Happy end of September! Did you know that like the seasons, your skin changes and so you need to update your routine based on its needs? September’s edition of Beauty Obsessions features 5 skin care products I tried and loved this month as part of my end of summer skincare routine.
It’s so dry in LA right now and so I’m trying to make sure my skin stays super hydrated and radiant with these products.
SUMMER FRIDAYS OVERTIME MASK
I really love this brand’s hydrating Jet Lag Mask so when I saw that they released a new one, I had to have it. I actually love this Overtime Mask more than their first one. For one, it straight up smells like chai tea and pumpkin goodness. I feel like smell can really make or break a skin care product, and what’s crazy is that the smell here comes from natural ingredients like pumpkin, cinnamon, and apricot rather than artificial fragrances.
I also think the technology of this mask is pretty cool, and I have yet to have come across a mask like it. It’s an exfoliating mask that helps brighten and smooth a dull complexion. Put it on dry, clean skin, leave it for about 10 minutes, and then wash off like you would a normal mask. There’s a slight tingling sensation and it features physical (aka the gritty beads) and chemical exfoliants to get your skin smooth. Sometimes exfoliating can leave skin dry but I didn’t find that with Overtime Mask. The pumpkin not only exfoliates, it hydrates, too!
If I had to pick a similar product to compare it to, it’s like Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate treatment. If you like that, you’ll like this! This is also less expensive. 🙂
BLISS MARSHMALLOW MASK
If you’re looking for a more affordable smoothing mask option, then I really like the Marshmallow Mask by Bliss. I’ve loved this brand for years and they make quality products without breaking the bank. This mask is only $15 but feels much more luxurious! The whipped texture is slightly fluffy and a little bit goes a long way. My favorite part about this mask is for sure the fun texture, but it does work and leaves skin feeling refreshed and smooth. Plus the mask itself is light pink. I mean does it get any cuter than that?
KORRES GREEK YOGHURT FOAMING CREAM CLEANSER
I love foaming cleansers because there’s something about the suds that make me feel like my skin is getting clean. But then my skin can sometimes get dried out and feel tight. Is anyone else like this?
This Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cleanser is the best of both worlds. Since it’s a cream it’s a little richer, hydrating, and nourishing, but I still get that foaming sensation that I like.
Greek yogurt concentrate nourishes the skin (think of this as a little DIY mask in cleanser form) while Honeysuckle and Amaranth Seed Extract sooth and calm. I have combination skin but if you are sensitive and looking for a clean ingredient cleanser, I would recommend this one as it’s super gentle.
Come winter when I’m blasting the heat, I’m going to reach for this to help hydrate my sensitized skin.
SAJE WELLNESS PURIFYING FACIAL TONER
I always like to add toner when I feel like I need a little extra hydration, and this Purifying Facial Toner is perfect for my end of summer skincare routine. It’s super refreshing, and has almost a musky, woodsy smell. It has patchouli and pine for a deeper aroma, but then it’s balanced with lighter jasmine and rose for a unique smell. I’ve never smelled anything like this before in something that isn’t perfume!
Toner helps to absorb moisturizer into the skin, but I also love spraying this during that afternoon lull for a refreshing midday pick me up.
This specific toner is better for combination/oily types, but Saje does make a version for sensitive or drier skin if you need that instead.
LANCER ADVANCED RETINOL TREATMENT
Another end of summer skincare product is Retinol. Retinol causes skin sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s really important that when you use it, you limit sun exposure. Sun exposure happens every day and you should always wear an SPF, but Retinol under strong summer rays is basically a recipe for disaster, which is why I usually save using it during non-summer months.
Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that does a lot of things including improving the look of skin’s texture and tone while reducing the appearance of fine lines. It’s an anti-aging Holy Grail product.
If you haven’t used Retinol before then let me warn you: your skin will flake and peel and this is NORMAL. Sometimes the skin has to adjust to the ingredient, so it’s best to start out 1 – 2 times a week until that happens.
I don’t know if other Retinol over the counter products haven’t worked for me, but this is the only product where my skin reacted (in a good way – the flaking) because it contains 1.25% Retinol. I’ve always used Retinol because I knew it was a good anti-aging ingredient, but truthfully until now have never really felt or saw a big difference in my skin. With this Retinol product from Lancer, my skin looked brighter and overall more refreshed after about 6 days. For reference, I used it 3 days in a row and then took a break.
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