Everyday makeup and skincare.

I used to spend a big chunk of my income on make-up, Mac products in particular. It got to a point where every payday saw me going in the store and having the sales girls put aside new products that they thought I would like. I own 0+ in eyeshadow, 0+ in makeup brushes, and countless other pigments and such that I haven’t touched in 3 years or so. See, I stopped wearing makeup in the spring of 2008 when I started going through my while clothing phase (more on that later). Since heavy makeup and white clothing don’t go well together, and hugging friends and leaving make-up stains on their clothing wasn’t something I wanted either. So I stopped and put aside my eyeshadows, foundations, concealers and sticky lipglosses.

Don’t get me wrong, it took a few weeks to get to fully comfortable being  “nude” in public, but the benefits were phenomenal. My skin cleared up, and gone were the little bumps that appear after having your pores clogged with makeup for 16-18 hours a day; gone was the fear of touching my face and freaking out at the thought of rubbing something off, and gone was the urge to buy new things to paint on my face.

Now I’ll be the first to say that I am lazy and not wearing makeup most likely has more to do with laziness than caring about my skin. That extra 10 mins in the morning means I can sleep in a bit longer, and not have to worry about falling asleep without taking things off.

The only drawback to not wearing makeup is the I need to pay more attention to my skin.

A few things I want to note:

• I hate facials. They make your skin breakout and feel very abrasive.
• I don’t like the idea of spending a ton of money of products when the cheaper version will do.
• I ONLY use hypoallergenic products as almost everything else causes a reaction.
• I’m far from being a skincare product snob, but have been blessed with sensitive skin that doesn’t do with certain chemicals
• I would use Dove soap and water everyday if I could, but it doesn’t work out well.
• That being said, I have tried quite a few different things and finally arrived at the holy grail (for me) of skin care and makeup products that make me and my wallet very happy.

I first found this product where I find most of my skin care experiments, in Winners (Marshalls?). The prices are normally cheaper than that normal department store.

It is the best facial scrub I have ever used. It smells like apples, and feels like you are rubbing sand on your face. I use it 1-2 times a week and normally lasts me about 3 months. At $9.99, its a steal. My face feels really soft and smooth after using it.

Not only does it unclog pores, but it keeps them blackhead free.

 

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild Facial Soap

I use a combination of Clinique Face Cleanser and Dove soap to wash face. I would be just as happy washing with Dove all the time, but my sister takes all the Dove products from my bathroom. This is the next best thing. Its a really mild cleanser and you only need to use a VERY VERY small amount. It is great for break-out prone skin and feel gentle enough that doesn’t feel harsh on just showered skin.

The problem is that it cost $25.99 which a bit steep, but the good news is that you can buy a package of different products based on your skin to reduce the price.  The bottle lasts a long time if used properly.

I normally buy it at the Duty Free in the airports because I find the prices cheaper there.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 Facial Astringents (Dry to Combination)

I use this product everyday; right after washing my face. It works wonders on the blackhead prone areas, like your nose and chin.  I have officially converted my skincare product hating sisters to it.  It comes in 2 sizes and the smaller one usually lasts about 2 months. You don’t need a lot, and only need to use it once a day.

The price can range between $20-26.00 depending on where you buy it from. Its worth the investment.

 

 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

I can not live without my Clinique moisturizer. I frist came across this product in an airport on our way to Asia. I had forgotten my moisturizer and needed to pick up something for my face. I love the consistency of it, and it is perfect for my skin type. It’s also available for different skin types.

 

I use 2- 3 drops worth and the bottle lasts me about 6 months. Its the perfect thing to go on top of the toner.

 

MAC Powder Blush Style

There are days where my natural glow just doesn’t cut it and I need a bit of colour to brighten up my face. I still love Mac, but now only buy their blushes.  I am on the lighter side of tan normally so anything pink or peach used in moderation perks my face right up. I only use it in the winter or for a special event as the minute that there is anything type of sun, I am tanned and my skin doesn’t need anything else.

Mac products are hypoallergenic and don’t react with my skin. The texture is great and does what it supposed to. I own 3 different shades.

 

Oh, and I use vaseline for my lips if needed.

 

I understand that the prices may seem higher than what is in the normall drug-stores. I can honestly tell you that I have tried 10-20 different brands (some high end, but mostly drug store) for each one that I am happy with.  Seeing as I used to spend $500-$800 a year of makeup alone to cover my skin, I am ok with spending $120 or for a years worth of the best skincare products for my skin. This elimates any need for facials or money wasted on products that don’t work.

Are you loyal to a product? What are your go-to skincare products that you can’t like without?