Daily Facial Routine

It's been years (give or take) in the making and I think I've finally figured out my daily facial routine. My skin is so temperamental that it seemed like any and all products  would irritate or just not do what I wanted it to. 

My last post goes on about my recent Sephora binge (teehee) and, without sounding like a brand snob, it was all in the products I was using. 

Typically, I purchased my products from either Target, Walmart or wherever and it just wasn't the right fit. I was either too oily, too dry or too caked. I would literally sit in front of my mirror and want to cry!! I've always had a major issue with my skin. Though... I've never had to deal with acne or anything like that and I consider myself truly blessed. 

The gal at Sephora pointed me in the direction of Peter Thomas Roth facial cleanser and the 

Ultimate Dual Exfoliating Face Brush. With the first couple of uses, it seemed to work pretty good. My face felt clean and refreshed. Then after a few more uses my skin felt tight, dry and I sprouted a few dry flakey patches. Fabulous!! She also didn't recommend any daily moisturizer and I honestly think that would have made a different. 

 So back to the drawing board. I also found out my skin type is in the normal to dry range.

Back to Sephora I go!! (Not that I'm complaining)

In the mean time I'm starting to dabble in various foundations. I purchased some Bare Escentuals as well as NARS Powder Foundation along with the liquid and Primer. The gal helping me swears by NARS so I figured I'd give it a try. Her face was flawless and all one color. Exactly what I want. It's been a few months since using it and I'm a little disappointed because I'm not seeing the results I was hoping for.  When I use the NARS Primer, NARS Sheer Glow Liquid and NARS Powder Foundation my skin doesn't look flawless and smooth. With the uneven skintone, dark spots and weird bumps it just makes the make up look cheap and uneven.

As I type this I'm close to tears because it's so frustrating. With all the money I've spent on products and the trial and errors, I just can't seem to get it right. I even forked over $240 for a Clairsonic Plus (which has been wonderful, but not giving me the results I'm hoping for). Maybe my expectations are too high... but I just want clear, even toned and semi-flawless skin. 

As of right now my facial routine is: 

Morning - 

1. Philosophy Purity Made Simple (either used with Clairsonic or fingers)

2.  Clairsonic Plus

3. Clarins HydraQuinch for Normal to Dry skin (on usual dry spots)

Evening - 
1. Say Yes to Blueberries Facial Towelettes (to remove make up, etc.)
2. Philosophy Purity Made Simple
3. Clairsonic Plus
4. Clarins HydraQuinch for Normal to Dry skin  (Applied all over right before bed)

Hopefully with this system I can get my results close to my expectations. Ever since I started wearing make up (probably around 13-14) I never really took great care of my skin. Which, I'm paying for it in the long run. I've come to realize the most important thing to do is to remove ALL make up and cleanse the skin before bed. I was in a horrible habit of not doing so. 

So... we shall see!! :) 

I did a bad bad thing...

I have a confession. *sigh* I'm not sure how to put this... but... *whine*... I went a little overboard at Sephora this past month. No... really... it's bad. Lol.

I did a complete overhaul with my cosmetics and skin care products. Lately I've had such a terrible time with my skin. Seems like EVERY SINGLE product I'd buy from Target or wherever wasn't good enough for my skin. It either left me feeling like there wasn't enough coverage or I was over caked. Never perfect. And I wasn't buying the cheapest stuff they sold at Target either. Fed up and over it... I walked into Sephora. Now, I've used MAC quite a bit in the past but not having access to a MAC or Sephora close by where I live wasn't convenient for me. I absolutely loved MAC but I wanted to venture out and try something different. Oh boy... did I ever!! I read review after review on Sephora.com about different products to get an idea where I should start. I headed straight for the NARS counter and it was love at first sight <3 Then I headed to the BareMinerals counter.. and... it was ALL over. I found my match. BM is a lifesaver!! I've seen their ads on TV probably a million and 8 times but never put a whole lot of thought into it. I'm now hooked. This is by far the BEST product. It always feels so light and non-cakey on my face. A++++!! I did buy the NARS foundation in the SPF Powder, Matte Liquid, concealer and primer along with BM Original Foundation and Primer, Sephora's Mineral brush... and a few (many) other things... ;) You'd think I would have stopped their. A couple of weeks later... I was back. Spent too much $$ but completely worth it!! I've gained so much information from the staff. Oh!! And probably the same week... I ordered the Naked 1 and Naked 2 pallets by Urban Decay.... their eye shadow Primer and Lip Junkie lip gloss in Naked. The eye shadows are a PERFECT match for my teal colored eyes.

Now I'm going to focus my research in finding a good skin care system. I've used Clinique in the past and it's been fabulous. Also, I've looked into Philosophy (looooove their Cabana Girl lotion) brand and from the reviews I've read they seem to be a great brand as well. The associate at Sephora said I have 'normal' skin. Which... caught me completely off guard. I always thought I had oily skin... but now that I think about it... it's probably just sweat. I do have the occasional dry patches that'll flake a bit. My main problem was not removing all my make up properly. I typically just used a make up remover towelette before I went to bed. Come to find out... those remove barely ANYTHING. Sometimes I'd go back over my face with toner and it would pick up EVERYTHING that was left behind. So... all that stuff was just sitting on my face. All night. Ick!! Thinking the whole time I was doing it right!! Now I see the error of my ways and I intend on fixing them.

The point of this post?? I GOT NEW MAKE UP!! WEEEEEEE!! :D