About a month and a half ago, I recently revamped my whole skincare routine. I was using St. Ive’s Apricot Scrub, Cetaphil, Olive oil and Clean & Clear Astringent for as long as I can remember. I would also do the occasional DIY masks that I have on this site. It was cleaning my face, but I was still having breakouts and my dark spots were not going away. I switched to the Clinique 3-Step System (#4 for oily skin) and my skin hasn’t stopped thanking me since! Here is a breakdown of my current products:
Clinique 3-step Daily Cleanser ($16.50)
I love this cleanser. It really cleans the skin and inhibits the cause of breakouts. It also comes in a large bottle, so it will last me a while.(Use: Twice a day)
Clinique Clarifying Lotion ($21.50)
This toner tightens my pores, removes all dirt and oil and really ensures that my skin is clean. To me, this is the money maker. My breakouts have stopped after switching to this toner. Once again, it will last you forever! (Use: Twice a day)
Garnier Dark Spot Corrector ($16.99)
I don’t use the third step in the Clinique 3-Step System, which is the moisturizing gel because I felt like it did nothing for my skin. I use the Garnier Dark Spot Corrector Moisturizer (long overdue review coming soon) and my skin is practically dark spot free. It also has SPF 28, so it’s great for protecting against the sun. I don’t rely on this as a sunblock though. (Use: Twice a day)
The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost ($26)
This is to be used after your moisturizer and makes the skin matte all day! It’s also silky smooth and protects against the sun. It has little gold particles to make your skin look alive, hence the “skin boost”. I will never stop buying this stuff ever! (Use: Twice a day)
When my skin really needs a “pick me up”:
The Body Shop Vitamin C Radiance Powder ($28)
This is one of my favorite products for the summer ever! Vitamin C is very potent and oxidizes very quickly, so it is important to use the product quickly, because the longer you wait, the less effective it becomes. It’s better to store this in the refrigerator or a place away from light. You press down, releasing the powder and mix it into the solution. You then have 10 days to use it up. Within the first couple of days, you will see your face more plump and your dark spots fading. This was the case for me. It protects against the sun and helps with the production of collagen. I use this past the 10 days, because I don’t want to waste this solution (it was $28!) Be very generous when applying. It doesn’t run out as fast as you think.
Skin Laboratory 20% Salicylic Gel Peel ($17)
(Review coming soon).
This peel can only be used for a month and then take another month break to let your skin heal. Skin Laboratory is the only brand of peels I will use for my skin at home, because chemical peels are very risky to perform on your own. Also, you have to avoid the sun like the plague if you want the results to last! I use this peel 1-2x a week. I’ve actually only used it twice (two 1 month treatments) and I’ve had this for over a year. It’s very effective, but it’s my last resort when my skin won’t cooperate. The peel usually does the trick. So effective, but high maintenance!
I should also mention that I steam my face once a week and I use a mask (the Boots Amazonian Clay mask) after my steam.
Since switching to these products, my skin is noticeably healthier and brighter. I have little to no dark spots (when I started off, I had lots of dark spots) and my skin is more even. I will continue to use these products, although they can get expensive at times, they seem to be working for my skin. My pores have also shrunk and my skin is SLIGHTLY less oily, though I haven’t noticed a big difference with that. The biggest plus is that I’m wearing less foundation, which I love, because I don’t like wearing much makeup or foundation in the summer (Currently, I am wearing Smashbox BB Cream, Nars Sheer Matte Foundation and MUFE HD Foundation).
P.S. I still use olive oil 
I’ll never give that up! (I now only use it as a moisturizer when I put makeup on)
Overall, I’m pretty happy with this new regimen!
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