No filter, bitches.
You could argue that I’m not a natural beauty because I took accutane when I was fourteen to deal with some bad acne. That’s okay. I’m fine being an unnatural beauty. Looking back, I’m unsure if taking this harsh drug – especially whilst embarking on puberty -- was the right decision. Maybe I’d do it differently in retrospect. Either way, because my parents spent so much money on dermatology bills to get the acne off my face, I’ve always felt obligated to continue looking after it. My face that is!
I personally don’t mind acne. My biggest crush right now has acne and honestly it doesn’t make him any less sexy. My lifelong crush (different crush) had a bit of acne in his youth. I think it’s very humbling. It’s as if the Universe is saying: “Not everybody can have everything!” Both are at the top of their field. Both are very attractive regardless. Hey, if you’re hot, you’re hot! Sexuality is so passe.
Anyway, there’s always been a general curiosity with my skin-care routine because I do have good skin. Sorry! It’s true. And here is the basic version. The deluxe version will be available on my Patreon. Because life can get busy, everything here (except for one product) can be found at your local drug store, Target, or online at Amazon. I try and keep it simple and accessible to all. Every product is >$20 as of the writing of this post.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are choosing to try these products and are ordering them from Amazon, please use the links I have provided in this post. I have worked really hard over the years figuring out what products work best and finding that ever elusive winning combination. It’s a small way of giving back to a small content creator who would so really appreciate it!
Facewash
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser
When I had acne, I used a lot of “Acne” facewashes loaded up with salicylic acid, which we thought at the time would help with pimples. When I switched from “Acne” cleansing products to “Sensitive Skin” cleansing products, I saw a huge shift in my complexion. Maybe the harshness of the “Acne” cleansing products was hurting my skin more than it was helping it!
I love cleansers that foam. I feel very weird when they don’t. Like my face isn’t clean or something. This cleanser foams on the skin really well and lathers perfectly.
Basically, it gets the job done without overly drying your skin and you can also buy in travel size. SWAG!
Buy the facial cleanser I use on Amazon: https://a.co/d/d2hlonN
Toner
Thayers Alcohol-Free, Hydrating Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula
I love toner! It’s literally one of my favorite steps, don’t skimp out on it gentlemen. The point of the toner is to close up pores and even out your skin’s complexion.
I love this product because I can literally feel it closing up my pores as I’m using it. It comes in a spray bottle if you’re too lazy to use a cotton-pad. I use a cotton-pad at the gym, spray bottle at home!
I’m half-English (genetic code) so my body responds well to roses, which this Witch Hazel is infused with. They don’t call it an “English Rose” for nothing mama… My hair care routine features rose infusions also, but that’s for another time!
Make sure this is dry on your face before you move onto the next step. It’ll take a minute or two. It is very helpful if you have a small hand-fan to help dry your face. I use mine from the Tokyo Olympics!
Buy the Toner I use on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/fbKdo2F
Buy Cotton Pads to apply toner on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/gNPH97W
Serum
The Ordinary EUK 134 0.1 Percent Unisex Serum
This is the only thing you can’t find at the drug store or at Target or at even Sephora (yes, I tried!). I stumbled upon this serum when I was doing research on ways to minimize the gray hairs that have been popping up all over my scalp. Nature calling me into my “Daddy-era” I suppose. It’s okay. Much like my “unnatural beauty” label, I’m fine with.
I went deep down some Reddit thread (somewhat trustworthy, who knows!?) about all-natural ways to stave off the greying process. I know I cannot STOP my hair from going gray, but will surely slowing down the process might be helpful?
We go gray due to oxidative stress, so this serum is jam-packed full of anti-oxidants. I thought to myself: “if I’m using for my hair and it’s a powerful anti-oxidant, maybe it’ll work for my face too!” And voila, it does! Innovation is one of my words du jour.
This serums gives my face a bit of a glow without being overtly shiny, and what’s best is that it packs a powerful punch. The small downside is that it does take time to dry. Like 90 seconds to 2 minutes. So be patient as it dries on your skin before adding your moisturizer.
Buy this amazing serum I use here: https://a.co/d/hWAeAVs
Moisturizer(s)
I have 3 different kinds of moisturizers:
1) CETAPHIL Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face, With Hyaluronic Acid, 3 fl oz
I use this hyaluronic acid moisturizer as my “base” moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid basically locks in and seals moisture, but you can’t just apply it onto your face alone as it is an “acid” and it will dry out your skin if there’s no accompanying moisturizer. I pair this with either my daytime moisturizer or my night-time moisturizer.
Buy the “base” moisturizer I use here: https://a.co/d/2fEPFFq
2) Aveeno, Facial Moisturizers Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer, SPF 15, Pump, 4 fl oz
This daytime sunscreen is great and gets the work done effectively. It smells fresh and two pumps is all I need for my face and neck. It dries well and stays on rather lightweight. I hate feeling layered in moisturizers.
Buy the daytime moisturizer I use here: https://a.co/d/2OgSOjQ
3) Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24, Fragrance Free, 1.7 oz.
At night after I’m done applying the hyaluronic acid moisturizer, I add this collagen enhancing moisturizer. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, and we stop producing it in our 30s. It is responsible for the elasticity in our skin and joints. So, if you want to stay juicy and plump, add this bad boy into your routine and watch as those fine lines fade away.
Buy the nighttime moisturizer I use here: https://a.co/d/cvHxjmT
SECRET BEAUTY TIP: STAY CONSISTENT
There’s no point buying these products if you don’t commit to using them. Like anything worth having in life, great skin requires patience, consistency, and perseverance. Wash your face twice per day using these products for at least a week or two and I guarantee you’ll begin to see results.
Don’t crucify yourself if you ever miss your routine, just do your best to stay consistent.
Falling in love with the process of looking after your skin helps too. If you enjoy your routine and the feeling of pampering your face twice per day, you’re more than likely to continue it. So maybe find a step in your routine that you enjoy and think about it on the days you’re feeling less motivated to clean your face.
I notice that when I wash my face before bed, I wake up with far less swelling in my face and my allergies are virtually non-existent. Begin to develop the habit of feeling “gross” when you sleep without washing your face. When you wake up without washing your face, notice what it looks like in the mirror.
Chances are just missing the routine once will show on your face and skin. So, seeing those pruney wrinkles should be good motivation to keep going.
Happy skincare y’all!