summer is in the air...
+ so is SKINCARE. I always struggle with my skin in the summer months because of the added heat (i.e. more sweat + clogged pores). In fact, my skin broke out into tiny bumps across my forehead last summer and left me clueless on how to rectify the problem. Luckily, I have learned a few tips and tricks over the past year that has made my skin the clearest it has ever been — cheers to a foundation-free summer!
I want to share four products that have stood the test of time in my beauty routine and always keep my skin in check. Continue reading for quick overviews on the products and, as always, please reach out with any further questions. I would love hearing from you and would be happy to chat in more detail.
Indie Lee: co-q 10 toner
Indie Lee’s toner has raving reviews and a somewhat reasonable price tag of $34 for 4.20 oz (the pictured item is travel-sized). It is good for all skin types and works to hydrate and soothe with key ingredients like antioxidant coenzyme and hyaluronic acid. I use this in the morning to prep my skin after cleansing — it goes on cool and helps to reduce redness immediately.
Overall, the brand does an amazing job of combining clean ingredients with environmentally-friendly packaging. The full-sized Co-Q 10 Toner come in a glass (recyclable!) spray bottle (a.k.a. no cotton pads are required for application). Unfortunately, this product would be difficult to travel with since it is glass and larger than TSA’s standard 3 oz policy. I am finishing up my travel-sized product and will be purchasing the large bottle soon. I’d recommend this toner to anyone, despite skin type or concerns.
Krave Beauty: great barrier relief
Krave Beauty is my latest obsession after ordering one of four products in their line, Great Barrier Relief. It is a skin barrier restoring serum that sells at only $28 for 1.35 oz (probably one of the least expensive serums on my shelf). It uses key ingredients, like tamanu oil, to soothe damaged skin and even complexion.
GBR is the perfect rescue serum after too much sun exposure (basically a summer necessity) and can act as a moisturizer too. I had to get a second bottle after my boyfriend stole this one from me — he uses it to soothe the redness and razor burn on his neck after shaving. I would also recommend this product to any skin type.
Sunday Riley: ufo oil
Sunday Riley’s U.F.O. Oil was one of my first purchases when I really became interested in skincare a few months back. It is made with 1.5% salicylic acid, a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that clears away dead skin and build-up within the pore. It is one of those products all of my co-workers swear by, including myself. Sunday Riley products come with a hefty price tag ($40 for .50 oz), but this oil has lasted me over 6 months with almost daily use. I love applying this one before going to bed and letting it work some magic overnight.
Coola: mineral sun silk creme with spf 30
If you take away anything from this blog post, let it be that you should be wearing sunscreen every single day. NO exceptions. I actually received this product in my Play! by Sephora box and liked it enough to try full-sized. Coola creates mineral screens (using zinc oxide) and the Sun Silk Creme is a new favorite.
It protects against UVA and UVB rays, along with being anti-pollution and oil-free. It is not tinted and would most likely leave a white cast on a darker skin tone (I am very pale). I do wish this product was SPF 40, instead of SPF 30, because the more protection, the better!