I Mix My Skincare & That’s Okay (Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Routine)

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As we’re transitioning into the Fall weather (however fleeting it may be) I’ve switched up my oily skinned, acne-prone skincare routine a bit.

I’ve currently got a nice mix of products that have been working out really well and I’ve been mostly breakout free since my 6 month, kicking acne in the butt stint ended with Emme Diane. However, as I was gathering products for this post, I realized I have quite the menagerie going on.

It’s probably best to break it down into sections so I’ve done that and also talked about what I steer clear from.

Cleansers

I alternate between 5 right now. FIVE.

It is excessive and it is unnecessary. But, being that it’s my job to test things, it’s okay.

Starting off with Micellar Water.

My favorite is the YesTo Cucumbers Micellar Water ($8.99). For some reason I haven’t been able to find it the last few times I’ve been at Target and it’s not on the Target or ULTA Beauty websites anymore. I will freak out if it is gone. It doesn’t break me out AT ALL and it gets everything off. This brand is available at a ton of stores so I’m still keeping my eyes peeled.

In the meantime I’ve been using the Sky Organics Micellar Water ($19.95). It’s gentle and also doesn’t break me out. It takes a little more effort to remove heavier makeup but it gets the job done. As of now I’ll be sticking with it. (and don’t let the price scare you, the bottle is HUGE).

The other 4 items are my actual Cleansers.

In the shower I keep Murad Clarifying Cleanser ($30.00) (which has been a favorite of mine for many, many years… note the old packaging… I have backups upon backups!) and GLAMGLOW Supercleanse Clearing Cleanser ($32.00). For the most part I use the Murad but I use the GLAMGLOW once or twice a week to really get in my pores.

For the sink I primarily use Emme Diane Gentle Cleanser ($30.00). This was part of my original customized skincare routine and it’s one of the products that I consider to be a new staple (there will be more in this post!).

I’ve also received a new cleanser called Derma E Very Clear Acne Cleanser ($15.50). It sounds promising and so far I’m liking it! I’ll have to wait to give my “final answer” but so-far-so-good!

Moisturizers

Of all of the things you’ll see here today the Moisturizers are what I keep to a bare minimum. I KNOW, RIGHT?! I know what I like!

For daytime I stick to the Emme Diane Pure Light Lotion ($30.00) because it moisturizes without making me feel even more oily and greasy. It absorbs quickly and I can get my makeup done without playing the waiting game.

For evening I am currently using GLAMGLOW DreamDuo Overnight Transforming Treatment ($59.00). I save this for night only because it does seem to sit on the skin and honestly is more of an “overnight mask” but in the AM the redness from my acne scarring is always lighter and it’s definitely make a difference in skin suppleness.

I also really love the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($28.99). I was introduced to this during a sponsored campaign and liked it so much I signed on to be a blogger ambassador with them for a year! It’s perfect for nighttime but even wearable during the day (I use it a little more sparingly in the AM).

Eye Products

This is another category where I alternate product A LOT but they all have a purpose.

First off, the Eye Makeup Remover. They’re not all created equal and I’ve found one that is not only affordable but works just as well as ANY OTHER eye makeup remover that I’ve tried – the Up & Up Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover ($7.19). Yes, the Target brand. When it’s sold out and I have to chose another it never holds a candle. I buy this in a two-pack every time (the price above is for the 2-pack!).

For Eye Cream I alternate between 3 faves.

In my daytime routine I’m usually reaching for Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream ($32.00). It’s got a slight peach tint to it & it brightens as well as depuffs as much as any other thing I’ve tried. I like this one for day because it works well and isn’t too thick.

For evening I usually slather on DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge Eye Balm ($50.00). I love how this feels under my eyes and it’s so hydrating! My more affordable fave is the Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream ($29.99). I use this for day or night, just more sparingly for the day. I was also introduced to this one during my ambassadorship and fell in love!

As for Eye Treatments some of my favorites are ones that you’ve heard about before – Dr. Brandt No More Baggage ($42.00) and it’s alleged “dupe” The Ordinary Caffeine Solution ($6.70). I actually use these TOGETHER. I massage in a drop of Caffeine Solution and once it’s fully absorbed I dot on some No More Baggage. When I’m especially puffy it works wonders!

Masks & Serums

Sheet Mask wise I alternate between the Sephora ones, ELF and YesTo one mentioned here as well as the GLAMGLOW Bubblesheet ($9.00) shown there and in this post. This one from GLAMGLOW is the limited Breast Cancer Awareness edition that obviously does the same things as the original Bubblesheet but 20% of the purchase price will be going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (read more here).

For Masks (beyond the sheet) I am consistently still reaching for the Fresh Rose Face Mask ($62.00). My skin just feels fabulous after and I LOVE the scent. I also reach once a week for the GLAMGLOW Supermud ($59.00) which I talk about more in my Acne Treatments area.

Once or twice a week I also make sure to use the Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial ($80.00). I usually wait until I KNOW I need a great makeup day. This stuff clears out my pores and I swear makes them appear smaller. It’s one of the the priciest items on this list but I will never be without it.

Another Drunk Elephant product that I love is the TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90.00). I mostly use this only on nights where I don’t do certain acne treatments just because I don’t want them to interact in a bad way (I need to research that more).

Acne Treatments

This is what you’ve all been waiting for, right??? There are products in this grouping that you couldn’t pry out of my cold, dead hands.

First up, the GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment ($59.99) that I mentioned above. YES, it’s absolutely a mask but it’s even more my go-to spot treatment. When I have a zit that I can feel but not see I pop this on that area twice a day. Even if that zit does see the light of day it’s no where near the cystic boil of the past. It’s small and it’s gone in a few days with little to no scarring. I hate to be dramatic but if they discontinued this IDK what I’d do.

Next, another product I’ll be making sure I keep stock in is the Emme Diane Acne Eraser 10% ($17.00). I used to use it all over my face but now I use it to spot treat zits overnight. It comes in 5% and 7% also, you need to work your way up! I also still use the Clarifying Serum ($40.00) right after my morning moisturizer. It’s a serum but I consider it more of an acne treatment. These two products are also from my customized skincare routine and they’ve become permanent staples! For 10% off your Emme Diane purchase use code BLUSHINGNOIR10 at checkout!

A product I never thought I’d be putting on my face is straight oil…. well, tea tree oil. I’ve been smoothing The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil ($18.00) all over my face after cleansing but only when I shower. I have no reason for this only that it’s the easiest. I don’t rinse it off. I’ve always heard this is amazing for blemishes but I never believed it until I started to use it. I really feel like it’s making a major difference in my routine. Also it smells AMAZING.

Finally another new product I got in is the Derma E Very Clear Acne Spot Treatment ($11.50). Like the cleanser I haven’t used this long enough to give a full review but so far I’m liking that it shows results quickly and is really affordable.

As for what I’ve learned to steer clear from? ANYTHING with alcohol in it. I break out immediately, especially when it’s in a Micellar Water. I’ve also learned I can’t put anything with Vitamin C in it all over my face (but I do love to spot treat dark marks with it. This one from Paula’s Choice is my favorite.).

What is your favorite skincare product for Fall? Find out what the other Makeup Wars Bloggers are loving by clicking on the icons below!

 

 

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