Beauty Cabinet Confessions
By: xxx Published: d/m/Y
Disclaimer: This article has not been approved by a dermatologist, just a true beauty junkie (that would be me) sharing a few tried and true favorites.
The world is ending and you have 32 seconds to pack… What would you bring in beauty way?
Never-mind, that was a tad dramatic. If it seriously was coming to an end, packing anything other than a spacesuit would be useless.
Zzz, H20, and oxygen are obviously things we can’t actually live without. But apart from that, there are essential skincare products we just can’t let go of, because they’re just that good.
Let me cover some serious skincare grounds here, and share my favourites products – from glow masks, to that extra extra face oil, and beyond!
Twice as nice
Have you heard about the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine? If not, A) you might be living under a rock or B) you’re new to skincare. 10 steps may be a bit aggressive for me, but I have been incorporating the double cleansing method lately. Let me brief you: double cleansing means you first wash your face using a cleansing oil to break down make-up and sebum on the surface of your skin. Next you apply a water-based cleanser to clean deeper into the pores and remove impurities. Say hello to natural, clean skin.
My favorites are Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and Barbara Sturm Foam Cleanser.
Quick tip: Raid your kitchen pantry for a jar of virgin coconut oil and use it as an oil based cleanser to remove every trace of makeup.
Jump on board the double cleansing bandwagon, your face will thank you.
A Toner That Actually Does Something
Known as the holy grail of skincare Biologique Recherche p50 1970 was my gateway drug into a life long toner addiction. It’s more than just a toner, the liquid exfoliant makes your skin glow, and any spots vanish literally overnight.
I always apply the ill-smelling (think rotten soy sauce meats onions kind of scent) liquid post-cleansing to restore the skins Ph-levels and remove any last traces of dirt.
Oh, I forgot to mention it numbs my face so if you’re a first-timer, I would recommend starting with only a few applications per week before increasing to daily.
Did I scare you away?
Whoever said good skin came easy.
Brighten Your Day (And Your Skin)
Next up is the face serum of your wildest dreams. Every morning I apply a pea size amount of Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Serum on my face. It’s like a glass och OJ for your skin.
The product contains a laundry list of high-quality ingredients such as powerful antioxidants and fruit enzymes, that brighten skin and help protect against damage.
It may be on the pricy side, but I justify the price due to the fact that it has a reservoir effect on the skin, meaning it works for up to 72 hours and cannot be washed or rubbed off.
Like a tall glass of water for tired, dry skin
Wave goodbye to roughness & tightness, this is your one-stop products for soft skin. The cushion-y, whipped balm texture easily sinks in while its moisturising properties get to work right away.
Tip: keep la la retro cream in the frige overnight and massage it on to skin in the AM for additional de-puffing.
If you want a sun kissed glow year around, my first tip is not to move Sweden. Us citizens expect to see the the sun again in approximately 6 months – that’s why I swear by Estelle & Thild Self Tan Drops.
Infused with skin-loving Aloe Vera and organic ingredients, these tan drops leave your skin with a natural and hydrated sun kissed glow, year around.
You can easily control the colour intensity to achieve your desired results by adding as many drops as you like to your moisturiser of choice.
It’s the perfect solution for a gorgeous, and glowing tan – no sun required.
Drops Of Gold
Say hello my O.G. face oil that’s been the star of my regimen since years back, Vinters Daughter* Active Botanical Serum.
It’s literally a cocktail of 22 of the world’s most nutrient-rich botanicals. Ending your routine with this golden oil will lock in all that moisture and nourishing goodness into your skin. Treat your dry, flakey in-between season skin.
*Vinters Daughter: try at own risk. Products will lead to an increased probability of further use.
R.I.P Snapchat Filters
Facial in a jar, Dior Life Extra Plump Mask
Jelly Masks are originally from Korea – did I mention my obsession for K-Beauty already?
If you’re looking for a facial in a jar, look no further. I am o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d with the extra plump mask from Dior Life, is like a superfood cocktail to nourish your skin. They recommend using the mask for 3 minutes, but I’ve been breaking the rules and sleeping with the mask on overnight. Results: wake up with a lit-from-within glow to your complexion.
For the glow-getter, Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
Whenever your skin needs a little extra T.L.C Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask is my go-to. The cultish face mask has a cool texture, kind of like Jell-O, and is made from organic ingredients such as pomegranate enzymes and BHA* from white willow bark.
*BHA acts to “unglue” dull, dead skin on the surface. Its like an exfoliant, just you won’t actually see your skin exfoliate, you’ll feel it become smoother.
5 Quick Tips
1. Switch out your pillowcase more often. At least once a week to reduce the risk of a breakouts.
2. This also goes for your towel. My current obsession is RESORE’s naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic towel that breaks down acne-causing bacteria. FIND IT HERE
3. Always apply products onto skin in an upward motion. No saggy skin here, thank you.
4. Keeping a consistent routine does wonders.
5. When it comes to order of operation, apply the lightest product first, and then end with the heaviest. Cheat sheet: Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Cream, Oil.
A spacesuit will protect an astronaut from extreme temperatures and supply oxygen to breathe, but I am certain none of us are escaping to the moon any time soon. So do your skin a favor and invest in good beauty products, I guarantee you’ll get the most bang for your buck.