Spring Skincare Routine

 
Spring Skincare Routine
 

I love that you all are as interested in skincare and beauty as I am! I need to start sharing more beauty on the blog because I am always trying new things and experimenting with different products seasonally. I tend to change up my routine every few months as the weather changes, this season as it is getting warmer my skin is finally a little happier than it has been the past few (cold) months. I tend to get super dry during the winter so I use heavier moisturizers and gentler cleansers. The transition to spring is always welcome because my skin feels so much more comfortable in the warmer months, and I love wearing lighter products! I feel like it allows me to wear less makeup during these months too which is such a refreshing change and a welcome break for my skin.

I’m going to break down my routine by product, my day and night routine are very similar and I don’t use a ton of products so this is a routine anyone can get behind!

Makeup Remover

I only use two different makeup removers and I have for years! These are the only products that never really rotate out of my routine. They work well for me and I have no need to change up this step, so without futher ado, here’s where I start my skincare routine!

I always remove my eye-makeup and brows first. Right now I am using the Target brand version of the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, but it is literally the exact same product, ingredients and all. I soak a cotton round with product and hold it on my eye for a few seconds to dissolve the makeup and then swipe it away. I try my hardest not to rub because, wrinkles.

 
 

I use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water to remove the rest of my face makeup, and it works like a dream and is incredibly gentle, perfect for sensitive skin. I always go over my face twice to make sure I get as much makeup removed as possible before I cleanse. It makes no sense to use an expensive cleanser on skin that has a layer of foundation still on, you will not get as good of results, I promise. Take the extra time to remove your makeup if you wear it daily, it is worth the extra step for healthier skin.

 
 
 
Makeup Removers
 

Facial Cleanser

I have tried so many different cleansers, I am pretty picky about what I use to wash my face! I recently started using the Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser. I need a daily cleanser that will scrub off the day really well since I wear waterproof makeup that can be stubborn at times. This cleanser does such a good job in the evening when I use it with my Clarisonic brush! You can use it with any manual exfoliating brush for the same effect. Speaking of face brushes I’ve been wanting to try the Foreo Luna, I’m planning to buy it this year at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

 
 

In the mornings, I like to use a super gentle cleanser that won’t strip my skin of moisture but will wash away any bacteria that may have accumulated from my pillow/sheets (gross, I know. It’s a thing though)! I find if I wash and moisturize my face in the morning my makeup goes on better too. I love to use the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. You can get it at basically any drugstore, or Ulta. It’s super gentle and won’t strip your skin, or leave it feeling tight and uncomfortable.

 
 

Exfoliating Brushes

As mentioned above, I use a Clarisonic Mia brush (linked is the newest version) to cleanse and exfoliate my face every 3-ish days. Not joke, I’ve had this brush since I turned 21. It is SO old and I can’t believe it’s still kickin’! But girl’s shown no sign of slowing down so I plan to use it until it dies because I love the deep clean it gives. Cleansing brushes are so important to remove the build-up of dead skin cells and to encourage cell regeneration by removing the dull surface layer. I also find that I can’t remove every last trace of makeup with just my hands. An exfoliating brush allows for a super deep clean to remove any last trace of remaining products on the skin for the ultimate clean and to allow for maximum product absorption of moisturizers and oils. I haven’t been able to find another brush that offers similar results to the Clarisonic but I have yet to try the Foreo Luna. I have heard great things about it and I would love to replace my super old Clarisonic for a product where I won’t have to continue repurchasing brush head replacements. Plus, can anyone confirm that Clarisonic is struggling as a company these days? I heard they laid off a bunch of people a few years ago and are maybe slowly disappearing, but it’s all hearsay.

 
 
 
Cleansers and Clarisonic
 

Exfoliating Product

Not going to lie I really didn’t see the purpose of this product when I first got it. I tried it a few times but it just didn’t work for me. I realized later on that I wasn’t applying enough product or leaving it on my skin for long enough, and once I got more patient and tried these tactics, this product quickly became a regular in my routine! I love using this gentle exfoliant on days where I want to exchange my Clarisonic brush for a milder exfoliation. Peter Thomas Roth’s FIRMx Peeling Gel is a great product to use for any skin type, and is also fun to use! Not only does the product have ingredients such as pineapple and pomegranate, it also includes enzymes that exfoliate the skin for a smooth complexion without leaving your skin tight and dry, or irritated. It peels off as you rub it in which is also an enjoyable experience. I’ve noticed it reduce the size of my pores, decrease overall dryness, and make my skin more radiant and youthful!

 
 

Moisturizer

I just switched from my all time favorite Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream moisturizer to this Tula Aqua Infusion Gel Creme. I was super skeptical, but I had heard great things about Tula products from more than a handful of friends so I figured it was worth a try. I was pleasantly surprised and have switched from my PTR moisturizer to use this one morning and evening! It is a super lightweight formula but still very moisturizing. It gives me a great amount of hydration without feeling heavy at all and it absorbs so fast! I’ve found that my skin has been smoother and makeup goes on easier and less cake-y when I use this moisturizer since it doesn’t even feel like anything is on my skin after I use it! I am obsessed! If you all want to try it out use my coupon code

JULIANNE20

for 20% off!

 
 

Self-Tan

I figured I’d share my little secret weapon since I use it weekly and it technically is a skincare item! Tanceuticals CC Color Correct Self Tanning Face Lotion has been a staple in my skincare arsenal for going on three years! I get the “Dark” color and use it on its own or even 50/50 mixed into my moisturizer for the perfect glowy tan all week long! I reapply it every few days or so to maintain. I love this brand because they pride themselves in using good ingredients, plus they don’t seem to leave that weird fake tan smell that other tanning products are well knows for!

 
 

Undereye Cream

I got this product as a sample last summer and have been using it ever since, I can’t believe there’s still even product left in the container, but I’m going with it! This Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Cream is so amazing because it decreases the look of fine lines, puffiness, dark circles, amongst other things. I find that I look much more awake when I use a vitamin C product under my eyes and this product is 50x more powerful than traditional vitamin C making it super effective! I live for this stuff, and I never thought I’d be one to have to use an eye cream daily, but I can’t go a day without this stuff!

 
 

Acne Products

Although I have pesky blackheads in my T-zone, I don’t get acne very regularly. I will get sporadic breakouts here and there, but nothing super unmanageable. These Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Pads have salicylic acid and glycolic acid to clarify the skin and help combat visible blackheads or the occasional breakout. I like to swipe a pad over my face when I feel like my skin is acting up (once every couple weeks for a few days). They help to tighten and clarify skin while providing a subtle exfoliation with the texture on the pads. They also smell like peach bellini!

 
 

This Neutrogena Red & Blue Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment is a fun tool that I never thought would actually work (I am quite pessimistic when it comes to gimmicky stuff). I found myself so desperate when I got a breakout before an important networking event last summer that I was willing to try anything to get rid of the nasty blemish. I was shocked after the first time I used this and saw VISIBLE results. I guess the red and blue lights kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in order to target and treat a breakout effectively and quickly. I use this thing regularly when I get a breakout and it really helps to make it go away faster than anything else I’ve tried!

 
 

If you made it this far, I LOVE YOU! Thank you for reading! I hope you were able to gain a little bit of information of some awesome products and how I am able to take care of my skin in the Springtime. Comment below what your favorite skincare product is!

xo

Anniversary Sale Beauty Purchases!

                              

Ok so I definitely went a little nuts with the beauty category in this years Anniversary Sale. I don't regret it at all though since it's been a long while since I've splurged on some good skincare and cosmetics! I rounded up all of my purchases and some extras that I use year-round (I didn't buy some stuff I already have since I've already spent too much $$). I am especially excited for the Iluminage "Precise Touch" hair remover tool, as well as the BeautyBio "GloPro" microneedling rollerThey're both splurges but I'll use them forever and I might as well get them on sale since they never go on sale the rest of the year! I'm also grabbing a couple extra beauty kits like the Charlotte Tilbury sets so I can use them as Christmas gifts before everything goes up to full price. Now's the time to shop! 

If you haven't seem my other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale favorites, check them out here:

"Top Boots and Booties"

"Cozy Home Decor Favorites"

 

Hover over each image and click to shop!

1. Bobbi Brown Palette $98 ($380 value) // 2. Evian Set $18 ($33 value) // 3. Mirror and Compact $52 ($78 value) // 4. Charlotte Tilbury Set $60 ($90 value) // 5. GloPro $169 ($269 value) // 6. Dry Bar Set $52 ($75 value) // 7. Iluminage Precise Touch $164 ($245 value) // 8. Beauty Blender Set $35 ($60 value) // 9. Kiehl's Lotion $52 ($75 value) // 10. Clinique Moisture Surge Set $99 ($154 value)

I am also picking up the Slip Silk Pillowcase Set another item I've been wanting for FOREVER that is in the sale so I couldn't pass it up! 

 

I'm so excited to see what else gets re-stocked for the public access sale. I've got a couple more things that I've been eyeing, hoping for them to come back around since they sold out so fast during early access. I hope you all get everything on your Nordstrom wish list, happy shopping!  

xo

VII Code Oxygen Eye Masks: Review

Lately I've been trying my hardest to invest more thought and effort into my skincare routine. You all may have noticed this if you watch my Instagram stories that I've been incorporating more beauty tips as I've been trying new products. I love sharing the results with you all and also hearing what you all love too!

I've noticed over the past year since having my baby that my skin has changed drastically and not necessarily for the better. It must be a combination of lost sleep, lack of hydration (I literally forget to drink water since I'm so busy), hormones, and honestly some days I'm just too exhausted to even think about just washing my face. New mom problems, right? So recently I was contacted by VII Code to try out their Oxygen Eye Masks which are like nothing I've ever used before. I did a little research before giving them a try but overall they ticked all the boxes for me in terms of the results they offered so I figured it couldn't hurt to try something new and fun! 

VII Code Eye Mask Style By Julianne

It's been SO hot here in Portland lately, so I decided to pop the box in the fridge during the time I was using the masks so they could be extra cooling and refreshing when I put them on!  The product can be left on the area for up to 8 hours and is made to be worn overnight, you don't even need to think about it, just peel, stick, then sleep! If you're a mom or have a busy lifestyle, these eye masks are totally game changing when it comes to skincare you don't need to think about, overnight skincare is genius! 

VII Code Style By Julianne

My first concern when I heard that they were a gel product was that wearing them for hours on end the gel would not stay put. I was pleasantly surprised to see and feel that this was not the case! The product is incorporated into a sticky pad that has a strong papery side that faces out and the gel sticks on your face and stays put for as long as you wear them! I have heard that you can also use a sleeping mask on top of the product if you are worried about them moving, but they truly stick on really well! I never had an issue when I used them at night and I move around a lot. 

VII Code Review Style By Julianne

Ok now on to the good part, my results! Suggested use is 2-3 times per week and I used them every other day for about two weeks (each pack comes with 6 masks). After the first use I noticed a drastic reduction in the puffiness under my eyes, but the most noticeable improvement was the texture of my skin. My under eye area has never felt more hydrated and smooth!  After a week of use the area was visibly brighter and I noticed that is was not only easier to apply makeup on my under eyes, but my concealer and foundation stayed put and didn't settle into the fine lines under my eyes! This was a huge win in my book! I didn't even realize how annoying those fine lines were until I didn't have to deal with my makeup gathering into them every single day. 

Overall I have to say I loved using these eye masks! I'm excited to integrate them into my regular routine and continue to benefit from the results. I still can't believe I'm in my late 20's and this is the first time I'm using an eye mask, but hey, better late than never! Especially with skincare. If you want to try them out as well, click HERE as always, please leave me any questions you may have in the comments. I'd also love to hear if you've tried VII Code's products before and what you think! 

As always, thanks for reading!

xo

 

*This review is sponsored by VII Code but all opinions are my own, I have included links to the product that may earn me a very small commission, but also show me what kinds of content you all are loving so I appreciate you using them when you try out my recommendations!*

My Makeup Routine: Products I'm Currently Loving!

I posted this image on Instagram and got an overwhelming response of people wanting me to post a detailed blog post of the items I use on a daily basis! So here it is, my daily makeup routine! Click HERE to skip the blog post and see my makeup favs in collage form. I am by no means a professional makeup artist, but I am a licensed esthetician with some light training in makeup application. Makeup is more of just a personal hobby for me, and I have lots of fun playing around with looks on myself! Keep reading to see what I use and what I love about each product! 

Style by julianne.png

FACE PRIMER:

This Smashbox primer is my all time favorite primer, I have some very large and visible pores on my cheeks as well as fine lines on my forehead and this stuff really is the best primer I've found that actually makes my face looks flawless, I just put it on my T-zone area and top of my cheeks.

I've also been trying out this primer, and loving it as well! It seems to work pretty well, and has a really beautiful, subtle scent to it. 

FOUNDATION:

I'm used to only be a high-end foundation kinda gal, but lately I've been all about the affordable, drugstore products and foundation is no exception! I've found a couple of amazing formulations that are comparable to some expensive designer brands I've used in the past. I have a whole post here from last year reviewing my favorite daily foundation, it's from L'Oreal and I still use it daily!

Another even more affordable [believe it or not] foundation I'm loving for days when I don't need as high coverage is this one right here. No joke, this stuff feels as luxurious as Georgio Armani, although it definitely is quite sheer, it is also very buildable which I love! Nothing better than a versatile foundation. 

A new CC cream I've recently started using on days where I really don't feel like wearing makeup but also don't want to scare people when I leave the house is this stuff! It has a built in serum with anti-aging qualities, it goes on so silky smooth and feels like your wearing nothing, but also has amazing coverage for a CC cream. It's a little pricey but comes with a lot of product in the bottle and a little goes a long way! I've applied it with my fingers, a brush, or a sponge and they all work since it is more of a moisturizer than a foundation. I love the versatility of this stuff! 

CONCEALER:

So, like every other female who's tried makeup, I could go on all day about how amazing this Tarte concealer is, and although I believe you should DEFNITELY try it if you haven't, everyone's heard about it a million times. What if I told you there's a comparable Colourpop concealer here available for a fraction of the price and works just as well [some may argue it's ever BETTER] than Shapetape?! Not lyin' pick this stuff up ASAP. Of course I still use [and LOVE] Shapetape, but as a daily product the affordable dupe wins out most mornings. 

SETTING POWDER:

Another duo of products I've used for years, and wholeheartedly swear by. I'll start with this illuminating under eye powder. Nothing seems to brighten up my under eye area better than this stuff, and it really fights the creasing effect that can happen after concealing if you forget to set or use the wrong product to set. This one is flawless for me every day! It also hasn't proven to have a flashback effect when I take photographs (key for a blogger) and doesn't look cake-y like some white/luminous powders can.

I also love to use it's big sister to set my face makeup. This powder is one I always go back to. Every time I try to branch out and try something new, I come RUNNING back to my tried and true, so I've given up even trying anything new anymore haha! 

BRONZER/CONTOUR:

Ok, so there are contour products out there that you can purchase, but did you know that the term "contour" is actually referring to a method of application and not an actual product itself? You can use ANYTHING. YOU. WANT. to contour your face with! I have a few bronzers that I love to use to contour with and I switch between them depending on how I feel on any given day and they range from designer, high-end all the way down to the most affordable drugstore brand and I love them all equally! I use this one for special occasions, it is a little pricey, but a little goes a long way, it smells AMAZING, and has staying power for all day events or long date nights!

This one is my daily go-to if I'm just working or running around town with friends or doing errands or something. Feels weightless on the skin and has a really pretty matte and flawless/seamless finish. It is a powder but it feels almost like a cream on the skin, very decadent! I reach for it probably the most out of all of my bronzers.

The most recent [and most affordable] bronzer I've been trying out is this one right here! It is in a stick form which I know is pretty common for contour products these days, and I know I'm probably just late to the trend but it is the first I've tried of it's kind and I'm obsessed! It is so easy to use, isn't orange-y or shimmery at all and best of all it doesn't break the bank, it is so affordable! Love!

BLUSH:

If you follow me on my other social media channels, you've heard me rave about this stuff, it's a new addition to my collection, but I have been using it on the daily! It has a very finely milled shimmer to it, which I don't normally gravitate to shimmery face products, but this one was formulated so beautifully I actually really love it! It gives off a subtle hint of glowiness, which makes you the perfect shade of sun-kissed and it couldn't work better on my skin tone!

An all time forever favorite of mine is this one, which I know is also a cult favorite so I don't need to say much about it, but this stuff looks beautiful on every person I know who has tried it. I think I'll just leave it at that! 

HIGHLIGHT:

You all know about this one here [which is a staple for me], but can we pause and talk about this one from Colourpop that's only 8 freaking dollars?! YES. 8. DOLLARS. And it is amazing! Super finely milled, not glittery at all, but absolutely show stopping, while still applying seamlessly and smoothly! I could not love it more. I you have no money like me, stop by Colourpop and grab it right now. Plus it's vegan and cruelty free! Can't beat that.

LIPS:

This color will always be my tried and true. I think I wore it every single day in 2016 and I still return to it when I need the perfect subtle pink-y nude lip.

Another lippie that I love that is still a pink-y nude, with a little more tan in it is this one right here, it goes on SO smooth and feels very moisturizing!

This high-end one is vegan/cruelty free and an absolutely stunning formulation. So creamy and beautiful, feels extra lux, and looks amazing. The perfect nude lip! Can you tell what color I like my lips to be yet? LOL

LIP TREATMENTS:

I'll just list the ones I'm currently loving since they are all amazing and they all moisturize my lips really well:

Lanolips

Rose Salve

Dr. Bronner's in "Naked"

Korres in "Jasmine"

EYE Products: 

MAC will always be my true love for shadows, this little palette is perfect if you're just starting out and want a nice range of shades that are easy to work with! I love this from MAC as an eye primer, it works better than a standard eye primer which tends to crease on me midday. It also does a great job of hiding veins or any discoloring you may have on your lids. Gives you a great blank slate to work with for applying shadows over!

If you know me, you know I love a good winged liner! My go to liquid liner is always going to be this one, so easy to apply and get a really sharp wing with, which is so key! 

I've also been trying out this one recently, love the formulation and seems like it lasts pretty well, so far so good! 

As far as mascaras go, I'm a HUGE fan of this stuff, I feel like every female on the planet has tried it and loved it at some point in their life! Another one by the same brand that is definitely worth trying out, is this one. It sure seems like they figured out the secret to making BOMB mascaras, because they keep coming out with new FIRE formulations! 

I recently got a sample of this one by It Cosmetics, and I think I have a new favorite. I hate spending a ton of money on mascara so I don't tend to branch out often, but since it was a free sample I thought, what the heck?! Well, now I'm addicted and going to have to re-purchase once my little baby sized sample runs out because this product is amazing. It doesn't clump which is a huge issue that I seem to have with every other mascara, because of it's non-clumpiness it goes on super smoothly and separates and lengthens in just one coat [of course I always do more, because I'm extra like that]. Overall, amazing product. 

BROW Products:

I feel weird admitting this considering how much everyone seems to be obsessed with eyebrows over the past couple years, but I am so low maintenance with my brows, I have only actually ever used one product... I guess I am just lucky it is the first product I tried on my brows and it is the only one I've felt I ever needed?! I say yes. A little goes a LONG way with this little thing, I think I've had the same pot for over a year and I'm just needing to re-purchase. I do my brows every day so it has really lasted a long time! I love the color blonde since it is not too warm but also not too ashy, perfect for my light brunette hair and fait skin. I don't like to be overpowered by a super strong brow and I love how with this stuff it is easy to control the level of intensity you're going for. 

SETTING SPRAY:

Soooo I'm not sure this stuff is even made to be a setting spray, but that's what I use it for [amongst many other things as well] and it is one of my holy grail items! I even keep one in my bag for when I go hiking in the summer as a mid hike cool down spritz, and it is like heaven in a bottle and for only like $7?! You can't beat that, friends. I think I have at least three bottles at any given time all over my house, in my car, in my bag, etc. I am addicted to this stuff!

When I need something a little more hard core, I choose this one. Although I'll always love my Mario Badescu, it doesn't always hold up for those late nights, or long events. Urban Decay always comes in clutch, it's just not as practical for daily use! I'll always have both on hand though!  

HONORABLE MENTION:

No face sponge compares to this one, and I won't let you try to convince me otherwise. It seems expensive for what it is if you haven't used it yet. You will never understand or be able to justify it until you actually get your hands [and face] on it. I promise you once you do, your makeup game will be forever changed. Make sure you use it damp, and make sure you keep it cleaned after each use. You can use it for foundation, concealer, powder, cream bronzer, it basically pays for itself with how versatile it is! 

Whew that was a doozy! Kudos to you if you made it through to the end! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about anything I may have missed, or further specifics about any of the products I mentioned. If you're curious about a different product that I didn't mention let me know below, you never know I might be willing to do a "Try it out Tuesday" review post on some new stuff! I always love trying new makeup. 

As always, thanks for reading!

xo