Eeeek! You guys! I’ve been DYING to share this with you for what feels like FOREVER now. I’ve totally changed up my skin care routine and I can honestly say that I’ve found some miracle products that I L-O-V-E. So grab a coffee and snuggle in… this is about to be a loooong one.
Every Winter, I HATE my skin. I get to the point where I don’t even want to look in mirror. In the summer, I always have a nice tan that leaves my imperfections not quite as noticeable. I feel confident rocking no make up even though my skin isn’t perfect. But when my tan begins to fade every October and my skins becomes practically see through by November, I’m over it real fast.
Year after year, I turned to the same products that never really changed my skin, but just made it tolerable. This year, I decided that was going to change. I wanted to change my skin for the better, and get into a routine so that years from now, I wasn’t looking at every wrinkle with regret because I didn’t start taking care of my skin sooner.
So when January 1st rolled around, I made a New Year’s Resolution that I was determined to stick to. And guys… I’m SO glad I did! I switched up products, mixed in new loves with old favorites, and haven’t missed a single morning or night of taking care of my skin. And for the first time in a loooong time, I feel good without makeup in the middle of winter!
Want to see what products have changed my skin for the better? Keep reading! But first, let’s start with some progress pics, shall we?!
The first pic actually has me CRINGING y’all! I took this picture, fresh out the shower on January 1st. My skin looks dull, I’ve got a bunch of pimples and redness and I was ready to get my skin looking better.
Fast forward to one month later… I snapped this picture on my way to Target (of course) and I have ZERO pimples. Guys. This is huge for me. My oily skin ALWAYS has some sort of acne issue. These products have cleared up my acne so well, that I’m not even getting major breakouts “that time of the month”.
And lastly, a picture from this past weekend right after I finished my workout.
I mean.. come on! Look how much better my skin looks! It’s glowy and healthy, I have zero breakouts and redness and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s looking!
I wish you could all see it in person, because it seriously looks so much better! My skin is still far from perfect (can you say PORES) but it really looks so much better!
For years, I’ve been a Proactive girl. Ever since I got my first pimple in Middle School, I used their 3 Step System. It was the only thing that combated my oily skin, and kept my acne semi under control. I strayed a bit in my college years, trying to find “adult” face washes that would keep my acne at bay, but nothing seemed to work. I went right back to my Proactive and stuck to it.
But after years and years of it working for me, this year, I noticed it wasn’t doing what I wanted it to for my skin. I started doing some research, and actually found out that many dermatologists believe it actually thins your skin after many years of use. And thinning skin as I get older did not sound good to me. Which is when I decided to change it up. And I’m so glad I did!
Eeek! I can’t wait to share these new holy grail products with you! Let’s take an up close look at all the products (drugstore and high end) that have transformed my skin this year!
The Products
L’Oreal Pure-Clay Cleanser (Detox and Brighten) I think the hardest part about choosing a new face wash for me was finding one that helped my acne. Over the years, I’ve tested out hundreds of drug store face washes that just made my break outs worse. One day, while walking through Meijer, I saw the new L’Oreal Pure-Clay Cleansers. If you read this blog regularly, you know I love the face mask version. I picked it up and legit stood in the aisle for 10 minutes trying to decide if I should buy it, or go with a face wash that is specifically made for fighting acne. Choosing a face wash that didn’t have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid was so uncharacteristic of me. I’d always thought that was what my skin needed. But I decided to try the L’Oreal Pure-Clay Cleanser anyways. And I’m SO happy I did!
The claims?
L’Oreal Paris Skin Experts created our 1st range of clay-to-mousse daily cleansers that leave skin looking perfectly clear. Each cleanser is powered by 3 different clays in their pure form and enhanced with a nature-sourced ingredient. Indulgently formulated to seamlessly transform from clay-to-mousse, Pure Clay Cleansers remove everyday impurities without overdrying. Pure Clay Cleanser Detox-Brighten goes beyond daily cleansing to clarify and detoxify for skin that can breathe better. Immediately skin is purified of dirt, oil and pollution, and is left with a clean, clear healthy look. Skin looks revitalized with a fresh glow. Use after use, skin’s overall quality is improved. Dull skin appears more radiant and luminous. Skin looks more beautiful.
- 3 Pure Clays and Charcoal Clay-to Mousse Cleanser
- Gently Cleanses away Impurities
- Energizes Dull Skin and Brightens
- Evens Skin Tone
I 1,000% agree with every single one of these claims. My skin has never felt cleaner! In fact, my pores are so clean, that acne hasn’t even been an issue. My skin is smooth and looks better than it has before. It’s basically everything I love about their mask, in a cleanser form! The only downside is that it’s pretty messy. But having to wipe my counter every morning is a small price to pay for better skin.
Micellar Cleansing Water Ahhh Micellar Water. I’ve loved using micellar water ever since it hit the shelves a few years back. It is an absolute fantastic make up remover… but I’ve actually started using it just to get the extra “gunk” off my face after I wash it. This might seem like a weird step, but I’ll talk more about that later! I’ve been using the L’Oreal Micellar Water simply because when I bought my cleanser, it was buy one get one so I got it for free. It’s not my favorite micellar water I’ve used (my favorite is the Simple brand) but it’s still a great product. (It’s a 1,000 times better than the Gariner one that feels oily.)
The claims?
Removing waterproof mascara with basic cleansers is generally difficult leading to harsh rubbing, which can dry skin. L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water for All Skin Types is gentle on skin and removes makeup in one step, even waterproof mascara, and dirt, leaving skin looking hydrated and purified. HOW DOES IT WORK? Powered by tiny micelle molecules in water that cluster together to surround and lift away impurities and makeup with no harsh rubbing. THE RESULT? Skin is purified and clear of makeup and dirt, while left with a hydrated look.
Removes Makeup – Even Waterproof
Cleans Dirt and Impurities
Intensely Purifies
Again, I totally agree with everything this product claims to do! My skin is clean and makeup free any time I use it. AND it even catches the “gunk” that my cleanser misses. I love this stuff!
Pixi Glow Tonic This is a cult favorite for a reason. This exfoliating toner is an actual miracle worker, and I can totally see why it’s won so many awards.
The claims?
Treat the sensitive skin on your face with the Skintreats Glow Tonic from Pixi. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates skin to reveal healthy, glowing skin underneath, while ginseng improves circulation to keep your skin looking great. Aloe vera soothes skin as you tone, preventing irritation that can come from exfoliating. This cruelty-free skin tonic is great for all skin types, and is paraben-free so you can feel good about what you’re using.
This little beauty does everything it promises. It makes my skin glow under my makeup and has been huge in evening out my skin tone! The one down fall for me is the smell. I really don’t like how it smells. (I might be the only person on the planet btw.) I also love that it’s paraben-free and that it doesn’t make my sensative skin flare up.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream If there is only one product you buy from this post… this should be it. Dunk Elephant products have been an absolutely smash success in the past year and have had nothing but rave reviews. I’d been wanting to dabble in the Drunk Elephant world, but their products are expensive. I’d never used serums or gels before, and a bar soap for my face made me nervous. I was worried to spend that much money on a product I might hate. Well, this year, I needed a new moisturizer and Drunk Elephant just so happened to release a brand spanking new one the time I was looking.
The claims? (Get ready… it’s a LONG list. But you should read it.)
Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Oily
✔ Combination
✔ Dry
✔ SensitiveWhat it is:
A breakthrough protein moisturizer that combines an unprecedented array and concentration of actives for improvement in the appearance of skin’s tone, texture, and firmness.Solutions for:
– Loss of firmness and elasticity
– Dryness
– Dullness and uneven textureIf you want to know more…
Protini’s proprietary formula delivers younger, revived-looking skin, almost from the first application. Lines, wrinkles and signs of sun-damage appear reduced; depleted skin feels strengthened and moisturized. The formula’s concentration of signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids, and pygmy waterlily extract provide visible and immediate results.What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– PhthalatesWhat else you need to know:
Think of Protini™ in your DE skincare routine like adding a shot of protein to your smoothie. Abundant with proteins and nutrients, and formulated at a pH level of 4.0, it replenishes and gives your skin a strong, healthy appearance. This product is vegan and gluten-free.Drunk Elephant uses only clean ingredients that either directly benefit the skin’s health or support the integrity and effectiveness of their formulations. They never take into account an ingredient’s synthetic or natural status, but instead choose based on its safety and bio-compatibility. You won’t find silicones, chemical sunscreens, sensitizing dyes, perfumes, or fragrant essential oils of any kind in their products, making them appropriate for every skin type. Drunk Elephant is a supporter of IEF (International Elephant Foundation) and is cruelty-free.
“Hi all! Every day, I add protein powder to my smoothie for muscle support. I wanted a different kind of moisturizer that would do the same for my collagen—help support, maintain, and possibly prevent the breakdown of existing. Protini was born. Jam-packed with crazy levels of amino acids, signal peptides, and safe, synthetic growth factors (the good kind), this dreamy cream melts right into your skin to make it hydrated, bouncy, and balanced. I’m hoping you’ll fall #drunkinlove!”—Tiffany, Founder of Drunk Elephant
Research results:
In an independent consumer testing panel of 50 women age 25 to 55:
– 100% agreed their skin felt replenished and nourished
– 97% agreed their skin felt moisturized
– 97% agreed their skin texture felt soft and smooth
– 88% agreed their skin was strengthened
– 85% agreed their skin looked plumped and youthful
– 73% agreed their skin felt firmer and elastic
And guys… this moisturizer is MAGIC. I’m officially on the Drunk Elephant train, and can’t wait to try more of their products. This moisturizer is worth every damn penny. My skin stays hydrated all day. I haven’t had a single dry patch since I started using it. My skin looks better, feels better and it feels SO GOOD. I seriously can’t say enough good things about it. And while the price is steep, it lasts a long time. I’ve been using this moisturizer day and night for almost 3 months, and am still on my first jar. So Drunk Elephant, I bow down to you. And you can just take my money now. All of it.
Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask An oldie but a goodie, this is the one Proactive product I couldn’t part with. I’ve always used their skin purifying mask as a spot treatment on my pimples. Whenever I felt one coming, I’d dab a bit on before bed and it would be gone the next time.
The claims?
Potent deep-cleansing sulfur mask formulated to clear acne blemishes and help prevent new breakouts from forming.
- Clears blemishes and helps prevent new breakout from forming
- Helps calm irritation and reduces redness
- Deep cleans pores
- Shrinks the appearance of pores
- Helps give the appearance of smoother, more refined skin
- Helps reduce excess oil and shine
- Has antioxidant protection
- Developed to help moisturize the skin
- Speeds the healing of pimples with spot treatment
- Detoxifying (6%) sulfur acne medicine
- Formulated with kaolin clay, antioxidant vitamin E and tea tree oil
- Contains conditioning botanical extracts
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Suitable for all skin types – oily, dry, combination, normal and sensitive
It works just like it says, and I’ve never used a spot treatment that I like better. I wouldn’t recommend using this as an actual mask though. I did a few times when I was younger and every time it left my skin red and irritated.
GlamGlow Super Mud Mask You already know I love this product… I didn an entire post on it! Read my thoughts on GlamGlow Super Mud here!
My Daily Skin Care Routine
I start every morning cleansing my face. A little warm water and my L’Oreal Pure-Clay Cleanser are exactly what I need to wake me up in the morning. (And coffee of course!)
Once my face is washed, I pat it dry and then go in with my Micellar Water. This step might seem odd, especially because a lot of people use their micellar water to cleanse their skin. But this extra step has made a HUGE difference for me. You wouldn’t believe how much extra dirt I get off my skin my going in with this after I was my face. It’s honestly kind of amazing! I don’t feel like my skin is actually clean until I’ve cleansed with my soap, and then went in with my micellar water!
Next up is my Glow Tonic. This toner helps my skin to look awake and not like I just crawled out from the hole I’ve been hibernating in.
I let my skin dry, and then apply my holiest of holy grail products, my Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer. I press this into my skin and let it soak in while I have my coffee.
After that, I apply my makeup and I’m out the door!
At night, my routine is pretty similar!
I start by taking off the day with my Micellar Water. Sometimes, I’ll use two of those little make up pads full, just to make sure I get all the make up and dirt off my face.
Next, it’s time to wash my face with my L’Oreal Cleanser.
On a typical night, I’ll then go in with my Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer and add my Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask as a spot treatment to any blemishes I might have, then hop in bed.
However, once a week, before I apply my moisturizer, I’ll do my GlamGlow mask. I usually save this for the end of the week, when my skin could really use a pick me up!
The only thing I’m still missing is an eye cream! I’ve been shopping around a bit, but am still trying to decide which one I’m going to purchase. (Learning towards the Shaba Complex Eye Serum from Drunk Elephant but we’ll see!) Any recommendations? I mostly want to fight dark circles… but also help prevent aging! (You can never start too early guys!)
Woah. I told you that was going to be a long one! I hope I helped you find a product you might love too! What are your can’t live without skin care products? I’m always up to try something new!
Find all my favorite products linked below!
Drunk Elepahnt Protini Polypeptide Cream
GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment
L’Oreal Micellar Water
(My current micellar water)
Simple Micellar Water
(My favorite micellar water!)
Alright my friends. I’m sure you’re tired of reading by now! Have a fantastic weekend everyone! We’re heading to babysit our sweet little niece and I just can’t wait to snuggle her! I’ll be back on Sunday with a Weekend Round Up!
Xx.
Savannah
Savannah Said It 
Your complexion looks amazing…great information…
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