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!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // babor cleansing hy-öl & phyto-active sensitive

Come wintertime, I like to take my skincare to the next level with a super gentle and hydrating oil cleanser. You may have heard about the popular “double cleansing” method by now. It originated in Korea, and typically involves an oil cleanser to help remove makeup, sunscreen, city pollution, and anything else your skin may have accumulated throughout the day. At first I was a bit hesitant to try it out- it seemed like it could dry out my skin and strip it of the good oils it needs! However, I needn’t have worried. Once I started researching, I came across Babor Cleansing Hy-Öl and Phyto-Active Sensitive Cleansers, which looked like the perfect mix of water, plant-based oils, and essential vitamins to nourish the skin rather than deplete it. You start with a few pumps of the Hy-Öl and massage it into dry skin. Then add a pump or two of the Phyto-Active, spreading it evenly across your face. Next wet your fingers a bit, and create a smooth lather of the two on your skin. Rinse and pat dry! I’ve been loving how my skin feels after using this cleansing system, super soft and refreshed. Babor even makes a few different Phyto-Active Cleansers, so you can choose the best fit for your skin type, whether that’s sensitive, dry, dull, or combination. If you’re looking to switch up your cleanser this winter, I definitely recommend checking out Babor products for calm and youthful, glowing skin!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // fig & yarrow complexion water

 
 

I love keeping a little skin refresher in my bag at all times, for whenever my complexion needs a pick-me-up spritz. There are quite a few options out there these days, and many with high quality ingredients at that. But one that I keep coming back to for not only its stellar ingredient list, but also its calming and balancing nature, is Fig + Yarrow Complexion Water. This aromatic blend of orange blossom, rose water, and sandalwood oil has a luxurious hydrating and toning effect for the face, body, and hair. Neroli oil boasts regenerative and rejuvenating qualities for sensitive skin, and also adds a wonderfully warm and seductive smell to the water. I personally love the smaller, travel-size bottles, because I can keep them with me in even the smallest of purses, not to mention in my carry-on while traveling. Keep an eye out for Fig + Yarrow's other complexion water blend as well, which is made of yarrow, immortelle, and rockrose, and especially beneficial for sun-damaged, aging, or problematic skin. Fresh and rehydrated skin is just a spritz away!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

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!