My Skincare Lineup

Not until I started sorting through my products to put in this post, did I realize how much CRAP I actually use for skincare. I guess when it's all sorted and pretty in my bathroom it doesn't look like that much stuff (tell that to my boyfriend). Overall, I am pretty satisfied with my routine right now. I am still getting clogged pores on my chin and think that I need to introduce a BHA to my lineup, something with salicylic acid. So I am thinking the Jack Black resurfacing pads and also picking up some manuka honey to make masks with. This is mostly the backbone of my skincare, but I do sample other products and once I finish something could switch it up. FYI: I have Dry/Combo skin

Morning Routine:

Caudalie Cleansing Water- I had been using this for several years as a makeup remover (which it does pretty well), but recently I switched and made this my cleanser/toner in the AM. I am way too lazy in the morning, and need to keep things as simple as possible. You just put some on a cotton pad and wash away any residue from the night, leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished without having to rinse and dry my face. Pretty sure this will stay in my lineup for a long time.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir- I use this after my "cleanser", I spray it on my hands and then pat it onto my face (learned that trick of Lisa Eldridge). I love the smell and hydration that this gives my skin, but other than that- haven't noticed a huge difference. This product is ridiculously expensive, and contains alcohol- so when I use this up I will be switching to the regular Caudalie Grape Water spray, which hopefully will achieve the same thing that I love from this product. 

Bliss Best of skintensions- I had this for a while and just started using it. It is a pretty straightforward moisturizer- not greasy and SPF 15 with UVA/UVB protection. This is no longer available, they discontinued it- I enjoy it, but doesn't break my heart that I won't be able to repurchase it.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Sunscreen- I use this in the summer time as my SPF, it is very water resistant and doesn't clog my pores, or leave my skin greasy. Like this stuff A LOT! SPF 55+ and UVA/UVB protection for face. I have light/medium skin, but with no SPF I will burn, burn, burn.

Night-time Routine:

Josie Maran Cleansing Oil- I just purchased the full sized, but was using a sample up and fell in love. You apply this oil to dry skin and massage through, and it really just melts all of your makeup off. Rinse it with water and your skin is super clean.

Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm- This had gotten such rave reviews by bloggers that I HAD to get my hands on it- and thankfully a 15% sale on feelunique.com, I snatched this thing up- and don't regret it for a second. Rub it into your skin and then wipe off with a muslin cloth- love it.

Mario Badescu Glocolic Acid Toner- I repurchased this toner, but now I am having remorse. While I think it's a good toner- I am not amazed by it, but for the price- I think it is a good toner. It cleans excess dirt/makeup that wasn't cleansed- and "tingles"  but doesn't burn.

Caudalie SOS serum- one pump of this onto my skin and it immediately hydrates and plumps my skin. I really enjoy this serum- very moisturizing and hydrating my dehydrated skin.

Josie Maran Argan Oil- I use about 5 drops onto my hands and work it into my skin- it really sinks in overnight, and when I wake up my skin looks fresh and radiant. Really love this stuff, but don't think the price tag is worth it- you can find 100% argan oil at Whole Foods or Vitacost for much cheaper.

Ole Henriksen Fresh Start Eye Cream- I am not sold on eye creams, as I never really notice a difference, but I know that its something that I should be doing. That being said, this is creamy and sinks in quickly. But I do hate the packaging- it says it contains anti-oxidants, but its in a jar, so everytime I open it and expose it to the air it is exposing the anti-oxidants and weakening them.

Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm- love this stuff! it smells like honey and lemons- its pretty thick, but I am putting it on before bed. If I put this on before makeup- I make sure it is a very thin layer.

Soap and Glory Hand Food- I really like the smell of this, and it does sink in pretty well, but I don't like it more than my Caudalie Hand Cream- and will probably repurchase the Caudalie.

Add ons:

Laura Mercier flawless skin face polish- extremely finely milled exfoliating beads really slough off the dead skin without scratching or damaging the skin. You only need the smallest amount to clean your entire face. I realized that this does have SLS in it, so I won't be repurchasing it.

Sara Happ lip scrub in blood orange- this stuff smells amazing- super fresh and citrusy, but considering the price- doesn't live up to the hype. I will use it up, but I think I'm going to start making my own scrubs.

Origins super spot remover- You just put a dab of this on a blemish at night time and when you wake up, it is noticeably smaller and less irritated. I wouldn't say that it gets rid of it completely, but it does take away redness and irritation, and helps with scarring.

Alpha Hydroxy 10% glycolic cream- About once a week I will put this on at night time. If you have never used something with this much glycolic acid- expect a small tingle, but nothing uncomfortable. It pretty much eats at all of the dead skin on your surface- leaving your skin super fresh and radiant.