Our first facial for the new year was memorable for a few reasons. Firstly, as Felicia said during the live facial, "can't believe we made it!" To say 2020 was an interesting and difficult year would be the understatement of the century. Secondly, this was our first order of business after taking a pre-election break. So happy what's his face was voted out, now if he would only concede. Thirdly and most excitingly, while it was a challenging year, both Felicia and I gave sneak peeks at skincare products that we've been working on -- and that's something to celebrate! Finally, we decided to use products we have never before featured in a Face Flawless Facial, so hopefully, you'll find something new to love (primarily because of number 3.)

Happy New Year, Beauties! Now let's get down to the facial.

Christene’s At-Home Facial Routine

I removed my makeup with Nichole Avonie Blue Chamomile Cleansing Oil. It's a rich, naturally blue cleanser that melts away makeup, daily grime, sunscreen, mascara, and rinses clean with warm water. I aim to launch this product in two months! You can now follow the brand IG page here and check out the landing page. Thanks! xx

I followed with the Mallama Cleanser. It has a gel-like consistency and lightly foams. It has a light fragrance that reminds me of candy. In addition to gentle surfactants, it also includes tomato and strawberry enzymes -- great antioxidants that can refine skin texture and boost moisture.

Maelove Exfoliator contains both physical (Diatomaceous earth) and chemical exfoliant (Salicylic Acid). For me, the key to getting the best results with these types of exfoliants is gentle, even pressure while applying. I also like to keep re-wetting my face so my hand can glide with no resistance. The smooth results are instant!

I followed with the Mallama Toner to ensure I got all the product from my face and, more importantly, to give my skin a little moisture boost before moving to my next step. The toner contains aloe and hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture.

The next step included the Luxurious Wellniss Skin Scrubber to help clear up all the congestion in my cheeks. I've been slacking on my facials since we took our break and the gunk that escape my pores during this step was proof. 

The Alitura Clay Mask is unlike any other clay mask I have used in the past. It contains four types of clay (Rhassoul, Calcium Bentonite, Kaolin, Illite) Organic Kelp Powder, Freshwater Pearl Powder, American Ginseng, 10% L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), AND 6-hour Grass-fed Colostrum. This mask brightens, tightens, and helps to restore skin tone and even texture. (I'm about to smear it on my credit to see 'what it dooo!' :)) For optimal results, use 2-3 times weekly.  

After the mask, I added more toner to remove any residue. I then followed with Overt Glow + Even Serum. It's packed with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to boost both moisture and glow.  

Because it's winter and the air inside is dry, and I'm more than likely not drinking enough water, I add a light layer of Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum. It is a dual-phase serum to calm and soothe the skin while locking in moisture. I could have stopped here, but I didn't. Come spring/summer, I follow this step only with my favorite SPF product. 

I next added a tiny bit of Sula NYC Rose Gel Cream. This lightweight cream is perfect for anyone with oily skin. It's formulated with Alp Rose stem cell "to increases vitality and boost epidermal regeneration." 

I finally sealed everything in with the Nichole Avonie Rejuvenating Face Elixir. It's a unique blend of skin-nourishing cold-pressed botanical oils to hydrate, calm, and smooth the skin. Coming soon! You can now follow the brand IG page here and check out the landing page.

( Quick note: For me, serums, creams, and sleeping masks with high Hyaluronic acid content can make my skin appear dryer in the wintertime. I think it's because I don't drink enough water, and the room's air is dry. Hyaluronic Acid needs moisture from somewhere to be its best self. If a serum, cream, or mask you love all year stops working in the winter, switch it up!)

Felicia’s At-Home Facial Routine

For this facial, I was wearing lipstick, so I started with It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm as the first step in my double cleansing process. The multi-purpose cleanser and makeup remover contains an anti-aging serum that's formulated with collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants that help hydrate the skin. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm can also work as a 60-second moisture mask.

Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser is my second cleanse. The low foaming face wash soothes skin with chamomile and camellia extracts. This is a great choice if your skin is acne or prone to inflammation.

Sometimes I like a physical and chemical exfoliant mashup. Peter Thomas Roth Firm X Peeling Gel combines multi-action enzymes (from pineapple, pomegranate, and keratinase) and cellulose to effectively smooth the surface and reveal a fresher complexion. You can roll the gel off the skin for a physical exfoliation or let it sit for a bit as the enzymes go to town, busting up dead skin and build up.

After a 10 minute steam, I double-masked with two top-secret masks that I'm developing; I will say that one is brightening and the other is calming. My skin is in hyperpigmentation recovery mode, so that's why I started with a brightening mask. I chose a follow-up with a calming mask because if 2020 has taught me anything - it's to find my peace.

Post-mask, it's essential for me to begin to layer the hydration. I start with Rodial Dragon's Blood Cleansing Water. It's a micellar with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B. Next, I press on Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence it's winter, and my skin craves moisture right now. 

For facials, I always go hard and double up on the serum, plus I'm laser-focused on hyperpigmentation, so my serum choices are essential. I mixed a pump of Urban Skin RX Hydra Firm Brightening Serum with a few drops of Urban Skin RX Super C Brightening Serum (Both in this kit). This combination has been giving me the GLOW lately! The custom concoction is rich in hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, and Ferulic Acid. Collectively, the blend keeps my skin hydrated and bright.

Face cream + Serum seal the deal for me. Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisture Cream makes my skin so happy. The texture is airy yet hydrating. I love that it contains turmeric, which speaks to my brightening focus. SUPERNAL Cosmic Glow Oil is the cherry on top — packed with Vitamin C (skin brightener) and Omegas 3, 6, and 9, this silky, organic face oil is beautiful on its own or layered over a juicy moisturizer.

Watch our LIVE At-home Facial in our Face Flawless Facial Series!

Join us on Instagram every first Sunday at 5 pm EST for live facials!