fuzzy robe | headband | triple microdermabrasion polish
I know, we are overwhelmed with beauty brands and there seems to be no end in sight of the latest and greatest, newest technologies and serums, overnight potions and whatnot, but having said that, I’m on a mission to share more of the hits AND misses with y’all. Along with how to use beauty products. That being said, I shared this fail of a brow pen the other week and SO many of you send me messages saying how much you appreciated the honesty in saying I didn’t like the product and what to buy instead. And I’ll admit, it was quite refreshing for me to be able to tell you how much I didn’t like it without feeling guilty.
Granted, I never take on a sponsored campaign without first having tried the product myself [sounds quite obvious, but you’d be surprised how many don’t]… Self care continues to be a HUGE focus for so many with the ample amount of time we have at home these days and I haven’t jumped ship yet… still testing out and trying goodies to be able to share the good, bad and ugly with each of you.
A few months ago, I started using the Exuviance Pure Retinol Correcting Peel and I loved it so much I chatted with their social team about expanding my partnership and testing out a few additional products to give them my honest review. First of all, I loved the peel’s application and the fact that it packs 0.3% of pure retinol without causing major sensitivity to my skin. I use it once a week [you put it on at night and then sleep with it on] and I’ve seen a huge difference in the glowy-ness of my face ever since as well as a more even skin tone, too.
Since I had success with that, I asked to test out a few more finds, specifically the Age Reverse Eye Contour Cream, Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish, Lift Volumizing Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C Serum Capsules, as well as the Daily SPF 35 Moisturizer. In short, I’ve been really pleased with the power of these products… fairly moderately priced [score them at Ulta and be sure to use a 20% off coupon when you can], and the ease of use = because I’ll be honest, my nighttime skin routine can’t last more than 10 minutes or I’m out.
But I also wanted to share 5 things to note when using your beauty buys to make sure they work their magic:
How to Use Beauty Products
ONE. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
This may sound like common sense, but I assure you, it’s not. I cannot tell you how many times I started using a product without first reading the directions… they are printed on the packaging for a reason and it just might surprise you how certain things you’re doing wrong. Case in point, I used Living Proof Dry Shampoo for years and didn’t shake it first. The more you know, the more you’ll know ;).
TWO. FOLLOW THE CORRECT ORDER
If you’re using a specified skincare line like I’ve highlighted above, be sure you actually apply the products in the order they tell you to. Again, spoiler alert… I’ve failed this test once or twice in my beauty routine, but now I know better. Basically, after you cleanse and exfoliate, be sure to apply the liquid/water based product first. Toners should be applied to bare skin without anything on it, then onto the serums/spot treatments, finally the eye cream and moisturizer.
THREE. CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATES
Just like food, beauty products will expire… and chances are there are a plethora of expired items in your cabinet at this very moment. And yes I know this because I just tossed a ton to the curb when I cleaned my bathroom last week = guilty! Most beauty and skincare products have a shelf life of 6-12 months and anything past that point should be thrown out, especially when it comes to mascara + sunscreen. If the product looks different than it used to or has changed consistency, get rid of it.
FOUR. GIVE THEM TIME TO WORK
I’m not your fairy godmother and neither is your skincare… you have to use your products repeatedly [again follow the directions on the label/packaging] and give them time to work! Instant gratification would be dreamy I know, but a normal turnaround of 6-12 weeks is required to see visible results.
FIVE. CHANGE UP YOUR ROUTINE
Your morning and nighttime routines shouldn’t be the same! Nighttime is for undoing the damage and repairing the skin, while daytime is all about protection… that’s why you should never ever leave your house without some type of SPF on your skin [I know my Mom will be so glad I am saying that] and I sometimes use Vitamin C on my face during the day as well. That’s also why we use retinol at night to help replenish skin cells and give your skin ALL the moisture.
Do you have any extra tips on how to use beauty products? Let me know in a comment below!
Love this Natasha – I recently started a brand new skin care routine and I was so careful about these 5 steps.
I’ve just started using the Exuviance mask and loving it!! x