8 of My Current MVSPs - Most Valuable Skincare Products
As the year comes to a close, with 2019 right round the corner (literally 2 days away), I’ve spent a good amount of time reflecting on the past year. 2018 has been a year of major learning and growth, as I mentioned a few weeks ago. That learning has been in all aspects of my life, not just with regards to my career and relationships, but also regarding my body and my skin.
There is an on-going battle between my skin and I that has spanned years and years of my life. I’ve dealt with hormonal cystic acne since I started high school, and that has only just changed in the last month or so. By no means do I anticipate never having another break out ever again in my life, but the frequency and severity of such red and typically painful mountains on my chin has dramatically diminished. My skin looks glowier, less aggravated, and overall healthier. This could be due to a number of different factors: I’ve been trying to drink more water (as should you!), I’ve incorporated different vitamins and supplements into my diet, and I’ve been trying to be more consistent with what I’m eating. However, I think the biggest factor is my current skincare regime. These products in combination with each other have transformed my face, and in turn, my confidence!
CLEANSER - Origins Checks and Balances
I never really liked frothy face cleansers. I always felt they were too harsh and drying for my skin. That was until I found this one from Origins (another steal from my mum’s bathroom cabinet, thanks mum!). A little goes a long way with most of the products in my current regime, but that is especially so with this cleanser. It helps to balance my skin, absorbing oil and moisturizing dry patches. With Kelp Extract, Wheat Protein and Tourmaline, my skin is protected and nourished from the very start. It’s got a gorgeous fresh scent that isn’t too offensive, and is totally worth the extra few $$ you have to spend on it. Start your skincare off on the right foot by finding the right cleanser!
TONER - D'Alba Piedmont Peptide No-Sebum Balancing Toner
I’ve mentioned this guy before in my 2018 Summer Favourites, so the fact that I’m STILL using it means its definitely an MVSP. With Italian White Truffle Extract, BHA, and Pearl Extract, the toner balances out the pH levels of my skin, maintaining hydration and fighting off free-radicals. Combating dull and dehydrated skin has never been easier, especially in the cold and frigid winter months when dry skin is prevalent. This particular toner is free of of alcohol, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, synthetic dyes and synthetic fragrances; all ingredients that I try my best to avoid.
SERUMS/ESSENCES - Volition Beauty Snow Mushroom Water Serum AND Elizabeth Grant Triple Effect Essence of Torricelum
Serums and essences are very similar in what they do. They provide your skin with concentrated hydration and nourishment which is what makes them essential in your routine. Volition Beauty’s Snow Mushroom Serum and Elizabeth Grant’s Essence of Torricelum are the two products that I am CONVINCED have transformed my skin. Providing major boosts of moisture and protection, these two products contain enough anti-aging, collagen boosting, skin rejuvenating ingredients to have you wrinkle free for many years to come. Think: smaller pores, reduced redness, improved elasticity, and defense against environmental stressors. Acne: BE GONE. ** These two are both on the pricier side, but like I’ve mentioned before, spending the money on effective skincare is MORE THAN worth it. **
MOISTURIZERS - Marcelle Oil Free Multi-Defense Lotion AND ATrue Spring Green Tea Watery Calming Cream
This year, I learned the importance of having two different moisturizers; one for day-time and one for night-time. Your skin requires very different things depending on the time of day. During the day, you need light-weight sun protection without an oily residue, and at night your skin soaks up intense moisture and nutrients to help heal itself while you sleep. The Marcelle lotion has been my go-to for day since probably 2016, and I have recently fell in love with the ATrue cream that has been my night time fave since the summertime. Finding multi-tasking products like these two has helped control and calm my irritated skin.
EYE CREAMS - Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream AND Volition Beauty Helix AM/PM Eye Gel
As far as under eye bags are concerned, mine are designer. No surprise here, another repeat product that I am wholly devoted to, along with a brand new MVSP. Just as you need a moisturizer for both day and night, your under eye area needs something different as well. For day, I grab the GinZing eye cream 110% of the time. It contains a major boost of caffeine to wake up and restore radiance to your under eyes. When I’m looking tired first thing in the morning, this guy does a great job at brightening up my face. For night, my new fave is the Volition Helix AM/PM gel. It works for both morning and night, but I love it for when I’m heading off to bed. It’s helps to reduce the look of fine lines around my eyes, and the puffiness I tend to get when it’s cold and dry outside.
What are some of your MVSPs? Are there any heavy hitters you absolutely CANNOT live without? Let me know in the comments.
