my current skincare routine for mid-30s skin

I have shared my skincare routines over the years (2016 at age 28, 2018 at age 30) and I think the latest change to my skincare regimine is reflected of where I'm at in my mid 30s as a mother to two young children - quick and easy, gets results, and prevents future problems. I have dry skin that needs moisture. The acne I was dealing with for years is now kept at bay, but instead now we are dealing with fine lines. The addition of several key lotions and potions have made a huge difference in my skin though, and I'm so happy about where we are at. 

As a disclaimer, I did get 3 sessions of microneedling done back in 2016-2018 that helped with some acne scarring, and I get botox about twice a year, although with my pregnancies, I haven't really had much botox in the last 3 years. I also get a small amount of filler in my tear troughs every two years as I have had basically hollowed eye sockets since childhood. I think while those things helped target specific concerns that skin care can't fix, but the daily skin care routines make such difference in how your overall skin looks and feels. I'm at such a good place with how I feel about my skin that I don't wear anything on my skin other than some concealer and setting powder - I no longer wear any foundation or even a CC cream unless it's a special occasion. So here's my current routine, and why having a "less is more" approach is working for me now!

AM //

I don't used a cleanser in the morning, I just wash my face with water and then pat dry. Then I use

Vitamin C serum: Probably the biggest game changer for me has been adding vitamin C serums to my routine. I've tried several, I used BeautyPie's vitamin C ampules for several years until finally splurging on the SkinCeuticals version last month (it's the most hyped and recommended Vitamin C serum I've seen). It's been proven to help reduce free radical damage, and improve fine lines and overall brightness. I've definitely noticed a huge difference in the brightness of my skin with consistent Vitamin C use over the last three years. One big thing to note is that the stability of Vitamin C isn't great, so not all Vitamin C serums are created equal but I think all provide a benefit. As with most skin care, this is something you have to use daily and for a while until you see a difference, but with consistent use, you will get amazing results. As the SkinCeuticals serum is pricy (the priciest skin care item I've ever purchased), here's a post about dupes to the skinceuticals serum - I've always had great success with Paula's Choice so their Vitamin C serum would be my recommendation. If you aren't using a Vitamin C serum yet, I highly recommend adding one. 

Moisturizer: Like I said, I have dry skin, and have been very loyal to Belif's moisture bomb for years now. It's a medium thick cream, so it's great for daily morning use - provides enough moisture but doesn't turn you into an oil slick (I save that for night time!). Love love love. 

Sunscreen: Some years ago, I read that the best anti-aging cream you can buy is sunscreen and that somehow blew my mind but also makes sense. I've been consistently using daily facial sunscreen since my mid 20s and I like to think it's what keeps me looking so youthful ;) (...that, and the fact that I worked 60-80s hours a week and never saw the sun....). Something I didn't learn until recently though is that you're supposed to put your sunscreen on last in your routine! I'm currently using up my first bottle of SuperGoop's Glow Screen, which I quite enjoy as it leaves you all dewy and young looking. Next up I'm going to try EltaMD's sunscreen though, because it's again one that comes highly recommended my the dermatologists I follow. In the past I've also really liked Paula's Choice sunscreen, if you're looking for another price point. 

PM //

Cleanser: I can't find any make-up remover/cleanser as much as I love the Glossier cleanser. With just three pumps of the cleanser, I can take off all my make up without needing two different cleansers or separate make up remover. I've tried a bunch of others in the past, and always come back to this as it's so easy and works so well. If you're lazy, and don't wear a ton of face make up, this is a great option for you to remove your make up and cleanse your skin.  

Retinol: The other "must have" item that is always recommended to use is a type of retinol. From my basic non-dermatologist understanding, retinols are typically purchased over the counter and tretinoin is a prescription. I was prescribed a tretionoin cream by my dermatologist about six years ago, but as I moved several times, and couldn't make it to an actual dermatologist's office (plus most had a 6 month wait list), I started using Dear Brightly. You have an online consultation with a derm (including sending pictures of your skin), and they send you prescription retinol. I love this version of retinol because it is formulated with hyaluronic acid, so I haven't experienced as much of the dryness I did with Retin-A Micro. As I've been a long term retinol user now, I use a stronger strength (0.1%). Not ready to get a prescription tretinoin cream? There are tons of over the counter retinol products in almost every price range, but if you are looking for the biggest change, I'd recommend an Rx, from either your local dermatologist (the generic creams are really not that expensive, as long as your get the generic versions!) or if you can't make it to in person dermatology appointment soon, try an online version like Dear Brightly. Start off slow with a lower concentration, make sure your skin is all the way dry when applying, and make sure you use a moisturizer. 

Moisturizer: At night I like to go a bit heavier on the moisturizing. I'm still loving Vanicream for the days I use my tretinoin cream, and on days I don't use it, I like to use the traditional Nivea cream. I love how thick it goes on, and how soft my skin is in the morning! 

Ointment: This CeraVe ointment has been a recent find (I think I saw it on a TikTok in a video about "slugging") and went out to buy it the next day. I've tried lots of different face oils to help trap in moisture, but this takes it to the next level. I smear it all over my face and I look a little ridiculous because of how greasy I look, but my skin is so so soft  the next day. If you have oily skin, this is not the cream for you, but if you have drier skin like I do...run, don't walk. 

In addition, I also apply this hair strengthening serum in hopes that my postpartum hair loss won't be as bad, and then put my hair in a low pony with a silk hair tie - I have had such bad breakage around the level I wear a messy bun that I'm really trying to break that habit, and have found that this really helps. I also use Lash Boost every other day to keep my eyelashes long and full. 

So that's my quick and dirty skincare routine. It's not 12 steps, but that's why it works for me and the current state of my skin! I'd like to add back a mask or two when I take a bath, so if you have any current loves, I'd love to hear about them!

recent beauty faves

I'm so excited to talk a bit about a few recent beauty favorites from the last six months. I have lots of holy grail items I've been using for years (my eyeliner, powder foundation, and dry shampoo, which currently comes with an extra mini bottle fyi) but I do love playing around with new items and finding new favorites. With Sephora's holiday sale starting today, I thought it would be a good time to share a few of the items I've really grown to love!

Amika Purple Shampoo // As a life long (highlight getting) blond, I only started using purple shampoos like two years ago! They make SUCH a difference! My highlights/balayage stays brighter so much longer. I've tried several different brands at different price points, and this has been my favorite - the actual shampoo is thick and a deep purple, lathers nicely for a sulfate-free shampoo, and one bottle lasts me about six months. For $20, I can't really complain! If you want a drug store conditioner, I've been using L'Oreals Ever Pure conditioner for years and really like it!

Beauty Pie's Vitamin C capsules // I have plans to dedicate a whole blog post about my experience with Beauty Pie in the next month or so (I'm putting in an order for a few more products on Saturday when my monthly membership renews), but I've already found several items I absolutely love. I've been a long time fan of Vitamin C products - they have helped lighten up my acne scarring and keep my skin looking refreshed (here's a more in depth article about the benefits of Vitamin C). I've enjoyed the Paula's Choice serum as well as Kiehl's, but Vitamin C is fairly unstable and needs to be in sealed and dark containers, which is why these individual shells is the perfect storage for this serum! I use it every morning under my moisturizer. I've been using it for two months now, and am re-ordering another bottle this weekend. It's my favorite skincare product of the last year! If you want to try out Beauty Pie, you can use my referral to get your first month membership for free.

Hourglass's Ambient Light powder // I first heard about this on Jaclyn Hill's youtube, and finally broke down last year, and bought the mini version. I ended up using it every day, and a few months ago bought the full size version. I use this on light make up days (ie at work) as an eyeshadow base, and then lightly swiped across my cheeks and nose as a light highlight. It's just so pretty and the regular size is going to last forever (I wish I had just purchased the full size from the get go - a mini is 1.4 oz for $24, and for $48, you get 10 oz!). Love love love. This would also make a great present!

Beauty Pie's Sleep Oil // I have been using face oils on and off for years now...but it turns out, I was using it ALL WRONG all that time! I was putting it on over serums and under moisturizer, but actually face oils don't moisturize your face, they lock in the moisture. derp. Anyway, since realizing my mistake, I've been happily using Beauty Pie's sleep oil correctly, and it's becoming my favorite step in my night time routine. I pat on a few drops all over my face and wake up with soft and glowy skin every morning. If you're thinking about trying out Beauty Pie, I'd definitely recommend this as one of your first purchases! A bottle probably lasts close to a whole year - I've been using it since August, and have barely made a dent in the bottle.

Ole Henriksen's Scrub // as a girl who grew up with St. Ive's apricot scrub, but also someone who has read enough posts about skincare to know that we shouldn't use abrasive scrubs, I can't help but really enjoy this scrub. I stopped using my retinol cream during pregnancy, and since restarting it after delivering Penny, my skin is going back through a bit of a shedding period while my skin gets re-used to the retinol. I find using this scrub just once a week, using very light circular motions rather than hard scrubbing it into my skin, gets rid of all the dead skin without causing a bunch of trauma to my skin. This would especially be great for anyone dealing with a lot of flakiness during the colder months! Again this will probably last quite a long time since you only need a little bit once or twice a week.

Kat Von D's eyeshadow palette // I've enjoyed KvD's eyeshadow palettes for years now, but this one has become a true staple for me. I am definitely not a make-up guru, I do basically the same thing every day, and have for basically a decade now, but this palette gives me everything I need from lighter every day looks to having a few darker colors to play with. The middle of the palette is what I use the most, from the base color to the highlight to the black for "smudging" my liquid eyeliner. And it's currently on sale (on top of the sale!), so you can get it for a steal.

Tarte's mascara // I'm forever looking for my holy grail mascara - I tend to use one kind for a few tubes, and then move on to the next. I prefer the brush mascaras (versus the plastic wands), and have found what I now believe is my favorite mascara to date. It just elongates, thickens, and isn't clumpy -it's like the holy trinity of mascaras! I always wear an eyelash primer under my mascaras, which helps, but am just such a fan of this mascara that I purchased several more during a recent Tarte sale!

Sephora's sale is currently going on, and ends on 11/11. If you're doing some early holiday shopping, one of my favorite items to gift is this perfume set - it comes with nine deluxe samples of perfumes, as well as a gift card for the full size version of one of them. You get 9 cute little bottles plus the full size version, which is great for any fragrance lover (especially since they can pick out their favorite in the end - I find it so tricky to gift fragrances!).

recent beauty empties

Over the past few months, I've used up quite a few products, and wanted to share  my thoughts on them! I firmly believe that initial impressions aren't sharing the full story, but continued use lets me give a more thorough and honest review of the product. There were several items, including my beloved eyeliner and mascara primer, that I've already reviewed so many times that it wasn't worth mentioning again, but there are quite a few new products I've used up and wanted to share my thoughts! I also wanted to mention that Sephora's semi-annual VIB sale is coming up, so I shared my purchased at the bottom of the post!

my current skincare routine

It's been a good year since I last talked about my full skincare routine, and a few things are the same while some things have changed. I'm constantly trying out new products - some end up becoming a real staple of my skincare routine, and others are exchanged for newer, shinier, more promising products. Thanks to four years of really focusing on improving my skin through products and procedures, I'm at one of the best places I have ever been with my skin!

As far as my current routine, I have a lot of old favorites that are a still a part of my routine, and a ton of new products I've fallen in love with. A few months ago, Drunk Elephant sent me a care package with all of their top products. The irony was that literally the week before,  I had purchased their babyfacial mask and oil, so I was already a purchasing customer! I've been using their products consistently for the past two months and am now a huge convert. This is not a sponsored post, I've just tested their products consistently and am very impressed with the results I've seen in my skin, which is why I keep using them!

in the morning //

1. Drunk Elephant Day Serum: I've been using a Vitamin C serum for the past year, and after recently finishing Ole Henrikson's Truth Serum, I was excited to try a new Vitamin C serum! I would say that these two feel very similar when applied. Vitamin C has been clinically proven to even out skin tone and protect against pollution, which is why I've made it a daily part of my skincare routine!
2. Paula's Choice Sunscreen: A few years ago, I was ready a Q&A somewhere about preventing wrinkles, and one question was about what people in their late twenties/early thirties should do to prevent wrinkles, and the easiest solution that we're all told to do anyway is wear sunscreen. Duh. I've tried several face sunscreens, and keep coming back to this one! It goes on so fluid, you never even know it's there, which is why I use it every day. Highly recommend if you are looking for an easy step to add to your skincare routine that prevents wrinkles, and most importantly, skin cancer! I know we all think we are untouchable when it comes to cancers, but we all know we're going to get wrinkles, so might as well protect against both!
3. Drunk Elephant Hydration Gel: I've always had dry skin, which is why I've really been attracted to hydration gels (like the First Aid serum I used last year!). This DE gel has been a godsend for the past few months of harsh hospital environments and being in a constant state of dehydration haha. But really, my dry skin concerns have been greatly reduced by using this every morning. 
4. Belif moisturizer: One of my holy grail items I buy over and over and over again! I just noticed last week they sell this in a huge economy size tub and I'm honestly debating buying it. 

at night //

1. Glossier cleanser: I looooove this cleanser and buy it over. and over. and over again. I use it to remove my make-up - it's so effective at getting eye makeup off without rubbing and pulling on the delicate skin around eyes, doesn't hurt my eyes, and smells amazing. It's just my absolute favorite. 
2. Tretinoin cream: I use a perscription tretinoin cream every other night. See my full review of how tretinoin majorly changed my skin!
3. OR Drunk Elephant Night Serum: On the nights I don't use the tretinoin cream, I use this night serum. I've noticed a big change in the texture of my skin since I started using it - I used to have a lot more flaking and dry patches, and used to have to do a lot more scrubs than I do now! I think this is one of the biggest additions to my skincare routine that has made my skin really glow. 
4. Drunk Elephant Marula oil: About nine months ago, I really started falling in love with using face oils. Remember like ten-fifteen years ago when we thought oil in skincare products was the devil - everything said it was oil-free! And now I'm constantly smearing oil all over my face, and it's never felt better. I had just finished my third bottle of The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed oil when I received the DE Marula Oil. I think The Ordinary's oil felt super smooth and calming when applied, while I think the Drunk Elephant Marula oil leaves my skin softer the next day - they are two different types of oil, so it's not a direct comparison, but just between two types of oils I've used over the past year. The Ordinary does also sell a Marula oil that I may order the next time I put in an order just so I can compare the two. But I'm so happy with the Drunk Elephant oil that I'm more than willing to buy another bottle with my own money. 
5. Nivea cream: I grew up using Nivea cream - we used to bring huge tubs over from Germany! A few months ago, I randomly read about how the original Nivea cream from Germany is very very similar to La Mer. I have never actually tried La Mer, but I've read enough celebrity interviews over the years to know that people are obsessed with it. The last time my mom went to Germany, I asked her to bring me a tub back, and have been using it ever since. Is it identical to La Mer? No idea. But my skin is soooo soft after I use it that I just keep using it! I think the American version is actually very similar, if you are interested in trying it out for yourself (especially if you've used La Mer, I'd love to hear your opinion!). 

as needed //

1. Drunk Elephant Babyfacial Mask: My friend Tierney told me about how much she loved this face mask, so last fall during a Sephora sale, I ordered it. Babyfacial is a perfect name for it as it leaves you skin looking brand new - just glowy and smooth. I'm a big fan!
2. Ren Glycolic Mask: I continue to use the same bottle of this I had last year - you don't need a huge amount when you apply it. I also love the smell and it really does leave your skin more radiant. 
3. The Ordinary Peeling Solution: I ordered this a few months ago, and have used it a few times now, and really enjoy it! It goes on bright red so don't be scared by that. Leave it on for 10 minutes (no longer!), and have brighter skin after! I wouldn't say that this is my favorite mask I've ever used, but I like it enough to keep using it!
4. Clinique Night Lip Mask: Ohhh, this is a new addition for my night time routine. I almost always have this Clinique balm in my scrub pocket, but saw the night lip mask and instantly wanted to try it. If you also have dry lips, this is a great little product to put on before going to bed (especially if you're a mouth breather like me.....). 
5. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: As much as I try to prevent acne, it still shows up once in a while (come onnnnnnn). I use the drying lotion on it as soon as it shows up - it doesn't make it disappear completely, but I generally think the zits are smaller overall. 

my experience with microneedling

I feel that you guys have been a part of this skin journey for years now. Several years ago, I shared how the Paula's choice system really helped with my acne - that system was the beginning of getting my skin to where it is today. Then about two years ago, I added a tretionoin gel to the regime, which did a great job with helping with the hyperpigmentation scars, as well as with keeping my acne at bay.

Last November, I was seeing my dermatologist for my last tattoo laser removal session. It was right after CR and I got engaged, so I asked her if she had any suggestions for getting my skin to be as great as it could be before our wedding. We discussed lasers (like Fraxels) versus peels versus microneedling. In the end, she recommended microneedling for me as I'm still young, and my main concern at that point was the scarring left over from the acne, and some of the spots that were starting to pop up on my face.

You may have heard of microneedling, as it's one of the big up and coming cosmetic treatments in the dermatology world. Microneedling is the process of using tiny needles to cause microscopic injury to the skin, also called "collagen induction therapy". This stimulates your body to respond to this injury by increasing the production of collagen, which helps treat texture, color, and unevenness in the skin. There are two ways about getting this type of treatment. There's the kind that you can do at home - from what I've read, this is a nice way to get into microneedling, but the needles don't penetrate as deeply or as evenly, so you aren't going to see the same results as you would if you had it done professionally. Then there's the kind where you see someone in a dermatologist's office. At my derm's office, there is an RN who does all of her microneedling and peels. They use the Rejuvapen, which looks like... a pen with a bunch of tiny needles on it.

Okay, so before I get into the process of microneedling, here are some before pictures.

It's hard to really see the scarring in these pictures - I really tried to get better pictures, but depth is hard to capture in pictures. I had true pockmark scars, especially along my temple and the lateral sides of my cheekbones (probably because I get acne where I rest my face on my hands, a habit I can't seem to break - it's all that studying!). But you can see that some of the hyperpigmentation from the acne was still present, and I had a bunch of new discoloration showing up. Once I saw these pictures, I realized even though I don't really see much sunlight anymore, it really was time to wear sunscreen daily, so I'm proud to say I've been wearing this sunscreen daily for over six months now, and feel better every day knowing I'm taking better care of my skin, and preventing more of those age spots from showing up.

Okay, so about the actual process of microneedling! At my dermatologist's office, they started the process by taking before pictures, and then going to their back procedure room. There, the nurse applied topical lidocaine to my face to numb it. I basically then took a 15 minute nap while I waited for the cream to start working. 

mascara details: urban decay primer followed by bobbi brown's mascara

Then, the nurse used the Rejuven and started working at on my forehead down. Because of the lidocaine cream, I felt very little besides just the vibrating. I would say there really was very minimal pain involved, even when she went closer to the edges of my face, where there wasn't always lidocaine cream. You can see how she did it below: 

The only true painful part was the "stamping", which from how she explained it, is she "stamped" aka went deeper, on the scars that needed a bit more collagen induction. It was a split second of pain for each stamp, and nothing that should scare you away from the process, but I definitely want to warn you that that may be painful for a split second.

All in all, the process from start to finish takes about one hour.

After the whole face has been done, you are ready to go! Your face will be red and feel tight - kind of like if you got a bad sunburn. Here's what I looked like right after walking out of the office (you can even still see the lines the scrub cap left).

For the next 12 hours, my skin felt pretty tight. Nothing unbearable, but enough that I noticed it. By the next morning, there was just a bit of redness remaining, and within 24 hours, my skin color was back to normal. During the first few days, you are not supposed to sweat or go into the sun much.

Here is the downside to microneedling. It is not a quick fix like a facial would be. You do not walk out of the dermatologist's office with brand new skin. It takes about 4-6 weeks to really see a difference, and for optimal results, you have to have multiple sessions. So I have had three sessions, spaced between December and May. Each session at my dermatologist's office cost $200. As someone who has been unhappy with my skin for the last 15 years, that money was more than worth it to get rid of the evidence of the acne that my skin is slowly overcoming. I now only wear a primer and a BB cream daily, and some days only a bit of concealer under my eyes because I don't need to put a bunch of stuff on my face anymore. I plan on getting one more treatment next spring, about two months before our wedding.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the results that microneedling gave me. If you have acne scarring or hyperpigmentation that just won't go away, talk to your dermatologist to see if microneedling may be a good option for you. I firmly believe that creams and lotions can only do so much, sometimes you have to get the professionals involved!

disclosure: I am obviously sharing this from the point of view of a patient, this is not medical advice! :)

love for elemis 24/7 super skin system

I am working with QVC to review some of the products they sell. I am receiving compensation to review these products, but all the opinions are always my own. I'm excited to share these amazing skin care products with you!

One of my favorite parts about blogging has been that I get to try new products quite often - as I continue to try to perfect my daily skin care routine, it has been such a treat to try skincare products from brands new to me. One of those lately has been Elemis!

Elemis is a British brand that is now sold on QVC that is science led and results driven. QVC sells a bunch of their products currently, from toners to enzyme peels to face oils. I got to try out their three piece collection plus their rose scrub, and honestly, I can't pick a favorite because they are all amazing in their own way.

I was initially the most excited about the cleansing balm because I am always on the look out for a new way to remove my makeup. The Elemis cleansing balm has a very clean smell to it. I take about a dime sized amount out of the jar, rub it between my fingers to liquify it slightly, and then rub it all over my eyes and face to remove my make-up. After rinsing with water, all of my make-up is gone, and it doesn't leave a residue like I've found with other balms I've used in the past. I took this with me to Ireland, and used it the whole time I was there - the container is perfect for traveling because nothing can spill out of it or leak. 

The other two items in the set are the Night Recovery cream-oil, and the Pro-Collagen day cream. I love that it's very clear about when to use each product and that they are formulated for either moisturizing under your make-up, or for your skin recovering overnight. Over the years, I've really found that you just need different products depending on what time of the day it is. The night recovery cream-oil combo is a new one for me - it looks like a cream, but has the highly moisturizing effects of an oil. You know I'm currently all about the face oils, so I love how moisturized my skin feels after using this. I use this on the nights I don't use my prescription retinoid. 

Not included in the three part set, but one I wanted to mention, is the Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator. As someone with dry and flaky skin, I am constantly looking for something to help with making my skin look fresh and not dull. If you love the smell of roses as much as I do (my grandma has a huge rose garden and the smell of roses always reminds me of her), you will love this scrub. It's definitely on the gentle side, so I use it about every third day. It removes all of those flaky spots without rubbing your face raw, which is something I've experienced with harsher scrubs in the past. I usually follow with a face mask and then the recovery oil. My skin glows the next morning 👌

QVC is currently selling the 3 part set for $99 (if purchased each item separately, it would be over $250!). Below are a few more Elemis items being sold on QVC. I have my eye on the bliss capsules - they are basically little capsules with concentrated oil, which I think is just so clever. 

eye renewal | skin capsules | eye masks

toner | hand & nail cream | face wash

beauty tuesday: first impressions and new favorites

I have been playing with a bunch of new products over the last few months. Some I found by falling into an internet black hole, some I tried samples and loved, some were sent to me, and others were suggested by friends. I didn't think any really warranted a full review post (although a couple will have follow up posts with continued use), so I wanted to do a quick first impressions and mini review of the products!

Banila Clean it Zero Cleanser: K Beauty and its 10 step nightly routine has been a big thing discussed online for a while now, and every time I read about some people's routines, I get really confused about all the different steps, and what each of them does and then I just give up and continue my standard make-up removal, cleanser, treatment, moisturizing routine I've been doing my whole life. But then I recently read Sydney's post about her new routine, and man, her skin does look pretty amazing, and since her post made it a little easier to figure out how to go about all of this stuff, I purchased a few things. The first one is this balm cleanser, the first step in "double cleansing". For those of you who use coconut oil to remove your make-up, this is pretty similar, except it cleanses more and doesn't leave as oily of a residue behind. You scoop a little of the solid balm into your fingers, rub all over your face and eyes, and then cleanse with warm water. It does a great job of removing all of my eye make-up! I then cleanse again with my go-to Paula's Choice cleanser to remove all remaining make-up and cleansing balm. My face feels so soft after, and I like that I don't have to wipe at my face with any clothes or wipes or pads.

Neogen Wine Exfoliating Pads: You guys know I'm all about exfoliating - when you have dry flaky skin, anything that helps your skin look bright and not dying wins in my book. I've seen these wine soaked pads mentioned a few times over the past few months, so I figured it was time to try. I use these 2-3 times a week after double cleansing. Basically they smell like a combination of red wine and grape jelly - if you're sensitive to smells, you will probably hate this. I love it, I think it smells amazing! These are little gauze pouches, basically - you stick your finger in them, use the "rougher" side first (it's not rough at all) and then use the softer side after, to rub all over your face to exfoliate. My belief in this kind of over the counter skin care product is that it won't really change what your skin is really like - chances are, your pores won't be that much smaller, your acne isn't going to magically all disappear, your dark spots aren't going to just go away. But what it does in the day to day feeling of your skin is real - it does change how my skin feels, and how other skincare products react with my skin. So I would say in this situation, my skin does feel smoother! But it's not a magic product, just like most skincare products aren't. If you want a nice smelling exfoliator that helps with flakiness, this is a great product to try!

The Ordinary oils: In Sydney's post, a commenter said that there's no need to pay $40 for some of the face oils because you can get them for a quarter of that price from The Ordinary. I had never heard of this brand, so I fell deep into the internet hole about this brand. Basically, The Ordinary provides the active ingredients without any of the fillers...and for fair prices. I don't know if it's because we are so conditioned to see $100 bottles of face oil or if it's because we believe you can't buy good products for inexpensive prices, but I was pretty shocked when I saw that you could get the same 100% Squalane that sells for $60 from some brands for EIGHT DOLLARS from The Ordinary. $8! So at those prices, what do you really have to lose? Here's my disclaimer: I do not own the expensive bottle of Squalane, so I can't compare the two, but this little $8 bottle of oil feels pretty amazing. At night, after cleansing and exfoliating, I pat the squalane and rose hip see oil on my face. My face glows - I seriously can't stop looking at it because it looks so bright and clean and glowy! Again, I think this is one of those products that can change your skin when you apply it, but I have no idea how much it changes your skin over the long run, if that makes sense. The only product I have ever used where I noticed my skin actually changing is my prescription tretionoin cream - that product is the holy grail of changing your skin. These products change my skin on the daily, and so if you are looking for a few inexpensive face oils to try, The Ordinary is a great place to start! I've been very impressed with the products in the few days I've used it so far.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: A few months ago I reviewed Ole Henriksen's Power Peel system. I felt it was pretty harsh on my skin, so I returned it. Then I received a sample pack for the Power Bright system, and while it wasn't as harsh, the only part I really liked was the serum, or the middle step. Turns out, you can buy just the serum part without buying the harsh scrubs! So I bought the smaller bottle, and have been using it for about three weeks now. I use this in the morning after washing and toning my face - I use half a squirt, and pat into my face, and then follow with moisturizer. If you have oily skin, this may not be the best option for you, but for those of us with dry skin, it feels so good. I would actually say my skin does look radiant after using this (and I don't say that about everything)! It contains Vitamin C, which is another one of those skin care ingredients that has actually been shown to improve wrinkles and improve texture of the skin. I bought this before finding The Ordinary, but if you want to try a different Vitamin C product and not spend $50 on this oil, they make a Vitamin C suspension for $6...

Chanel Le Volume Mascara: I went to a Nordstrom Beauty event about two months ago with Katy. One of the products we got to play with was Chanel's volume mascara. Katy said she swears by the sample sized tubes, and it's been the best mascara she's ever used. You guys know I'm an eyelash junkie - I'm all about long thick lashes! So even though I kind of hate plastic brushes, I gave the sample tube a try...and have been using it ever since! It just really lifts and separates your lashes, while also building up the volume. I use one coat of primer, two coats of this, and one coat of Bobbi Brown's mascara for added thickness (I know it seems excessive...I just really love dark and thick eyelashes). Katy did say that she really likes the sample tubes more than the full size product, and I have only used the sample sizes so I can't verify her statement, but believe her. If you live near a store that sells Chanel makeup (like Nordstrom), stop by a counter and ask for a sample tube! It costs nothing, and maybe it'll be your new favorite. A sample tube lasts 2-3 weeks!

Bumble and Bumble Hairspray: When I got my hair colored back last fall, the stylist used this hairspray on my hair, and my curls lasted for THREE DAYS. That's unheard of for me! I remembered that she used a blue Bumble and Bumble hairspray, so when I finished  my last bottle of hairspray (which, tbh, I'd had for like two years because I don't use hair spray every day), I bought a bottle of this. And you know, my curls really have lasted longer! I love the fine mist, I love that it's technically a light hold, and I love that it's a twist top rather than having a lid that will mostly likely go missing.

Vichy Double Peel Mask: I was sent this tub by Amazon to test out, which I will be honest, I was so excited about. My mom has been a lifelong Vichy skincare user - whenever we go to Germany, she buys like ten tubs of products to bring back with her to the US. I trust my mother implicitly, so whatever works well for her, I know will be a good product. I fell in love with this "double" peel face mask - it exfoliated mechanically with powdered volconic rock, and then chemically exfoliated with AHA. I use this about once a mask, and then follow with a face mask. I would say this is a pretty gentle peel/exfoliator - there is not redness or burning after use (I have pretty sensitive skin, so this is important!). Definitely gentle enough to use multiple times a week. Be on the look out for a chance to win a trio of Vichy masks in the near future!

how to: do an at home facial in three easy steps

Years and years ago during my freshman year of college, I took a sociology class. In it, we learned that the only trait that is seen as attractive across all countries and cultures is good skin - teeth, hair, body type, and make-up all vary, but everyone considers good skin beautiful. This has obviously stuck with me, and for the last few years, I definitely have been trying to get ahead of the game - we're not getting any younger here! I wash my make-up off every night, I use sunscreen, I use my retin-A at night, I do masks fairly regularly, I try to drink plenty of water, and so on. For a while, I was getting a facial every couple of months, and while my skin felt awesome for a day or two, I have over the past year or so not gotten one in an effort to put my money towards other skin procedures (more about my microneedling experience in a few weeks!). So instead, I have figured out how to do my own facials at home that still give me smooth and glowing skin for a few days without dropping $75 every six weeks on the same results. I do these about once a week (usually during The Bachelor!) and feel that it has made quite the difference in how my skin is the rest of the week!

EXFOLIATE: Pretty vital to the process of getting smooth and glowing skin is getting rid of that top dull layer! My go-to process is after washing my make-up off in the shower, I'll do a quick pass with my go-to face cleanser and a cleansing sponge - basically just to remove the last of any make-up, and to get any big flakes. Plus taking a shower before all of this helps open up your pores. After getting out of the shower, I put on a layer of Glamglow's clearing treatment on any blemishes (this jar came in a holiday set last year), and the original mask over the rest of my face. I also put on a layer of KaplanMD's Perfect Pout lip mask. I wait about 15 minutes or so, just until the mask is dry. Because this mask can be drying, I don't like to keep it on my skin much longer than that. I then using a wash cloth, and gently scrub the mask off. 

TREAT: I have loved exploring all the different types of sheet masks out there - they are the perfect product for these at home facials! Once you exfoliate, this is the time you want to address whatever issues you're having with your skin, whether it's dry skin (me during the winter!), acne (especially around that time of the month), dullness (again me during the winter), or oily skin. I first started using the Sephora masks about a year ago, but several of you had mentioned getting cheaper ones from Memebox, so I ordered a whole bunch a few months ago that I'm still working through. Most of those masks cost between $1 to $3, so if one isn't great, it's not a huge loss! So far, I think my favorite mask from them has been the E.G.T. Timetox mask (no longer available on Memebox, but it is on Amazon) and the Tosowoong Pure Propolis Mask. I still have a whole stack to go through though, so I'm sure I'll fall in love with others. I've also tried the Tony Moly pack found on Amazon, which I quite liked (plus it's super cheap and you get a bunch of mask that treat different issues). I still occasionally will buy the more expensive masks, like the Dr. Jart+ mask I tried last night, and the SK-II mask that I'm saving for a special occasion because it's so pricy, but have found there really isn't much of a difference between the more inexpensive versions and the expensive versions, especially because the results you see from either mask aren't going to last forever - it's all somewhat temporary. So once you have exfoliated and dried your face, you just slap one of these on your face and wait 20-30 minutes. I also will put in my teeth whitening trays during this time - you can't really move your face much while wearing the masks, so it's really killing two birds with one stone! After the time is up, you remove the mask, and the rub the rest of the serum into your skin.

MOISTURIZE & SEAL: This part will really vary depending on your skin type. I have quite dry skin, so I like to use a heavier moisturizer, especially after using a product that can dry out your skin like the Glamglow mask. Recently I've been using Nature Republic's steam cream - it's pretty heavy duty, so it's the perfect last step for me (but definitely not something I would use as a daily morning cream). I would say it's a medium weight cream - it's not like a Nivea cream that is heavy but it's also not your light weight moisturizer that goes on super sheer. Like I said, this last step again depends on what you are looking for for your skin.

And that's it! Super easy, super efficient, and gets the job done! My skin always feels so soft after I do this, and while I would love the relaxing atmosphere of a spa while someone rubs creams all over my face, I feel I've gotten similar results sitting at home on my couch watching tv.

And although I've documented this on Snapchat a dozen times, here's last night's facial in all its bare skin glory during The Bachelor (Corinne is crazy and insecure, correct? I have lots of thoughts). Now if only I could figure out an at-home remedy for my dark tear trough (which I've had since I was a kid, so I can't even blame school for them!). 

beauty tuesday: updated skincare routine

A couple of weeks ago, a reader asked about starting a night time skin care routine. After answering, I've had several other people ask me for what my current skin care routine is, and since I last did that post in February, here's an update! As you can see, many parts of my routine are still the same, but I've stopped using a few products for one reason or another, and added a few new ones in. I'm finally over the flakiness that the tretinoin cream caused, and I have a more control

in the morning

1. Glossier cleanser: I use this first thing in the morning in combination with the sponge below. It's a very gentle cleanser, the bottle lasts a long time (I just ordered my second bottle finally), and I even use it to remove my make up on nights I'm feeling lazy and wore less make-up during the day. 
2. Cleansing sponge: I've had the same sponge for about two years now, and still use the same one. It has made such a difference in removing flaky skin, especially during the winter. 
3. Paula's Choice perfecting liquid: Another mainstay in my skincare routine. I'll stop using it for a few days because I get lazy, and all of a sudden have like four new break outs. It is a bit drying so I only use it on my problem areas, but it has made such a difference for me. 
4. First Aid Beauty hydrating serum: To combat the dryness, I started using this serum last winter, and it's been a life saver. I tried cutting back on it this summer too, but again, came right back to using it because it is so effective.  
5. Paula's Choice sunscreen: I used to never use daily sunscreen, but having read enough about skin cancer and just the vain prevention of wrinkles has made me start using sunscreen. I really like this sunscreen particularly because it's not thick and oily like typical sunscreens - it's a very fluid sunscreen that doesn't leave a film or anything on the skin. 
6. Belif moisturizer: Another mainstay in my current routine - I'm on my third or fourth jar now!

in the evening

1. Micellar water: I reviewed this a few weeks ago, but like I said, it easily removes all eye makeup and is super gentle (it basically feels just like water!). I use it with cotton pads. 
2. Paula's Choice cleanser: Another favorite! It's gentle, removes remaining make-up, and doesn't dry out my skin. I'm on my third bottle of this, and am about to order a fourth!
3. Retin A Micro: Probably the biggest game changer in my skincare routine over the past year. It's a prescription cream that I use every other night. It has decreased my acne, reduced hyper-pigmentation, and has overall made a big difference in my skin. Highly recommend if over the counter creams and cleansers aren't making as big of a difference as you would like. 
4. Vanicream: This was recommended to me by my dermatologist to help with the dryness and flaking caused by the tretinoin cream. I didn't believe it made me much of a difference until I ran out of it a few months ago, and the dry flakiness came back. Now I slather this on at night, and when I wake up, my skin is so soft (and not dry!).
5. Glossier balm.com: I use this for the rougher skin I get around my nose (mostly during the winter when I'm blowing my nose all the time). It soothes the irritation and heals the chapped skin. 

as needed

1. Kiehl's acne treatment: I've had this same little tube for a few years now (it's probably actually time to get a replacement) but I use it when I feel a break out coming on. I don't think it makes a huge difference one way or the other, and I don't particularly think that this salicylic acid spot treatment is much different than others, but I like it, and it's what I've been using. 
2. Kaplan's lip mask: I mentioned this on instagram yesterday, but the combination of a weekly lip mask + daily lip balm has made a big difference for my lips. I tend to have pretty dry lips no matter what else I've done, and this has helped, especially now that winter weather is officially here.  
3. Glamglow face mask: I use this about once every two weeks to help with the flakiness of my skin. It's definitely drying, so I don't leave it on much longer than necessary, but it has been one of the only things I've found that helps with removing flakes.
4. Ren mask: I stumbled upon this while looking through mask reviews, and people seem to really like it! I've used it twice, and plan on doing a full review soon, but it's basically a gentler mask that helps "restore radiance". 
5. Memebox sheet masks: After mentioning how much I liked the Sephora face masks a few months ago, several readers recommended checking out Memebox for cheaper masks. I put in a big order, and have been using various ones ever since! The masks run $1-$3, so even if I put one on and don't end up liking it, I don't feel like I wasted a ton of money on something I don't like. 

beauty tuesday: empties review (to repurchase or not to repurchase?)

I love beauty and skincare review posts, but I love "empties" review posts even more because I think to fully judge if a product is good or not, you really need to use the product for some time. I also think the sign of a product being good or not is 1. getting through the whole tube and 2. if you are willing to repurchase it. So therefore, I'm hoping to do one of these posts every few months so please let me know what you think!

Living Proof's Dry Shampoo: This is actually my second bottle of this dry shampoo. My initial impression when I purchased this a few months ago was that it was good, but I didn't really notice much of a difference between it and other dry shampoos I've used (...and I've used a ton!). I slowly noticed that my hair was staying grease-free longer and that I could go longer between shampoos, so when my first bottle was empty, I repurchased a second. Now that my second bottle is empty, I already have the third waiting. The Living Proof dry shampoo is on the more expensive side for sure, but I have found it to be very much worth it. I plan on doing a more thorough review in the next few weeks. Highly recommend!

Vanicream: I mentioned this cream a few months ago in my post about my experiences with tretinoin cream. The Vanicream was recommended to me by my dermatologist for the period of time where my skin was super  dry from the tretinoin cream. I found this moisturizer to be helpful - it's very thick, it's specifically made for senstive skin, and free of dyes, lanolin, fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde - so at its core, it is just a really simple thick moisturizer. Now that my skin is pretty much used to the tretinoin cream, I won't be repurchasing the moisturizer just because I don't really need it anymore! I do recommend it for those of you with very dry and sensitive skin, and can see myself repurchasing this in the winter if my skin acts up again. At around $8 for 4 oz, it's not a huge commitment.

Kiehl's Heat Protection Smoothing Cream: If you've read any of my hair posts, you know that I'm obsessed with this cream. I've been using it for years and years (at least five), and have gone through probably more than a dozen bottles. I love it for several reasons: it protects your hair from styling tool's heat, it's almost like a leave in conditioner in the sense that it detangles your hair, and it definitely helps with the frizziness. The $17 tube lasts me about 5-6 months... I already have my next one waiting.

Belif's Moisturizing Bomb: When I was in NYC last October, I stopped by Grace's apartment, and she sent me home with a ton of PR products she's received but hadn't used. One of them was Belif's moisturizer, and as soon as I finished that jar, I purchased my own. I very rarely repurchase moisturizers because I'm always looking for a better one, but I've been so pleased with this product that this is another one I already have the next jar waiting. It's made for drier skin, and it definitely delivers on the moisturizing side without leaving you greasy or sticky. I haven't had any issues with dryness since I started using this moisturizer, so if you've been looking for something for your dry skin, I highly recommend this one as well!

Too Faced's Better Than Sex Mascara: I've been using this product for years now - my mom gave me a tube for my birthday three years ago, and I haven't used a different mascara since! Once I started using it with the Urban Decay primer, I was pretty much hooked...until now. I wish I could remember which blogger recommended trying out this Bobbi Brown mascara (to give them credit), but either way, when my last tube of the BTS mascara was getting to the end, I ordered both the Too Faced mascara and the Bobbi Brown mascara - worst thing that happens is that I hated the Bobbi Brown mascara and just returned it. Turns out, I really really like it. One of my biggest issues with the BTS mascara is that it was always just a bit too wet for the first few weeks of use. The Bobbi Brown mascara is a bit on the drier side (not dry, just drier than the BTS mascara), so it looks good from the first use, and builds up the eyelashes beautifully. Overall, while I am still a fan of the Better than Sex mascara, I'm going to take a break from it and use the Bobbi Brown mascara for a while. I also plan on doing a more thorough comparison in a few weeks!

beauty tuesday: ole henriksen power peel review

I have gotten two facials in my life, and both times, my skin felt amazing afterwards. Unfortunately, I can't really afford to get a facial too regularly, so I try to make up my own routines at home. My own mini facial routine is typically Glam Glow's mud mask, followed by a sheet mask, and then possibly a sleep-in mask as well (I currently am using Origin's, and really enjoy it!).

Recently, I ran across Ole Henriksen's Power Peel while perusing Sephora's skincare section, as one does. The reviews were amazing - brighter skin, smaller pores, more evenly toned - the list went on and on. I really liked the idea of the "facial at home" aspect, so I ordered a two pack to try out.

what it is:

It's basically three masks, laid out for you to follow in order. The first is an almond scrub, the second is a lemon peel, and the third is a calming chamomile mask.

beauty tuesday: those damn large pores (and how to cover them up)

before | after Estee Edit's Pore Vanishing Stick

Over the past year, I've become quite content with the direction my skin is going. With the help of Paula's Choice, my acne has drastically cleared up, and with the help of my tretinoin cream, the hyperpigmentation I had from the acne is now going away too. Which means it's time for me to focus my skin insecurities on the next item...my large pores.

I've always had them, and after talking to my dermatologist about it, turns out I have my genetics to blame as genetics are really the reason for the size of our pores...which means there's also not a ton that can be done about them.  We have all seen products that promise to reduce pore size, and not shockingly, they don't really work. My doctor did say that my tretinoin cream should help, but to be honest, I've been using it for nine months now, and I haven't really noticed much of a difference. So I'm going to continue her recommendations, which is to use the tretonoin cream, and start an at-home microdermabrasian about once a week (do you have any recommendations? I was debating trying the Ole Hendricksen power peel, if any of you have tried it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!).

Anyway, all of this is to say that since there isn't a ton that can be done about the actual pores on my face in ways of treatment, I was more than willing to try out Estee Edit's new Pore Vanishing stick to cover them up. What it is is basically a primer in stick form that blurs the look of pores. While not really a new concept (Smashbox and Benefit both have primers geared toward reducing the look of the size of pores), I found the concept in stick form to be so much easier to use. In the morning before putting on my makeup, I use my regular primer (I use this Laura Mercier hydrating primer for my dry skin) over the rest of my face, and then use the Estee Edit primer on just my nose. Although the rest of my face is on the dry side, my nose is my one oilier spot, so this primer not only helps with the oil, but it really does blur away the enlarged pores! As you can see in the picture on the right, you can't see all the little spots like you can on the picture on the left. I currently don't wear foundation on a regular basis (my face is covered up by a face mask most days anyway), so I like that this helps cover up my insecurities without adding much more than five seconds to my morning routine. I'd definitely recommend at least swiping it across your nose the next time you're in store so you can see the difference it makes - when I tried it, I immediately felt okay spending $28 on the stick as I saw that it actually worked.

This is  my first purchase from the new Estee Edit line (which is an Estee Lauder line at Sephora) but I was playing around with a few items while I was in the store recently so I'm looking forward to trying a few more items. I'm going to get a sample of the White Mask for sure (the reviews look promising!). I'm also intrigued by their mascara as it comes with two wands - one side to build up your lashes (the brush looks very similar to my beloved Too Faced mascara) and a smaller side to define (great for the lower lashes).

beauty tuesday: how to choose the best sunscreen

Hello everyone! Did you guys know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness month? More than 90% of all types of skin cancer are caused by exposure to the sun, so we want to do everything possible to protect ourselves from what is another cancer that we can possibly prevent. As a medical student interested in ObGyn, I have a very very limited knowledge base about dermatology, so I'm so excited to have Dr. Joyce, who is a dermatology resident at NYU, here today to talk a bit about why sunscreen is so important, and what you should look for when choosing a sunscreen. 

----------------------------------------------------------------

With the sun finally coming out in NYC announcing the long awaited arrival of spring, I have been spending more and more time outside enjoying the rays and getting some vitamin D on my lunch breaks. I use sunscreen daily all year round, but since I'm getting more UV exposure lately, I've been especially vigilant about good sunscreen application and not relying solely on tinted moisturizers or other cosmetics with some SPF. Here's what YOU need to know to protect your skin from skin cancer AND aging this spring.

Why do I need sunscreen?

This is the basic question that I hope I can answer for you today. The sun's rays produce ultraviolet (UV) radiation, invisible waves on the electromagnetic spectrum that cause harm to the skin. UVA radiation causes photoaging, meaning sunspots, wrinkles, leathery, sagging skin (check out this INCREDIBLE photo of sun-induced aging on just half of this truck driver's exposed face here). UVA is the one associated with indoor tanning, and has been found to exacerbate UVB-induced damage as well. UVB radiation, associated with sunburns, causes DNA damage that can result in skin cancers. So the basic reason of why you need sunscreen is that topical application blocks these harmful UV rays from reaching your body and damaging your skin. Think of it as your invisible shield.

How do I choose and apply sunscreen?

Great question! I just made a vlog about this very topic, covering what sunscreens are suited for which skin types - check it out here!

In a nutshell: Dermatologists recommend using a broad spectrum (meaning blocks BOTH UVA and UVB) sunscreen that is at least SPF30. Sunscreen is supposed to be reapplied every 2 hours, but you and I know that that goal is extremely difficult to achieve. I find reapplication difficult because I have makeup on, and it's hard to put greasy sunscreen on over it. My personal philosophy is that if I'm going to be outside for a prolonged period of time in direct sun, I will apply SPF 50 sunscreen over my moisturizer and under my foundation, and wear a broad brimmed hat and large sunglasses. Beyond that, choice of sunscreen is in part a personal decision. Will you be in the water or sweat a lot? Consider using a waterproof sunscreen. Sensitive skin? Look for sunscreen that is fragrance free or consider formulations gentle enough for babies. More on choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type on my blogpost here. 

Why do I look chalky white with sunscreen?

There are two types of ingredients - physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that offer broad spectrum protection by reflecting the sun's radiation and then chemical blockers like cinnamates and salicylates that block radiation by absorbing it and converting it into heat energy. The caveat about chemical blockers is that they block UVB but need to be combined with other UVA blocking ingredients. The active ingredients in physical blockers can appear chalky and white on application, which I know people don't like! If you fall into this camp, don't despair, Try looking into newer models of sunscreen use micronized ingredients, which reduce the chalky appearance, or choose chemical blockers.

Is sunscreen actually safe to use? I've heard some rumors...

Hold it right there. I have also heard of these reports about the dangers of sunscreen ingredients, and I took a look at the scientific literature to evaluate that myself. What I found is that there is NO good evidence in our research that supports the claim that any ingredients in sunscreens are dangerous. Check out my full report here.

What do you look for in sunscreens?

This could be a whole post! In fact I am going to do a whole series of posts in which I review my favorite and not-so-favorite sunscreens and what I like or don't like about them. The qualities I look for in my sunscreens include:

• broad spectrum, SPF 30
• easy to apply, meaning not too chalky and not too greasy
• mixed with moisturizer because I have super dry skin (I still put moisturizer on first though!)
• lightly tinted for some thin coverage, nothing too cake-y because I want to look professional at work

Stay posted for my sunscreen reviews on www.teawithMD.com!

To learn more about sunscreen and how to protect yourself from UV radiation and skin cancer:

https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/the-skin-cancer-foundations-guide-to-sunscreens

----------------------------------------------------------------

So as you can see, sunscreen is super important in our daily skin care routines. Big thanks to Joyce for covering me while I am a bit stretched thin at the moment between a busy rotation, studying for my last shelf exam of the year, and prepping for boards. Make sure to check out her blog and follow along on instagram to catch some of the behind the scenes of a busy derm resident!