fave products // dermalogica ultracalming serum concentrate & calm water gel

If you have sensitive skin and have trouble finding products that actually work, but also don’t irritate your skin, I have just the stuff for you! Dermalogica makes some killer products- I’ve been a fan of their vitamin C serum for a while now- but they also make a line of UltraCalming products that is specifically catered to those with sensitive skin like mine! Using their exclusive UltraCalming complex, which contains soothing ingredients like oat, botanicals, peptides, evening primrose oil, as well as sunflower seed & avocado extracts, these products aid in easing sensitization and defending against future problems. The UltraCalming Serum Concentrate has been a true god-send. This powerhouse serum works to calm and soothe sensitive skin (especially after any non-invasive facial treatments), and helps interrupt the inflammatory triggers that cause flare-ups to begin with. I like applying a thin layer over my entire face post-cleansing, then following with the UltraCalming Calm Water Gel. This water-gel moisturizer feels practically weightless, yet still adequately hydrates and moisturizes my skin. Thanks to apple fruit extract, cactus pear extract, and glycerin, this skin-quenching fluid is able to support a healthy moisture balance while defending against dryness. And dual hyaluronic acid technology works to increase and lock in moisture throughout multiple layers of the skin’s surface! Yes please! I was also more recently introduced to their newest addition, the UltraCalming Redness Relief Essence, which is the perfect combo of toner and serum. It’s lightweight enough to feel super refreshing, yet concentrated enough to visibly reduce redness and sensitivity. Apply it post-cleanser, right before your UltraCalming Serum Concentrate. I’m curious if you’ve tried out any other products from the line? I’m debating which one to try next! Maybe the cleanser? Let me know!

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fave products // renée rouleau post-breakout fading gel

Everyone gets breakouts or the random blemish from time to time. One thing I've noticed as I've gotten older is that some blemishes take longer to heal than they used to. It seems like a little mark or scar lingers for a while, which is pretty freaking annoying, to be honest. Brighteners and exfoliators are pretty common these days, and for good reason. Both can be used to help reduce the appearance of any discoloration on your face, as well as quicken recovery time. Renée Rouleau Post-Breakout Fading Gel is a fast-acting acne scar treatment that helps lighten and fade any marks left from those pesky blemishes. White tea and sea whip extracts are powerful anti-inflammatory agents, with gentle soothing components as well. Lactic and glycolic acids work to exfoliate the skin, promoting a nice, even-toned complexion. Obviously, the effectiveness of the product depends on the severity of the blemish, so make sure you don't make things worse by picking! I know it can be hard to resist at times- trust me, I've been there- but I promise it's in your best interest. I've been using the gel pretty regularly for a while now, and can happily say that it's helped with any lingering dark spots and marks I have! I love when a product does what it says it'll do, so I definitely plan to keep a bottle of this in my cabinet going forward. The Texan in me got excited that Renée herself is an Austin-based skin-care expert and esthetician, and even better- her company is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny! I've also been trying out (and really enjoying!) some other Renée Rouleau products as well, so keep an eye out for more reviews soon!

fave products // sunday riley martian & u.f.o.

 

By now y'all know that Sunday Riley is one of my go-to brands for safe, yet effective skincare. From the cleansing balm to the night oil, I'm a huge fan. Sunday Riley's newest products, U.F.O Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil and Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner (love the space-themed names!), are geared towards those with oily to acne-prone skin. I strive to take good care of my skin, and am also lucky that for the most part, it's clear and blemish-free. Occasionally, however, I'll have a breakout due to hormones, stress, weather, etc., and when that time comes, I reach for these two products. Martian starts as a cooling gel, then transforms to a water toner, which clarifies, removes oil, and tightens pores for visibly clearer skin. Bentonite clay helps mattify the skin and reduce pore size, while green tea and marshmallow help to soothe and reduce redness. Several extracts work their magic here: cucumber and witch hazel extracts tighten and tone the skin, while Manuka, black cumin and magnolia bark extracts boast antibacterial and healing properties. Once the toner is absorbed, my skin is prepped for U.F.O. application. This medicated dry oil absorbs super quickly, helping to clear congested pores, treat and prevent acne, as well as smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Salicylic acid is at work here, along with tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil, to help clear potentially pore-clogging debris and promote clear skin. Milk thistle and cucumber seed oil add hydration, and prevent any dryness potentially caused by the salicylic acid, while licorice helps to brighten and even the skin tone. Talk about a killer 1-2 punch! These two are also great to throw in your gym bag, as these potent ingredients work wonders to prevent post-workout breakouts! And as with all Sunday Riley products, you won't find parabens, sulfates, or phthalates in Martian or U.F.O, making them an all-around excellent choice for healthier, clearer skin!