I am not a beauty blogger and have not been paid or gifted product for this review. This is for the people who have asked about my skincare routine. This is me in the raw.

In order to change your routine, you must be given facts on why something is better than another. There are so many skincare and beauty products available to us right now, but how do we decide? Take me for example. I used to walk around Sephora, on the hunt for a better mascara or foundation that will make me happier than my last purchase. Laura Mercier, Mac, Armani… I feel like I’ve used them all. “You’ve earned 100 points! Would you like to try a sample product?” Why not? I’d lather anything on my skin in hopes to look more clear and radiant. Yet each time, I found myself only being satisfied with the product for a short time. Where is this magic product that is going to change my skin??

I’ve been having facials with Kim (AZ friends, contact me if you are interested in getting her info) every 4 weeks for 2 years now. She is TRULY amazing and has transformed my skin! How? My main skin condition has always been treating milia, which are technically white heads located on my cheeks and forehead. Therefore, routine extractions are a must for me. I won’t sit here and pretend that I don’t enjoy a little spa experience as well. Who doesn’t?

Last year, I was approached via social media by Melissa of Citrine Beauty Bar to come in and discuss an Instagram giveaway to my followers. This was my first time visiting her store (which is beautiful) and I was so excited to sit down and talk skincare. This girl is always on the hunt anyway, right? Going through my makeup bag with Melissa, I had no idea how toxic these products actually were and the amount of chemicals involved in the making. To be honest, I never thought about it. Chemicals we don’t typically think about because they are hidden behind big brands, celebrity promotion and the beauty industry. Before you purchase your next lipstick or foundation, do some research and think about what you are putting on/into your body. Your skin absorbs 80% of the product placed on it. So think to yourself, how much do you know about the products you are putting on your skin? I won’t go on and on about this, but I want to give you an idea of what I went through to learn and make the decision to transition my skincare and makeup. Read more facts about chemicals and skincare on CitrineNatualSkin.com.

After our meeting I made the decision to incorporate natural beauty products into my daily routine. It wouldn’t happen overnight, but when I ran out of something I was currently using… I would replace it with a natural product. I have done this with my makeup as well and have never loved products more in my life. I have seen a difference in the hydration, decrease of milia, and all around clear and smoothness to my skin.

These are the products I am currently using:

The Honey Mud: I am in love with this product. It makes my skin smooth smooth smooth! I typically will use this one in the morning for a light wash.

An exquisitely distinctive union of raw honey, white halloysite clay and aromatic pure plant oils marry to envelope you in a truly intoxicating and highly addictive cleansing ritual. This silken, pudding-like treat gently frees you of the day’s pollutants, infusing your skin with active enzymes and nourishment while restoring your optimal hydration and individual rhythm. The Result: Reveal a calm and balanced complexion that is plush, clear and breathtakingly soft.

Nourishing Oil Cleanser: At the end of the day, I use this cleanser to take off my makeup. To make sure your skin is rid of all the makeup, I double wash and sometimes even wash with the honey mud or purifying cleanser. No makeup before bedtime 🙂

This gentle formula thoroughly cleanses skin with a silky blend of biocompatible oils and esters that dissolves makeup and daily impurities from pores while leaving skin’s moisture barrier intact. This cleanser purifies while helping to nourish the skin with Beta Carotene, Vitamins A, C, E, Lycopene and Omega 3 and softening roughness for improved texture. Ideal for dry skin types, it leaves a refreshed, non-greasy feeling, and provides a perfect, smoothed surface for makeup application.

Purifying Cleanser: A powerful cleanser that is incredibly smooth to the touch. I was advised to replace this one every week or two with a different cleanser instead such as the honey mud.

This cleanser combats the daily wear and tear of environmental exposure and pollution by effectively clearing pores of excess oil, dead skin, and buildup – while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. A powerfully purifying cocktail of sugars, Broccoli extract and fruit enzymes thoroughly cleans the skin and refines pore appearance, while an invigorating blend of essential oils helps flush away impurities for a deeply refreshed feel. This soap-free cleanser has a cooling effect on the skin and helps to balance oiliness.

Restorative Eye Creme: Love this eye cream! I am currently on my second bottle and have noticed the fine lines and wrinkles that I used to have are now non existent or very small.

This 360° eye treatment fights the eye area’s five most common signs of aging in one complete daily crème. This silky, ultra-hydrating formula protects the eyes’ delicate skin from dehydration and helps visually reduce under-eye bags and dark shadows for a revitalized, lifted look. Minimizes expression lines and deep wrinkles, helps to firm appearance of the eyelid, and reduces signs of fatigue and stress.

Hydrating Floral Essence: This toner is lightweight, airy, and smells amazing. I was also told that you can use the toner to set your makeup. I love spraying and whiping off any excess makeup left on my face.

This heavenly, lightweight moisturizing mist boosts the skin’s natural hydration with bioidentical Hyaluronic Acid and a weightless blend of natural humectants, delivering an all-day hydrated feel and plump appearance. Suitable for use on top of makeup, this formula immediately improves and refreshes skin’s appearance and is ideal for delivering antiaging hydration on-the-go. Helps to minimize pores, refine tone and enhance renewal for a glowing complexion.

The Problem Solver: I have never used a mask that I loved more than this one. From the moment you brush it on, to when it hardens on your face,  you can feel it working.  When you wash the mask off, you get a light exfoliation

A jet-black fusion of antioxidant-rich raw cacao, healing bamboo charcoal, soil nutrients, salts, and exotic warming spices go deep on a mission to reveal your most radiant self. This intense treatment masque effectively purifies & tightens pores, extinguishes inflammations, fights & heals blemishes, jump-starts circulation in the epidermis & detoxifies skin with delightful ease and power. The radically different powder-to-mousse formula activates on contact with water – only releasing its magic at the exact moment of use so you experience full potency every time. The Result: Clear and Luminous Skin that will Have People Asking for Your Secret.

Antioxidant Dew: Combined with the Beauty Elixir, these two make the perfect moistuzier for my skin.  My skin feels so hydrated and I just love it.

Featherweight texture, deep hydration.

Restore strength, vitality, and radiance to the skin with three distinct forms of antioxidants and a host of nourishing botanical Love. May be used as a lightweight multi action moisturizer or as a potent layering piece in your skin care wardrobe. Suitable for most skin types.

Beauty Elixir III: See above.

Beauty Elixir III: Prismatic Array is a 100% active formula replete with free radical-quenching CoQ10, collagen-inspiring Vitamin C ester, and a rainbow of phytonutrients, essential fatty acids, and natural actives without the inclusion of essential oils to accommodate especially sensitive complexions.

This sweet, earthy blend of potent nourishment repairs signs of environmental stressors and leaves skin soft and luminous.

Moonlight Catalyst: Soft and smooth…just amazing.

A gentle, yet effective way to refine and lightly exfoliate skin while you slumber that delivers all the cosmetic benefits of retinoid preparations without any harsh chemicals, redness, peeling, or thinning of skin.

Well, there you have it! My skincare regime as of late. I hope this post was helpful to those of you looking to make a change or perhaps make you think about what you are putting on your skin.

Additional skincare tips:
1. Never EVER wear your makeup to bed. I don’t care how tired, lazy, or drunk you are.
2. Always wash your face when you wake up and before bed.
3. Sunscreen! Your mom told you, your doctor told you, now I’m telling you… wear your sunscreen! I use Coola
4. Clean your brushes- once a week or every other week

Be Kind,
Lola