"All the makeup in the world won't make a difference without great skincare." ~ Khloe Kardashian
Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽♀️ As I'm sitting here at Starbucks on Valentine's Day around my way with a Venti sized Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino Blended Beverage with Vanilla Sweet Cream (may I add) and I'm pretty sure I'm giving that Carrie Bradshaw vibe so far. Since this is Valentine's Day, I treated myself to a Siren Logo Plastic Hot Cup - 16 fl oz since I want to be all fancy and will eventually treat myself to a gel manicure around Mother's Day weekend. Heck, this is way better than being home and for now I'm going to focus on writing this blog before heading home and this may be a three-part self-care over the course of three future blogs within the next three years, no rush. This blog is going to be interesting to write since there's going to be so much to research, but this blog is solely based on personal experiences. I have no particular skincare routine where it's very simple and direct or rather straightforward, whichever term you wish to use on your own accord at this point. In a future blog, I may do a self-care date idea for couples since I've recently entered, officially twenty-five days ago and I do want to give it time to bloom before I take notes and observe what works best for us. Keep in mind, with any skincare products I mention may or may not be best appropriate for many and my best advice is to give it a try for at least a full ninety days. I will advise to write about your three-month skincare routine of what works best for you, and you can give three different skincare routine over the course of nine months, three full months per cleanse products. Once when you find your new skincare product, heck, go for it and what have you got to lose? This may be a follow up to 'What Beauty Secrets?' and I honestly was going to redo that blog over but I'm glad I hadn't done so at this point! I have several secrets as to not looking a day over 25 is drink enough water; limit your alcohol intake to socially and same goes with drugs (cocaine, heroin, etc); ladies, limit how much you use makeup; of course, watch your diet and if you have the time and energy, exercise. Keep in mind I am in my early 40s and I don't look a day over 25! At the end of the day, it's all in how you take care of yourself and make yourself a first priority. If you're not in the best of health, how can you take care of your family and how can you make the bills in time if you aren't in the best of health? Your best bet is to check out this video: ULTIMATE Skincare Routine for GLASS Skin and I don't wash my face twice a day. I wash my face once a day before bed time! I'm just saying and do what's best for you. My best advice is to speak with a dermatologist on which cleanser is best for you.
"I like my skin best when it's clean and glowy, and that comes from sleep, hydration, and happiness." ~ Tracee Ellis Ross
Let's begin with Clean & Clear Relaxing Deep Cleaning Face Wash, 8 Fluid ounce. At some point I've used this product, and I don't have much negative experience. I do use it before going to bed and especially after coming home from work, a date or a night out with friends. Mostly when you've arrived home from wherever (work, date, wherever) and your face will thank you for it. Try it for three months before moving onto your next skincare product. I liked how it made my face feel, however, it's been a mission searching for Clean & Clear in regular retail stores such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens. Seems like the only places I can get Clean & Clear is from Amazon and on a good day, I'll find it at any of these stores. If not, I'll order it from Amazon when time permits in doing so, budget wise for when I can but no rush at the moment. Once when it's in my budget, I'll order some Clean & Clear from Amazon and will redo this portion of the blog. You can also look around at various different Stop & Shop grocery stores for Clean & Clear facial products. It's always good to pamper yourself at the end of the day.
-Noxzema-
"I am most particular about moving all my makeup and keeping my skin clean before I go to bed. No matter how tired I am or how hectic my day has been, I always make it a point to take it off." ~ Deepika Padukone
I often use Noxzema, it's been a hot minute since I've gotten to use Noxzema for a good half hour to forty-five minutes. When I have a zit or two or any unsightly blemishes on my face, I take a dab of Noxzema and place the dab on each of the blemishes and leave it on overnight. Normally, by morning, it's gone and often times I still have the blemishes on my face. It takes several days for it to go away and I figured I'd add Noxzema to this list of self-care products I normally use. However, I use Noxzema when I shave my legs, down there, and armpits. A majority of the time when I've finished shaving my legs, I use Johnson's baby oil or Well Beginnings Baby Oil afterwards, well, mostly when I come out of the shower. I buy whichever baby oil is on sale, such as buy one and second is free, that type of deal and especially when you're on a budget!!! Not to sound frugal or anything of that nature. I don't always use baby oil on my legs or unless it's summer time and have plans to go to Fort Totten Pool or the beach. I have zero complaints on using Noxzema and haven't had any issues in using Noxzema.
-Differin-
"I try to do simple but effective things to keep my skin looking healthy and flawless. I drink tons and tons of water. Also, I believe in eating right. You are what you eat." ~ Anushka Sharma
Next up is Differin Cleanse Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser and Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1%. I personally like how it makes my face feel at the end of the day. I often use Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer when needed and I need to moisturize more often just to upkeep my youthfulness. There's more to skincare routine and good genetics, it's all in how you take care of yourself. It's simple small beauty hacks. Whenever I have blemishes on my face, it drives me up the wall, and it drives me crazy! Since I have Differin Adapalene Gel, I use it before bed and it helps with time, don't expect immediate result. Be consistent when using Differin each night since this particular product is a bit on the expensive side, use it sparingly in order for it to last longer. When using the Differin Adapalene Gel, follow it up with the moisturizer, and it's up to you if you want to rinse it off or leave it on. I personally leave it on, and I don't bother rinsing it off in the end. Of course, the moisturizer leaves my face feeling soft and I love it! Result may vary per person. If you have any issues with acne, speak with a dermatologist regarding which skincare product you should try.
-Sephora-
"Looking good is about having a good base. It's about taking care of your skin." ~ Halle Berry
Once when I've finished using Differin Cleanse Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser and Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer, I intend on going to Sephora and try their vegan facial products. Yet, I'm pretty sure these items are overpriced and in due time, I'll give it a try when time permits, especially when it's in my budget to shop at Sephora for their vegan facial products. If you have any suggestions in regards of which facial cleanser I should try next, feel free to drop a comment and a like below. I'm open to trying something different and as long as it doesn't break the bank just to look good. I've found a list of vegan skincare cleanser for those who are vegan, and it does not have to be limited to Sephora but it's a suggestion from me to you on this Valentine's Day! I'm totally open to trying different facial cleansers and seeing how my experience is once when I find the right facial cleansers as long it's not "tested on animals" than I should be alright.
-In Conclusion-
In conclusion to this blog, it's a little Valentine's Day self-care tip from me to you. As stated previously, this may or may not be my only self-care blog for those curious enough to know what my skincare routine is and if you're curious enough to try any of my skincare routine, it's fine by me. Not everyone is going to have the time or the energy to be as committed to their skincare routine whether if you're a busy parent or just overall busy with everyday life. It's important to make time for yourself but I'm not going to convince you and it's entirely up to you. As long as you're able to find time to spend time alone, away from people and even it means treating yourself to a nail salon or out to dinner, but it does not have to be fancy nor expensive. If it's in your budget, go for it and don't be afraid to treat yourself well! If you want to have nice youthful skin, drink lots of water; be mindful of your diet; and exercise on the daily. If your time is limited, do what you have to do and even if this means waking up two hours earlier than usual in the morning to squeeze in some exercise, whether if it's cardio or yoga or whatever tickles your fancy at the moment. Make sure you get a good night's rest which also helps and always be sure to laugh throughout your day, even if you're having a bad day. Happy self-care and don't forget to take care of yourself!
Blessed be,
Jennifer
