I have combination skin, which means that at times my skin is so dry, I’m basically shedding and becoming a new person (gross right?) or I’m so oily that state fairs use my skin oils to deep fry butter. There is no in between for me. Over the years I have found skincare products that have helped me balance my skin out. These have become staples in my life, and have made my crazy skin a lot less crazy.
1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
I know, hell of a name right? This lotion is good for combination and dry skin. They do have a gel version that is recommended for oily skin types. I absolutely love this lotion. It is $27, which for some may seem a little hefty, but in my opinion, I will spend money on this any day. It’s lightweight and it absorbs into the skin super quickly. Out of all the lotions I have used on my face, this one didn’t break me out once. I love it. I use one pump in the morning and two pumps at night.
$27 for 42oz, available at Ulta and Sephora
2. Tony Moly Green Foam Cleanser
The first time I used this cleanser, I hated the feeling that it left. Then I started using a brush with it and LOVED the results. It foams up wonderfully and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean!
$21 for a set of two, available on Amazon
3. Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
Exfoliating my skin is very necessary, and I use this at least once a week. This scrub has basically changed my life. Once I can see my skin flaking off, I scrub this into my skin for two min and leave it for five minutes before washing off. It does dry my skin out a little, but the results are totally worth it. No more dead and flaky skin!
$8-10 for 3.5oz, available at Ulta and Amazon
4. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
I use this mask once every two weeks. It’s great because it sucks out all the impurities in your skin. After I get out of the shower, I apply it to my face when my pores are already opened. It takes about 10-15 minutes to dry and it leaves my skin feeling clean and light.
$26 for 3.4oz, available at Sephora and Ulta
5. Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask
The first time I used this mask, the results amazed me. I was breaking out like crazy the night before, then I applied it and like the name says, I let it settle for ten minutes. It has a medicinal smell to it, but when you wash it off, it goes away. The next day, my skin was five times clearer. I usually use this mask once a week.
$26 for 3.4oz, available at Sephora and Ulta
6. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
This face wash is a must. A MUST. I use this every day when I get home from school/work. It takes off all my makeup in one go and it leaves my skin feeling completely nourished.
$44 for 24oz, available at Sephora and Ulta
7. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
After trying this product from Sephora’s birthday gift set, I fell in love and grabbed the full size. I have to say the price is a bit much for a cleanser, but it’s one of the best. This cleanser is very gentle and doesn’t strip the skin of moisture. It’s light on the skin and it has a light cucumber smell.
$38 for 5.1oz, available at Sephora
Skincare is the first step to having beautiful skin. Makeup covers many imperfections, but in my opinion, knowing that I have (close-to) perfect skin is fantastic.