Skincare Routine — Sophie Kay's

For a long time now, it feels like I have been searching and searching for a reasonably priced, efficient skincare routine. I think, after years of trying many different products, I have found my favorites.

I've struggled with acne for the majority of my teenage years, and I consider it to be my biggest insecurity when it comes to my outside appearance. I went on medication at one point to try and manage it, and yet somehow nothing worked. It was only after I stopped taking medication and applying heavy creams with tons of chemicals that I started noticing a difference. Over the years I have learned that for my super sensitive, dry & yet somehow still oily skin, I need good quality ingredients and a strict routine that my skin & my brain can follow.

Fresh - Soy Face Cleanser

I've been using this face wash for about 2 1/2 years now and it is absolutely amazing. I use this once a day in the evening when I am washing off all my makeup before bed. This product is so gentle on my skin and leaves my face feeling soft & refreshed. Although it is on the more expensive side for just an all natural face cleanser, I honestly feel like this product is worth the price of $38. The Fresh - Soy Face Cleanser has a very relaxing and "spa-like" scent and always leaves me going to bed feeling clean & ready for the next day.

Mia 2 Clarisonic

I only use my Clarisonic 2-3 times per week because I have very sensitive skin and if I use it more than that it tends to irritate and cause break outs for me. However, it is a very gentle yet effective way to cleanse + exfoliate your skin at the same time. I love putting my cleanser onto the bristles and washing my face that way every few days to really get a deep clean of my skin and take away any dead particles.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I discovered this product around this time last year and immediately saw a difference in my skin. I use Micellar Water twice a day, once in the morning when I wake up to cleanse & refresh my face and then again at night after I use my cleanser to just make sure all my makeup is off before I apply moisturizer. This product leaves my skin feeling so clean & soft, and in the morning it creates a great base to apply makeup.

Garnier Rose Water Moisturizer

The same brand as the Micellar Water, this Rose Water Moisturizer is a new addition to my routine. I used to use Fresh- Deep Hydration Rose Moisturizer and I am obsessed with it but came to the conclusion that as a college student, $40 on moisturizer is not what I should be saving my money for. So I researched long and hard for another less expensive product that had a lot of bang for a little buck. I came upon this one, that cost me $12 instead of $40 and I have been loving it! This is, however, a cream moisturizer which I find really great for the Winter & Fall months when the extra thickness can really come in handy. Although I think I will have to keep searching for a gel-based formula to use in the warmer months as it isn't so heavy on the skin. I tend to use this product at night because it is rather thick, and prefer to use a different product in the morning under my makeup.

Glamglow Mega Illuminating Moisturizer

This was actually a sample that I received from Sephora a few months ago & it has lasted me so long! I absolutely love this company and this product gives the best glow effect on the skin. This illuminating moisturizer is perfect for the summer months when that extra shine just gives you the pop you need to look more alive and radiant. The formula sits beautifully underneath my makeup and keeps me looking fresh & hydrated all day long.

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

I discovered this product in Middle School actually & have been using it on and off ever since. I fell in love with this Baby Skin primer because it literally gives you baby soft skin. Although it doesn't exactly hide your pores as well as more expensive brands, it creates a silky smooth base that makeup just glides over and blends into and also, it is only $3.99 at Target!. I love knowing that when I use it my makeup will apply effortlessly and blend together so there aren't any creases or splotches. It is such a go-to and dependable product that use it every day before I apply my makeup to prep my skin.

Burt's Bees Rose Lip Balm

The last product that I use every sinle day (multiple times a day actually...) is this Burt's Bees lip balm. I used to use Fresh Rosé Lip Balm but decided to look for alternatives, again, for the price factor. I discovered this one and have not regretted it. I love using tinted lip balms everyday because it is like a 2 in 1 process. I like having a bit of color on my lips, but usually most lipsticks and stains leave my lips feeling overdone and dry. This is the absolute perfect blend of moisture and color for me and I am so happy with the price and results!

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment

I am absolutely obsessed with this skincare product. I use this Glamglow Supermud face mask about 1-2 times a week and it works wonders. I love the fact that you can visibly see it going into your pores and clearing them. It clears and cleanses your pores and leaves them looking tighter. Since it is so powerful, I can't use it all the time as it dries out my skin, but I look forward to the nights that I do get to use it, as it is so relaxing.

So there you have it, the skincare routine that has turned my insecurity into something that I can manage and handle. I hope you enjoyed and got inspired to spice up or improve your own skincare methods!

xoxo- Sophie Kay