This year I got my first facial and with it, got more serious about my skincare. I still can’t stick to a multi-product routine or nightly regiments but having go-to products that consistently work with my skin has definitely helped.
The first thing I learned from my facial is that finding the right face wash is SO important. I switched between face wash from Shiseido and Clinique pretty regularly, and I even tried the Glossier milk jelly for a while before I realized the jelly and liquid cleansers were too drying for my skin. I switched to Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser and never looked back. The foam is much less drying, and it’s been easier for me to tackle other minor skin problems now that my face wash isn’t working against me.
The second product that’s helped my skin look better this year has been moisturizing masks. I tend to hoard masks but two of my favorites have been the Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque and Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. They moisturize without making my skin oily so I rotate between them whenever my skin is in need of a little extra TLC.
In my “5 Best Purchases of 2018” post I shared my love for Sunday Riley’s Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask. I LOVED this product the first time I used it but didn’t feel like it helped as much the second and third time. I gave up on the Sulfur Mask, but I found a new holy grail product from Sunday Riley just as quickly. My more recent obsession has been the Luna Sleeping Night Oil. When I use it consistently I can see a huge difference in the lines under my eyes and it’s gentle enough for every day use.
Last but not least is using my prescription acne cream. I saw a dermatologist who prescribed Epiduo for me and it’s worked much better for me than any other salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatment alone. I’m pretty terrible at using acne products regularly, especially because they can be incredibly drying but when I use this one consistently (even if it’s just every other day) my skin stays clear and breakouts clear up in one use.
It’s taken quite a bit of trial and error over the past 10 years to figure out what works for me but it makes such a huge difference having products that I can rely on. Not sure where to start with your skin? The Allure Best of Beauty list is full of a ton of great cult-favorites, including my Kiehl’s mask!
Photos by Allie Provost; Pret a Provost
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