I spend most of my money on two things: Chipotle and skincare products. Considering my three tacos with a side of chips costs only $9, my cash mostly goes towards making my face as clear and flawless as possible.
I’ve struggled with oily, acne-prone skin ever since I was a young kid. Throughout the years, I’ve gone through a lot of costly experimenting to find products that work with my temperamental skin. Just when I think I’ve found a product that works, my face decides to give me a big middle finger and break out all over the place. Then, it’s back to the drawing board.
Recently, however, I’ve found a group of products that keep my skin in a sort of balance. While I still get the occasional hormonal breakout or two, these products keep the oil on my face under control, preventing further breakouts.
Pacifica Pineapple Cleanse Oil Slaying Face Wash
How often: Twice a day
Price: $8.99 at Target
This face wash is 100% vegan and cruelty-free and is made without SLS, sulfates, parabens, and petroleum (aka all the junk that clogs your pores). It smells like fresh pineapple, and won’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry. However, it’s still cleansing enough to strip away makeup and other pollutants on your face. For me, this face wash has definitely reduced the amount of oil that builds up on my face throughout the day. It’s the only cleanser I’ll use.
PS: this product is also great for people with combination skin!
If you have dry skin, check out: Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream to Foam Face Wash
If you have sensitive skin, check out: Pacifica Quinoa Sensitive Super Gentle Face Wash
LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner
How often: Twice a day
Price: $10.95 for 3.3 fl. Oz OR $22.95 for 8.4 fl. Oz at LUSH
What I love most about this toner is that it comes in a spray bottle. You can get an even, direct spritz, and you won’t have to waste cotton pads. The smell of the tea tree oil can be a little off-putting at first, but the good news is that there’s no lingering smell. Toner is something you simply can’t go without if you’re prone to any sort of breakouts. This toner gets deep within your pores and cleans them out, while also controlling oil production. LUSH is also a cruelty-free brand, and many of their products (like this one) are also Vegan.
If you have combination or dry skin, check out: LUSH Eau Roma Water Toner
If you have sensitive skin, check out: LUSH Breath of Fresh Air Toner
LUSH Imperialis Face Moisturizer
How often: Twice a day
Price: $26.95 at LUSH
I know, you probably just looked at that price point and couldn’t believe your eyes. Almost $30 is a lot for a face moisturizer, but believe me, this stuff actually works. I recently took it out of my skincare routine for a month, and in that time, the whole right side of my face broke out. No good. This moisturizer is great for giving me just enough moisture without making my face super greasy. Also, I love the light scent of lavender. I’d also recommend this moisturizer for people with combination skin, as it’s got a nice balancing effect.
If you have dry skin, check out: LUSH Skin Drink Moisturizer
If you have sensitive skin, check out: LUSH Celestial Moisturizer
Adapalene Prescription Spot Treatment
How often: At night
Price: Will vary
I’ve been using Adapalene since I was in the eighth grade. After talking to my doctor, we decided that topical prescription acne medication would probably be better for me in comparison to other medications like Accutane. I apply this cream once at night on my problem areas (forehead, chin). While it doesn’t totally prevent acne, it almost always prevents pimples from obtaining whitehead status. It’s not a miracle worker, but it definitely has improved the quality of my face. Depending on your insurance you may be able to get this for little to no cost. Talk to your doctor.
A similar, non-prescription formula: Differin Gel
LUSH Let the Good Times Roll Exfoliating Face and Body Cleanser
How often: Once a week
Price: $12.95 for 3.5 fl. Oz OR $29.95 for 8.5 fl. Oz at LUSH
Yes, yes, LUSH absolutely owns my wallet. But seriously, their stuff is great, and this product is no exception. This exfoliant smells like kettle corn because it’s actually made from popcorn. Wicked cool! What I like about this product is that it gets all the dead skin off and deep-cleans the pores, but it also moisturizes the skin at the same time. I’d also recommend this for people with sensitive skin, as it isn’t too abrasive. LUSH’s Dark Angels exfoliant is also marketed towards people with acne-prone skin, but I find it to be a bit too drying for my taste.
If you have combination skin, try: Dark Angels Scrubby Black Sugar Cleanser
If you have dry skin, try: Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub
LUSH Catastrophe Cosmetic Face Mask
How often: Once a week
Price: $9.95 at LUSH
LUSH, please hire me? What I love most about this face mask is the smell. When I put it on, I smell like I just jammed my face into a carton of fresh blueberries. Super yummy! I’ve found that, of all the LUSH facemasks, this one is by far the best at helping calm down any impending breakouts. I find that the only areas that breakout after using this mask are typically my really stubborn problem areas. This also helps with toning down redness in my cheeks and nose. While the price point might seem a bit high, these facemasks last for about a month if kept in the fridge, so you really get your money’s worth. In addition, if you wash out and bring five “LUSH pots” back to the store, they’ll give you any facemask for free. Combination skin peeps, this one’s for you too!
If you have sensitive skin, try: LUSH BB Seaweed Facemask
If you have dry skin, try: LUSH Oatfix Facemask
Fair warning: if you’re looking to buy these products, check the ingredients list first. Some of these items, especially the all-natural ones, might include an ingredient you are allergic to. If your skin is especially temperamental, it’s always best to talk with your doctor/dermatologist first before implementing some of these products. However, if you’re someone who’s frustrated with their current products, or if you’re just looking to spice up your routine, definitely give some of these products a go! Your beautiful face will thank you.
