I have a motto when it comes to facial skin care: Less is More. I take this from my mother, who has gorgeous youthful skin from her age of 53. I tried to follow in my Mama's footsteps and use her routine, but it didn't work out too well. It's all good though because I have found something that works.
Moisturizer:
For moisturizer, I use Korres Yoghurt Cream ($32.00/1.35 fl. oz) which is designed for normal to combination skin. Although I have dry skin, this product works perfectly for me. It isn't too light, nor too heavy. And while the formula is quite light and goopy, it's still thick enough to moisturize my super dry skin. In fact, it sinks into my skin much more easily. (Also, I love the packaging!)
Makeup Remover:
I have two makeup removers. The first is the The Body Shop's Camomile Eye Makeup Remover ($14.50/100ml). It's simplicity is what makes this the ideal makeup remover. Simply put a dimes amount on a cotton pad and gently rub away the eye makeup. And you're done. No need for rinsing or anything because it comes right off.
There is another version of this where it's just liquid. I've personally never tried it yet. If you've tried it, let me know the difference!
For heavy duty makeup, I use Lush's Ultrabland ($16.95/1.05 oz). The oils in here really work to melt away all that makeup - especially stubborn mascara. It does leave a slight residue but I find it helps leave my face moisturized the morning after. The only con about this though is that the scent isn't really pleasant. Other than that, I like it for it's makeup-stripping properties.
Exfoliator/Cleanser:
Because I have dry skin, I need a cleanser that doesn't strip my skin of it's natural oils while taking off dirt, makeup, and dead skin. I've just recently found this little gem and it's done my winter skin wonders! No more dull, dry, patchy skin for me.
Angels on Bare Skin by Lush ($9.95/3.5 oz)is a gentle exfoliator/face cleanser. It's got Lavender petals to calm any redness. (Not to mention, it looks really pretty in the jar.) It's also got ground almonds for exfoliation. You don't really feel any hard chunky ground almonds though. It's got a soft clay-like consistency. You add water and it becomes a milky paste. Then your scrub in circular motions.
I love what it's done for my skin. You can really feel a difference right after. I also love that it doesn't strip my skin of it's essential oils. Overall, right now, this is my HG cleanser/exfoliator. I might just have to do a full review...
Although nothing is ever perfect, I feel like I've finally perfected my skin care routine. For awhile, I went without a face cleanser. Everything was just too harsh for it. And my skin loved me more when I didn't use any types of cleansers. But finally, I've found something that my skin loves bathing in. Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error to find out what works for you, but in the end it's worth it.
