If you’re like me, the mere sight of Sephora makes you run in and probably spend money you don’t have. Skin care products are my weaknesses, and ladies (and gents) this is okay, because we should all have a skin care routine that we follow every day. Cleansers, oils, moisturizers, makeup, etc. can get quite expensive if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To help you kick-start a daily regimen skin care system, I’ve composed a list of my favorite products that are reasonably priced. If you don’t trust my list, these products have been featured on Allure’s, Style’s, and Elle’s top skin care lists! So happy face washing, and bringing out that natural glow that will give you that self-confidence every person should have.
Face Cleansers
1. Skinn by Dimitri James
· By far, the top skin care product on the market that I use on a daily basis!
· 100% Natural
· “Before starting Skinn Cosmetics, I worked for twenty years with the largest cosmetic houses in the world. I found myself constantly frustrated with the way they did business. Unfortunately, the big cosmetic companies never seem to care about making quality products that actually help the consumer. Their “formula” was always the same: make a cheap product, put it in a fancy jar with a nice box and charge as much as possible. After learning that I was never going to change how those big companies do business from within, I realized I needed to change the nature of the very industry in which they operate.” -Dimitri James
· Dimitri James is a makeup artists for thousands of celebs.
· Cheaper to shop via packages of products (so worth it)
· Personally, I’ve seen my skin transform, and the products smell so natural and keep my skin oil free and clean all day! He also makes cosmetics and the colors and products are organic and contain full coverage.
· To reduce the size of your pores (if you’re having a Regina George moment)-Pure Pore Hydro-Enzymatic Deep Pore Cleanser. It’s just $18.00!!
· Price- $29.99 for two face cleansers (1am, 1pm)
· Source/Where to get it: Skinn by Dimitri James
2. Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Skin Cleansing Oil
· Aids oil to extremely dry, sensitive skin
· Colorless cleanser is soap-free, light creamy wash
· Doesn’t leave you skin dried out
· Works as a makeup remover (makeup comes right off)
· AWARDS- Best of Beauty 2014; Breakthrough 2014
· Price- $30
· Source/Where to get it: Allure
3. Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
· Face-wash gel in a pump bottle
· Cleanser that doesn’t dry out the skin
· Herbal fragrance (hint of cognac, cocktail in a fragrance!)
· Soft foam
· AWARDS- Best of Beauty 2014
· Price-$29
· Source/Where to get it: Allure
Facial Moisturizers
**Note: Due to us college gals wearing makeup 24/7 (or at least I do) and sometimes falling asleep with our night-out makeup still on, we tend to increase the size of our pores (unfortunately). A moisturizer is just the way to correct this problem. So this is a list of facial moisturizers that will reduce the size of your pores while treating your skin with vitamins and sunscreen.
1. Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Oil Control Lotion
· Facial moisturizer for oily skin
· Reduces shine, prevents breakouts, hydrates skin
· Fragrance-free and lightweight
· Price-$35
· Source/Where to get it: Allure
2. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner
· Reduces shine and pores
· Linseed extract (reduces oil production)
· Mattifying effect
· Note: Put on oily spots during the day to instantly get rid of shine all day
· Price-$40
· Source/Where to get it: Allure
3. H2O+ Face Oasis Hydrating Lotion SPF30
· Light moisturizer
· SPF 30
· Blue lotion smells like the ocean
· Perfect for a day at the beach!
· Price- $34
Face Masks
1. Skinn Vacuum Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
· Gentle, effective deep pore mask
· Pulls out trapped dirt, pollution, and excess oils from pores
· Personal favorite! Perfect to use after using Skinn’s A.M. or P.M. cleanser
· Note- I’ve definitely noticed that my pores are smaller!
· Source/Where to get it: store.skinn.com
· Price- $21
2. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay
· Deep-cleansing peel-off mask
· Cleans pores, controls oil, treats pimples
· Made with- Rosemary leaf oil, white tea, red clay
· Noticeably shrinks pores
· Source/Where to get it: Allure
· Price- $30
· Awards- Best of Beauty 2014
3. Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask
· Perfect for dry skin
· Hydrates skin
· Cream feels cold on skin
· Smells like soap, baby powder, and flowers
· Note- Wipe this cream off, don’t rinse!
· Source/Where to get it: Allure
· Awards- Best of Beauty 2009
· Price-$36
Face Oils
Recently, face oils have proved to show noticeable results in people’s skin. You only need two to three drops of each of these oils after you cleanse your face. Oils help keep the skin looking fresh and prevent wrinkles. Although most of us reading this article are in our early 20’s, at age 20, most celebrities start using wrinkle preventatives. Have you seen model Cindy Crawford? She started using wrinkle creams and oils at age 20!
1. Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
· Soothing face oil with sea buckthorn oil
· Oils-Seaberry, cranberry seed, camellia seed, grape seed, sweet almond
· Leaves skin smooth
· Protects the skin from aging radicals
· Doesn’t contain Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates (AKA: this is really good)
· Source/Where to get it: Sephora
· Price-$50 (Yes, I know this might be out of your college girl budget, but this will last you for months. Remember only use 2 to 3 drops!)
2. Josie Maran -100 Percent Pure Argan Oil
· Lightweight oil hydrates skin, hair, and nails
· 100% Argan Oil rich in Vitamin E
· Grown in Morocco
· Great for all skin types- sensitive to acne-prone skin
· Doesn’t contain-Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates
· Note: Can also treat those split ends!
· Source/Where to get it: Sephora
· Price- $16 (mini) – $48
3. Tarte Maracuja Oil
· Treatment oil
· Targets individual skin concerns and delivers moisture to skin
· Makes skin firmer, brighter and smoother-looking
· Maracuja Oil rejuvenates skin to make it even-toned and brightened
· Doesn’t have Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Gluten
· Source/Where to get it: Sephora
· Price-$46
Note: If you can’t find these products at Sephora, Ulta or any other skin beauty store, all of these products are available online. I tried limiting the product selection to be no more than $50, but the best skin care is expensive and you should always #treatyoself.
Xoxo, Anjelica MacGregor