#FaceFlawlessFacial: At-home Facial Featuring Products Under $10
During this week's facial, we focus on items priced under $10. Get ready for the Budget Beauty Glow UP!
CHRISTENE’S AT-HOME FACIAL ROUTINE AND PRODUCTS USED
I started with a classic — Ponds Cold Cream ($5.29). This is one of the first makeup removers I used. It is a mix of oils and water that, when massaged into the skin, loosen dirt and makeup. I find it best to wipe it away with a washcloth, sponge or paper towel and follow with a foaming cleanser.
My next step was the Wholefoods brand, 365 Everyday Acne Care Charcoal Cleanser ($6.99). It contains 2% salicylic acid, one of my favorite ingredients to help keep pimples at bay. It foams up lightly and gives a good clean with drying out the skin.
This week's steaming session came courtesy of a bowl of water with Eve Milan's ClariTea ($4 sample) added. The tea is a blend of Red Raspberry Leaf, Blue Vervain, Spearmint Leaf, Red Clover. It is meant to be steep and consumed to detoxify, boost energy, regulate hormones, and strengthen the immune system. I like adding teas to my steam when I use a bowl — the aromas are amazing, and I have the added botanical benefits such as detoxing the skin and regulating oil production. The tea sample is free with any Eve Milan NY cleanser purchase.
I did a double mask situation in this week's facial. I used the Aztec Secret India Healing Clay ($7.99 instore at-Wholefoods) around my nose and chin area and The Ordinary Peeling Solution ($7.20) on the outer areas of my face and my forehead. (I don't use Apple Cider Vinegar with the Aztec Mask — I tried it once, and it was not for me.) I generally mix with water or Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray and apply a thin layer where I need it. The Ordinary Peeling Solution is a mix of Alpha Hydroxy Acids that work on the surface of the skin, and Beta Hydroxy Acid, that goes a little deeper to work on the pores. I can keep this mask on for the recommended 10 minutes with no issue. During the facial, a couple of people remarked they can only use for a short time, and that is fine because everyone's skin is different. It's essential to read the product packaging and follow instructions, do a patch test for new products, and listen to your skin. Some peels and masks will sting a bit when you first apply them (30-45 seconds), but they shouldn't burn the whole time you are using them.
After 10 minutes, I rinsed with water and used the Mario Badescu Facial Spray ($7) to ensure all the mask was removed before moving on to my next step, the $3 sheet mask from Lapcos. This Cica mask is, for lack of a better word term, super hydrating. It has a whole lot of product in the packaging which I use on my next and decolletage. Each time I use one of these masks, I wonder how on Beyonce's internet, they are only $3! (Use Code LWXFFS for 15% off sitewide. Ends 5/14/20)
This next step was a little controversial because I applied two very active ingredients to my skin, after having just done The Ordinary Peeling Solution. This is where it pays to know your skin. I have used The Peeling Solution dozens of times, and I know what my skin can tolerate, so I felt safe applying Ambi Fade Cream ($4.97) after applying a drop of The Ordinary 1% Retinol in Squalane ($5.80.) I have dark spots on my cheek that I'm trying to get rid of, and the combination of retinol and hydroquinone have been proven to be effective, albeit in different dosage/percentages.
For those looking to follow up their peels with a less active product, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Overnight Gel Mask is a great choice. The humectant rich (glycerin and hyaluronic acid) gel-cream helps to boost skin moisture overnight -- ideal for normal and combination skin. I had the .3 ounce travel size tub for $2.79. You can get about 3 uses from it.
Got dry skin? Follow your peel and mask with the Ponds Dry Skin Facial Moisturizer ($5.29). This OG face cream adds a tonne of moisture without leaving your skin feeling greasy. It's formulated for dry, sensitive skin and is dermatologist tested.
During the facial, someone asked for sunscreen recommendations under $10. My two under $10 favorites are below.
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion with SPF 15 - A lightweight Fragrance-Free, Moisturizer that works on darker skin tones.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen, SPF 30 -- another lightweight formula that goes on sheer. Works great on oily/combination skin.
FELICIA’S AT-HOME FACIAL ROUTINE AND PRODUCTS USED
Cetaphil Gentle Facial Cleanser ($6.59) is an effective daily face wash. It's the number one dermatologist-recommended cleanser. I like that it can be used with or without water. You can splash off, or you can tissue away. Cetaphil Gentle Facial Cleanser removes makeup and surface debris without irritating or stripping the skin.
Image from Sephora.
I love glycolic acid for its exfoliating properties, so my next step is The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner. It's $10.99.
Keeping it in the resurfacing family, The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution is my next step ($7.20). This is a 10-minute exfoliating peel that helps to improve the texture of the skin, decongest clogged pores and give a glossy glow.
I was intense with the resurfacing, it's time to restore hydration to the skin. Trader Joe's Rich Hydrating Face Sheet Mask is $1.99. It's a 100% cotton sheet mask. I find the size to run a bit small for my face, but as far as hydrating the skin, it certainly does the trick. I like that there is enough leftover essence in the single-use mask to cover the neck and décolletage. So that's saying a lot for $1.99!
Intense hydration is my focus after doing all of that peeling and resurfacing, I follow up my sheet mask with The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum ($7.99). This will bring even more moisture to my skin.
It's time to seal in everything with The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi Squalene ($3.95). It takes just a few drops of this lightweight solution to seal in the hydration and support healthy skin.
Lately, I've been looking a bit tired around the eyes, so I used The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream ($9.99) to help improve circulation around my eyes.
The last step for the face is e.l.f. Calm Balm + hemp-derived Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil ($4.99). It's a hemp-derived cannabis balm for hydrating the lips. We cannot forget about the lips.
Today I decided to get my feet involved and threw Aveeno Repairing CICA Moisturizing Foot Mask with Oat ($3.99) into the mix. This is essentially a pedicure in a sheet mask. I highly recommend doing a good wash & scrub (i.e. pumice) before the mask. If you do these steps prior, your feet will feel brand new.