Update Skincare Routine (STORY!)

If you've been following me for a while, you may remember last year I wrote a post about my morning and night skincare routine. 

My skin has changed quite a bit since I wrote that post. For the past 8 months or so, I've been working on keeping my fungal and cystic acne at bay. 

*STORY TIME*

Beginning around May or June last year, I noticed areas on my cheeks and forehead had tiny bumps which didn't seem to go away. They didn't hurt, were at times itchy, and almost always dry. All my efforts failed in trying to rid my skin of this strange, stubborn texture. I tried DIY face masks, store bought face masks, acne washes and exfoliators. Nothing seemed to work. As a result, I thought that my skin was becoming bumpier and more textured because I was getting older (I was 25 at the time, currently 26 writing this post). I began to accept the "fact" that my skin was bumpy and there was nothing I could do about it. If I didn't have good skin as a middle-schooler, throughout high school and college, why would I ever have good skin? Every time I looked at my face in the bathroom, my bedroom mirror, store mirrors – the list goes on, I felt quite upset and frustrated. I honestly thought there was no chance in having smooth skin. 

Obviously, I got really fed up with seeing how bumpy my skin looked. So, I did some research. With the help of the internet, specifically Simple Skincare Science and Reddit, I discovered that I had fungal acne. Great! The annoying thing about fungal acne is that it's very difficult to get rid of if you don't know what it is. Traditional acne treatments (specifically the ones you don't rinse off) can actually worsen the condition. That, and you can't really prevent it entirely. A video that I found really helpful when learning about fungal acne was this one by Dr. Dray. 

WHAT I DO NOW

The biggest thing I'm doing for my fungal acne is using Head & Shoulders Classic Anti-Dandruff Shampoo as a face mask. Anti-dandruff shampoos contain an active ingredient called Pyrithione Zinc. This is highly effective in treating yeast-invaded hair follicles, which is what causes fungal acne.

I apply the shampoo to damp skin on the affected areas, mainly my cheeks and sometimes my forehead. I leave it on my face for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. I used this method twice a day (morning and night) for about a month or two until my fungal acne had cleared up. I recently had another fungal acne spell and have been doing this method once a day. For a while I used aloe gel on my face. 

Facial oils are out of the question for me, unfortunately. Yeast loves oil! This is a bummer because there are so many intriguing facial oils on the market. The shampoo treatment can leave my skin feeling tight and dry, so it's really important that I keep my skin moisturized. 

So, there's that little story on my fungal acne and how I take care of it. My skin texture has improved so much! It's still something I need to keep an eye on, though. Anyway, keep reading for the rest of my stupid simple skincare regime. 

MORNING

- MOISTURIZE: CERAVE MOISTURIZING CREAM 

I'm pretty oily around my nose in the morning, so I rinse my face with lukewarm water. While my face is still damp, I moisturize my face and neck with the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It's safe for fungal acne and a little goes a long way!

- MASSAGE: HERBIVORE JADE FACIAL ROLLER

Between this step and the first one, I put on the kettle for my morning tea. While I wait for the water to boil, I work my moisturizer into my skin a couple minutes with my Jade roller. I recently wrote a review of it. 

EVENING

- CLEANSE: CERAVE FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER 

Before bed, I use a cleanser to get rid of all my makeup. I like this one by CeraVe (no, this is not sponsored) because like the moisturizer, it's fragrance-free. I think it also does a good job of removing stubborn makeup, like mascara. I haven't tried this on waterproof mascara, so I don't know how well it would work for that. 

- MOISTURIZE: CERAVE MOISTURIZING CREAM  

Same thing as in the morning, I apply a little of this to my face and neck and work it in with my jade roller. So simple! 

1-2 TIMES A WEEK

- EXFOLIATE: NEUTROGENA ACNE PROOFING DAILY FACIAL SCRUB

I know this scrub is gentle enough to be used daily as the name suggests, but I don't recommend exfoliating your face every day. I use this twice, maybe three times a week. It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. If I'm suffering from cystic acne, I try to be extra gentle on those areas. 

As you can see, I use less products in my skincare than I had been using even a year ago! I've been reading ingredient labels a lot more since learning about how finicky fungal acne is. 

What are your favorite skincare products at the moment? I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

Tiya 

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DISCLAIMER: This is not a sponsored post. I bought the reviewed product with my own money. As I am also not a dermatologist, this post is not meant to be used for medical advice. If you are struggling with your skin, please pay a visit to your dermatologist. 

REVIEW | Herbivore Jade Roller

Hi everyone! Today I'll be reviewing Herbivore's Jade Facial Roller. It's a beautiful tool, but is it just a gimmick? I wasn't sold on the idea of using one at first, but after doing some research and Reddit-lurking, I finally caved and bought myself one. This is what I think of mine so far. 

WHAT IT IS

The Jade Roller is a skincare tool that retails for $30 at Sephora. According to the product page on Herbivore's website, the origins of this beauty tool originate in China. It's made of Aventurine Jade (source) and gold metal. A number of brands sell facial rollers of varying materials; most commonly rose quartz and amethyst. As it's quite lightweight and small, the Jade Roller is travel friendly.

WHAT IT CLAIMS TO DO

- Tighten and smooth skin

- Help the absorption of product

- Support the lymphatic system

- De-puff skin and reduce fine lines, dark circles and undereye bags

WHAT WORKED?

1. It's undoubtedly relaxing – it feels really good because of how cooling it is on the skin. It's a happy medium because it isn't freezing, just refreshing.

2. It does help with de-puffing, especially in the morning when my face is slightly puffier than usual. Or when I'm retaining a little extra water.

3. I have noticed a reduction of fine lines. This is probably due to the fact that it helps moisturizer/facial oil to be better absorbed into the skin. Since you're using a stone to work product into your skin, you can be assured your fingers aren't absorbing a lot of the product.  

4. Overall, my skin feels and appears smoother. I don't think this is solely from the use of the jade roller (I'll get to that later), but it seems to be helping my skin look and feel more plump, hydrated, and softer. 

WHAT DIDN'T WORK?

1. I didn't notice an improvement in my dark circles. I've read that some people find success in reducing their dark circles after they started using a facial roller. I think mine are largely genetic and therefore here to stay. I'll just be over here drinking (hopefully) enough water and applying concealer. 

THE FINAL VERDICT

I've been using my Jade Roller for a few weeks, every morning and every night (eh, I might have missed a night or two). I'm pleased to say that I'm enjoying my time using this little guy. If you've been curious about getting one, I'd say it's worth the shot. Also, routinely massaging your face is good for your skin anyway. :P

The most important thing to remember is that the Jade Roller is a TOOl. It isn't magic! It's meant to work alongside a good skincare routine, plenty of water, sleep, and protecting your skin from the sun. If you buy a facial roller thinking it's the only thing you'll need for great skin, you'll be disappointed. A facial roller is best for someone who is diligent and serious about their skincare regime, however simple or meticulous it is.

If you're more lax with your skincare. but want instant results when you do do something for your skin, this won't be a product worth buying (thankfully, face masks exist). Unless of course you're working towards a good routine! 

Thanks for reading! I hope this was a helpful review if you are at all curious about this in vogue little tool. Do you own a facial roller? Do you love it or is it meh? Let me know. :)

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DISCLAIMER: This is not a sponsored post. I bought the reviewed product with my own money. As I am also not a dermatologist, this post is not meant to be used for medical advice. If you are struggling with your skin, please pay a visit to your dermatologist. 

SHOP LOCAL | The Small Town Charm of Paisley & Co.

I live in a college town in rural Pennsylvania. There isn't always a lot to do here, but there's no denying its charm, and I love the independent vendors lined up on Main Street. One store in particular that I've spent countless hours in (over time, not all at once!) is Paisley & Company. 

Paisley & Company is a fragrance bar and bath boutique (similar to LUSH) which opened in 2003*. Their products, which include skincare, fragrances, shampoo, and more, are homemade with natural ingredients and are cruelty free. What's unique about this boutique is that you can create your own scent and turn it into virtually any product they make. If this sounds intimidating, it really isn't – there's always someone there to help you create your own scent, and the employees are extremely helpful even if you're not 100% sure what you want.

Some of my favorite products from Paisley are their fragrance oils and their hand and body lotion, pictured above. These are the fragrance oils and lotions I own:

FRAGRANCE OILS

Although I primarily use Paisley's fragrance oils as perfume, they're versatile and that's why I love them. You can use them in the shower or bath, and they're also great for masking odors around your house/apartment. They're heavily scented, so a little goes a long way. If you create your own fragrance, you'll be given you a memo upon purchase with your concoction and ratio used, so you don't forget. 

VICTORIA ROSE

Victoria Rose is a sweet, bright, and floral scent. I'm taking whiffs of it as I write, and it kind of reminds me of a box or rose and lemon turkish delight. I think it was one of the first of their fragrance oils I bought. It's on the stronger side, so you really have to appreciate roses to like this scent.

NAG CHAMPA & COCONUT

Self-explanatory; I would say this scent is sweet, warm, and slightly earthy. I love anything coconut, but the blend of that with nag champa lends itself to memory more than if it were just coconut. 

SPRING ROMANCE

This fragrance, pictured below, is one that I created! I know the name is a little twee. Long story short, my creation's namesake is a looseleaf tea blend that I got a few days beforehand. I wanted to make something clean and floral balanced with a little warmth and sweetness. There are equal parts Jasmine, Sensual Amber, Bamboo, and Coconut. Seeing as its the only scent I've created at Paisley, I'm pretty proud of it. I have a few more fragrance ideas, so I need to go in there are make more sometime soon.

HAND & BODY LOTION

I have two of these and keep one in my purse at all times. The formula isn't overly rich or greasy, and keeps my hands smooth and moisturized for a long time. I've gifted their hand and body lotion to mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and they both really enjoyed them. 

SEA SALT & PEONY

This pre-made lotion has a truly a unique fragrance. It's gorgeously "cold" and mildly floral. I would almost consider it to be wintry. It smells like roaming a rocky New England beach in November with a bouquet of lush peonies on the breeze. I sound like I'm getting carried away, but it's because this scent is beautiful. 

SHEA & COCONUT

While I don't think this lotion contains shea butter, it is obviously scented as such. I love this fragrance because it doesn't feel too summery, despite the coconut. There's a muskiness to it which tones down the coconut to be more wearable year-round. 

This post is really just scratching the surface of how much Paisley & Co. offer. Even if you're not into boutiques like this, it's a cool experience because of how interactive it is, and is a place that takes itself and its clients seriously. If you ever find yourself in or near Kutztown, Pennsylvania, make it a priority to spend some time at this little shop.

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*Paisley & Co. only ships within the U.S.

DISCLAIMER: This post is not sponsored by Paisley & Co. I bought all products mentioned with my own money.

MORNING + NIGHT SKINCARE ROUTINE

The last time I had great skin was when I was 13. Not long before that, I remember hearing the word "acne" and not even knowing what it was. It's pretty strange to think about, seeing that acne has been a constant struggle for me for over a decade. If anything good can come out of having far-from-perfect skin, it's knowing that I need to take care of it!

I have oily/combination skin which is prone to cystic acne (those really painful zits that sit under your skin for forever). I also have a lot of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If I have anything going for my skin, it's that it's relatively smooth. My main concerns are acne and skin discoloration. 

I try to keep my skincare routine simple because skincare is expensive; it involves a lot of trial and error to find something that works for each person. Below is a list of products I currently have and how I use them:

MORNING ROUTINE

I don't actually wash my face in the morning. Until a few months ago, never in my life did I consider foregoing exfoliators and cleansers upon waking up. I'm so glad I did, though! I've found that stripping my face of its natural oils, especially when I wake up, can cause inflammation and irritation – this can also make my breakouts worse when I am dealing with an acne flare up.

What I do instead is spritz my face with rose water from Pearlessence (I got mine at TJ Maxx) and let my skin drink it up. If I wake up oilier than usual, I use a cotton makeup round with Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water and gently blot my face to get rid of some of the oil. 

I follow up with CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion and wait at least 10-15 minutes before applying makeup. This moisturizer is one that I think would work well for a variety of skin types. My husband, who has incredibly dry skin, uses it as well and really likes it. 

NIGHTLY ROUTINE

Going to bed with makeup on is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. I wear makeup pretty much every day, so it's a must for me to make sure 100% of that stuff is removed before heading to bed. 

To remove my makeup, I use the Garnier micellar water, mentioned in my morning routine. Once I've done that, I go in with my Foaming Facial Cleanser from CeraVe and massage it into my skin for a few seconds before rinsing it off. I then let my face air dry and moisturize with CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and spritz my face with rose water. 

#WHENEVERIWANT

For a long time, I used to think that face masks were an occasional treat for my skin. So, I just didn't use them all that often. One day when I was binge watching Lisa Eldridge videos, she revealed when she uses face masks  – whenever she wants. If Lisa can do that, I can do that as well, right? Done. The bottom line is, if your skin is in dire need of a face mask, use one. I've regularly been alternating face masks about 3 times a week, give or take a day or two. 

I have a number of face masks, but the ones I keep coming back to are Pearlessence's Turmeric & Honey Reviving Mask and their Aloe & Charcoal Detoxifying Mask (both available at TJ Maxx). I also love the Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra Cleansing Mud Mask. 

WHAT I'M TRYING TO INCORPORATE

SUNSCREEN

I'm not one to spend much time in the sun, but SPF is definitely a worthwhile product to include in my regime. My skin is naturally tan, which gives me more protection from sun damage than someone with fair skin, but no one has complete immunity from the sun's rays.

SERUMS

Specifically Burt's Bee's Brightening Skin Perfecting Serum. I'm currently going through an acne flare up, and I know that once my skin has cleared, I'll be left with some really nice discoloration :(. I'm hoping that using this will speed up the fading process.

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DISCLAIMER: Skincare is something that is going to change for me over time. I don't use the same products I used a few years ago. Everyone's skin has different needs, and what may work for me, may not work for you! The list above is just what I do with my skin, which seems to be helping reduce problems for the majority of the time. This is not a sponsored post; I bought all products mentioned in this post with my own money.

REVIEW | Becca First Light Priming Filter

  

I've been warming up to more hydrating products in the past couple months. As I mentioned in my highlighter collection post, my skin is oily/combination – but it still needs moisture!

I recently bought the Becca First Light Priming Filter during Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty sale. I wanted to try this product for a while, and it was only $19 on the day the price was marked down. Regularly, it retails for $38, which is way more than I can afford on a normal day. This primer was released last year, and I know it's been a popular product among people who love makeup.

I have many more high-end brands to experiment with, but Becca is quickly becoming one of my favourites. 

PACKAGING: The First Light Priming Filter packaging is classy and elegant, but also has a modern air to it. It's a medium frosted glass bottle, which comes with a glossy cap and a pump to dispense the product with. The top of the cap is metal, and has the Becca logo on it. I love how solid the bottle feels. As with all Becca products I own, there is nothing flimsy or cheap about the packaging (which I would expect from a luxury brand). 

FORMULA: The primer itself is lilac and has a delicate pearlescent sheen to it (I wish I could find a nail polish in this shade, haha). This colour sounds odd to put on your face, but once the product it blended out, it becomes transparent. There is a light citrus scent that lingers until you start applying makeup over it. I would say the consistency is like a thinned out moisturizer. It feels lightweight on the skin, but it's thick enough that it doesn't run everywhere once dispensed. I like that it feels slightly tacky as it is being blended out, because that means it'll hold foundation in place. 

APPLICATION + FINISH: After moisturizing my skin (and waiting at least 5 minutes), I apply one pump all over my face, blending it in with my fingers. It takes a couple minutes to soak in. Although it blends and dries transparent, there is an obvious difference in the appearance of my skin after application. It delivers a fresh and hydrated radiance to the skin. I know that some people like to wear this on its own for that reason; this would work really well for those who have naturally great skin. I personally prefer to wear this with foundation because I have dark circles and acne scarring. In my experience, this primer doesn't help areas of discoloration, acne scarring, etc. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: I like this product. It's a pretty decent primer; it preps my skin well for makeup application, and holds onto my foundation for most of the day with minimal separation, even in my problem areas. It smells lovely and is light, but nourishing. I feel like I'm doing something good for my skin when I use this. I do find myself having to blot a little more than with a mattifying primer, but that's to be expected using a hydrating product with a luminous finish. I think dry skin types, and combination skin types would enjoy using this product.