Belle’s Seven Skincare Favorites
Apr 15, 2013
1. Clarisonic Acne Cleanser ($27) // 2. Express the Truth ($65) // 3. Pigment Lightening Serum ($48) // 4. Ingrown Hair Eliminating Pads ($38) // 5. Pure Truth Activating Oil ($45) // 6. Smith’s Minted Lip Balm ($7) // 8. Josie Maran Argan Oil ($48)
One. Acne-treating soap generally falls into two categories: ineffective or drying. But this soap from Clarisonic is the exception to that rule. With a mix of skin clearing salicylic acid and skin soothing botanicals, this cleanser removes every speck of grime without drying out sensitive, dry or combination skin.
Two. Because I have combination skin, finding a moisturizer that doesn’t turn my face into an oil slick is no easy task. Express the Truth is the perfect combination of antioxidants and natural moisturizers that helps fight wrinkles and keeps my skin feeling soft.
Three. As we age, a lot of women suffer from pigmentation problems. Sun spots, uneven tone and other issues can leave your skin looking older than your years. This pigment lightener from Ole Henriksen uses a combination of fruit acids and extracts to blend away unevenness.
I’ve used a bunch of products that swore they would fix my acne scarring and dark spots, only this one and Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector work. However, like that this one contains fewer chemicals, and it’s cheaper.
Four. If you wax, you need these. Some readers like an inexpensive Stridex pad instead, but these are the only thing that work for me. They keep away the ingrown hairs that make waxing your face, arms and other areas a torturous experience. I also like to use Whish Ingrown Eliminating Serum for a one-two-punch of ingrown hair prevention.
Five. As I swing ever deeper into my 30s, I notice how my skin just doesn’t bounce back the way it used to. (Seriously, 20-somethings, be kind to your face. You’ll regret it later.) Recently, I discovered Ole Henriksen’s souped-up Truth Vitamin-C Youth Activating Oil. It’s chock-full of anti-oxidants to repair past damage, fight new wrinkles and cool off inflammation. I’m obsessed. (I also like the original Truth Serum for those who need a Prius, not a Mercedes.)
Six. Rosebud salve is good for everything. On your lips, it gives a pretty pink gloss and kissable softness. On a cut or bruise, it aids in healing. Should you tear a cuticle or get a blister, just dab on a bit of this and a band-aid and let the healing commence. And if you hate to put your fingers into a pot of good, Smith’s also packages this wonder in a tube.
Seven. Argan oil is one of the hottest things in skin and hair care, and it all started with Miss Maran and this brown vial. I’ll drop a bit of this onto my face when my skin gets scaly. I use it on my lips when they get really dry. Or rub a bit into my split ends to keep them from spreading and flying away.
what about iS Clinical Active serum? That was recently recommended to me by a facialist, and I remember you recommending it highly (I thought?), so I picked up a .5oz bottle. Waiting for it to arrive.
Has your opinion changed on that one?
Love Josie Maran’s Argan oil! I use retinol on my face at night, and argan oil prevents my skin from peeling and becoming overly sensitive. I’ve read that the Vitamin E in it is a natural age-preventative, too. And along with retinol, argan oil has somehow (and somewhat) cleared out my pores and stabilized oil production.
I really need to check out those Ole Henriksen products. I’ve had good experiences with Truth Creme and Vitamin C Serum, but haven’t tried Pure Truth or Express the Truth yet. I believe retinol has some lightening properties so haven’t had to use a lightening serum yet (I’ve considered it for freckles but because I run outside sometimes, they seem to have stubborn staying power, even with hat and sunblock in place), but I’m sure I will need to soon.
Also tempted to try out Skinceuticals serums, though their prices can be prohibitive.
Thanks for all of these product tips! I think our skin type is pretty similar (combination, some cystic issues for me depending on hormones) so these are very helpful for me. Haven’t looked at the cosmetics you’ve cited below so will check those out now.
Yes! I use Argan oil on my face as well every morning and think it has definitely helped to reduce my acne. I also super recommend Josie Maran’s argan sunscreen combo for summer.
I’ve been on the hunt for a natural sunscreen that won’t break me out – I should look into Josie Maran’s!
Has anyone had good luck with Clinique’s even better under eye circle serum??
#7. Argan oil – love it! I discovered Argan Oil on the blog No More Dirty Looks, and it has replaced both my face moisturizer and my John Frieda anti-frizz serum. It works better than both! I pat 3 drops of argan oil on my face, then add a couple more drops and run my fingers through my hair. Quicker, easier, and healthier.