daily beauty essentials

Eos Travel Size Everyday Hand Lotion, Maybelline The Nudes Eye Shadow Palette,

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur, 

zero UV Round Circle Cat Eye Sunglasses

Over the past few years, I've gotten into a guilty habit of trying new beauty products and not finishing them because a) it didn't work for me or b) I found something better. I think I'm getting better about it especially when it comes to skincare products, since I want to make the most of the money I spent on it (good skincare ain't cheap!). But I did pick up a few drugstore products that I've been wanting to try, and they're proving to be good enough to stay in my makeup bag, at least for a while. A heavenly-scented hand lotion in a cute, round bottle that's perfect for traveling; a $10 eye shadow palette with all nude and brown shades imaginable with easy application; and the most amazing BB cream/ foundation that will glide across your skin and cover most blemishes and imperfections. The Shu Uemura is undoubtedly a staple in my makeup bag, since I stopped using mascara but need a little oomph in my lashes. And because we always need a cute pair of cat-eye sunglasses :) 

私は、常に新しい美容グッズを集めて使ってみるのが大好きです。でも、結構最後まで使わないことが多いので、少し控えるようには心がけているのですが。。最近、ドラッグストアのブランドで、興味があった商品をいくつか購入して、今のところとても使いやすく、気に入っています。ピンクの丸いボトルのハンドクリームはお出かけ用にぴったりで、とても使いやすいです。メイベリンのアイシャドーパレットはヌード系の色が全部そろっていて、アプリケーションもスムーズ。ラロッシュポゼのBBクリームファンデーションはびっくりするくらい塗り心地が良く、カバー力もいい感じ！忙しい朝には持ってこいのベースメークです。Shu Uemuraのビューラーは欠かさず使っていて、キャットアイのサングラスは可愛いから♪

Monthly Favorites #3 | the ultimate acne-free skincare routine

New monthly favorites is finally here! This time I want to introduce my skincare routine to keep the break-outs away.

I've mentioned in several beauty posts that I don't have the best skin and I break out easily (and still do if I am not careful), but I think I finally found a skincare routine using products that work with my skin. The key is to cleanse thoroughly and to moisturize, but in an oil-free way.

1. Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water 

This is essentially water for your face. I do use tap water to wash my face, but it just feels nice to spritz some of this on before and after I wash my face. It's great for sensitive skin (as the website notes), and it really does soften and moisturize my face. They have this in a travel size, which is great.

2. Nature Republic Forest Garden Green Tea Cleansing Oil

This is actually very similar to the Shu Uemura cleansing oils, but I happened to be in Shinokubo (Tokyo's Korea Town), and decided to give this one a shot. It definitely does its job - all my makeup is off in one wash, no rubbing, just light circular motions with some water and your fingertips. A dermatologist I spoke with recently told me this is the best way to remove makeup and dirt. I use this only at night before I use a regular cleanser.

3. Avene Oil Control Foam

This is the most gentle cleanser ever. I use a foaming sponge to get it really foamy, and gently cleanse my entire face with it. This is especially made for oily sensitive skin, so it's perfect. A little goes a long way too. The one I use seems like it is only sold in Japan, so I think this is a similar version sold in the U.S. 

4. T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel

After cleansing and spritzing on more thermal water, I apply witch hazel with a cotton ball. Yes, I am aware that the website says it is used for first aid, but it is an astringent and I swear they sell it in the skincare section in Japanese stores! (that's where I got mine). Anyways, this stuff is amazing. It gently removes any and all traces of dirt. It may seem like I am crazy about cleansing my skin to the last bit, but I read an article that if you take the time to apply makeup, you should also take more time to remove it well at the end of the day. It is the best way to avoid break outs and imperfections on the face. This astringent is alcohol-free, and I use it as a toner.

5. La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Daily Renewal Essence for Oily Skin

This is also an important step in my routine. La Roche-Posay is a a great skincare line that has amazing products for sensitive skin. This essence in particular smooths the surface of the skin while unclogging and minimizing the appearance of pores. I think this is a similar product sold on the U.S. site. Lovely product. 

6. Trader Joe's enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 15 (for day)

Fragrance free, for all skin types, light, non-greasy, broad spectrum protection, enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, PABA free, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). I think that explains this product well. Non-comedogenic is a key word. 

7. Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-enriched renewal cream

I can't and will not let go of this product. I've been using it for over half a year now and it does wonders. Paraben and sulfate-free, this is a non-greasy cream that really awakens dull skin. It's almost like a mask I wear overnight, finding my skin looking so much healthier in the morning no matter how tired I am. 

8. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultralight Sunscreen Fluid

The perfect sunscreen for the face. It is water resistant, fragrance-free and tested on sensitive skin. No problems with this one.  

I hope this helps if you also have sensitive, acne-prone skin like I do. I'm not saying you will never break out because I still do sometimes because of stress or hormonal factors, but this routine has  helped me significantly. I think because I take my time to cleanse and prep my skin, it feels and looks better than before. It's the first thing a person sees, so it might be best to take extra care of it :)

I would love to read any suggestions, any questions, concerns, or even any comments if you have used these products already. Love reading your opinions!

Have a great week! (almost the end of summer - enjoy it!)

Love,

Samantha Mariko