All-time favorite skincare products

After years of experimenting with numerous skincare products, I can say I’ve found my ride-or-dies. These products have totally transformed my skin’s appearance and feel, and only require a few basic steps each day.

Bonus: everything you are about to see is paraben-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free, with many containing all the nourishing organic ingredients your skin deserves.

 

 

NOURISH ORGANIC, Moisturizing Organic Face Cleanser

Made with super-hydrating watercress and soothing cucumber, this Nourish Organic cleanser is gentle yet manages to wash out a day’s worth of grime. Plus, it’s USDA-certified organic, vegan, fragrance-free and gluten-free. Get it at Target for $9.59.

SHEA MOISTURE, African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask

This mask is a game-changer when it comes to taming blemish-prone skin. Tea tree oil helps to control breakouts and the signature ingredient, African Black Soap, helps control excess oil. This soothing mask is perfect to use multiple times a week or whenever skin becomes troubled. Tip: pop this in the fridge to give your skin an ultra-cool, soothing experience. Get it at Target for $14.99.

CLARISONIC, Mia 1 Skin Cleansing System

Once you’ve used this ultra-exfoliating device, you’ll be asking yourself how you went so long without it. With the push of a button, the Clarisonic Mia delivers vibration-like pulses to lift off excess makeup, oil, dirt, and toxins from your skin. It opens up your pores, helping your skincare products do their job even better. Although it is on the pricier side, think of it as treating yourself to a mini-facial every time you use it. The kit includes the cordless Mia 1, a magnetic charger, and one brush head. Get it at Ulta for $129.

ORIGINS, GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer

This Origin’s moisturizer has a gel-like texture that feels like nothing on your skin, being absorbed almost immediately. And the citrus burst scent is like smelling fresh-squeezed OJ. If that’s not enough to give your skin a boost, it contains coffee bean to really wake up the skin. Get it at Sephora for $28.50.

TARTE, Clean Queen Vegan Deodorant

With recent news of the possibility of aluminum in deodorants being linked to breast cancer (results of studies have been conflicting and “inconclusive,” but better to be safe than sorry, right?), I began the search to find an aluminum-free deodorant. Many others either left me feeling super sticky or smelling raunchy by the end of the day. Tarte’s Clean Queen met my list of required criteria for being better-for-you. Plus it comes in solid form and has an ultra subtle, pleasant scent. I will admit, I do need to reapply on extra stressful or particularly hot days, but this one is in my vanity for good. Get it at Sephora for $14.

FARMACY, Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen 

If I could afford to buy the entire line of Farmacy products, my vanity would be filled to the brim. But since their products are a bit of a splurge, I will stay devoted to this sunscreen, my hands-down favorite. The Green Screen is a truly good-for-you, safe, non-greasy, non-toxic and nutrient-rich product that you can use daily. I’ve used this under a full face of makeup and it does not leave any slip-n-slide effects on my foundation. Compared to many other natural types of sunscreen, it doesn’t leave a terribly harsh white residue (although it might be a little more prevalent on darker skin tones). Plus, it helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and even out skin tone. Get it at Sephora for $36.

LUSH, Mask of Magnaminty

Like Farmacy products, I could go on for days about my obsession with Lush Cosmetics and how I could spend all my money there. But if I had to choose one skin care product, the Mask of Magnaminty would be my choice. As its name boasts, it delivers a super invigorating and relaxing peppermint scent while it deep cleanses and exfoliates. Get it at Lush for $14.95.

COCONUT OIL, any brand (not pictured)

Along with a billion other practical uses, coconut oil makes a fantastic moisturizer. Coconut oil is an all natural way to smooth out dry skin, and works on any skin type. Grab a big tub of the organic kind from a bulk grocery supplier and keep it in your bathroom. Slather it on all over your body after showering and let it soak in for 5 minutes before throwing on your clothes. Coconut oil also works great to remove waterproof or longwear makeup!

 

What are your favorite skincare products? What are your favorite stores to shop at for skincare products? I hope you enjoyed this post. Like and comment below with your thoughts!

Xo, Alyssa