I spent all of 2015 searching for new skincare products. My goal was to update my skincare routine (see what I was previously using here), and I finally accomplished that goal by the end of the year. Now that I’ve settled into a comfortable routine, I want to share it with you for inspiration:
Types of Products I Use
When it comes to skincare, there are a few key products that I have on hand at all times:
- Makeup Remover
- Exfoliator
- Cleanser
- Mask
- Moisturizer
Step 1 – The Makeup Remover
I used to use makeup wipes to take the day off because they’re quick and convenient, but I found myself frequently repurchasing them. Switching to a liquid makeup remover requires slightly more energy on my part, but it certainly decreased the amount of money I spend on makeup remover. My personal favorite is Simple’s Micellar water.
I’ve talked about it previously in a monthly favorites and have since repurchased it a second time. All you need is a cotton ball to pour the product into, and then use it to wipe off all of your face makeup.
One thing worth mentioning is it isn’t meant to be used around your eyes–I do so gently, but only for eyeshadow. Ultimately I’ll probably purchase an eye makeup remover, but for now, this gets the job done.
Step 2 – The Exfoliator
Exfoliating is a new step in my skincare routine for 2016. While the more common practice is to cleanse first and exfoliate second, I prefer it the other way around. For this step, I use Boscia’s Exfoliating Peel Gel.
The key, which is also new for me, is to apply on dry skin with dry hands. The gel is very lightweight and doesn’t feel harsh on my face, but it balls up so you can feel the dead skin wiping away. It essentially has the benefits of a physical peel, chemical peel, and treatment all in one gentle product. Right now I use this once a week, but I’ll soon up it to twice a week and use a cleanser prior to exfoliating on the second use in the week to see how I like that order.
Step 3 – The Cleanser
I don’t know about you guys, but the cleanser is my favorite step in a skincare routine. I first tried Boscia’s Detoxifying Black Cleanser last summer via a 500-point Boscia box at Sephora–read about that experience here. What I love about this cleanser is the subtle warmth it exudes when applied to your skin. I used a warming cleanser many years ago, but Boscia’s is my favorite because it’s mild and gentle. As for the actual product, the consistency is a gel texture. As someone with oily skin, gel face products are a must.
In conjunction with the cleanser, I will also use the Clarisonic Mia 2 to get a deeper cleanse. The Clarisonic is gentle enough to use daily, though I only use it a few times a week.
Step 4 – The Mask
Masks have been my Achilles heel in regards to skincare. Since I’m really happy with my Boscia skincare products, I don’t have a strong desire to venture into new cleansers or moisturizers…masks are a different story. I don’t have a specific mask that I use each week, it just depends on how my skin is looking that day.
- If I’m having a hormonal breakout, I’ll use the GlamGlow Super-Mud Clearing Treatement–read my opinion on it here.
- If I feel like doing a mask at night instead of in the daytime or feel like my skin could use a little extra TLC, I’ll use the GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment–read my opinion on it here.
- If I don’t have any skin concerns that week and just want something that feels refreshing, I’ll use Lush’s Cup O’ Coffee mask.
I don’t have a review up on the Cup O’ Coffee mask, but let me know if you’re interested and I can talk about my experience with the product.
Step 5 – The Moisturizer
2015 was the year of skin discovery. In 2015, I tried gel moisturizer for the first time and questioned why I never did so in previous years. I used sample sizes of Boscia’s Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel and Clinique’s Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer, but ultimately ended up purchasing Boscia’s Sake Balm. It is one of their pricier items, but it’s so lightweight that you truly only need a pea-sized amount to moisturize your entire face. The gel itself is super lightweight, and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy or unfinished.
All in all, my skincare routine takes anywhere from 5-30 minutes, depending on whether or not I’m using a facial mask. Clean & Clear was my go-to skincare brand all throughout my teen years and into my early twenties, so I’m super excited to have found a new brand to carry me into my mid-to-late twenties and early thirties: Boscia.
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