It’s been over two years since I shared an update about what lives in my Skincare Arsenal. I’ve had some changes, but by-and-large much of it is similar.
Makeup Removal and Cleansing
Reusable Makeup Removing Cloths
I broke up with cleansing wipes and a daily use of disposable cotton a while ago in favor of reusable makeup cloths. These are both more cost- and environmentally-conscious. There are tons on the market – the well-known Makeup Eraser (which I have not tried), Ulta’s set (feels like kittens, 10/10 recommend), and some cheaper ones I’ve seen at Wal-Mart and Five Below. I keep some at the sink, my vanity, and one in the shower depending on where I need to remove my makeup.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
At one point I had a million-and-one cleansers floating around my home even though I’d ultimately decided CeraVe Foaming was the one for me. I finally used them all up and haven’t purchased anything else* since.
Bonus Makeup Removers
I do have a tub each of Pond’s Cold Cream and a tub of Albolene, but these tend to only be used in the dead of winter or when I need to remove something exceptionally stubborn (which is rare).
Exfoliating
Clarisonic
Years ago, I wrote about my first year of ownership of a Clarisonic Mia 2. Since then, I went through some phases with it and favored a Foreo Luna Mini for a while (still a solid product, just not my daily driver). Eventually, I found the Radiance brush heads which give me life (though I hear their discontinuation). Then, I bought a Clarisonic Smart Profile. Bottom line is that I use it daily with my CeraVe cleanser.
Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment
Normally, makeup brands doing skincare causes me to cock an eyebrow (check the logo). Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment is a solid exfoliating toner that is neither over-the-top in its claims nor trying too hard with flashy packaging. It is unscented, straightforward, and saves me several steps. I love it.
Stridex Wipes
Tarte Knockout has largely supplanted these, but I bring them along when I travel or use them for body treatments.
Treatments
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
At long last, I published my review of Truth Serum. It doesn’t pack as much of a punch as what I used to use, but I’m willing to make the trade off for product stability and cost-effectiveness.
Moisturizing
Mountain Rose Herbs Argan Oil
My skin simply hasn’t liked anything I have tried as much as it likes Argan Oil. I can get it inexpensively, a little goes a long way, and its multi-purpose to boot.
Sunscreen
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence
I’ve been importing sunscreen from Japan for years now like an uppity jackass – but hey, it costs me $10-15 total and is kind to my skin. People pay more for products that don’t treat them nearly as well. It is lightweight and doesn’t break me out. Highly sensitive users might need to consider something else, though; such users occasionally report a burning sensation with use.