Today we’re talking FACE MASKS, specifically the overnight kind. I didn’t know the difference between an overnight mask & a regular one, and I thought the former was a bit unnecessary. However, after researching and actually testing out this overnight thing, I’ll have to retract that statement, thank you v much. 

THE BEST ECZEMA PRODUCTS

A few years back I wrote a post highlighting the products I used for my eczema, but that’s changed since then, as well as my blogging skills thank you very much. 

Having literally come out of the womb with the skin condition tearing it’s ugly head, I’ve had twenty three years of trial & error, trying to combat flare ups and deal with the itchiness that makes you wanna scream. 

TIPS FOR WINTER SKINCARE

Late winter can really do a number on your skin. The drying out, flaking... it's not exactly a cold weather perk. Luckily, things like exfoliators & facial water are your new BFFs when it comes to winter skincare. 

Let's talk some tips I've learned from trial & error:

Skip The Toner

Or at least lessen the amount you use it. For my combination skin, I've found that toner can actually dry me out more. so instead, I opt for refreshing rosewater that's a little gentler. 

Oil (& Mask) Up

Facial oils are essential in winter as they lock in moisture & are super hydrating for your skin. Same goes for masks: the smoother the ingredients, like rose, (rose is just key, it seems)  the more hydrating & soft. I do a mask at least once a week- a tip I swear by! 

Exfoliate

A no brainer, obviously. But your lips need a lot of exfoliating love too! If I don't do a little coconut oil + exfoliant concoction, my lips are SCREAMING for moisture, & no amount of lip balm can save them. Do yourself a favor.

xo,

kae

Skincare Notes.

Starting in your 20s, skincare is an imperative part of self care, & it's important to establish a bit of a routine, or at least have favorite products on hand to reach for. Over the past couple years I've gotten a little groove going & have figured out what typically works for my combination skin:

// toner

A good toner is beneficial for soothing & repairing the skin, removing all traces of makeup in the process. & it's super refreshing! Spritz some on after nighttime cleansing for a wind down, or in the morning for a little refresher. 

// eye cream

It's never too early to start paying attention to your eye area, as it's one of the main areas that begin to age. A dab of cream at night helps to minimize puffiness & protect the under eye area. (on the under eye note, I've also just ordered an ice roller to add to my routine-- will update!)

// weekly mask

A weekly pamper is SO HELPFUL for your mental health & overall sanity. & so is a weekly face mask, in my opinion. Filled with antioxidants, it's an anti-aging weapon in liquid (or sheet) form. Add a rose mask for anti-inflammatory benefits as well. Any mask option is a gentle, refreshing skin treat.

// moisturizer

Perhaps the most important, a moisturizer with an SPF is a wrinkle & skin cancer fighter, plus it keeps the skin hydrated & ready to go. It's not news that moisturizing is imperative for healthy skin, but it's easy to forget or skip & say 'mmmm I'll do it next time'. DON'T SKIP IT! 

// oil

Facial oil is like icing on a cake; a perfect makeup primer, dry skin hydrator, and toxin fighter, oils provide a lock in of protection. I like to dab some under my eyes & on my cheeks after cleansing & toning at night.  

What are your skincare must haves?

xo,

Borghese ReAffirm Day Fluide

Y'all know I'm all about simplicity when it comes to skincare. I like easy, but I've also been playing up my routine a bit lately, since your skin gets bored sooo easily. (I don't actually know if it does, just go with it) 

Which is why I've been digging Hydrology by Borghese's day fluide lately.  

I'd heard of Borghese before but hadn't had any experience with their products, and this was the perfect first impression. 

This is a moisturizer that feels soft and light on the skin plus contains SPF 15, a must for the face. It's also got IQ3 complex and although I'm not totally sure what that is (and google was no help) it apparently helps with anti-aging, which is nice no matter your age. 

It's perfect for first thing in the morning after cleansing, as it's super refreshing and the formula creates a flawless base for makeup or the rest of your skincare routine.

If you're looking for light and hydrating, this stuff's gotcha covered.

What about you? Are you a regular Borghese-er? Tell me your favorite moisturizers!

*I received this product complimentary courtesy of Borghese, but as always all opinions are my own.

PM Skincare Routine

I think I've gotten a pretty good skincare routine down in more recent days. 

To be honest I'm not totally sure what my skin type is, but it has the characteristics of combination. My forehead tends to get crazy oily and my breakouts are mostly {unfortunately} hormonal. 

All the products I use for skincare are natural because I don't really want chemicals seeping into my skin, and I've found that my face handles these products better.

My night time routine includes only three steps:

//When I'm in the shower I cleanse with Purpose wash, which I've been using for a couple of years and is really gentle and light. It's soap-free {soap dries your face out!} and hypoallergenic. 

//Once I'm out of the shower I spritz on some of my Boots Botanics Rosewater toning spritz. This product was my first experience with toner and it's aaaamazing! Toning is actually a pretty important step in skincare- it hydrates and detoxifies. 

//I let the toner set for a minute, and then my last step is moisturizing with coconut oil. It only takes a little bit {rubbed in really well!} and your skin is soft and fresh. 

I've seen a lot of bloggers and youtubers that have an array of steps and products in their routine and while that's great, it just doesn't work for my skin. What I've got going right now works and I like that!

Of course, I'm always willing to try out new tips! Spill your PM routine......

My eczema defense tools

I think I came out of the womb with eczema. Maybe that's too much information for a Monday morning, so let's just say I've dealt with eczema for a very long time. In fact, it used to be so bad that my mom would have to put masking tape on the inside of the snaps of my pants because I would break out around my stomach. In elementary school, I could only wear 14-karat gold jewelry and I haven't been able to take a bubble bath in years.

Luckily, it's not as extreme anymore, and I'm willing to sacrifice bubbles in my bath if I have to. However, eczema isn't something that just goes away and you have to treat it accordingly. I've tried my fair share of treatments over the years, but I think I finally have a pretty good defense team, especially for when it strikes extra badly in the summer and winter months. Extreme heat and cold can make your skin do weird things anyway, and add eczema to the mix and you've got yourself a par-tay. What can you do to make your skin happier? Here are my favorite tools.

Eucerin Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion is my main line of defense. I use it after every shower and it always seem to help. Eucerin is one of the only things I've been using since I was younger that is always helpful, and the replenishing lotion is perfect.

Cortizone 10 Eczema is what I like to put on after the Eucerin, just for extra protection. Also, when I have a bit of a breakout this helps me stop itching like a maniac, even if just for a little while. When I use this one I concentrate it on my arms and legs since that's where breakouts seem to happen most.

Jergens Ultra Healing is something I only recently started using, thanks to Influenster. I don't necessarily use it on a daily basis like the others, but it's there when I need it. I especially like using it on my hands and the heels of my feet, as they can get pretty crazy in the winter time.

Like any condition, eczema is different for everyone that deals with it and what works for me might not work for you. But if you're struggling to get a handle on your skin, these products are worth a try.