My Current Skincare Army

My skin has been in really good condition lately and I owe it all to my current skincare army. I hate to admit that I have not been drinking enough water lately at all. Horrible I know but I am working on it. What I have been doing is thoroughly removing my makeup EVERY night before bed and adjusting my skincare routine to my skins’ needs of the moment. Here is my current skincare lineup.

These are the products that are currently in my stash. Most I’ve been using for a few months now and have proven their worth while others has stood up to the test for the past few weeks warranting continued use. Let’s take a closer look at each product.

SheaMoisture African Black Soap

This soap leaves my face squeaky clean without being too dry, helps to clear up any lingering breakouts, and fades dark marks considerably. Over the past few months I’ve seen a noticeable difference in even my oldest dark marks left from acne and my skin has been extremely smooth and clear. I use this every night with my Clarisonic MIA. I also use it 1-2x a week all over my body to get a good thorough cleaning.

Alba Botanica Acne Dote Face & Body Scrub

This scrub has completely knocked my usual favorites St. Ives Apricot Scrub & Queen Helene Oatmeal & Honey Scrub out of the box. It’s formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to keep my hormonal breakouts at bay  and the ground walnut shells unclog my pores without being too rough. I suffer from occasional backne and chest breakouts and this scrub clears it right up. I use this when I’m suffering from any type of breakout.

Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask

This 2-in-1 exfoliating mask contains activated charcoal to absorb oil and draw out impurities and black sugar to exfoliate dead skin cells. Although marketed as a mask the texture is more like that of a scrub. I apply the mask all over my face and it warms it which is cool, makes me feel like I’m getting a spa treatment. After 5-10 minutes I rub it in circular motions to gently exfoliate. It leaves my skin extremely smooth without drying it out and I’m glowing after. I use this faithfully 1-2x a week when my skin needs a pick me up.

Alba Botanica Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser

This all natural cleanser is made with pore-refining pineapple and skin-brightening papaya enzymes to wash away impurities, excess make-up and dullness while aloe, hibiscus and passion flower moisturizes and soothes. I’ve been using this for months now and notice that my skin has been more radiant and glowing. I use this every morning.

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

I’ve been using this Toner faithfully for years. Every time that I stray  I come right back so now I just stick with it. It controls my oil, shrinks my pores and leaves my skin feeling fresh. All natural and super inexpensive you can’t go wrong. I use this every night and morning after cleansing.

Avene Mattifying Fluid

This lightweight lotion moisturizes without feeling greasy and controls shine. It regulates excess oil to leave skin with a semi-matte finish. I use this on days when I’m really oily but since it doesn’t contain sunscreen I usually mix it with a little bit of a moisturizer that does like my Trader Joe’s Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion.

Trader Joe’s Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion

This lotion is very lightweight and sinks right into the skin without leaving you greasy, yet it provides just the right amount of moisture for my combo/oily skin. My primer and makeup applies perfectly over it and stays all day. Since it’s so lightweight it feels like I don’t have anything on. I use this everyday before applying my makeup.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

This is the latest addition to my stash and I’ve just started using it last night. Although the impression initial was good, I can not as of yet give a thorough review until I’ve had time to use it. Look out for my review in a few weeks along with some more new goodies that I’ve been trying out.

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre (24 Hr Miracle Cream)

A holy grail amongst makeup artists, it’s a kit staple and for good reason. It restores the skin’s natural glow and gives a boost to tired dehydrated skin. I definitely keep a tube in my kit at all times but I’ve also grown to love it for personal use as well. It is super concentrated and rich so it’s too much for daytime use with my oily/combo skin, but I like to use a tiny bit to deeply moisturize at night. I wake up with soft, glowing and refreshed skin.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

This highly concentrated moisturizer recharges dehydrated skin overnight. Ionized mineral water and ceramides deliver intensive doses of moisture, aromatic sleep scent Orange Flower, Rose and Sandalwood relaxes and rejuvenates while apricot and chestnut extracts brighten and purify fatigued skin. I use this when my skin is feeling stressed and looking dull and washed out. The scent really is relaxing and it definitely recharges my skin, I wake up looking like me again.

Votre Vu Tout Le Monde (All The World Antioxidant Eye Gel)

This cooling eye gel is very moisturizing and soothing. It firms, tones and tightens the entire eye area while reducing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles. It works great as a base for under-eye concealer when the  area is dry and helps the concealer to apply smoothly, filling in fine lines to help avoid creasing. I like to use this at night when my under-eye area is really parched or irritated. For occasional day time use I gently rub in a tiny amount before applying my primer.

Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Beauty Drops

Vitamin C is key in the production of collagen which gives skin it’s firmness and strength and also helps skin repair itself. These drops are formulated with Vitamin C and lingonberry seed oil to brighten skin and boost radiance to keep skin looking youthful and vibrant. The capsules are easy to use as you just pop it open, squeeze out the serum and apply. I can’t use these everyday as the Vitamin C is a little too strong for me and stings a bit, but I use these when I’m dealing with trauma to the skin like a healing pimple or when I need a radiance boost. I apply all over my face before bed, followed by a little Embryolisse Lait Creme.

Embryolisse Eclat du Regard (Radiant Eye Treatment)

This little stick is formulated with Aloe Vera, Glycerine and a metabiotic-rich botanical complex including Polysaccharides & Vitamin B3 to cool, refresh, smooth and and hydrate the sensitive skin around the eye. It boosts radiance, reduces dark circles and puffiness, and instantly brightens the eye area. I suffer from natural dark circles that makes me look tired and washed out at times. A swipe of this under the eyes instantly makes me look more awake and smooths my under-eye area to help my concealer apply better. It’s very lightweight which makes it perfect for everyday wear. I apply daily to moisturize under my eyes.

What products are in your skincare army?

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Some product(s) in this post were provided for review consideration.  See my Disclosure page for additional information.