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Good! Because who isn’t?
I’ve recently switched up my skin care routine. Mostly because I got sick of the way my one face wash smelled, and was ready for something different. Yeah, I’m weird. Normally, you don’t see results or improvement from face products until about two weeks after you’ve used them consistently. I’m a huge advocate of skin care. I’d rather have a million face products to keep my skin healthy, than new shoes. Like I said, I’m weird.
BUT! Think about it. Your skin is the largest organ on your body. Not only that, but you look at it daily. It presents who you are. Why not take care of it? Ya with me?
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Get ready for some fun shopping you’re about to do, because these products have really shown me some grrrrreat results.
F A C E W A S H : Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap – Unscented – (morning & night) Has anyone heard of african black soap? Not me. Well, not up until a couple weeks ago when a cute little lady told me about it at our natural foods store. I’m pretty sure I gave her the most confused look ever when she asked me that same question. So what exactly is african black soap? Well… this:
“In West Africa, authentic black soap is known by its Yoruba name, Osse Dudu. “Dudu” means the color black, which comes from the extensive “cooking” of soap to the point of charcoal. Many cultures in West Africa use charcoal to detoxify and purify the skin, and this is an integral aspect of the true African black soap. Furthermore, the authentic black soap is made from a centuries old recipe of handcrafted shea butter and indigenous West African palm kernel oil. Saponification is provided by adding ashes to the hot oils, then cooking the soap for six hours. The final step is to dry and cure the soap in the sun for three weeks. The extensive cooking and curing process makes authentic African black soap mild and gentle, and is the major reason for its great popularity rise in America. The second important reason is this soap’s versatility. In Togo, the black soap is an “all in one” option for cleaning, and is ideal for faces and babies, shaving, shampooing, and as a general hand & body wash. Scented with invigorating peppermint essential oil.“
Did you catch all of that? The cute little lady didn’t exactly tell me all of this, but she did mention that it’s one of the best soaps she has ever used. For her legs, for her face, for her hair, really for her entire body. It doesn’t take much to convince me. I was sold. Ladies, let me tell you. Not only does this stuff take off make-up like a champ, my skin is refreshed, hydrated, and soooooo incredibly smooth.
T O N E R : Burts Bees Garden Tomato Toner (morning only after cleansing) I tend to break out around ‘that time of the month’ and have some pretty oily skin. The garden tomato toner is just for that. It helps prevent break outs naturally and yet is super great for sensitive skin as it doesn’t strip it completely. However, if you do not suffer from those types of conditions (go you!) then I’d recommend their rosewater toner.
M O I S T U R I Z E R : Elta MD 46 (morning only after toner) I can’t get away from my Elta. I started using this product as soon as I discovered it working for the derm. It’s lightweight, it’s hydrating, it has a high SPF for every day use, it’s oil free, it calms and soothes skin and it’s best for acne-prone skin. Seriously, THE BEST! For those of you who need something a little bit more since the 46 does tend to be a bit lightweight, try their 40.
I don’t normally use a cream at night due to my face being oily, but when I do I use this one. For those of you who are needing a little bit more umpf try this one.
S E R U M S : Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Clinique Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector (switch off) Have you noticed over the last few years Clinique has gone unnoticed? It’s been around forever and their products have never done me wrong! I had terrible acne as a teenager and the scars have been left to show for it. I have tried everything. Up until the day I bought this (which was a little over a month ago) I was even using prescription strength retin-a to try to diminish them. Nothing helped, but I figured the retinol was at least helping my crows feet. The dark spot corrector has shown SO much improvement in not only my acne scars but also in brightening up my face. The laser focus HAS helped my little crows feet wrinkles and also the overall appearance of my skin. I’m LOVING these right now and really won’t spend a dime on anything else until they disappoint.
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