It seems like the older I get, the more I care about buying quality skincare products over makeup. For the past few years, I’ve been switching all of my beauty products to more natural, clean products. It’s been a slow process because finding products that don’t make my sensitive skin breakout or go crazy immediately is a delicate balance. But I was able to easily add a few products to my routine that now I can’t imagine living without.
I try to keep my morning and evening routines pretty simple in the interest of time. So I’m not someone with a 15 step routine twice a day. I’m always up for trying new beauty products, but these are the five things I know I can’t live without.
Hyaluronic Acid
If there’s one product I’d tell you that you must have from this list, it’s a hyaluronic acid. This product completely changed my skin. I’ve only been using it for about two years, but know it will never come off my shelf. It works overtime to moisturize and plump your skin, which if you have oily skin (like me) is absolutely necessary. I haven’t had a single breakout since I started using it. I also recently started using it after using my dermaroller a few nights a week and have seen a huge improvement in acne scarring and skin tone. This product does everything. And it’s super budget friendly.
Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Cream
If redness is a problem, then this cream will fix it. I’m pretty pale, so redness is always going to be a little bit of an issue for me. I use this product on my T zone every day before I put on my primer. It’s also a little mattifying so it helps keep my nose from getting super oily during the day as well. I love all the Dr. Jart products I’ve tried, so I wasn’t shocked that this quickly became a staple in my skincare routine. A little of this goes a long way, so I’ve been using the 0.5oz size for months. It’s also fantastic in the summer when you may have a little sunburn on your nose.
Castor Oil
I’ve been using castor oil for a few years as a hair mask to promote growth and make sure my scalp is moisturized. I only recently thought to use it on my eyelashes and eyebrows thanks to Googling dry eyes. Because yes my phone addiction is giving me slightly dry eyes. I found this little bottle which comes with two different brushes, one for your lash line and another more similar to a mascara brush for applying to your lashes and brows. I pretty quickly noticed that my lashes and brows were growing more and it has helped with my dry eyes.
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
I have been using this cleanser for several years now and it’s my favorite. It smells absolutely amazing and it has helped keep my skin clear for years. Indie Lee products were my first introduction to clean beauty. Indie had reached out to send me a few products a few years ago and I was so excited to try them. Her story is incredible, you can read about it here. And is what motivated me to start switching out all my other products for clean beauty. They recently started selling travel size versions of a few products including my cleanser, which is perfect if you’re interested in trying something out.
Laneige Lip Mask
Last summer while we were on a trip, my friend Gwen told me to try this Laneige lip mask and I kept forgetting to order it. I finally ordered it back in November and have been absolutely obsessed with it since. I’ve tried a few lip masks in the past which I’ve liked in the clean beauty category, but none of them have been just so incredible I’m dying to go back. But I have absolutely loved this one and the smell is so so good. It has kept my lips super moisturized and so soft all winter long. So listen to Gwen’s advice and buy this immediately.
