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End of Summer/Early Fall Skincare Favorites Part 2.

best skincare finds for summer

 

It is almost the end of summer and the beginning of fall. If you are starting to feel that summertime sadness, you are not alone. Best know that the feeling will pass, and soon, we will be swooning for fall.

It is still feeling like summer out there, though. The weather is still warm, and the daylights are still long. So, we might as well enjoy the last couple of weeks of summer, right?

As promised, this long overdue post is the second part of my skincare favorites this summer and the end of it (read part 1 here). Some of these favorites will carry over to the upcoming fall. Many of the products that will be featured are geared toward fighting skincare issues during the said seasons. Here are the products I have been using and are recommending:

 

Face Cleansers

 

Murad

 

Murad Clarifying Cleanser ย 

 

I can rely on Murad cleansers to keep my skin clean every day. I also love the price of their cleansers because it does not break the bank.

Clarifying Cleanser โ€“ A gel-like acne control Salicylic Acid and Green Tea face wash. Great for hormonal skin that is prone to breakouts.

Essential-C Cleanser โ€“ The scent of this is always fresh and just so good to the senses.

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser โ€“ This is my favorite of the three Murad cleansers mentioned in this post. I love the exfoliating feel of this.

Dior La Mousse OFF/ON Foaming Face Cleanser โ€“ I have to say, I never knew what a great cleanser was until I used this. A little bit of this mousse creamy cleanser turns into a very foamy wash that cleanses the skin deep down. I realized that most of the cleansers I have been using are never as foamy and deep cleansing as this. So, I highly recommend keeping this as your daily reliable face cleanser. Given this cleanser’s hefty size and affordability, this has to be a holy grail product.

Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Cleanser with Sulfur Acne Treatment โ€“ I really like this sulfur-based cleanser when my skin breaks out like crazy. Mind you, my skin breakouts often during summer, at the end of summer, and even at the beginning of fall as our skin transitions into another season.

OleHenriksen 10% AHA Lemonade Smoothing Scrubโ€‹ โ€“ This cleanser has the perfect scent and texture for daily face wash and exfoliation. Yes, this is an excellent alternative to the now-discontinued OleHensiksen Walnut Scrub, but there is something that we need to know about this cleanser. Please, do not buy this in small size, because the small size packaging does not contain much product. I only had 3-5 uses of such size before it ran out. Therefore, buy it in a large size. Otherwise, this is an excellent daily facial wash exfoliator.

 

 

Facial Cleansing Device

 

PMD

 

Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic ย 

 

I like PMDโ€™s facial cleansing devices due to their ergonomic feel and the gentleness of how their products work on the face. The soft silicone knobs exfoliate dead skin cells away without being too abrasive. The vibrating feeling of their device is not dizzying and never loud.

Clean Pro Rose Quartz โ€“ This device has two sides: one is for cleaning and exfoliation, and the other is for serum warming and application. Throughout my usage of this (2 years now), I have only charged the battery twice. That says a lot, right?

Clean Mini โ€“ Because one PMD device is never enough. I have to have a mini for traveling. This version runs on an AA batteryโ€”no need to charge. You can have this version in different colors, too.

Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic โ€“ I used to โ€œnot likeโ€ this device. It gave me mixed feelings. The reason mainly is I was not quite sure how to use this with my skin. I gave this another try, and I have been enjoying using this since early this summer because the device exfoliates my skin. This is a great alternative to the usual in-clinic dermaplaning. The device vibrates gently, and you simply have to rub it softly on the skin and let it exfoliate the dead skin cells and any roughness on the surface. Youโ€™re going to need a magnifying mirror to get a precise usage of this.

 

Facial Oil

Since last year, I have become a big fan of facial oils. Not that I love to slather my face with oils. I mainly use facial oils for lymphatic drainage massage (LDM). I have been learning to do the LDM, and I really enjoyed it. The activity is so relaxing, and it helps with vagus nerve relaxation and improving jugular vein flow (say what now? :)). I have narrowed my favorite facial oils down to three:

 

 

Sunday Riley U.F.O face oil

 

Sunday Riley U.F.O. โ€“ My most favorite face oil so far. This is just so good and so reliable. There is Salicylic Acid and BHA that are meant to combat acne-prone skin while remaining hydrating at the same time. I use this product almost every day to help with any bumps on my face or neck. I find that this product always calms the breakouts after one use. Highly recommend.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil โ€“ A great facial oil that has it all: Affordability and quality. This oil is easy to find and buy and contains beneficial ingredients meant to feed the skin. This is literally vitamin E in a bottle. The great Dr. Hep recommended this because this product helps prevent skin scarring, improves the appearance of stretch marks, and improves the skinโ€™s overall appearance and healing.

Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy โ€“ This is my second most favorite face oil. There is something nostalgic and earthy about this productโ€™s scent. On top of that, this a perfect face oil for skin prone to breakouts and looking for something more natural as a remedy.

 

 

Face Creams & Treatments

I have been on the quest to find some good skincare treatments that really deliver what they are supposed to. Summer has wreaked havoc on my skin due to sweat and clogged pores. Not to mention, the remaining skin hyperpigmentation from harmful UV rays, which my gazillion sunscreens could never reach nor remedy, is still present.

 

sunday riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer

 

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads โ€“ My staple to combat any blackheads and whiteheads that could lead to pesky breakouts. This product unclogs the pores, dries any pimples, and overall prevents acne. A perfect summer skincare product to have and to use all the time. The only drawback is the strong alcohol scent. Other than that, this product is a holy grail. Will continue to use this for the summer and the fall.

 

Sunday Riley

ย 

I can rely on Sunday Riley to consistently deliver quality products that work well for the skin.

C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer โ€“ My current favorite moisturizer and will probably remain as one for a long, long time. I will no longer use plain moisturizers since my skin needs more than hydration. I prefer my moisturizers to have some added benefits. One of them is vitamin C. This moisturizer gives me that. This may be on the oily side, but I like the brightening effect this product gives me. Plus, the hefty jar container is worth it, given the price. So, I highly recommend this.

C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum โ€“ The more vitamin C, the better. This serum has an incredible concentration of vitamin C and does not make the skin look โ€œagent orange.โ€ Also, there is no weird root-like, soil-like, grassy scent. The texture is so smooth, just like a semi-creamy moisturizer, and never greasy, staining, or runny. I also love the fruity, orangey, citrusy scent, which is really good. This is my preferred vitamin C serum out of all the C serums I have tried.

Good Genes AHA Lactic Acid Treatment โ€“ What can I say? Not all of us are born with good genes. Some of us may have certain genetic predispositions. But so what, and who cares? It does not define who we are. Let nobody else dictate you. It is not about the cards we are forced to deal with, not even the circumstances that happen. It is how you make do with what you have given your predispositions and the dictations of your environment. It is not about the โ€œbecause ofโ€ but โ€œdespite ofโ€ (life lesson from yours truly :-)). And besides, who needs good genes? Good genes are overrated. You can always buy Good Genes in a bottle from Sunday Riley :-). It has AHA and lactic acid that helps exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface to give you a smooth baby, AKA glassy skin. You will have renewed and revitalized skin forever. It beats real good genetic composition, eh?

Saturn Sulfur + Niacinamide Spot Treatment Mask โ€“ The answer to any pimple problem is more than just champagne :-). You may need champagne for those ugly crying days when the pimple spurts at the wrong place and time. But, I believe a solution to any pimple problem is Sulfur. Have you got bumps? Sulfur. Any redness with that bump? Rub some sulfur. Any pain? Still sulfur. Pain with pus? Put even more sulfur. Sulfur is the ultimate holy grail for me for fighting any form of breakouts, and the Saturn Sulfur from Sunday Riley is the perfect product for all my sulfur needs. It contains Niacinamide to help fight and prevent even more pimples from occurring and disrupting. I rely on this product a lot, and this always works. The only drawback is this product had shrunk into a smaller tube while remaining pricey and sold out most of the time. Also, a word of advice. Sulfur has a distinctive asphalt cement-ish and rotten egg-slight smell. You may not like it because the scent can haunt you for days. But I find that this Sunday Riley Sulfur does not have that extreme sulfur scent. Still, best to be mindful of the smell and always wipe it out whenever you leave the house. If you do not mind the smell and can tolerate it, then your pimple problem is solved. Just dab on some sulfur:-).

 

Body

These two products for the body are the current standouts for me:

 

Verb Body Wash

 

Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream โ€“ Lovely scented body lotion/cream with collagen and squalene. I have not noticed any increase in elasticity on my skin as I use this. I guess those things are something we will never know or seen for sure, as collagen works in the body deep down. I mainly use this product for the lovely scent and whatever collagen it can add to help my body build more collagen because it is hard when you are Monkey D. Luffy in real life (Gum Gum :-)).

Verb Body Wash โ€“ My favorite body wash since this summer is the refreshing body wash from Verb. I like the clean scent of this gel-like product, and the way it foams and lathers is so relaxing on the skin. The scent is not overpowering or dullโ€”just a simple, fresh scent. The product never dries the skin and never leaves any oily residue. A few drops work well for cleansing, and the packaging dispenses the product well. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a straight-up good body wash that can be used not just for the summer but for every day and all seasons.

 

summer skincare favorites

 

These are the products I enjoyed this summer and am still loving now that fall is fast approaching. I will most likely continue to use them in the coming winter since they are so good on the skin.

What about you? What are the skincare products you have been loving lately? What products do you want to try for the coming fall and winter?

 

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Top Supergoop Sunscreens to Try This Summer

Hello you. Happy summer! Are you currently enjoying the heat? Wherever you are right now and whatever you are doing, I hope you are protecting yourself from the harmful UV rays. You know the deal: SPF every two hours (as often as you can, really). Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Amen.

 

supergoop sunscreens

 

Speaking of SPF, I am sure we are all familiar with Supergoop sunscreens. But, which Supergoop sunscreens are the best? Or at least worth trying for starters? I have just the recs for ya! Keep on reading…

 

supergoop glowscreen

 

Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide – This Instagram-favorite sunscreen is one you need to have all the time. This goes smooth on the skin with a subtle shimmer that gives an overall radiant finish. The product does not peel and is non-sticky. There is no strong scent and a little goes a long way. If you choose the shade sunrise, you will find that it brightens the face, but will not give an over-the-top glow. This sunscreen can be worn alone or after your favorite moisturizer. This also goes well when mixed with your favorite foundation. Also, this protects the skin effectively from the sun.

 

supergoop lipshade review

 

supergoop lipshade

 

Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30 Hydrating Lipstick – I do not think I have tried a sunscreen lipstick as good as this one before. This is not balmy, but more of a true smooth lipstick with a fruity scent and flavor. The product glides smoothly on the lips and has good coverage. I love the beautiful summery shades that you can choose from this lipstick line, even though the shade range is only limited to four.

 

supergoop lip shade high five lucky me swatch

 

High Five – bright terracotta

Lucky Me – rose mauve

 

supergoop play antioxidant mist review

 

Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 – This is my favorite body sunscreen because this is non-sticky, non-warming, and totally weightless. The formula feels like a dry oil that gets absorbed well by the skin. This mist sunscreen does a very good job of protecting the body from the sun. The only beef I have with this product is the sprayer. It sprays a lot, which makes it hard to control the product that is being released. However, the large amount of product released per spray is needed to cover the whole arms and legs. So, I have mixed feelings about the packaging. Overall, I still highly recommend this product because not only this product is reliable, but this also is different from some of the famous over-the-counter sunscreens out there that contain high levels of alcohol. This product has no strong alcohol content that irritates the upper respiratory tract.

 

supergoop resetting powder review

 

Mineral (Re)setting Powder SPF 35 – This fun sunscreen setting powder is made of 100 minerals. This product mattifies the face and sets the foundation well with added sun protection. I recommend that you try the translucent powder first so that it will not interfere with/alter your makeup. I really like that this is very easy and practical to use because the packaging is very well-thought-out and very compact. To describe, the product comes with a setting powder at the bottom and a soft brush applicator on top. To use, just flip/shake the powder towards the brush side, unplug the yellow plastic tip (middle of the brush) to release the powder to the brush, apply it on the face, and voila! You can place the plastic tip back into the mid part of the brush to stop the powder from spilling after use.

 

Safeguard your skin this summer from damaging UV Rays with Supergoop sunscreens. Not only their products are useful, but they also help to enhance and complement your existing skincare and makeup. Therefore, I highly recommend their products and start trying out the ones I mentioned in this post.

 

Are you a Supergoop fan?

 

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Oribe Scalp Oil Control Review

oribe scalp oil control haircare

 

Hello. I have an exciting haircare product review in this post. Oribe has recently released its summer-perfect haircare line that is meant to control hair and scalp oil. So, for all you folks who struggle with oily strands and are worried about how you will handle your oily haircare situation in this summer heat, this post is for you.

 

Caution: This post is full of lavender haze ๐Ÿ˜€

 

Shampoo

 

oribe scalp oil control shampoo review

 

The shampoo has a clear smooth gel-like feel that lathers well upon contact with water. According to Oribe, the shampoo is meant to purify the strands and is a gentle type. There are green marine algae and sugar-derived prebiotics to balance the scalpโ€™s microbiome. In my experience, the shampoo is indeed gentle to use and can thoroughly cleanse the scalp and hair with just one wash. It can keep the hair oil-free for about 2-3 days of no wash. Therefore, it works really well for my oily hair type and is the one I am currently using to combat the summer heat and bright sunlight of living on high elevation.

 

Treatment Mist

 

oribe scalp oil control treatment mist review

 

The treatment mist is meant to keep the hair looking clean and crisp in-between washes. The goal is to prolong the washing by mattifying the scalp and absorbing excess hair oil from the hair roots and strands. The mist contains green marine algae and a sugar-derived prebiotic to control and balance excess sebum production and support a healthy scalp microbiome. In my test, the mist has a slight clay smell with a very lightweight feel. It does not weigh the hair down and it does give a slightly mattifying feel. The best way to use the mist is to use it while the hair is still damp. That means, using it a few minutes after the shower. Spray it directly into the scalp and roots, then massage gently. I find that the mist works better that way so the scalp can absorb the product well. If using the product hours or days after washing the hair and then styling it, the hair will feel limp and dull. If used well, the mist truly extends the crispness of the hair in-between washes.

 

Dry Shampoo Powder

 

oribe scalp oil control dry shampoo powder review

 

The dry shampoo powder is probably my most favorite out of all the new Oribe Scalp Oil Control line. The product also extends the time between hair washes by absorbing and reducing excess sebum. It is finely milled, making it so absorbent when it comes in contact with the hair and scalp, thereby mattifying it. The powder has a specialty starch ingredient ( a combo of rice, corn, and tapioca), along with kaolin clay, mango leaf extract, willowherb, and cherimoya fruit extract to promote complete scalp health.

I have tried many dry shampoos and hair powders in the past to reduce hair oiliness, and this product is my most favorite hair powder of all. That is because the product does not produce so much dust that could interfere with breathing. Also, the packaging is easy to use, ergonomic, and overall well-designed to release enough powder on the hair with each shake. To use the powder properly, it is important to part hair into sections and apply it to the scalp or at least at the hair roots. Let it sit for a few minutes. Try not to apply a lot. Then massage the powder into the scalp and roots gently and thoroughly. Brush hair to remove excess product and inspect hair overall for an extra white powder that may need to be buffed on the hair.

 

oribe scalp oil control review

 

To conclude, I am loving this new haircare line by Oribe. I am glad the brand made these products to address oily hair issues. Many struggle with such hair problems and the haircare options to manage the problem can be limited and may not always work. Therefore, I suggest you try these new Oribe products and see which ones can help manage your oily hair and scalp issues. Or better yet, extend the look of clean-looking hair in-between washes.

 

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