Best of Skincare Tag

This tag was created by ttsandra & makeupTIA on YouTube, and I’ve seen it circulating for the last little while. Skincare is something that I love, from researching new products to performing my little routine on the daily. While I strive to use quality products on my face and body, skincare seems particularly important to me because the formulations are intended to penetrate the surface layers of your skin in order to have an effect. I thought it would be a fun challenge to go through my stash and pick out the best of the best (for now).

The Questions: (from makeupTIA’s YouTube video)

What's your skin type?

I feel like my skin doesn’t fit neatly into one “type” label, and I’m sure most people’s skin doesn’t. At my recent Province Apothecary facial, I learned that my skin is both dry AND dehydrated, meaning that it lacks oil and water. I kind of figured that those terms were interchangeable, but I guess not! I tend to get a bit shiny on my nose and forehead, but I’d prefer to be over-moisturized than dry and tight.

How do you store your skincare products?

Because I live in a house of three women and one tiny apartment-sized bathroom, I store my essentials in a little basket just outside the bathroom door. They’re nicely concealed but still easily accessible. The rest go in one of those plastic organizers with sliding drawers in my room. That’s where I store things that I don’t use everyday (ie. masks) and any backup products.

Favorite ingredient?

Oils! Argan, rosehip seed, jojoba, anything moisturizing and soothing.

Most indulgent product?

Right now, I’d say it’s the deluxe sample size of Lina Hanson’s Global Face Serum that I ordered from Petit Vour. I take three drops, rub it between my palms, and press it into my skin. It smells incredible – floral and herbal. The ingredients are absolutely top quality and I don’t even need to apply moisturizer overtop as I would with a traditional serum. The only downside is the price, at $112 CAD for 30ml. Thankfully, the sample should last me quite a while.

Best budget buy?

The Acure Brightening Facial Scrub. It’s green in colour and smells like health food store (a combination of leafy greens and spices). It’s a powerful physical exfoliator that leaves skin feeling super soft. I use it in the shower on my face, neck, and chest 1-2 times a week.

Do you use any tools (Clarisonic, Foreo, etc.)?

None at the moment, although I do own a Clarisonic Mia 2. I should dig that out…

Best mask?

The mask that I get the most noticeable results from is Dermalogica’s Gentle Cream Exfoliant. I bought this on Lisa Eldridge’s recommendation. It’s a chemical exfoliant that you apply to skin and leave for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. It stings a little when first applied, but it isn’t unbearable, and like the Acure, it leaves skin noticeably softer.

Best multi-use?

Province Apothecary’s Hydrating Rescue Balm has been a standout favourite for me since my facial. It has helped keep my eczema spot at bay better than over the counter hydrocortisone cream. I also apply it to my nose and chin, which can get irritated and flaky during the winter. I work any extra balm into the backs of my hands after I apply it to my face. I can’t be without it anymore!

If you had to stick to only one skincare brand, what would it be?

Right now, I’d say Province Apothecary. Everything I’ve tried from them so far has worked well for me, and I really like what the brand is all about. To learn more about my experience with PA, check out my Love Note to: Province Apothecary. I recently had a Tata Harper “mini-facial” at The Detox Market’s King Street location and her products are lovely as well, albeit out of my price range!

Best spot treatment?

Right now, I’m using Province Apothecary’s Clear Skin. It’s working for me, but I don’t know if it’s a true “ride or die”.

Favorite step of your skincare routine?

Removing my makeup! It feels like you’re washing the day off and I instantly feel more relaxed. To remove eye makeup, I go in with a micellar water. Right now I’m clinging to a sample of Tata Harper’s Nourishing Oil Cleanser, but coconut oil and a warm washcloth works just fine for removing face makeup.

What's on your skincare wishlist?

As mentioned above: Lina Hanson Global Face Serum, Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser. Kypris Antioxidant Dew. Kjaer Weis’ new oil. I’d love to see what all the hype is about with May Lindstrom’s The Blue Cocoon. The price is definitely prohibitive, however, so I’d better not try it. My goal for right now continues to be to use up what’s already in my collection.

I hope you enjoyed my Best of Skincare tag! I’d like to tag anyone reading this post to come up with your own answers, and as always, share!