My Go To Skincare Products
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Growing up I used to love watching my Granny, Mom, and Aunt Tracey primp and priss. From oils to creams, they all had their routines down and had the glowing melanin skin to match it. Studio Girl and Noxzema were the must have products back then and skin care was a second religion to them. I guess it was in my DNA to become a skin care junkie! I have learned a lot over the years and tested out so many products I could write a short story. I found the perfect routine for my combination (more oily than dry) skin.
Let's Dive on in!
Cleansers and Moisturizers…
My everyday cleanser and moisturizers are for both morning and night are Dermaclear Micro Foam by Dr. Jart+ ($22.00) and Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb ($38.00) . Dermaclear Micro Foam is great for my slightly oily skin. A little bit goes a long way with this foamy facial wash and it leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh. If you are not a fan of the foamy sudzy face washes, I can recommend Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple one step facial wash ($24.00).
My daily must have moisturizer is Belif’s True Cream Aqua Bomb. We have been going strong for about 4 years and I have zero complaints. This lightweight gel moisturizer is great for normal, combination, dry and oily skin and goes on light while providing a burst of hydration. This product literally makes me glow! Another moisturizer that I have on rotation is Clinque’s Dramatically different hydrating jelly . ($28.00). Both my mom and I use it and rave about this product. I actually “borrowed” her new bottle last time I was home visiting and have yet to return it. This gel is super airy and is no muss no fuss!
Toner Love…
It took me a while to jump on the toner train. I remember the day a friend said to me “Um you don’t use toners?” My brain exploded as I went down the google rabbit hole of toners. After doing research I found out the importance of balancing the PH of your skin. I used to think exfoliating was the way to go and was using super harsh exfoliants on my skin thinking it was the way to get rid of oils. WRONG. Exfoliants and scrubs when overused strip the oil from your skin causing your skin to freak out and make more oil. Right now I am using Rose Deep Hydration Toner by Fresh ($45.00) and my face loves this stuff. Alcohol free and non stripping, this toner has real rose petals and hyaluronic acid that minimizes pores while increasing hydration. It is a bit pricey but it is well worth it. You can always get the travel size to test it out if you are not sold!
Serums and Mask...
Looking to tighten, brighten and smooth your skin? I have much love for Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum ($33.00) The key ingredient in this serum is both Vitamin C and E. Vitamin C has powerful antioxidants to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. My skin drinks this serum and I have been using it for two years. I apply it in the morning and at night after using my Dermaclear face wash + Fresh Rose Toner.
On a good week, I mask 2x a week! I love both sheet mask and the ones you apply with your hands or brush. Innis Free has both great sheet mask that are only $1.80 per mask. From Tea Tree to Acai Berry these mask are Bae all day! My favorite Clay mask is their Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (15.00) . The clay mask gently exfoliates while deep cleaning your pores. I like to apply when my skin is slightly damp for a better application.
I know there are a million products out there and it can get overwhelming. One day you have perfect clear skin and the next day you look like a 13 year old teenage boy going through puberty. I encourage you not to give up. It took me years to find the right products and I still love trying out new ones. One pimple does not mean change your entire routine, it just means you got a pimple and chances are it isn't from your products. It could be food, environment, sweat or a number of things! My skin is something I have to look at everyday for the rest of my life so I truly believe it is worth the investment. Reminder that Patience is always key! Thanks for reading Fam!
Dalijah Franklin
Dalijah Franklin is a Mother, Dancer, Lifestyle Blogger, Entrepreneur, and Obsessive Life Giver. She is also the founder of Black Girls Pole, an organization to striving to diversify the pole world by inspiring, empowering, and educating women of color about pole dancing. Check out Black Girls Pole’s website and Instagram here. Stay up to date with Dalijah here.