How I'm Getting My Skin Ready for Winter - Skin Care Haul & Review

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As the temperature drops and the dry, cold air rolls into the tri-state area, I'm reminded that 👏🏾 this 👏🏾weather 👏🏾 ain't 👏🏾 loyal to my skin

The transition from the warmth of summer to the indecisive nature of fall plays with the skin's emotions as it clears the way for winter. This can be rough on the skin... or should I say my skin. Any whoo, like the proactive and prepared planner that I am not, and the skin care doomsday prep-er that I may or may not be,

I do not have a stockpile of skincare products in my domecile. I swear.

I made sure to pick up a few skin care items from Marshall's over the summer months to help me gear up for the unpredictable skincare road ahead of me for the fall.

Shopping the beauty aisle/section at Marshall's is always a treat because you never know what you'll find, the prices are guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and if you go to multiple Marshall's in one day (don't judge me, judge yourself), your selection could vary significantly (moarr choicesssss!!!). Every item on this list is Under $10 at Marshalls.

In this video I share what I picked up and why. Some of these products are restocks of faves I've fallen in love with this past year. In this post however, I'll also be letting you know my thoughts and experiences so far with these products. Spoiler alert: some of these products might don't make it.

My skin after using some of these products

If you want to find out what I'm digging and what I'm not, read on! Or just watch the video if you want to remain untainted by my opinions. :-)

• Jeju Volcanic Clay Sheet Masks (Approx. 6 months) : I love these things! Like I mention in the video you can't go wrong with incorporating some kind of sheet mask into your skin care - they can aid in improving texture, tone, radiance, and diminishing blemishes. 
• PROS: The fragrance here is not as strong as other sheet masks I've tried, AND I really love that the serum/liquid does not dry down to a sticky, tacky feel like others I've tried before. 
• CON: These sheet masks are thinner than most so just make sure to be careful unfolding and applying them to your face as it doesn't take much to tear or stretch them. Use once or twice a week or every day if you like. Your skin will thank you.

• Measurable Difference Vitamin C Serum (Approx. 1 month) :  I attempted to do as many googles as I could without spending a whole afternoon in Marshall's. During this time I saw this serum has good (albeit few) reviews on Amazon (there's also very little info on the serum there as well). I should've been a little more skeptical as I remember from my days working at the Body Shop that it's important to store products with antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin C in opaque bottles. This is due to them being photosensitive i.e. exposure to sunlight can make them less effective/potent (despite Vit C working to correct/prevent skin damage caused by the sun). This serum comes in a transparent bottle *side eye*. 
• PROS: I like that this serum is not oily/greasy. It absorbs into the skin well enough (especially if applied to damp skin) but nothing to rave about in my opinion. It doesn't slip and slide off the face. It also works well with other moisturizers, and under makeup i.e. it doesn't cause any slippage or block absorption of any products put on afterward. No overpowering citrus fragrance.
• CONS: I'm still trying to figure out if this serum broke me out or my hormones are playing some twisted acne games on me. Also the transparent bottle makes me concerned that the shelf life of this product is way shorter than I think it is or what it says on the bottle. Usually (transparent) Vitamin C products will start to take on a yellow tinge when they are done for so I'll keep my eye out for that. Protip: Vitamin C products don't always cooperate with other ingredients or products in your routine so prioritize researching any new products (& their interactions) you intend to add to your routine. I try not to use this serum after chemical exfoliants, and use it mostly at night.

• The Body Shop Vitamin C Energizing Face Mist (Approx. 1 month) :  I've loved the Body Shop's Vitamin C line since I worked there over a decade ago. As noted in the video, it's perfect for the occasional spritz  for rejuvenation when travelling. Air on planes, trains and buses can dehydrate the skin and leave it looking dull.
• PROS: This face mist is bang for the buck because it also can be used as a toner, a damned good one at that (and that is exactly what I've been using it for!). The citrus fragrance is obvious but not obnoxious, and within a week or so you may start to see a noticeable glow where your skin may have been lacking lustre before. 
• CON: Due to my concerns about using Vitamin C in close proximity to chemical exfoliants, I tend to either alternate or only use one when I'm not using the other, and because of this it's not the most convenient.

• Marina & Demme Deep Cleansing Facial Wipes (Approx. 10 months) : These wipes come in handy for make up removal, and for quick cleansing when washing your face maybe not be an option. I don't necessarily buy into all the hullabaloo of looking to get the benefits of any highlighted ingredients like berries or cucumber 'cause I'll most likely be washing my face after I use these wipes. This is my second or third pack and at this price for 60 facial wipes (that don't dry the face out) I don't really have any cons or complaints.

• Dabney Lee French Clay Konjac Sponge (Approx 1.5 months) : I'm not mad at the Konjac sponge concept. It's a way to incorporate very gentle physical exfoliation into your everyday routine. 
• PROS: For this reason I found I didn't have to be concerned about using it too soon after chemical exfoliants. Gentle enough for all skin types. I like that it shrinks when complete dry, makes it good for travelling.
• CONS: You have to replace your konjac sponge every 1- 3 months, which is a huge time range but it is up to you to determine when you've used it enough. I can't say if this is typical for all Konja sponges since this is my first time, but I have noticed that when I use the sponge I have to use more face wash to get the lather I'm used to without the sponge. So you may want to reserve your Sunday Riley or other expensive ish for your face brush.

• Oliology 100% Rosehip Oil (Approx. 1 month) : I was really excited about this Rosehip Oil, if you couldn't tell. 
• PROS: 100% rosehip oil according to the label. No base oils e.g. soyabean oil, like in other brands
• CONS - For some reason this oil just sits on my face and doesn't absorb. I can't say for sure yet that it does or doesn't work because I've been so off put by just how slip 'n slide-y this oil is. When I've used this in my night time routine, I wake up in the morning looking like a disco ball in the face - just shining shining shining *beyonce voice* ev.er.y.where. During the day I have the same mirror ball experience. I'll keep trying to incorporate it in different ways to see if it works. It might don't make it, but I don't want to give up on it yet 😩.

• Lanoliné Rosehip Oil Night Recovery Creme (Approx. 10 months) : My first purchase of this creme was motivated by all the rave reviews I've heard or read about Rosehip oil. As an intro to a rosehip oil product I was not dissappointed. A little goes a long way. The lavender oil, sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil, and salicylic acid in this creme let me know that my skin should be getting the benefits of moisture, hydration, balance, even tone and texture.
• PROS: This is the perfect night creme for anyone with dry skin, or anyone who deals with dry skin during cooler weather. Although it is a creme it does not feel heavy on the skin and doesn't leave the skin super oily or greasy. I love the way my skin feels when I wake up the morning after using this, especially on nights I use a sheet mask or do deep exfoliation. I've also scooped out a small batch into a small pot/jar for weekend trips. 
• CONS: Personally? Zero. However, someone who doesn't like creme products at all may not like this.

That's it guys, gals, skin care buffs everywhere! Leave a comment and let me know what's your favorite summer to winter skincare product. Do you have a holy grail product you swear by? have you tried anything recently that might don't make it?

Peace,

SKIN CARE REVIEW: IS OLE HENRIKSEN BALANCE LINE ALL IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE? #OleGlow

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for the purposes of testing. Opinions are based on my experience using the product.

For those of you strapped for time,the tl;dr short answer here is... YES! This line is all it's cracked up to be and then some.

For everyone else here goes...

My skin is oily and quite acne prone so I tend to approach new products with a bit of skepticism, particularly if I've found a regimen (finally) that works for me. As you guys may know, prior to testing out this product line I was completely committed to, and generally pleased with my results from the Alba Botanica Acnedote line - I'd basically found my sweet spot high-low combo of Alba and Borghese products. Now? Let's just say that I'd have absolutely no issue switching completely to Ole Henriksen Balance Line. 

You can check out my first impressions blogpost for more details on ingredients in the Balance line. Quick recap: this line is eucalyptus and peppermint scented, plant based, free of parabens, sulfates, & phthalates. Noncomedogenic. Contains a proprietary complex of botanicals called Green Fusion Complex™ with natural antiseptic and hydrating properties. Contains ingredients geared toward gentle exfoliation, renewal and hydration like Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids. Let's hop right into my thoughts, experience and results after testing these products since March 1st.

Find Your Balance™ Oil Control Cleanser US$10.00-25.00

I'm quite pleased with this Balance line, and the cleanser does not disappoint. I mean really, how much can one expect to get from a cleanser, right? This peppermint and eucalyptus infused oil control face wash is the first step in a regimen that claims to lead to clear skin; and it did just that for me. The ingredients are all geared towards gently but effectively toning and refining the skin while clearing acne, and as with most cleansers is best used as part of a system of complimentary products. 

The size of this cleanser gives extreme bang for your buck. The quality is so high that you only need enough cleanser the size of a green pea to effectively lather up and get a nice refreshingly clean face. I predict this cleanser will last me another 3 months (4 months in all) at the very least, but I think it's more likely to last for 6 months. 

What's worth noting is that after using this facial cleanser, and even after my face has dried, there isn't that tightness or ashiness that occurs when you use a cleanser that is too drying for the skin. My skin actually feels soft and supple. My skin is clearer, with acne blemishes that haven't completely gone disappearing faster with use of this line & product.

Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner US$26.00

The first time you use this toner you may be surprised at how strongly the eucalyptus and peppermint factor into the fragrance. There is no denying the scent. However, what may be even more surprising on the first go is how effectively the toner lifts residual dirt off the skin without causing dryness. After my first use there was this tacky(not the most accurate word)/dewy feel to my skin that I'm not very used to with toners geared toward acne prone and oily skin. The peppermint and eucalyptus fragrance is potent here, and these two create a cooling and soothing effect, however it does not sting or burn the skin. This is a good thing! I see how this product could be easily recommended for acne prone yet sensitive skin. I think this toner will last me at least another 2 months at least. 

Even though I love my Alba Botanica, I find the toner to be inconsistent formula wise, with some bottles feeling and smelling higher in alcohol content than others.

The more I used the product the more I appreciated that this toner was not only cleansing my skin, but actually and factually infusing it with all the goodness it contains AND moisture. 

The ingredients are geared towards refining the skin's tone and texture, clearing blemishes, balancing moisture and oiliness, and brightening the skin. And it did all these things for me. 

People tend to underestimate the importance of a toner in their routine because the see it as an unnecessary or useless step. But if you think about the fact that you don't rinse toner off your skin, and it consequently is allowed to absorb into the skin, this is actually an opportunity for you to get the right ingredients in a toner and boost the effectiveness of your skin care regimen. DON'T SLEEP ON THE POWER OF A GREAT TONER TO BOOST YOUR REGIMEN, regardless of your skin type. Find the right one! Search #theregimenchallenge over at HeyAprill.com for guidance on how to find the right products for your skin.

Counter Balance™ Oil Control Hydrator US$34.00

In my experience, it can be a challenge to find moisturizer for acne prone and very oily skin. This is because most moisturizers that claim to control oil or mattify either don't last past 4-6 hours or they end up causing you to be more oily because they can't find the balance between moisture or oil/shine control in their formula. Essentially leaving us to chose between not enough and too much. 

This moisturizer has found the balance. And I'm not trying to be corny here. Within the past month, temperatures on the East Coast (I've been traveling) have ranged from as low as high 20's to low 70's ºC, and this. Moisturizer. Lasts. All. Day. By the end of the day I have a slight shine, which is more like a glow, compared to my usual (which is basically me looking like I sprayed cooking oil on my face). 

Even though the price made my eyes bulge from my head a bit given the size, I'd have to say it's totally worth it. One pump was all I needed for each use and I'm pretty sure I have at least another 2 months before I need to re-up. 

Final Thoughts:

Over the past month I've been able to go from constantly oily through out the day to barely oily at the end of the day. The ingredients have helped to also refine my texture and tone, minimized my pores, and helped fade blemishes and give me an even glow without lightening my complexion. 

I don't want to sound like an Ole Henriksen evangelical (because while I did get these products to test for free, I'm not getting paid for gushing about these products and I'm not getting sponsored with a free lifetime supply of products... although that would be nice.... SO anyone reading at Ole Henriksen, please holla at ya girl😉). But I was actually able, for the first time in many years, to go out with no make-up and not feel self-conscious about blemishes, pimples, breakouts, scarring, or excessive oiliness. 

I'm not gonna say that it was solely these products that lead to this. I've been working hard at finding a regimen that can bring my skin to a level of health that I could be happy with. I continued to include products like my BHA liquid exfoliant, Borghese Cura Forte and Equilibrio, sheet masks, clay/charcoal masks, and tried a sample of the Ole peel from Sephora. However I'd be lying if I didn't say that I noticed a definite difference with the introduction of the #OleGlow products verses my results with Alba Botanica. 

I would recommend the entire Balance trio of Cleanser, Toner, & hydrator for anyone looking for a more natural, gentle, yet effective approach to addressing acne prone and combo/oily skin. You can purchase these items on the Ole Henriksen website or at Sephora, and there is a travel set you can purchase to try out before you commit. 

Look out for a video review coming soon!

Peace,

My Current Skin Care Routine for Acne Prone Skin (and Changing Weather)

This post is not sponsored, however it may contain affiliate links. I may gain a commission if you shop through these links. These views and opinions are my own and I will always give an honest review. 

Hey Love!

Are we ready for the holidays? I'm not! My sweet tooth and love of salty snacks are currently in a fierce battle, and have been even prior to thanksgiving (aka the "Inflate" setting has been on since November); I have done absolutely NO shopping as yet, which doesn't matter anyway because I have no clue what I'm getting these folk, and I just mourn every year how much of the joy I used to feel at Christmas time has evaporated.

But nothing a little Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, and Songs of Blackness can't fix amirite??? Comment below with your favorite holiday song! Maybe we have some in common!

Any who! Today's post *and* video is actually about my skin care routine. I get compliments on my skin ever so often, and I still struggle to accept these compliments because, believe it or not, I've been fighting acne for the majority of my life. I have finally reached a place where I feel my skin is manageble. Finally! And it hasn't been easy, and I've had to make plenty tweaks, adjustments and complete 180's along the way in terms of methods and products.

I make changes and adjustments for weather and skin concerns, however what I share in this post and video today is the routine that I've stuck to for the past few months with what I think are good results. This is basically the routine I've been using since April. However I'd say this routine has been in effect since September since that's when I returned to the US from Barbados. The climate there is quite different, in addition to which there are natural things there that I included in my regimen that are not readily available to me here e.g. sea baths/sea water (although I could make my own with store bought sea salt😕), humidity, fresh aloe, hot ass sun, and my grandfather's bush tea and bitters.

I highly recommend watching the video as I talk about WHEN and HOW I use these products. The blog post, however, will cover the benefits I've experienced from using the products more in depth, and what they are supposed to address (the WHY). At first glance my routine may seem intense and complicated but it has become second nature to me. When you've struggled to get into a skin care groove, a basic/foundational routine that you can build upon is truly a gift. So read along here as you watch the video!

•  CLEAN YOUR HANDS.... WITH SOAP! This is my typical morning skin care routine so no matter what comes before, I make sure my hands are clean in preparation for placing them on my face. If you inadvertently scratch your booty in your sleep this is even more important for you. No judgement... I'm just sayin'! Inadvertently touching your face with dirty hands can lead to break outs and acne. I tend to fixate on pimples when I'm stressed, so I make an effort to never touch my face unless my hands have been immediately cleaned. This has been an underrated but very successful practice.
• My custom oil cleansing face oil has been a part of my regimen since 2013/14. Initially I used it solely for oil cleansing when nothing else worked to treat a terrible bout of birth control related acne. However, I continue to use it in my routine to prep my skin before cleansing, a part of my make up removal process, and sometimes as a night time moisturizer. The ingredients in this oil have helped to accelerate healing of my acne blemishes, and has also improved the texture and tone of my skin. Not to mention it has aided in the regrowth of my edges over months of sustained use. I tweak the recipe depending on season and skin needs.