I get a lot of questions about my skincare. So let’s dive in!
I have tried a lot of different products! Mostly because I have always taken skincare seriously. Even in high school and college, (when most people don’t think much about it) I was looking for good products and trying to take care of my skin as much as possible. And yes, I was even using anti-aging moisturizer in my early 20’s… and I’ll tell you why.
I think that similar to sunscreen, people sometimes forget about it until after they get burned! So, why wait to use anti-aging or any other kind of skincare products until after you actually need it? Most of this stuff should be used proactively instead of reactively. Hence why I was using these bad boys right out of high school haha.
But let’s start talking about all the options out there, because there are A LOT!
I have tried so many brands. Everything from the expensive brands at the department store, to other brands you find at Target. I was never wow-ed by anything that was “designer”. And I never wanted to spend that much money on something that I would need to turn around and purchase again in a few short months. But it’s easy to be drawn in by their promises, right?
Younger-looking, pore-free, peels, they have the works!
My particular skin needs were pretty simple, but have never changed. While I never suffered from acne, I would have a few surprises pop up every now and then. Mostly when I was stressed, or not eating well. So since acne wasn’t my main concern I would focus on other needs. I have a fairly oily t-zone and have always suffered from blackheads on and around my nose. So when it came to picking my products, those were always my main focuses.
So finding products that solve all of those problems can sometimes be a challenge! But what is the one thing that almost EVERYONE has in common this time of year? Dull skin. Yes, the Vitamin D has worn off from our vacations last year and outdoor activities and our skin is feeling a little lack-luster.
Well I have never found a product that solves that problem more than the Botanics All-Bright skincare line. I am telling you, I started off with the day-time moisturizer that I bought on a whim because it sounded refreshing… a month later my medicine cabinet is now stuffed with the entire line as well as many other of their products.
What’s my daily All-Bright routine?
I first always, no matter what, start by taking off my makeup. And take it off really REALLY well. Sometimes I start by using the Botanics face wipes, then followed by their eye makeup remover, seen below! It gets the job done and prepares your skin for cleansing.
People sometimes forget this step and skip right to washing their face. STOP! The product that you are using is only doing a small percent of its job because it can’t reach your skin if you don’t remove your makeup first. It’s working so hard to cleanse the makeup from your face that it can’t get to your skin and work as hard as it should.
But guess what, I don’t stop there! After using a wipe and/or the makeup remover, I will even use the Micellar Cleanser to remove EVEN MORE of my makeup. The first time I did this I figured I would just try it… and I was SHOCKED by how much makeup was still coming off. And now it’s not because I wear gobs and gobs of it. But because if you wear your makeup all day or for a long night out, it really gets into your pores! So I follow my makeup remover with the Micellar Cleaning step, seen below to get that stuff out even more.
Now, I’m prepped and ready to clean!
The All Bright Foam Cleanser is one of my favorite! The way the gel foams up and bubbles to get every crevice of your face as you work it into your skin is so refreshing. I use this almost every morning and night, and sometimes alternate with the Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish which will leave your skin feeling so smooth and ‘polish'(ed), for lack of a better term 🙂
One skincare step that I didn’t learn about until just a few years ago is Toner. Which, I take very seriously because of my blackheads. Toner is a key step so cleaning out your pores, pressing the product into your skin and leaving it to do its job and rid your pores of that pesky dirt. And the All Bright Toner does not disappoint! Continuing to live up to its name and keeping your skin looking bright and lustrous.
So if you’ve never tried toner but feel like your skin and pores need that extra boost? Try it out!
Last, but NEVER least, is the moisturizer. I cannot tell you how much I adore this All Bright Night Cream. The creamy nature leaves my skin feeling so hydrated, and so refreshed from the day’s activities. And I cannot tell you how luxurious it smells. There’s a floral/fruity hint to it which will leave you wanting more! I beg of you, try this night cream, as you won’t be able to get enough of it.
The day creams are just as effective, and some have SPF in them as well. I will never buy a day cream that doesn’t have SPF in it as I find that to be one of the most important pieces to skincare. Even if my makeup foundation has SPF, which it usually does, I will always start my day off with a day cream that will protect my skin from the daily exposure to the sun. Don’t forget that the skin on your face is some of the most fragile and vulnerable! And unless you wear a ball cap all day every day, it is very difficult to protect it without a good layer of SPF. So please, do the same and protect your skin!
I know it might sound counterintuitive, but I use their facial oil a TON as well! I know… I have oily skin, why would I do that? The All Bright oil is so light that it will do anything but add oil to your skin. It leaves your skin, again, feeling so bright and fresh!! Botanics recently sent me their Organic Refreshing Facial Oil and while it is a little heavier, and probably wouldn’t use right before I apply makeup, it is the perfect product for this time of year. When it’s still slightly winter, almost spring, but your skin is still SO dehydrated at times and needs an extra little kiss of hydration. Shop both of these oils in the pics below. I would suggest the All Bright if you worry about having oily skin as you can use it any time of day, even before you apply your makeup. I usually even use a day cream after I apply that particular oil, while the Refreshing Facial Oil can stand by itself. No extra moisturizer needed.
