But yes, my skin looks pretty perfect to others. Which is a LIE.
My skin has no textural issues, uneven patches of color, or major redness. However, I do have slighty broken capillaries on my right cheek as well as some blackheads and clogged pores in the T-zonem and a zit here or there depending on what "week" it is. My biggest problem is a single laugh line and some dark spots on my cheek.
So if you're looking at my face from "normal/ socially acceptable human interaction distances" you probably won't see much unless you really cared to search out imperfection. That's why I don't splurge on skincare unless I have to and get most of what I can go through quickly, like face wash, at the drugstore. If you're slightly interested in my thoughts on skincare, though, you can always read on. What works for me might be too hardcore for you.
Physical exfoliant: Sephora scrubber thing (I like the vigourous hand action compared to my Mia) and Aveeno skin brightening daily scrub. I only do this a few times a week but I really enjoy the clean scent. In the morning I use a creamy cleanser (Neutrogena) and my hands to rub and wash gently.
Chemical exfoliant: REN Glycol Lactic mask is a once a week regimen. Smells and feels like marmalade while it peels away your first layer of skin gently. Yummmm... Every other night I'll swipe a pad of Stridex across my t-zone to ward off clogged pores and blackheads. It smells good to me too.
Zit banisher: Speaking of smells, the Mario Badescu drying lotion smells like butthole of Zeus. No, like a nasty and sulfurous rendition of Tiger Balm. Too bad it works and can take your friendly cystic baby down to a smaller bump. I only use this when I absolutely have to because the scent is so strong that I have trouble sleeping. I put it on right before bed and after every other step.
Dark spot/tone correcting serum: I like lighter things like serums to go on first after my face is patted dry. The Clinique dark spot corrector serum is legit. Around 70 dollars it's an investment that I choose obey simply because dark spots are the worst of my problems. It fades things in two weeks and your skin is completely even six weeks in.
Retinoid product: Neutrogena makes nice products that contain retinol or close derivatives. Basically, the closest thing to increase cell production and turnover rate and blah blah blah. It works, and on everyone. The drugstore version is just as effective and I love the squeeze tube...no heavy glass packaging that can drop into my toilet. This one, unlike the serum, doesn't smell like teriyaki chicken and garlic.
Eye cream: I don't really "need" an eye cream, because I've only seen one fine line under the eyes and my dark undereyes only come out after 4 years of being a living dead/not getting sleep. I just like this step because this Burt's Bees cream smells so pleasant and is fun to tap into the skin.
Moisturizing mask: I usually use this Origins Drink Up mask right after I do my REN routine on Sunday night. Sometimes when I'm feeling dehydrated or know I will be I'll layer this on thick for ten minutes and then rub into the skin. The husband says I look like fried chicken when I have this on, but I wake up with plump skin sans laugh lines.
So now you know that I don't bathe in virgin milk and witchcraft, it's easier to see that I don't really do anything revolutionary to my skin, it's just genetics. I'm sure if I didn't keep up a routine my skin would look much more blegh only because this curated routine has been perfected after years of tormenting my skin with harsh scrubs.
It's just something to keep in mind the next time you're at the store. Skincare is so personal anyway.
Xo, Be.
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