Summer Skin Essentials - Dry Skin

The days are getting hotter and the sun is becoming stronger. Once I start noticing my skin getting dryer (Yes! It gets dry in the summer too!). Or I'll notice the first sunburn on my nose, I immediately change my skincare routine.

One of the questions that I've always been asked, is how I keep my skin clear and clean. A lot of it is thanks to genetics, but I've also been working really hard to take care of my skin since my late teens.  I know a lot of what I'm going to say is redundant and/or common sense, but I wanted to share my routine since I get asked so often.

During the summer, I like to use products that are lightweight, moisturizing, and high in SPF.  I tend to use low and high end products.  I also find that products work best when switching up your routine. I like to change it up every few months.

Step 1: Face Wash

I wash my face every night and morning. I really love this face wash from Daiso. I use a drop about the size of a nickel and scrub it with this brush thing (also from Daiso). I love that these are cheap products and do a great job. The face wash is infused with collagen, which I find really important. I still have plenty of collagen (I think!), but I want to stay on the safe side.

                       

 Source                                                          Source
  $1.50                                                             $1.50

2. Toner

You make think that washing your face removes all the dirt residue on your face. However, when you apply toner to a cotton pad, you find that your face isn't as clean as you thought. This step is really important to me because I want a super clean face. If you don't use toner now, I highly recommend it! You will notice less blackheads. As mentioned, I like going back and forth between products. I'm currently using Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner. It's nice and light! I also love that you can spray it on your face. You can even use it as a refresher.

Source

$36

3. Moisturizer

After your face is super clean, it's so important to moisturize your face as quick as possible! I use a pretty good amount of E'thym 02 Water Moisture Lotion from The Face Shop. I like using this product during the summer because it's super light weight and extremely moisturizing. I like to put it all over my face and neck.

Source

$19

4. Sunscreen 

This last step is super important! My skin is super sensitive to the sun; I easily burn. I had been using Tonymoly's My Sunny Perfecting Sunblock, but I recently ran out. My friend just got me into Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion/Wetforce. I've been using it for about a week now and I absolutely love it! It's so lightweight and I love that it's waterproof and scentless.

 I like that it doesn't leave your face white or greasy. 't's nice to use as a layer before your make up.

Source

$40

After these steps, I go about my normal make up routine. I feel moisturized and set for the hot, sunny days.

Another product that I like to keep in my purse, is TonyMoly's Bunny Mist. It's perfect for when you get into your hot car or are beginning to sweat. You just spray it on and it's cooling. It also smells good!

Source

$9

I hope this was somewhat helpful! Let me know if you try any of these products! What are your summer skin essentials?

-A.

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Review: Beauty Box 5 - January 2016

Beauty Box 5 is the other subscription box that I have also been receiving monthly. I honestly didn't have any sort of exception from BB5 because you never hear anyone talk about it and because it's pretty affordable.

BB5 sends you 5 premium sized samples and/or full sized products. I really like that they send you a good mix of obscure and known brands.  I believe that you also take a beauty quiz so the company can have an idea of what to send you...but I don't remember for sure.

BB5 comes in a small teal box. The packaging isn't the best, but it's still quite cheerful.

Here's what was included in the regular "January 2016" box!

1. Not your Mother's Hair - Plump for Joy ($5.99)

What it does/is? A thickening hair spray/cream.

My thoughts: This smells too good! Like peaches! The product is a medium weight and you run it through you hair. This product is amazing!! It gives an illusion that you have lots of hair and also gives you tons of volume. My co-workers even complimented my hair after one use. It's an inexpensive product that I will keep using in the future. I highly recommend it! Especially to those that have fine or little hair. 

2. Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Sloane Mews ($14)

What it does/is? Nail polish in a dark plum color.

My thoughts: Woahh! This color is so pretty! I've always been a big fan of plum colored nails.  It's what I'm currently wearing and has lasted pretty well for 2 weeks. Yes, there are some chips, but it's not bad like other polishes.

3. Scratch Custom Nail Wraps ($6)

What it does/is? Nail decor

My thoughts: The designs they sent were really pretty. Although, I didn't use them because the designs seemed to be meant for long nails. I never have long nails, so it just seemed like a waste to me. Maybe next time!

4. Bodipure Keratin Gloves 

What it does/is? Deep moisturizing and great for growing stronger nails.

My thoughts: My mom kept this product. Her hands did become softer after using. It's definitely a product worth using if you have really dry hands. It's a nice way to relax after a long day!

5. Novex Bamboo Sprout Hair Care Treatment Cream

What it does/is? A deep conditioning cream for damaged/brittle hair.

My thoughts: This is another product that my mom used. Her hair was really shiny and soft after she used it. It was enough to apply in her hair once.

6. Salon Grafix Hair Spray

What it does/is? A lightweight hairspray that is long lasting.

My thoughts: This is the only product that my mom and I did not use. Neither of us use hairspray, but I guess it's good to have some now. Are there any other things to use hair spray for?

I still prefer Glossy Box, but this is a great alternative if you want to save some money. This month's products weren't amazing, but they weren't horrible either. I will keep subscribing and maybe it will get better!

Which is your current favorite beauty subscription box?
-A.

Sephora Play Box - October 2015

Okay, so I was super excited to find out that October's theme was Korean skincare. I had really high expectations for this box since September's was pretty amazing.

I was expecting the box to look a little different, but it looks the same. As mentioned in the previous post, this is my first subscription box. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into. So, since the packaging looked the same I didn't photograph the box with the products. I regret not doing so! It's something I'll continue on doing.

Before I breakdown about each product, I have to give you my thoughts on the overall suggested regimen. I really wanted to love it! I wore it for a week and then I stopped. It was way too much product on my skin and I broke out a bit. I RARELY get a pimples!! If I do it's maybe 1 or 2 every blue moon. That's when I decided to try each product separately. There were products I loved and definitely plan on using them!

The samples I received:

1.  Dr. Jart's Day Tint - $48

What it does/supposed to do? This tint is supposed to do a little coverage while providing moisture and some sunscreen.

My thoughts: I was skeptical about this product. It surprisingly has the perfect amount of coverage for my skintype. I liked it a lot more than the BB cream by Smashbox that I currently use. I didn't really feel like it was more moisturizing than any other BB cream I've used. However, it is more moisturizing than foundation. (I haven't worn in like 2 years). My reason for wanting to purchase this is because of the good coverage without looking "cakey". I did have to mix a little of my BB cream to make it the right shade for my skin tone. I think for $10 more I'm going to upgrade to this tint and ditch my BB cream. As for getting to the right skin tone, I might use a cheap BB cream from either the Faceshop or tonymoly to mix it with.

2. belif's The True Aqua Bomb - $38

What it does/is supposed to do? A lightweight moisturizer that's extra hydrating. 

My thoughts: EEP!! This one is a game changer! I am so obsessed with this product! I have extremely dry skin and this has been life changing. Okay, I'm being a bit dramatic..but I really love this aqua bomb. The fact that it's so lightweight, but mega powerful (in the hydrating sense). It leaves your skin super soft and smells amazing. It's a gel like consistency that kinda looks like toothpaste, but just glides on your skin. I apply it after my shower, right before makeup, when my skin feels dry randomly, etc. I have super dry skin and I feel like this is what's going to keep my skin healthy through winter time. This is the only product that I feel is a necessity and is probably going to be the first that I buy from this box.

3. Collection Azur - Mandarine Glaciale $125

What it is/is supposed to do? A unisex fragrance with citrus and amber notes.

My thoughts: This is definitely a high quality perfume/cologne! The scent lasts all day and even after showering. As for the scent, I felt that it was a little too strong for me. It reminds me of something a candle should smell like (not in a bad way). It has a very clean scent! 

4. Fresh's Black Tea Age Delay (Toner) - $48

What it is/supposed to do? A moisturizing toner to even out skin tone. 

My thoughts: This smells amazing! That was the first thing that I really liked. While putting it on, I didn't feel like I was doing much difference. It did make my skin feel refreshed once applied. After a couple weeks, I noticed my skin tone much more even and brighter. This is another to purchase for me! The reason I love a good toner is because you skin tends to look much cleaner.

5. Boscia's Detoxifying Black Cleanser with Konjac sponge - $28

What it is/supposed to do? A deep cleaning face wash.

My thoughts: I loved that this face wash has a warming effect when applied to skin. It feels amazing on the skin. However, this product made me breakout like crazy! I really wanted to love it, but I couldn't. I still use the sponge with my normal face wash. The sponge is really nice and delicate to use around your eyes. 

6. Sephora Face Mask - Pearl Essence $6

What it does/supposed to do? Sheet mask that is supposed to give you a glow.

My thoughts: I've actually used this one before, so I was happy to receive another. I'm a sucker for sheet masks. The fact that this is normally $6 and I paid $10 for my box, makes the subscription worth it for me. I've noticed that with sheet masks is that they leave your skin super soft and moisturized. I think you actually see a glow, you need to use more than one mask. It's definitely nice to put a mask on after a long day. I think that these sheet masks are great, but I prefer the cheaper ones from actual Korean brands. 

I'm happy I got to try and learn about new products. I still think this box was worth it even though it made me break out. I'm really looking forward to seeing what November's box will consist of.

Here I am fresh faced with most of the beauty products on my face. This was taken right after showering. Does my skin look dewey?

Have you tried any of these products? Do you have any favorite Korean skincare products you can't live without?

Let me know what you think!

-A.