My Skincare and Makeup MUST HAVES!!
/Over the past 3 years I have been on a mission to take the best care of my skin possible! I have sensitive, generally dry, skin that is also acne prone. These are the items that have worked wonders on my skin. I have attached links to all my go to products that I know have changed my skin for the better. I also included my step by step makeup routine. I absolutely love all of these products and none of them irritate my skin. These are the items that I use everyday and have done wonders for me.
An in depth step by step outline of my routine is detailed below! Click the pictures to shop or click the name of the product below the gallery.
Please comment below and share your skincare must have items! I always love hearing about new products and testing them myself!
SKINCARE
1. Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser : This product is gentle and a great every day cleanser for my skin. I use this in the morning and at night.
2. Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser : Starts as a fine grain powder, and once mixed with water turns to a more foamy consistency. I use this two to three times a week as it is more abrasive and is used to sluff off dead skin. It is gentle enough that it does not irritate my sensitive skin.
3. Face Wash Headband : Use these when washing face/doing a face mask to prevent product and water getting in your hair.
4. Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner : Put on a cotton pad and then apply to face after it’s washed with either the cleanser or the enzyme cleanser. This helps to balance the pH of the skin and restores it post wash. I used to skip this step, but once I used it consistently I had noticeable positive results, such as a more even skin tone and less irritation.
5. Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid : This product is my holy grail skincare item. After I put the toner on my face, I get my face wet again and then wait until it is slightly damp. Then I apply half a vial of this hyaluronic acid and bring it down to my neck. It is expensive, but so so worth it in my opinion. This product promotes moisture and leaves the skin replenished and hydrated. When I started using this product my overall skin texture completely changed. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s formula is thinner than other cheaper alternatives, which allows it to penetrate further into the skin!
6. Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum : This serum helps to reduce irritated skin and reduce redness. This serum leaves my skin feeling restored. I apply it whenever my skin feels dry, I have a blemish, or any irritation.
7. Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream-Rich : I have dry skin, and this rich face cream leaves my skin hydrated and helps to tighten my skin. This product is the perfect base layer to prep the skin for makeup as well as hydrates the skin at night. I apply directly after my serums.
8. Avene Eye Contour Cream : This cream comes with an applicator at the end making it easy to apply. I love this skincare brand and it is one of the most popular skincare companies out of France. Make sure when you are rubbing in this product to use your ring finger and gently dab the product in. The skin under our eyes is the most sensitive, so it is necessary to use our ring finger (which has the least abrasive skin) on this area. This cream helps to plump and hydrate tired eyes.
9. Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen : I began using this product when I did research about how dated the sunscreen technology is in the United States. I urge you to do your own research on this topic, but I found this Korean brand by recommendation and I have been absolutely loving it. It has no fragrance, and does not cause any irritation to my skin. It just feels like another moisturizer, rather than a sunscreen that can sometimes be hard to apply makeup over. It has to be purchased through this website, as it needs to be imported into the US and is not licensed to be sold at US stores.
10. SuperGoop Glow Screen : This sunscreen has a tint to it, which makes it the perfect barrier to use when I am going on a walk in the morning or at the beach. I don’t love the way makeup applies over it but it is a great product on its own and I love that it is tinted. It is SPF 40.
11. Face Dermaplaning Razors : I dermaplane my face once every two weeks. Your hair does NOT grow back more coarse or darker, just be sure to not shave over your sideburns. Dermaplaning helps to sluff off the dead skin and rejuvenates the skin. An added benefit is that makeup applies so much better on dermaplaned skin. These are my favorite razors. Pull the skin taut and in slow short motions drag the razor over your skin to get rid of the hair and dead skin. You will be shocked at how much comes off. I focus on my cheeks, jawline, chin, and also use it to touch up in between my eyebrows (be very careful doing this!). Some people say to dermaplane your face and that a barrier isn’t necessary, but I wet my face and use this Ordinary Hyaluronic serum which I find helps the blade glide and cause no irritation to my skin. Just figure out what works best for you!
12. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Serum : Like I said above, I use this serum when I am dermaplaning my face. It does not cause me any irritation and it is a very budget friendly product. I wouldn’t recommend this as a hyaluronic serum on its own due to its much thicker consistency than the Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum. The DBS serum has both low and high weighted hyaluronic molecules which allows it to penetrate the surface and deeper skin levels. If you are looking for a surface hydration this is an option, but the DBS hydrates the skin from a deeper level!
13. Avene Thermal Spring Water : I love this product when my skin feels extra dry. I always bring this with me when I am traveling, at the beach, or on a hike! In the summer I spray this on my face at night after I apply my moisturizer. It is so refreshing and helps nourish and restore dry skin.
14. Dr. Jart Vital Hydra Face Mask : This sheet mask is the only one I have ever used where I can immediately see a difference in my skin. I use one about once a week to help add extra hydration to my skin. Once I leave it on my face for around 25 minutes, I gently rub in any additional serum into my face, neck and hands. This product is hypoallergenic!
15. Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Clay Mask : This mask is amazing for prepping the skin before an event! It leaves my skin hydrated and with a noticable glow. Apply a thin layer to dry skin (avoiding under eye) and leave on for 10 minutes. Then rise off with warm water. I use these microfiber face wash cloths to remove the mask.
MAKEUP
16. Real Techniques Makeup Sponge : These sponges are amazing and SO much cheaper than the beauty blender sponge. They come in a multi pack and you can also get them at Target or Ulta! Make sure to get your sponge wet and then wring it out. It should get a lot bigger and be able to bounce on your skin. It helps apply foundation and blends in contour and concealer flawlessly.
17. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation : There is a reason this foundation is a cult favorite. It applies flawlessly and is a full coverage and buildable foundation. It leaves the skin looking refreshed and glowing. I make sure my skin is washed with my cleanser, then I apply my hyaluronic acid and face cream rich. Then I apply my foundation using my Real Techniques Sponge. My Color: 5.25
18. Hourglass Concealer : This concealer is amazing and is a very creamy rich formula. It is easily blended under the eyes and I have found that it is a great concealer for all ages and types of skin. My Color: Creme
19. Tom Ford Cream Contour Palette : I have found that powder contour is not enough to really sculpt a face. I love the creamy consistency of this contour. With a concealer makeup brush, I place dots on my forehead, cheeks, and down the sides of my nose. I use my sponge to blend in. I then use the flat part of the sponge to apply the highlighter on the sides of my temples and down the center of my nose. It is a very minimal highlighter and leaves the skin looking dewey and hydrated. My Color: 01
20. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Setting Powder : After I am done applying all the liquid and cream products in my makeup routine, I use this product. With a small powder makeup brush I use this to set under my eyes, on the side of my nose, base of my nose, my chin, and my middle forehead. This powder is amazing and is so much better than any translucent setting powder I have ever used. When it is applied, you see a flawless blurring effect and it is amazing. My Color: Fair 1
21. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Bronzer : I apply this with a bronzer brush over the areas that I contoured my face with the Tom Ford Cream contour. This powder enhances and locks in the contour. My Color: Medium
22. Hourglass Double Ended Powder Brush : This brush applies bronzer perfectly and the bristles are so soft! I love this!!
23. Nars Blush : I absolutely love this blush! It’s pigmented but not overwhelming! I put it on the high points of my cheeks and then a touch on the center high point of my nose for a sun kissed look! My Color: Amour Peachy Pink
24. Tart Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette : This is one of my favorite palettes that works really well with my coloring and complexion. It is the perfect base color and I also love the shimmer in the palette. I sometimes use the darker purple/brown color as an eyeliner and apply with a wet eyeliner brush.
25. Dior Volume Lash Primer : I absolutely love this lash primer. My lashes are so much longer and fuller whenever I use this before my mascara!
26. Lancome Idole Volumizing and Lash Lifting Mascara : I LOVE this mascara and the wand is such a game changer. My lashes are short and this mascara adds length and volume!
27. Dior Diorshow Pump N Volume Mascara : I use this mascara at night or if I have an event! Mascara is meant to be buildable and I love how this formula adds to my lashes.
28. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil : This is my all time favorite brow pencil! It is easy to use and the spoolie (eyebrow wand) is on the other side. Tip: If you ever get any mascara on your makeup or eyelid, wait until it dries and then use this spoolie to brush away the mascara! It comes right off without ruining any of your makeup! My Color: Medium Brown
29. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray : This brings the whole look together and really does help my makeup stay on forever! This is essential! I spray my face generously with this!
MAKEUP REMOVAL
30. BILLIE Makeup Wipes : These makeup wipes get delivered right to my door! Is there anything better than that? I LOVE these because they are infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. They take off your makeup without stripping your face. They are amazing for my sensitive skin and they are also biodegradable!
31. Garnier Micellar Water : Even after I use my billie makeup wipes and then wash my face at night, you would not believe how much makeup Micellar water is able to get off my face (especially around my hairline and residual mascara). It is gentle on the skin. I apply it to these cotton rounds and gently apply to skin. Then I proceed with moisturizers for the night.
32. 100% Cotton Rounds : These are my favorite cotton rounds to use when I am applying toner or micellar water!
33. Microfiber Face Cloths : I use these whenever I am washing my face or removing the Charlotte Tilbury Clay Mask. They are gentle on the skin and do not harbor bacteria like normal washcloths do! I LOVE these!
MIRROR
34. Sharper Image Makeup Mirror : This mirror is amazing and also has a charging doc!
EXCITED TO TRY:
35. Dr. Barbara Sturm Better B Niacinamide Serum : Last time I went into the DBS store in Highland Park Village they gave me a sample of this serum! I am so excited to try it. It is the latest addition to the DBS line and this serum helps to reduce and refine pores to enhance overall complexion!