A few new skincare picks I’ve been trying out recently, some new launches and some new to me. Here’s a quick roundup of some very interesting skincare.
The Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask ($38; ulta.com) is a purifying, balancing mask and a new launch as part of Algenist’s ALIVE skincare line. Its a quick mask that I like to leave on for about 10 minutes and wash off. There’s a slight brightening and exfoliating effect too that I love. To use, just massage until the mask turns from green to pink, leave on for a few minutes and wash off. I like to use a moisturizer afterwards, but it isn’t a drying mask, just something that balances really well!
The Nerium Double Cleansing Face Wash ($50; nerium.com) is more of a second cleanser for me. Its very mild, doesn't foam too much, but cleanses remnants of makeup and doesn’t strip my skin of moisture. Definitely one to try for normal-dry skin.
Dermalogica’s Ultracalming Cleanser ($38; ulta.com) is another great, gentle face wash that is good as a second cleanser. Its very gentle, non-drying and perfect for sensitive skin or anyone with dry skin! It is also fragrance-free and a great one for no makeup days as well.
The Glo Skin Beauty Essential Cleansing Oil ($34; dermstrore.com) is a lightweight cleansing oil for makeup removal. It dissolves most makeup, something waterproof needed a little more of a second cleanse. It doesn't dry my skin out and doesn’t leave behind an oily residue. I always second cleanse, but you could just use this as a one step cleanser if you don’t wear anything too longwearing/waterproof.
The Nugg Purifying, Nourishing and Rejuvenating Skin Fizz ($4.99; nuggbeauy.com) is a brightening, deep cleansing exfoliator. Its a fizzy powder that brightens and leaves my face feeling super squeaky clean. It can be just a tad drying if you have very dry skin, so be sure to slather on a rich moisturizer afterwards. The product comes packaged in a resealable pack that is perfect for travel as well.
Honest Beauty’s Magic Facial Oil ($27.999; target.com) is a great winter oil for drier skin types. It doesn’t feel too heavy and is best suited for the nighttime since it can leave a slightly slick residue that sinks in after a few minutes. Its also a good one to try after a detox mask. I do wish it was a tad less fragranced, even though the fragrance is of natural origin.
The T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial ($80; sephora.com) and Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil ($40 - $72; sephora.com) are my first two products from Drunk Elephant. The Babyfacial is a great product for anyone wanting a weekly exfoliation routine. Its not the mildest of exfoliators, but not too strong either. The first time around I had the product sit for much less time and there was a slight stinging sensation. My skin really did feel smooth, soft and extremely even toned. The Marula Oil isn’t anything super special - good for after Babyfacial and a good winter oil just like the Honest one, sans any fragrances.
The Mini Meow Trio from I Dew Care ($19; ulta.com) comes with deluxe sizes of three peel off masks. The Sugar Kitten and Disco Kitten masks are very brightening and super easy to peel off. They also made my skin softer and smoother. The Space Kitten s a stronger mask and works better on areas like nose and anywhere else you have blackheads and skin feels clogged. It can be a tad painful to get off, so I would recommend this more as a targeted treatment. I used the I dew Care Silicone Brush ($8; ulta.com) to apply these masks and it definitely does an even application without too much product wastage.The Let's Get Sheet Faced ($25; ulta.com) kit comes with 14 masks for every skin concern . While I haven’t tried everything, I can definitely say that the In the Zone and Olive About You do what they claim to. The Olive About You adds a lot of plumpness back to skin and the In The Zone is great for anyone wanting to balance skin out, while adding some hydration back without the heaviness from richer lotions. Overall, a great masking kit that addresses every skin type/concern!
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