One of the most important things to remember when it comes to make up is that in order to have a flawless make up application, you have to start by taking care of your skin. Having a skincare regiment is important, not only so that your make up applies more evenly, but because feeling just as good about your skin without make up as you do with it, is such a wonderful and empowering feeling!

There are 3 basic steps that every skincare routine should include: cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Obviously there are other skincare products that you can use as needed for your skin type such as masks, exfoliators, serums, etc. Here are the items that I'm currently using in my routine.

Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power-Foam Wash

The most important step of any skincare routine is obviously cleansing the skin and getting rid of any dirt, oils, and bacteria that may be on the surface of your skin. The type of cleanser you use is totally based on your skin type and your needs. Everyone is different. I love the Power Foam Wash by Neutrogena because not only does it have salicylic acid, but it has green tea and cucumber which reduces redness and irritation. I have always had pretty "good" skin in that I don't have a major issue with acne other than a few hormonal breakouts. However I have combination skin, so I generally tend to get very oily in my T zone (forehead, nose, chin area) and I have pretty normal skin everywhere else.

I have been using Neutrogena products literally since I was in middle school. I have tried other products but I always end up coming back to Neutrogena because their products just work so well with my skin. One thing that is important to me are products that are oil free because my skin produces enough oils on its own, so I don't want to add too many unnecessary oils to my face. I also prefer products with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps clear and prevent acne and blemishes. Because my skin is susceptible to hormonal breakouts, using products with salicylic acid will help combat this.

Olay Oil Minimizing Toner with Witch Hazel

The next step in my skincare routine is using a toner. Some people will apply a toner before they cleanse their face, which is fine if that is how you do it, however I prefer to apply mine after I've already cleansed my face. There are many different toners on the market for every skin type and with varying ingredients. A toner is basically going to remove any residual dirt, oil, or make up without stripping the skin's essential moisture. I like the fact that this Olay toner has witch hazel because it helps treat acne breakouts and is soothing to the skin.

(L-R): Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer & Sephora Acne-Fighting Mattifying Moisturizer

Moisturizing your skin is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. After you have cleansed, used a toner, exfoliated or applied a mask, your skin has been through a lot and moisture needs to be returned back to your skin. I wanted to share these two in particular because they serve different purposes in my skincare routine.

I use the Simple Light Moisturizer on days when I know I'm going to be outside a lot with no make up, or even if I am wearing make up, if I know I will be outside for a large portion of time I like this because it has SPF 15. This moisturize is lightweight, oil free, and has vitamins E and B5. So not only is it going to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but it's also going to nourish it with essential vitamins.

I just recently purchased the Sephora Acne-Fighting Mattifying Moisturizer and so far I have been quite impressed with it. Because of my oily combination skin, I have been looking for a moisturizer that is going to moisturize but also keep me matte throughout the day. I prefer a matte make up look because it works well for my skin type, if you have normal to dry skin, that may not be your preferred look and this is why it's important to use products that suit your preference and skin type. This moisturizer also has 2% salicylic acid which I also really like so not only is it going to moisturize and keep you matte, but it's also going to work to fight acne and clear blemishes. This is pretty much my dream moisturizer. I have to say Sephora has quite a few new skincare products out that I'm really interested in trying so stay tuned for that. 

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask & Philosophy Renewed Hope In a Jar Eye Cream

These last steps may be optional for some but for me they're pretty vital to my skincare routine in general, whether it's day or night. I hate having dry, chapped lips so using a lip balm or a lip mask like the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Misk is everything to me after finishing my skincare routine. A lip mask is going to go on thick and really moisturizing but it makes your lips feel so good and soft, I can't imagine not using one. I like to apply mine right after I finish my morning skincare regiment and let it sink into my lips while I apply my make up so that once it comes time to apply whatever lipstick I'm wearing, the lipstick will go on smoothly and my lips will be comfortable.

Using an under eye cream is also extremely important. I honestly used to believe that eye creams were for older women with crows feet trying to hold on to their last little bit of youth (ha!) but as I've learned more about make up and skincare, I now realize that it's important to take care of the skin underneath your eyes now as a preventative measure. The skin underneath your eyes is the thinnest skin on your face so because of this it's easy for it become dry and quick to wrinkle. I have personally noticed that keeping my under eye hydrated and moisturized makes my concealer lasts longer and keeps it from creasing.

Leave me a comment and let me know what products you love and would recommend for me to try from your morning skincare routine!

xoxo!

Hi everyone! I'm back with another Ipsy bag post. It seemed like my July Ipsy bag would never get here but it finally arrived in the mail last week. Keep reading to get the tea on what was inside!

Top to Bottom: 1. Joel Parker Classico EDP, 2. OFRA Eyeshadow & Highlighter in Bliss, 3. Eau Thermale Avene Clenance Gel, 4. Be a Bombshell Lip Balm in Ruby, 5. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess

1. The first item I noticed in my bag was this Joel Parker EDP named Classico. I was really excited to get a rollerball sample of perfume. I love carrying rollerball perfumes in my purse for those mornings when I'm running late and forgot to put on perfume. However I have to say I am not at all a fan of this particular scent. It smells like straight up Pine-Sol. When I first smelled it I was really taken back by how strong the scent is and it literally reminded me of something you would use to clean your house with such as Pine-Sol or Pledge. I definitely won't be wearing this and I don't even know if it's worth giving to someone because it smells that bad.

2. I am really excited to try the Clenance Gel in this month's bag because it says it is specifically for oily, blemish prone skin which is exactly what I have. I love trying new skincare products so hopefully this will work out for me.

3. I have heard many girls say they love anything by Tarte especially these particular bronzers. I think the packaging of this little sample size is really adorable and you get a lot of a product for it being a sample. Unfortunately, I'm a brown girl so I definitely won't have a need for this bronzer. But I'm pretty resourceful and I feel like I could use it as an eyeshadow, if I can't make that work then I'll give it away.
My absolute favorite item from the July Ipsy bag is this OFRA Highlighter in the shade Bliss. It is EVERYTHING! The packaging says that it can double as an eyeshadow which I'm sure would be just as gorgeous, but for me I will strictly be using this as a highlighter. I have been wearing it ever since I got it and it is just this amazing rose-gold highlighter. This swatch just does not do it justice. If you're interested in trying this highlighter or any other products from OFRA, I have a coupon code for 40% off your entire purchase by using the code IPSYOFRA at www.ofracosmetics.com during checkout. That is an amazing deal! I hear they have great liquid lipsticks as well so head over and check them out!

Another product I was pleasantly surprised by was this lip balm from Be a Bombshell. It is just a basic lip balm, very moisturizing, and leaves a very sheer hint of red to the lips. It's great to just throw in your bag and have on hand if your lips are feeling dry.

Overall I have to say I wasn't as impressed with this month's bag as I was with my June Ipsy bag. Hopefully the August one will be better! Don't forget, if you're interested in signing up for Ipsy you can click here and sign up! It's only $10 a month and you can cancel any time if you decide you're no longer interested. Thanks for reading!

xoxo!

I apologize for the lack of post but ya girl is busy! But I'm back with a little drugstore haul! There's so many new products out at the drugstore and there were a few that I wanted to try but decided not to this time around. The majority of the products I bought happened to be lip products which I did not mean to do, but there are are a lot of really new ones out at the drugstore right now so I just couldn't help myself!

L.A. Colors Color Craze Nail Polish (L-R): Beach Babe, Craze, & Meadow

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation--Cocoa

Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain (Top L-R): 05 Honey Love & 01 Nude Chic

Maybelline Color Blur by Lip Studio (Top-Bottom): 35 Plum Please, 50 I Like To Mauve It

Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme--04 Lust

Jordana Easy Liner Retractable Pencil For Lips--Coco Loco

Wet n Wild Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner (L-R): Baby's Got Black & Simma Brown Now!

Wet n Wild Velvet Matte Lip Color (Top-Bottom): DJ Doll & Trendscendence