5 Skincare Buys for Summer




Until a recent facial at Volta in Georgetown, I didn’t realize just how poorly I’ve been handling skincare. Learning simple facts about my skin went a long way when choosing a new skincare regimen that I updated almost immediately after leaving Volta. Easily, the most important take away from my facial was that my skin was dehydrated – not dry; a difference I didn’t realize even existed until now. Dry skin lacks the natural oils it needs while dehydrated skin actually lacks water and is caused by – among other things – improper product use. Guilty. (Learn a little more about the difference between the two here.)

I like to shop local when I can so I ended up at Bluemercury, where I shopped all of these products with the exception of the hydrating cream. I’ve been using each of these for one week – morning and night – and I’ve already started to see a difference in my skin; It’s brighter, smoother, and more refreshed. While the price tags on these 5 products aren’t what you’ll find at a drugstore, they’re pretty reasonable if you’re really interested in investing in healthier skin.

 

TREAT // Bliss Triple Oxygen Foaming Mask

Use daily as a mask, not as a cleanser. Leave on for 5 minutes for cleaner, healthier skin. If you’re interested in a cleanser, I’m currently using this one and love it.

HYDRATE // H20 Plus Ultra Hydrating Cream

I have super sensitive skin so finding a hydrating cream that doesn’t irritate has been a true test.  This cream has a cooling effect and leaves my skin extra supple. Wear over serum and under makeup (and SPF).

EXFOLIATE // m61 Power Glow Peel

Just because it doesn’t have beads doesn’t mean it’s not exfoliating. These peel wipes are everything; They’re gentle enough to use on sensitive skin but powerful enough to really exfoliate properly. Tip – make sure your skin is squeaky clean before you use these wipes 2-3x a week.

REVITALIZE // m61 Vitablast C Serum

Water and vitamin C were the two things I was told my dehydrated skin needed. Since I already trusted the m61 brand, this product was an easy choice in a sea of other options. Wear this serum under your daily moisturizer/night cream.

BRIGHTEN // Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster

A girlfriend told me this product worked to brighten her skin but the skeptic in me figured it was just the $48 she had spent on a serum talking. Well, she had a point. After 2 days of using this serum I started to notice a brightness in my skin that I hadn’t seen in a reallyyyy long time. It smells great and works wonders – highly recommend. Wear this serum under your moisturizer/night cream.