Spring is the perfect season to revitalize your beauty and skincare routine, preparing for sunny days ahead.
I’ll share with you the skincare products I’m using, these are not affiliate links, just products that I use and love.
My skin falls under the combination category—oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks and neck. I’m sharing this to help you determine if these products might suit your specific skin type. Most of the products I’m using will work with all skin types however you may have special skin care needs.
For skincare that works look for serums that include:
- Vitamin C- Vitamin C is not very shelf stable, so look for a combination of vitamin C and ferulic acid, which makes the vit C more stable and last longer in the bottle.
- Lactic Acid– this is gentle and effective for most skin types, it can help brighten skin and works as a mild exfoliant.
- Alphy-hydroxy acid– this helps to exfoliate the skin and works by brightening and smoothing the skin. Helps prevent acne and can help your other skincare products absorb.
- Glycolic acid– This helps boost collagen production and helps to unclog pores. Can help with acne as well as hyperpigmentation
- Kojic Acid– Helps lighten sun damage, and scars. Kojic acid also has antibacterial and antifungal properties so it can help with acne. This may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always wear sunscreen as a part of your skincare routine.
Castor Oil
Castor oil has myriad uses. However today I’m going to focus on the benefits of using castor oil for your skin and eye lashes.
Castor oil has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so even oily skinned folk, like myself can use it without it causing breakouts.
Castor oil should be researched carefully before buying, so that you get the highest quality oil for skin care use. When purchasing castor oil make sure to consider buying the following:
- Organic– You don’t want plants grown with pesticides for an oil you will be putting on your skin to absorb.
- Cold pressed, Virgin oil– This refers to how the oil is processed. because it is processed at lower temperatures it doesn’t break down the oil and it is more environmentally friendly.
- Stored in a dark colored glass bottle– Light breaks down the oil, and plastic can leach into the oil over time, so choose oil sold in dark colored glass bottles.
Here is a link to the product I’m currently using on my skin. I use this on my skin at night. You only need about a pea sized drop for your face. I like to rub it between my hands to warm and then pat gently onto my face and neck. In the morning wash your face with your favorite face wash.
I was a little skeptical about putting oil on my face, because even in my 40’s I break out super easy. However, I have not had one blemish since I started using this a couple of months ago.
You can also use this on your eye lashes to encourage growth. I am still testing this out, and will update you on the results in a few months. I just bought these little empty mascara containers with included wand and filled them up with some of the castor oil. I just brush a thin coat on my lashes at night before going to bed.
Vitamin C Serum
A few years ago I was an assistant manager of a Dermatology and Esthetics clinic. This is where I was first introduced to the benefits of Vitamin C serum for your skin. My all time favorite vitamin C serum is by the brand SkinCeuticals. However this is a pretty pricey product. So it definitely is an investment in your skin. If used regularly the difference is actually noticeable!
I also really like the Timeless Vitamin C serum, which is a more affordable option, especially if you watch out for sales. In my experience a good C serum, also has ferulic acid in it, which helps make the vitamin C more shelf stable, and smells lightly of hot dogs.
I apply the serum to a freshly washed face in the morning and wait for it to dry on my skin before applying more products. Don’t worry the hot dog smell dissipates shortly after applying.
- Bonus esthetician tip: smooth serums onto neck and decolletage as well as the tops of your hands.
Coenzyme Q10 Serum
This serum has hyaluronic acid in it which helps to hydrate the skin. It also contains Coenzyme Q10, which helps to build collagen and elastin.
I apply this as my next layer, after the vitamin C serum. Let it absorb for 1-2 minutes.
Yerba Mate: Eye Serum
I have really dark circles under my eyes no matter how much sleep I get. I have tried so many products that claim to help, and I haven’t found anything that works until I stumbled upon this find. It doesn’t completely take away the darkness but it does help to lighten it for the day. It contains yerba mate, which is a tea that contains caffeine.
I apply this to my under eyes in the morning before applying my makeup.
Skin Hydrating Toner
For a moisture boost throughout the day I love this moisturizing toner with hyaluronic acid from Beekman 1802. I like to take this to the beach or even camping for a nice moisture boost after being in the sun. I just purchased some travel sized bottles and filled them up so I can easily fit them into my luggage or travel bag. It has a light, nice scent. I really love Beekman 1802 products. They don’t test on animals, they are made cleanly and are 100% made in the USA.
Makeup Setting Spray
After doing all my serums, I apply my makeup for the day.
I will do a post in the future about my favorite make-up products….. STAY TUNED
For now I will share with you my favorite make-up setting spray. Like I mentioned earlier, my T zone tends to get oily throughout the day. My makeup will slide right off my face without a makeup setting spray. I have tried all kinds of setting sprays, in the past .
I’m currently using the Charlotte Tilbury waterproof makeup setting spray. It definitely helps my make-up last through the day. Which considering my day job is nursing , in my opinion, is saying a lot. To be fair though, I don’t do heavy makeup for work.
- Wash your makeup brushes at least once per week, to keep bacteria from building up on your brushes. Which will help reduce breakouts
Let me know in the comments or send me a message if you have favorite skincare products. I find that my favorite products usually come through word of mouth.
Also keep checking back for a future post on my favorite make-up products. See my post here on how to make HOMEMADE FACE MASKS.
I hope you have a joyful day!
Becky
Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. There is no extra cost to you to purchase but I may earn a small commission. Thank you
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