Makeup is only as good as the skincare beneath it (& keeps it)š§“- Combo-oily/acne prone
I'm sure I'm not alone when I struggle to find that fine line between hydration-nirvana and pilling layers of skincare (or on the flip side- patchy and parched skin). When I go through my entire AM routine just to apply my foundation and it won't cooperate or lay "just right". Enter my attempts to find that elusive process to get that "second skin" makeup look (but with even tone and blurred imperfections in my case). Those of us who have oily skin also battle the "mirror effect" separating our makeup. This likes to kick in around 12:30-1pm for myself usually and by 3:30pm -4pm it would be so obviously separated in some areas. I'm not saying this is the be-all, end-all solution to our struggles but this has definitely helped me!
ReneeEgan
Oily/Resilient
1
Truth Juice Daily Cleanser
Step 1- Cleansing I prefer a foaming gel cleanser with a decent lather. Generally I opt for a lighter foaming cleanser in my AM routine, especially if it will be followed by makeup I need to last the whole work day or longer. This Ole Henriksen Truth Juice gel cleanser absolutely fits the bill. It cleanses my evening products away (leaving a clean base to build on) yet without stripping out too much oil and hydration from my skin that I need to go back in and replace; risking the dreaded pilling šµš± I use this with the foreo fofo cleansing device and I get a gentle yet thorough clean. Plus the fofo has a moisture measuring method built into the device that works with the app to analyze and monitor your hydration levels.
ReneeEgan
This cleanser is a great start to the day- my current AM cleanser before makeup. Truth juice has a gel texture and lighter-medium lather that (for me) is not overly stripping but gives me a clean canvas to build on. Energizing feeling without that obviously artificial fragrance (there is a super light natural fruit-ish scent). I recently switched over to this from either skinfix acne+ bha cleanser or innisfree volcanic bha pore cleansing foam, but I found the Innisfree too cleansing and oil destroying for the morning- I need to replace too much to get a nice, smooth skincare&makeup layer application but that goes too far the other direction and pills. Skinfix I'll still use in the morning on my more active breakout days. Recieved this in my October Glambox, not a gift on exchange for any review. I would repurchase this if I had the means, otherwise however there is alot on the market with great results and savings.
Ole Henriksen
Truth Juice Daily Cleanser
4.1
(20)
18
2
Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner
2- Tone Next I go in with a multi-tasking toner/exfoliant like Algenist Genius liquid skin resurfacing toner. This can be substituted for a more hydrating toner of course- like any step- as needed, but I'm very acne prone. Paula's Choice 2% BHA is also super interchangeable with this but doesn't quite have as much to offer. āāoptional bonus stepsāā If you're feeling a bit dull or like you need something extra, this is where I opt for a hydrating toner like Laneige Water Bank Toner and follow up with a flash facial style mask. After your hydrating toner apply your express mask for the outlined time. Some great options are: Ole Henriksen Phat Glow, Versed Doctors Visit, Pacifica Love You Latte. Stay away from clays that will suck all the natural oils out of your face and make it really difficult to lay your foundation nicely. Depending on your skin's needs, sometimes I can do Juice Charcoal Bamboo Pore mask (maybe if you're really oily and acne is really active, but better for evening). Wash off the mask and again tone, this is where step 2 comes back in if I do add a mask.
ReneeEgan
I am absolutely in LOVE with this product! I picked it up recently at the Sephora sale at 50% off! I paid $20 for it, making it a much better value (and the same size) than its biggest competitor: the Paulas choice 2% BHA exfoliant. Algenist's product is potent enough that I'm already seeing positive results, yet much gentler than the Paulas choice 2% BHA. The Paula's choice I had been using for 2 to 3 weeks and started to notice some subtle improvements, but with the strength of the PC I couldnāt use it more than once, MAYBE twice a week- if my skin tells me it'll be able to tolerate it. Paula's Choice: "ā¢ Clears & minimizes enlarged pores ā¢ BHA (beta hydroxy acid) sheds built-up layers of skin ā¢ Fluid, lightweight texture absorbs quickly ā¢ Use up to twice daily after cleansing & toning skin" "A unique leave-on formula thatās gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even, radiant tone, plus visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles to reveal remarkably smoother, younger-looking skin. This exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.2ā3.8." "2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT Clinically proven to brighten, smooth & improve skin barrier* 91% of users had noticeably healthier skin** 90% saw improved skin texture** 82% experienced smaller pores** *Based on an independent clinical study of 29 subjects over 4 weeks. **Based on a consumer panel after using the product for 30 days." SALICYLIC ACID: + Clears & minimizes enlarged pores + Sheds built-up layers of skin + Visibly reduces fine lines & wrinkles GREEN TEA: + Soothes irritation + Potent anti-aging benefits + Visibly improves sun damage Key Ingredients Methylpropanediolā , Salicylic Acidā , Green Teaā , BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)ā All Ingredients Waterā , Methylpropanediolā , Butylene Glycolā , Salicylic Acidā , Polysorbate 20ā , Camellia Oleiferaā , Sodium Hydroxideā , Tetrasodium EDTAā ALGENIST: (salicylic acid is a BHA, just in case anyone needed a refresher) "A skin-smoothing, pore-clarifying toner to provide daily exfoliation, smooth post-breakout marks while helping to unclog congested skin and removing oily buildup ā for supple, healthy-looking skin. Formulated with patented and exclusive Alguronic Acid,Ā Powered by Algaeā¢ļø,Ā vegan collagen, Azelaic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid, this non-irritating liquid resurfacer provides effective exfoliation to reduce the appearance of pores, helping refine skin texture and evening tone, leaving skin purified, with a restored, healthy appearance. GENIUS Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner is ideal for anyone experiencing hormonal skin concerns, including blemishes, wrinkles and loss of firmness. This resurfacing toner features an exclusive fusion of powerhouse ingredients ā for maximum efficacy. ā¢ Alguronic Acid to smooth lines & wrinkles ā¢ Vegan collagen for a plumper appearance ā¢ Azelaic Acid for soothing exfoliation ā¢ 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate & unclog skin" Results "After 10 Days* ā¢ 100% said skin feels smoother, healthier and restored and looks refreshed ā¢ 100% said it unclogs congested skin and leaves skin purified ā¢ 100% said it effectively removes residual dirt, makeup and impurities ā¢ 100% said it is gentle for everyday leave-on use ā¢ 96% said it helps reduce the appearance of pores and enlarged pores appear visibly minimized ā¢ 96% said it visibly improves skin radiance and glow ā¢ 96% said it helps optimize the skin barrier ā¢ 92% said it helps promote the appearance of plump skin *Results obtained from self-assessments of 25 test subjects participating in a four-week clinical study. Individual results may vary." Key Ingredients: + Alguronic Acid to smooth lines & wrinklesāØ+ Vegan Collagen for a plumper appearanceāØ+ Azelaic Acid for soothing exfoliationāØ+ 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate & unclog skin Water (Aqua,Eau), Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, CollagenAmino Acids, ParachlorellaBeijerinckii Exopolysaccharides,āØCollagen (Vegan)*, AzelaicAcid, Glycolic Acid, DecylGlucoside, Eucalyptus GlobulusLeaf Extract, Lauryl Glucoside,āØRosmarinus Officinalis(Rosemary) Extract, MenthaPiperita (Peppermint) Extract,Citrus Limon (Lemon) FruitExtract, Dextrin, Amylopectin,Polydextrose, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate,Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin,Sodium Hydroxide, PhyticAcid, Butylene Glycol, CitricAcid, Sodium Benzoate,Potassium Sorbate,Phenoxyethanol Other Key ingredients: patented Alguronic acid: helps address signs of skin aging: reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates, improves the look of skin, firmness- delivering smoother, more radiant-looking skin Vegan Collagen: helps to strengthen and condition the skin to visibly improve skin, firmness and suppleness. salicylic acid: beta hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate, refine skin texture, and unclog congested skin. I'm hooked on Algenist genius liquid skin resurfacing 2% BHA toner! I've got to get back to Sephora and stock the f up while it's on sale! NOTE: this is not at all sponsored, though I wish it was (*hint hint* to skincare and makeup companies)
Algenist
Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner
4.9
(8)
12
3
Clear Start - Breakout Clearing Booster
3- Treat I need to do 2-3 actives for treating my acne- thanks so much birth control šš¼š. Pick and choose, adapt to suit your needs. Everything needs to be applied from thinnest to thickest which is why the acne actives are a bit staggered in this routine. One of my go-to, Holy Grail acne products that I have repurchased several times. Dermalogica Clear Start breakout clearing Booster has a very thin milky/watery consistency that I use AM and PM without fail, the only exception being retinol nights. Quality of Dermalogica but their clear start line is at a much better price point šš¼ thank God... Dermalogica ain't cheap!
myskinbeautydiary
Definitely favourite! This one really does its job to shrink all the acne in no time! It is a salicylic acid essence but my skin never feels dry after using it. It is light watery gel essence, on thicker side. It dries up my pustule acnes in 3 days guys! Itās crazy because it act the same as any high benzac cream would act on my skin *cries* definitely if you have acne this essence is worth the splurge! I use this as my acne spot treatment and fun fact, even when i use this essence on my skin not on acne, it never dries my skin! -It is gentle, fast absorb, and not sticky! -Scent and consistency: it has a noticeable herb scent with medicine?? Lol, not disturbing at all!
Dermalogica
Clear Start - Breakout Clearing Booster
4.9
(8)
19
4
10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
4- Antioxidant/Vitamin C Serum For those with me with oily skin if you've had a hard time with finding a suitable vitamin c, this one works well for me. I've had many that are too filmy or greasy if their more heavy a concentration of L Ascorbic acid I find. Dry skin may find that heavier vitamin c's like the drunk elephant c firma serum are good for you- this was much too thick for my skin to absorb. This first aid beauty vitamin c serum is nice and light, easily absorbable but has a bit higher price tag. Alternates are the indeed vitamin c, bliss vit c, inkey list 15% egf (this is excellent serum, highly recommended!) Now, this may be an unpopular opinion but niacinamide and vitamin c should not be used together in the she routine UNLESS they are contained within the same product. They will cancel each other out, and we all know how expensive skincare is... That's a waste lol
Renterese
I was lucky enough to be sent this for free in exchange for my honest review. After using it daily for almost two weeks, here are my thoughts! Claims: āļø Visibly brightens and firms without the irritation, visibly clogged pores, or smell typical of topical vitamin C āļø Boosts radiance and defends against free radicals known to cause early visible signs of aging Highlighted Ingredients: š 10% Vitamin C: Visibly brightens and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles š Vitamin E: Softens skin and fights free radicals š Squalene: Locks in moisture to hydrate and soften skin Serum is transparent, colorless, and very thin and runny. Comes in a blue and white bottle with a top that you twist to move the pump up and down. I love this kind of packaging bc it's so non-messy. I've already noticed a difference in my acne scars and the general glowiness of my skin in the short time I've been using it. I'm pleasantly surprised by the lack of odd smell or any irritation, as both are common with vitamin c serums. Overall highly recommend!
First Aid Beauty
10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
4.7
(13)
14
5
Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule
5- Hydrating+ Serum The Cosrx full fit propolis light ampoule I like much better than the beauty of joseon glow serum. As I've said above I'm oily skin and acne prone, the BOJ is too dewy for my preference. This one absorbs nicely without adding to my "mirror effect". If I'm really dehydrated in the morning I'll trade this out for the Byoma Hydrating serum.
ElizaSunny
Love this propolis ampoule š This is the most concentrated ampoule I've seen on the market, with a whooping amount of 83.25% propolis extract Propolis is a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. It is well known to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This ampoule has a minimal INCI list, only 11 ingredients, it is enriched with humectants for a smoother application. The texture is viscous, runny, nicely spreadable, and a bit tacky (like all propolis products out there). You can feel some stickiness when you're running your fingers on the skin on application. However after a couple of minutes the stickiness vanishes, and you may feel a film sensation when it dries out (especially if you haven't applied some hydrating toners/essences before). It helped with some pimples on my chin (hello maskne!) and didn't irritate the eczema patches so I'm pretty satisfied with this product ā I can recommend this product for people with combination to dry skin.
COSRX
Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule
4.7
(2189)
1688
6
DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel
6- Treat* (*based on product texture, this is where this product falls in consistency) Oh my God! This is a more recent find of mine but I am so glad I bought it! I've been using this about 6-8 weeks and it is potent without that dry and flaking effect of benzoyl peroxide. It definitely has a smell to it but given the benefits I'll happily make the trade off. The smell is not an artificial fragrance, it's the monk's pepper they've crafted into the formula, and it packs a punch on pimples! Fast absorbing gel, but if you have sensitive skin- definitely patch test and/or you could possibly implement the sandwich method for retinol initially to ease into it. I will add a review for this baby soon!!
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel
5.0
(1)
9
7
Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops
Pore blurring time! I have a love-hate relationship with these pore blurring drops! They're great don't get me wrong but the price for the size is just obscene. But how they've managed to make this blurring "primer" without any silicone?! The silicone free is not an important factor for me at all but I love this product... Everything except the price anyways. Until there's a comparable option for less that I find, I'll keep using this.
ReneeEgan
I have had amazing results since adding this baby to my am and pm skincare regimens! It has dramatically improved the appearance of my (previously large) pores. In my am lineup (cleanser, toner, treatment(s)- up to 3-4 different concern targeted treatments depending on my skins needs on the given day- I use this as my third step. After toner has thoroughly absorbed I use this; it is a great light weight serum but amazingly effective! It absorbs very well and fairly quickly, and I've never experienced any pilling from this EVER! Which is absolutely essential for pre makeup prep! I follow this with Glow Recipe Salicylic Acid serum, then the remainder of my regimen. I HIGHLY recommend this to all my friends and have had several of them (who think I'm just hyping it up) try mine out to see for them selves and they all love it! I've converted more than a few loyal users! ****psssstt Glow Recipe: any "refer a friend incentives? š
Glow Recipe
Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops
4.6
(9)
23
8
Moisture Surge 100 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Layering Hydrating My chin and jaw needs more hydration than the rest of my face so I do four small dabs of this (forehead, each cheek, and chin) rub it in, then if I need a touch more on my chin I may do one more (1/2 finger print size dab if that). This moisturizer is a God send for me in the summer, going into the colder months I may need to adjust but for now I layer it under my next step-
Pickysushi
Clinique moisture surge 100H Very light and gel like texture. Gel type moisturizer are my favourite ones, as they work really well with combo and oily skin types, in my opinion. This clinique moisturizer does not have fragrance so should be good for sensitive skin as well. Doesn't make my combo skin greasy or oily. Feels very light and spreads smooth like butter
Clinique
Moisture Surge 100 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
4.5
(139)
175
9
Priming Moisturiser
Primer-izer! This was another game changer for me. I started with the Bobbi Brown face base but it's so expensive I wanted to find a mouse reasonable option. This is around $35 I believe and it's pretty big. As opposed to the Bobbi brown face base at $110?! Sorry it's great but I'm broke af right now š« This is a buildable MoisturizerXPrimer hybrid and it's fantastic. It also comes in A rich formula for drier skin and a more gel formula for people who don't have dry areas around their jaw like myself.
myskinisclean
Glossier
Priming Moisturiser
4.0
(13)
28
10
Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++
Don't forget the SPF! āļø With this option and oily skin.... We're Kinda out of excuses to not wear it lol This is the most amazing matte spf I've ever found šš
BoxyLady
Since I use so many Korean sunscreens, I tend to lift my nose a bit at those that arenāt. Expecting the worst from them š well, @murad surprised me with their Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum sunscreen First, itās a chemical screen with SPF45/PA++++ so protection level Iām happy with, for those with oily skin, this works as a moisturizer, eliminating a step in your routine and for folks like me with combo skin, this doesnāt dry out the skin. I apply over my moisturizer, itās on the thicker side, with a light citrus scent, and it blends into the skin right away with zero cast, no eye irritation. Instantly forming a soft matte finish on my skin, which I truly appreciate, as it can be hard to get that! Minimizes the appearance of pores, and feels really comfortable on my skin. Now they claim itās a great makeup primer, Iām not sure I agree, Iāve used with a tinted moisturizer, with no issue, but noticed a bit of pulling when I used with more than that. Thereās always a down side though, on this one itās the price tag, at $49 for a 50ml tube youāre not getting away cheap. I feel like this is in-line with Murad prices as a whole, they are a brand that makes nice products, but charges a heavier price than I generally want to pay. Key ingredients * Oil trapping microspheres * Avocado and African Yellow Wood Bark Extracts to control oil * Sodium Hyaluronate - hydration * Allantoin - soothing * Glycerin *This does have added fragrance, and fragrancing ingredients Overall I enjoy this, and Iāll definitely be using it all up, but wonāt be repurchasing it any time soon, at least not at this price
Murad
Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++
4.4
(24)
52
11
Deep Acne Liquid Patch
Step #??? Liquid Pimple Patch WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! š This I usually follow after the Clinique moisture surge 100h auto replenishing moisturizer and before a thicker moisturizer (if needed, if not I would use it before the spf and primer). I'm still getting used to this though and I have experienced some pilling under Bobbi Brown face base priming moisturizer, more so than glossier. I don't have any problems if I use it after clinique alone and give it atleast 5 min (10 is even better if I have it before I need to really work anything into my skin. The texture of the glossier and Bobbi brown are more occlusive than I'm used to (but their quality and ability to hold up with makeup are just... šš¼ *chefs kiss *). But this product is so beneficial I still not forgo it from am or pm. This and the Dr Denis gross acne eliminating gel are my two favorite acne Treatments that I've used, EVER! To apply the Dermalogica deep acne blemish liquid patch they recommend to take a rice sized amount on your hand and rub it in to the spot you need to treat. I follow this with a tapping like you apply eye cream but whether it makes a difference, I can't say yet lol. Review to come! ----- That wraps up the bulk of my skincare aspect of the makeup prep! I'll work on adding a makeup follow-up list for the near future. Let me know your thoughts and if you try anything, how it works out for you! Renee xo
Dermalogica
Deep Acne Liquid Patch
5.0
(1)
2
0
0
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