1. A GOOD CLEANSER!
You simply must have a good cleanser to begin and end each day. If you like to cake on the cosmetics like me, make sure you purchase one that specifically says, "Makeup Removing." You want to make sure every stitch of makeup is off at the end of the night. If you don't remove your makeup entirely, your night creams won't sink in and therefore won't be as effective. I recommend double cleansing each night. This means cleansing once to remove your makeup, and then again to deep clean. If you have a certain skin concern (acne, wrinkles, dark spots, etc), use a targeted cleanser. I have listed some of my favorites below.
THE INVESTMENTS:
- I use this stuff on guests in-store when they want to try on a product but are already wearing makeup. This is super quick and easy, melts away makeup FAST (even waterproof mascara!), but does leave an oily finish. I would recommend washing with a regular face wash afterward.
Napoleon Perdis Foaming Makeup Remover, $25
- Amazing marshmallow extract-based cleanser. Removes impurities while softening the skin. Bonus: can be used with or without water!
Philosophy Purity Made Simple, $33
- Great for sensitive skin, gentle yet effective
Clinique Liquid Mild Facial Soap, $16.50
- Treats breakouts well, best price for the size!
THE BARGAIN:
Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleanser + Makeup Remover, $7.99
- Also comes in Purifying for acne-prone skin
This is just a quick and easy step to close your pores. Cleansing with warm water opens the pores, while toning closes them. If you leave them open all day, you will allow makeup, sweat, smog, and other impurities to enter more freely. Then your friends will call you "Big-Pored Pizza Face." This is not an improvement from, "Leather Face."
THE INVESTMENTS:
-Spray this on immediately after cleansing onto dry skin. It will not only close the pores, but infuse your skin with a hit of vitamins. Can also be used over makeup for quick hydration and refreshment! It's like being punched in the face with awesomeness!
Derma Doctor Litmus Test Glycolic Acid Toner, $35
- Amazing for aging skin, or those in the prevention stages of aging. Glycolic and Folic acids work together to tighten skin and prep for makeup or your nightly skincare routine.
THE ALTERNATIVE:
A splash of cold water! This will close the pores, but will not treat any skin concerns. Great for travel, as long as you aren't in Mexico!
3. A GOOD SERUM
Serumously girl, you NEED a serum. Whether you are oily, dry, combo, or gremlin, serums are a much more effective way to get the results you want. Because of their thin and liquid-y consistency, they can sink much deeper into the skin, which will result in better effectiveness. I even use a serum around my eyes instead of a cream. It helps my makeup to go on smoother, and gives my skin a happy glow.
THE INVESTMENTS:
- Your beautiful, gorgeous, light-as-air everyday serum. Extremely hydrating and packed full of vitamins. Great for 20 and early 30-somethings who just need a boost in their daily routine
- Extremely hydrating serum for more mature skin. Works to fight sagging, wrinkles, and discloration
Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil, $46
- If your main skin concern is dryness, you NEED this serum. It is hands-down the best nighttime serum my face has ever seen. It feels amazing and smells good too! Plus, since it's Tarte, you know it's free of any parabens or synthetics. Awesome for sensitive skin.
THE ALTERNATIVE:
-Very hydrating, great for all ages. Will not contain a retinol or target any certain skin concern, but will hydrate more deeply than a cream.
4. A PEEL
Okay, I didn't do a peel until I started working for Ulta and actually learned what they were. The idea of peeling off my top layer of skin did NOT sound fun to me. However, I eventually bonded with some skin therapists and skincare reps and learned how AMAZING they truly are! They simply take off the dead skin that is making your face look dull or flaky. They will not cause actual peeling if done correctly. Done once a week, these will keep your skin smooth and soft, and will keep the wrinkles and age spots away.
THE INVESTMENTS:
-Get ready, hippies! This product is Certified Organic! And it really WORKS! This product will work hard to get rid of your age spots and wrinkles, but because of the citric acid, is excellent with acne-prone skin as well! Everyone should try it. It also comes in "sensitive" for prudes.
- The peel to murder all other peels. This is the most amazing product I have ever put on my face... and that's really saying something! Okay, I know I said that about the oil earlier but I really mean it this time. Be careful though, it is a professional-strength peel and could burn your face off if you're sensitive or leave it on for too long. It will leave your face feeling incredibly smooth, and it's very easy to use. Just monitor your time and you'll be glowing in 10 minutes or less!
Philosophy "The Oxygen Peel," $56
THE ALTERNATIVE:
Sorry, there is no alternative for a great peel. Either get yourself a good one or get regular facials. Even better- do both!
5. A GREAT MASQUE
Just like we put a deep conditioning hair mask on once a week (or we should), our skin needs the same burst of moisture (that's what she said). These are perfect for use after your brand-new peel. Smooth on at night, leave on for at least 15 minutes, then rinse off. My recommendation: choose a creamy, rich one rather than the ones that dry on your face and you have to peel off. Both are hydrating, but the cream will sink in deeper, adding more moisture.
THE INVESTMENT:
- This is the mask that always get used on me when I get a facial, so I finally broke down and bought it for at-home use. It leaves my skin feeling so smooth plump from all the hydration it delivers.
- Not as powerful at a high-end masque, but effective all the same
6. A CLARISONIC!!!! Or an excellent exfoliator
Okay, this last one is really a splurge, but it is a must-have for clear, glowing skin. I finally complained enough about wanting one that my friends bought me one for my birthday. I use it probably 5 times a week and don't remember how I ever lived without it. It is a deep cleansing machine that is so effective, you will see results instantly. I own the Mia 2, which has two-speeds and a two-year warranty. There are many variations on the machine, but I love mine because about once a week I like to put it on the higher speed to really deep clean my face. As I mentioned earlier, I double-cleanse, so I get the makeup off with my hands first, and then I cleanse again with the Clarisonic. When I pull the brush away from my face, it is still all covered in makeup! It's disgusting! It makes me wonder how much makeup has been constantly trapped in my pores because I wasn't deep-cleaning. I wasted so much money on products I thought weren't working, but it was just because my moisturizers didn't have a chance to sink in... there were too many gross makeup products in the way! Now, I rarely ever have a blemish and my skin glows after every cleansing.
THE ALTERNATIVE:Olay Advanced Cleansing System, $30
- I'll be honest, I've heard this one is not so great, simply because the head spins instead of vibrating. This can tend to cause stretching of the skin and pores. This is only a rumor, I have no evidence. I personally think any deep cleansing system is better than none, but try at your own risk.
If you don't want to purchase a deep cleanser, AT LEAST purchase a good exfoliator. The dead skin and makeup really need to be lifted from your face each night for your skin to look its best every morning.
Thank you for reading! Please let me know if you have any questions about any of these or other products, I'd be happy to fill you in on what I know! Also, feel free to list your favorite products below!
Makeup your own rules.
xx,
Kelsey
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