Hi Guys! SURPRISEEEE and Happy Friday! I know, I know. This post is a day late. But you know how I’ve been sick? I’ve also been working a ton of overtime and last night, it finally caught up to me. I was asleep by 7:30. But this post is one that I’ve been so excited to share so I figured, why not post on a Friday?! 🙂
This January, I’ve decided to dive into my New Years Resolutions a little bit more each Thursday. And this year, I’m starting with my totally revamped skin care routine! 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. You guys… I turn THIRTY this year (ugh I’m so old) and I feel like I really need to get my skin in check because it’s all down hill from here. (JK. Kind of.)
So when January 1st rolled around, I made a New Year’s Resolution that I was determined to stick to. I have completely changed up my products. I’ve been doing my best to find affordable products that my skin loves and so does my wallet. I’ve also been really into finding skin care that is “clean” thanks to Tati. (If you don’t watch Tati you should. She’s the best.) It’s been such an eye opening journey into what really goes into the products I’m putting on my skin.
So, before I even dive into the products I’m using, I’m going to share how I’ve been finding products that are better for my skin. Friends, meet Think Dirty and Healthy Living.
The Think Dirty app empowers ingredient conscious consumers to help them choose the safest beauty products for them. With an easy barcode scanner and search bar, you simply look up a product to see how it ranks from 0-10. (10 being the dirtiest.) Then, it will break down your products to show you which products in it are clean, and which are dirty. Now, i can tell you right now, that NOTHING (except my lip balm) in my routine gets the coveted “0” ranking. But I can tell you that it has opened my eyes to the products I use and has allowed me to do more research into the ingredients that I can tolerate and the ones that I can’t. (PS… Most of my products end up with a higher ranking due to Fragrance. For me, this ingredient isn’t a deal breaker.)
The Healthy Living app does the same thing for more than 120,000 products! I love both the apps equally, tbh. And use them interchangeably because I find that if one doesn’t have the product I’m searching for, the other does.
Still not sure you should use up the precious space on your phone with these FREE apps? Check out how easy they are to use below!
Alright. Are you ready to see the products I’ve been using? Now, I’ve only been using them since January 1st, but I’ve already noticed a difference in my skin! It feels cleaner, and looks a little bit brighter too!
Let’s take a closer look (in no particular order) at all the products that I’m hoping are going to change my skin this year!
The Face Products
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleansing Gel. So I’m like 98% sure that this product is meant to be used as a daily cleanser BUT that isn’t what I use it for. I actually use this every night to “take off the day”. Have you ever washed your face and then taken a toner or makeup wipe to it and been completely disgusted with the amount of stuff your cleanser missed? I have. So many times. So this year, I decided to purchase a pre-cleanser cleanse to help get rid of everything on my skin from the day. I have noticed the BIGGEST difference using this.
The claims?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel with hyaluronic acid is clinically proven to increase skin’s hydration level and lock it in. Boost hydration for soft, supple skin. Effectively removes makeup and impurities. Clinically proven to increase skin’s hydration level and lock it in.
I 1,000% agree with every single one of these claims. In fact, I barely need to use my makeup wipes anymore. (Yay for helping save the environment!) I like to think of this as a drug store version of the Clinque Take Off The Day Cleansing Balm. The textures aren’t the same at all, but they have the same affect!
Olay Total Effect 7 in 1 Cleanser. I’m SUPER on the fence about this cleanser. I only picked it up because they had a sale happening where I got a discount on a second Olay product. And because I hadn’t settled on a face wash for my new routine yet, I decided to try it. The things I like about it? It smells amazing and has little beads in it that scrub all the nasty stuff off my skin. (I like these kind of cleansers, personally.) BUT I don’t like the ingredients in it, and I’m not sure it’s really doing anything to change my skin. It’s sort of just keeping it the same.
The claims?
Olay Total Effects Refreshing Citrus Scrub cleanses and exfoliates to reveal healthy-looking skin. Kissed with a touch of citrus, it leaves you with smoother and brighter skin, primed for the rest of your regimen. The secret to this face wash is its gentle exfoliants, which cleans deep to help minimize the appearance of shine. The formula delivers 7 skin benefits in 1: cleans deep, refreshes skin, rapidly reduces appearance of fine lines, quickly refines appearance of pores, gently exfoliates, enhances brightness instantly and gently purifies. Over time, you’ll reveal vibrant, healthier-looking skin for a beautifully natural complexion.
Like I said, I’m not sure I agree with all of the claims. I like it enough to finish the bottle, but I probably won’t be repurchasing. I’ll probably end up going back to Proactiv, like always. (It really does always work for me.) But this year, it will be because Kendall Jenner told me to.
L’Oreal Pure-Clay Cleanser (Detox and Brighten) I discovered this product last year, and I’m bringing it into 2019 with me. I began 2018 using this face wash daily, however, as the year went on I used it less and less. I found that my acne didn’t stay away using this cleanser. But, I always have loved how clean this leaves my face feeling, so once a week, I would scrub my face with this and the little silicon scrubbie you see above. (I picked this up at Walmart randomly one day and love it!)
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. But like I said, I wouldn’t choose this for a daily cleanser if you have super oily skin like me.
Thayers Witch Hazel Toner. After reading countless testimonies about how there was no need for an expensive, fancy, toner when you could grab Thayers at Target, I knew I had to try it. And guys… I’m so glad I did! I purchased the travel size because I wasn’t sure how my skin would act, but after a week I noticed a difference. I had a bit of redness on my cheeks and nose and I’ve noticed it beginning to even out already. My skin also feels SO SOFT and I’m pretty positive it’s from this little jar of goodness. And it smells like Roses. And I loveeee the smell of roses.
The claims?
Thayers Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula Toner will make your skin bloom. Thayers remarkably soothing Rose Toner is made with rose-petal water and our proprietary Witch Hazel extract.The natural astringent properties of rose petals work in tandem with witch hazel, tightening pores, controlling oil production, locking moisture in, and keeping free radicals out.
Yup. 100% agree. Love this stuff. I’ve already bought the full size for when my travel size runs out.
L’Oreal Pure Sugar Scrub. So I bought this to exfoliate with once or twice a week. Honestly, I bought it because I love all the L’Oreal masks so much. I really wanted to love this, but tbh, it’s a waste of $12.99 Save yourself some money and make your own sugar scrub at home. It will do the exact same thing, be better for your skin and not smell terrible.
The claims?
L’Oréal’s Pure Sugar Scrubs are a naturally derived blend of 3 pure sugars, paired with kiwi seeds, peppermint and lemongrass oils. Pure Sugar Scrub Purify & Unclog is a gel sugar scrub that is truly kind to your skin. This scrub with brown, blond and white sugars, rich in minerals, melts into skin for gentle, yet effective exfoliation. Purify and unclog for baby soft skin. For use on both face and lips. See effective results immediately. Skin feels purified and clean. Dirt, oil and impurities are effectively removed. Dull skin is gently polished away. In 1 week: skin feels baby-soft, smooth and comforted. Pores look tighter, unclogged and less visible. Skin looks less shiny and rebalanced. Skin looks healthier, smoother, glowing. Purifies and Unclogs
3 Pure Sugars Plus Kiwi
3X weekly cleansing treatment
Also suitable for lips
Yes, it cleans out your pores. But honestly, no more than a DIY scrub. And I highly recommend not putting this on your lips… it tastes terrible.
Olay Total Effects Whip. This year, I decided to go back to a tried and true brand for my moisturizer. Last year, I started used the Drunk Elephant Protini. I loved how it made my skin feel BUT I didn’t notice any anti aging affects. And it started to make me nervous. I don’t want wrinkles! So I made the switch back to Olay. My mom has been using Olay since she was 18 and she looks AMAZING. Like seriously, no one ever believes her when she tells them how old she is. So I picked up a jar of the Olay Total Effects Whip last summer and have never looked back. I love how this makes my skin feel. It’s so light and airy! And the smell is so dang comforting to me. (It smells like I always remember my Mom smelling when I’d give her a hug before school in the mornings.) Plus, I’ve seen the anti-aging affects first hand. I have a feeling this will be in my skin care routine for years to come!
Olay Total Effects Fragrance-Free Whip delivers ultimate nourishment without the weight or fragrance. This breakthrough facial moisturizer and under makeup primer transforms from cream to liquid on contact for fast absorption and a breathable feel. You’ll feel skin that’s smooth, matte and shine-free. Formulated with vitamins C and E, this SPF 25 moisturizer delivers 7 benefits in 1: actively replenishes nourishing moisture, evens skin tone appearance, enhances brightness, visibly smooth’s fine lines, minimizes the look of pores, restores firmness and visibly reduces dark spots. Its innovative Active Rush Technology features a unique three-dimensional structure that transforms from cream to liquid on skin to deliver potent ingredients in an ultra-lightweight form. Forget about that sticky or greasy feeling, have it all with Total Effects Whip for powerful skincare with a light as air finish.
It does everything it promises and more! You’ll love this, I promise!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster. Confession time. I bought this because I read an article about how you should be putting vitamins on your skin to help it look better. (I don’t remember what article it was. It was like 15 pages deep on Google.) So I saw this at the store and decided to try it and so far, I like it. I’ll have to update you later on the changes that I notice in my skin over time, but immediately I can tell you it makes my skin feel hydrated.
The claims?
Hyaluronic Acid + Multi-Vitamin Boosting Capsule complex intensely hydrates and energizes skin. Energize and brighten dull, tired skin with Neutrogena’s innovative Multi-Vitamin Boosting Capsule complex. Helps fortify the skin barrier to protect against reoccurring dryness. Instantly quenches skin for hydrated, supple skin that glows from within. Can be worn alone or mixed with your favorite Hydro Boost product for extra hydration.
I mix this in with my Olay moisturizer and my skin always looks brighter and better! And a heads up, I don’t find there to be ANY glitter in this product. There are quite a few negative reviews on Ulta claiming this leaves your skin glittery but I don’t have a single trace of glitter in mine.
Garnier Ultra Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream. Okay. I’m going to be honest and just tell you that I don’t like this. I wanted to love it so much and I am sad I don’t. When I was young I used the Garnier roller ball ALL THE TIME and I wanted to buy that again, but I don’t think they sell it anymore? Anyways. Before I tell you why this product isn’t for me, let’s see what it claims to do!
The claims?
This anti-aging eye cream is formulated with Pro-Retinol, Rice Peptides, caffeine and an antioxidant complex with Vitamin A
This anti-aging eye treatment hydrates skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area
The Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream is an anti-aging treatment that deeply hydrates and improves skin elasticity
The eye cream instantly hydrates, refreshes, smoothes and brightens the eye area while reducing the look of crow’s feet
This eye cream is suitable for all skin types and in just two weeks, wrinkles will be reduced and the eye area will look firmer and more lifted.
Alright. So I probably can’t be super judgy about this because I don’t have eye wrinkles (except my smile lines) just yet. So I can’t tell you if it actually helps with them. But I can tell you that this feels, looks and smells like sunscreen. I can also tell you that if you have sensitive eyes, this is not the product for you. I tried to use this for a week straight and the exact same thing happened every time. I would put this under my eyes at night and when I would blink it got a little on my lashes and it instantly started burning and then my eyes started watering and I would end up wiping it all off about 3 minutes later. This product just isn’t for me. Anyone have a great eye cream that they would recommend?! Leave it in the comments below. I’m on the hunt for a new one!
Oh Sheet… The Masks
It’s not secret that I love a good face mask! From peel offs to sheet masks and everything in between, if I can sit around looking like an alien for 20 minutes while my face soaks up all sorts of goodness, you know I’m there! Instead of reviewing every mask I love, I’m listing them below, because they honestly are all so great! (See one you’d like an in-depth review on? Let me know.)
Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask
Garnier Charcoal Purifying Sheet Mask
L’Oreal Pure Clay Masks (They’re all amazing!)
GlamGlow Super Mud
I Dew Care Disco Kitten
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask (I use this as a spot treatment)
The Body Products
When we talk about daily skin care, we tend to forget to mention the skin that isn’t on our face! Here’s what I’m using on my body this year.
Olay Age Defying Body Wash
I’ve used this for years and it’s my favorite. Keeps me
hydrated and smells good!
Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion
I used to use this in high school and then stopped for some reason. Then I heard Meghan Markle uses it and since I’m a wanna be princess, I bought it again. And I’m really glad I did!
My Daily Skin Care Routine
I start every morning cleansing my face. A little warm water and whatever cleanser I’m trying out at the moment!
Once my face is washed, I pat it dry and then go in with my Witch Hazel Toner. 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 Olay Whip moisturizer and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Vitamin Booster. I press these 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 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleansing Gel. It AMAZES me how much junk comes of my skin at the end of the day. This step has truly made all the difference in my skin care routine lately!
Next, it’s time to wash my face with my cleanser. (Two times a week, Sunday and Wednesday, I’ll wash my face with a sugar scrub first! I always use my cleanser after the scrub because I don’t like how they leave my face feeling oily.)
On a typical night, I’ll then go in with my Olay Whip moisturizer and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Vitamin Booster and add my Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask as a spot treatment to any blemishes I might have, then hop in bed. (This is also when I tried to put on the wrinkle cream and it didn’t go well.)
However, a few times a week when my skin (or my soul) needs a pick me up, I’ll pull out one of my masks! I usually like to do these towards the end of the week, my skin is in need of all the extra love it can get. 🙂
So really, 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. 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!
Alright my loves, I’m ready to weekend! How about you?! I’ll be back on Sunday.
Xx.
Savannah
PS… I didn’t link any of these products because you’ll find the best deals on them at your local drugstores. If you’re unsure of what product I’ve mentioned, let me know. I’d be happy to send a link your way!
Savannah Said It 
I would love to see a review on any of the face masks! I read your posts about the Glam Glow vs the L’Oreal clay mask and I bought the clay mask and love it. I’m always looking for a good mask for my oily skin, too!
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