Hello everybody! Long time no post! ... (lame blogger joke). Anyways, I know it's been a while since we've made a post on the blog but it's the beginning of a brand new school year and I've been busier than ever. Let's move on from my excuses and get down to what I really wanted to talk about today, skincare!
Skincare is an essential part to my everyday life (and it should be yours as well!), morning and night. Now I'm a college student which include late nights, clubbing, partying, early morning wake ups, and the occasional zits and pimples that come with eating bad food and getting our monthly gifts. I've been through enough of those to know exactly how my skin reacts to each situation. Now I haven't found the perfect skincare routine so I'm still on the hunt for my holygrails. In my ventures, whenever I finish up the usual cleanser, toner, and moisturizer I like to buy new ones. There has never been a time, well that I can recall, that I've bought a skincare item consecutively...well maybe makeup wipes.
The skincare items that I'm going to mention are fairly new in the drugstore and I've been using them long enough to know whether or not I like it. So let's get started!
First up is the Garnier Fructis The Radiance Renewer Cleansing Gelée for dull skin.
Claims: This uniquely textured cleansing jelly transforms in contact with water to create a lush cushion foam on skin. It's formula enriched with vitamin C, and hydroxy acid gently and effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without irritation. (Information from: www.garnier.ca)
This has amazing claims and is just what I'm looking for when it comes to a cleanser. Cleanser is the first step of my skincare routine, morning and night. Essentially when I finish washing my face with a cleanser I want to feel as clean as possible. I want to get rid of all the makeup and gunk and any other residue that has befallen onto my face and feel fresh. My initial impression and first time use out of this cleanser was that I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the texture, it was in jelly form so it was smooth and easy to apply on the face. Surprisingly, it lathered up really nicely and with just one pump I was able to cover my entire face and neck. After the wash I inspected my skin and felt it and maybe it was the light but my skin looked glowing and super smooth like baby butt smooth. I did feel very clean.
As I have been using this product for over a month now, I can wholeheartedly say that this is worth trying out. Trust me, I've tried so many different types of cleansers before but none has given me the results that the cleansing gelée has. Ever since, my skin has been noticeably smoother and I don't have those little random bumps on my skin. Whether it really makes dull skin glow, I think it's more of a placebo effect where you think your skin is glowing but it's really just the light. I also found that there was no irritation at all. The cleanser didn't feel harsh against my skin, even when I scrubbed my face hard, and no redness from it. People with sensitive skin will really like this.
On whether it removed all the makeup and dirt, I believe that this cleanser did a really good job of doing just that. After I wash my face I immediately go in with a toner. Sometimes with other cleansers I can see a lot of makeup and dirt left. With this, I do see some makeup or dirt that I may have missed but with just one wipe around the face with my toner, it's gone. I can probably blame this on not washing my face well enough but overall the cleanser does clean your face really well.
Claims: This uniquely textured cleansing jelly transforms in contact with water to create a lush cushion foam on skin. It's formula enriched with vitamin C, and hydroxy acid gently and effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without irritation. (Information from: www.garnier.ca)
This has amazing claims and is just what I'm looking for when it comes to a cleanser. Cleanser is the first step of my skincare routine, morning and night. Essentially when I finish washing my face with a cleanser I want to feel as clean as possible. I want to get rid of all the makeup and gunk and any other residue that has befallen onto my face and feel fresh. My initial impression and first time use out of this cleanser was that I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the texture, it was in jelly form so it was smooth and easy to apply on the face. Surprisingly, it lathered up really nicely and with just one pump I was able to cover my entire face and neck. After the wash I inspected my skin and felt it and maybe it was the light but my skin looked glowing and super smooth like baby butt smooth. I did feel very clean.
As I have been using this product for over a month now, I can wholeheartedly say that this is worth trying out. Trust me, I've tried so many different types of cleansers before but none has given me the results that the cleansing gelée has. Ever since, my skin has been noticeably smoother and I don't have those little random bumps on my skin. Whether it really makes dull skin glow, I think it's more of a placebo effect where you think your skin is glowing but it's really just the light. I also found that there was no irritation at all. The cleanser didn't feel harsh against my skin, even when I scrubbed my face hard, and no redness from it. People with sensitive skin will really like this.
On whether it removed all the makeup and dirt, I believe that this cleanser did a really good job of doing just that. After I wash my face I immediately go in with a toner. Sometimes with other cleansers I can see a lot of makeup and dirt left. With this, I do see some makeup or dirt that I may have missed but with just one wipe around the face with my toner, it's gone. I can probably blame this on not washing my face well enough but overall the cleanser does clean your face really well.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Great for people with sensitive skin
- Lathers up nicely
- Only need one pump per wash
- Skin feels really smooth after
- Doesn't dry up face
- Smells pleasant, like green tea and citrus
Cons:
- Not sure if skin is really glowing or takes away dull skin
Final Thoughts:
Overall, this product is amazing. My skin has improved a lot since using it and I truly do believe it is a cleanser worth trying out. Will I repurchase it again? Yes, but not anytime soon. I'm still on the hunt for the PERFECT cleanser for my skin. But this particular one is already top five for me.
Grade:
A+
Links To Buy:
Price Range:
$5 - $6
The next step in my skincare routine is using toner. What toner is intended to do for your skin is to cleanse the skin and shrink the appearance of pores on your face. When I first started using toner I was really only using it because it made me feel extra clean after washing my face. Than I started seeing the pores on my face. So, through the suggestion of the wonderful youtube guru sammage, I decided to try out the Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner.
Claims: Pore Refining Toner visibly reduces the appearance of pores and refines skin to be clear, smooth and more even toned. This Alpha and Beta Hydroxy formula is dermatologist tested to deliver visible results. First, it sweeps away dead surface skin and refines rough, uneven patches. Then, it penetrates deep into pores so they appear smaller and less visible. Skin is left feeling soft, smooth and refreshed. It won't overdry skin, it is oil free, is non-comedogenic (basically won't clog pores), and is dermatologist tested. (Information from: www.neutrogena.com)
Overall, this toner is actually pretty good. I don't really pay attention to my pores but at the time I bought this toner was the time I thought my pores looked REALLY huge, especially around my nose. So I was hoping that this toner would solve that. And, it actually did. The pores around my nose seem to have shrunken since using the toner. It does a really good job in cleaning off any excess makeup that I missed while using my cleanser. It is also great for sensitive skin because I found that it didn't irritate my skin at all like some toners do and it leaves my skin very smooth. Sometimes I have dry patches around my face because of the weather (especially now since it is colder!) but I haven't seen the appearance of any dryness since using this toner.
Pros:
- Makes pores smaller
- Face feels smoother
- Not irritating
- Not drying at all
Cons:
- Price ($7-$8 is a little steep for some, especially when you can get a good enough drugstore toner for much cheaper)
Final Thoughts:
All in all, this toner is definitely on the top of my list as being one of the best toners I have ever used. If you have large pores that you want to just disappear, than this is the product for you. Of course, you won't see an immediate difference but the pores will be noticeably smaller when using this product daily. I would definitely give this toner a try.
Grade:
A+
Links To Buy:
Price Range:
$7 - $8 (on sale for now on Walmart and Target: around $6)
Onto my last and final step of my current skincare routine, which is moisturizer. The moisturizer I have been currently using is the Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream for Normal/Combo Skin.
Claims: It helps replenish skin's moisture reserves and fights off dryness. It's ultra lightweight, oil free, refreshing gel-cream formula instantly penetrates for long-lasting moisture and boosts skin's natural defenses so that it can hold moisture for 24 hours. Over time, an active lifestyle and environmental factors can damage skins natural protective barrier, causing it to lose moisture faster than ever. Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream is right for you if you want long-lasting hydration. Instantly: skin looks and feels supple, smooth. In 1 hour: skin's moisture barrier is strengthened to prevent dryness. With Regular Use: continuously moisturized, skin is strengthened and looks healthier. (Information from www.ulta.com)
Whenever I buy a moisturizer, I have this impulse to buy the matching cleanser with it as well. Therefore, Garnier has been the highlight of my skincare routine. I actually really like this moisturizer and its formula. I can't recall a time I used a gel moisturizer, rather I've always been using cream moisturizers so this feeling was completely different. Since it is a gel product it did apply on wet on my face but it was actually really satisfying and moisturizing. After applying it on my face and letting it dry, my skin instantly felt smooth and moisturized. I was so surprised how soft it was!
Now, one of its claims is that it locks in moisture for 24 hours. I used this moisturizer day and night. When I applied it at night, I found that the next morning my skin was still smooth and I did not feel dry at all. Sometimes I would have minor dry patches on my nose but my nose is always dry during the colder months so I really wasn't expecting it to solve that. After washing my face in the morning and applying the moisturizer, I monitored my face throughout the day. I did this for two types of days, one where I would wear makeup over the moisturizer and one where I would not. Sometimes moisturizer can really affect the appearance of makeup on your skin, albeit if it is good or bad. So the day I did not wear any makeup my skin was seriously smooth throughout the day. I Again there were dry patches on my nose but seriously it was so minor that someone would have to be directly looking at my nose to see it. I could tell that I was shiny a bit. It did make me shiny for a couple of hours before it wore off. My face was extremely moisturized, I loved it! There are times throughout the day that your skin may feel parched but surprisingly this moisturizer quenched its thirst. I would say without wearing any makeup on top, it was a success. Sometimes I hate wearing a bare face because I just look tired and dead (the look of every college student) but with the Garnier moisturizer, I didn't. I looked refreshed.
Now, when I monitored my face when applying makeup over the moisturizer, the makeup applied on smoothly. That day I did not put on any primer so that it wouldn't affect the performance of the moisturizer under makeup. There was nothing I could find wrong with my face except again for the few dry patches I have around my nose. My face felt soft and moisturized throughout the day. I've really taken a liking to this gel formula and I'm pretty sure I like it better than a cream moisturizer.
Pros:
- Very moisturizing
- Skin felt smooth and super soft
- Long lasting
- Skin looks great with makeup on top
- Overall skin looks refreshed
- Cheap
Cons:
- Some dry patches around nose
- Looked a little shiny
Final Thoughts:
I really liked this moisturizer and I would have to say is my number one favorite moisturizer out of all the moisturizers I've ever used. I don't ever like to say that this is a holy grail item for me but drugstore wise, it is. I haven't tried any high end moisturizers (if you have any suggestions on any high end moisturizers, please leave a comment down below!) but for a drugstore product this is great. I feel like I've been converted from a cream formula to a gel formula because its just so refreshing on the face. I would definitely give this product a try and I will definitely be repurchasing.
Grade:
A++++++
Links To Buy:
Price Range:
$6 - $8
Thanks so much for reading this post until the very end! We're so sorry that its been so long since we posted. We're very busy people, with school and what not. But we promise to continue blogging and make more post for the new year!
Written By:
Daisy
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