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 // true botanicals pure radiance oil

I have sung the praises of True Botanicals on many occasions. This safe, potent, and proven skincare brand boasts a seriously impressive ingredients list, and is highly effective to boot. After loving their Vitamin C Booster and Cellular Repair Serum, I was pumped to try the Pure Radiance Oil. The Clear oil, in particular, has balancing properties that work to regulate sebum and clear your skin while allowing its natural radiance to shine through. I love that while this oil is deeply hydrating, it doesn't feel too greasy or heavy, and I can wear it year-round thanks to its quick absorption. Antioxidants and potent antibacterial ingredients help heal any infections and clear congestion, leaving your skin vibrant and revived. As always with True Botanicals products, their facial oil is certified MadeSafe, and formulated with natural ingredients like helichrysum, hemp, pumpkin & grape seed oils, and algae extract. No scary ingredients here! A potent acne treatment and glow-inducing moisturizer in one?? Sounds like the perfect combo- I'll definitely need to restock soon! While I'm at it, I'm excited to try some of their newer releases, like the Antioxidant Booster, Resurfacing Body Mask, and Deep Repair Eye Serum, as well.

fave products // rejuvenated h3o hydration & night repair

With all the traveling I do for work, it's important to give my skin plenty of extra hydration to keep it looking radiant and fresh. On a recent shoot in South Africa, my skin was looking a bit haggard, but luckily the makeup artist saved the day with these Rejuvenated H3O Hydration sachets that are super easy to pop into a glass of water. These provide your skin with key minerals and ions that are super important for maintaining its health, while also enhancing its water absorption. Rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, H3O aids in cell division, reduces the look of fatigued skin, and protects cells from oxidative stress. Hyaluronic acid is the secret weapon here, providing hypotonic hydration and ensuring better days for your skin sooner than later!

Similarly, Rejuvenated H3O Night Repair works its magic while you sleep. Potent herbs and antioxidants join a slew of vitamins and minerals to provide your skin with serious hydration overnight. Pine bark, grape seed extract, and astaxanthin (powerful antioxidant from the sea!) come together to make sure you wake up refreshed and renewed! A huge bonus in my book is that both of these products are perfect for travel too- just pop them in your bag and go! I definitely recommend trying these out along with their Collagen Shots as well for beautiful skin from within.

fave products // paula's choice skin perfecting BHA liquid

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Throughout my skincare foray into various brands, Paula's Choice is a name that kept popping up again and again. Admittedly, I didn't know much about them, but after hearing the word "cult following" affiliated with this product, I figured I'd better check it out. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid works kind of like a toner, but one that is also great for sensitive skin, which I love. I hate when products feel like they're burning off your skin, am I right?? Not the case here! This liquid works to give you radiant, even-toned skin by simultaneously reducing redness and building collagen, which smooths fine lines and wrinkles. The 2% BHA (beta hydroxy acid) content helps to unclog and diminish any enlarged pores you may have as well, making this one seriously potent yet totally gentle exfoliant! It's even clinically proven to be non-irritating, and is fragrance free! I like to use this every other night or so (I rotate with my Cane + Austin retexture pads), and apply with a cotton round after cleansing. With this impressive list of benefits, it's easy to imagine Paula's Choice products to be crazy expensive, but the opposite is actually true! I highly recommend trying it out for yourself soon. 

* 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 // cane + austin glycolic acid retexture pads

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I feel like we're hearing more and more about acids with regards to skincare these days, but I'll admit that they can seem a bit scary at first. An acid on my face? Seems intense. While many people shell out big bucks to get fancy peels and treatments at their dermatologist's office, Cane + Austin, a company started by Dermatologist Craig Austin, uses glycolic acid to give you those professional-grade results at home! Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from cane sugar (hence the name), is both highly transformative and super gentle on your skin at the same time, making it great for regular use.

Cane + Austin's Retexture Pads are made for both your face and body, and come in various levels of glycolic acid (as well as salicylic acid for an extra acne-fighting boost). Depending on your skin type and comfortability, or if you're new to acids, I recommend starting low and working your way up. The one-step pads really couldn't be easier to use, and I love that I can toss them in my suitcase for on-the-go travel as well! This mini facial treatment really packs a punch- it exfoliates, helps even skin tone, boosts collagen, and even helps reduce the appearance of age spots. The pads are also free of fragrances and parabens, making them equally great for sensitive skin like mine as well. 

fave products // sunday riley good genes lactic acid treatment

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My love for Sunday Riley products is nothing new at this point. I've been continuously impressed by the high level of effectiveness of their oils, toners, and cleansers over the past year. One of their most popular products that I had yet to try, however, was their Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. This stuff has a cult following, so I figured it was time I give it a try to see what all the hype is about! The serum, which is packed with high-potency purified grade lactic acid, works to exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving you with fresh and bright skin. It's great to combat dullness and uneven texture, and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Even better, fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed and look visually plumped with consistent usage!

So far I'm really enjoying Good Genes. My skin appears younger and more radiant, and I feel that my complexion is overall more healthy and clarified. It's not something I use every day, as the lactic acid can be a bit intense for my sensitive skin. Every other day or every few days seems to work perfectly for me, and it's super important to remember to use SPF with any AHA product to prevent sun sensitivity. If you're looking for a great Sunday Riley starter kit, my top two favorite products are sold together in this Power Couple kit, which is the ideal transformative duo in my opinion.