These are some of the skincare products that I'm enjoying right now and that are in rotation. I find that if I keep using the same product over and over again, my skin gets used to it and the product ends up being less potent and less effective. Also, I get bored using the same thing all the time. Change is good!
Mists & Toners
I use all my mists in the same way, including (1) as a prep for my moisturizer, (2) to bring life back to my skin if I applied too much powder, and (3) to hydrate and freshen my skin throughout the day. When you apply a moisturizer or a cream onto dry skin, the product doesn't get absorbed into the skin as easily. In essence, mists and toners help serums, moisturizers, and creams to sink into the skin better. It's very similar to the concept of a dry sponge versus a wet one. I also love that they give a quick moisturizing effect and are great to use all year-round, when my skin gets dry in the winter and when my skin gets sweaty in the scorching hot summer. I'm also happy to report that none of them causes a burning sensation to my face! The main differences that I find among them are the scent, packaging and price.
Benefit Ultra Radiance Facial Re-hydrating Mist ($26 for 133.1ml/4.5oz): This one has my favorite scent, which smells clean and refreshing. It's the perfect Monday morning pick-me-up and awakens my senses. The pump is my favorite of the bunch because you don't have to use too much pressure & it disperses effortlessly and evenly. (Not all pumps are equal and they can make or break a product like this.) I just love everything about this mist!
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Betaine, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum), Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Xylitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decyloxazolidinone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Water, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Magnesium PCA, BHT
Benefit Moisture Prep Toning Lotion ($30 for 177.4ml/6oz): It has the same divine scent as the other products in the Benefit skincare line, except this one has a gel-like consistency that's not as thin as mists and other toners in the market, but not as thick as a serum. It acts as an extra boost of hydration and prepares the skin for my moisturizer. The lazy beauty enthusiast inside me just wished that it included a pump, which would also allow me to control the amount of product being dispensed. Sometimes, I pour out a little bit too much on a cotton pad and waste product. =(
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-150, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Yeast Extract (Faex), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Linalool, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, BHT
Fresh Rose Floral Toner ($40 for 250ml/8.4oz): The pump can spray a more concentrated amount of product compared to the other toners. So, I find myself spraying it farther away from my face. The bottle is made of plastic, so you don't have to worry about it shattering to pieces if you have butter fingers like me. It also has a light rose scent that's not too overwhelming or perfume-y.
Ingredients: Aqua (water), Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Sodium Citrate, Citric acid, Citronellol, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol
Kate Somerville Nourish Hydrating Firming Mist ($48 for 120ml/4oz): It has a lavender scent, which I normally love on my towels and pillow cases, but my nose senses that there's something else added to the fragrance that makes it smell different from the traditional lavender scent. I have to apply a little bit more pressure to the pump when compared to the Benefit one, but it still spritzes finely and evenly all over my face. Also, I like that the plastic bottle is the most lightweight and travel friendly out of the bunch.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Butylene Glycol, Algae Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Montmorillonite, Aminomethyl Propanol, Adenosine, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil , Carbomer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Calming Mist ($38 for 100ml/3.3oz): Jurlique has a wide range of mists that are catered towards different skin types. I chose this one because I have sensitive skin. It's also alcohol-free and has a sweet chamomile scent. I find that it spritzes more product than the Kate and Benefit one, but not as concentrated as the Fresh one. The bottle is made of glass, which looks absolutely luxe on my vanity, but it's also the heaviest of them all.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water); Glycerin; Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate; Calendula officinalis Flower Extract; Echinacea purpurea Extract; Chamomilla recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract; Prunella vulgaris Leaf Extract; Spilanthes acmella Flower Extract; Althaea officinalis Root Extract; Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract; Aloe barbadensis Leaf Extract; Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract; Crithmum maritimum extract; Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride; Anthemis nobilis Flower Extract; Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract; Citrus grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract; Phenoxyethanol; Ethylhexylglycerin; Sodium Dehydroacetate; Sodium Benzoate
Moisturizers
Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion ($32 for 50.3ml/1.7oz): I've been using this for years underneath my foundation and have re-purchased this countless times. I don't like to wear heavy creams underneath my foundation because I find that they make my skin more oily alot faster throughout the day. This one doesn't do that and it still feels moisturizing without being greasy. It's also oil-free, has an spf of 15 and the same lovely cucumber-esque scent as the other Benefit skincare products.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.00%, Octinoxate 7.49%, Octocrylene 2.00%, Sulisobenzone 1.50%
Inactive: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Diglycerin, C14-22 Alcohols, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica, Betaine, Steareth-21, Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Coco-Glucoside, Parfum (Fragrance), C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Coconut Alcohol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Hydroxide, Decyloxazolidinone, Tetrasodium Edta, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Laureth-7, Xylitylglucoside, Linalool, Anhydroxylitol, BHT, Xylitol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Ajuga Turkestanica Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate
Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream ($42 for 48.2g/1.7oz): I have the travel size (8.9g/0.3oz), which came in the Totally B.Right 6 Pc Radiant Skincare Set. It's more thick and moisturizing than the emulsion. So, I reserve it for the night time in the winter when my skin gets dry spots. My skin feels very nourished the next morning and any flakiness that I had on my skin is gone.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Lanolin, Squalane, Glycerin, Methyl Trimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-8, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Ceteth-20, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Betaine, Decyloxazolidinone, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum), Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Steareth-25, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Steareth-21, Tetrasodium EDTA Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Xylitylglucoside, Ajuga Turkestanica Extract, Sorbitol, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Hydroxide, Algin, Xylitol, Cellulose Gum, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Polyvinyl Alcohol, BHT
Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Hydrating Gel Oil-Free ($70 for 50ml/1.7oz): I'm in my late 20s and have been using anti-aging products as a preventive measure. This one has a gel consistency and feels thinner than the Benefit emulsion. I like using it underneath my foundation because it's very lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a greasy feeling. (Just make sure you use SPF with it or a foundation that has SPF, if you're going out in the day). It's also great for the night time in the summer months when my skin doesn't want heavy hydration. There is a noticeable fragrance during application, which I don't mind and I love that it comes with a sanitary pump that's easy to control.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethylsilane, Glycerin, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Tamarindus Indica Seed Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Litchichinesis Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Selaginella Tamariscina (Spike Moss) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Oleth-10, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Juice, Limonium Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Yeast Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sucrose, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Phytantriol, Trehalose, Acetyl Glucosamine, Algae Extract, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Centaurium Erythraea (Centaury) Extract, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium PCA, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Caffeine, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul’s Wort) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Whey Protein, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Cholesterol, Sodium Lactate, Tromethamine, Linoleic Acid, Lecithin, Decarboxy Carnosine HCL, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Cyclodextrin, Silica, Linolenic Acid, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Alumina, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Red 33, Blue 1, Titanium Dioxide
Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream ($125 for 15ml/0.5oz): The problem that I have with other eye creams is that they ball-up and don't work well underneath foundation. This one doesn't do that and is fragrance-free. It smooths easily onto my skin, sinks in and feels ultra hydrating without feeling greasy. The pump also makes it sanitary and it's easy to dispense the amount that you need. Love the product, but loathe the price!
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polysilicone-11, Cyclotetrasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Seed Butter, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Chloride, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Dimethiconol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Tribehenin, Cetyl Esters, Ethtylhexyl Cocoate, Urea, Sodium PCA, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Ceramide 2, Trehalose, PEG 10 Rapeseed Sterol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Oxido Reductases, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Triacetin, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium Phosphate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, BHT, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lysine, Glycine, Polyquaternium-51, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glycolipids, Sodium Phosphate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Proline, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenoxyethanol
Masks
I love pampering myself with masks and scrubs because they make my skin feel super clean and baby smooth. However, when you over exfoliate, your skin can produce more oils to compensate for the lack of moisture and this in turns, causes breakouts. It also removes the protective barrier that your skin has, exposing it to environmental toxins and sun damage. Therefore, make sure you moisturize your skin well afterwards and if you're going outside, wear sunscreen to prevent premature aging.
Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask To Rescue Problem Skin ($25 for 100ml/3.4oz): It has a strong medicinal scent due to the sulfur, which I like (so weird) and a cooling sensation. It also contains salicylic acid so it's great for unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells. The consistency is thicker and creamier than the other 2 Origins mask. I use it as a spot treatment for pimples and it slightly reduces the size of them overnight. I also love it as a 10 minute mask during that time of the month when my skin feels yucky and greasy. This is a must-have in my regime!
Ingredients: Water\aqua\eau; Cetyl Esters; Zinc Oxide; Titanium Dioxide; Cetyl Alcohol; Cetearyl Alcohol; Glycerin; Glyceryl Stearate; Peg-100 Stearate; Camphor; Ceteareth-20; Salicylic Acid; Colloidal Sulfur; Butylene Glycol; Bentonite; Caprylyl Glycol; Hexylene Glycol; Phenoxyethanol
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask With Rose Clay ($25 for 100ml/3.4oz): I have the travel size (1oz/30ml), which I have used at least 4 times and it's still more than half full. The mask has a lovely pastel pink hue with a slight citrus scent. It also has small jojoba beads that exfoliates my skin while I'm rinsing the mask off and it leaves my skin feeling very soft.
Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Butylene Glycol, Kaolin, Montmorillonite, Polysorbate 20, Jojoba Esters, PEG-100 Stearate, Bentonite, Glycerin, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil*, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil*, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil*, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil*, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower\Leaf\Stem Extract, Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, PEG-150 Distearate, Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract, Gellidiela Acerosa (Algae) Extract, Simethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Laurate, Hexylene Glycol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores ($25 for 100ml/3.4oz): I have the travel size (1oz/30ml), which I have been taking around the world with me. It smells earthy like clay and dries faster than the Out of Trouble mask, which is more thick and creamier. I use it specifically on my t-zone to suck out all the dirt and grime. I leave it on for a few minutes until it dries and gives me that tight feeling. It reduces the appearance of my pores and leaves my skin feeling extremely clean.
Ingredients: Water\aqua\eau; Myrtus Communis (myrtle) Leaf Water; Kaolin; Bentonite; Butylene Glycol; Montmorillonite; Polysorbate 20; Peg-100 Stearate; Charcoal Powder; Xanthan Gum; Lecithin; Peg-150 Distearate; Propylene Glycol Stearate; Sorbitan Laurate; Glycerin; Propylene Glycol Laurate; Simethicone; Caprylyl Glycol; Ethylhexylglycerin; Hexylene Glycol; Trisodium Edta; Dehydroacetic Acid; Phenoxyethanol
Dior Finish Fluid Foundation Brush Light Coverage ($45): Traditionally, paddle brushes have been used to apply foundation, but I also love using it to apply my Origins masks. I find that it's more sanitary and wastes less product than using your fingers. I love the Dior one because the bristles are thick and not flimsy whatsoever. I have more pictures of comparisons here.
Algenist Multi-Perfecting Detoxifying Exfoliator ($38 for 80ml/2.7oz): This one is thick, creamy and lathers nicely onto the skin. It's also oil-free, has gentle granules and contains salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin very well, while still leaving it feeling soft. The scent is not as refreshing as the Benefit one, but not as potent as the Origins Out of Trouble. I use it 3 times a week as a cleanser and leave it on for a few minutes when I want deeper exfoliation.
Ingredients: Water/Eau (Aqua), Silica, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Isostearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Titanium Dioxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Kaolin, Butylene Glycol, Diatomaceous Earth, Algae Exopolysaccharides, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Salicylic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet Root) Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance (Parfum)
Benefit Refined Finish Facial Polish ($23 for 127.5g/4.5oz): This one is thick in consistency, but not as thick as the Algenist one and also has micro-beads that's gentle enough to use every other day as a cleanser. The packaging is fun and so cute. It also has the same wonderful cucumber scent that the other products in the Benefit skin care line has, which makes my skin feel so clean without feeling tight when I jump out of the shower. To get the most benefits from the ingredients, I leave it on for a few minutes and wash my hair in the meantime.
Ingredients: Water, Polyethylene, Stearic Acid, Kaolin, Palmitic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Alpha Glucan Oligosaccharide, Phenoxyethanol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Fragrance, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Algae Extract, Glycol Acid, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Linalool, Propylene Carbonate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Tocopherol, BHT
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| Picture taken from ellenextdoor@Instagram |
By the way, I got so excited when I saw "Breakfast with a Twist," but then realized that it was just an empty ketchup bottle that the company used as an invitation to an event. It was a very cute way to send out the invitations, though!
Note: The Benefit Ultra Radiance Facial Re-hydrating Mist and Moisture Prep Toning Lotion are available at their online store and Ulta. The Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion and Total Moisture Facial Cream are available at their online store, Sephora and Ulta. The Benefit Refined Finish Facial Polish is available at their online store. The Fresh Rose Floral Toner can be purchased at Sephora and Nordstrom. The Kate Somerville Nourish Hydrating Firming Mist is available at Sephora and Nordstrom. The Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream is available at Sephora, Nordstrom, and QVC. The Jurlique Redness Rescue Calming Mist is available at their online store, Beauty.com and Dermstore. The Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Hydrating Gel can be purchased at Sephora and Nordstrom. The Origins Out of Trouble, Rose Clay and Charcoal Mask can be purchased at Sephora and Beauty.com. The Algenist Multi-Perfecting Detoxifying Exfoliator is available at Sephora, Ulta and QVC. Dior Light Coverage Finish Fluid Foundation brush can be purchased at Sephora and Nordstrom.
What have you been using in your skin care routine?
*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.
