Not too long ago, I decided to invest in my skincare routine. It’s easy to find a body wash and lotion for sensitive and dry skin, but for my face? I had to do some research, ok? If you’re looking for new facial care products or a new brand to try, keep reading!
What Do You Mean You “Invested” in Skincare?
It’s easy to buy any drugstore brand facial cleanser or moisturizer and call it a day. To be honest, that’s what I did for years. I tried Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Simple, Shea Moisture African Black Soap, Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap, Aveeno—pretty much everything. I had limited income, and I couldn’t afford to spend that much money, so I decided to sit down and do some research.
I watched YouTube videos on skincare pretty often and found a brand named No7 (which I still use to this day). The YouTuber had sensitive and dry skin just like me! I bought the cleansing balm for dry/very dry skin, and I didn’t look back. Not only did it clean my face, but it moisturized it, too. I didn’t have any signs of drying or tightness, so I was satisfied. Eventually, though, I realized that the cleansing balm is great, but I needed a real moisturizer, so I bought the No7 Day Cream for dry/very dry skin, and it worked like a charm.
After I graduated college and landed a paid internship, I realized that although the cleansing balm and moisturizer was great, I was still experiencing some flakiness on and between my brows as well as my forehead. “Why me?!” I thought to myself. I pretty much ran into ULTA and was introduced to the Upper Echelon that is Dermalogica. They’re not cheap, but I had the money, and I was desperate, so I bought the pre-cleanse balm, facial cleanser, and water gel moisturizer (from their sensitive skin line). Investing in Dermalogica was the best decision I’ve ever made when it comes to choosing my skincare regimen. They’re expensive, but so worth it. Their brand includes sensitive, dry, aging, normal, and oily categories. There’s something for everyone.
How I Made My Skincare Regimen
Trial and error is the best way I can explain how I came up with my skincare regimen. After continuously using Dermalogica, my skin never looked better. I even threw in the Mario Badescu facial spray (the rosewater one) to use as a toner.
However, my forehead and eyebrows were still flaky. Moisturized, sure, but flaky. That’s when I learned about exfoliating. All my life, I thought exfoliating wasn’t for people with dry skin. In reality, though, exfoliating is for everyone! It gets rid of the dry, dead skin on your face and body. I ended up purchasing the Clarions One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (the travel size one, of course) and loved it immediately. The key to exfoliating is to make sure you target the problem areas and exfoliate for at least one minute (in the shower, while your pores are open).
After more trial and error, I switched from the rosewater Mario Badescu facial spray to the cucumber one. I learned that the rose and rosewater products are better for oily skin, after trying out the Rosehip oil.
I also replaced the calming water gel moisturizer from Dermalogica to the No7 day and night creams. I needed a heavier, richer moisturizer with sunscreen (which the day cream has). Because my forehead gets even drier in the winter, I make sure to target my exfoliating and moisturizing on that problem area.
I also ended up purchasing Mario Badescu’s Hyaluronic Eye Cream for added moisture. My next purchase will be the brand’s Glycolic Eye Cream, which targets discoloration and dark circles under the eyes (because these bags are NOT designer).
My Current Skincare Products and Prices
Disclaimer: I used my own money to buy these products, and some of them were on sale at the time of purchase or I used rewards points from the stores. Prices also depend on the size of the product.
FOREO Luna Play Plus, $49 (This is just a small cleansing device that vibrates when you turn it on. Apply your cleanser to your face, rub it in with FOREO, and then rinse.)
Dermalogica Travel Size Precleanse Balm w/ Mitt, $15
Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, $38
Clarins Travel Size One-Step Exfoliating Cleanser, $15
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea, $7-$12
No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Dry/Very Dry, $14.99
No7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream for Dry/Very Dry, $14.99
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream, $18
LUSH Honey lip scrub, $10.95 (because my lips get so dry in the winter and this helps combat the dryness)
What are your favorite skincare products? See anything on my list you’d like to try for yourself? Feel free to contact me and ask questions!
