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For the majority of my life, I have dealt with the typical skincare issues that most people suffer through. A stress-related breakout here and there, a random pimple or two, and even the much dreaded monthly breakout. Up until recently, I had just resigned myself to the reality of having unclear skin. After this past holiday season, however, I decided to take a more active approach to clearing my skin, and plot twist: it’s actually working. So far, I have found about five different skincare products that work for me, and now I can’t live without them.
1. Saint Ives Apricot Scrub
I know what you’re all thinking. That this is the most basic face wash I could have suggested, but at this point I would be willing to say that it’s my holy grail. I made the switch to this face wash, and I don’t think there’s any going back for me. Nothing keeps my skin clearer than this does, and it smells wonderful.
2. Micellar Water
In high school, I always used micellar water on the days where I didn’t wear any makeup, just to make sure that my skin was staying moisturized. But ever since I started it using after my face wash, I have seen a noticeable difference in my skin. I’ll wash my face and then take some micellar water on a cotton round to my whole face—just to make sure that I’ve gotten everything off of it—and my skin has never been cleaner.
3. Glossier Solution
This might be one of the weirder products that I decided to try, but it works better than almost anything else I’ve tried. I saw an article on BuzzFeed about the magic that was in this pretty pink bottle, and I decided that even though there was no way that a product could actually work like they said it would, I would give it a try. Now, after trying it, I can happily say that I was dead wrong. After using this on my face every night for about a month and a half so far, my breakouts happen way less, and even when they do happen, they are so much easier to get under control.
4. Drying Lotion
Everyone gets those pesky pimples every now and then that just feel like they’re the only thing that anyone can stare at. When I get those pimples, I absolutely swear by the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I have used drugstore drying lotions in the past that have worked just fine, but for some reason, this stuff cannot be beat. I usually put it on at night, wake up in the morning and wipe it off, and my pimples are way less red and noticeable.
5. Face Masks
Now, I know that this category is a little bit more general than my other suggestions have been, but that’s because this suggestion is also more general. I definitely don’t do a face mask every night, because honestly who’s got time for that, but I love using a face mask about once a week to just kind of give my skin a little bit of luxury without being too harsh. One of the most recent ones that I’ve tried is the My Real Squeeze mask from Innisfree, which is part of our Spring Survival Kit, and I kind of love it. The green tea in the mask helps to keep my skin moisturized, while also helping me to feel a little bit more confident in my skin. I also really love the Freeman masks from Ulta, and basically any sheet mask I can get my hands on.
Overall, I think that my biggest secret to my skincare routine would be that I have fun and play around with it. Look at reviews, and see what seems interesting to you. I would also suggest that you try to be just a little bit patient with yourself. It can take a while for the products to feel like they are working, but when they do, the feeling is great.
(All images are author’s own)