Tammy Fender’s Capillary Strengthening Serum! It’s awesome at healing broken capillaries and reducing redness. I’m a huge huge huge fan of face oils, especially in the winter. I usually rotate between La Bella Figura Barbary fig seed oil, Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum and May Lindsttom’s Blue Cocoon (which you’d totally swoon over and need Steve to bring you more bon bons!!) xoxo
ooh. thank you natalie! I’m taking notes–you’re an expert in my book!!
my favorite moisturizing masks are may lindstrom’s honey mud and osea’s white algae mask! so great!
two votes for honey mud from follain gals! done.
I think I’m going to give your sister’s Damn Good Face Wash a try 🙂 I love what I’m using now, but it gives off that feeling you were talking about – all tight, no real moisture. Makes mes feel like it’s stripping my face of all the natural oils I actually need! Anyway – I swear by these 2 hydration masks. I use the rose in the morning and the First Aid Beauty at night. I don’t rinse either of them off.. just let them soak in! Enjoy! x
https://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Facial-Rose-Mask-Brightening/dp/B017J1LULK/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1466702235&sr=1-1&keywords=instanatural+rose+mask&tag=rewardstyle-20&ascsubtag=qZTGOwa2gP-iC-n-btbn8hb5swf–2731346249
https://www.amazon.com/First-Aid-Beauty-Overnight-Brightening/dp/B00MNKN7GE/ref=sr_1_16_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1466702105&sr=1-16&keywords=first+aid+beauty&tag=rewardstyle-20&ascsubtag=4zQi4wNAuX-iC-n-btbn6vb5swf–2731346249
thanks for the links girl! and would love to hear what you think of her facewash if you try it!!
I got a LaMer sample from Nordstrom and was horrified by the ingredients! Many chemicals that I would not use on my skin. I threw it away! I love the app Think Dirty for obtaining good information about what is in beauty products and what the various hazards are.
That’s crazy! And disappointing.
That part I’m not aware of. I’m pretty picky and avoid chemicals as much as possible, so this is new to me?
To chime in here, La Mer is filled with fillers and junky chemicals that don’t actually help your skin – which is why when you stop using them, you notice their absence. It’s scary how unregulated the US beauty industry really is and how many products / brands contain super dirty ingredients. I love EWG for information on what’s good vs bad. There’s a lot to navigate through, but given that our skin is our largest organ (and we absorb 80% of what we put on it), it’s important to be educated!
good info, natalie! i loved the brief time i spoke with one of the follain gals about this very thing. so knowledgeable!
I did look into this a bit and see that there is mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), but most of what I read boasts the “powers of transformation are derived from potent ingredients like nutrient-rich algae, protective antioxidant extracts and semi-precious stones,” blah blah.
I really like to know what I’m putting in/on my body, and these days it’s hard to keep up! Le sigh.
love you necklace– please do tell where you got it!
rebekah gough jewelry!
My latest go to skincare is Jivana products. Jivana is an Ayurvedic skincare line. Products are customized by three different skin constitutions. The new Rose Clay Mask is a life saver. It clears up breakouts overnight. I have very unpredictable skin these days… It was hard to consistently keep it clear. I was given a Jivana skincare set for Christmas from my piano student’s mom, the creator of this business. Ever since I have been using these products, my skin has never been better! My favorites are the rose clay mask, Sananda facial polish, cleansing powder, clean skin ahead toner, no drama treatment oil, and luscious oil control cream. The luscious oil control cream is amazing for dry skin. I highly recommend these products. Visit this website to learn about ancient Ayurveda beliefs and methods pertaining to the health and well being of our precious skin.
http://www.lovejivana.com/ these products are not just amazing (they smell AMAZING and make your skin look 20 years younger with a fresh glow!) they are affordable, all natural, and only made of the good stuff. Let me know what you think! ????
My latest go to skincare is Jivana products. Jivana is an Ayurvedic skincare line. Products are customized by three different skin constitutions. The new Rose Clay Mask is a life saver. It clears up breakouts overnight. I have very unpredictable skin these days… It was hard to consistently keep it clear. I was given a Jivana skincare set for Christmas from my piano student’s mom, the creator of this business. Ever since I have been using these products, my skin has never been better! My favorites are the rose clay mask, Sananda facial polish, cleansing powder, clean skin ahead toner, no drama treatment oil, and luscious oil control cream. The luscious oil control cream is amazing for dry skin. I highly recommend these products. Visit this website to learn about ancient Ayurveda beliefs and methods pertaining to the health and well being of our precious skin.
http://www.lovejivana.com/ these products are not just amazing (they smell AMAZING and make your skin look 20 years younger with a fresh glow!) they are affordable, all natural, and only made of the good stuff. Let me know what you think! ????
I’m happy to hear I’m not the only one more who’s skin care routine has gotten a little more high maintenance as I get a little older! My recent nightmare is skin sensitivities. My face would get red if I just thought about washing it. I recently tried the oil cleansing method and OMG I am in love! I will never really understand how oil cleans your face, but it leaves my skin feeling so soft and much less irritated. I also found some awesome soft washcloths ( https://FairfaceWashcloths.com ) that I use while oil cleansing and it has made a world of difference. I’ll have to try your sister’s oil now! It sounds wonderful!
I haven’t tried the Damn Good line, but you have me intrigued. I’ll have to check it out since I’m really searching for safer* options these days.
Rodan + Fields all the way! We have something for EVERYTHING (sensitive skin, rosacea, sun damage, dullness, acne/blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and more). PLUS we offer a 60 day, empty bottle, money back guarantee. I must admit I was a huge skeptic before I finally caved and tried their products when a dear friend became a consultant. I was blown away!
Fab (first aid beauty) untra repair cream is so good! I use it at night – lovely on the dry parts plus doesn’t seem to cause breakouts for me. Try it!
Here in NZ we have this gorgeous line called Janesce (also sold on strawberry net) and it’s natural and so divine. I use it alongside an internal beauty regime called Bestow Beauty http://www.bestowbeauty.com
CeraVe, yes, at the drugstore. Better than any expensive skincare I’ve tried!
I use the daytime moisturizer, nighttime moisturizer and face wash. Also, another drugstore brand, Roc. I love their Retinol correction day and night cream.