Beauty Review: Tried and True Skincare Products

Face Wipes | Cleansing Brush | Treatment Mask | Toner Pads | Sheet Masks | Face Oil

Happy Friday, loves! Since skincare is my biggest beauty goal this year, I wanted to do a fun beauty-related post today! Finding good skincare products is hard. I mean who wants to pay $50+ for a jar in a size that can fit in the palm of your hand without really knowing if it’ll work for you?

I’m already indecisive (helloooo, Libras!) so when it comes to finding beauty products I love, I prefer to stick to them like white on rice (it’s okay, I can make fun of food from my heritage) until they’re discontinued (I’m looking at you Ole Henriksen‘s Truth is in the Eyes Serum!). Then I groan at my first-class, first-world problem as I hunt for the next product to replace my beauty favorites.

Since secrets don’t make friends, I share with you tried and true skincare products I’ve used over the years! Let’s start!

1. Pond’s Cleansing Towelettes in Original Fresh 

   I grew up around Pond’s. My mom switched between them and Oil of Olay for her skincare routine all the time. When I got to high school, I wore a ton of makeup for drill team. I remember wearing red lipstick for a Christmas parade we were doing and when I came home, I couldn’t take my lipstick off! Also my fault because the young me thought a damp face towel would work as a makeup remover so yeah. Go ahead and laugh. #JokerFace 

   I ended up using these face wipes in college and even tried a few others. I tested the other kind of their line (don’t remember which one) and still went back to the Original Fresh. Neutrogena’s face wipes also did okay, but they didn’t take off my makeup completely like Pond’s Original Fresh. For a little over a decade, I use these every evening (and when I travel) to take off a day’s worth of make up and dirt. The texture of each wipe takes off my eyeliner and mascara without burning my eyes and face and doesn’t leave my skin dry either. Ponds, if you’re reading this, you better not discontinue this classic! Trust me, these are that good!

2. Clarisonic Face Cleansing Brush 

   I purchased the original Clarisonic Mia almost five years ago this summer after hearing so much about it. It’s been around for awhile now, but if you’re wondering, this brush does clean better than your own hands (or even a warm washcloth) ever can. It’s also timed so after a minute, it shuts off. 

   This cleansing system has really helped with my oily T-zone and does such a good job cleaning my skin. I only use it 2x a week. If it says anything, I’m still using the same Clarisonic today! Of course, with new brush heads, haha! All jokes aside, it’s extremely important to take off your makeup before you go to bed. Your skin repairs itself at night while you sleep so make sure you’re maximizing that time by keeping your skin in tip top shape. Your skin shows your age so don’t speed it up by sleeping in your makeup.

   I know a nightly skincare routine is a pain. At the very least, take off your makeup with a face wipe if you’re extremely exhausted. I’m going to go L’Oreal on you and say that this face brush is worth the cost and hype. Your skin is worth it. 

3. Glamglow Clearing Treatment Mask 

   I started using this mask a few years ago after reading amazing reviews about it. I finally caved and bought the small jars at Sephora to try after reading about Glamglow from my friend, Kim, over at Color and Chic. Note: Even though I trust my friends when it comes to their recommendations, I’d rather try products/services myself because not everything works for everyone. 

   You know that feeling when you’re hot and sticky and walk into your air-conditioned house? That’s exactly what this face mask feels like when you put it on. That and tightening as it dries, lol! That’s when I look like a lizard when I try to smile, ha! Anyway, this treatment mask does control oiliness like it claims and my skin is instantly brighter after using it. I’m happy to say that after trying the small jar, I’ve purchased the large jar several times and even gifted one to my mom. 

4. Arcona Triad Toner Pads 

   I heard about Arcona through Julia of Gal Meets Glam a couple of years back and eased myself into the brand by trying the toner pads. Not going to lie. I wasn’t sure what reviewers were talking about when they said, “it smells so good!” because I hated the smell. For some reason, it smelled like cough syrup to me and I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it through the entire jar. Since I was using them for the mere purpose of antioxidants, I hung on. After using them for awhile, the smell grew on me.

   These pads don’t leave your skin feeling dry at all and do a pretty good job in removing any leftover makeup. I highly recommend stocking up on them during Nordstrom‘s Anniversary sale! This year, the sale is July 21st through August 6th so mark your calendars!

5. Patchology FlashMasque Illuminate Facial Sheets

   I got the lace face masks as a gift late last year and let me tell you, it’s like your face touching a cold pillow. Best. Feeling. Everrr! I leave this mask on for longer than the directions say because I love the cold feeling on my face. My skin feels so soft and supple afterwards that I want to keep touching my face (which is my mom’s major beauty no-no).

   I just recently purchased the plain ones (and plan on sticking them in fridge for that extra cold feeling) because I love them that much. There’s extra serum in the pouch so make sure you squeeze it all out and use it on your neck! I recommend buying the single facial sheet (it’s $8) before buying a pack (they come with 4 masques at $30).

6. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil Face Oil

   I’ve been using their “The Revitalizer” oil now called 100% Squalane Oil (which I’m about to order a full-size bottle of) after hearing about it from Wendy of Wendy’s Lookbook almost two years ago. For a girl who has oily/combo skin, you’d think that it’s not a good idea to put oil on your skin, but I was wrong! It’s amazing!

   I ordered a sample of the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil to try when they launched their new branding earlier this year (congrats, guys!) and have been using it sparingly. Why? Because I know I’d pounce on the full bottle! Financial obligations, you know? I love how lightweight it feels on my skin. I use this oil last in my nighttime routine and wake up with super soft skin.

   Try it out for yourself and get a free sample of their 100% Squalane Oil and Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil for the cost of a Starbucks coffee ($4)!

A few beauty rules:

When trying out beauty products that are new to you, read reviews and lots of it. Even if a product has rave reviews, it may not work for you. Don’t buy full bottles until you ask for samples, try them and love them.

Beauty products are a lot like supplements. To find what works for you, you have try the product consistently for about three to six months before saying it doesn’t work. Some products work quickly and others, take time. You have to give your skin time to adjust. I plan on trying this lemon face peel next!

I hope today’s mini reviews on my tried and true skincare products have helped you if you’re searching for any skincare products. 

Which of these brands have you tried?

On a sidenote, my bestie (hi, Sarah!) flew in on Wednesday and we’re going to go on a coffee date on Saturday and possibly do some shopping before we have an adult Easter egg hunt in the afternoon, haha! We did one a couple of years ago and it took five hours to find all of the eggs. Hey, those eggs had the essentials: Reese’s and money, lol! I’m keeping it low-key on Sunday so church to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and lunch with momma.

What do you have planned for Easter? Let me know!

Have a wonderful weekend! 

SHOP THE PRODUCTS:

Note: I was not gifted these products nor was I compensated or asked to review this product from any of these brands or any other (beauty) retailer. All opinions are solely my own. For reference, I have oily/combination skin.