Summer Glow

Ever wondered whats best for your skin during the summer? Tired of using the same stuff you buy from Target or CVS? Well let me tell you some of the products that I have used for quite some time now and share my personal testimony! (why do I sound like a sponsor ad?) Anyways I am going to start off with how I go about my skin care on a day-to-day basis.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a dermatologist or skin guru - this is just what I see in my own skin. With that being said, everyones skin is different and beautiful, I just wanted to share my own personal tips and tricks when it came to my skin regime.

Step 1: Face Wash

As my first step in my skin care routine, I start off with my face wash. Many would say that they start by using a make-up wipe to remove their make-up off; however, I skip this step since I normally don't wear make-up in the summer time. I try not to wear as much make-up because I spend most of my time outdoors and tend to sweat and if I wear make-up on a day-to-day basis, it will eventually clog my pores leading to pimples. So in order to avoid that, I simply do not wear make-up everyday. The face wash that I do use is the Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter (retails $26). This nourishing face is for sensitive or dry skin that gently cleanses the face. This non-drying, creamy facial cleanser—with Pro-Vitamin B5—water-activates into a silky foam that rinses away impurities, trapped make-up, excess oils and dead surface cells, while respecting the skin’s natural moisture balance. Gentle formula helps neutralize the drying effects of hard water.

I enjoy this product because like it states, it is for dry and sensitive skin. Being someone that has really dry skin, I really benefit from this product. I leaves my skin feeling moisturized and not having that effect that it strips my face of all its natural oils. I really recommend this product to anyone that struggles with dry skin.

Step 2: Toner

After washing my face, I move onto toner which will literally be your best friend. Many people skip this step believing that it is not important but its not the case! The toner that I use is the Clarins Extra-Comfort Toning Lotion (retails $26). This extra-gentle, alcohol-free toner for dry skin contains soothing Aloe Vera, Linden, Almond, Marshmallow and Mango extract. It removes every last trace of cleanser, leaving even the most sensitive skin soft, comfortable and refreshed. It tones skin, soothes irritations and softens.

I really enjoy this toner because like the face wash, its for dry skin. I trust this brand to be gentle on my sensitive skin and won't dry it out more than it already is. With the toner I put it on a cotton pad and go in upward, circular motions to get the full benefits of the toner.

Step 3: Serums

Serums are probably the best way to get nourishing vitamins added into your skin care routine. They are so gentle to your skin and won't leave you feeling oily after. In my skin care routine, I simply just stick with a vitamin C serum. However, I am currently using Shea Moisture Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil (retails $9). The Shea Moisture's 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil is an overnight treatment that deeply restores skin. Using all the best parts of the coconut and exotic Acacia Senegal. Its lightweight oil adapts to all skin types, even skin that only requires a hint of moisture. Use daily in your facial care regimen.

I love this product because its completely organic. With its natural ingredients, you know that you are putting something on your face that is not going to hurt it in the long run. I am really big on trying to put more organic things on my face when it comes to skin care because I know that its more beneficial than these products that contain chemicals or fragrances that aren't good for your face.

Step 4: Face Lotion

After applying my serum, next I jump into face lotion. Normally I jump around in this category because I am still trying to find my favorite face lotion that won't leave me feeling too greasy or that feeling that the consistency is too thick. Currently, I have been using the Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer (retails $38). The Bosnia Cactus Water Moisturizer gives thirsty skin a sip of hydration with its ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer that leaves skin feeling smooth, soft, and supple. Queen of the Night Cactus helps rejuvenate and moisturize desert-like skin while Aloe Vera soothes, restores, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits for a complexion that looks and feels well-hydrated. Especially for those long days in the sun and you're all sunburnt because you didn't put enough sunscreen.

I have been loving this product so much because it really makes me feel refreshed after a long day in the sun. Not only does it make me feel hydrated, I know that my skin is getting the hydration it needs after days baking like a potato in the sun everyday.

Step 5: Sunscreen

In the morning, after I have applied everything needed for my face, I always like to apply a little bit of SPF on my face to protect it from the sun. This product I have used for quite some time and have loved it over the years. The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen for Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF30+ (retails $17) has been my go-to and is designed for daily wear. The lightweight, oil-free formula works double duty to protect you from 97% of UV rays while hydrating skin with Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing skin with antioxidants. Sensitive Face won't clog pores, and it contains no skin-irritating chemical sunscreen ingredients, no parabens and no fragrances. You can also watch the tube cap turn blue in harmful UV light as a reminder that it's time for sunscreen.

I have loved the product over the years because it has protected my sensitive skin from the harsh UV Rays without clogging my pored and creating pimples. And a fun fact about this product is it loves the reef! The Blue Lizard wants to help protect delicate reef ecosystems, so this product contains no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate.

The Products are shown below:

The last thing that I want to say is that again, this is by no means a holy grail for you. This is just something that works for me that I wanted to share with you. I hope that I could share some insight to some of these products and my personal testimony. Comment down below if you use any of these products or any products you would like to see me try!