It’s been awhile since I’ve chatted beauty around here, so I thought it time to share my latest beauty favorites with y’all. This time of year is hard, it’s still cold, but spring shows off some hints here and there, before winter shows it’s ugly head one more (maybe four…) more time(s). Let’s dive in to my late winter skincare routine.
Osea Sea Vitamin Boost // Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating anti-aging serum c/o // Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating moisturizer // Colleen Rothschild Age Renewal super serum // Indie Lee I-Waken eye serum c/o
Keep in mind, everyone’s skin types are different, so what may work for me, may not work for you and vice versa. I’ve been experimenting with more clean and non-toxic skincare and beauty products (see my post on clean beauty finds here and natural skincare finds here), but haven’t been able to totally let go of all the completely unnatural skincare and beauty products out on the market. I admit it’s a lot harder, then I originally thought, to make a complete switch because a lot of these skincare and beauty products work “better” or have longer “staying power” because of such toxic ingredients.
In the least, in terms of my skincare, if they’re not entirely deemed ‘clean and non-toxic’ products, I’ve at least been trying to use those that are dermatologist tested and recommended. With that sort of guarantee, I at least know that they’ll be effective and can better judge their harshness or lack there of based on the dermatologist recommendations.
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating anti-aging serum // I’ve been using this serum every morning. I originally discovered Image Skincare years ago when I got a facial at a spa back home in Phoenix. I used some of their products religiously, but once I ran out, I never made it back to the spa to pick up more. Late last year, I was invited to a breakfast where we learned more about Image Skincare products and the mission behind them. The clinical skincare brand was created by an aesthetician and formulated by a plastic surgeon. It’s safe skincare, with proven ingredients and safe botanicals, it’s unlike a lot of other skincare brands out on the market. I absolutely love this serum not only because it smells so yummy, like oranges, but also because I can see noticeable differences with use. After using almost every morning, my skin has shown signs of brightening and feels extra moisturized. It’s also reduced that visible redness I sometimes wake up with in the morning, and I’m even seeing a slight reduction in the fine lines I have from smiling. I most definitely will be repurchasing this when I run out.
Indie Lee I-Waken eye serum // I’ve been a loyal Indie Lee fan for about a year now, ever since discovering her line of clean beauty products on my initial venture to discover clean skincare. I have nothing but rave reviews for all of Indie Lee’s skincare line. I’ve been using the I-Waken eye serum for the last month and really love it. Not only is the tube applicator easy to apply, either underneath the eye or on my fingertips, but it’s a weightless formulation that is moisturizing and helps with puffiness. I struggle with some serious dark circles under my eyes at times, and this has definitely helped to reduce their appearance. What I also love is that it absorbs well into the skin. I haven’t had any issues with layering my under-eye concealer over it, unlike some other eye serums that cause my makeup to crease or look cake-y. Definitely recommend this, plus it’s free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan and triclocarban.
Osea Sea Vitamin Boost // I’d heard quite a bit about Osea, but hadn’t ever taken the plunge on their products until recently. I actually went ahead and made my first purchase during the terrible wildfires in California last fall. The family that created Osea is based in Malibu, California and they lost their home during the Woolsey Fire. But instead of crying over their loss, they turned their business into a means for others to receive assistance. 100% of the proceeds from sales during the time, went towards fire victims and I knew from thousands of miles away, that even just a small purchase could make a difference. I was excited to try the vitamin boost, as it’s a spray mist that replenishes thirsty skin. I don’t know about y’all, but my skin is particularly parched during the winter months. Especially with the drastic shifts in winter weather temperatures, here in Houston, my skin loves to freak out. I usually spray it on my face throughout the day to refresh the hydration of my skin and even use it to set my makeup. I really want to try more Osea products, because, again, the clean beauty aspect of their line is super appealing. Stay tuned!
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating moisturizer // I am quite literally obsessed with this moisturizer. Initially I was nervous to use it thanks to the scary sounding words ‘Alpha Beta’, which made me think I was going to experience burning and sensitivity if I used the moisturizer. Boy, was I wrong about being worried to try it. This moisturizer has been an absolute game changer in my routine. I began using it once a week, and later upped it to every other night. I even tried to stop using it to see if my skin showed a difference, and immediately began seeing signs of unruly skin, and had little blemish spots appear. Yet, when I began using it again, all of that disappeared. A little goes a long way, and I’ve barely made it through half the jar, with continued use every night, over the last three months. I can definitely tell that it’s also gently exfoliating my skin and have even seen a few of my sun spots disappear. This is 100% worth every single penny and by far one of my favorite skincare products at the moment.
Colleen Rothschild Age Renewal super serum // I’ve been a loyal Colleen Rothschild skincare user for a few years now. Not only do I enjoy supporting a Texas-based brand, but after trying out a number of their skincare products, I really do love them. This super serum is just that, super. I really love how velvety the formulation is and how soft it makes my skin feel. It smells subtly nice too, which is a major plus. I can most definitely tell a difference in my skin – it glows, upon regular use. The only complaint I have about this product is the pump makes it difficult to get every last drop out of the bottom of the bottle. I tend to use about 1-2 pumps in my fingertips and rub the serum all over my face after I’ve cleansed my skin, and before I put on my moisturizer. It really seems to lock in that extra hydration that I need during the winter months. I love using this serum on beach trips, as the salty ocean breeze can also dry out my skin, and this truly locks the moisture back in extremely quickly. I also love Colleen Rothschild because the brand does its part to stick to as many clean ingredients and formulations as possible. This particular serum is free of Parabens, SLS/SLES Sulfates, Phthalates, Triclosan, Formaldehyde, PABA, Toluene and Benzene.
So there you have it, my five favorite products that make up my late winter skincare routine. Although not pictured, but an honorable mention (especially in the winter), is the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm. I usually swipe it on in the morning and evening and it’s ultra moisturizing on my lips, which get super chapped during winter months.
If there are any skincare products you think I’m missing out on, I’d love for you to share with me in the comments! xo
