I've been trying out new products that quickly became my absolute favourites in the last couple of months. I'm always looking for a good face cleanser that has hydrating properties but still gets out impurities and makeup. Skincare has become so important, I consider this first before makeup. Imagine having the best makeup on but looking terrible due to bad skin? No no no. My skin type is combination (I tend to get oily on the T-zone) + sensitive (but not ultra-sensitive). I still avoid getting products that are super harsh and contain detergents and other abrasive ingredients. Most are natural and I've had a good experience with all of these products. Needless to say, I recommend the products to anyone who has dry-normal-combination-sensitive skin.
I like to alternate between the following products to change my routine, I sense that my skin will get used to certain ingredients and won't work the same way. (call me crazy!)
1. Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser ($.34.00): Antipodes is a brand I've fallen in love with, it has such amazing products that actually work. I was over the top excited to try it and I had really high hopes. Until today it hasn't let me down. The products are well known for containing manuka honey (has antibacterial and healing properties, works as an anti-wrinkle agent and as a natural astringent) and also for being natural, organic and cruelty free! :) The first week I used this cleanser (twice a day) my skin was instantly soft and had an amazing glow, I didn't break out during the whole time and my skin seemed healthier. I use a face brush whenever I need an extra clean and my skin looks even brighter! The texture of the gel is really nice, it has a lovely scent of green apple and cardamon. A little goes a long way.
2. Lush Angels on Bare Skin Face Cleanser ($.28.95): this fabulous cleanser works on all skin types. I love how it works on my skin, it gently exfoliates and cleanses my skin without leaving it dry, instead it releases a very milky almond fluid when mixed with water. The results are incredibly soft and clean skin. See full review here.
Lush Fresh Farmacy Face Soap ($.9.95): this soap is perfect for when you're having a really "bad skin day/week". Those days when you're breaking out like crazy, you know? Everyone has them. It has soothing calamine and chamomile to calm skin and tea tree to clear up blemishes AND it's suitable for sensitive skin. I know some people who use this it as a spot treatment, I have too. It really works wonders, it gets rid of swelling and redness and brings out a calm, non-irritated skin. See my review here.
L'occitane Ultra Rich Face Soap ($.10.00): Remember my last review on this soap? It has really lasted me ages! Formulated with a soft cleansing base with 8% shea butter and is gentle enough for daily use. The results are soft, hydrated and fresh skin. Now, I know a friend of mine tried this and unfortunately broke her out. It leads me to think this soap doesn't suit oily skin. However, in my personal experience and skin type works quite well.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar ($.4.59): I first started using this soap to treat my skin condition called keratosis pilaris which is commonly known as "chicken skin." I've had it on my cleavage since I was about 15. I've tried a lot of products to help diminish the appearance of "chicken skin" but nothing has really worked. It's not red and isn't very noticeable, but still I wish it wasn't there! This soap has helped reduce the appearance. I tried it on my face and had good results too. Is very gentle and moisturizes and cleans my skin. I know the liquid soap is more of a popular option, but is basically the same product in different packaging.
Have you tried any of these facial cleansers? What is you favourite cleanser?
Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for a chance to win a Tarte lipstick! :)
I'M STILL ALIVE! I promised a Best of 2012 post and here it is! (finally). I narrowed it down until it fit in a Glossybox lid, well almost. I picked makeup products mostly and only a few hair and skin care favourites. If you would like to see a full-review on these products, simply click on the name of each product. I hope you all had a good year and remember, the best is yet to come! Happy 2013! :)
Why are these the best?
Because...
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: It is a compact, travel-size matte eyeshadow palette with 6 full-sized pigmented eyeshadows perfect to create both soft and bold looks.
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette: It comes with 12 full-sized buttery soft eyeshadows with glitter, sheen and matte shades that compliment any eye colour.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion: Is the blackest black eyeliner ever!
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original: It's a clear, long-lasting eyeshadow primer that make my eyeshadow stay put.
Mac Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved: Is the second blackest black eyeliner ever!
Mac Fluidline in Blitz & Glitz: It applies heavenly and tends to last longer that pencil and liquid eyeliner. Why not Blacktrack, you ask? Because Blitz & Glitz is an intense black with gold pearl.
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara: No other mascara has a better formula or brush.
Nars blush in Luster: This is the prettiest sheer golden apricot blush I've come across.
Mac Matte Blush in Melba: Is a brown peach perfect for all year-round!
Mac Cremeblend Blush in Something Special: A long-lasting creme formula in a light coral shade that suits most skin tones. The texture of creme blushes are my favourite because they stay all day and have great coverage.
Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Purity: It has great wear and quality, it doesn't chip in at least 5-6 days.
Smith's Rosebud Salve: Is a multi-purpose balm. I've used it on my lips, blemishes and even on freshly-done tattoos. This product is a skin saver! Contains cottonseed oil in a petrolatum base.
Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink: Perfect for summer as it comes with SPF15 and to prevent dry lips during the colder months. But the tinted part is my favourite!
Benefit Sugarbomb Ultra Plush Lipgloss: Non-sticky. Need I say more?
Revlon Lipbutter in Pink Truffle: My lips but better kinda shade.
Revlon Lipbutter in Peach Parfait: This shade is like Nars Orgasm for the lips.
Mac Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup: My all-time favourite Mac lipstick.
Dior Addict High Shine in 566: A sheer rose pink with a lovely sheen!
Real Tecniques Stippling Brush: It gives me flawless creme blush application!
Real Tecniques Contour Brush: Is the easiest way to apply bronzer and blush.
Real Tecniques Expert Face Brush: My foundation looks flawless when using this brush.
Real Tecniques Buffing Brush: I find this brush perfect to blend in mineral foundation.
Missha BB Cream in No.23: Is the best BB cream I've tried.
L'occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: It contains 20% shea butter and heals dry skin.
Clinique All About Eyes Cream: It de-puffs and reduces black circles around the eyes.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette: A delicate, feminine fragrance. Not to mention the packaging.
L'occitane Concentrated Mask: This hair mask improved the condition of my scalp and made it 5x better. Since I started using this, I haven't had any itching problems.
Lush Angels on Bare Skin Face Cleanser: A fairly new addition to my routine, but it's already a favourite. It gently exfoliates and removes the dirt off my face. The milky almond texture makes my skin feel fresh and moisturized.
Phew! Are any of these your 2012 favourites?
