The most effective way to get through this seems to be by category so lets begin with one of my favorite things to purchase:
CLEANSERS
- URBAN SKIN RX Even tone cleansing bar- This I loved so much that I immediately purchased back ups. So its a solid cleanser meant to even out the skin, but can also be left on the skin for up to 3 min as a mask. It comes with a sponge for application however I used my clarisonic with it. I used it as a night time cleanser and found that it did brighten and even out the skin.
- GLOW RECIPE blueberry bounce gentle cleanser- This was just okay..its an overpriced cleanser that was supposed to brighten. It worked okay at cleansing but didn't brighten, I also had an issue with this jelly like formula sliding out of my hand (not cool considering the price). I might have repurchased it in the future but I recently discovered that they not only changed the packaging but added fragrance so thats the end of that.
- GARNIER SKINACTIVE micellar cleansing water- I hated this at first, its watery and didn't seem to remove makeup well. Took me a while but I figured out how to make it work for me, I found that this gentle cleanser was great in the morning. Its scent free cheap and easy to find I would buy it again.
MASKS
- CLINIQUE acne solutions oil control cleansing mask- I like this and have repurchased it. Its simply a salicylic and kaolin mask thats fragrance free and decently priced. This only needs to be on for 5 minutes so I used as an in shower face mask.
- PAULAS CHOICE pore clarifying charcoal gel mask- its no secret I love paula's choice so when she came out with a new mask for oily skin I had to try it. I like it I wouldn't say it was better than her " skin balancing oil absorbing mask " but its good. What I enjoyed most about this was that it didn't get stiff in the tube and applied easily. This is however a relatively thin clay mask took needs building up to get that opaque mud mask look. I'd buy it again.
- ORIGINS clear improvement active charcoal mask- This one is a classic that I repurchased multiple times. I really do enjoy using it and will continue to buy it.
- PAULA'S CHOICE skin resurfacing 2% bha liquid- this I've used an repurchased many times, its a salicylic acid toner which is good for acne prone skin. Although many other brands too carry salicylic toners paula's is the only i've found that was alcohol and fragrance free. I used this if I had a break out or felt one coming.
- PAULA'S CHOICE skin balancing pore reducing toner- This is one of my favorite toners I consistently repurchase, its has antioxidants and caramides and is also fragrance free. This won't leave your skin feeling tight and can be used daily at anytime.
- DRUNK ELEPHANT framboos glycol night serum- I liked this but I'm not 100% sold on it. Its a glycol treatment meant to brighten and even out the skin. It seemed to work okay but its just so expensive and this is coming from someone who loves high end. I dabble between this and the glytone rejuvenating lotion (which is cheaper and goes as high as 20%) ...I guess I wish DE would offer discounts.
SUPPLEMENTS AND MISC
- EMERGEN C immune plus chewables- I love this , they taste great and keep me from getting sick. It contains vitamins C,D,E,B6, and ZINC. At about $12 they are a bit pricey get mine at target .
- RAINBOW LIGHT women's one multivitamin supplement- I like these...I know i'm not the best eater so I try to make up for it by taking supplements and this is currently my brand of choice. This rainbow light brand is vegetarian and gluten free, however they are hard to find I've only been able to find them online.
- MAC prep and prime fix plus- I love fix plus, I have tried something else I also love but fix plus is the original bae. I pretty much only wear powder foundation so I used this to rid myself of that cakey look. I can use it in the summer and winter months despite having ridiculously oily skin.
BODY
- NUBIAN HERITAGE Indian hemp and Hatian vertiver 24 hr natural deodorant- I liked this..it smelled nice and worked okay in the winter. I couldn't use this as a summer deodorant because it isn't an antiperspirant and wont keep me dry . I used this mostly for days when i wouldn't be out long or stayed in.
- SUMMER'S EVE cleansing wash- Ive used this for years and will continue to do so. I have no adverse reaction using this and feel extra clean when I use it. Summer's eve isn't expensive and is easy to find, I always get this pink one.
- SKINTIMATE skin therapy shaving cream- I always get this and still love it. The scents aren't offensive, they don't irritate my skin,and are cheap.
