My Holy Grail Skincare Routine (UnSponsored)

My skin type: Oily, Acne-Prone, mild rosacea, big pores/ very red/ very sensitive

After years of trial & error, I’ve found what works best for me. These products have been magical for my skin!

When looking for advice & a new skincare routine, you have to be super careful where you get the recommendations. Many influencers are promoting products that pay them to promote- even if they don’t actually use them! This is especially common if they are posting for them. (A lot of influencers with large followings post NOTHING for free).

This post is entirely genuine & real products I purchased & paid for.

Here it goes:

A.M. Routine:

Step 1: Cleanse skin with CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. (Hard to find but amazing!)

$7.79

Step 2: Paulas Choice–SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant My miracle in a bottle for rosacea, acne (hormonal, cystic, blackheads) and redness! Made my skin glow overnight.

$29.50

Step 3: Benzoyl Peroxide gel 5% (add a pea size to face once daily).

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM – matte finish with SPF which I love!

$13.59

P.M. Routine

Step 1: Cleanse skin with CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. (Hard to find but amazing!)

$7.79

Step 2: Paulas Choice–SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant My miracle in a bottle for rosacea, acne (hormonal, cystic, blackheads) and redness! Made my skin glow overnight.

$30

Step 3: Acne Treatment Differin Gel (pea size amount)

$13

Step 4: Skinbetter Alpharet Overnight Cream 50ML (only available by physicians) but is my holy grail serum! Somehow still hydrating while incorporating a retinoid.

$185

Step 5: (For extra hydration because the acne products sometimes make my skin dry) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer to Hydrate & Smooth Extra-Dry Skin, Oil-Free, Fragrance-Free, Non-Comedogenic & Dye-Free Face Lotion, 1.7 oz

10 Unsponsored Products I love

I wanted to compile a list of some of my favorite products – beauty/ makeup / etc. that I actually spend money on. These are just a few of my go-to favorites !

  1. Favorite Conditioner

Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner

This is by far the best conditioner I’ve found. It detangles my hair effortlessly, leaving it soft, non-greasy, and silky after washing.

Link: Conditioner

2. My favorite concealer

Tarte Shape Tape concealer in color “light sand”

Link: Concealer

3. My favorite hair styling product:

Leaves my hair shinier and healthier looking than ever. This single product has improved my hair’s appearance so much.

Link: Smooth infusion

4. Favorite makeup brush:

Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection 203 Tapered Shadow

I just ordered another one of this brush on Amazon after searching for it forever. It’s the only brush I’ve found that has been easy for me to blend eyeshadow with. I will leave the link here for you:

Eyeshadow Brush On Amazon

5. Favorite everyday foundation:

ISDIN Skin Drops in color “SAND”

I know I talk about ISDIN skin drops often on my story, but they’re not a sponsored product ! I LOVE these skin drops because they’re light weight and I just put a few drops on over my moisturizer using a foundation brush and it looks like I have zero makeup on- just perfectly clear skin.

My only complaint is that they do not come in light enough colors. The lightest color : “SAND” just matches my skin, but if I were at my palest ever they would be too dark. If you have super fair skin, these aren’t the best option for you. BUT if you have my skin tone or darker these are AMAZING.

Here is the link to buy these:

ISDIN SKIN DROPS

6. My favorite foundation for full glam

Too Faced Peach Perfect

My foundation for when I’m going full glam is different from my everyday foundation.

When I do full glam makeup, I spend about 35-45 minutes on my makeup. My everyday makeup routine is more like 5-10 minutes.

Full glam involves under-eye concealer, highlighter, contour, nose contour, setting powder etc.

The skin drops aren’t as good for this routine because they’re so natural and blend into everything. This provides a better base for the rest of my makeup but still feels lightweight. I HATE feeling cakey. Also this one smells SO good.

Here is the link on Sephora:

Peach Perfect Foundation

7. My favorite self tanner:

Quicktan Bronzing Spray in Medium Dark

I actually don’t self tan my whole body so I can’t speak to how streaky this may or may not be for arms and legs.

HOWEVER, I love a light spray of this on my face and neck when I’m starting to get creepy pale. I’ve also sprayed my arms before and it came out great. I like to spray over my finished foundation and blot the speckles away with a foundation brush. It makes my makeup glow more and I look nicely bronzed.

Link:

Self tanner

8. My favorite setting/finishing powder:

NARS light reflecting pressed setting powder

While I HATE the price of this one- it goes back to me hating feeling cakey. Its the most translucent powder I’ve been able to find- just enough to take away the melt/ shine look when your makeup gets oily. It doesn’t leave a white cast like other powders. For me, it’s worth the $37.

Link: Setting Powder

9. My favorite eyebrow pencil

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

I use color: “Medium Brown”. This is the holy grail of eyebrow pencils. Triangular tip- retractable .. goes on smooth- easy to define and shape brows. Will never switch!

Link: Eyebrow pencil

10. My Favorite Moisturizer

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

My favorite moisturizer for a long time. Hydrates my skin very well, without clogging my pores/ making me break out. Doesn’t leave me feeling greasy and doesn’t feel heavy.

Link:

Moisturizer


I hope you liked this post on my favorite non sponsored products right now! I will do another post with more soon if this one gets positive feedback. ?