Written by: Marissa Baptista
@marissamarie.artistry
For over 8 years I have worked in the beauty industry as a medical aesthetician and cosmetician. Therefore, I have tried my fair share of products ranging from low to high end. As seasons change, my skincare routine changes as well. Except, no matter how I alter my routine there are 5 specific skincare items that have maintained their status as staples in my skincare routine.
1. FARMACY GREEN CLEAN Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
I cannot stress enough the importance of thoroughly cleansing your skin of makeup at the end of the day. This is why I recommend doing a double cleanse with my go-to makeup remover: Farmacy Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm.
A double skin cleanse is crucial in any daily routine, this is because if makeup is not properly removed there is a barrier that is preventing a full cleanse. I always say, “would you go into a shower with your clothes on?” Just like with your skin, you cannot cleanse thoroughly if you have a layer of makeup blocking you from doing so. As a result, once you find the right product like I have to help you with removing makeup, you’ll notice less breakouts, as well as preventing premature aging.
Key Ingredients:
Sunflower and Ginger Root oils: melt stubborn makeup without stripping the skin.
Tumeric and Moringa extract: helps fight effects of pollution and remove impurities and sunscreen residue.
Papaya Enzymes: naturally exfoliates pores.
Priced at $45.00/CAD/100mL or $29/50mL at Sephora, this balm can last you up to 3-6 months. Its silky texture means that you’re not rubbing or tugging at your skin, but instead gently and softly removing your makeup and leaving it residue free!
Lastly, Farmacy Green Clean is low waste and totally environmentally friendly in its recyclable bottle and no need to use cotton pads nightly. Bonas!
This product makes me look forward to removing my makeup when it usually feels like a dreaded chore.
2. THE INKEY LIST’S EXFOLIATING TONER
Active ingredients are one of the only ways to notice a change within your skin, that’s why I fell in love with The Inkey List’s Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner. Two days after using this product I noticed an extreme difference in my skin's congestion.
Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) found in sugar cane and fruits. Glycolic acid works as an exfoliator without the harsh scrubbing and even promotes an accelerated cell turn over; this means smoother, brighter, younger looking skin. It further stops acne from forming and aids in a natural, graceful aging process.
Glycolic acid is safe for everyone when used properly. For the first 2 weeks when introducing the product to your skin, use it 2-3 times a week. After the initial introductory period do not exceed 5 times per week.
Used either morning or night -- try to stick to once a day -- apply 3-6 drops on a cotton pad and gently swipe across your face. I personally tend to focus on the T-zone first as that is where most congestion builds, where I then sweep the remaining product around the remainder of my face and down my neck.
This product can be found at Sephora for $13.99CAD/ 100ml.
3. VICHY MINERAL 89 HYALURONIC ACID SERUM
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, aka liquid gold. No, but really, hyaluronic is often referred to as liquid gold in cosmetics because of all its benefits!
Your body naturally contains hyaluronic acid where its function is to retain water while keeping your tissues well lubricated and working with ease. Hyaluronic Acid holds 1000x its own weight in water, adds and locks in moisture to the skin, including protecting the skin barrier. Remember, water and oil are completely different and all skin types need hydration – which is why healthy, hydrated, plump skin cells are more susceptible to accepting the benefits of other products that you're using!
I have tried countless hyaluronic acid serums, and I can say that there's a reason why this one has won awards like ELLE 2020 Beauty, including being recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association. Containing only 11 ingredients, its further noted as being Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, Oil & Silicone-free, Preservative & Alcohol-free, as well as Hypoallergenic for All Skin Types and Ages. It is also high in Vichy mineral water which is known for its healing and fortifying properties, which is what makes it a must have product!
How to use:
Cleanse, tone, mineral 89 - then layer with other products!
It can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart in store or Online or Vichy Website for $51.95CAD/75ml or $41.95CAD/50ml.
4. ENVIRON SKIN ESSENTIA AVST
Although I have focused on cosmetic or dermatologist skin care products, Medical Grade Skincare quite frankly cannot be beat for their research, quality and results. Environ is a world renowned Medical Grade skincare line that believes Vitamin A is the “oxygen” that our skin needs. The company is known for their step up system that encourages consumers to slowly increase vitamin A into their skincare regime, as it is a powerful ingredient.
One product that I stand behind is their Skin EssentiA AVST cream. Ranging from levels 1-5 to suite skincare health and personalized needs. It’s recommended to use this product 2-4x a week to begin, then after the initial introductory period it can be used every night, and if desired, can be used twice a day once your skin has adjusted to the Vitamin A in the cream.
The results you'll see are unbelievable. Vitamin A results in smoothing the skin's texture, including fine lines and wrinkles. It goes even further by also evening out dark spots, acne marks, and melasma. It helps create healthier, functioning skin as a whole by protecting your skin from sun damage, the leading cause of aging skin.
Environ’s products are also used by celebrity Dermatologists like @noyskincare and @joannaczechofficial, who have worked with Jennifer Aniston, the Hadid’s and the Kardashian’s!
Skin EssentiA AVST1 can be found at @tsskinclinic in store or their online shop for $110CAD/50ml or online from Environ directly.
5. LA ROCHE POSAY ANTHELIOS FACE 50+
The best way to prevent yourself from the look of aging and skin damage is protecting yourself from the #1 threat to your skin's health: the sun. Using an spf 30 everyday rain or shine will save your skin from a lot of unwanted distress! Because isn't it better to prevent than to fix? I think YES!
My go to products are: La Roche Posay Anthelios Face 50+, as well as La Roche Posay Toleriane spf30, Elta MD skincare UV daily spf 40, and Supergoop! Unseen sunscreen spf40.
Found at Shoppers Drug Mart for $34CAD/50ml
I hope you give one or all of these a try and in doing so find new confidence in how your skin looks and feels!