If you keep up with me on IG stories you know that I’m always down to try new products and love a good beauty find. I’m constantly reading reviews and talking to girlfriends about their favorite skincare products. I don’t make changes to my routine often, but if I’m not satisfied or just get bored I’ll keep looking and trying and looking and trying. Especially if I run out of something that has a higher price point, I’m determined to try something more budget friendly to see if it holds.

My routine isn’t fancy and it’s typically a balance of affordable and medical grade products. Notable mentions might not be using right now but love will be listed at the bottom. For example, my budget doesn’t always allow for my favorite pricier vit c serum so I’ll sometimes try a more budget friendly option but love the splurge, too!

currently using:

cleanse

Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Antioxidant Superfood Cleanser

I had been on the same cleanser for over three years before I tried this green tea superfood cleanser from Youth To The People. I had heard great things about their products and took advantage of a Black Friday deal on their kits which included this cleanser. First of all, the products are vegan and come in beautiful glass packaging. I’m almost done with this first bottle and love how it washes away makeup, foams easily, a little goes a LONG way, and again… the aesthetic. My pores feel tighter (am also using other products) but am definitely keeping this stocked in my bathroom.

protect

Summer Fridays CC Me Serum

I have spent some time learning about the harmful effects pollutants in the environment can have on our skin. We need to protect it!

At minimum you should be using a Vitamin C serum (and SPF but we’ll get to that) to protect your skin. 

I have tried a wide range of Vit C products on a wide range of budgets. A few that I’ve tried are Drunk Elephant (too sticky and expensive, plus I don’t like that the bottle isn’t clear so you don’t know how much is left), Coco Kind (love this natural brand and still use this one) and Obaji. Obaji offers a few different % levels of their Vit C serum. I use the 20%. I just ran out of the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and it’s kind of expensive so I’m currently trying the cleaner Sephora favorite CC Me Serum from Summer Fridays. 

So far I really like it. My complaints off the bat are that the bottle isn’t clear (can’t see how much product is left/what I’m using so I feel like I use more) and there isn’t a lid so it could be messy when traveling. It smells nice and fresh and applies kind of cold – so far I’m liking it especially for the price point!

on my radar next: 

Since I’m so obsessed with their products right now, Youth To The People came out with a new Vit C that I’m dying to pick up when I’m out of the Summer Fridays. 

moisturize

Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40

I love this affordable SPF from EltaMD. It gives your skin such a hydrated look and keeps it protected. Even if I’m staying home and staying inside, I always apply SPF. Sometimes if I’m putting on foundation right away it might have it and I’ll skip this but I almost always slap this on since I know I’m getting the protection, it acts as a moisturizer, and who doesn’t love a product you can just grab on Amazon?

They have a tinted version that I plan to try but as of lately my SPF and newest obsession product is the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

I have been washing my face in the AM with cold water and throwing this on with a cream blush stick + brush up my brows for an easy daytime look. 

Other than this for a morning product, I have been loving these moisturizers and oils from Youth To The People, too!

favorite moisturizers right now

past favorites i plan to repurchase again