Exfoliant

Yes, it’s the results that matter the most with skincare, but the entire experience of using the product is what I love. Texture is one of those things that can make or break a skincare product. If the texture is weird and unappealing, the results must be mind-blowing to overcome that (if it even can – yikes). Conversely, if the texture is delightful but the benefits are sub par, then it’s hard to justify continuation of use. But there are those rare times when the texture and results are equally appealing and the product really wins me over. I’ve recently come across three products that bring the best of both worlds together – amazing texture and fantastic results. 

1. Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Treatment Oil – While I do have a ton of facial oils at home, I instantly fell in love with this one. To say the oil is lightweight is an understatement! The oil itself is very thin and watery, and has this incredible silky smooth finish that instantly made me want to put it on my face. I apply two drops to my fingertips, rub together and then press gently into the skin. It instantly absorbs and my face looks fresh, supple and radiant. I find that I can wear it either morning or night, and have been impressed with how much my skin loves this oil. While many other oils have a lot of bells and whistles, I keep reaching for this because it consistently feels great on and makes my skin look healthy and glowing. Clinique continues to be a staple in my skincare arsenal because the products are uncomplicated, easy to use and work. And isn’t that what we all want from a brand at the end of the day? (case in point – this cleanser, this acne treatment and this body cream have been long time favorites)   

3. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask – I had heard so much buzz surrounding this product that I knew I had to try it. And the texture absolutely blew my mind. The above picture does not do it justice, so watch this quick video I posted on Instagram to get the full scope of how unbelievable this product looks and feels. Did you watch it? It actually BOUNCES. I love beauty products with every ounce of my being, but so much of what we see is similar to what we have seen before, right? Not this mask. It was unlike anything I have ever tried, experienced or used. And to top it all off? It made my skin feel absolutely heavenly! I apply it at night as my last step after my serum, and was shocked at how thin it is when on my face. It may have this crazy bouncy thick texture, but as soon as I scooped out a bit with my finger, it turned to this creamy gel that instantly helped to hydrate and nourish my skin. I woke up the next morning and my face felt plump, firm and supple – just like the mask itself! Consider me a believer now. The hype is completely warranted on this one. 

I struggle with dull skin because I am so fair. My skin can often become drab and lackluster at times, which can be made worse by any hyper pigmentation issues that may have popped up unexpectedly (old sun spots, healing blemishes, etc). I always keep products in my skincare collection to help give me that boost of brightness and fight those bouts of unevenness that I deal with from time to time. The key I have found to successfully managing this (and eradicating it at times) is by regularly exfoliating whether by a scrub or mask or even a cleanser.  Here is a look at 3 products I’ve recently tried that were really great at helping me achieve that brightness I’m always in search of for my skin. #thestruggle

1. Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub Advanced – This scrub is not for the faint of heart or those with particularly sensitive skin because a SERIOUS exfoliation happens with this product. That being said, it is by far the closest thing to microdermabrasion I’ve ever used. It is that effective. One pinch of these pure ruby crystals massaged in and left on for 60 seconds and it will leave me with skin that is no short of baby soft. No, I mean put me up next to a baby and you will not be able to tell the difference in our skin. Frankly, I need a new word for smooth after using this. But for those who may find this one a bit too harsh (that would not be me – I go hard on my exfoliating LOL), there is the regular Doctor’s Scrub which is much less intense yet still quite effective.

2. NUDE Skincare Miracle Mask – I began by slowly sipping the NUDE skincare Kool-aid, trying out product after product and loving each one more than the next. So now I’m at the point where I am simply chugging that Kool-aid and head over heels in love with the whole line. This Miracle Mask is nothing short of a miracle with its natural exfoliators that help to brighten, smooth and clarify the skin. The great thing about this mask which makes it a bit different from my other exfoliating masks is that I am able to use it during a breakout without irritating my skin or worsening the problem. That truly helps set it apart in my skincare routine and make it a staple. Again, there goes that Kool-aid talking.

3. Sisley Phyto-Blanc Buff and Wash Facial Gel -So I already raved about the Sisley Foaming Cleanser (read my review here), and this Facial Gel is great to add in once or twice a week as an added cleanser step. It has ingredients that are designed to help lighten the skin (meaning dark spots or uneven pigmentation) and help exfoliate all the dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. I began using this after a particularly bad breakout I was suffering from in order to test out it’s ability to help brighten and lighten the skin and I was happy to see that it lived up to it’s claims. The spots didn’t disappear overnight but I saw a marked change in their intensity versus using my regular cleansers. And after the trauma of a bad breakout (we’ve all been there), it’s always good to find something to restore the faith in your skin.