Recent Skincare Favorites

Alright so lately I've been very fortunate to have an influx in products coming in for me to try as a way to build my knowledge and categories for you guys. I've also been "shopping me shelf" which is an attempt for me to revisit some products that I need to use up or fall in love with all over again. I especially do this when I'm testing a new product and I fill my routine with old faves that I know won't cause an issue. It's part of the testing process and it's re-lit my LOVE for doing my skincare routine every night. To the point that I look so forward to it every night and it lasts much longer than it technically should because I have a good time relaxing and taking some time to turn off all my emails and messaging and social media. 

Now let's talk about what I've been loving here recently.

I've been exploring hydrating liquid toners and there is a list coming up of the ones that I love. I use them after my acid step usually unless it's in a different formula otherwise it's after my cleanser. So I really have enjoyed the Luzern Essential Hydrating Tonic. It has been really good and a wonderful place to start in the "hydrating toner" area. I've also been obsessed with their Luzern Hydra Cleansing Emulsion. Good God. It's so nice. They sent the travel size and I'm pining for the 3.3 oz which is the biggest one they had because yes....I asked what the biggest size was.

Also in the respect of hydrating toner I've been getting more into mists because it's an easy step in the routine and there's nothing extra you have to do other than just mist the face. So I've been using REN Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist like it's going out of style. I've always enjoyed it but now it has moved to my nightstand which is like the highest promotion I can give a product. 

I've been sick lately and my skin really suffers and feels gross when I've had a sick spell so when it does that I like to use MD Complete Clarifying Cleanser. I know it's more marketed for "acne" skin but I like it when you want to wash all the grime off and the skin feel fresh. It's a gentle cleanser, non foaming, and it's more soothing than anything. It does have some Salicylic Acid in it but I like it. It doesn't dry my skin out and never has. Granted I follow up with a very hydrating routine but as far as the tight after cleanser feeling that you have until your next step I don't notice it. I reviewed it forever ago and I must say I use the products frequently from that set which was the acne set, I think I will try out the Restoring Cleanser next but I really like this. It's one of the few "clarifying" cleansers that I do like.

Something you've heard me talk about a lot lately is the Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex. It was in a New Beauty TestTube and I love the formula and the results. It actually might be my favorite formula in the realm of a lotion/cream texture. As far as AHA I'll always love a liquid toner version first. I was unaware of the brand until this came along. It's Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid which is also why I love it because it's getting away from the standard AHA's that you're used to seeing. I could feel this like I could feel Sunday Riley Good Genes the first time I used it which I appreciate even more. It's not left my skin sensitized I just had that familiar tingle that I love. I love seeing Azelaic Acid being used as well because not many companies advertise it even if it's in the ingredient deck. I would also enjoy some Mandalic Acid being used more in some AHA products too. Just saying.

Some products that you've seen me testing is Good Molecules. I must say the Peptide Serum is my go to outside of Drunk Elephant Protini which is saying something. I also really enjoyed their Hyaluronic Acid Serum as well. It's very nice. They're very affordable. They aren't overwhelming or hard to understand. You can find them at Beautylish.

Speaking of some Drunk Elephant, I've recently only been using the Shaba Complex Eye Serum. It's just extremely hydrating and I love it. I notice that it's the product that I keep gravitating toward. For eyes.

Lastly is facial oils. I've been using a lot but the two that I've kept in rotation the most is the First Aid Beauty Cannabis and Oat Facial Oil and also the Sunday Riley CEO Glow Oil. The FAB one is more like a dry oil. It absorbs quickly and fits with any routine you throw at it. It's never too much, insanely light weight. It's lovely to finish off your routine which is how I use it. The CEO Glow has Vitamin C in it which is why I use it so much to get in more antioxidants especially Vitamin C. It also houses one of my favorite ingredients which is Turmeric. I love it when Turmeric (or Carrot) is in products. It's a heavier oil but I personally love that. I've been using it since January, pretty much everyday and it's 15 ml and I've not really made that much of a dent in it. I like to mix it with Protini when I'm using it or with a the Sunday Riley A+ Retinoid Serum that I've been testing.

Some of the products or probably most of the products were gifted or sent at some point. None of the links are affiliate links. I'll link to the sites that I purchase from the most which is most likely Sephora or Beautylish and some of the brand sites.