…would smell better but would NOT be near as cool! Covet with me.

On a lighter note, I received a compliment today and it made me think about some things I’ve started using. I have spent years…I mean years…trying to find a skin care routine, a combination of products that would allow my skin to shine. It’s been difficult because I have extreme combination skin. The oily areas are really oily and the dry areas are really dehydrated. Also, even though I am in my 30s, I still have a problem with acne. Acne medicated soaps would inflame, toners would excessively dry and moisturizers would cause breakouts overnight. Makeup was also a nightmare due to the underlying issues.

Now I am not swimming in money by any stretch of the imagination, so I have finally found a combination of drugstore products that are actually decent and have provided me with extraordinary results in a short amount of time. I feel kinda silly posting this much about it, but I hope it might help someone who is in the same skin-tuation. Ha.

I start off by using Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub.

I use this because it gently scrubs away the dry skin but also treats the oily skin. And it’s gentle enough to use every day. After that I move on to the toner. I use Oil of Olay Refreshing Toner because it is clean enough to temper any inflammation caused by the acne medication and also close the pores before continuing. Now, I know that the toner also clears any remaining medication from the scrub, but either product alone doesn’t do the job that they do together.

Next, I do take the extra time to moisturize. Since I have oily skin and most days do not wear makeup, it is not a good idea to put any facial sunscreen on. So I use Oil of Olay Complete All Day Moisture Cream with SPF 15 for Combination/Oily Skin to sneak in the sunscreen. I also have a soft spot for Oil of Olay products. I remember my mother using the old beauty fluid in the big pink bottle and the smell brings back those cozy memories. I use enough to put a thin layer over my face, with just a tad bit extra that I rub into my hands when I’m all finished.

If I am going to apply makeup, I highly recommend a couple of products. One, the foundation I have started using is Maybelline Dream Finish Liquid Mousse. It is very light, provides good coverage and glides over the skin. It really does sit on top of the skin and reduces the visibility of pores. Airbrushing it’s not, but it is a great base. Two, I am a huge fan of Neutrogena Weightless Volume Mascara. It separates the lashes, does not clump and once lasted through a whole day of sobbing. Truly, it is awesome.

The routine is the same in the evening, minus the makeup of course, and drinking more water during the day helps a lot to detoxify the skin. I am no beauty maven, but it works for me.