SKINCARE ROUTINE: OILY, SENSITIVE, ACNE-PRONE SKIN

I have extremely oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. I have always had fairly oily skin but it wasn’t until I turned 22 that I noticed mild acne on my cheeks. It was painful and left dark scars on my skin. For someone who went from the occasional pimple to acne, it was quite upsetting. I had to revamp my skincare regime to fit this new skin type and I have finally perfected a routine that works for me. The following products have gotten my skin clear and back on track!

CLEANSE: NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE ACNE WASH PINK GRAPEFRUIT FACIAL CLEANSER

Overview: I have been using this product since high school and it has worked quite well for me. It does a great job of thoroughly cleansing my skin while still being very gentle.

Formulation: This is a non-comedogenic facial cleanser, which keeps those pores free from any sort of blockage. It has grape fruit extract, Vitamin C, and 2% Salicylic Acid; all great ingredients for fighting off acne. I find that a lot of acne products out there with Salicylic Acid can often leave your skin feeling really dry. Fortunately, I have not experienced any dryness with this cleanser. It just leaves my skin feeling nice and clean!

Application: I like to use this with my Sephora Precision Pore Cleansing Pad. I love using this silicone pad because it gives the product a nice lather and works well to gently massage my skin. I put a pump of product onto the pad and work in circular motions around my face. I then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Purchase: $8.96 for 177 mL at Walmart

 

EXFOLIATE: ST.IVES APRICOTE SCRUB

Overview: This is another drugstore product I have been faithful to for quite some time. It is a good quality, budget friendly product that has worked well for me.

Formulation: This product contains Apricot Extract and 2% Salicylic Acid making it a great product for acne prone skin. Like most scrubs the texture is gritty, but it is gentle and definitely not abrasive. It does a great job at removing all those dead skin cells and leaving your face feeling soft as a baby’s bottom!

Application: I exfoliate my face with this scrub about once or twice a week. I make sure to never over exfoliate my skin, as that can be very damaging. I squeeze out a small amount and massage it into my wet skin using circular motions. I like to let it sit on my skin for about 30 sec or so, until I start to feel a tingling sensation. I then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Purchase: $4.57 for 150 mL at Walmart

 

TONE: THE BODY SHOP TEA TREE SKIN CLEARING TONER

Overview: This is an extra step that some like to do, and some don’t. I personally find that using a toner helps to remove that last bit of makeup or residue that my cleanser couldn’t tackle. Adding this specific toner to my regime has helped even out my skin tone, and cut down on the healing time of my scars.

Formulation: This product is formulated with Tamanu oil, White Willow Bark extracts, and Tea Tree oil- the key ingredient. Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial properties that help disinfect and heal, which is great for both active acne and scars. If you have normal to dry skin I would not recommend you use this, as it is a bit drying. This particular toner is targeted more towards oily skin.

Application: I start by shaking the bottle to activate the ingredients. I then use a cotton pad to sweep this across my face and neck. Make sure to use the tiniest amount of product because it will sting! A little is all you need to get the full benefits of this toner. I especially love applying this in the morning because it has a cool, refreshing feel that will wake you right up!

Purchase: $14.00 for 250mL at The Body Shop

 

TREAT: LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR DUO GLOBAL ACTION ACNE TREATMENT

Overview: I really have to thank this product for clearing up my skin. It is definitely on the “holy grail” list. I have recommended it to many people because it has worked so well on my skin!

Formulation: This contains 5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide which helps get rid of bacteria as well as exfoliate dead skin cells. It absorbs well into the skin and doesn’t have a drying affect. I have tried other acne treatments, which have caused a lot of peeling and redness. This product is really gentle and is great to keep that mild acne at bay.

Application: I take a pea-sized amount and apply a thin layer all over my face and neck. I like to gently pat it into my skin to make sure it absorbs well. As you apply, be careful not to get this around the eyes, as is it too harsh for such a sensitive area. I would also recommend using this every few days in the beginning, so your skin can slowly get accustomed and not overly irritated.

Purchase: $26.00 for 40 mL at Shoppers Drug Mart

 

MOISTURIZE: CETAPHIL SENSITIVE SKIN MOISTURIZING LOTION

Overview: This is a great basic moisturizer. It is a no muss, no fuss type of product that does the job right. It is inexpensive, you get a ton of product, and it works great!

Formulation: It is important to keep your skin hydrated, especially when using acne treatments. This product is very moisturizing without being heavy or greasy. It absorbs well into my skin and helps lock in moisture. It is also fragrance free and non-comedogenic, making it a well-rounded product especially for those of you with sensitive and oily skin.

Application: I take a generous amount of product, gently pat it into my face, and bring it down to onto my neck. I also apply this around my eyes as it is quite gentle, and I haven’t experienced any sort of irritation.

Purchase: $9.67 for 250mL at Walmart

 

I hope this helps those of you with a similar skin type. Remember, everyone’s skin is different so what works for me might not work for you. It’s really about experimenting to see what your skin likes, and of course patience! Give the products time to see the effects on you skin. My skin has its ups and downs, and is definitely far from being perfect, but I will continue my skin journey to get it looking the best I can.

PS. I am still on the search for a hydrating eye cream so let me know if anyone has any suggestions!

 

 

FALL ESSENTIALS

Lets switch gears and get into the fall mood! Here are a few things that pop into my head when I think of fall.

CANDLES
You can’t start off fall without a lovely fall candle! I’ll be honest, I like to light candles all year round, but it isn’t until the fall where I really get that itch to fill my entire house with the aroma and ambiance of candles. It gives your space such a warm and cozy feel. My absolute favourite fall candle is Sweater Weather from Bath and Body Works. It’s a light fresh scent; every time I light this candle I just think about crunchy leaves and cozy sweaters!

BOLD BERRY LIPS
This has to be my favourite thing about transitioning into the fall. You go from bright and summery colours, to deep and bold colours. Adding a deep lip colour immediately changes your look to sexy and sophisticated. It’s an easy way to add a little flare to your look. It is also such a universal look that anyone can pull off. Whether your skin is light or dark, everyone can rock a bold berry lip.

OVERSIZED KNITS
It’s time to get comfy and cozy with oversized sweaters! I love to cuddle up in my sweater on those chilly fall nights. It is a must have piece that looks adorable on everyone. You can just throw one on and head out the door; no effort needed and you always manage to look great! Plus, they do a great job of hiding those huge comfort meals we start eating this time of year. Who doesn’t like that?

BOOTS
Keeping up a pedicure all summer long can be a daunting task. Not worry, because fall calls for boots! Time to switch out those open toed shoes to comfy boots. Knee-highs, booties, wedges, etc. you name it, I love my boots! There is a style out there to suit each and every one. Not to mention, an oversized sweater just isn’t complete without a pair of boots to match.

SCARVES
This is a great accessory to add to your fall look. Whatever way you style them they always add that touch of warmth to an outfit. Blanket scarves are specifically great because you can use them as blankets! Think about those chilly days in the office where you can just take your chic accessory and use it to keep warm. It’s a win-win!

Those are my top 5 must-haves to transition into fall. What are your fall essentials?

DIY: CANDLE JAR BRUSH HOLDER

If any of you buy candles then you know that at the end of your candle’s life, you’ll be left with a glass jar filled with about 1/2” of wax that can’t be lit anymore. Instead of throwing the jar away, why not repurpose it to make something new! These jars are perfect to use for any kind of storage and you can even customize it with different designs to match your décor. Follow these steps to find out how to get that left over wax out and reuse the jars!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

– Candle (3 wick candle from bath and body works)

– Pot

– Water

– Rubbing Alcohol

– Filling

 STEPS:

1. Fill a pot with water.
2. Once the water has boiled, place the bottom portion of the candle jar in the water and swirl around to loosen the wax around the edges.
3. The wax will slowly start to lift off the bottom and will slip right out! Remove the wax and wicks, and place on a paper towel to cool down before disposal. Be careful because it will be hot!
4. Wipe the jar with rubbing alcohol to take off any remaining gunk. Go over it with Windex to really get that glass to sparkle!
5. Fill about 2/3 of the jar with a filling of your choice. I usually opt for clear beads because I like more of a minimalist look, but you can go with what ever suits your needs. Then stick in your brushes and you’re good to go!

There you have it; an easy way to repurpose those candle jars you have lying around. I also use these jars to store cotton balls, cotton swabs, etc. They are great for all kinds of storage! You can always add details to the jar itself to make it a little more creative, or keep it as is for a simple clean look! Hope you enjoyed!